World News

Biden raises minimum wage to $15/N5,700 per hour (N4.2m monthly)

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United States President, Joe Biden, has raised the minimum wage of those working on federal contracts to $15 per hour which is equivalent to N5,700 at the official exchange rate of N379 per dollar.

This means that each worker would be able to go home with $10,950 monthly (N4.2 million).

This comes amid debates in Nigeria over the N30,000 minimum wage per month for workers which is equivalent to $66.

Biden took to his official Twitter account on Tuesday, to inform all workers in America of the development.

He wrote; “I believe no one should work full time and still live in poverty. That’s why today, I raised the minimum wage to $15 an hour for people working on federal contracts.”

Meanwhile, recall that in 2019, President Muhammadu Buhari forwarded an executive bill to the National Assembly for amendment of the National Minimum Wage Act after prolonged and heated negotiations between the workers, employers and the government.

Buhari signed the passed bill into law in April 2019, raising the minimum wage from N18,000 to N30,000.

Some states have, however, been unable to pay the new wage.

Entertainment, Lifestyle, World News

Burna Boy’s mother and manager, Bose Ogulu, has been named as one of the 2021 International Power Players by Billboard.

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Burna Boy’s mother and manager, Bose Ogulu, has been named as one of the 2021 International Power Players by Billboard.

Billboard’s International Power Players list recognises leaders in the music industry on a global level. Honourees are nominated by companies and peers in the business and then selected by the editors — with primary responsibility outside the United States.

Honourees in the list include label executives, music publishers, independent entrepreneurs, artist managers and concert promoters.

Also known as Mama Burna, Billboard in the article published on Monday recognised Ogulu for her work “..amid the 2020 pandemic, when she co-executive-produced, released and promoted the Twice As Tall album..” for her Grammy award-winning son, Burna Boy.

Lifestyle, World News

A Los Angeles County Superior Court Judge, Mark A. Young has on Monday dismissed a suit instituted by Wade Robson against the late singer, Michael Jackson’s estate, Fox New states.

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A Los Angeles County Superior Court Judge, Mark A. Young has on Monday dismissed a suit instituted by Wade Robson against the late singer, Michael Jackson’s estate, Fox New states.

The suit was initially instituted in 2013 but dismissed for lack of merit. However, it was revived in 2020 after California Governor, Gavin Newsom signed a new law giving those who allege childhood sexual abuse a longer time to file lawsuits.

In an HBO’s produced blockbuster “Leaving Neverland,” Wade Robson had alongside James Safechuck, levelled allegations against the late singer for abusing them sexually when they were boys.

While Jackson’s family had regarded the production as “character assassination” on the late pop star, both men had instituted different lawsuits which have both been dismissed.

The reinstituted 2020 lawsuit alleged that Jackson molested Wade over seven years and that as Jackson’s employee, the two corporations (MJJ Productions Inc. and MJJ Ventures Inc.) had failed in their duty to protect him from their employee’s conduct.

Lifestyle, World News

A rising music star, Anthony Victor, also known as Victony, is set to undergo major surgery after he was involved in a ghastly car accident.

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A rising music star, Anthony Victor, also known as Victony, is set to undergo major surgery after he was involved in a ghastly car accident early Monday morning.

The rapper was said to be returning home from a birthday party in the company of his friends when the incident occurred.

Using the hashtag #PrayForVictony, several Nigerians have taken to Twitter to wish the singer a successful surgery and quick recovery.

A talent manager, Dafe, via his Twitter handle @_thedafe, broke the news to the public. He tweeted, “Yesterday at the early hours of the morning, @vict0ny was involved in a fatal accident which claimed Doyin’s life and left 3 others. #PrayForVictony.

“Victony was unfortunately severely injured and he’s set to undergo surgery today. Please let’s all say a prayer for Victony #prayforvictony.”

Several A-list artistes have taken to their Twitter accounts to pray for the rising rap artiste, wishing him a speedy recovery.

World News

Davido’s uncle, Senator Adeleke bags bachelor’s degree from American university

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Senator Ademola Adeleke, Nigerian politician and uncle to top singer, Davido, has graduated with a bachelor’s degree in Criminal Justice from a U.S. university.

The “Dancing senator” as he is fondly called is slated to graduate from Atlanta Metropolitan State College, US on 17th May 2021, and has cordially invited family and friends to his graduation ceremony.

