TheNewsGuru

Tag: Independence Day

  • Subsidy: FG introduces provisional wage increment

    Subsidy: FG introduces provisional wage increment

    President Bola Tinubu has approved a provisional wage increment for workers in the country as part of efforts to cushion the effect of the fuel subsidy removal.

    Tinubu made this known while addressing Nigerians on the 63rd Independence Anniversary of the country in Abuja on Sunday.

    The president said that the average low-grade worker would receive an additional N25,000 per month for the next six month.

    ‘’Based on our talks with labour, business and other stakeholders, we are introducing a provisional wage increment to enhance the federal minimum wage without causing undue inflation.

    ‘’For the next six months, the average low-grade worker shall receive an additional Twenty-Five Thousand naira per month,’’ he said.

    The president said that the present administration was committed to relieving the hardship faced by Nigerians, adding that various measures had been taken by all tiers of government to mitigate them.

    ‘’There is no joy in seeing the people of this nation shoulder burdens that should have been shed years ago. I wish today’s difficulties did not exist. But we must endure if we are to reach the good side of our future.

    ‘’We have embarked on several public sector reforms to stabilize the economy, direct fiscal and monetary policy to fight inflation, encourage production, ensure the security of lives and property and lend more support to the poor and the vulnerable.

    ‘’To ensure better grassroots development, we set up an Infrastructure Support Fund for states to invest in critical areas. States have already received funds to provide relief packages against the impact of rising food and other prices,’’ Tinubu said.

    He said that other efforts were being taken by government to touch all aspects that would impact directly on the lives of Nigerians to ease the pains of the new economic reforms.

    The president said that on the issue of transportation, a cheaper and safer Compressed Natural Gas buses would be deployed across the country.

    ‘’These buses will operate at a fraction of current fuel prices, positively affecting transport fares. New CNG conversions kits will start coming in very soon as all hands are on deck to fast track the usually lengthy procurement process.

    ‘’We are also setting up training facilities and workshops across the nation to train and provide new opportunities for transport operators and entrepreneurs.

    ‘’This is a ground breaking moment where, as a nation, we embrace more efficient means to power our economy. In making this change, we also make history.’’

  • Independence: LCCI speaks on huge implications of sub-optimal performance of Nigeria in past 63 years

    Independence: LCCI speaks on huge implications of sub-optimal performance of Nigeria in past 63 years

    As Nigeria marks its 63rd Independence today, the Lagos Chamber of Commerce and Industry (LCCI) has addressed the huge implications of the sub-optimal performance of the country in past 63 years.

    According to the LCCI, Nigerians have persevered in promoting democracy, stressing that the country has become Africa’s Pride since 1999 in spite of its economic challenges

    The LCCI President, Dr Michael Olawale-Cole, said this on Saturday in Lagos, in a report to commemorate Nigeria’s 63rd Independence Day Anniversary.

    Olawale-Cole said Nigeria’s economy also struggled with high inflation, weak currency, declining reserves, rising debt burden, high and rising unemployment, rising income gaps and poverty levels.

    According to him, a review of the past 63 years shows that the Nigerian economy performed sub-optimally with huge implications on citizens’ welfare and rising uncertainty.

    ”In spite of these challenges, 24 years ago, Nigerians’ support for democracy has earned the country enormous goodwill as one the few stable democracies in Africa.

    ”The present administration has implemented far-reaching policy reforms, such as removal of fuel subsidy, exchange rate harmonisation, tax reforms and many more in an effort to change the country’s growth trajectory.

    ”Sustaining market-friendly policies and promoting macroeconomic stability is one of the most important steps in achieving optimal growth and improving citizens welfare,” he said.

    He said that Nigeria must address the fundamental constraints hindering manufacturing competitiveness to drive the drastic transformation required for meaningful economic prosperity.

    He also called for an urgent review of the wage structure of Nigerian workers, adding that at 30 dollars for 30 days, the minimum wage remained extremely poor.

    According to him, this is particularly important given the current high inflation rate, volatile exchange rate, low Gross Domestic Product (GDP) growth, weak infrastructure and insecurity among others.

    ”I call on the Federal Government to address the macroeconomic issues and the insecurity challenges facing the country.

    ”The economic growth trend, measured by the GDP performance, has generally been positive over the last two decades, except for recent challenges posed by debt crises, inflation risks, insecurity, post-effect of subsidy removal, and foreign exchange illiquidity.

