Category: News

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US Contradicts WTO Director-General Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala Over Nigeria’s Economy



The United States has disputed World Trade Organization (WTO) Director-General Dr. Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala’s assessment of Nigeria’s economy, citing that the new minimum wage of N70,000 hasn’t improved the standard of living for Nigerian workers due to the continued depreciation of the Naira.

The US report highlights that the minimum wage, pegged at about $47.90 per month, has lost its value due to the Naira trading at over N1,500 to the dollar. This has resulted in the wage being no longer higher than the poverty income level. Furthermore, the law only applies to employers with 25 or more full-time staff, leaving most workers in the informal economy unprotected.

Some key points from the report include¹ ²:
– Naira Depreciation: The Naira’s continued depreciation has undermined the new minimum wage, making it difficult for workers to afford basic necessities.
– Limited Coverage: The minimum wage law only applies to a small portion of the workforce, with most workers operating in the informal economy.
– Enforcement Issues: The government rarely enforces minimum wage and overtime laws, with penalties being low and not commensurate with other crimes like fraud.
– Informal Economy: Between 70 and 80 percent of Nigeria’s working population operates in the informal economy, where authorities fail to enforce wage, hour, and occupational safety and health laws.

Dr. Okonjo-Iweala had commended President Tinubu’s administration for restoring stability to Nigeria’s economy, but the US report presents a contrasting view, highlighting the challenges faced by Nigerian workers.

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Alaafin Of Oyo Denies Supremacy Battle With Ooni

Alaafin Of Oyo Denies Supremacy Battle With Ooni, Says British Colonial Govt Recognised His Throne As Yoruba Nation’s Superior Head.

The Alaafin of Oyo, Oba Akeem Owoade, has dismissed speculations of being in a supremacy tussle with any traditional ruler, including the Ooni of Ife, Oba Enitan Ogunwusi.

The monarch made this known in a statement issued on Thursday by his Director of Media and Publicity, Bode Durojaiye, in Ibadan, the Oyo State capital.

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Nigeria Deports 51 More Foreigners for Cyberterrorism and Internet Fraud

Nigeria Deports 51 More Foreigners for Cyberterrorism and Internet Fraud



The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) and the Nigerian Immigration Service (NIS) have repatriated 51 foreign nationals convicted of cyber-terrorism and internet fraud. The deportees include 50 Chinese nationals and one Tunisian, bringing the total number of deported convicts to 102 since the exercise began on August 15, 2025.

These individuals were part of a larger group of 192 foreign nationals arrested in Lagos during a sting operation targeting a major foreign-led cybercrime syndicate. The EFCC has stated that further deportations are scheduled in the coming days as part of an intensified crackdown on transnational cybercrime.

The deported individuals had completed their prison sentences handed down by the Federal High Court in Lagos before being handed over to immigration authorities for repatriation. The EFCC emphasized that this operation demonstrates Nigeria’s commitment to tackling global cybercrime syndicates and protecting its digital space.

Key Details:
– Number of Deportees: 102 foreign nationals deported since August 15, 2025
– Nationalities: 50 Chinese and one Tunisian in the latest batch
– Crimes: Cyber-terrorism and internet fraud, including romance scams and fraudulent cryptocurrency schemes
– Arrests: 192 foreign nationals arrested in Lagos during a sting operation
– Future Plans: Further deportations scheduled as court processes for remaining suspects are concluded.

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Japan Names Kisarazu City as Hometown for Nigerians in New Cultural Diplomacy Effort

Kisarazu, a city in Chiba Prefecture, Japan, has been designated as a “hometown” for Nigerians looking to live and work in Japan. This initiative aims to foster cultural diplomacy, boost economic growth, and enhance workforce productivity.

