₦airaland Forum

Students of the Benue State School of Nursing and Midwifery have protested non payment of their N3,000 monthly clinical allowances and undue increases in their tuition, among other sundry challenges.

They made their feelings known to newsmen who had visited the schools in Makurdi on Friday, to get first-hand information about the situation.

All the students that spoke to newsmen craved anonymity for fear of victimisation.

“Our clinical allowances of N3,000 monthly have not been paid for over six years now. Our fees have been increased from N50,000 to N80,000, without officially informing us.

“We are surprised at how the state Ministry of Health, in collaboration with the school authority, will be compelling us to pay the amount before we sit our examinations when they did not give us prior notice about the increase,” they alleged.

They maintained that they got to know about the increase when they wanted to pay their tuitions and the accountant told them to pay an additional N30,000.

NAN reports that the school environment was very unhygienic to the extent that even toilet facilities were lacking. The students stressed that the situation compelled them to defecate in nearby bushes.


Similarly, they lamented that the schools lacked water, alleging that the authorities had turned deaf ears to their complaints, even when they were reminded time and again.

The News Agency of Nigeria gathered that the schools had since been closed indefinitely following the protests.

When contacted, the Commissioner for Health and Human Services, Dr. Joseph Ngbea, frowned at the protest by the students, stating that it was an embarrassment to government and the ministry.

Ngbea said that his office had no knowledge of any increase in the school fees, assuring that the students’ grievances would be looked into.

He lamented that he had a meeting with the students on campus on Monday, but they could not clearly articulate their grievances, and that in the meantime, the students would be made to sign an undertaking before the schools could be reopened

The Chairman, National Drug Law Enforcement Agency, Brig. Gen. Mohammed Marwa (retd.), has said the call for the legalisation of cannabis sativa cannot succeed in Nigeria because the proliferation of illicit drugs often leads to crime, chaos and conflict.

Marwa asked those calling on Nigeria to legalise cannabis and join the league of countries taking economic advantage of the substance if they would be happy to see their teenage children having free access to the substance in the name of national economy.

“Our individual answer to that question will give us a public opinion of where we should stand as a country in the cannabis debate. We should stop treating cannabis like some sweet candy without any side effects. Its repercussions outweigh the vaunted benefits. And legalising its cultivation for a country like Nigeria is a shortcut to illicit drug Armageddon,” Marwa said.

He argued further that Nigeria could not afford to join countries legalising cannabis because Nigeria’s regulatory capacity was not sophisticated.

Marwa stated these while featuring as a guest speaker during the 2021 Ulefunta Annual Public Lecture organised by the Deji of Akure, Oba Aladetoyinbo Ogunlade Aladelusi.

According to a statement on Friday by NDLEA spokesperson, Femi Babafemi, Marwa was represented at the event by his Special Adviser on National Drug Control Master Plan, Otunba Lanre Ipinmisho, at the event, which was chaired by a former Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Chief Olu Falae.

The statement quoted Marwa as arguing that legilising cannabis would not augur well for Nigeria, judging from experiences in other climes.



He said, “Africa, nay, Nigeria has enough problems without adding the burden of narco-terrorism. Of all the known illicit substances, cannabis sativa is the only one that is native to Nigeria and it is the most abused of all illicit drugs, and from the findings of the National drug Survey of 2018, cannabis is becoming a national albatross.”

While warning that the number of Nigerians hooked on cannabis alone was more than the population of countries like Portugal, Greece or the Republic of Benin, Marwa said Nigeria could not afford to toy with the grim reality of the danger of legalising cannabis when all the needed infrastructure to monitor and control that was still far from being in place.

He added, “Where cannabis is concerned, we should not by any argument allow ourselves to become the proverbial fool that rushed in where angels fear to tread. Countries like Canada, which are pro-cannabis, have strong and efficient institutions that are way ahead of ours.

“And for those who point at the inherent economic benefit that could accrue from legalisation of cultivation, in accordance with our reality, would you be comfortable, if, by tomorrow, your 13-year-old son could easily access marijuana, or you find some wraps of weed in his pocket, or you learnt someone had introduced your 16-year-old daughter to smoking igbo under the pretext that it has medicinal value?”

Former President Olusegun Obasanjo on Friday declared that his faith in a better Nigeria remained unshakable.

Obasanjo insisted that the country would not be destroyed by the myriads of challenges confronting it.

