NEWS
Three-Storey Building Collapse In Rivers, Seven Injured
A three-story building under construction collapsed on Saturday, January 4, in Ikwerre Local Government Area of Rivers State, leaving seven people injured.
According to the Commissioner for Physical Planning and Urban Development, Mr. Evans Bipi, no lives were lost due to swift rescue efforts.
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In a statement released on Sunday by his Special Adviser on Media and Publicity, Mr. Emeka Idika, Bipi described the incident as tragic but noted that timely intervention by his ministry, the Special Duties Department, and other agencies helped save lives.
“It is unfortunate that we are beginning the year with this tragic incident. Though no life was lost, this is the fourth building collapse we are witnessing in the state since I assumed office,” the Commissioner said.
Preliminary findings at the site indicate that the collapse was caused by the use of substandard materials, including 12mm rods for decking—a direct violation of construction standards.
“Specifically, the use of 12mm rods for decking a building is a clear violation of construction standards. Unfortunately, this is not an isolated incident, as similar cases in the state have been linked to the same cause,” Bipi explained.
The affected property has been sealed, pending further investigations into the cause of the collapse.
Bipi stressed the importance of adhering to building regulations to avoid similar tragedies in the future.
“The property has been sealed pending investigation into the cause of collapse,” he stated.
The Commissioner urged developers to comply with established standards to ensure public safety and prevent further loss of property and potential lives.
NEWS
Sanwo-Olu Celebrates Wife, Ibijoke At 58
The joy of attaining a milestone of 58 years on earth is rocking the home of the first family of Lagos State.
Lagos State Governor, Babajide Sanwo-Olu is bubbling and celebrating his wife’s birthday by recounting their journey together and showering praises on her.
He took to his verified handle on micro-blogging site, X, on Wednesday to declare the admirable qualities of the first lady.
“Ibijoke mi, you are my rock, a reliable and dependable force, a loving wife, and a nurturing mother,” he wrote.
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Gov Sanwo-Olu wrote, “Happy birthday to my incredible wife and partner, Ibijoke who turns 58 today.
“Ibijoke mi, you are my rock, a reliable and dependable force, a loving wife, and a nurturing mother. For decades, you have been a steadfast pillar in my life, and a trusted partner through thick and thin. You are a fundamental part of my journey, standing by my side as we navigate the complexities of public service together.
“I celebrate you today and always. You are kind-hearted, a wonderful companion, and an exceptional mother.
“I thank God for your life and appreciate every moment of support, sacrifice, and love you have poured into the growth and development of Lagos State and our family.
“Happy Birthday, my love!”
NEWS
Court Bars Mike Okiro From Contesting Ohanaeze Ndigbo Presidency
A State High Court sitting in Enugu has issued an interim injunction barring the apex Igbo socio-political group, Ohanaeze Ndigbo, from considering the candidacy of former Inspector General of Police, Mike Okiro, for the office of President-General in its upcoming January 10, 2025, election.
The injunction was granted following a motion filed by Chimenu Amadi on behalf of the Indigenous Igbos of Rivers State.
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Amadi argued that Okiro, being an indigene of Imo State, is ineligible for the position, which is reserved for candidates from Rivers State.
According to Amadi, “Only indigenes of Rivers State are eligible to aspire for the said position.”
The court further ruled that Okiro should be restrained from contesting for the presidency of the organization “on the grounds of ineligibility with particular reference to his state of origin,” pending the hearing and determination of the motion on notice for an interlocutory injunction.
In a separate ruling, the court issued an interim order permitting the Nze Ozichukwu-Chukwu committee to conduct the election as scheduled while restraining certain chieftains from interfering.
Those restrained include Chidi Ibe, Okechukwu Isiguzoro, and Richard Ozubu, who have been accused of constituting a parallel body without lawful authority.
A motion filed by Aloy Ejimakor on the matter claimed that these individuals sought to undermine the constitutional process by making the election “an open and free-for-all affair,” thereby causing potential “discord, disharmony, lawlessness, and unrest.”
The court directed that the status quo be maintained and emphasized that the election must adhere to Article 11 of Ohanaeze Ndigbo’s constitution, which stipulates that the presidency should rotate among Igbo states and Igbo-speaking people of Delta and Rivers States.
The election is set to fill the leadership vacuum left by the death of the late President-General, Emmanuel Iwuanyanwu, whose tenure was cut short a few months ago.
Fidelis Ozichukwu has been acting as interim leader and is expected to oversee the group’s affairs until the election is concluded on January 10, 2025.
NEWS
Corps Members To Receive N77,000 Monthly Allowance Soon, Says NYSC DG
In a promising development for National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) members, Brigadier General Yushau Ahmed, the Director General of the NYSC, announced that corps members will soon begin receiving an increased monthly allowance of N77,000.
The announcement was made during the commissioning of a new staff bus donated by Capital Express Insurance Company in Abuja.
Speaking at the event, Ahmed stated, “Arrangements for the increased allowance have been finalised,” confirming that the new allowance would be rolled out by 2025.
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He reassured corps members that their welfare and security remain a top priority, emphasizing that they will receive all the benefits they deserve.
“By 2025, we will ensure that corps members enjoy all the benefits due to them,” Ahmed said.
This announcement comes as a response to concerns raised over the current monthly allowance of N33,000, which corps members have been receiving despite the signing of the new national minimum wage bill by President Bola Tinubu in July 2024.
The increase is expected to provide relief to many corps members who have been advocating for better compensation.
During the event, Ahmed also addressed the transportation challenges faced by both NYSC staff and corps members, noting the difficulties in commuting to and from their offices.
To ease these challenges, Capital Express Insurance Company donated a new staff bus to the NYSC.
Matthew Ogwezhi, CEO of Capital Express Insurance, highlighted the longstanding partnership between the company and the NYSC.
“This donation is part of our commitment to support the scheme, especially in light of the rising fuel and transportation costs in Abuja,” Ogwezhi said.
The new bus aims to alleviate some of the commuting difficulties faced by staff, ensuring smoother operations for the NYSC.