About Kisarazu

  • Location: Chiba Prefecture, Japan, approximately 30 kilometers southwest of Chiba City and 70-80 kilometers from central Tokyo
  • Population: around 136,023 people
  • Economy: Mixed economy with commercial fishing, agriculture, and heavy industry along its Tokyo Bay shoreline

Getting to Kisarazu

  • Train: Accessible via JR Uchibo Line and JR Keiyo Line from Tokyo Station, with journey times ranging from 40 minutes to 1 hour 20 minutes
  • Bus: Bus services available from Tokyo Station, Yokohama, Shinagawa, Kawasaki, and Haneda Airport

Living in Kisarazu

  • Climate: Humid subtropical with warm summers and cool winters
  • Attractions: Kisarazu Port, firework displays, and traditional festivals like the Kisarazu Port Festival

For Nigerians considering this opportunity, it’s essential to research the specific requirements, benefits, and cultural aspects of living in Kisarazu.

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‘Learn Combat Skills For Self Defence’, CDS Musa Tells Nigerians

General Christopher Musa, Chief of Defence Staff, has urged Nigerians to acquire combat skills for self-defense, emphasizing that it’s essential for survival in today’s world. He suggests that learning combat skills is similar to acquiring essential life skills like driving or swimming. According to him, security awareness and self-defense are critical for all Nigerians, and the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) should incorporate unarmed combat training for graduates.

Key Points:

  • Combat Skills for Self-Defense: General Musa believes that combat skills are vital for Nigerians to protect themselves in uncertain times.
  • NYSC Training: He recommends that NYSC should equip Nigerian graduates with unarmed combat training to help them navigate daily threats.
  • Shared Responsibility: Musa emphasizes that security is a shared responsibility among all Nigerians, and citizens should remain vigilant and report suspicious activities.

This call to action comes as Nigeria faces various security challenges, and General Musa highlights the importance of synergy between the military, citizens, and other stakeholders to address these issues. By acquiring combat skills, Nigerians can better protect themselves and contribute to a safer community.

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Teenage Pregnancy in Nigeria: Challenges and Solutions

The Federal Government of Nigeria reports that 15% of girls aged 15-19 are mothers or pregnant. This highlights the need to address teenage pregnancy challenges.

Challenges:
– Limited access to sexual education and reproductive health
– Inadequate family planning resources
– Poverty and lack of opportunities
– Cultural norms supporting early marriage

Solutions:
– Enhance sexual education and reproductive health access
– Increase family planning resources
– Economic empowerment for adolescent girls
– Support girls’ education and prevent early marriage
– Community engagement on adolescent health

By tackling these challenges and implementing solutions, Nigeria can reduce teenage pregnancy and empower girls to reach their potential. Collaboration between government, civil society, and communities is key.

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FG Commences Registration for 100,000 Youth Financial Literacy Program

The Federal Government has initiated registration for a nationwide financial education program aimed at equipping 100,000 Nigerian youths with essential skills in financial literacy, global trade, entrepreneurship, and investing. This initiative, in collaboration with Investonaire Academy, seeks to empower young people with practical knowledge to thrive in today’s financial landscape.

Program Highlights:

  • Eligibility: Open to all Nigerian youths, including students, NYSC members, entrepreneurs, job seekers, and young professionals across the 36 states and the Federal Capital Territory.
  • Registration: Free of charge, available on the Investonaire website www.insvetonaire.org
  • Training: Delivered through a digital Learning Management System (LMS) featuring gamified lessons, simulations, quizzes, and real-life trading scenarios.
  • Curriculum: Covers global asset classes, portfolio management, risk assessment, and wealth-building strategies.
  • Certificate: Industry-recognized certificate upon completion, supporting career advancement and entrepreneurial growth.

Benefits:

  • Enhance financial literacy and entrepreneurship skills
  • Improve employability and promote sustainable wealth creation
  • Equip young people with practical skills in forex trading, risk management, and financial planning
  • Support career advancement and entrepreneurial growth

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Open Letter to the Governor of Kwara State, AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq

An Open Letter to the Governor of Kwara State, AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq

By Concerned Citizens

Dear Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq,

We are writing to express deep concerns about the welfare of the people of Kwara State under your leadership. Despite the state’s substantial monthly allocations, citizens continue to struggle with poverty, hunger, and lack of access to basic necessities. The situation is particularly dire in Kwara State, where hunger is rising at an alarming rate, with citizens struggling to make ends meet despite the drop in food commodity prices.