    ”The business environment remains a concern to investors, especially in the real sector.

    ”Weak infrastructure, uncertain policy environment, and institutions have continued to adversely affect the efficiency, productivity, and competitiveness of many enterprises.

    ”These conditions pose a major risk to job creation, economic inclusion, and competitiveness, especially with the Africa Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) agreement now in place,” he said.

    Olawale-Cole, who wished the government and people of Nigeria a happy 63rd Independence Day Anniversary, said the way forward was to address the fundamental constraints to manufacturing competitiveness.

    He said key challenges in the business environment such as inadequate power supply for production and generally weak infrastructure must also be addressed.

    He commended the Federal Government for providing clarity on the economy and the President’s Eight-Points Agenda, saying its full implementation would ensure optimal growth and improved citizens welfare.

  • Independence: Why Nigerians, Lagos residents deserve improved quality of life – PDP

    Independence: Why Nigerians, Lagos residents deserve improved quality of life – PDP

    The People’s Democratic Party (PDP) in Lagos State says Nigerians, especially Lagos residents, deserve better quality of life as the nation marks 63rd Independence Anniversary on Oct. 1.

    “Lagos residents deserve an elevated quality of life, and we assert that, with prudent governance, we will harness our abundant resources for the betterment of all.

    “Although the road ahead may seem long, the PDP stands ready to lead, steering the state toward comprehensive human and infrastructure development,” the Lagos State PDP Publicity Secretary, Alhaji Hakeem Amode, said in a statement on Saturday.

    Felicitating all residents of the state, Amode, said that, with selfless and compassionate leaders, the fortune of the masses would have been a lot better in the country.

    “On the occasion of Nigeria’s 63rd Independence Anniversary, the Lagos State chapter of the PDP extends warm felicitations to the resilient residents of Lagos State.

    “Sixty-three years ago, Nigeria stepped into a new era of sovereignty, with Lagos at its heart, symbolised by the transition from the British Union Jack to the vibrant Green White Green Nigerian flag.

    “Lagos State, beyond its historical significance, stands today as the thriving epicenter of commerce and industry, contributing significantly to our nation’s growth, but with clueless and heartless Leaders since the return of democracy in 1999.

    “However, as true Lagos residents with high level of resilience, we celebrate this moment with deep pride, owing to the challenges we have overcome,” the PDP spokesman said.

    He said that the party believed that the state’s most significant fortunes had yet to be realised.

    According to him, the anniversary should prompt people to reflect on shared history, assess present circumstances, and envision a future of boundless possibilities.

    “Our optimism fuels our commitment to dedicated leadership, propelling us toward the state’s untapped potential.

    “While challenges persist, the gift of life allows us to join the nation in marking this milestone.

    “As we look ahead, we are resolute in our belief that under capable leadership of the PDP, Lagos State will achieve unparalleled heights of prosperity and fulfillment,” he added.

  • INDEPENDENCE: Oborevwori felicitates Nigerians at 63

    INDEPENDENCE: Oborevwori felicitates Nigerians at 63

    Governor Sheriff Oborevwori of Delta State has congratulated Nigerians on the 63rd independence anniversary of the nation.

    Governor Oborevwori’s felicitation was contained in a statement by his Chief Press Secretary, Sir Festus Ahon, wherein the Governor implored Nigerians not to give up despite the Country’s current dire circumstances.

    He urged Deltans and other Nigerians to support governments at all levels in their quest to salvage the nation and its economy.

    The Governor said: “On behalf of the Government and people of Delta, I congratulate Nigerians as we celebrate the 63rd anniversary of our Country’s independence.

    “I send my warm felicitations to President Bola Tinubu, Deltans and the people of Nigeria on this year’s independence anniversary.

    “Nigeria has been a source of inspiration for the rest of Africa for 63 years; thanks to the creativity and diversity of its people and its extended period of democratic governance.

    “I have a lot of faith that our Country’s democratic system of government will keep growing stronger.

    “As an administration, it is on record that in the past four months, we have taken steps to make life more meaningful for Deltans, especially the State’s workforce.

    “We have also made genuine efforts to improve on the state of our infrastructure with the recent award of N78 billion contracts for the construction of three flyovers, cloverleaf and road expansion in Effurun and Warri, the State’s commercial nerve centre.

