The Federal Government, on Wednesday, said corp members under the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) scheme will enjoy the N30,000 new minimum wage from December.

CAMPUS GIST reports that the Minister of Youth and Sports Development, Mr Sunday Dare, made the disclosure in a tweet on his official Twitter handle, @SundayDareSD.

“New Minimum Wage: NYSC members to enjoy new minimum wage/allowee. Details coming…”, Mr Dare tweeted.

“Next week the DG NYSC will provide details of the new allowee for the Youth Corp members after full briefing from the Ministries of Finance And MYSD.”

https://twitter.com/SundayDareSD/status/1187081677253644288?s=19

The development comes few hours after the Federal Executive Council (FEC) at today's meeting gave December 31 deadline for the commencement of payment of the new minimum wage.

The Minister of Labour and Employment, Chris Ngige, had announced at the end of the meeting that FEC okayed the new minimum wage should take effect on or before December 31, 2019.

With the new development, all serving corps members would be captured in the new minimum wage as soon as the government commences payment.

President Muhammadu Buhari on Wednesday, October 23, 2019 participated in the opening ceremony of the Russia-Africa Economic Summit in Sochi, Russia.

Buhari had arrived Sochi on Monday ahead of the summit in company of Governors Muhammad Yahaya of Gombe, Bello Matawalle of Zamfara and Kayode Fayemi of Ekiti.

In a statement obtained by Igbere TV, the Presidency said the summit which focuses on peace, security, and development will take place between today, October 23 and 25.

Those with the President in Russia are ministers of Foreign Affairs, Geoffrey Onyeama; Trade and Investment, Adeniyi Adebayo; Minister of Mines and Steel Development, Olamilekan Adegbite and Minister of Petroleum (State), Timipre Sylva.

During the opening ceremony, President Buhari met his Russian counterpart and one of the world's acclaimed powerful president, Vladimir Putin.

In a statement sighted on a presidential aide’s handle by Igbere TV, President Putin said Russia would aim to double trade with Africa over the next five years.

Edo State Governor, Mr Godwin Obaseki has commiserated with families of the victims of the accident involving his convoy, on Saturday.

CAMPUS GIST had reported that seven people were killed in an accident involving the advance team of Governor Obaseki.

They were said to be on their way to Ambrose Alli University, Ekpoma, ahead of the Governor’s visit for the school’s 22nd convocation ceremony.

Several other persons including one of the Governor’s driver and Government House protocol, were also injured in the accident.

Those killed were passengers of an Audi car, which was said to have lost its tyres after running into a pothole along the Benin-Auchi expressway.

In a statement, Special Adviser to the Governor on Media and Communication Strategy, Mr. Crusoe Osagie, conveyed Obaseki’s condolences to the victims and their families.

“We have confirmed from the Police and the Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC) details of the accident involving the advance team of the Governor’s Protocol team”, he said.

“The development is extremely sad. We commiserate with the families of the victims and pray that God grants them the fortitude to bear the painful loss.

“From our findings, the Audi vehicle lost its tyre and ran into a pothole, before colliding with the Hilux vehicle, which was conveying protocol officers from Edo State Government House”, Osagie added.

The Governor’s media aide added that the state government would ensure that the affected families get the necessary support to lessen the impact of the incident.

Edo State Governor, Mr. Godwin Obaseki, has confirmed the appointment of Mr. Julius Osemen Anelu as the state’s Accountant General, Igbere TV reports.

Anelu had been working in acting capacity as the Accountant General since his appointment was announced in June this year.

In a statement obtained by Igbere TV, the state head of service, Isaac Ehiozuwa said the governor has approved the appointment, which takes immediate effect.

Ehiozuwa explained that the appointment is in line with the state government’s drive to reposition the civil service for efficient service delivery.

Born in 1971, Anelu joined the civil service in 1991 and rose through the ranks through diligence and hard work.

Until his appointment, he was the Director, Finance and Accounts, Directorate of Government House and Protocol.