Senator Ademola’s friend and Ovation publisher, Dele Momodu shared a copy of the invitation on Twitter and wrote,

Special congratulations to my main man SENATOR ADEMOLA NURUDEEN ADELEKE on this great determination and achievement. There’s always a way where there’s a WILL to succeed…”

World News

Be patient, what was written for you was written by the greatest writer – Naira Marley

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Popular Nigerian rapper and record label boss, Naira Marley has dished some words of advise in the spirit of Ramadan.

His recent teaching dwells on the virtue of patience which should be embraced by all who wish to succeed in life.

According to the Marlian Music boss, people striving for better life should exercise patience because the One writing their story is the greatest writer in the entire universe.

Naira Marley stated this via his Twitter account on April 27, 2021.

Be patient for what was written for you was written by the greatest of writers,” he tweeted.

See his post below:

Politics, World News

No President Will Intentionally Want His Citizens Exposed To Banditry And Danger.

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NATIONAL leader of the All Progressives Congress, APC, Asiwaju Bola Tinubu has said that there is no President that will intentionally want his citizens exposed to banditry and danger.

The APC leader and former governor of Lagos State stated this while fielding questions from journalists after meeting with President Muhammadu Buhari, Monday night at the Presidential Villa, Abuja.

He appealed to Nigerians to cooperate and show understanding with the government in the midst of the challenges for the unity of the country.

The APC national leader, who was accompanied by the party’s pioneer interim National Chairman, Chief Bisi Akande, debunked the insinuations in some quarters that he has a frosty relationship with the President.

Politics, World News

Policing Nigeria is very difficult because it is a big country.-Vp, Yemi Osinbajo.

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VICE President Yemi Osinbajo on Monday evening said that policing Nigeria is very difficult because it is a big country.

The Vice President, who also said there was the need to reorganize the security architecture, assured that Nigeria will soon overcome the current myriad of security challenges facing it.

Prof. Osinbajo stated this when he received the Yakanaje Uke in Nasarawa State, His Royal Majesty Alhaji Ahmed Abdullahi Hassan, at the Presidential Villa, Abuja.

He promised that the present challenges in the country will prepare Nigeria for a greater and prosperous future.

Politics, World News

Gunmen raze Federal High court Abakaliki.

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The Federal High Court complex in Abakaliki, the Ebonyi State capital in Nigeria, has been attacked by yet-to-be-identified gunmen.

The assailants stormed the court complex in the early hours of Tuesday April 27, shooting sporadically before setting the library and security sections of the building on fire. The building is located along the Enugu/Abakaliki Highway opposite the state People’s Democratic Party (PDP) State office.

No death was recorded but two of the three security guards on duty were said to have sustained minor injuries.

The South-East has been experiencing violent attacks by gunmen in recent times.

Politics, World News

Imo state commissioner shot by gunmen.

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Imo State Commissioner for Entrepreneurship and Skill Acquisition, Iyke Ume was shot on Sunday April 25 by unknown gunmen in Orji area of Owerri, Imo state’s capital.
Special Adviser to Governor Hope Uzodinma on Inter-party Affairs, Dominic Uzowuru told newsmen that he was in the company of the commissioner who was driving home in an unmarked security vehicle when they were attacked by the gunmen.

Uzowuru said they were returning from a service of songs in the area when the gunmen double-crossed their vehicle, shooting the commissioner in the leg and arm.
He said;

“I was not shot. The commissioner was shot. My handset and that of the commissioner were snatched.
“The commissioner was dropping me off, when the robbers struck.
“I am fine and the commissioner is responding to treatment to the glory of God.”

Imo police spokesperson, Orlando Ikeokwu also confirmed the attack and further disclosed that the victims were evacuated to the Federal Medical Centre, Owerri, by the police.

Business, Entertainment, Lifestyle, World News

A pair of shoes designed and worn by musician Kanye West has sold for $1.8m (£1.3m) at an auction.

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A pair of shoes designed and worn by musician Kanye West has sold for $1.8m (£1.3m) at an auction. It is the highest amount ever paid for a pair of trainers.

The Nike Air Yeezy 1 Prototypes beat the previous record, which was held by a pair of Nike Air Jordan 1s that sold for $615,000 last year.

