Senate President: No Nigerian Employee Can Be Paid Below N70,000

Obasempire reports that Senate President Godswill Akpabio has stated that Nigerian employers must not pay their employees less than N70,000.

Read more: Akpabio Apologizes for Remarks Against Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan

Akpabio noted that employers are now prohibited from compensating their domestic workers, drivers, or security personnel below N70,000.

He made this announcement while enacting the new minimum wage legislation during a session in the Senate.

According to Akpabio: “If you’re a tailor and you employ additional hands, you can’t pay the person below 70,000. If you have a housemaid, you cannot pay them below 70,000. If you hire a driver or a gateman, you cannot pay them below 70,000.”

Read more: Tinubu Urges Nigerians To Cancel Protests Amid Economic Hardships

Recall that President Bola Tinubu had approved N70,000 as new minimum wage for workers during a meeting with the organized labour.

Following his approval, the president had transmitted the minimum wage bill to the National Assembly for passage.

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Akpabio Apologizes For Remarks Against Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan

Obasempire reports that Senate President Godswill Akpabio has conveyed remorse for his recent comments aimed at Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan, who represents Kogi Central.

Akpabio had reprimanded Akpoti-Uduaghan for speaking out of turn, likening her actions to those of a “night club.”

Read more: Tinubu Urges Nigerians To Cancel Protests Amid Economic Hardships

This apology follows an incident where Akpoti-Uduaghan was silenced for speaking without authorization.

A similar episode occurred previously when Senator Ireti Kingibe, representing the FCT, was silenced for objecting to her exclusion from critical decisions concerning the nation’s capital.

Addressing the chamber on Tuesday, Akpabio stated that he would never deliberately demean any woman.

The Senate President mentioned that both his phone and his wife’s phone have been inundated with calls and messages, many of which were derogatory.

“I will not intentionally denigrate any woman and I always pray that God will uplift women,” he said.

“Distinguished Senator Natasaha, I want to apologise to you.

“The interest shown In the social media shows that we have enemies. I felt I should tender a public apology to you. I do not mean any harm. People should concentrate on things that will move this country forward.

“Social media handlers should practice with decorum. We won’t out of anger regulate social media.”

Read more: Ohanaeze Ndigbo Condemns Onanuga’s Remarks As Anti-Igbo And Divisive

Akpabio also denied social media posting claims that he has “numerous girlfriends”.

“I have only one wife and she is enough for me,” he said.

On Monday, the Voices for Inclusion and Equity for Women (VIEW), a women’s group, had chided Akpabio for his alleged disrespect of female senators.

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Ohanaeze Ndigbo Condemns Onanuga’s Remarks As Anti-Igbo And Divisive

Obasempire reports that Ohanaeze Ndigbo, the leading socio-cultural group for the Igbos, has voiced strong objections to the remarks and actions of Bayo Onanuga, the Special Adviser to President Bola Tinubu on Information and Strategy.

Read more: Tinubu Urges Nigerians To Cancel Protests Amid Economic Hardships

The organization accused Onanuga of holding a deep-seated animosity towards the Igbo people.

In a statement from Dr. Alex Ogbonnia, the National Publicity Secretary of Ohanaeze Ndigbo, the group criticized Onanuga for his provocative comments regarding the planned nationwide protests, suggesting they were orchestrated by supporters of Peter Obi, the Labour Party’s presidential candidate, and implying that the Igbo were behind these protests.

The organization called on the government to create policies and programs that address the hardships of all citizens, instead of issuing threats and making divisive remarks.

Dr. Ogbonnia highlighted Onanuga’s history of making disparaging comments about the Igbo, including a statement on March 19, 2023, where Onanuga advised the Igbo to stay out of Lagos politics.

Ohanaeze Ndigbo emphasized that the current nationwide difficulties stem from long-standing systemic issues and marginalization, requiring inclusive and thoughtful solutions.

Read more: Katsina Hisbah Seizes N60m Worth Of Alcohol And Drugs

“It may be necessary to inform Onanuga that Nigerians of all persuasions, North, South, East and West are in pains of diverse forms: excruciating hardships, poverty, naira downward spiral, incessant kidnappings, banditry, farmers-herdsmen conflict, most terrifying insecurity, joblessness, rising food prices and cost of living challenges. And that the prevailing hardship in Nigeria is blind to ethnicity.

“It is necessary to inform Onanuga that this is a time for the Presidency to initiate policies, programmes, activities, and a body language that will appeal to or assuage the downtrodden, dispossessed, oppressed, the deprived, including Obidients.”

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Tinubu Urges Nigerians To Cancel Protests Amid Economic Hardships

Obasempire reports that President Bola Tinubu has urged Nigerians to cancel their planned protests, asserting that measures are in place to ease hardships.

