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Lagos educators are advocating for the enforcement of a retirement age of 65 years

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The Lagos State chapter of the Nigeria Union of Teachers (NUT) has made a formal request to Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu, urging him to approve and put into effect a policy that would extend the service years for teachers in the state to 65 years.

During the World Teachers’ Day celebration, NUT Chairman Hassan Akintoye highlighted the delay in domesticating this policy, which had already been signed into law by former President Muhammadu Buhari.

He emphasized that this extended service policy would serve as a means to encourage teachers to apply their extensive experience to support the state’s educational goals.

Additionally, Akintoye stressed that prolonging the service years for teachers presents a valuable opportunity for the state government to benefit from the wealth of professional expertise possessed by senior officers who are nearing retirement.

While acknowledging the efforts made by the state government to improve teacher welfare, the NUT chief also outlined other demands, including recruiting more teachers to replace those retiring, providing accommodations for teachers in rural areas, and increasing the monthly allowances for head teachers in primary schools.

He expressed concern over the global teacher shortage and highlighted the increased demand for education in the current era of innovation and connectivity.

Akintoye emphasized the need for collective action to make teaching an esteemed profession through investments in teacher training, professional development, and fair compensation.

On the government’s part, the Lagos State government is considering the teachers’ request to extend their service years from 35 to 40 or retirement age from 60 to 65.

Deputy Governor Dr. Obafemi Hamzat, who represented Governor Sanwo-Olu at the celebration, acknowledged the vital role of teachers in the state’s development and education sector.

He reassured that the government is actively addressing the concerns raised by teachers and filling teaching vacancies promptly due to its commitment to the education sector.

 

Lagos will be the gathering place for hundreds of diaspora Africans returning to their roots, celebrating at a three-day festival

Badagry, an ancient city within Lagos State, is set to host a momentous event known as the ‘Fourth Door of Return,’ which carries historical, spiritual, and economic significance.

This event, taking place next Saturday, anticipates the return of numerous diaspora Africans to their homeland.

A noteworthy aspect of this occasion will feature the participation of Mr. Babajide Sanwo-Olu, the Governor of Lagos State, who will symbolically pass through the “Door of Return” to warmly welcome the Returnees. Dr. Julius Marcus-Garvey will lead this procession.

The ‘Fourth Door of Return’ festivities are scheduled from October 19 to 21 in Badagry, a region located within the Lagos West Senatorial District of Lagos State.

Hon. Abike Dabiri-Erewa, the Chairman of the Nigerians in Diaspora Commission (NiDCOM), shared during a press conference at the Bagauda Kaltho Press Centre in Ikeja that the ‘Fourth Door of Return’ event promises to bring not only economic, physical, and spiritual benefits to Lagos residents but also to people residing in the diaspora. She emphasized that a variety of activities have been organized, and the presence of distinguished individuals at the event will shine a positive light on Lagos’ tourist attractions and culture on a global scale.

Dabiri-Erewa expressed her appreciation for Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu’s substantial support for the ‘Fourth Door of Return’ event, considering it a unique and impactful occurrence that will bring about economic, physical, and spiritual advantages.

This event symbolizes a return to the doorway of joy, peace, prosperity, and progress.

She stated, “I want to commend Governor Sanwo-Olu for the tremendous support for the Fourth Door of Return ceremony.

What Badagry has is unparalleled, and the ‘Door of Return’ promises to be a monumental tourism event, not only for Badagry but also for Lagos and Nigeria.”

The ‘Door of Return’ concept involves the reception of our brothers and sisters who were forcibly taken as slaves more than 400 years ago.

It is a profound, historical, spiritual, emotional, and physical journey for the pilgrims—a reconnection with the “Joy of Return.”

The pilgrims will undertake a significant walk through the path to the “Point of No Return” and then return to be received as royalty in the very place where their ancestors were once taken away as slaves. This event is one that everyone should partake in.

On October 21, when you attend the ‘Door of Return’ ceremony in Lagos, you will witness the extraordinary cultural and historical richness that Badagry has to offer, making it an unparalleled tourist destination globally.

Lagos State Commissioner for Tourism, Arts and Culture, Mrs. Toke Benson-Awoyinka, stressed that the State Government is wholeheartedly committed to unveiling the hidden treasures of Badagry and Lagos to the world through the ‘Fourth Door of Return’ program.