He holds a Bachelor’s Degree in Accounting; a Master of Business Administration (MBA); Master of Science (MSc), in Accounting and Masters in Human Resource Management, all from the University of Benin (UNIBEN), Benin City, Edo State.

He is a Fellow of the Institute of Chartered Accountants of Nigeria (ICAN); Fellow, Chartered Institute of Taxation of Nigeria (CITN); Associate Member, Institute of Finance and Control of Nigeria (IFCN), among others.

Edo Governor Godwin Obaseki has sacked all local government political appointees.

Those affected are Special Advisers, Senior Special Assistants, Secretary to Local Government and Supervisory Councillors.

The sacking was contained in a three- paragraph letter.

It was gathered that the sacking of local government political appointees was to affect only those in Edo North senatorial district but it was later changed to all the 18 local government areas.

One of the affected appointee in Owan East, Mr. Godwin Imoudu confirmed the sacking saying he has received his letter.

Earlier this month, Governor Obaseki had sacked over 300 political appointees in what is seen as a way to sweep fifth columnists out of his administrations.

About four council chairmen, Eghe Ogbemudia (Egor) Hon Patrick Aguinede, (Esan West) Alhaji Yakson Musa in Etsako West and Alhaji Aremiyau Momoh of Etsako East have been suspended for alleged corrupt activities.

National Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Comrade Adams Oshiomhole has urged his supporters and members of the party in Edo state to remain calm, ahead of next year's gubernatorial election in the state.

Oshiomhole gave the advice, yesterday, while addressing some youths who converged at his Benin City residence in solidarity, after security forces foiled an attack on his residence by suspected hoodlums, reports Igbere TV.

Armed thugs believed to be in the other camp of Edo APC, were said to have stormed the residence located at Okorotun Street, in GRA, on Saturday, October 12, chanting war songs and blocking the main entrance in their numbers.

Igbere TV reports that the former Governor of Edo State and foremost labour leader was said to be away on a function at Protea Hotel in Benin when the hoodlums stormed his residence in a Nissan Vanette buses.

Reacting to the development, Oshiomhole urged his supporters to embrace peace, alleging that the motive of “those beating the drum of war” is to plunge Edo State into avoidable crisis.

“In a moment like this, it is not madness for madness because many of you I see here...in 2007, you were already strong”, he said. “During my second tenure in 2012, you were already strong; even in 2016, some of you were already deployed as party agent.

“These people want to create what has not happened for a very long time. They want war and want to cause crisis. They are boasting that they want to crush and crush people. They should go and buy crushing machine.

“No man born of a woman can change what God has said. And if God says No, who can say yes? My own is don't allow them drag you out of the bathroom like the Igbo man says and be running after them like the two naked mad men because we are not mad.

“If it comes to the ruffle-ruffle that he wants, they don't have the number. You know that when you start to tell lies, you will have to lie many times to sustain one lie.

“We will not condescend to their level.

“But, let me say this. It is clear, Nigeria is a free country. There is freedom of association. There is freedom of worship. There is freedom of religion. There is freedom of expression. So, nobody in Nigeria can harass you. Just be the good guys that you are.

“My weapon which is the truth, is more powerful than the weapon of the armed forces in the world”, the APC national chairman added.

“Have I threatened any of you? I have never sent any of you to prison. How many of you have I ever said to...‘if you do not follow me, I will send you to prison?’.

“The tradition of Edo people is that if you do something which makes your father unhappy, he will call you home and say; 'my son, don't do this again'.

“As a father or mother, maturity is the ability to change the habit that you are not happy with instead of training your children in a way. There is no wisdom to do as if you are an Angel. Who has never sinned? Those who want to cast the first stone, may God bless them”, he said.

“If other people are beating the drum of war, we will share the drum of peace. You remember the story of Solomon in the Bible for those who are Christians, even those who are not Christians.

“Two women were arguing who is the actual owner of a Child. Solomon called the two mothers who were laying claims to the Child. There was no way to proof [the actual owner] because at that time, there was no DNA. So, King Solomon said lets divide the child into two parts so that everybody has something.

“The one that is not the owner of the child said “yes”, but the actual mother of the child said “no, leave the child for my second.” Then Solomon said “you are the actual mother.”

