INSTANT NEWS

The Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris, has revealed that President Bola Tinubu is expected to make a final decision on the new minimum wage this Thursday. This decision will follow a meeting with the organised Labour, after which the President will determine the amount to be forwarded to the National Assembly.

Federal Executive Council's Deliberations

The Federal Executive Council has already deliberated on the national minimum wage and will be inviting the organised Labour for a meeting this week. According to Idris, President Tinubu is not opposed to increasing the national minimum wage. However, he is exercising caution to avoid plunging the country into a severe inflationary trend.

A Careful Approach

While the President is committed to improving the welfare of Nigerian workers, he is taking a thoughtful approach to ensure that any increase in the minimum wage does not have adverse economic consequences. Further details on this development will be provisded in due course. Stay tuned for updates!

Afrobeats star David Adeleke, popularly known as Davido, surprised his wife Chioma Rowland with a brand new car at their wedding on Tuesday. 

A video from the event shows the moment when Davido unveiled the car, with a visibly elated Chioma rushing into it as soon as it was revealed. This isn't the first time the 'Assurance' hitmaker has gifted Chioma a car, having done so previously in 2019.

Davido recently surprised fans by announcing that he and Chioma would be tying the knot. Their wedding was a star-studded affair, attended by dignitaries such as Governors Ademola Adeleke (Osun), Babajide Sanwo-Olu (Lagos), Alex Otti (Abia), Godwin Obaseki (Edo), former President Olusegun Obasanjo, and the Ooni of Ife, HRH Adeyeye Enitan Ogunwusi, among other notable figures. Many celebrities were also present to celebrate the occasion.

You can watch the video of the car presentation here

President Tinubu highlighted the necessity of addressing banditry and terrorism to ensure farmers can cultivate and transport food efficiently. He pointed out that poor infrastructure, such as damaged roads, exacerbates the food supply problem, with significant losses occurring during transportation.

Reaffirming his dedication to Nigeria, Tinubu stated, "Good economics at a harsh time is the challenge that we must face. No matter how difficult it is, I will not turn my back on Nigeria." He urged citizens to adopt a more productive mindset and move away from rent-seeking behaviors, emphasizing the need to combat smuggling and other forms of economic sabotage.

Tinubu called for a national campaign to change the value system and mindset towards the country, stressing that everyone must contribute to overcoming current challenges.

He also praised the National Assembly's leadership for their support, which has facilitated key developments in his administration. Tinubu expressed pride in the partnership with the National Assembly, highlighting the importance of inclusivity in governance to alleviate the nation's hardships.

Senate President Akpabio, speaking to journalists after the meeting, lauded President Tinubu's leadership during his first year in office. He assured that the National Assembly would work on improving legislation to enhance the ease of doing business in Nigeria.

Peter Obi, the Labour Party's presidential candidate in the 2023 election, has criticized the Federal Government's plan to acquire new jets for President Bola Tinubu and his deputy, Kashim Shettima. According to a report, the House of Representatives Committee on National Security and Intelligence has asked the government to purchase these new aircraft.

Obi, citing the country's current economic hardships, said this move demonstrates the government's "extreme insensitivity to citizens' struggles." In a series of social media posts, the former Anambra governor noted that the decision is disconnected from the pressing issues of rising insecurity, poverty, hunger, and homelessness plaguing the nation. He described the decision as unacceptable, arguing that the situation demands a more compassionate use of resources, with a focus on improving citizens' welfare.

Obi pointed out that the average age of Nigeria's presidential jets is 12 years, purchased when most Nigerians could afford basic necessities. However, he said that now, as the country faces significant challenges, including a high debt profile, citizens are in even greater need. Obi argued that instead of adding to the government's luxuries, the focus should be on alleviating the suffering of the people and finding solutions to their problems.

The former governor criticized the government's priorities, stating that they are at odds with the needs of society, which is why the country is headed in the wrong direction. He cited examples, such as the government spending $15 million on the Vice President's residence, while the United States, with a much larger economy and higher per capita income, houses its Vice President in a house built over 100 years ago, valued at around $7.5 million. Obi called for an end to this "impunity, insensitivity, and shamelessness" and urged the government to prioritize education, healthcare, and lifting citizens out of poverty.