    “As a young administration, we have remained focused on delivering our M.O.R.E Agenda to Deltans.

    ”Please be confident that we will remain focused on our objective and that we will steadfastly provide strong governance up until the very last day of our administration”.

  • Tinubu to broadcast to nation today

    Tinubu to broadcast to nation today

    President Bola Tinubu is to broadcast to the nation on Sunday.

    This is contained in a statement by Chief Ajuri Ngelale, the Special Adviser to the President on Media and Publicity, on Saturday in Abuja.

    He said that the broadcast was part of activities to mark the 63rd Independence Anniversary of the nation.

    Ngelale said that the broadcast would be by 7:00a.m.

    He urged all television, radio, and other electronic media networks to hook up to the network services of the Nigerian Television Authority and Radio Nigeria for the broadcast.

  • Independence Day: Okei-Odumakin calls for reflection, dedicates day to Mohbad

    Independence Day: Okei-Odumakin calls for reflection, dedicates day to Mohbad

    Dr. Joe Okei-Odumakin, President, Centre For Change, says Nigeria’s Independence Day anniversary is filled with reflections as it dedicates itself to the late singer, Ilerioluwa Aloba, popularly known as Mohbad, and the oppressed he represents everywhere.

    Okei-Odumakin made the remark in a special statement titled: “October 1, A Cascade of Negatives with a Silver Lining of Positives”, to commemorate the 63rd Independence Day anniversary, on Saturday in Lagos.

    27-year-old Mohbad died on Sept. 12, and his death has roused several allegations of attacks between the owner of his former record label, Marlian Music, Naira Marley, amid demands for justice.

    According to Okei-Odumakin, following the torrent of negative occurrences since the beginning of the year, there is however, the silver lining of positives.

    “This independence anniversary has dedicated itself to Mohbad and the oppressed he represents everywhere.

    “See how the world stands with him and us. This is the silver lining.

    “True patriots in Nigeria and everywhere. It is a time to stand with the world too and not a time to fall.

    “Let us have an independence day filled with reflections,” She said.

    Okei-Odumakin, however, charged the Nigeria Police and other security operatives to do a diligent work in their investigations so as to get justice for the deceased entertainer, his family and the country as a whole.

    “I do not doubt that Nigeria will rise again to the consternation of all the forces holding her down. All the forces soaked in cynicism.”

  • JUST IN: Tinubu quietly returns to Nigeria after UNGA outing

    JUST IN: Tinubu quietly returns to Nigeria after UNGA outing

    President Bola Tinubu has finally returned back into the country after his first participation at the United Nations (UN) General Assembly (UNGA) in New York, United States of America (USA).

    TheNewsGuru.com (TNG) reports President Tinubu returned after a 12-day absence on Friday night devoid of the usual fanfare that usually heralds his arrival into the country every time he left.

    Recall Tinubu left Nigeria on 17 September to attend the 78th in New York, in what is his first participation at the UNGA since he was sworn-in last May.

    After delivering the national statement and holding several meetings on the sidelines of the global assembly, he rang the closing bell at NASDAQ.

    Shortly after, the Nigerian President departed New York for Paris, France, last week Thursday. There was no official statement about his mission in the country, but sources said he went for a short vacation.

    Tinubu returns to Nigeria amid threats by labour unions to commence an indefinite strike from October 3, if he fails to address the rising cost of living in his October 1st broadcast to mark Nigeria’s 63rd Independence anniversary.

  • 63rd Independence: Nigeria has no excuse to be great – Akeredolu

    63rd Independence: Nigeria has no excuse to be great – Akeredolu

    Gov. Oluwarotimi Akeredolu of Ondo state, says that Nigeria at 63 has no excuse not to be great, calling on all Nigerians to rise up and tackle the myriads of challenges facing them.

    Akeredolu stated this on Friday at a Jumat Service in commemoration of Nigeria’s 63rd independence anniversary at the Central Mosque, Akure.

    Represented by Hon. Raimi Aminu, the state Commissioner for Works and Infrastructure, the Governor said that though the country’s challenges looked insurmountable, Nigerians should cooperate with the current administration of President Bola Tinubu to solve all the problems and bring succour to the entire citizenry.

    He explained that the Tinubu-led administration was putting in place some frantic efforts to ensure that it puts smiles on the faces of Nigerians and that the country becomes a place of pride.

