NUT Suspends Strike Following Wike’s Intervention

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October 10, 2023

The Nigerian Union of Teachers (NUT), Federal Capital Territory Wing, has suspended its ongoing strike for six weeks following the intervention of the FCT Minister, Nyesom Wike.

The chairman of the union, Stephen Knabayi, confirmed the suspension in an interview with the Pressmen in Abuja.

Knabayi said that the strike was suspended from Oct. 2 to Nov. 13 to implement commitments by the chairmen of the six area councils and the FCT minister.

Recall that the NUT in FCT on Sept. 11 embarked on an indefinite strike over unpaid 40 per cent peculiar and other outstanding allowances.

Other concerns of the teachers included the non-payment of 25-month arrears of the 2019 approved national minimum wage, the non-release of some promotion letters to beneficiaries and the non-implementation of released promotion letters.

Other issues were non-payment of promotion arrears, non-upgrading of concerned teachers, non-implementation of salaries for upgraded teachers and non-implementation of annual salary increments in some councils.

They also alleged non-compliance with the agreement on payments for the backlog of teachers’ entitlements, amongst others.

Knabayi explained that the strike was suspended after an agreement was reached between the striking teachers and the chairmen of the six area councils following the intervention of the minister.

He added that a 6-man committee was also set up and inaugurated to find a lasting solution to the issues.

He said the committee reconsidered their stand and suspended the strike following the intervention of the minister of the FCT.

He said on the other two issues—poison allowances and payment of minimum wage arrears—the minister has agreed to intervene with an agreement for their implementation in four weeks.

He said the suspension of the strike for six weeks is to enable the minister to take action and see to the implementation of the commitments.

The chairman commended Wike for the intervention, which he described as timely and impactful.

Knabayi said the Council Chairman of Abaji, Abubakar Abdullahi has already commenced the payment of teachers. This is an indication of their readiness to meet the agreement.

He identified the communication gap as one of the major issues affecting the relationship between the union and the chairmen of the councils.

Knabayi said teachers are patient people, teachers are understanding people and teachers can tolerate delays in payment of their entitlement when they are aware of a plan to pay.

He stressed that they had to embark on the strike because no one was telling them anything about their entitlement or when they would be paid.

How Nigerian Universities Can Be Self-Funded — Deputy Speaker

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Nzubechukwu Anodo

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October 10, 2023

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Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives, Hon. Benjamin Okezie Kalu has urged Vice Chancellors of various Universities in Nigeria to leverage the contributions of the alumni association and other endowment funds to finance education.

Hon. Kalu gave the charge while delivering his goodwill message at the opening ceremony of the 61st anniversary and 36th Conference of the Committee of Vice-Chancellors of Nigerian Universities (CVCNU) themed: ’60 years of Leadership in Nigerian Universities’, held at Baze University, Abuja.

He said one of the key areas where Nigerian universities can chart a new course for sustainable development is in innovative funding models.

He said he was particularly encouraged by the efforts to leverage the vast network of alumni and the Triple-Helix model, involving collaboration with industries and the government.

He said this approach aligns with global best practices seen in countries such as the United States, the United Kingdom, and Australia, where endowment funds managed by capital market fund managers and venture capitalists have played a pivotal role in financing higher education.

He said he hopes that these innovative funding models will provide the financial stability needed to propel our universities to even greater heights.

While applauding the Committee of Vice Chancellors for its higher education leadership programme on strategic thinking for managing challenging times and creative financing of the universities and other tertiary institutions, he observed that: Such initiatives are essential in equipping the academic leaders with the skills and strategies needed to navigate the complex landscape of higher education in the 21st century.

He said government is not left out in this regard especially the respective state governments in the country. It is imperative for them to play a contributory role and follow it up with the creation of an enabling environment for the higher education institutions in their states to be able to attract alternative sources of funding to continue to run and thrive.

Pledging the partnership of the Parliament with the universities and other stakeholders in the education sector, Hon. Kalu urged the Committee to also address the issues of gender equity, equality, diversity and inclusion while also considering the role of technology and the impact of Artificial Intelligence (AI) on the future of Nigerian education.

Lagos Charges Doctorate Holders To Epitomize Right Values

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Nzubechukwu Anodo

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October 10, 2023

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Lagos State Ministry of Tertiary Education has charged doctorate degree holders of Triune Biblical University (TBU) to live worthy of the new status bestowed upon them and epitomise right values.

The Lagos State Governor, Babajide Sanwo-Olu, who was represented by a Director of the Ministry, Yemisi Omoloye, gave this admonition at the university’s yearly conferment of honorary doctorate degrees award for 2023.