“The sale also marks the first pair of sneakers to top $1m,” Sotheby’s auction house said on Monday.

West first wore the shoes while performing at the Grammys in 2008. They are a US size 12, or a UK 11.

The shoes were bought by RARES, an internet platform for investing in rare footwear. Its users can buy shares in a pair in a similar way to how investors buy stocks in a company, Yahoo news states.

They were sold by the shoe collector Ryan Chang in a private sale, which means neither the buyer nor the final sale price can be publicised unless the buyer themselves comes forward.

“The sale marks the highest publicly recorded price for a sneaker sale ever,” the auction house said in a statement.

Politics, World News

Buhari, US Secretary of State to meet on security, economy, others on Tuesday

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The United States Secretary of State, Antony Blinken, will meet with President Muhammadu Buhari on Tuesday.

The US Secretary of State’s spokesman, Ned Price, who disclosed this in a statement on Monday, said the discussion between the two leaders would centred on strengthening of democratic governance, security and promoting economic ties and diversification.

The Minister of Foreign Affairs, Geoffrey Onyeama, will be at the meeting where bilateral relationship between the two countries would also be discussed.

The trip will be the Secretary of State’s first virtual trip to Africa since US President, Joe Biden, assumed office on January 20.

The statement read: “Secretary Blinken will begin his virtual travel to Africa meeting with Young African Leadership Initiative (YALI) alumni. In a ‘Ten Questions with Tony’ event, YALI alumni will have an opportunity to engage with the Secretary on a range of topics, including the role of youth in the future of Africa, economic development, democracy and good governance, climate change, and health.

Through YALI, the United States works with public, private sector, and civil society partners across the continent to develop initiatives and economic opportunities to support the creativity, innovativeness, and energy of Africa’s youth.

“Secretary Blinken will then travel virtually to Nigeria, where he will underscore our shared goals of strengthening democratic governance, building lasting security, and promoting economic ties and diversification.

People-to-people connections, underpinned by the dynamic Nigerian diaspora in the United States, amplify and strengthen our relationship. During his visit, Secretary Blinken will meet with President Buhari and Foreign Minister (Geoffrey Onyeama) to reiterate the value of our bilateral relationship and discuss issues of shared importance.

“Secretary Blinken will also participate in a health partnership event to underscore our collaboration to combat the pandemic as well as long-term US investments in combating infectious diseases. He will meet with a beneficiary of a PEPFAR program and a Nigerian health care worker.”

World News

Chad military council rules out negotiations with rebels

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Chad’s military council has ruled out any negotiations with insurgents, or to accept the offer of ceasefire talks with rebels it has been fighting since the unexpected death of president Idriss Déby.

The military council had taken over power after Deby’s death while his son, Mahamat Deby, was named the head of the council to oversee an 18-month transition to elections.

In the wake of the announcement, opposition politicians and rebels have condemned the army takeover, calling it a coup and on Sunday, the major rebel group, Front for Change and Concord in Chad (FACT), called for negotiations to which the council rejected.

FACT, had said it was willing to discuss a political settlement, but did not endorse the “coup that brought Gen Mahamat Déby, to power.”

But the military council said it would not negotiate with rebels it was at war with.

Faced with this situation, that is endangering Chad and the stability of the entire region, it is not the time for mediation or negotiations with outlaws,” military council spokesman Azem Bermendao Agouna said in a statement.

“They are rebels, which is why we are bombing them. We are waging war, that’s all.”

Agouna added that some of the rebels had fled into neighbouring Niger Republic and urged the Nigerien authorities to “facilitate the capture and bringing to justice of these war criminals.

“The leader of FACT, Mahamat Mahadi Ali, is being sought for war crimes in Libya, so we cannot negotiate with rebels.”

https://www.reuters.com/article/uk-chad-deby-idUSKBN2CD0OA

World News

One killed, another injured in Brooklyn Mall shooting

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One man has been killed with another injured after a shooting outside a Brooklyn NYCHA Mall in the United States on Sunday night, according to the Brooklyn County police.

The victims were reportedly shot at about 5:30 pm in front of a building within the Red Hook Houses on Centre Mall near Clinton Street, according to cops.

The late victim, Felton Durant, 23, was struck in the torso, buttocks and hand, and was taken to the Methodist Hospital, where he was declared dead.

The other man who is unidentified, was shot in the arm. He was treated at the scene and released.

