Humanitarian Ministry: Arewa Group Insists on Beta’s replacement

…tasks Speaker Abbas to caution aide

A Civil Society Organisation, Arewa Awareness on Good Governance, has reiterated the call for a replacement of the suspended Minister of Humanitarian Affairs, Dr. Betta Edu.

The CSO also called on the Speaker House of Representatives, Rt. Hon. Abbas Tajudeen, to sack Cecilia Ogbeche-Odok, his Senior Legislative Aide (SLA), citing her ineffectiveness, lack of policy-making skills, and unacceptable behaviour.

The group’s demand comes after Ogbeche responded to their criticism labelling them “faceless” and reiterating her stance in support of suspended Minister of Humanitarian Affairs, Dr. Betta Edu.

In a press statement issued to newsmen in Kaduna on Wednesday, the spokesperson for Arewa Awareness on Good Governance, Germa Ibrahim Musa who said that their stance against Edu’s reinstatement cannot be compromised for the benefit of Nigerians, said that Ogbeche demonstrated her inability to engage in constructive dialogue and policy-making, stressing that her decision to attack them instead of addressing their concerns is unacceptable.

Recalled that the group had earlier advised Ogbeche to focus on sponsoring meaningful bills rather than singing praises for Dr. Edu, appealing to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to recall the suspended Minister.

The group on Monday, also gave Speaker Abbas a seven-day ultimatum to sack Ogbeche, warning that failure to do so would be seen as disrespect to the entire northern Nigeria.

“Cecilia Ogbeche-Odok’s failure as a policy maker is unacceptable. Her loyalty to Dr. Betta Edu is misplaced and borders on sycophancy. We demand her immediate sack and replacement with a competent policy maker.

“Ogbeche’s attack on northerners, calling us faceless is shameful and undermines the integrity of the Speaker’s office. Her actions perpetuate division and betray the trust reposed in her.

“While we reiterates our call on Speaker Abbas to investigate Ogbeche’s role in promoting divisiveness and hold her accountable, we equally want to make it clear that we have not changed our mind concerning Edu who has plunged this nation into serious untold hardship.

Remarkably, Ogbeche’s continued presence in the Speaker’s office is a liability to the House of Representatives.

“Ogbeche’s ineptitude is staggering, and her arrogance knows no bounds. She is out of touch with reality and the needs of Nigerians and as such, we will not tolerate Ogbeche’s continued presence in the Speaker’s office. We demand decisive action from Speaker Abbas to restore credibility to his office.” Part of the statement reads.

FG Clarifies July 2024 Start Date for New Minimum Wage Backpay

The Federal Government has announced that the new minimum wage payments will commence from July 29, 2024. This clarification was made by the National Salaries, Incomes, and Wages Commission (NSIWC) during a press briefing in Abuja on Tuesday. The NSIWC Chairman, Ekpo Nta, explained that the date aligns with when President Bola Tinubu approved the bill, following its passage by the National Assembly.

The announcement contradicts an earlier statement by Minister of State for Labour, Nkiruka Onyejeocha, who said the new minimum wage would be implemented starting May 1, 2024. As a result, the government will only owe two months of backpay, to be settled if payments begin by the end of October.

Additionally, the government has approved revisions to several salary structures, including the Consolidated Public Service Salary Structure, as well as the Consolidated Universities Academic and Medical Salary Structures. The Committee on Consequential Adjustments in Salaries for civil servants, headed by the Head of Civil Service, Didi Walson-Jack, agreed on the July 29 effective date after considering Nigeria’s economic situation.

However, the Nigerian Labour Congress and the Trade Union Congress have criticized the decision, calling the backdating to July unfair, given earlier promises of a May start date.

The NSIWC also clarified that pensioners, National Youth Service Corps members, and interns will be included in the minimum wage adjustments.

Flood Displaces Thousands as Ten Kebbi Communities Submerged

Flooding caused by heavy rainfall and water from the Niger River has displaced over 2,000 residents across ten communities in Kebbi State’s Shanga Local Government Area. The National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) confirmed the disaster in a statement issued on Wednesday by Aliyu Shehu-Kafindagi, Head of Operations at NEMA’s Sokoto office, after leading a joint assessment team to the affected regions.

The flooding, which occurred between September 17 and 22, submerged communities including Kunda, Dala-Maidawa, Dala-Tudu, and others, leaving many residents, mostly fishermen, homeless. Extensive damage was also done to agricultural lands, with crops like rice, maize, millet, and beans destroyed.

An Internally Displaced Persons (IDP) camp at Tudun Faila Primary School is now housing over 300 individuals. NEMA, alongside the State Emergency Management Agency (SEMA) and local officials, is assessing the situation and providing relief efforts.

ASUU Issues 14-Day Strike Ultimatum to Nigerian Government Over Unmet Demands

The Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU) has threatened to go on strike in two weeks if the federal government does not address its outstanding demands, some dating back to 2009. In a statement on Wednesday, ASUU President, Professor Emmanuel Osodoke, expressed dissatisfaction with the government’s delay in fulfilling agreements, particularly regarding withheld salaries and the renegotiation of the 2009 FGN/ASUU Agreement based on the Nimi Briggs Committee’s 2021 draft.