She also expressed deep empathy for the inhumane treatment that the ancestors faced over 400 years ago, emphasizing the administration’s dedication, under Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu, to restore the joy of every black individual.

Hon. Solomon Bonu, Chairman of the Lagos State House of Assembly Committee on Tourism and Culture, assured that the lawmakers would provide every lawful support to ensure the success of this significant event.

 

Governor Sanwo-Olu puts forward Kemi Ogunyemi’s name as a candidate for a position in the cabinet

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On Tuesday, Lagos State Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu nominated Mrs. Kemi Ogunyemi for a position in the state executive council. The Lagos State House of Assembly confirmed this in an official statement on X (formerly Twitter), acknowledging the receipt of Ogunyemi’s name as a cabinet nominee.

Kemi Ogunyemi boasts a wealth of experience, having served as a former commissioner at the Lagos State Health Service Commission.

With over three decades of nursing practice, she is committed to advancing the nursing profession within Nigeria.

Notably, she has actively contributed as a member of various hospital and healthcare committees in both the United States (US) and the United Kingdom (UK).

In her academic pursuits, Ogunyemi has earned a Master’s degree in Health Care Administration and a Master’s degree in Nursing from the University of Phoenix, USA. Her nomination represents a significant step forward for the healthcare sector in Lagos State.

 

Glitch Africa’s Oversight of Ilebaye, An Insult to Her Crown

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In a recent development, Glitch Africa’s handling of Ilebaye has become a point of contention, raising questions about their ability to recognize and respect her celebrity status post-BBNaija All Stars 2023 victory.

Ilebaye’s popularity has surged due to her composed demeanor, a trait that has endeared her to fans nationwide. However, it seems the Glitch Africa team has underestimated her standing, treating her with a lack of regard. Their response, seemingly defensive, was a misstep, failing to acknowledge Ilebaye’s elevated status and the potential repercussions of mishandling her brand. This oversight is not merely a misjudgment; it is seen as a direct insult to her crown, symbolizing the pinnacle of her achievements

Unlike some of her contemporaries, Ilebaye is inclined towards keeping issues offline, avoiding the creation of unnecessary public backlash. While other celebrities may resort to online rants, Ilebaye remains committed to a more discreet approach.

The heart of the matter is that Glitch Africa should have exercised caution and provided the necessary care for their stars, treating them with the respect befitting their celebrity status. A proactive approach could have averted the need for public apologies or the potential fallout from a misunderstanding.

In light of the situation, it would be in the best interest of Glitch Africa to offer a sincere apology if Ilebaye’s claims hold merit. To online trolls contemplating targeting Ilebaye or placing blame on her, it’s essential to recognize that such incidents can happen to any favorite celebrity. In the world of showbiz, where dynamics are ever-changing, it’s crucial to approach matters with empathy and understanding.

In the broader context, this incident highlights the need for a more thoughtful and respectful approach to celebrity management, where the recognition of an individual’s achievements and status is paramount. In the world of showbiz, where reputations are fragile and public perception is everything, maintaining the integrity of a celebrity’s crown should be a top priority for their management team.

View the narratives from both perspectives here:

Lagos aims to broaden its tax base in an effort to increase internally generated revenue (IGR), as stated by the Special Adviser

The Special Adviser to the Lagos State Governor on Taxation and Revenue, Mr. Abdul-Kabir Ogungbo, has emphasized the state’s intention to broaden its tax base by welcoming new taxpayers into the system, with a focus on not burdening the existing taxpayers.

This strategic move is aimed at boosting Internally Generated Revenue, which in turn will facilitate the development of infrastructure in Lagos State, one of the fastest-growing economies in Africa.

Ogungbo outlined the key areas of concentration, which include property, the informal sector, and the digital space.

He stressed the need for additional funds to support security, infrastructure, and social amenities.

The property aspect encompasses assets like real estate and vehicles, with taxpayers encouraged to contribute in accordance with their financial capacity.

The informal sector holds significant potential for funding the state’s budget, and Ogungbo expressed the intention to engage various stakeholders within this sector to bring previously unregistered individuals into the tax net.

Furthermore, he recognized the unexplored potential of the digital economy space, where substantial commercial activities are taking place.

