The Nigeria Union of Pensioners Contributory Pension Scheme Sector (NUPCPS) has appealed to the Federal Government for the release of funds to cover accrued rights for retirees. The National Chairman of NUPCPS, Mr. Sylva Nwaiwu, speaking in Abuja, emphasized the hardship faced by workers who retired under the Contributory Pension Scheme (CPS), stating that many have been waiting nearly 20 months for their benefits, with the Office of the Accountant-General of the Federation (OAGF) yet to release necessary funds.

Nwaiwu highlighted that funds for accrued rights and a pension increment of N32,000 were approved in the 2023 and 2024 national budgets, but disbursements remain stalled. As a result, he warned that senior citizens may resort to occupying the OAGF premises if delays persist. Nwaiwu also called for transparency, urging the OAGF to clarify how funds allocated annually since 2019 for CPS retirees have been utilized.

The NUPCPS Chairman concluded by stressing the importance of timely benefit payments, which are the cornerstone of the Contributory Pension Scheme’s mission.

Nigeria, often referred to as the “Giant of Africa,” is grappling with complex challenges despite its immense resources and large population. With approximately 250 million people, the country’s growth is hampered by rising hunger, persistent insecurity, and economic hardship. Current inflation and elevated costs for essentials, such as fuel, have led to significant distress for everyday Nigerians, with many struggling to meet basic needs. Prohibitive living costs have forced some into makeshift homes and precarious work, highlighting the urgent need for economic reform.

Public frustration with leadership is mounting, spurred by recent statements from government figures perceived as disconnected from citizens’ hardships. Senate President Godswill Akpabio’s advice to reduce car usage and find “free food” opportunities has been met with backlash, symbolizing the perceived insensitivity of leaders. Similarly, former Minister Chibuike Amaechi’s call for public protests over high living costs underscores the disconnect between governance and the people.

This situation underscores the urgent need for reforms prioritizing citizen welfare, addressing food insecurity, and mitigating inflation’s impact on everyday life. Effective governance and a responsive approach are critical in ensuring that Nigeria’s vast resources translate into improved living standards for its people.

The Lagos Council of the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ) has endorsed Mrs. Abimbola Oyetunde, the General Manager of Bronze FM/Radio Nigeria Benin, as the first female Deputy National President (DNP) of the NUJ. This endorsement also includes support for Comrade Alhasan Yahaya and the rest of the “A+A” campaign team, ahead of the National Delegates Conference scheduled to take place in Imo State.

The campaign team, which includes Comrade Victor Ndukwe (Treasurer), Comrade Samuel Dada (Financial Secretary), Ronke Samo (VP B Zone), and Tukur Mohammed, officially launched its campaign in Lagos. According to Comrade Demola Babalola (JP), Director General of the A+A Campaign Council, Lagos was chosen as the launch site out of respect for the Council’s prominence in Nigerian journalism.

Mrs. Oyetunde, with over 28 years in journalism, has been a driving force in the industry. She began her career as a reporter and marketing executive at DAAR Communications (Raypower) from 1994 to 1997. She then joined the Federal Radio Corporation of Nigeria (FRCN) in 1998, where she served in various capacities, from News Commentary Writer to Head of the Business Desk, and ultimately as General Manager.

Her career is celebrated as a testament to resilience, transformation, and dedication, making her a role model in Nigerian journalism.

Bayo Onanuga, spokesperson for President Bola Tinubu, has responded to criticism on social media regarding claims that the President is indifferent to the struggles of Nigerians. Speaking on Channels Television’s Sunday Politics, Onanuga asserted that Tinubu is fully aware of the difficulties facing the populace and is committed to improving their circumstances.

He specifically addressed the recent social media nickname “T-pain” that some users have attributed to Tinubu, labeling it as “mischievous.” Onanuga emphasized that the President’s intentions are not to exacerbate the hardships faced by Nigerians but to focus on “repairing the economy.”

“The President is aware that the citizens are going through some difficulties,” he stated, but added that Tinubu does not follow social media trends closely, hence he is not aware of the nickname being used against him.