No arrests were made by early Monday morning, the police said.

World News

Most Nigerians won’t like Canada because it’s too boring – US-based Nigerian man

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A US-based Nigerian man has revealed why believes most Nigerians would not like Canada if they eventually move to the North American country.

According to the man simply identified as Femi, a great percentage of Nigerians who often dream or speak of moving to Canada would not like the country because of how boring it is.

Taking to his Twitter account, Femi who lives in Maryland, USA stated that Canada is actually more boring than the United Kingdom and Nigerians would realise this when they move there.

”Most Nigerians wont like Canada when they go there. Its actually more boring than the UK,” he wrote.

See his tweet below:

His post generated reactions from Nigerians who were opposed to his assertion.

@myklazonline said; Loneliness is better than bad company.

@RealOgbogu; Boring yen gangan ni mo fe

As long as there’s enough money

@drarowolo1; My life here in naija is already boring. Canada can not be more boring than wat it is here. Abeg Femi, show me d VISA. We moooveeeee

@Lakeside5551; Thats why they want to kill those of us in nigeria with whatsapp call. 2h 50m we still dey talk wetin no go comot money. Them go turn you to byforce amebo cos u gat feed them about weytin dey go on for family or area.

@ifeoluwalydia; Tbh, Nigerians don’t relocate to other advanced country because of “fun”. Security, regard for human rights, basic social amenities and many more are reasons we relocate.

@BBB26712829; Thanks for the opinion. We need some boring in our lives as Nigerians. Boring is better than Inflation, death, kidnapping and others.

@Sangodaz; Is Nigeria not boring enough?

We’re used to it already. Let’s have the money and remove the poverty first, then we can see clearly to think about boring. Boring when you gave your car, house, job, and peace of mind from robbers, SARS, and terrorists

@BrosManney; The problem is there is no insecurity made up of terrorism and banditry in Canada.

Then the owambe of Nigerians in various Nigeria town unions and Nigerian churches is so exciting that the boredom is at least slightly addressed. Otherwise it’s boring.

@AdeeyoOlabisi; How i wish Nigeria is boring as Canada…boringness is our hobby

@EngrRamon; Truth is if someone had money and Nigeria was a bit secured no point travelling out

Politics, World News

Unknown gunmen attack Sunday Igboho’s residence in Ibadan.

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Unknown gunmen have reportedly attacked the Ibadan residence of Yoruba rights activist, Sunday Adeyemo aka Sunday Igboho in the early hours of Monday.
Igboho’s media aide, Olayomi Koiki, made this known on April 26, while accusing Nigeria’s security forces of carrying out the attack.
There were reported sporadic shootings around Soka, the Ibadan residence of Igboho, as some heavily armed gunmen stormed the area.

Koiki claimed that the residence was besieged by men of the Nigeria Army with the aim of arresting the activist.

Koiki said, “There is a situation right now where the Federal Government of Nigeria tried to invade our residence. We are telling the world that the war that the Federal Government is waiting for might start today.
“The war that the Federal Government think they are expecting from the Yoruba people; let’s tell the whole world. As I speak to you, there is an ongoing incident but we are more than capable.
“We cannot be caught unguarded. You cannot threaten us. Chief Sunday Igboho is fine.”
The Police PRO in Oyo State, Adewale Osifeso, could not be reached as of the time of filing this report.

Politics, World News

#Breaking: Gunmen Attack Federal University in North-Central Benue, Kidnap Students.

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Gunmen have abducted an undisclosed number of students from the Federal University of Agriculture Makurdi, the capital of northcentral Benue State.

The institution confirmed the incident on Monday noting that nothing has been heard from the students or their captors since the incident occurred.

“The university has reported the incident to the police and all relevant security agencies,” a statement signed by the university’s Director of Information, Protocol and Public Relations Unit (IPPR), Rosemary Waku, reads.
“The university has not heard anything from the students or their captors since the unfortunate incidence took place.”
Kidnapping for ransom and banditry are fast becoming a mainstay in the West African country with school students in Nigeria’s northeast, northwest and northcentral regions becoming targets in recent times.
Only recently, about twenty students were abducted from Greenfield University in Kaduna State. Three of the students were however killed by the abductors.
On March 11, 2021, gunmen attacked the Federal College of Forestry Mechanisation in Afaka, Igabi local government area of Kaduna, kidnapping at least thirty students.

