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FG Releases 25% of Budgeted N88bn for Pension Arrears

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About 25% of the total amount budgeted for pension arrears this year has been released by the Federal Government.

However, it has pledged to settle the N88bn earmarked for pension arrears in the 2024 budget.

When hundreds of frustrated retirees from Nigeria’s Contributory Pension Scheme staged a protest at the Federal Ministry of Finance in Abuja, on Tuesday, Wale Edun, the Minister of Finance and Coordinating Minister of the Economy made the commitment.

The main entrance of the ministry was blocked by retirees, demanding an audience with Edun and angered by prolonged delays in the payment of their pension arrears.

Edun disclosed while addressing the crowd that of the N88bn budgeted for pension arrears in 2024, N22bn had already been disbursed.

The retirees were assured that the remaining funds would be paid by the end of the year, with disbursements set to commence next week.

While reaffirming the government’s commitment to resolving the issue, Edun attributed the pension backlog to challenges within the older system.

“What has happened is that there is a backlog in terms of contributions, the backlog under the old system and there is a solution. There has been a committee under the Head of Service, that has met the Minister of Budget, and we have a plan for dealing with the backlog under the Contributory Pension Scheme.

“In addition, under the current budget (2024), there is about N88bn of which N22bn has been paid. And that balance, we are committed to paying it. It has to be paid this year. We are committed to doing that starting next week”, he said.

Edun revealed that the government is considering raising funds through the capital market to clear the backlog entirely for a sustainable long-term solution.

“In terms of the longer term, it is a huge amount, and we have to have a solution that takes care of everybody. That is being worked on. It’s going to be a question of going to the capital market and raising an instrument that allows that backlog to be cleared once and for all.

“In the immediate term, there will be payment for what is under the current budget and we are working, and we are going to present to Mr President a viable solution using the financial market to take care of the huge backlog under the contributory pension scheme.

“Your funding under the budget will be paid. We will start next week and pay for everything that we can under the current budget as approved by the National Assembly,” Edun said.

The minister’s assurances came as retirees across the country continue to express concerns over delayed payments, calling for prompt action to alleviate their financial hardships.

FG Suspends 13 FGC Enugu Students For Bullying

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About 13 students of the Federal Government College in Enugu have been suspended by the Federal Government for alleged bullying in the school.

The Director of Press and Public Relations in the Ministry of Education, Folashade Boriowo made this statement on Wednesday in Abuja.

The suspension of these students was ordered by the Minister of Education, Dr Tunji Alausa, based on a viral video that showed them engaging in acts of bullying.

Alausa reaffirmed the ministry’s unwavering commitment to maintaining a safe and conducive learning environment in all federal schools across the country.

According to him, the Federal Ministry of Education received a recent report which raised significant concerns about safety and discipline within the school environment of FUC, Enugu after it highlighted the bullying incident.

The report read, ”The findings of the ministry, the incident involved the gang assault of an SS1 student (a day student) by a group of students on Nov. 7.

”The incident came to light showing the circulation of a disturbing video on social media platforms.

”In response, the Federal Ministry of Education established a disciplinary committee to investigate the matter.

”Based on the findings, all 13 students involved have been placed on a six-week suspension pending the report of the investigative committee.”

The School-Based Management Committee was directed by the minister to collaborate with security agencies to conduct a thorough investigation, including possible affiliations with external groups.

He added that to enhance security at the College, immediate measures have been implemented by engaging law enforcement agents while also reviewing existing safety protocols.

”Additionally, counseling and rehabilitation support will be provided to address all forms of problems while promoting their reintegration into a positive school environment,” he said.

Trump Appoints Elon Musk and Ramaswamy to Lead New Department In U.S. Government

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President-elect Donald Trump has tapped tech mogul Elon Musk to lead the newly established Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE), alongside entrepreneur and “American patriot” Vivek Ramaswamy. The announcement was made by Trump on November 12, 2024, with Musk sharing the news on his X account the following morning.