The President and Chancellor of the University, Prof. Adeleke Durojaiye in his welcome speech, said that to have wisdom and understanding is better than having silver or gold.

He said nice and expensive items can be enjoyable, but there are very few things in life that can never be taken away, which will never go out of style, making you a truly better person, Education is one of those things. There is nothing as golden as Education.

The Vice Chancellor, Prof. Ade Ayeni noted that it is part of the vision of Durojaye to eradicate illiteracy and poverty through provision of Education in Nigeria and in Africa.

He said TBU has the highest number of courses in the world and E-books library beyond theology.

He noted that graduates from TBU are trained not to be looking for job but to be employers of labour, adding that it is part of their vision to identify men and women who have contributed to the community and Human development and to give them award base on Integrity and merits.

A recipient of the award, CEO Rocket Petroleum and Energy Resources Limited and Safic Shipping and Tankers Limited, Dr. Smart Ogbonna said his award of honorary doctorate degree in Business Administration, stems from his success in the business world, managing two companies and his humanitarian gestures that has touched several lives.

Lagos Principal Bags Y2023 Best School Administrator Award

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Nzubechukwu Anodo

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October 10, 2023

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The Principal/Director of Oriwu Model Senior College, Igbogbo, Ikorodu, Bello Oladimeji Akeem has emerged as the Best School Administrator in Nigeria, following his remarkable leadership and unwavering commitment to delivering quality education.

Speaking on the outstanding recognition, the Permanent Secretary/ Tutor-General, Education District II, Adekanye explained that the achievement reflects the policy trust of the Governor in advancing education deliverables and human capital development through the T.H.E.M.E.S Plus Agenda.

Expressing her admiration and delight at the achievement, she said the awardee who embodies the true spirit of Lagos is an outstanding administrator who is relentless in the pursuit of educational excellence and professional growth of teachers and staff members.

Reda Also: Gombe Re-Enrolls 350,000 Children Back To School

She said Bello’s leadership serves as an inspiration to educators nationwide, highlighting the importance of visionary and dedicated individuals in shaping the future of education.

She said he has consistently promoted a collaborative work environment by empowering educators to excel in their roles and ensuring that the school’s educational standards remain consistently high.

The Tutor-General, who remarked that the award solidifies the district’s reputation as a leader in education excellence, confirmed that the education district is reputable for national recognition including the Y2022 National Productivity Order of Merit (NPOM), Y2020 Best Public Senior Secondary School in Nigeria and Y2021 Best Senior Secondary School Teacher in Nigeria among others.

She emphasised that education District II is indeed blessed with administrators, teachers and students who consistently strive for excellence and continuous improvement.

She added that the district in recent years has recorded outstanding achievement and the students have also been consistently achieving impressive feats as they have produced One-Day Governors and Deputy Governors of Lagos State multiple times.

While appreciating Governor Babajide Olusola Sanwo-Olu for his visionary leadership in advancing education in the State, Adekanye also acknowledged the impact of instilling discipline and fostering trust in the school management.

Airlines To Pay Compensation For Delayed, Cancelled Flights

By

faith Jegede

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October 10, 2023

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The Federal Government has stated that it will soon issue an order, compelling airline operators to commence payment of compensation to passengers for delayed and cancelled flights not ‘caused’ by natural occurrences.

The Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo, said this during a meeting with airline operators in Abuja.

Keyamo said. “On delayed flights, I want to speak for ordinary Nigerians who complain every day [about] delayed, cancelled flights.

“I know you have said all your reasons. You have blamed the government and a few things we do. But I also want to say that it is not all the time that it is government.

“At times, you say you were waiting for passengers to finish passing through the screening machine. At times, they have finished passing through screening machines.

“They are waiting in the lounge for five hours and you cancel your flight.

“So, you see, after some time, we will start implementing the provisions of the NCAA Act. You know, Nigerians don’t know there is compensation for delay.

“If it is an act of God, you cannot pay.

“But if it is human fault, the NCAA Act says you will pay.

So, for all airline operators, while I have praised and supported you, I will also support Nigerians. You will pay them.

After some time, I will put my feet on the ground. Pay them when you delay, cancel their flight.”

Keyamo also asked airline operators to establish reliable communication channels so that passengers can receive cancellation notices.

Lagos Suspends Planned Mass Burial For #Endsars Victims

By

faith Jegede

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October 10, 2023

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The Lagos State Government says it has suspended its planned mass burial of the 103 corpses recovered in the wake of the October 2020 #EndSARS protest.

The Lagos State Commissioner for Information and Strategy, Gbenga Omotoso, said the planned mass burial had been suspended, following the controversy generated by the announcement in July.