The strategy is to expand horizontally by including more individuals in the tax net, rather than putting excessive pressure on the existing taxpayers.

To further enhance revenue collection and transparency, Ogungbo disclosed the decision to elevate the taxation and revenue office to ministerial department status, with a dedicated Special Adviser.

This step aims to facilitate partnerships with the people of Lagos, establish efficient frameworks for tax payment, and provide clear information regarding government projects and initiatives funded by taxpayers.

Nigerian Breweries’ director steps down from their position

Nigerian Breweries Plc has officially disclosed the departure of Mrs. Yeliz Yedikardesler from her role as a Non-Executive Director on the Board of Directors, effective as of October 6, 2023.

The announcement was made by the Company Secretary, Uaboi Agbebaku, who stated that her resignation is a consequence of her departure from the Heineken Group.

Mrs. Yedikardesler had become a part of the Board in April 2022 when she assumed the position of Regional Finance Director for the Africa, Middle East, and Eastern Europe Region within the Heineken Group.

During her tenure, she also actively contributed as a member of the company’s statutory audit committee.

Revitalizing Nigeria’s energy industry through technology and collaboration

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Power sector experts have emphasized that investments, technology, and collaboration are vital components for advancing a sustainable energy future in Africa’s most populous nation.

During the opening speech at a recent power sector conference held in Lagos, Minister of Power Adebayo Adelabu emphasized the critical need for public-private collaborations and investments to improve electricity accessibility and affordability.

The minister expressed confidence that these efforts could address the challenges facing the power sector, including achieving energy security and sustainability.

He outlined that Nigeria’s energy mix currently consists of 80% coal and 20% renewable hydro energy, and the country is at a pivotal moment in its energy journey, given its abundant resources and growing population.

To achieve this, the Federal Government plans to invest $20 billion in power plants and grid stability, with the aim of reaching 20,000 megawatts of electricity generation within the next three years.

The minister stressed the importance of closing the metering gap to ensure power generated reaches consumers and that investors should prepare for long-term commitments in the sector.

He also mentioned the long-term goals of achieving 30,000MW by 2030 and 60,000MW by 2060 and the need for investments in transmission and distribution infrastructure.

In addition to this, he highlighted that the energy transition should be fair and inclusive, ensuring that all Nigerians have access to energy.

The focus is on creating a sustainable and modern energy future in the country.

The speech also touched on the importance of adopting cutting-edge technologies and innovative solutions in electricity generation, transmission, and distribution.

It discussed the need to mitigate hazards in the power sector to make it safe, reliable, and sustainable, with a focus on technical standards, regulations, and enforcement.

Overall, the message conveyed the importance of investments, technology, and collaboration in addressing Nigeria’s energy challenges and achieving a sustainable energy future.

 

The government actively seeks to attract airline operators for collaboration

Festus Keyamo, the Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, has expressed the Federal Government’s willingness to collaborate with and support Nigerian airline operators in elevating the quality of their services.

This commitment was made during a meeting with members of the Airline Operators of Nigeria, led by Dr. Abdulmunaf Yunusa, who paid a courtesy visit to the Minister’s office on Tuesday.

Keyamo emphasized his dedication to transparency in his role, stating, “I don’t want to operate in secrecy; one of my key policies is transparency.

I encourage you to share your challenges so that Nigerians can fully grasp the relationship between the government and airline operators.”

Furthermore, Keyamo highlighted the importance of local airlines in the growth and development of the aviation industry and the nation as a whole.

He assured the operators of government support in their pursuit of profitability while adhering to international aviation standards.

He mentioned the possibility of reviewing Bilateral Air Service Agreements (BASA) and urged the operators to modernize their fleets to increase patronage.

The Minister urged cooperation among airline operators to establish more robust businesses with sufficient capital reserves to weather challenging periods like the COVID-19 pandemic.

He also pledged to explore avenues for the Airline Operators of Nigeria to access financing at favorable interest rates and foreign exchange to meet their international obligations.

Keyamo discussed the potential for commercial Maintenance, Repair, and Overhaul (MRO) facilities in Nigeria, expressing his intent to develop a forward-looking master plan during his tenure to position Nigeria as an aviation hub in Africa.

He encouraged airlines to utilize their BASA routes to reduce airfare costs.