Trump emphasized that Musk and Ramaswamy’s appointments aim to “dismantle government bureaucracy, reduce excessive regulations, cut wasteful spending, and restructure federal agencies.” The Department of Government Efficiency will collaborate closely with the White House and the Office of Management and Budget to introduce “an entrepreneurial approach to government,” which Trump describes as unprecedented.

The statement reads, “I am thrilled to announce that Elon Musk, together with Vivek Ramaswamy, will lead DOGE. They will drive the reforms our administration needs to dismantle bureaucracy, slash inefficiencies, and restructure federal agencies — key goals of the ‘Save America’ movement. This initiative will send shockwaves through government and address the vast waste prevalent within the system.”

Dubbed by Musk as potentially “the Manhattan Project of our time,” DOGE is expected to provide critical insights and guidance from outside the government. The department will deliver comprehensive structural reforms to reduce federal inefficiency, ultimately making the government more accountable to “We the People.”

Trump also highlighted the ambitious timeline, with DOGE’s reforms set to conclude by July 4, 2026, to mark the 250th anniversary of the Declaration of Independence. “A leaner, more efficient government will be a historic gift to America,” Trump said, adding his confidence in Musk and Ramaswamy’s success.

In addition to Musk and Ramaswamy, Trump announced several other cabinet members, including:

  • Lee Zeldin as Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency
  • Mike Waltz as National Security Advisor
  • Susie Wiles as White House Chief of Staff
  • Tom Homan as Border Czar
  • Elise Stefanik as Ambassador to the United Nations
  • Stephen Miller as Deputy Chief of Staff for Policy

Musk, CEO of X, Tesla, and Starlink, supported Trump’s campaign with a $75 million contribution to a pro-Trump group, underscoring his commitment to this administration’s vision for America’s future.

Meet Oshiomhole’s Son Nominated as Commissioner in Edo State

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Dr. Cyril Oshiomhole, the son of Nigerian Senator Adams Oshiomhole, has been nominated by Governor Monday Okpebholo as the Health Commissioner-designate for Edo State. Known for his robust academic and professional background in public health and medicine, Cyril’s nomination awaits confirmation from the Edo State House of Assembly.

Early Life and Education

Cyril Oshiomhole began his education at St. Anne’s Primary School and later attended Command Secondary School. His academic journey continued at Ahmadu Bello University in Zaria, where he earned a Bachelor’s degree in Medicine and Surgery (MBBS), laying a solid foundation for his healthcare career. Following this, Cyril enhanced his expertise by pursuing a Master’s in Public Health (MSPH) at Tulane University in New Orleans, specializing in Environmental Health, Toxicology, and Disaster Management.

Advanced Studies and International Experience

Dr. Cyril Oshiomhole’s commitment to professional development is evident in his additional studies at prestigious institutions. He completed postgraduate training in Clinical Research at Harvard University and pursued specialized studies in Gastroenterology at Queen Mary University in London. These experiences have equipped him with advanced knowledge in medical science and public health, preparing him to address complex health challenges in Edo State.

The Role of Health Commissioner

If confirmed, Dr. Oshiomhole’s role as Health Commissioner will involve overseeing Edo State’s healthcare policies, public health programs, and medical infrastructure. His diverse background in environmental health, clinical research, and disaster management positions him to make a positive impact on the state’s healthcare system. Governor Okpebholo’s administration has highlighted the need for strong leadership in health, especially following recent appointments aimed at enhancing the state’s governance and public service sectors.

Dr. Cyril Oshiomhole’s nomination as Health Commissioner represents a promising step for Edo State, with his background aligning well with the health sector’s current demands. As the state awaits the Assembly’s decision, many anticipate his potential contributions to public health and safety, driven by his academic and professional accomplishments in medicine and public health.

Reps Pushes for Sustainable Funding Bill to Boost NYSC

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The House of Representatives will soon deliberate on a bill aimed at creating a sustainable funding source for the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) to support training and empowerment initiatives for corps members.

