Peter Obi Criticizes Tinubu and Shettima for Simultaneous Absence from Nigeria

Peter Obi, the 2023 Labour Party presidential candidate, has criticized President Bola Tinubu and Vice President Kashim Shettima for being out of the country simultaneously. In a statement on his X account, Obi expressed concern over their absence during a time when Nigeria faces numerous domestic challenges. He argued that the explanation from the presidency that there is no vacuum in leadership is questionable, especially with both leaders away.

Obi pointed out that the two weeks President Tinubu was supposed to be abroad had already passed, and the nation needs his presence to address the hardships caused by his administration’s economic policies. Additionally, Obi questioned the decision to send Vice President Shettima to Sweden from Nigeria, suggesting that Tinubu, already in France, could have made the shorter trip himself, demonstrating fiscal responsibility in light of Nigeria’s economic struggles.

He urged the country’s leaders to prioritize the welfare of citizens and make decisions that reflect the nation’s economic realities. Obi emphasized that responsible leadership is key to alleviating the suffering of Nigerians.

Kebbi Government Shuts Down Health College After Students Burn Provost’s Residence in Protest

The Kebbi State Government, led by Governor Nasir Idris, has ordered the immediate closure of the College of Health Technology in Jega following a violent student protest. The unrest began when students, angered by alleged extortion, set the Provost’s residence on fire and damaged his vehicle.

The protest stemmed from claims that the college administration demanded ₦23 million for index registration fees from 250 graduating students. The issue arose after the launch of a new Public Health program, which was combined with the Department of Environmental Health to gain accreditation. This led to a demand for an additional ₦65,000 per student, on top of the ₦30,000 already paid.

Following the destruction, some staff fled for safety before the police intervened. In response, the State Commissioner for Higher Education, Isah Abubakar Tunga, announced the college’s closure to prevent further unrest. A committee will investigate the incident, and those responsible will be held accountable. The college is expected to remain closed for up to a month.

Black Market Dollar to Naira Exchange Rate Today, 18th October 2024

As of 17th October 2024, the black market (parallel market) exchange rate for the dollar to naira in Lagos sees players buying dollars at ₦1700 and selling at ₦1705. These rates were provided by sources at Bureau De Change (BDC).

It’s important to note that the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) does not officially recognize the parallel market, urging individuals to use their banks for foreign exchange transactions. The official CBN rates show a buying rate of ₦1652 and a selling rate of ₦1653.

Additionally, the Nigerian naira has been identified as one of the worst-performing currencies in Sub-Saharan Africa in 2024, with a year-to-date depreciation of 43%. This decline is attributed to increased demand for U.S. dollars in the parallel market and reduced dollar inflows.

Efforts to stabilize the naira, including the liberalization of the official exchange rate in June 2023, have not been sufficient to counter the economic challenges, such as dwindling foreign reserves and inflation.

States Exceeding the N70,000 Minimum Wage: A Full Breakdown”


In July 2024, President Bola Tinubu approved an increase in Nigeria’s minimum wage from N30,000 to N70,000. However, the implementation has varied across states, with some going beyond the federal mandate and announcing even higher wages.

Below is a list of states that have committed to paying more than N70,000:

  • Lagos State: Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu announced on October 16, 2024, that workers in Lagos would receive a minimum wage of N85,000, with plans to raise it to N100,000 by January 2025 due to the city’s high cost of living.
  • Ogun State: On October 15, 2024, Governor Dapo Abiodun approved a minimum wage of N77,000 for workers in the state.
  • Gombe State: An agreement was reached between the state government and the Nigeria Labour Congress to increase the minimum wage to N71,451.15 on October 14, 2024.
  • Ondo State: Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa, on October 12, 2024, announced a wage increase to N73,000 during his campaign for the upcoming governorship election.
  • Kogi State: Governor Usman Ododo approved a minimum wage of N72,500 with immediate effect and suspended taxation on the new wage for one year.

Several other states have committed to paying the federal minimum wage of N70,000, including Anambra, Katsina, Ebonyi, Adamawa, Oyo, Borno, Osun, and Benue.

Meanwhile, states like Jigawa, Zamfara, Akwa Ibom, and Bayelsa are yet to announce plans to implement the new minimum wage.