Politics, World News

How Nigerian Air Force Killed Over 20 Army Officers By Accident In Strike Targeting Boko Haram.

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The soldiers who were reinforced from Ngandu village were said to be on their way to Mainok, headquarters of the Kaga Local Government Area of Borno state which was under attack by militants from the Islamic State-backed faction of Boko Haram, the Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP), formerly known as Jamā’at Ahl as-Sunnah lid-Da’wah wa’l-Jihād.

A Air Force fighter jet on a mission against Boko Haram extremists mistakenly bombed men of the Nigerian Army on Sunday, killing over 20 officers, a military source has said.

The soldiers who were reinforced from Ngandu village were said to be on their way to Mainok, headquarters of the Kaga Local Government Area of Borno state which was under attack by militants from the Islamic State-backed faction of Boko Haram, the Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP), formerly known as Jamā’at Ahl as-Sunnah lid-Da’wah wa’l-Jihād.

SaharaReporters had on Sunday reported how the gunmen attacked a Nigerian Army location at 156 Battalion in the community, killing over 30 soldiers.

The terrorists who came in no fewer than 15 gun trucks also burnt down the military base.

A source told SaharaReporters that a reinforcement team of the Nigerian Army sent to the community was mistakenly bombed by an Air Force fighter jet.

“The Boko Haram terrorists disguised in military uniform and gained access to the camp. They came in different groups and could not be counted. The Nigerian Army were pinned down, they requested for reinforcement, the reinforcement got on their way only to get smoked by the Nigerian Airforce.

“The (reinforcement team) was coming from Ngandu and were killed by an airstrike. The Air Force mistook them for Boko Haram as both were cladded in similar military uniform and operational vehicles,” a source said.

Villagers in the past have reported some civilian casualties in near-daily bombardments in North Eastern Nigeria.

Recently, a military jet that came to repel an attack by Boko Haram dropped a bomb that landed in a compound where civilians were holding a naming ceremony.

Some of the Chibok schoolgirls kidnapped by Boko Haram in 2014 and freed last year also said three of their classmates were killed by Air Force bombardments.

World News

Kaduna State University Hikes Tuition Fees From N26,000 to N500,000 for Non-Indigenes.

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Kaduna State University has reviewed its tuition fees from N24,000 and N26,000 to N150,000 and N500,000. Criticized and rejected by the students, the increment comes at a time when many are still recovering from the economic effects of Covid-19.

A press release by the Kaduna State Students’ Union stated that the majority of the students come from poor backgrounds and will not be able to cope with the high fees. The students’ union expressed fears about the effect of the increment, with the possibility of many students dropping out despite having scholarships.

The letter, addressed to Nasir Ahmad El-Rufai, the Governor of the state, is yet to receive any response.

But in a statement to NAN, the university’s Public Relation Officer (PRO), Adamu Nuhu Bargo, explained that the decision for an upward review in fee was to raise money for the university which has an annual internally generated revenue of N765.9 million. he said the university management had met with students and that the specific fees for each course is yet to be announced.

Abdulrazak Shuaibu, a medical student and former President of the Kaduna State Students’ Union, confirmed the exact figures to which the increment had been made. He told NAN that students in Faculty of Arts, Management and Social Sciences were to pay N150,000 from N26,000, while students from the Faculty of Medicine were to pay N300,000 for indigene students and N500,000 for non-indigene students as against N24,000.

While the students have rejected the increment, the university management has given the excuse of creating a “more conducive atmosphere of learning for staff and students” as part of the reasons for fee increment.

Entertainment, Lifestyle, World News

Actress Iyabo Ojo slams her colleagues in the movie industry defending Baba Ijesha who allegedly defiled a 14-year-old girl.

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Actress Iyabo Ojo has lashed out at her colleagues in the movie industry who have been defending actor Baba Ijesha after news of him allegedly defiling a 14-year-old girl made headlines.

The actress who stressed that there’s no excuse for rape, told those defending the actor by claiming he was framed/setup to get him a lawyer if they think he is innocent.

Iyabo Ojo

Iyabo also stated that it is such attitude that make people refuse to go public with abuses they were subjected to by influential people.

She also warned those circulating videos of the actor being caught in the act to desist from such as a minor is involved.

Watch the video below;

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