The increment of the level of hunger is a big problem fueling security threats in the state. As hunger continues to soar, desperate individuals may resort to extreme measures to survive, posing a significant risk to the stability of the state. It is imperative that the government takes proactive steps to address the root causes of poverty and hunger.

The Alarming Rate of Hunger

People are dying before their time by hunger every day. This is a tragic reality that is unfolding in our state, and it is our collective responsibility to address it. The government must take immediate action to provide relief to those suffering from hunger and poverty.

Misplaced Priorities

We are concerned that the government is concentrating on bigger projects that are of less concern to the citizens, rather than investing in human capacity development programs. Billions of naira are being awarded to different projects every week, while only meager amounts are allocated to human development. This approach is not only unsustainable but also perpetuates poverty and inequality.

Contract Award Process

Furthermore, we are concerned about the contract award process in the state. Contracts are often awarded to local contractors or businesses through intermediaries, who cut a significant portion of the funds before executing the contract. This practice not only increases the cost of projects but also undermines the potential of local businesses. We urge the government to award contracts directly to local contractors or businesses, without intermediaries, to ensure that the funds are utilized efficiently.

Efficient Utilization of Funds

We also urge the government to ensure that funds are utilized efficiently and for the quality standard of the job. This can be achieved by implementing robust monitoring and evaluation mechanisms, as well as ensuring transparency and accountability in the contract award process.

The Paradox of Poverty Amidst Plenty

Kwara State is not alone in this struggle. Many states in Nigeria are facing similar challenges, with citizens suffering despite the government’s substantial allocations. The situation is further exacerbated by the fact that projects are often awarded to foreign entities, rather than local businesses and taxpayers. This approach not only undermines the potential of local businesses but also perpetuates poverty and dependence on government handouts.

Key Concerns:

  • Poverty Alleviation: The state government’s efforts to alleviate poverty seem inadequate, with many citizens struggling to make ends meet. The poverty rate in Kwara State is alarming, and it’s essential that the government takes proactive steps to address this issue.
  • Project Allocation: It’s disheartening to see projects being awarded to foreign entities rather than local taxpayers and businesses, which could boost the local economy. This approach not only undermines the potential of local businesses but also perpetuates poverty and dependence on government handouts.
  • Civil Servants’ Welfare: The fact that civil servants are not exempt from paying taxes despite the economic hardships raises questions about the government’s priorities. Civil servants are the backbone of the state’s economy, and their welfare should be a top priority.

Recommendations:

  • Prioritize Human Capacity Development: Invest in programs that provide citizens with skills and resources to break the cycle of poverty. This could include vocational training, entrepreneurship programs, and microfinance initiatives.
  • Prioritize Local Content: Award projects directly to local businesses and taxpayers to stimulate economic growth and development. This approach will not only boost the local economy but also create jobs and opportunities for citizens.
  • Support Civil Servants: Consider relief measures for civil servants struggling with the economic situation. This could include tax exemptions, salary increases, or other forms of support.
  • Empower MSMEs: Establish clinics and programs to support micro, small, and medium-sized enterprises, fostering entrepreneurship and job creation. MSMEs are the backbone of any economy, and supporting them will have a positive impact on the state’s economy.

Appreciation and Call to Action

We appreciate the work you have done so far, Governor, and we understand that your vision is to change the look of the state. However, we urge you to also prioritize changing the face of the people, so that they can befit the new look of the state. By investing in the welfare of citizens and implementing policies that benefit the local population, you can create a brighter future for the people of Kwara State.

Sincerely,
Comr. Sulaiman Abdulfatai O.

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“Dropping Out Doesn’t Mean Failing: Femi Otedola’s Story”

Femi Otedola, the billionaire businessman, is a shining example of how success is not solely dependent on academic credentials. Despite struggling in school and not attending university, Otedola has built a business empire that spans oil, energy, finance, and philanthropy.

