NEWS
Lagos Extends Work-From-Home Policy Amid Economic Pressures
The Lagos State Government has extended its work-from-home policy for civil servants for an additional three months to ease the financial burden caused by the removal of the petrol subsidy.
In an official statement issued on Wednesday, the Head of Service, Bode Agoro, announced that Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu approved the extension of the “flexible work initiative” from September 4th to December 3rd, 2024.
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This move aims to mitigate the impact of increased living costs on public employees.
The statement reads, “Babajide Olusola Sanwo-Olu has magnanimously approved the extension of the flexible work-from-home initiative for an additional three (3) months with effect from September 4th to 3rd of December 2024,” the statement reads.
“Accordingly, all accounting officers are enjoined to note the content of this circular for compliance and give it the deserved service-wide publicity.” it added
Recall that the work-from-home policy was first introduced in February, allowing civil servants on grade levels 01 to 14 to work remotely for two days each week, while those on grade levels 15 to 17 were permitted to work from home for one day per week.
The extension is expected to provide continued relief for civil servants adjusting to the current economic challenges.
NEWS
YEDC Rolls Out 1,880 Free Prepaid Meters for Band A Customers
The Yola Electricity Distribution Company (YEDC) has commenced the distribution of 1,880 prepaid meters to Band A customers under the Meter Asset Funds (MAF) Scheme.
The initiative, which runs from November 18 to November 30, 2024, aims to ensure accurate billing and enhance customer satisfaction within the company’s franchise area.
In a statement released on Tuesday, YEDC’s Communications Officer, Blessing Tunoh, confirmed that the exercise includes 1,500 single-phase meters and 380 three-phase meters.
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The installations will be carried out at no cost to customers by approved vendors, with the program approved by the Nigerian Electricity Regulatory Commission.
“The deployment of meters under the MAF programme is part of our commitment to delivering accurate billing and improving customer experience. We urge Band A customers to cooperate with the installers during the exercise,” the statement read.
This metering drive targets unmetered Band A customers who stopped receiving electricity subsidies in April 2024.
It is part of the Presidential Metering Initiative, launched in June, which aims to fast-track nationwide metering for electricity consumers.
YEDC reiterated its commitment to improving electricity distribution, ensuring transparency, and delivering reliable services to all customers.
The company encouraged affected customers to take full advantage of the ongoing metering program.
NEWS
GEJ Condoles Sambo Over Elder Brother’s Passing
Nigeria’s former president, Goodluck Ebele Jonathan (GEJ) has paid a condolence visit on his former vice president, Arch. Namadi Sambo.
According a statement, which he personally signed and posted on his socials on Wednesday morning, GEJ paid the condolence visit to Sambo at the latter’s Abuja residence on Tuesday night.
Biztellers reports that Alh Suleiman Sambo, elder brother to the former vice president, passed on at the age of 82.
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Jonathan wrote, “Last night in Abuja, I paid a condolence visit to my former Vice President and brother, His Excellency Arch. Namadi Sambo, over the passing of his elder brother, Alhaji Suleiman Sambo, who died recently at the age of 82.
“Late Alhaji Suleiman Sambo was a well-respected community leader and peacebuilder who will be sorely missed by his family, friends and all who knew him.
“May God grant his soul eternal rest.”
International News
JUST IN: Putin Pushes New Nuclear Doctrine
Russian President Vladimir Putin has signed a decree approving an updated doctrine on the use of nuclear weapons, according to state-run news agency TASS.
The move comes amid escalating tensions between Russia and the West, following reports that U.S. President Joe Biden has given Ukraine permission to strike Russian territory using American-supplied long-range missiles.
The updated doctrine reflects a sharp escalation in rhetoric and strategic posturing, with analysts speculating on its potential implications for global security. Details of the revisions remain unclear, but the timing underscores the intensifying geopolitical standoff.
U.S. Actions Escalate Tensions
President Biden’s decision to allow Ukraine access to U.S.-made long-range missile systems has been viewed by Moscow as a provocative step. While Washington insists it is committed to supporting Ukraine’s sovereignty and defense, this marks a significant shift in its military aid policy, potentially widening the scope of the conflict.
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Reports of High-Level Meeting in Washington
Meanwhile, reports have surfaced of an emergency post-election meeting involving key members of the U.S. political and defense establishment. Notable attendees include Barack Obama, Valerie Jarrett, Susan Rice, Samantha Power, Victoria Nuland, Antony Blinken, and Jake Sullivan.
Defense contractors and financial powerhouses, including executives from Lockheed Martin, BlackRock, Blackstone, and State Street, were reportedly present. Sources claim the meeting took place at “Obama’s War Room,” located at 2446 Belmont Rd NW, Washington, DC.
Lockheed Martin and BlackRock allegedly played dominant roles in the discussions, with two unidentified participants calling in from Switzerland to help steer the agenda.
Rising Concerns Over Global Stability
The confluence of events raises concerns about the growing potential for direct confrontation between global powers. Critics argue that the involvement of major defense and financial entities in strategic discussions highlights the complex interplay between economic interests and national security.
As the international community watches closely, questions remain about how these developments will shape the trajectory of the ongoing conflict and the broader balance of power.