….as police foils attempt by armed thugs

….Obaseki, deputy, SSG fingered

…we’re not aware of any attack… – EDSG

Some armed political thugs have reportedly attacked the Benin City residence of the National Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Comrade Adams Oshiomhole.

Led by one Muktari Osagie and Ebo Stone, the thugs were seen chanting anti-Oshiomhole songs, declaring their motive without any form of restraint nor discretion.

The thugs were said to be supporters of Governor Godwin Obaseki, his Deputy, Philip Shaibu and the Secretary to the State Government, Osarodion Ogie.

Igbere TV, however, gathered that the APC national chairman was not at home when the thugs arrived. He was said to be attending a friend’s occasion at a nearby residence.

The thugs said to be state-sponsored, remained at Oshiomhole’s residence, chanting various songs apparently awaiting to accost the national chairman upon his arrival.

“But for the swift intervention of a combined team of army and policemen, the thugs would have vandalized the building”, a source who pleaded anonymity told Igbere TV.

According to a police source, “Information spread to us and a combine team arrived the scene. We dislodged them and the situation was brought under control”.

We have no knowledge of alleged attack on Oshiomhole – Edo govt

The Edo State Government has said it has no knowledge of the attack on the the residence of the APC National Chairman, Comrade Adams Oshiomhole.

In a statement by Special Adviser to the Governor on Media, Crusoe Osagie, the government said, “We have no knowledge of the attack. We have also reached out to the Police, and they affirmed that they do not know about such an attack.”

kendrick93:
Who owns igberetv?
Why are they always on FP?

Farmers in Abia State who deal on rice cultivation, have challenged the 2019 governorship candidate of the All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA), Dr Alex Otti, to patronize rice farmers in the state to disprove his recent claims on the product.

Otti had in a press conference held in Lagos, accused Abia State Government of lying about the existence of Abia rice. According to him, “Abia state has consistently lied to the world that there is a state government sponsored agricultural revolution in Abia, including the nonexistent Abia rice.”

But reacting in a statement sent to Igbere TV, Coordinator of the Abia State Accelerated Rice Development, Pastor Okechukwu Dike, said it was unfortunate that Otti would address a press conference without carrying out a simple investigation.

He challenged the former governorship candidate to avail himself of the opportunity presented by Governor Okezie Ikpeazu’s rice revolution and place his Christmas order as a way of patronizing his people, and to also prove if 'Osikapa Abia' has the capacity to meet up with his rice demands.

“We shall be dignifying the falsehood of Dr. Alex Otti if we keep quiet. It is disheartening that a man of Dr. Alex Otti’s calibre should be peddling these lies about us, Osikapa Abia. For the avoidance of doubt and in order to state the records straight, we wish to state as follows:

“That the statement credited to Dr. Alex Otti about Osikapa Abia Rice are all lies.

“That it is very unfortunate that a man of his standard should make a press release without simple investigation.

“Having failed in his gubernatorial pursuit, Dr. Alex Otti should find other ways of being relevant other than dropping cheap lies.

“Osikapa Abia is a government rice development programme initiated by Dr. Okezie Victor Ikpeazu in order to harness the rice potentials of the state and to create job for the farmers and youths of the state. Osikapa Abia is meeting up with this mandate.

“Osikapa Abia programme started in 2017 but was officially launched on 28th September, 2019 by the Governor, Dr Okezie Ikpeazu.It has its head office at Uzuakoli, in a fenced large expanse of about 23 plots of land. The factory houses numerous millers, de-stoners, polishers and other rice milling machines. Administrative block with conveniences, waiting halls and warehouses have all been constructed. I therefore ask which Rice mill was Dr Alex Otti describing as being housed in two untidy rooms? I make bold to say that Dr Alex Otti did not visit our mill. There are other ways of seeking relevance other than disrupting the peace of the state. Dr. Alex Otti should seek those alternative ways of being relevant.

“Other than the one at Uzuakoli, we also have Rice mills at Acha, Isuikwuato, Ofeme and Bende. New mills will soon be built at other strategic rice producing areas of the state in no distant time.