Onanuga remarked, “Some people have also responded and called the President a different name. So, as far as I am concerned, it is a non-issue. Some people out of mischief just say somebody is a T-pain. He (Tinubu) is not T-pain.”

He reiterated Tinubu’s commitment to addressing the nation’s challenges, saying, “The President has never shied away from telling Nigerians that he feels their pain and he is working very hard to make sure that he gives them some relief so that things will get better and this country will get more prosperity.”

Despite the challenges posed by high inflation, Onanuga pointed out that Nigeria is experiencing economic growth, stating, “Despite inflation, revenues have increased.”

In a significant development for Nigerian representation in African legislative affairs, Hon. Femi Gbajabiamila, Chief of Staff to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, has been elected to the Advisory Committee of the Conference of Speakers and Presidents of African Legislatures (CoSPAL). Additionally, Dapo Oyewole, the Senior Special Assistant on International Cooperation to President Tinubu, has been appointed as the Secretary-General of CoSPAL.

The elections occurred during the 2nd General Assembly meeting of CoSPAL held in Accra, Ghana, where Ghana’s Speaker, Rt. Hon. Alban Kingsford Bagbin, was re-elected as Chairman. The assembly brought together over 100 participants, including legislative leaders from various African nations, underscoring CoSPAL’s mission to enhance legislative collaboration across the continent.

Representing Nigeria’s Speaker, Rt. Hon. Tajudeen Abbas, Deputy Speaker Rt. Hon. Benjamin Okezie Kalu advocated for Nigeria to secure two of the five positions allocated to West Africa within CoSPAL. Kalu also proposed constitutional amendments aimed at improving the efficiency of the Secretariat, including suggestions for a periodic performance review, an appeals process, and clearer rules regarding membership termination.

These recommendations were accepted by the General Assembly, showcasing CoSPAL’s dedication to promoting transparent governance and accountability. The newly elected officials are set to be inaugurated on Sunday, marking a new chapter for Nigeria’s involvement in African legislative matters.

The Enugu Electricity Distribution Company (EEDC) has advised residents in the South-East to upgrade their pre-paid meters by November 24, 2024. This upgrade is necessary due to the Token Identifier (TID) rollover, which impacts all Standard Transfer Specification (STS) compliant pre-paid meters globally.

Mr. Emeka Ezeh, EEDC’s Head of Corporate Communications, announced the deadline during a press briefing in Enugu. He explained that EEDC has successfully transitioned to a new vending system called “SuperEdge” to facilitate a smooth upgrade process.

Key Points:

• After November 24, un-upgraded pre-paid meters will no longer accept new credit tokens, though they will continue to function until the current energy credits are exhausted.
• Customers who haven’t recharged their pre-paid meters since February 2024 will need to use Key Change Tokens (KCTs) for the upgrade. These tokens consist of three sets of 20-digit numbers that must be entered into the meter.
• The upgrade process is free of charge. However, customers are urged to load any previously purchased tokens before proceeding with the upgrade, as those tokens will no longer be accepted afterward.

Ezeh encouraged customers to recharge their meters through the EEDC website or the EEDC Connect App, and for any inquiries regarding the upgrade, they can reach out to the EEDC Call Center.

Residents are advised to act promptly to avoid disruptions in their electricity supply.

The Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ) Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Council is mourning the death of former Internal Auditor Mr. Walter Ukaegbu, who passed away at the age of 67 after a prolonged illness. Ukaegbu, known for his extensive coverage of business and maritime/transport/aviation beats across various national newspapers, died on August 29, 2024, in his hometown of Amokwe Item in Bende Local Government Area of Abia State.

In a heartfelt tribute signed by Ochiaka Ugwu, Secretary of the FCT Council of NUJ, Ukaegbu is remembered as a loving father, dedicated comrade, and inspiring professional, who served as a role model for his community. The tribute conveyed condolences to his family and highlighted his commitment to faith, community service, and his role as a Christian leader.