Obasanjo disclosed this during the opening of Abeokuta Window on America held at the Olusegun Obasanjo Presidential Library Abeokuta, the Ogun State capital.

The Abeokuta Window on America is a type of American Space located in over 150 countries worldwide set up to engage Nigerian youths in learning about American culture and politics.

The space is set up in the youth centre of the OOPL in partnership with US consulate in Nigeria.

Delivering his keynote address at the event, Obasanjo expressed optimism that no matter what the country was going through, evil would not triumph over good.

The former President, who was represented by the Deputy Coordinator of OOPL, Mr Ayodele Aderinwale, said, “Whatever may be the problem or challenges currently confronting Nigeria today, I assure you that they are not problems on the attack; they are actually problems on the retreat.



“My faith in Nigeria remains unshakable. My optimism about the future is resounding; some may wonder how the future will be rescued. (But) I see hope in the determination, resilience and the indomitable spirit of Nigerians. I see hope, in their resistance when they are pushed to the wall.

“I see hope in the zeal, commitment and courage in the face of adversity. I see hope in the boundless and incurable optimism of young Nigerians.


“I see hope in the willingness of Nigerian young people who have resisted with all their might the evil that are being perpetrated.

“I see hopein the unwavering conduct and uncompromising drive of Nigerians in demanding a democratic process. I see hope in the ingenuity and infinite creativity of the Nigerians. I see hope in the youth and young, for our tomorrow lies in them.

“I see hope in the great potential of the Nigerian, empowered, motivated and well led. I see hope in the blending of experience, energy and dynamism of the old and the new.

“I see hope in the dynamism, vibrancy and richness of our culture. And I see hope in the commonality of humanity.”

Speaking on the importance of the Abeokuta Window on America, the U.S. Consulate Public Affairs Officer, Stephen Ibelli, disclosed that the space would offer programmes on topics of interest designed to bring Americans and Nigerians closer.


He said the space would further deepen the US-Nigerian relationship, adding that no fewer than 100 youths would be engaged on a weekly basis in learning about the culture, history and politics of America through books and over 300 online publications.

The Inspector General of Police (I-G), Mr Usman Baba, has assured that there was no plan to reinstate the disbanded Special Anti Robbery Squad (SARS) into the Nigeria Police.

The Force Public Relations Officer (FPRO), Mr Frank Mba, disclosed this in a statement, on Thursday, in Abuja.


Mba said the clarification followed reports making the rounds both online and offline that the IGP had ordered the re-instatement of the disbanded SARS.


“The Force wishes to emphasise that there is no plan whatsoever to bring back the disbanded SARS. SARS is gone for good and will not resurrect under any guise whatsoever,” he said.


that the Nigeria Police had re-organised the operational structure of the squad to fill the vacuum created by its disbandment, as the leadership of the Force remained focused on efforts at deepening reforms within the Force.

Mba said the idea was to bequeath Nigerians, a Police Force that would be more effective, efficient, technology-driven, humane and rule of law compliant.



The FPRO urged the public to disregard the report, saying that it was deliberately intended to misinform the public.

benuejosh:
stop the hatred on Buhari. The Bible said we should love one another. The Holy Spirit does hate, it is not his attribute. I am saying this because I assume you're you're a true Christian.

THERE are strong indications that Petroleum Tanker Drivers, PTD, branch of the Nigeria Union of Petroleum and Natural Gas Workers, NUPENG, may begin a nationwide strike any moment from today over the deplorable conditions of federal roads across the country and two other pending issues.


The other grievances of the tanker drivers are perceived refusal of the federal government to enforce the compulsory installation of safety valve in all petroleum trucks to protect the inflammable contents from spilling over in a situation of road mishaps and alleged continued abuse of the tonnage capacity of Petroleum trucks by marketers and transporters across the country.

Recall that leaders of PTD had on September 25, issued an October 8, 2021 deadline to the Federal Government to address these pending issues, failing which members would down tools and resume the nationwide strike earlier scheduled for March 27, 2021, but was shelved after assurances by the government that the issues would be addressed.



Vanguard investigation revealed that since the strike notice was given on September 25, and October 7, not only had demands not been addressed, there had not been efforts by the government or its agents to reach out to the union.

An official of PTD who spoke to Vanguard on condition of anonymity, said “I have nothing to tell you other than that our ultimatum will expire tomorrow (Friday, October . As at today, Thursday, October 7, nothing has changed. The ultimatum subsists.”