Known as “The NYSC Trust Fund (Establishment) Bill 2024,” this legislation, sponsored by a representative from the Nasarawa/Toro Federal Constituency of Nasarawa State, was introduced on the floor of the House two weeks ago. The bill’s main goal is to establish a legal framework to manage and allocate a dedicated intervention fund for NYSC’s skills acquisition, training, and corps member empowerment programs.

Section 2(1) of the bill specifies that the Trust Fund would provide comprehensive support for NYSC personnel, orientation camps, and operational facilities to enhance the efficiency of their services. The fund is proposed to draw from multiple sources, including 0.2% of revenue from the Consolidated Revenue Fund, federal government grants, and contributions from private sector partnerships, international agencies, and NGOs.

Purpose of the Fund

Outlined in Section 5(1), the Fund’s intended uses include:

  • Funding corps member skill acquisition and empowerment initiatives.
  • Supporting training and re-training for NYSC personnel.
  • Enhancing corps member skills for job readiness and productivity.
  • Improving resources such as operational books, instructional materials, vehicles, and equipment for NYSC’s objectives.

The bill also proposes establishing a Board of Trustees to oversee the Trust Fund. This board would comprise members from the NYSC National Governing Board, representatives from the Youth Development and Finance Ministries, the private sector, and leaders from the Nigeria Governors’ Forum and the Association of Local Governments of Nigeria.

The Board of Trustees will be responsible for managing fund disbursement, setting policies for corps member training and NYSC operational development, and approving project financing through the Trust Fund.

In Section 13(1), the bill grants the board authority to issue contracts according to legal and regulatory standards. The board will also assess NYSC program funding needs, oversee project execution, and monitor project outcomes financed by the Trust Fund.

Burkina Faso To Reinstate Death Penalty

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The death penalty is to be reinstated by Burkina Faso’s military regime after it was abolished in 2018 by the West African country.

According to Amnesty International, the last execution in Burkina Faso was carried out on 19 September 1988. Four leaders accused of an attempted coup d’état to depose the president, Blaise Compaoré, the defence minister, Jean-Baptiste Boukary Lingani, the minister of economic promotion, Henri Zongo, and two unidentified men were killed due to the nation’s final executions.

Reintroducing capital punishment to the penal code “is being considered”,
“It’s up to the government to discuss it, then propose to the Transitional Legislative Assembly for adoption.”

Justice minister Rodrigue Bayala said on Friday, after parliament passed a bill introducing community service, that “The issue of the death penalty, which is being discussed, will be implemented in the draft criminal code”.

Bayala also said there could be further amendments to the criminal code “to follow the vision and the guidelines given by the head of state, Capt Ibrahim Traoré”, who seized power in a September 2022 coup.

Despite Traoré, the country’s ruler, pledging that he would restore the civilian government by 1 July, Burkina Faso’s military government announced in May this year that it would extend junta rule for another five years.

Instead, Traoré’s government passed a bill that month that included plans to ban homosexuality.

“Recorded executions more than tripled and recorded death sentences increased
significantly by 66%”, said Amnesty International in October. It has found the use of the death penalty rising in Africa.

Conversely, Amnesty said: “Twenty-four countries across sub-Saharan Africa have abolished the death penalty for all crimes while two additional countries have abolished it for ordinary crimes only.”

“Kenya and Zimbabwe currently have bills tabled to abolish the death penalty for all crimes, while Gambia … has commenced a constitutional amendment process that will … effectively abolish the death penalty.”

AFCON 2025: Osimhen, Ekong, Lookman, Joins Super Eagles Camp in Abidjan

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As Nigeria’s Super Eagles prepare for their crucial AFCON 2025 qualifier against Benin Republic, a strong squad of 22 players, including star forwards Victor Osimhen and Ademola Lookman, and captain William Ekong, assembled in Abidjan. Only Spain-based striker Sadiq Umar was yet to arrive, expected to join by early Wednesday ahead of the team’s first practice session at the Stade Félix Houphouët-Boigny.

