NEWS
Wike Approves N70,000 Minimum Wage For FCT
The Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Minister, Nyesom Wike, has approved the immediate implementation of the new N70,000 minimum wage for all administrative staff under the Federal Capital Territory Administration (FCTA).
This significant development was disclosed in a statement by Anthony Odeh, the Press Secretary to the Head of the Civil Service of the FCT, on Tuesday.
The decision comes as part of efforts to align with the Minimum Wage Bill signed into law by President Bola Tinubu in May 2024, which set N70,000 as the new minimum wage. The move follows concerns raised by labor unions, with the FCT chapters of the Nigerian Labour Congress (NLC) and the Trade Union Congress (TUC) threatening to embark on a nationwide strike on November 30, 2024, over delays in implementing the policy across some states, including the FCT.
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According to the statement, the minister’s approval includes the payment of three months’ salary arrears, effective November 2024, as a measure to alleviate the challenges faced by FCTA staff.
The Acting Head of Civil Service of the FCT, Mrs. Grace Adayilo, praised the decision, noting, “This gesture will further spur the entire administration staff to support the minister in continuing to deliver on President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda.”
Labor unions had earlier criticised the Wike-led administration for its perceived delay in addressing workers’ grievances and for failing to meet with labor representatives since Wike assumed office in August 2023.
The approval of the minimum wage and arrears payment is seen as a strategic step by Wike to address workers’ concerns and reinforce the administration’s commitment to their welfare. The minister’s actions are expected to ease labor tensions and foster a more productive relationship with FCTA employees.
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.
Tinubu Joins World Leaders In Renewed Fight Against Hunger, poverty
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.
NEWS
Tinubu Joins World Leaders In Renewed Fight Against Hunger, poverty
The G20 Leaders’ Summit commenced in Rio de Janeiro with a renewed global focus on eradicating hunger and poverty. A key highlight of the summit was the launch of the Global Alliance Against Hunger and Poverty, an initiative spearheaded under the presidency of Brazilian President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva.
Nigeria’s President, Bola Ahmed Tinubu, addressed the summit’s first session on the theme “Fight Against Hunger and Poverty,” commending Brazil for its leadership in driving this initiative.
“It is an honour to address this gathering of the G20 Leaders’ Summit taking place at this beautiful and historic city of Rio de Janeiro,” President Tinubu began, expressing his gratitude for Nigeria’s inclusion as a guest country under Brazil’s presidency.
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The Nigerian leader lauded Brazil’s bold move, describing it as a “visionary step” in tackling one of the world’s most pressing challenges. “The creation of this Alliance marks a significant milestone in our global efforts to eradicate hunger and poverty, and it also sends a powerful message of solidarity to vulnerable populations around the globe,” Tinubu said.
The Global Alliance Against Hunger and Poverty aims to foster collaboration between governments, international organizations, and civil society, offering a holistic approach to addressing both immediate needs and structural causes of hunger and poverty.
Nigeria’s Commitment to the Fight Against Hunger
President Tinubu highlighted how the Alliance aligns with Nigeria’s domestic priorities. He referred to his administration’s 8-Point Agenda, introduced in 2023, which prioritizes agriculture, food security, and social investments.
“Priority 3 focused on boosting agriculture to achieve food security, through the development of commodity value chain and the provision of infrastructure support. Priority 6 focuses on education, health and social investment as essential pillars of development,” Tinubu explained.
Nigeria has formally endorsed the Global Alliance Against Hunger and Poverty, signaling its dedication to leveraging international cooperation to tackle hunger and poverty. “The endorsement demonstrates our commitment to leveraging international cooperation and resources, to bolster domestic strategies that will deliver inclusive growth and socio-economic development,” President Tinubu stated.
SDG Alignment and International Collaboration
The Nigerian president emphasized how the Alliance reinforces Nigeria’s commitment to the Sustainable Development Goals, particularly SDG 1 (eradicating poverty) and SDG 2 (achieving zero hunger).
“By collaborating with international partners, Nigeria aims to leverage best practices, innovative solutions, and financial support to enhance its efforts to combat poverty and hunger,” Tinubu said, reaffirming Nigeria’s position as a key player in global sustainable development efforts.
Looking ahead to the adoption of the Leader’s Declaration, Tinubu reiterated Nigeria’s readiness to work with G20 nations, guest countries, international organizations, and civil society to achieve the shared goal of eradicating hunger and poverty.
The session concluded with world leaders emphasizing the importance of collaborative action to address global inequalities and ensure sustainable development for all.
A Global Call to Action
The launch of the Global Alliance Against Hunger and Poverty has set the tone for this year’s G20 summit, reflecting a united commitment to addressing fundamental global challenges. President Tinubu’s address underscored Nigeria’s active role in this mission, with a focus on innovative solutions and international partnerships to build a better future.