A funeral program released by his family indicates that a Service of Songs will be held in Ukaegbu’s honor on November 8, 2024, at Christ Methodist Cathedral in Nyanya, Abuja. His remains will be interred in his hometown of Amokwe Item, Abia State, on November 15, 2024. He is survived by his wife, Dr. (Mrs.) Ifeyinwa Ukaegbu, son Jesse Chidubem Ukaegbu, daughter Favour Amarachukwu Ukaegbu, and extended family members.

In response to the persistent power outages affecting Northern, Eastern, and South-South Nigeria, Peter Obi, the Labour Party’s presidential candidate in the 2023 elections, voiced significant frustration over the ongoing crisis. He underscored that the prolonged blackouts, particularly in Northern states, have severely impacted numerous businesses that rely heavily on a consistent public power supply.

Obi stated, “This power crisis, combined with the current high cost of petroleum products and the challenging economic environment, is a devastating mix leading to widespread business failures and increased poverty across Nigeria.” He highlighted how the lack of reliable electricity has critically affected small businesses, which are the backbone of the Nigerian economy and a primary source of income for millions of citizens.

He emphasized that Nigeria’s power challenges are “not rocket science” and pointed to successful examples like Egypt, which has made substantial advancements in its power infrastructure. He praised Egypt’s aggressive investments in power stations, which have significantly improved energy reliability for small businesses that contribute over 80 percent to the country’s GDP.

Obi urged the Nigerian government to adopt both immediate and long-term strategies to tackle the power crisis and alleviate the burdens faced by citizens during these “tough times.” He concluded with a hopeful message, asserting that “a New Nigeria is Possible” if the country can implement effective power reforms to foster economic growth and stability.

The Nigerian Army has announced the arrest of 35 suspected oil thieves involved in illegal refining and pipeline siphoning activities across four Niger Delta states: Akwa Ibom, Bayelsa, Delta, and Rivers. The operations, conducted between October 21 and October 27, are part of ongoing efforts to combat oil theft and illegal bunkering in the region.

Lt.-Col. Danjuma Danjuma, spokesman for the Nigerian Army’s 6 Division in Port Harcourt, detailed the operations in a statement. Troops successfully destroyed 58 illegal artisanal refineries and seized approximately 11,200 litres of stolen crude oil along with 355,000 litres of adulterated diesel during the raids.

In Rivers State, the troops dismantled 22 illegal refineries and confiscated significant amounts of illegally refined products, including 131,500 litres of diesel and 10,300 litres of condensates, alongside two wooden boats. Six suspects were apprehended across various local government areas, including Akuku-Toru, Ahoada East, Degema, and Ogba/Egbema/Ndoni, as well as the Obiofo Oil Field, Odagwa, and Imo River.

In Akwa Ibom, the army reported the dismantling of 34 illegal refining sites and the arrest of 27 suspects, leading to the seizure of 215,000 litres of adulterated diesel, 19 wooden boats, nine vehicles, and 20 nylon bags used for storing petroleum products.

Operations in Delta State resulted in the arrest of two suspected oil thieves and the confiscation of 1,200 litres of crude oil, as well as various boats and vehicles in the Warri South and Ethiope West local government areas.

In Bayelsa, troops destroyed two illegal refining sites and seized 8,500 litres of diesel and 10,000 litres of stolen crude oil, along with seven wooden boats and three additional vandals arrested during raids in Ekeremor, Nembe, Southern Ijaw, and Yenagoa local government areas.

The army’s efforts are aimed at reducing oil theft, which significantly impacts Nigeria’s economy and the security situation in the Niger Delta region.

The Nigerian Safety Investigation Bureau (NSIB) has confirmed the recovery of a fourth body following the ditching incident involving a Sikorsky SK76 helicopter, registration 5N BQG, operated by East Wind Aviation. This development occurred as part of ongoing search and recovery efforts after the helicopter went down.

According to NSIB, at approximately 4:00 PM, a floating body was retrieved from the water by a Fast Rescue Craft (FRC) and subsequently escorted by the Cameroonian Navy to NUIMS Antan for safe transit through their territorial waters.

Mrs. Bimbo Oladeji, Director of Public Affairs and Family Assistance at NSIB, stated that by 6:44 PM, field operations confirmed the identity of the body based on a T-shirt description provided earlier.