“We have 22 players, with just one left to join us by Wednesday morning. The atmosphere here in Abidjan is fantastic, and we’re feeling very positive heading into our first training,” Coach Augustine Eguavoen shared with thenff.com on Tuesday.

A group of 11 players, led by Ekong and Osimhen, arrived Tuesday morning. They included defenders Bright Osayi-Samuel, Olaoluwa Aina, Victor Collins, and Calvin Bassey, midfielders Alex Iwobi and Alhassan Yusuf Abdullahi, and Germany-based forward Victor Boniface, with South Africa-based goalkeeper Stanley Nwabali joining shortly after. Earlier, players like goalkeeper Maduka Okoye, midfielder Wilfred Ndidi, and forward Kelechi Iheanacho had settled into the camp alongside others who arrived on Monday.

With a commanding 10 points from four matches and no goals conceded, the Super Eagles top Group D. The team’s confidence is high as they return to the familiar Stade Félix Houphouët-Boigny, where they have celebrated past victories against Guinea-Bissau, Cameroon, and Angola. However, the memory of a 2-1 loss to Benin at the same venue in a recent World Cup qualifying match adds a competitive edge to this encounter.

“Our focus is on the positive results we’ve achieved here, and we’re ready to work hard for another victory on Thursday,” said Captain Ekong. “The Beninoise team is also aiming to qualify, so it won’t be easy, but our goal is clear: we want three points.”

Senegalese referee Issa Sy, who officiated the Super Eagles’ win against Angola in the AFCON quarter-finals, will oversee Thursday’s match, set to begin at 7 pm (CIV time) / 8 pm (Nigeria time). Sy will be assisted by Djibril Camara, Nouha Bangoura, and El Hadji Amadou Sy, with Ivorian Rene Williams Sere as match commissioner and Angolan Inacio Manuel Candido as referee assessor.

With just one point needed to secure a spot in the 35th AFCON tournament, scheduled to be held in Morocco from December 21, 2025, to January 18, 2026, the Super Eagles are determined to make their mark on Thursday night.

Oshimhole’s Son, Two Others Make Okpebholo’s Fresh Appointment

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Governor Monday Okpebholo of Edo State has announced the appointment of key officials to lead crucial sectors of the state’s administration. Barrister Musa U. Ikhilor has been named Secretary to the State Government (SSG), Honorable Dr. Samson Osagie has been appointed Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice, while Dr. Cyril Adams Oshiomhole is designated as Commissioner for Health. The nominations of Dr. Osagie and Dr. Oshiomhole will be sent to the Edo State House of Assembly for confirmation.

Barr. Musa U. Ikhilor – Secretary to the State Government (SSG)
Born in 1980 at the University of Benin Teaching Hospital, Barr. Ikhilor has an impressive academic and professional background in law and governance. After completing his LL.B with a Second Class Upper Division at Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria, he obtained his B.L. from the Nigerian Law School. He holds a Master’s degree in Telecommunications Law and brings over a decade of experience in legislative governance, constitutional drafting, and human rights advocacy. Barr. Ikhilor has held several advisory roles in Nigeria’s National Assembly, including work on the 1999 Constitution review, and has served as a Senior Special Assistant and Special Adviser in legislative affairs.

Hon. Dr. Samson Osagie – Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice
With a distinguished career in law and public service, Dr. Samson Osagie is an accomplished legal practitioner, recently serving as Vice President of the African Bar Association (West African Region). A former two-term Edo State House of Assembly member and Minority Whip in Nigeria’s House of Representatives, Dr. Osagie brings a wealth of legislative and legal expertise to the position. He holds multiple advanced degrees, including a Doctorate in Political Economy and Development Studies, and has provided legal consultancy services to numerous organizations across Nigeria and Africa.

Dr. Cyril Adams Oshiomhole – Commissioner for Health
Dr. Oshiomhole, a highly trained physician with international experience, is poised to lead Edo’s health sector. After earning his MBBS from Ahmadu Bello University, he specialized further with a Master’s in Public Health from Tulane University and postgraduate training at Harvard University. His expertise spans environmental health, toxicology, disaster management, and gastroenterology.