In a leaked memo dated July 19, 2023, the state government had said it would conduct a mass burial for the 103 corpses.

This raised dust among human rights campaigners, civil society organizations as well as the general populace, many of which took to social media to express their anger.

A human rights organisation, Amnesty International, and a group under the aegis of the Coalition of #EndSARS Protesters and Supporters had demanded that the state government should suspend the planned mass burial.

In addition to the suspension demand, Amnesty International had asked the government to “also carry out transparent coroner inquest and autopsies on the 103 #EndSARS victims.”

In its reaction, the state government through the Chief Press Secretary to Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu, Gboyega Akosile, said that the government would “conform to global best practices” in carrying out the mass burial.

When asked for an update on the matter on Monday, the Commissioner for Information and Strategy said the planned mass burial “remains suspended to give people ample time to identify their relatives that may be among the corpses.”

“It is to allow more time for identification as suggested when it was disclosed that the government was planning a mass burial for them,” Omotoso said.

He stated further that “up till now, nobody has shown up to identify any of the corpses. But the government has decided to give people more time.”

He added that the planned burial would “be carried out soon, but because of the controversies around that time, it was suspended. People now have the time and ample opportunity to verify if their relatives are amongst the 103 bodies

LASG Rescues Distressed American Woman

By

faith Jegede

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October 10, 2023

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The Rescue Team of the Lagos State Ministry of Youth and Social Development rescued and rehabilitated a female American citizen found wandering around the Ijegun area of the state.

The woman was rescued as the team responded to a call on the emergency toll-free line of the state government by a reporter who found the American wandering around the area.

Speaking on the incident, the Commissioner for Youth and Social Development, Mobolaji Ogunlende, said the rescued woman was found incoherent and in a depressed state of mind and was immediately transferred to the Lagos State Rehabilitation Home, Majidun, for necessary treatment and rehabilitation.

The Permanent Secretary of the ministry, Toyin Oke-Osanyintolu, also said,

“We were deeply touched by the plight of the woman and as the ministry is saddled with the responsibility of giving support to the vulnerable and the needy, we wasted no time in rising to the occasion. For us, every life is very important because social welfare is at the heart of our statutory responsibilities.”

Meanwhile, John Simmon and Charles Adeyemi of the Supervisory Consular Services, United States Embassy in Lagos, visited Oke-Osanyintolu at Alausa on Monday to formally request the release of the woman who would be repatriated to America for reconciliation with her family, the statement said.

Simmon commended the ministry for the rescue, saying, “Who knows what would have become of her if the ministry had not swung into action on receiving the information? Once again, all the efforts put into this rescue mission must be commended. It shows you value every life in the state regardless of the nationality.”

Lagos Flooding: Places Affected And Damage To Ecosystem

By

Angel Gimalo

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October 9, 2023

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Lagos Flooding: September 16, 2023

Residers in different corridors of Lagos state, south-west Nigeria endured the ruinous impact of the early morning rain on their houses.

Flooding caused by the heavy downfall submerged a number of houses in the affected areas.

Okoba in Agege, Egbede, Ikotun, Ajegunle, and Ojo were among the worst hit areas as the flood tide swept through houses.

The floodwater also covered numerous houses in Ijanikin, Alaba International request area, Ajangbadi and Etegbi, all in Ojo.

Water also overflowed most drainage channels in the affected areas and escaped into houses. In some neighbourhoods, it destroyed fences and gates.

Now, I visited bako estate and it’s extension in Irawo on your way to Ikorodu….and the situation was a sad one. I’ll attach the report I did to this write-up.

Flood Report From Space.com

Those in the affected communities are battling to salvage some of their property, while many families had temporarily relocated.

Residents, who live close to canals, appealed to the state governor, Babajide Sanwo-Olu, to come to their aid by dredging the canals.

But why will people live close to the canal? Is it the housing deficit or people just decide to live in dangerous places for reasons best known to them.

So, on government part, Deputy Chairman of the Committee on Environment in the House of Representatives, Terseer Ugbo, says the 10th National Assembly will strive to address environmental and flood disasters in the country.

He said this on the sidelines of the 3rd National Stakeholders’ Seminar tagged “Building National Cohesion through Environmental Safety,” in Abuja, Federal Capital Territory, Nigeria.

Promises made…but have we not heard that over the years?

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I moved to another location at Ojodu, Berger and After 2 days of rain, the water had still not receded. The gutters were not flowing, showing stagnant and poor environment.

Let’s give you some facts about Flood in Nigeria.