“Rice distribution outlets have been opened at Abia Line Head Office, Umuahia with another warehouse at Ugwunchara, Umuahia. New ones at Ohafia and Aba will soon be opened.

“I implore Abians and Nigerians to see beyond the cheap lies and “pull him down” syndrome of Dr Alex Otti and focus on the good works of the Governor in areas of rice cultivation and processing. For the first time in the history of our dear state has a Governor sourced and supplied improved rice seedlings to her farmers. Also many farming implements were given to farmers during this farming season. The farmers are happy for this gesture of the Governor. Farmers can now process their rice within the state and the government with other interested buyers have been buying all processed rice from those willing to sell.

“We implore Dr. Alex Otti to avail himself of this Dr. Okezie Ikpeazu Rice revolution and place his Christmas order as a way of patronising his people for the first time and to also prove if Osikapa Abia has the capacity to meet up with his Rice demands”, the statement sent to Igbere TV partly read.”

Abia State Governor, Dr Okezie Victor Ikpeazu has approved the extension of the ultimatum earlier issued traders to vacate the Isi Gate, in Umuahia.

A statement obtained by Igbere TV issued by Chief John Okiyi-Kalu, Commissioner for Information, said the extension followed an appeal by the protesting traders.

According to him, “The Governor has approved the extension of the ultimatum for them to relocate till 31st December, 2019.”

The statement however directed the traders to “ensure that the sanitary condition of the area is good, maintain security, do not obstruct free flow of traffic and they are not to impede beautification work planned for the area.”

“By this notice, all traders are expected to voluntarily leave the Isi Gate area before close of business on the 31st of December 2019 as anyone found there will be dealt with according to the law”, Okiyi-Kalu added.

Spiritualist Satguru Maharaj Ji has urged Alhaji Atiku Abubakar not to further challenge the electoral victory of President Muhammadu Buhari at the Supreme Court.

Igbere TV had reported that Atiku, presidential candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), lost his bid to upturn the victory of Buhari and the APC at the Presidential Election Petitions Tribunal.

Obviously not satisfied with the verdict of the tribunal as regards the February 23 presidential election, Atiku and his party, PDP filed an appeal at the Supreme Court.

But speaking at a press conference monitored by Igbere TV at his Lagos spiritual centre, Oct. 5, Maharaj-Ji called on the former vice-president to discontinue the court process, and openly congratulate President Buhari on his victory, instead.

“There is need to inform all contestants not to institute any further appeal in the Supreme Court. Rather they should congratulate and give support to Mr. President to allow him proceed in earnest to tackle matters of State which require urgent attention”, he said.

“I would like to also congratulate all present for cooperating with me to disgrace the enemies of the people who predicted that there would be war in Nigeria before, if not during and or after the just ended general elections.

“I singularly led the team to advise the blacks in the Diaspora right from the word not to vote for any other contestants other than President Buhari because we do not need any egregious leader who would wire, transform and steal all your wealth for developing Middle Eastern and European countries, as discovered during the first term of Mr. President.

“I am therefore congratulating the Judges in the Presidential Election Petitions Tribunal for a job well done to confirm that the elections of President Buhari was fair, free and conducted in an atmosphere of peace.

“This was given credence by all the local and foreign observers”, Maharaj-Ji added.

He called on the nation’s treasury looters and corrupt politicians to surrender their loots and negotiate a soft landing, while allaying the fear of any possible coup in Nigeria.

“I would like through this medium, to allay the fears of the other members of the opposition groups who have been fingered for diverting moneys meant for public utilities for private use, not to be afraid.

“All they need do is to come out one by one to confess and handover what is left of how much they stole and they would be given soft landing, otherwise, they should be prepared for the worst should they wait to be caught unawares. IBB and Abdulsalam Coup cannot happen at this time”, he said.

Maharaj-Ji urged the Nigerian government to take urgent steps to rename the country to “Republic of SONGHAI”, ‘the Country of the Sun God’, adding that “a stitch in time saves nine.”