Dr. Abdulmunaf Yunusa, representing the Airline Operators of Nigeria, presented a paper through Captain Roland Iyayi, highlighting various challenges faced by the Nigerian aviation industry.

These challenges included foreign exchange constraints, the cost of Jet A1 fuel, capital expenses, infrastructure, taxes, fees, government policies, and charges.

The Airline Operators of Nigeria proposed solutions such as licenses for Jet A1 importation and distribution through strategic partnerships, immediate reviews of industry taxes, fees, and charges, and renegotiation of existing BASAs and Multilateral Air Service Agreements in alignment with the Single Africa Air Transport Market, emphasizing reciprocity in favor of domestic airlines.

Israeli military airstrikes result in the elimination of high-ranking Hamas figures

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The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) announced in a statement that on Monday evening, they had carried out operations resulting in the deaths of Hamas’ economy minister and another senior political bureau member.

This news followed a series of more than 100 airstrikes on Gaza, as reported by RT.

Subsequently, Hamas confirmed the fatalities of both individuals on its official website, asserting that they had been “martyred due to the Zionist occupation’s bombing of the Gaza Strip.”

Jawad Abu Shamala, who held the role of economy minister in Hamas’ political wing, and Zakaria Abu Ma’amr, characterized as a close associate of the group’s Gaza leader, Yahya Sinwar, were the individuals in question.

According to the IDF, Abu Shamala was responsible for “financing and directing terrorism,” while Abu Ma’amr was deeply involved in the organization’s decision-making and planning of actions against the security of the State of Israel.

This statement was issued on Tuesday.

Israeli military aircraft had been conducting a series of airstrikes in the densely-populated Gaza area since Saturday, focusing on 250 targets in the al-Furkan neighborhood of Gaza City between Monday and Tuesday.

The IDF referred to this neighborhood as a “nest of terror,” and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu pledged that the airstrikes would “continue at full strength.”

Reports indicated a high number of civilian casualties, with the Palestinian Health Ministry stating on Tuesday that the strikes had claimed the lives of 770 people and left 4,000 others wounded, including 140 children.

The bombing campaign was initiated in response to a full-scale assault on Israel by Hamas, which began with rocket barrages fired from Gaza into Israel on Saturday morning.

Some of these rockets reached as far as Tel Aviv. In response, air raid sirens sounded across southern Israel, and Hamas fighters crossed the border, attacking Jewish settlements near Gaza.

As of Tuesday, the conflict had resulted in at least 800 Israeli casualties and more than 2,000 wounded.

It was reported that Hamas was holding at least 150 Israelis as hostages, threatening to execute them on live television if Israel continued its no-warning airstrikes on Gaza.

Despite international concerns, Israeli officials did not show any signs of backing down, with Major General Ghassan Alian emphasizing a strong stance, stating that “human animals must be treated as such” and warning of severe repercussions, including a lack of electricity and water in Gaza.

 

Two siblings brought to trial for the murder of their uncle in Kwara

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Two siblings sharing the same parentage found themselves facing charges in front of a Magistrates’ Court in Kwara State, accused of the murder of their uncle, Mohammed Abubakar.

The two suspects, Musa Idris (25) and Aliyu Idris (20), were brought before the court on charges of alleged culpable homicide and criminal conspiracy.

According to the police report, the accused individuals, in a conspiracy, assaulted their 54-year-old uncle while he attempted to mediate in a dispute between them and their father.

The unfortunate incident took place in Kinikini village, located in the Kaiama Local Government Area of the state.

The charges against them were based on Sections 97 and 221 of the Penal Code Laws of Nigeria.

The police’s investigation, conducted at the State Criminal Investigation Department in Ilorin, revealed that the suspects had a dispute with their father and intended to harm him.

When their father was away tending to his cattle, the two suspects attacked their uncle with machetes, leading to his tragic demise.

The suspects confessed to the crime, admitting that their unhappiness with their uncle for preventing them from harming their father was their motive for the act.

The prosecutor, Gbenga Ayeni, requested the court to detain the accused individuals.

In response, Magistrate A. A Issa ruled in favor of remanding the suspects in the Federal Custodial Centre in Ilorin.

The case was adjourned until November 1, 2023, for further proceedings.