Read more: Labour Party Denies Involvement In Protest Against Tinubu Administration

Speaking at a National Council of Traditional Rulers meeting in Abuja on Monday, July 22, 2024, Tinubu, represented by Secretary to the Government of the Federation George Akume, highlighted the importance of patience and support during this crucial time.

Tinubu criticized those exploiting the nation’s economic challenges to provoke protests.

He emphasized that instead of participating in demonstrations, Nigerians should exhibit patience and dedication to the success of the reforms.

He called on citizens to consider past instances where crisis and violence have endangered national unity.

He said, “We should learn from the experiences of countries like India and Sudan,” he said. “With over 200 million people, we cannot afford such discord.”

Read more: Lawmaker Yusuf Gagdi Faces Backlash for Gifting SUV to Daughter

The President highlighted the administration’s efforts to ease economic hardship, including the procurement of Compressed Natural Gas vehicles, the introduction of a student loan scheme, distribution of palliatives, and provision of agricultural inputs such as tractors and fertilizer.

He also affirmed the government’s commitment to addressing insecurity.

Tinubu appealed to traditional rulers to promote peace and convey this message to the youth and their communities.

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Katsina Hisbah Seizes N60m Worth Of Alcohol And Drugs

Obasempire reports that the Katsina State Hisbah Board announced on Sunday that it had confiscated and destroyed alcoholic beverages and illegal drugs valued at N60 million in the Funtua Local Government Area.

Hisbah Commander Dr. Aminu Usman revealed this to the News Agency of Nigeria in Katsina on Sunday.

Read more: Dangote Refinery Seeks Libyan Crude As Nigeria Struggles With Supply

Usman reported that over 1,750 crates of alcohol and approximately 33 jerry cans of homemade beer were recently seized and destroyed in Funtua.

He stated that this action is part of their mandate to uphold moral standards within the state.

While praising the board’s officials for their efforts, he urged them to strengthen their dedication to their duties.

Usman also requested the support of religious leaders in the state, emphasizing that Hisbah is not affiliated with any particular group or sect.

He thanked Governor Dikko Radda for his unwavering support of the board’s operations.

Read more: Lawmaker Yusuf Gagdi Faces Backlash for Gifting SUV to Daughter

Usman appealed to the public to provide genuine information about locations of immoral activities.

He called on parents, educators, and community leaders to enhance efforts in instilling discipline and good morals in the youth.

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Dangote Refinery Seeks Libyan Crude As Nigeria Struggles With Supply

Obasempire reports that the Dangote Refinery in Lagos is negotiating with Libya to import crude oil for its 650,000 barrels per day facility as it boosts production.

The Vice President of Dangote Industry Limited (DIL), Devakumar Edwin, disclosed this to American media outlet Reuters on Sunday.

Read more: Lawmaker Yusuf Gagdi Faces Backlash for Gifting SUV to Daughter

The Vice President also mentioned that the refinery will seek crude from Angola since the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC) Limited has been unable to satisfy the demands of the 650,000 bpd facility.

Since commencing operations in January, Dangote has encountered challenges in obtaining sufficient crude supplies within Nigeria.

Despite being Africa’s top oil producer, the country contends with theft, pipeline sabotage, and insufficient investment.

Consequently, Dangote has turned to importing crude from as distant locations as Brazil and the United States.

“We are talking to Libya about importing crude.

“We will talk to Angola as well and some other countries in Africa,” Edwin said in a statement. 

Read more: Brain Jotter Offers N2 Million to Highlife Legend Mike Ejeagha

He mentioned that international traders and oil companies were among the largest buyers of Dangote’s gasoil, much of which was being exported.

Edwin noted that Dangote’s oil trading arm was operational, with staff in London and Lagos, to manage supplies and sell products.

“The biggest off-takers are the two big traders Trafigura and Vitol and BP and, to some extent, even TotalEnergies. But all of them are saying they are taking it to offshore,” Edwin said.

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Lawmaker Yusuf Gagdi Faces Backlash For Gifting SUV To Daughter

Obasempire reports that Yusuf Gagdi, a federal legislator from Plateau state, has ignited controversy online after presenting his daughter Aisha with an SUV for her secondary school graduation.

On Saturday, Gagdi posted on his X page, disclosing that he had recently attended the Lead British International School graduation event in Abuja, where his daughter had finished her secondary education.

Read more: Atiku Criticizes Lawmakers for Reducing Salaries Instead of Allowances

“Today, I attended my amazing daughter’s graduation ceremony. Watching you, my dear daughter, walk across that stage fills my heart with immense pride and love,” he wrote.

“I celebrate your achievements and the strength you’ve shown. Here’s to a future filled with endless possibilities and happiness.”

The lawmaker was asked to present gifts to the best-graduating students. He also donated N3 million to the top students.