ASUU is urging the government to pay the salaries withheld during the 2022 strike and finalize the 2009 agreement renegotiation. They are also demanding the release of unpaid salaries for staff affected by the Integrated Payroll and Personnel Information System (IPPIS) and the settlement of third-party deductions.

The union highlighted additional concerns, including funding for public university revitalization, the proliferation of universities, and the dissolution of governing councils. If unmet, ASUU warns that academic activities in public universities across Nigeria will be disrupted by another strike.

The union has given the government an additional 14-day deadline starting from September 23, 2024, to address the lingering issues.

Gombe Female Farmers Urge Government to Boost Agricultural Budget Allocation

Female farmers in Gombe State, under the Smallholders Women Farmers Organisation in Nigeria (SWOFON), have called on the state government to increase its agricultural budget allocation in accordance with the Malabo and Maputo declarations. During a consultative meeting on the 2025 agricultural budget, SWOFON spokesperson Airudia Mamman urged the government to allocate 10% of its annual budget to agriculture, as recommended by the Comprehensive Africa Agriculture Development Programme (CAADP) to enhance food security and reduce poverty.

The farmers also highlighted the need for timely release of funds, transparent project planning, organic fertilisers, and special support for women and youth in agriculture. The Gombe State Ministry of Agriculture assured farmers of ongoing efforts to provide subsidies and affordable services, including the availability of farm equipment at reduced rates.

EFCC Launches Investigation Into Alleged N15m Bribe Involving Bobrisky

The Executive Chairman of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), Ola Olukoyede, has ordered an immediate investigation into claims made by popular internet personality, Idris Okuneye, also known as Bobrisky, regarding a N15 million bribe.

In a viral video shared by Martins Vincent Otse, also known as VeryDarkMan, Bobrisky accused unnamed EFCC officers of accepting the bribe to dismiss money laundering charges against him.

In response, the EFCC has formed a team to investigate the claims. A statement from the Commission’s Head of Media and Publicity, Dele Oyewale, confirmed that both Bobrisky and Otse have been invited to assist in the inquiry. The EFCC promised to conduct a thorough investigation and make the findings public.

How Drinking Water Can Help You Lose Weight

Water is not only essential for life, but it also plays a key role in weight loss. Many people underestimate the impact of hydration on their weight management journey. Here’s how water can aid in shedding those extra pounds:

  1. Boosts Metabolism: Drinking water can increase your metabolism through a thermogenic effect, where your body burns calories to warm the water to body temperature.
  2. Curbs Hunger: Often, thirst is mistaken for hunger. Drinking water before meals can help you feel fuller, reducing the amount of food you consume.
  3. Improves Digestion: Water aids in digestion by breaking down food and helping the body absorb nutrients, while also flushing out waste.
  4. Increases Energy Levels: Staying hydrated boosts energy, helping you stay active and motivated to exercise, which is key to weight loss.
  5. Helps Burn Fat: Hydration is crucial for fat-burning processes. Without enough water, your body cannot efficiently break down fat for energy.

Staying hydrated is a simple but effective way to enhance your weight loss efforts.

Physicians Advise Women to Embrace Healthy Lifestyles as Gestational Diabetes Cases Rise

Physicians specializing in endocrinology, gynecology, and obstetrics are raising concerns about the increasing prevalence of gestational diabetes, a condition characterized by high blood sugar levels during pregnancy. They emphasize that this condition can lead to serious complications for both the mother and the unborn child.

Experts warn that women who are obese before pregnancy, have a family history of diabetes, or have experienced complications like stillbirths or large babies are at higher risk. Physicians recommend adopting a healthy lifestyle, including regular exercise and balanced diets, to reduce the likelihood of developing gestational diabetes. Early screening and diagnosis, they argue, are essential to mitigating risks for both the mother and the baby.

Gestational diabetes not only poses risks during pregnancy but also increases the chance of type 2 diabetes later in life for both the mother and her child.

Piers Morgan Criticizes Erling Haaland for ‘Arrogant’ Behavior Towards Arsenal Players

British broadcaster Piers Morgan has publicly slammed Manchester City striker Erling Haaland, calling him the “most arrogant player in the Premier League” following his conduct in a 2-2 draw against Arsenal on September 22. Morgan condemned Haaland’s actions towards 17-year-old Arsenal player Myles Lewis-Skelly, accusing the striker of unsportsmanlike behavior. Haaland reportedly belittled the young player, asking, “Who the f*** are you?” and also threw a ball at Arsenal’s Gabriel after City’s equalizer. Morgan urged Haaland to show more humility after clashing with Arsenal’s manager Mikel Arteta.

Nigerian Army Discharges Female Soldier After Sexual Harassment Allegations, Exonerates Senior Officer

Private Ruth Ogunleye, a Nigerian female soldier, has been discharged from service after accusing senior officer Colonel I.B Abdulkareem of sexual harassment. Ogunleye made her accusations in January 2024 on TikTok, claiming mistreatment from Abdulkareem and other officers. Following a thorough investigation ordered by the Chief of Army Staff, Lieutenant General Taoreed Lagbaja, the Nigerian Army concluded that Abdulkareem did not commit the alleged offences. Ogunleye was discharged on medical grounds after concerns arose regarding her mental health. Despite not qualifying for a pension, she will receive a 50% monthly disability pension for life.