On what will happen after the expiration, he said “the communiqué we issued on September 25, 2021 in Enugu has explained our next line of action. Do not forget, since Monday September 27, we have been on a work-to-rule action in accordance with the communiqué. Well, if you must know, the nationwide may begin this weekend or any moment after tomorrow (Friday).”

Leaders of PTD had in a communiqué issued at the end of its Branch Executive Council, BEC, meeting in Enugu, members resolved to begin a work-to-rule action from Monday, September 27.


The communiqué said among others, “Council in session observed with grave concerns and disappointment the deplorable and shameful conditions of the Nigeria highways inspite of several calls and threats we have issued to the various layers of governments. These highways have turned to death traps and dens of trucks hijackers for the Petroleum Tanker Drivers. Our members are losing their lives and sources of livelihood on hourly basis.



“The list of these highways is endless and Petroleum Tanker Drivers have been going through harrowing situations even while rendering selfless national services, to ensure delivery of Petroleum products to homes and factories in every nook and cranny of this country, day and nights, in good and bad weather.”

On Trucks Safety Valve, the communiqué said “The Branch Executive Council in session reviewed with sadness, pains and deep worries the suspension of the ultimatum issued by the Branch Executive Council on the 27th March 2021 over the increasing rate of fire incidences involving petroleum trucks with accompanying massive destruction of lives and properties of our members and general public.”

Apex Igbo socio-cultural organisation, Ohanaeze Ndigbo, an elder statesman, Chekwas Okorie and former President General of Aka Ikenga, Goddy Uwazuruike, yesterday faulted the Federal Government over threat to invoke a state of emergency in Anambra State over rising insecurity in the state.


National Publicity Secretary, Ohanaeze Ndigbo, Chiedozie Ogbonnia said Ndigbo would resist such a move, stressing that it was being suggested in bad fate.

He said that Igbo leaders were proactive and had already met and taken decisions on how to end the killings in Anambra and other parts of the Southeast.

He noted that the deaths recorded in Anambra were comparable to those in Borno, Yobe, Niger, Plateau and Benue states and wondered why the Federal Government was contemplating emergency rule in Igboland.


the Pan-Niger Delta Forum (PANDEF) has faulted the Federal Government over threats to declare a state of emergency in Anambra State as it will cause voter apathy and create free room for rigging the November 6, 2021 governorship elections.

It said the government should rather reinforce the security architecture in Anambra rather than suggest a state of emergency.

PANDEF wondered why a state of emergency was not declared in the Northeast ahead of the 2019 elections and the subsequent by-elections and council polls in the region.


National Chairman of PANDEF, Emmanuel Ibok Essien, who made the assertion in Uyo, Akwa Ibom State, yesterday, urged the Federal Government to stop excessive borrowing and focus on the resources in the country through economic and fiscal restructuring.

Reacting to the threat, Anambra State Governor, Willie Obiano decried Attorney General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Abubakar Malami, over his comments in which he suggested the declaration of emergency rule in his state.

Obiano, who expressed anger at the remarks, accused Malami of acting outside his brief, adding that President Muhammadu Buhari was not in support of the action.


“As a government, we have a responsibility to ensure the sustenance of our democratic order and to provide security of life and property,” he said.

On his part, the traditional ruler of Umuanyi Autonomous Community in Uturu, Abia State, Uwadiegwu Ogbonnaya also faulted the Federal Government over the threat to declare a state of emergency in Anambra State.

Ogbonnaya, the Ojim I of Umuanyi, who spoke at the 7th triennial national conference of the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ) in Umuahia, Abia State, insisted that if a state of emergency had not been declared in Borno and Yobe states, it should not be applicable in the Southeast.


the Osun State chapter of the All Progressives Congress (APC), yesterday said that Federal Government was not serious about its threat to declare a state of emergency in Anambra if the security situation in the state failed to improve.

Caretaker Chairman of the party, Adegboyega Famodun, stated this while speaking on Feedback, a radio programme in Osogbo, noting that the threat was issued to instil some fear in troublemakers in Anambra and give peace a chance.

I don't know why he put on Biafra regalia" - Actors Guild president, Emeka Rollas reacts to arrest of Chiwetalu Agu

The President of the Actors Guild of Nigeria, Emeka Rollas, has reacted to the arrest of veteran Nollywood actor, Chiwetalu Agu by the Nigerian Army on Thursday, October 7.