“By 6:50 PM, East Wind Aviation was contacted to arrange for an air ambulance to transport the body the following morning, with the company actively coordinating these efforts. By 7:05 PM, Antan Security informed the Port Harcourt Marine Police to prepare for receiving the body from the air ambulance,” Oladeji added.

The NSIB is working closely with a joint search, rescue, and recovery team, alongside various supporting agencies, to ensure a thorough recovery process and to gather critical evidence to assist with the ongoing investigation into the incident.

A new coalition named Save Democracy Mega Alliance 2027 (SDMA’27) has launched an initiative aimed at amending Nigeria’s Constitution to remove the President’s authority over the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) and state governors’ power over State Independent Electoral Commissions (SIECs). This move is intended to curtail executive influence in the electoral and judicial systems by transferring appointment powers to an independent body.

During a press briefing in Abuja, spokesperson Comrade Tony Akeni Le Moin announced that the coalition would formally launch its campaign across all states, culminating in a “boot camp” finale in Abuja. The coalition’s primary focus lies in two key constitutional amendments: removing the appointment powers from the President and governors concerning INEC, SIEC, and judiciary heads, and transferring these responsibilities to a body comprised of non-partisan, integrity-vetted individuals.

The coalition has received endorsements from prominent leaders and pro-democracy groups across the nation, including political economist Professor Pat Utomi. Utomi hailed the movement as a significant milestone for Nigeria’s democracy since 1999, referencing the Justice Uwais Electoral Reform report, which similarly recommended reforms to insulate INEC and the judiciary from executive influence. He asserted that such reforms are crucial for fostering fair elections and improving governance.

SDMA’27’s Three-Point Plan:

1. Mobilizing National Consensus: The coalition plans to engage political, religious, and civil society networks to create a unified demand for constitutional reform.
2. Building Momentum for a National Conference: SDMA’27 aims to convene a National Conference to formally propose the desired amendments.
3. Lobbying Legislative Bodies: The coalition intends to lobby both the National and State Assemblies to eliminate executive influence over INEC and the judiciary.

In its call to action, SDMA’27 warned that without these reforms, the 2027 elections are likely to witness a repetition of past electoral manipulations. They invoked the words of Rev. Martin Luther King Jr. regarding the necessity of organized resistance, urging Nigerians to prepare for what they term a “national emergency” to restore the integrity of Nigeria’s democracy.

The Nigerian Guild of Editors (NGE) has called on state governments in the South-East and South-South geopolitical zones to collaborate in addressing security challenges affecting their regions. This appeal came during a two-day conference themed “The Media as Partners in Regional Development,” held in Owerri, Imo State.

In a communiqué signed by NGE President Eze Anaba and General Secretary Dr. Iyobosa Uwugiaren, the guild emphasized the need for editors to refrain from disseminating information from self-serving groups that promote insecurity and violence within the zones.

The conference, organized in collaboration with the United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) and the Imo State government, brought together 54 editors and media executives from the two regions. Participants stressed the importance of active media engagement to foster regional development, advocating for investigative and development journalism and constructive dialogue to rebuild unity in the zones.

Key points from the conference included:

• Media Innovation: The guild urged the media to embrace continuous innovation and position themselves at the forefront of digital transformation rather than resisting it.
• Governor Synergy: It called on governors in the regions to restore the synergy, cohesion, and unity that previously supported critical infrastructure development.
• Children’s Welfare: The NGE emphasized the importance of prioritizing children’s welfare in reporting, holding states accountable that have not domesticated the Child Rights Act. They urged adherence to UNICEF protocols in reporting on children’s issues and condemned superstitions like witchcraft beliefs that stigmatize children in some areas.

The conference also highlighted the lack of data available to development agencies in the South-East and South-South zones. Editors and media executives resolved to focus on generating necessary data to attract developmental partners and address the pressing challenges faced by these regions.

During the 2024 New Yam Festival held at Edem Ani Ogwugwu Ancient Kingdom in Nsukka, Igwe Asadu urged President Bola Tinubu to pursue a political solution regarding the case of Nnamdi Kanu, expressing hope that Kanu’s release could contribute to stabilizing the region.