Otedola’s academic struggles began early on. He attended prestigious schools like Methodist Boys’ High School in Lagos and Olivet Baptist High School in Oyo, but consistently ranked at the bottom of his class. After completing his Lower Sixth examination, Otedola decided to drop out of school, realizing that academia wasn’t his forte.

However, Otedola’s true passion lay in business. He found fascination with his father’s printing company, Impact Press, and quickly learned the ins and outs of the industry. Otedola’s father eventually allowed him to work full-time in the business, and he threw himself into the role. At just 25 years old, Otedola became the managing director of Impact Press.

Otedola’s success didn’t stop there. He went on to build a business empire, investing in various sectors and becoming one of the most successful entrepreneurs in Nigeria. His story serves as a testament to the fact that success is not solely dependent on academic credentials, but rather on hard work, determination, and a willingness to take risks.

Today, Otedola is a respected businessman and philanthropist, known for his generosity and commitment to giving back to his community. His story is an inspiration to many, showing that with the right mindset and work ethic, anyone can achieve success, regardless of their academic background.

Some key takeaways from Otedola’s story include:

– The importance of finding one’s passion and pursuing it with dedication and hard work
– The fact that success is not solely dependent on academic credentials
– The value of learning from failures and using them as stepping stones to success
– The importance of taking calculated risks and being willing to step outside one’s comfort zone

Overall, Femi Otedola’s story is a powerful reminder that success is within reach, regardless of one’s academic background. With the right mindset and work ethic, anyone can achieve greatness and build a successful career.

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Ooni Dismisses 48-hour Ultimatum, Describes Alafain as COMEDIAN

Ooni Dismisses 48-hour Ultimatum, Describes Alafain as COMEDIAN

Ooni of Ife, Oba Enitan Adeyeye Ogunwusi, has refused to respond to the 48-hour ultimatum issued by the Alaafin of Oyo, Oba Abimbola Akeem Owoade, over the controversial ‘Okanlomo of Yorubaland’ chieftaincy title he recently conferred on Ibadan-based businessman, Engineer Dotun Sanusi, aka Ilaji.

Speaking on Tuesday through his spokesperson, Moses Olafare, the Ooni dismissed the threat as “empty” and unworthy of an official response.

In a Facebook post, Olafare disclosed that Oba Ogunwusi personally directed him to ignore the Alaafin’s warning, insisting that the matter had already been subjected to the “court of public opinion.”

Olafare described the Alaafin as a “comedian”, likening him to the late popular comedian, Moses Olaiya, better known by his stage name ‘Baba Sala’.

“My Principal has directed me against issuing a Press Release on the Empty Threat of the Alawada Babasala,” he said.

“I beg to disappoint you gentlemen of the press. We cannot dignify the undignifyable with an official response. We leave the matter to be handled in the public court of opinion has it is already being treated.

“Let’s rather focus on narratives that unite us rather than the ones capable of dividing us.

“No Press Release pls. 48 Hours My Foot!!!”

The Alaafin had on Monday described the Ooni’s action as an “affront” and a direct challenge to his authority after the conferment of the “Okanlomo of Yorubaland” title on Sanusi.

In a statement signed by his Director of Media and Publicity, Bode Durojaiye, the Oyo monarch declared that only the Alaafin holds the exclusive right to bestow Yoruba-wide titles, citing a Supreme Court ruling as precedent.

“The conferment of a Yoruba-wide chieftaincy title by the Ooni is not only ultra vires but an insult to the Titan of Yorubaland. The Supreme Court itself has ruled that only the Alaafin has such authority. Yet, the Ooni continues to act above the law, trampling on both tradition and the courts,” the statement read.

The Alaafin warned that failure by the Ooni to withdraw the title within 48 hours would attract “consequences.”

This is not the first time both stools have clashed over chieftaincy matters. In 1991, the late Alaafin, Oba Lamidi Adeyemi, accused the then Ooni, Oba Okunade Sijuade, of desecrating tradition after he conferred the “Akinrogun of Yorubaland” title on Chief Tom Ikimi, then National Chairman of the National Republican Convention.