Chiwetalu Agu was arrested by the Nigerian Army at Upper Iweka, Onitsha, Anambra state for putting on Biafra regalia, though the Nigerian army alleged that he was soliciting support for the proscribed IPOB.

He was reportedly taken to 82 Division Enugu with the Army saying his regalia was an act of incitement towards a proscribed group.

Emeka Rollas, president of Actors Guild of Nigeria (AGN), has now reacted to his arrest, knocking the actor for wearing the Biafra insignia especially given the security situation in the South East.e to ensure Chiwetalu

He said that the Guild is doing everything possibl Agu is released.

“I don’t know why he put on Biafra regalia. The state is hot." Rochas told Vanguard.

We are in talk with the military officials to ensure he his released. I heard they have taken him to 82 Division of the Nigeria Military base. We will do our best.

iluvdonjazzy:
so this one na lucky Dube for your village.

Nollywood veteran, Chiwetalu Agu on Thursday was reportedly beaten and arrested by soldiers in Onitsha, Anambra State for wearing an outfit made from the Biafran flag.


In a video that went viral on social media, a man claimed that the actor had stopped at a market in Onitsha to buy bread when he was attacked by soldiers who beat him up for his Biafran outfit.

Another voice from the video was heard saying, “This is Onitsha right now, Upper Iweka right now, Nigerian soldiers arrested Chiwetalu Agu, Nigerian Nollywood actor, the youths are protesting.”

An insider disclosed that the national president of the Actors Guild of Nigeria Emeka Rollas has been notified of the arrest and is ‘currently on the matter’.


Our source also said that the actor has been moved from 302 Onitsha Cantonment where he was previously detained to 82 Division in Enugu.

The actor recently shared a photo of himself dressed in the Biafran flag outfit as a sign of solidarity for the Indigenous People of Biafra.

Meanwhile, photos from the actor’s Instagram account have been

wunmi590:
I guess the price is for black market, but in filling station, that same yesterday it was 313/litres


I bought on monday in my office too at 290/litres, but I guess it would have increased to 295/litres...

God will help us in this country

I don't no what to tell you no matter how you try to fix thins., Nothing we never change
2nd .and not govoment official
Or EFCC Chairman., Or dsss

Look de country is get to a place of no return
......... .......... .......... ........
We de way thins are going you can't push people to be one nigerian..... ......

Let me ask you tell me what is working in this country i want to no
...... ..
You can't compare nigerian with USA Or UK..at allll

Black kill black ...
That name called NIGERIAN na blind name.....
How did we become one nigerian you and I was not there soon tell me is what you great father told you ..
How can you fix nigerian.....
........
Truly if nigerian was great no body we be going from one country to other......

Ratter da we come to us ......

Is batter we divorce UAR ...... .... And face our problem.......

Old people still ruling the country like a Zooo

The word Nigeria is already Staind in public and map...

Ghana batter pass nigerian .....
Prov me wrong

LUGBE:
My neigbour bought 12.5kg cooking gas for #8,000 just yesterday. 5 bags of satchet water is now #1,000 now, the same they usually sale 12 bags for #1,000 just last week.

How did we get here,many family are suffering.

azraeljaheel:
it can be fixed!
let the positivity start from you!
stay blessed and safe

The Nigeria Labour Congress has lamented the impact of inflation on the N30, 000 national minimum wage.

NLC President, Aliyu Wabba, noted that the wage, passed into law in 2019 by the President, Major General Muhammadu Buhari (retd.), had been reduced to nothing by inflation.

Wabba spoke during the 2021 Decent Work Round-Table discussion, to mark 2021 World Day for Decent Work with the theme: ‘The Effect of the COVID-19 Pandemic on Health, Employment, Income and Gender Equality.’

He urged the Federal Government to adopt a National Employment Plan that will engender decent work in the country.

The NLC President said, “Today we know that the 30,000 minimum wage has been reduced to virtually nothing due to external effects of inflation in our system.”

Wabba said that the national employment plan was imperative in addressing the issue of peace and stability in the country.


Why Ghana is now a better destination for foreign investors than Nigeria –Tunde Lemo
Why we signed minimum wage agreement with Kwara – NLC
He said governments at all levels should take serious action and put in place mechanisms that will engender decent work in Nigeria.



We also need jobs respect fundamental labour status, we need jobs that are sustainable. We need jobs that respect maximum working hours and jobs that can provide a decent minimum wage,” he submitted, adding that 70 per cent of Nigerians had their livelihood in the informal sector.