These appointments underscore Governor Okpebholo’s commitment to strengthening Edo’s leadership across the justice, governance, and healthcare sectors.

Opposition Wins by a Landslide in Mauritius Election

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In a major rejection of the current government, Mauritius’ opposition coalition has won the country’s election by a landslide, taking all seats in the country’s parliament.

Throughout Monday, the results released at various constituencies across the country showed that the governing coalition led by Prime Minister Pravind Jugnauth failed to get any of the 62 seats available for voters to directly decide on.

Before the final results announcement, Jagnauth conceded defeat saying his Militant Socialist Movement coalition was headed for a huge defeat as it became clear that the opposition was winning in all of the country’s 21 constituencies.

Navin Ramgoolam will return as the country’s prime minister after the Alliance for Change coalition’s victory. Navin served as prime minister from 1995 to 2000 and again from 2005 to 2014.

Jugnauth had been seeking another five-year term in the Indian Ocean island nation, after being in office since 2017 but his government faced corruption allegations after recordings of politicians and business people were leaked online.

“The population has decided to choose another team. I wish good luck to the country,” Jugnauth said on Monday.

Official results that will include two seats from Rodrigues Island are expected to be released Tuesday, but the opposition has already won all 60 seats that have been announced.

The Electoral Supervisory Council will nominate another eight lawmakers to make it a total of 70 parliamentary seats.

On Sunday, at least 1 million people were registered to vote in the 12th election since Mauritius gained independence from the United Kingdom in 1968.

Mauritius, which sits about 2,000 kilometers (1,240 miles) off Africa’s east coast, is recognized as one of the continent’s most stable democracies and has developed a successful economy underpinned by its finance, tourism, and agricultural sectors since gaining independence.

Archaeologists Uncover Surprising Discoveries at Ancient Egyptian Church

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A team of archaeologists has made a remarkable discovery at an ancient Egyptian church site, shedding new light on early Christian practices. During an excavation of the ancient city of Trimithis, also called Amheida, located near the Dakhla Oasis in Egypt’s western desert, researchers unearthed the remains of a mid-fourth-century church. The find includes 17 human burials, revealing unique insights about the individuals laid to rest there.

The excavation, led by New York University’s Institute for the Study of the Ancient World, resumed in 2023 after a seven-year pause, partly due to the COVID-19 pandemic. The site of Trimithis, once a Roman-era settlement from 30 B.C. until the Muslim conquest in 641 A.D., has been the focus of ongoing research exploring ancient buildings, inscriptions, and public facilities, such as bathhouses. The church, however, has proven to be among the most fascinating discoveries.

David Ratzan, Project Director and head of the ISAW library, emphasized the significance of the church’s design, which aligns with Roman basilica-style architecture. This public building style, originally used for administration and law, became associated with worship as Christians gained more freedom to gather openly under the rule of Emperor Constantine. “It’s striking to see Christians in this early period embracing such public spaces,” Ratzan noted.

What truly surprised researchers, though, was the finding of 17 bodies within the church’s walls. Twelve of these remains were interred beneath what would have been the altar and adjacent service rooms, known as the pastophoria. Among the remains, seven were identified as female, and eight were children or adolescents, including infants—a surprising concentration in the context of Roman Egypt’s patriarchal society.

“Although women played key roles in early Christianity, it was unexpected to find so many women and young individuals buried here,” Ratzan commented. This finding has raised questions about whether the deceased were related to the church clergy or benefactors of the Christian community in Trimithis.

The excavation team is now focused on understanding the relationships and roles of those buried. “Are these burials typical of other churches from this period, or unique to the oasis setting?” Ratzan mused. Currently, DNA analysis remains on hold, as additional church sites in Trimithis may yet hold clues.

Ratzan expressed excitement about the impact of this discovery on early Christian studies, noting, “This find has significant implications for the history of early Christianity, and we’re preparing a volume on the smaller artifacts and forensic study of the remains.”