Author: Ayo

In a dramatic turn of events, the House of Representatives on Thursday approved President Bola Tinubu’s request to extend the capital component of the 2023 Appropriation Act and the Supplementary Appropriation Act until December 31. The approval came after a closed-door session, which followed a heated debate and opposition from some lawmakers. Speaker Tajudeen Abbas had earlier read Tinubu’s request to the House, stating that the extension would enable his administration to fully implement the two budgets. The extension affects the N21.8 trillion 2023 Budget and the N2.17 trillion 2023 Supplementary Budget, which are running concurrently with the N27.5 trillion…

A group, Take It Back movement, has requested the use of Eagle Square for the proposed #EndBadGovernance protest scheduled from August 1 to August 10. In a letter to the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, the group highlighted demands for amenities and security. The letter, signed by Damilare Adenola, Director of Mobilisation, stated, “We write to notify you of our decision to use Eagle Square as a point of convergence for patriotic Nigerians to demand better governance.” The group requested a 24-hour power supply, toilet facilities, water, and security for the convenience of protesters. They also appealed…

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has appealed to organizers of the proposed August 1-10, 2024 hardship protest to reconsider their plans, citing his administration’s efforts to alleviate the suffering of Nigerians. Tinubu made this appeal when he received a delegation of Islamic leaders led by Sheikh Bala Lau at the State House on Thursday. He urged the protesters not to turn Nigeria into Sudan, emphasizing the need for peaceful resolution of grievances. The President highlighted his administration’s commitment to reworking the social welfare scheme to reach every vulnerable Nigerian at the grassroots level. “We are reworking the social welfare scheme to…

The Department of State Services (DSS) has issued a stern warning to organizers of the planned nationwide protests, citing a sinister plot by criminal elements to hijack the protest and cause unrest. According to DSS spokesperson Peter Afunanya, the motive behind the protest is political, aimed at smearing the federal and sub-national governments and achieving regime change. Afunanya warned protesters to eschew anarchy and violence, urging them to engage with authorities peacefully. He emphasized that violence only leads to destruction and distraction from governance. The DSS called on citizens, leaders, and organizations to shun invitations to participate in orchestrated violence…

The stage is set for the Super Falcons’ Olympic debut against Brazil today at the Matmut Atlantique Stadium in Bordeaux, France. Nigeria’s senior women’s team is back in the Olympics after a 16-year hiatus, and they’re eager to make a statement in Group C. The Super Falcons have met Brazil twice before, losing 4-3 in 1991 and 3-1 in 2008. Can they break the jinx today? Brazil’s legendary forward Marta, with 118 goals in 183 appearances, will be a force to reckon with. Can the Falcons’ defense contain her? Nigeria will also face current world champions Spain and former world…

The Lagos State Government has reaffirmed its commitment to infrastructural renewal and development, allocating 23% of the 2024 budget to the Economic Affairs Sector. During the 2025 budget consultative forum in Ikeja, Commissioner Ope George emphasized the importance of citizen engagement in the budget process, urging residents to participate in the preparation of the 2025 budget. George highlighted various initiatives and projects aimed at improving the standard of living, including road rehabilitation, food security, ease of doing business, and affordable public transportation. Special Adviser Lekan Balogun stressed the need for citizens to fulfill their civic responsibilities by paying taxes promptly,…

UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer will face his first Prime Minister’s Questions session on Wednesday, following the suspension of seven Labour MPs for rebelling against the government’s controversial two-child limit on benefits. The MPs, including former finance spokesman John McDonnell, were suspended for backing a motion to remove the cap, introduced by the previous Conservative government in 2015. The vote is seen as an early test of Starmer’s authority, who has warned of “no silver bullet” to ending child poverty but acknowledged the “passion” of MPs opposing the policy. Over 40 Labour lawmakers recorded no vote, highlighting the level of…

The Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) has debunked reports of its withdrawal from the planned nationwide protest against economic hardship scheduled for August 1. In a press release, NLC President Joe Ajaero stated that the union cannot withdraw from a protest it did not organize. He emphasized that the NLC has a structured decision-making process guiding its industrial actions. Ajaero clarified that the NLC is standing in solidarity with the Nigerian people, who are facing dire living conditions due to harsh economic policies. He called on President Bola Tinubu to invite protest leaders to dialogue on their demands. The planned protest…

Billionaire businessman Femi Otedola has risen to the defense of his friend and business ally, Aliko Dangote, calling for government support to create an enabling environment for businesses to thrive. Otedola described Dangote as a “titan that God created specially for mankind” and highlighted his contributions to Nigeria’s industrial landscape, including the largest single train refinery, sugar refinery, cement factory, and fertilizer plant. Otedola emphasized the importance of supporting local champions like Dangote, saying, “Supporting local champions like Dangote is crucial for our national development and economic independence.” Otedola noted that Dangote’s contributions extend beyond industrial facilities to critical infrastructure,…

In a landmark move, the Senate has passed the National Minimum Wage Amendment Act, introducing a new national minimum wage of N70,000. The executive bill, which was presented to the Senate, seeks to amend the existing Act to enable an upward review of workers’ salaries. Senate Leader Bamidele Opeyemi explained that the bill aims to reduce the review period from five years to three years, considering economic realities. Senators unanimously agreed on the need to approve the bill, which followed negotiations between the executive and organized labour. The bill was passed for second reading and subsequently for third reading after…