The NLC President also said casualisation of labour was a challenge and that seeking for employment has become perverse.

Wabba said, “I must use this opportunity to call on our government at all levels to adopt a national employment plan and I think decent employment which is a recipe to addressing the issue of peace and stability. Because youths can certainly be a tool to the hands of the people who are manipulative and this can be very dangerous to the society.

“As a country, unemployment must come to the centre stage in our recovery for COVID-plan.”

The President of the Senate, Ahmad Lawan, on Wednesday advised the senators to grant less press interviews.

Lawan spoke at plenary while reacting to the complaints of the Deputy Senate President, Ovie Omo-Agege, who faulted the interview granted by the Minority Leader, Enyinnaya Abaribe, on Channels Television on Tuesday.

Omo-Agege, under a point of order, said Abaribe in the interview breached his privilege as a Senator.

He claimed that Abaribe alleged that the All Progressives Congress senators conspired to short-change the host communities when the Senate passed the Petroleum Industry Bill.

He said, “Abaribe’s comment that it was an APC party decision to reduce to allotted five per cent raised at the plenary for Niger Delta host communities to three per cent, is completely and utterly false.

“There was no instance where the APC caucus met and took a decision that the people of the host communities have their allotted percentage of the bill budget reduced.”

Omo- Agege said he felt extremely offended by Abaribe’s comments and speaks for himself as well as members of APC within the party.



He said, “Many voted for the approval of the five per cent, and the matter was debated in the chamber until the majority voted for three per cent, which was democratically agreed.”

He said it was neither a party decision, APC or PDP, nor was it partisan, as suggested by Abaribe

Reacting, the Senate President said members of the 9th Senate do not vote along party lines.



Lawan said, “When the Senate take a decision, we should inform the public correctly because it is our duty to give the correct information to the public.

“I will encourage us to talk less to the press on ways that will give the press a wrong impression. We should concentrate more on talking to our colleagues in the Senate.”

“I would have loved to give the Minority Leader an opportunity to speak but this is a matter of privilege. I hope all of u have learnt a lesson or two from this.

“This Senate as far as I can remember never voted along party lines not even the 52 subsection 3 .

“Two senators from the PDP side even voted along the line that seemed to be the one that carried the day.

“As politicians, ours is to lobby and engage our colleagues each time we think there’s an issue we are interested in.

No reason for us to give the wrong impression. We never voted along party lines and I can’t imagine the Deputy Senate President voting for three per cent.”

Crude oil price accounts for a large chunk of the final cost of petroleum products, and the further increase in oil prices means that the landing cost of imported fuel will rise.

Oil prices have extended their rally in recent days. The international oil benchmark, Brent crude, rose on to as high as $83.47 per barrel on Wednesday, its highest since October 2018, but fell to $80.95 per barrel as of 5:30pm Nigerian time.

The Managing Director of 11Plc (formerly Mobil Oil Nigeria Plc), Mr Adetunji Oyebanji, told our correspondent that marketers importing diesel into the country could not get access to dollars at the official rate of N413/$1.


Job losses loom, economic woes to worsen, NESG, experts warn

“We are not able to get the dollars we need from the banking system for fuel imports; so, it is because diesel pricing is free that is why we are still importing it. But because the pricing of petrol is pegged, we cannot import it,” said the immediate past chairman of Major Oil Marketers Association of Nigeria.

The President, Association of Small Business Owners of Nigeria, Mr Femi Egbesola, said the latest surge in diesel price would increase the average cost of manufacturing in the country.

He said, “All Nigerians depend on diesel. The reason is that manufacturers produce with diesel-powered generators; so, whatever they spend on diesel is added to the prices of their products. As far as Nigerians are buying those products, they are also paying part of the diesel price.

“It is unfortunate that the price of the product keeps increasing and nothing is being done about it. The high inflation rate in the country means that people have less money to buy things, and when prices are going up and the masses have less money to buy those products, we are going to have a lot of joblessness in the country.”

Egbesola said quite a number of small business owners had closed shop in the country while many were struggling to survive.

“Even if diesel price is deregulated, there should be some level of monitoring by the government to actually see if the marketers are still doing the right thing or they are over-profiting from this venture,” he added.

Nigeria, Africa’s largest oil producer, relies largely on importation for petrol and other refined products as its refineries have remained in a state of disrepair for many years.