The monarch emphasized the significance of the festival as a time for thanksgiving, celebrating bountiful harvests, peace, and security. Asadu, a former Chairman of the South East Traditional Rulers’ Council, extended his gratitude to Enugu State Governor Peter Mbah for his support of local farmers, which included providing fertilizers and establishing a smart school in the community.

“Iwa Ji is a key traditional practice that sustains our culture and reminds us of the importance of agriculture, particularly yam farming, as a staple food and a symbol of prosperity,” Asadu stated, encouraging citizens to invest in farming for economic stability.

Enugu State’s Commissioner for Agriculture, Patrick Uburu, reiterated the government’s support for the New Yam Festival, noting its role in promoting cultural heritage and enhancing agricultural productivity. He highlighted the government’s efforts to identify and support genuine farmers to ensure food security.

Chief Chidi Ezema, the Chairman of the occasion, characterized the festival as a celebration of life, culture, and community achievements, marking the second year of the festival’s revival under Igwe Asadu’s leadership. Ozo Chukwuemeka Ejum, the Planning Committee Chairman, commended Igwe Asadu for his dedication to preserving the culture and traditions of Edem Ani Ogwugwu.

The event featured vibrant cultural displays, including masquerades, traditional yam barns, and various performances that celebrated the rich Igbo heritage.

The Niger Delta Development Force (NDDF), a militant group operating in the Niger Delta region, has issued a stern warning to President Bola Tinubu regarding alleged plans by Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Minister Nyesom Wike. The NDDF claims that Wike intends to leverage Abuja courts to block revenue allocations destined for the 23 Local Government Councils (LGAs) in Rivers State.

In statements made from Port Harcourt, NDDF spokesperson Justin Alabraba cautioned that any court ruling that restricts these funds could provoke a severe backlash, potentially reigniting hostilities in the region, which historically have resulted in extensive damage to crucial oil installations that are vital to Nigeria’s economy.

Alabraba warned that should an Abuja court deny Rivers LGAs their rightful allocations, the NDDF would respond by shutting down major oil pipelines, stating, “Nyesom Wike cannot be using Tinubu’s powers to cause problems in Rivers State without any consequences.” He emphasized that such actions could lead to broader destabilization across the Niger Delta, as Rivers State is considered the region’s headquarters.

The group expressed its strong disapproval of any judicial decisions perceived as interference in local governance, urging judicial authorities to carefully consider the serious implications of their rulings. Reports indicate that Justice Joyce Abdulmalik of the Federal High Court in Abuja, a judge allegedly associated with Wike, is expected to deliver a ruling on Monday that could halt statutory allocations to Rivers LGAs. Justice Abdulmalik has previously denied any bias in this matter.

The NDDF remains adamant that any attempts to restrict the funds allocated to Rivers LGAs will not be tolerated, accusing Wike of misusing federal power to disrupt the governance of Rivers State under Governor Siminalayi Fubara.

President Bola Tinubu has extended his congratulations to Luong Cuong on his election as President of the Socialist Republic of Vietnam. Cuong, 67, a veteran military officer with over 40 years of service and a member of the Politburo since 2021, was elected through a historic parliamentary vote.

In a statement released by Tinubu’s Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, President Tinubu praised Cuong for his commitment to establishing Vietnam as a “trusted partner and responsible member of the international community.”

Tinubu emphasized the long-standing and friendly relations between Nigeria and Vietnam, particularly in trade and cultural exchange, which are rooted in mutual goals for peace and development. He assured Cuong of Nigeria’s dedication to enhancing bilateral cooperation across various sectors, including trade, agriculture, food production, education, and cultural and technological exchanges.

The Nigerian President expressed his hope that Cuong’s leadership would lead to success in serving the interests of the Vietnamese people and contributing positively to the broader international community.