“An incredible day at Lead British International School Abuja’s graduation ceremony! Emphasized the importance of focus and commitment for a bright future ahead,” he added.

“Delighted to make a significant donation of N3 million Naira to top students and dedicated staff to encouraged academic excellence.”

On Sunday, Gagdi shared a report from a page on Instagram, which partly read, “To celebrate her graduation and great performance in JAMB, her father surprised her with a gift of a car”.

Read more: Labour Party Denies Involvement In Protest Against Tinubu Administration

In the photos, the lawmaker gave his daughter keys to the SUV. She was also seen posing with the grey-coloured exotic car.

The development has attracted a chorus of condemnation on X, with several users berating Gagdi for showing off his wealth at a time when Nigerians are asked to endure ongoing economic hardship.

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Brain Jotter Offers N2 Million to Highlife Legend Mike Ejeagha

Obasempire reports that Brain Jotter, the Nigerian comedian, has proposed to present Mike ‘Gentleman’ Ejeagha, the renowned highlife musician, with N2 million.

Tunde Ednut, the famous blogger, posted a screenshot of his conversation with Jotter on Instagram on Sunday, where the content creator revealed his offer.

Read more: Yvonne Jegede’s Adopted Child Dies Of Cholera, Actress Shares Update

In the conversation, the comedian inquired about a method to contact the highlife icon, expressing his desire to give him the funds.

“Master we wan give the man N2m, na to reach am be wahala,” the chat reads.
‘Ka Esi Le Onye Isi Oche’, a song by Ejeagha, started to gain widespread popularity earlier this month after Jotter adopted the soundtrack for his hilarious dance moves.

The dance moves involve two or more people facing opposite directions and walking towards each other. They then meet at a point where they do the funny leg dance before one starts chasing after the other while a part of the chorus “Gwo Gwo Gwo Ngwo” is played in the background.

Jotter’s first clip of the project, which was shared on Instagram on July 5, has fetched nearly one million likes — as of July 21. Similar footage posted on TikTok has been viewed over 16 million times.

Read more: Atiku Criticizes Lawmakers for Reducing Salaries Instead of Allowances

The song has also been recreated nearly 20,000 times on TikTok with many Nigerians, including celebrities, joining the challenge.

Ejeagha is considered one of the pioneers of the highlife genre in Nigeria and was influential in the evolution of music in the Igbo language for over 6 decades.

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Yvonne Jegede’s Adopted Child Dies Of Cholera, Actress Shares Update

Obasempire reports that nollywood actress Yvonne Jegede has lost one of her adopted children to cholera.

The movie star shared the news in an Instagram post.

Read more: Labour Party Denies Involvement In Protest Against Tinubu Administration

Yvonne revealed that she met the deceased, named Olamide, when he was in Primary 4, and he was set to advance to JSS3 after the summer break before his untimely death.

She also mentioned that two other adopted children, including Olamide’s sister, graduated from secondary school last week.

The actress highlighted that she has been funding the education of the three children despite not having unlimited resources, but this effort has brought fulfillment to her life.

She wrote, “I’m heartbroken because I lost one of my children to cholera. Olamide and I met when he was in primary 4 and was supposed to go to JSS3 after this summer break.

Read more: Charly Boy Urges Odumeje To Save Nigeria From Disaster

“The news broke my heart. I am also happy 2 of my children graduated yesterday from secondary school, and one of them is Olamide’s sister.

I don’t have all the money in the world, but this makes my world complete. Since 2019 till date, I don’t know how I do it, but my God provides enough to carry them through.

“Rest In Power Olamide Ajimuda. @roydekacademy.”

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Woman Arrested For Axing Husband After Dispute Over Goat Theft

Obasempire reports that a 40-year-old woman, Lydia Aji, has been detained for murdering her husband with an axe in Borno State.

Read more: Labour Party Denies Involvement In Protest Against Tinubu Administration

State Commissioner of Police, Yusufu Lawal, represented by Police Public Relations Officer, Nahum Kenneth, reported that the suspect had a dispute with her late husband over the alleged theft of a goat by their 13-year-old daughter, Rachael.

The husband reportedly died instantly from the assault.

Lawal said, “On the 4th of July, 2024 one Bulama Mulikabu, male of Kautikari village Chibok Local Government Area reported at Chibok police station that on the same date one Lydia Aji, female 40 years, and her husband one Aji Makinta, had a violent fight which resulted to the wife Lydia Aji striking her husband on his head with an axe and he died on the spot.”

Speaking further Lawal noted that her deceased husband had asked them to leave his house following the theft.

Read more: Charly Boy Urges Odumeje To Save Nigeria From Disaster

“An investigation further revealed that the couple had a misunderstanding over their daughter Rachael Aji 13 years who stole a goat and sold it to an unknown person, the angry father then asked them to leave his house. The case is still under investigation.”

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