ASUP Issues 15-Day Strike Ultimatum to Federal Government Over Unmet Agreements

The Academic Staff Union of Polytechnics (ASUP) has threatened to initiate a nationwide strike in response to the federal government’s failure to meet long-standing agreements aimed at improving the working conditions of its members. During a press conference in Kaduna, ASUP set a 15-day ultimatum, beginning on October 7, 2024, for the government to address the union’s demands.

ASUP’s grievances include unresolved agreements dating back to 2010, particularly relating to better working conditions, skill acquisition environments, and promotion arrears. The union has warned of protests and peaceful actions if the issues remain unaddressed.

JAMB Eases Age Restriction for 2024/2025 Admissions

The Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB) has announced a revision to its age requirement for the 2024/2025 academic session, allowing institutions to admit candidates who will turn 16 by August 31, 2025.

JAMB Spokesman Fabian Benjamin clarified in a statement that while the standard minimum admission age remains 16 years, institutions may now admit students who will meet the age requirement by the specified date, provided they fulfill all other admission criteria.

This decision ensures broader opportunities for younger candidates, preventing them from being excluded based solely on age during the admission process.

Mr. Ibu’s Wife Pays Emotional Tribute on His Posthumous Birthday

Stella Maris, wife of the late Nollywood star John Okafor, popularly known as Mr. Ibu, has honored her husband on what would have been his 63rd birthday. Mr. Ibu passed away on March 2, 2024, at the age of 62 after a long illness.

In an emotional Instagram post, Stella shared family photos and reflected on how much Mr. Ibu loved celebrating his birthdays. She expressed the deep sense of loss the family feels, saying, “We miss him so much. May his soul continue to rest in eternal peace.”

Meanwhile, Jasmine Okekeagwu, Mr. Ibu’s alleged adopted daughter, stated in an interview that her help to the late actor’s family was more of a charitable effort, clarifying that despite past conflicts, she has not severed ties with the family. Jasmine, who has a background in charity work, expressed her focus on maintaining peace and avoiding misunderstandings.

FG Affirms End of Fuel and FX Subsidies, No Plans for Reinstatement

The federal government of Nigeria has officially declared that fuel and foreign exchange subsidies are permanently discontinued and will not be reinstated. This announcement was made by the Minister of Finance and Coordinating Minister of the Economy, Wale Edun, during the presentation of the Nigeria Development Update by the World Bank in Abuja on October 17.

Edun explained that the removal of these subsidies, which had drained the economy for decades and cost over N10 trillion (5% of Nigeria’s GDP), was essential for the country’s economic sustainability. He praised President Bola Tinubu’s administration for ending the 40-year subsidy regime, despite the challenges, emphasizing that the move would yield long-term economic benefits.

Obasanjo Hints at Future Revelations, Says “There Is Much to Say, But Not Yet Time”

Former Nigerian President, Chief Olusegun Obasanjo, has hinted at significant matters he wishes to address but stated that now is not the right time. He made this remark during the 67th birthday celebration of renowned lawyer Mike Ozekhome (SAN), where Obasanjo served as the chairman of the event.

While praising Ozekhome as a courageous advocate for positive change, Obasanjo shared the stage with ex-President Goodluck Jonathan, whom he introduced as co-chairman. Jonathan, while speaking, acknowledged Obasanjo’s likely reluctance to comment on certain judicial issues, to which Obasanjo cryptically responded, “There is much to say, but it is not yet time for it.”

Atiku Urges Nigerian Government to Shift Fuel Transportation to Rail After Jigawa Tragedy

Following the tragic petrol tanker explosion in Majiya town, Jigawa State, which claimed over 100 lives, Atiku Abubakar, the 2023 presidential candidate for the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), has called on the Nigerian government to consider transporting fuel via rail.

Expressing his sorrow on social media platform X, Atiku described the incident as one of many preventable tragedies involving petrol tanker explosions in Nigeria. He emphasized the need to explore safer alternatives, such as railways, for fuel transportation across the country.

In addition to urging a shift to rail, Atiku recommended enhanced safety measures, including driver training for handling flammable materials and a review of protocols for transporting petroleum and other hazardous products.

Atiku also extended his condolences to the victims and the government of Jigawa State, calling for all necessary resources to be mobilized for rescue operations and the treatment of the injured.