The Coalition of Northern Groups (CNG) has condemned the Transmission Company of Nigeria (TCN) and stakeholders in the electricity sector for a five-day power outage affecting northern states. In a statement by National Coordinator Comrade Jamilu Charanchi, the coalition highlighted the dire consequences of the outage, including reports of patient fatalities in hospitals due to the failure of essential medical equipment like oxygen machines.

Charanchi described the situation as “alarming and unacceptable,” emphasizing that millions have been left without electricity, which has disrupted businesses and exacerbated the region’s economic difficulties. The outage was attributed to vandalism on the Shiroro power line, coupled with faults on a parallel line, severely crippling power transmission to the North. The coalition also pointed out that the Jos line, the only alternative source of electricity, frequently trips, worsening the crisis.

Criticizing the Transmission Rehabilitation and Expansion Programme (TREP), which has a budget allocation of $1.661 billion but has struggled to resolve infrastructure issues, Charanchi highlighted mismanagement of an additional $500 million intended for the Eastern Backbone project. This mismanagement has stalled critical infrastructure developments that could benefit areas like Sokoto, Katsina, and Kaura Namoda.

The CNG raised concerns about the significant power allocation disparity, noting that northern regions are underserved compared to southern regions. With only two 330kV lines, northern Distribution Companies (DisCos) receive a small fraction of the power supplied to other areas, while Lagos benefits from eight power lines. Charanchi stated that this imbalance hampers northern growth and reflects systemic neglect in national infrastructure planning.

Call for Urgent Action

The coalition called on the Federal Government, TCN, northern governors, and lawmakers to take immediate action to restore power and address the infrastructural imbalances in power distribution across the country. The statement underscored the necessity for northern representation in power development projects, highlighting the region’s substantial contribution to Nigeria’s power generation.

“The CNG calls for increased investment in Northern Nigeria’s power infrastructure, particularly in distribution,” the statement read. It urged northern leaders to unite and advocate for equitable investment in power plants in the region, emphasizing the long-standing underrepresentation of the North in national energy development plans. The coalition warned that neglecting the electricity needs of the region would result in further deterioration of essential services, economic hardship, and long-term developmental setbacks for northern Nigeria.

President Masoud Pezeshkian stated on Sunday that Iran does not seek war with Israel but is prepared to deliver “an appropriate response” to recent air strikes on Iranian military sites.

During a cabinet meeting, Pezeshkian emphasized Iran’s commitment to defending its national rights and indicated that the country would respond to what he described as the “aggression of the Zionist regime.” This statement follows Israeli air strikes on military sites in Iran, which were in retaliation for an October 1 attack on Israel linked to Iranian-backed militant groups.

Pezeshkian attributed the escalating regional tensions to Israel’s actions and the support it receives from the United States, which Iran does not recognize. He cautioned that continued aggression from Israel could lead to further tensions in the region.

Additionally, he criticized the U.S. for failing to uphold its promise to end hostilities in exchange for Iran’s restraint. Iran has called for an end to the ongoing Gaza conflict, which was ignited by an attack on Israel by Hamas on October 7 last year. The country also supports various armed groups in the region, including Hezbollah in Lebanon, which has been engaged in significant conflict with Israeli forces recently.

Ebonyi State Governor, Right Honourable Francis Nwifuru, has announced a new minimum wage of ₦75,000 for civil servants in the state. The update was shared by the Governor following a Holy Mass at the Government House Chapel in Abakaliki on Sunday.

Governor Nwifuru explained that the wage adjustment is a thoughtful response to Nigeria’s current economic conditions and their impact on the workforce. Under the new policy, employees at grade level 2 will receive a minimum wage of ₦75,000, while workers at grade level 3 and above will see an across-the-board increment of ₦40,000. This revised wage structure is set to take effect on Monday, October 28, 2024.

In addition to the wage announcement, Governor Nwifuru appointed two key leaders to support major state industries: Dr. Obinna Ezenkwa will now lead the Umuoghara Pulverization Plant, and Barrister Uchenna Otuh will head the Ezzamgbo Pipe Production Factory. The Governor emphasized the appointees’ specialized expertise and urged stakeholders to support the new General Managers in their roles to advance these industries for the economic benefit of Ebonyi State