    According to him, all that is needed is patience, cooperation and double efforts by the citizens.

    “The task before us is to build a viable and strong economy that would generate a prosperous, progressive and dignified country.

    “We can only attain this by more hard work, enterprise, peace, creativity and defence of our country,” he said.

    Akeredolu noted that his administration had put in place some palliative measures to cushion the effects of fuel subsidy removal by the Federal government.

    He added that the state government had decided to give out farm inputs to farmers to boost food production in the state, saying that payment of registration and consultancy fees had been put on hold in all government hospitals in the state.

    The Governor promised that the state government would not spare efforts at improving the lots of the people of the state, and asked citizens to eschew evil and defend the state.

    Earlier, the Chief Imam of the state, Sheikh Abdulhakeem Yayi Akorede, asked the Tinubu-led government to fix the country’s economy and infrastructure quickly so that Nigerians’ suffering would not linger.

    Akorede said that it was pitiable that Nigerians were going through excruciating pains as a result of unbearable cost of living and decayed infrastructure.

    He stated that he had confidence in Tinubu’s agenda in putting an end to multifaceted problems of the country, and described the president as a listening person.

    The Chief Imam urged those challenging the victory of the president to withdraw their suits so that the government could squarely face the mandate of providing security and enabling environment for Nigerians to thrive.

    He commended the state government for the various palliative measures put in place and the return of free school shuttle scheme, saying it would go a long way in cushioning the effects of high transportation fares by students in the state.

  • October 1st: IPOB warns Igbos against celebrating Independence day

    October 1st: IPOB warns Igbos against celebrating Independence day

    The Indigenous People of Biafra, (IPOB) has banned any form of celebrations on Nigeria’s independence day across all southeastern states in the country.

    Nigeria gained independence on October 1st 1960 and will be marking its 63 anniversary on Monday October 2nd as the D-day falls on a Sunday.

    However, Emma Powerful, IPOB’s spokesman called on all Igbos in the country to shun the Independence Day celebration in the region.

    According to powerful, the Nigerian state detests Igbos and has rejected all efforts to treat people of the Southeast equally.

    Powerful made this known via a statement on Friday in Enugu.

    He urged state governors and political leaders to shun the October 1st independence day celebration across the Southeast.

    The statement reads in part: “The global family and movement of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) ably led by the Supreme leader Mazi Nnamdi KANU hereby call on Biafrans both home and in diaspora to shun participation in the Nigeria Independent day celebration on 1st October 2023.

    “Every sensible Biafra citizen must understand that Nigeria detests Biafrans, particularly Ndigbo. Nigeria has rejected all our efforts to be treated as equal citizens. Nigeria has marginalized Biafrans politically and economically. Since Nigeria has rejected us, we have also rejected Nigeria and her celebrations.

    “The Nigeria Government and Nigeria citizens have time after time demonstrated that we are not part of them, and therefore, we must do everything possible to liberate ourselves from the bondage of Nigeria. Even a fool would have come to the realization that Nigeria is not for Ndigbo and Biafrans after the shenanigan that they called 2023 elections.

    “As Nigeria’s government plans to celebrate her flag Independence from Britain, we advise Eastern Region Governors and Political leaders to shun the October 1st Independence celebration in our region. Moreso, we advise Biafrans not to attend any Independence celebration anywhere within Biafra territory or outside of it.

    “Hence, IPOB has banned the Independence Day celebration and flying of Nigeria flags in any part of Biafraland on October 1st, 2023.”

  • JUST IN: Gov Adeleke cancels Independence Day celebrations in Osun

    JUST IN: Gov Adeleke cancels Independence Day celebrations in Osun

    Governor Ademola Adeleke of Osun State has cancelled the celebration of Independence Day slated for Sunday in the State.

    In a statement issued by his spokesperson, Mallam Olawale Rasheed, on Friday in Osogbo, Governor Adeleke urged the people of the State to pray for the peace and prosperity of the country.

    Adeleke, rather, urged the people of the State to use the Independence Day to meditate and pray on the state of the nation.

    “Our people are passing through tough times. It is time to take stock and seek divine intervention and guidance in the affairs of our nation.

    “I greet Osun people and Nigerians in general as the independence day knocks at our doors. Here in Osun, we will celebrate with meditation and prayers,” he said.