ECONOTES
FLOOD IN NIGERIA

= More than 2.5 million people in Nigeria are in need of humanitarian assistance – 60 per cent of which are children – and are at increased risk of waterborne diseases, drowning and malnutrition due to the most severe flooding in the past decade.

= The floods, which have affected 34 out of the 36 states in the country, have displaced 1.3 million people.

= Over 600 people have lost their lives and over 200,000 houses have either been partially or fully damaged.

= Every year, neighboring Cameroon — which runs along the length of Nigeria’s eastern border — releases water from a dam in northern Cameroon, causing flooding downstream in Nigeria.

= Through the Great Green Wall initiative, which aims to increase the size of arable land in the Sahel, the government is restoring lands in the northern states of Bauchi, Jigawa and Sokoto by planting thousands of tree seeds and seedlings.

= The National Emergency Management Agency of Nigeria was established via Act 12 as amended by Act 50 of 1999, to manage disasters in Nigeria.http://www.ln247.news

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We moved to another place in Ojodu. That place is called Lagoon Estate. Fillers we got indicated that the place was flooded from September to January; whether it rained or not.

So rain or drainage isn’t the problem here. The place is flood-prone and apparently not meant to be a residential area…..HOUSING DEFICIT again I guess.

I also heard the place is close to 3rd Mainland Bridge so water easily overflows into this Lagoon Estate.

One of the residents said they were aware of this, but what can they do? They need a place to stay!

I also spoke to school children who said it wasn’t easy for them after school as the flooded sidewalk injured a child who fell in!

This is calling on the government to work on drainage and also always pack dirt from people’s houses as and when due.

As a good citizen of Nigeria, why will you fill your drainage with dirt? Don’t you think that that is part of your problem? Free the blockades and our water ways be free.

Always watch Space.com on ln247 for matters concerning our environment.

Also always remember as We say, Cleanliness is next to Godliness; Be clean in thoughts, In words and In deed.

Paris Bedbugs Headed To London

By

faith Jegede

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October 9, 2023

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The French city of Paris has been engulfed by an infestation of bedbugs with authorities warning that no one is safe.

Footage of the blood-sucking insects has horrified social media users, leading to people choosing to stand on the infested Parisian metro instead of sitting on the fabric seats.

People have also been posting warnings about the creepy critters swarming all over their Airbnb rentals and public places.

Just two hours, sixteen minutes away, London may not be safe. With a typical lifespan of 4-6 months and a penchant for hitching rides in dirty suitcases, people are beginning to worry about the migration.

A bedbug expert from Bed Bugs ltd Based in London, says the creatures are already in the city and could be on the rise.

France has already shut down seven schools over growing concerns of infestation the education minister has said.

Gabriel Attal said bedbugs were detected at various levels in 17 institutions.

The French government has held a series of meetings to examine the surging numbers of reported cases at a time when France is hosting the Rugby World Cup and preparing to host the Paris 2024 Olympics.

A municipal library in the northern city of Amiens is due to reopen after being closed for several days after bedbugs were detected in public reading space.

A sniffer dog found no trace of the pests after the library was treated, she said.

The blood-sucking insects have been spotted in the Paris metro, high-speed trains and at Paris’s Charles De Gaulle airport.

Like with any other pandemic, hotels have begun quizzing guests on if they’ve been to France recently.

Olisa Agbakoba Faces Backlash Over CSU Madness Comment

By

faith Jegede

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October 9, 2023

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Human rights activist, maritime lawyer and former President of Nigerian Bar Association, DR Olisa Agbakogba, had some words for lawyers who spoke and continue to speak on the matter of the president’s certificate.

Agbakoba in a message posted on social media, said.

“This madness of Chicago State University must stop now!!!
The cacophony of discordant voices on Tinubu/Atiku over the certificate matter is completely out of hand. This utter nonsense from armchair lawyers is heating up Nigeria dangerously.
Please can we keep our opinions and views to ourselves awaiting a decision of the Supreme Court.
I am so ashamed to see Lawyers on Television arguing one way or the other on the merits or demerits of the Chicago State University matter. This is most unhelpful!
I call out all media that tolerate this nonsense of adjudicating the CSU matter on TV and Newspapers.
I urge the President of the Nigerian Bar Association to call out lawyers that breach rules of ethics by turning the media into a Court of Law.
Can we please stop heating up our country!!! Let us allow the Supreme Court of Nigeria to make a judicial pronouncement which is binding on us all!!!! This public nonsense must stop.“

Agbakobas comment did not sit well with many Nigerians, who expressed immense dissatisfaction.

Many highlighted the sharp contrast between his interview from six months again, where he expressed distrust for the judiciary and the sudden call for Nigerians to wait for the supreme court ruling on the subject.