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ASUU Strike: Union, FG Disagree Over Planned Meeting

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The Academic Staff Union of Universities, on Sunday, said it did not receive any notice of a meeting from the Ministry of Labour and Employment over its ongoing strike.

The Minister of Labour and Employment, Dr. Chris Ngige, had during a meeting with the striking National Association of Academic Technologists on Friday, promised to meet with ASUU this week.

This week was also the last week of the ASUU’s two months rollover strike.

But the National President of ASUU, Prof. Emmanuel Osodeke, told one of our correspondents on Sunday that the union had yet to receive any notice of a meeting from any Federal Government ministry.

“No, we have not received any notice of meeting from them. They didn’t call us. We are not begging them to meet with us and we will not go to them if they do not invite us. It is part of his (Ngige’s) political campaign, we didn’t receive an invite,” he said.

When asked what would be ASUU’s decision at the end of its two-month rollover strike which ends on Friday, Osodeke said, “My people will decide.”

He added, “No meeting, if we do not hear from them, our National Executive Council will meet at the expiration of this week.”

But the spokesperson of the Ministry of Education, Ben Goong, faulted Osodeke’s claim on the notice of the meeting.

Though Goong did not give a specific date for the meeting, he noted that the government had continually reached out to the union.

He said, “The negotiating team is meeting ASUU this week. I cannot say when but I am very sure they will be meeting. The team has reached out to ASUU.

“It is not true that we have not been communicating with them. ASUU is making a series of demands including salary increase, if we have not been communicating, who then are they making their demands to?”

Meanwhile, the Committee of Vice-Chancellors of Nigerian Universities has reiterated the need for the Federal Government and the striking ASUU to resolve lingering issues to end the ongoing strike.

The Chairman of the committee, Prof. Samuel Edoumiekumo, made the call in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria on Sunday in Abuja.

Edoumiekumo said both parties needed to agree to end the strike as soon as possible.

He urged them to honor agreements entered into for academic activities to commence in the affected universities.

“We have already given a press release arising from the meeting of the general assembly of the committee.

“We said that ASUU and the Federal Government should amicably resolve all lingering issues,” he said.

Edoumiekumo, who is the Vice-Chancellor of Niger Delta University, expressed optimism that the issues would be resolved soon.

Also, the Trade Union Congress in Kogi State has lambasted the Federal Government over the lingering strike.

The state chairman of TUC, Ranti Ojo, in an interview on Sunday, said the body language of the President, Muhammadu Buhari, on the ongoing strike showed that his regime had no plan for the future of Nigerian youths.

Ojo, while expressing worries over the continuous crisis rocking the nation’s educational sector, said students are always at the receiving end when unions down tools to press home their demands.

Ojo said, “We have many students that are supposed to be participating in the National Youth Service Corps but are roaming around the street because of the strike. Our children are now turning themselves into something else. Immorality, robbery, insecurity, and many more are now the order of the day.

“The government is feeling less concerned because most of their children are not schooled in the country. With what is on the ground, the present administration has no plan for our education and the future of our youth.

“The political class has failed us because their children are not in the country, as they are all abroad. Something urgent must be done to avoid any crisis in Nigeria. The educational sector must be given priority.

“Look at the money they budgeted for our parliamentarians. Can you imagine a political appointee buying a nomination form for N100m? Where did he get the money to do that? This is the Minister for State for Education. For me, the political class has failed us, not only in the educational sector but in all ramifications.”

ASUU had on February 14 embarked on a strike to press home some demands including a call for the government to implement the Memorandum of Action signed in December 2020 on funding for the revitalization of public universities.

Other demands are Earned Academic Allowances, renegotiation of the 2009 agreement, and the deployment of the University Transparency and Accountability Solution among others.

Meanwhile, members of the National Executive Council of ASUU commenced their meeting last night in Abuja.

A source in ASUU said, “The meeting is still ongoing. No decision yet. The President (Osodeke) will make a pronouncement after our meeting tomorrow (Monday) morning.”

BIG STORY

Aare Adetola Emmanuelking Shines Bright As The Remo Day “Man Of Steeze” [PHOTOS]

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The Gateway Stadium, Sagamu was aglow yesterday, the 27th of December, 2024, as the maiden edition of Remo Day culminated in a grand rally celebrating the unity, culture, and progress of Remoland. Hosted by the revered Akarigbo of Remoland, the event brought together dignitaries from across the nation, including the Chief of Staff to the President of Nigeria, Hon Femi Gbajabiamila, the esteemed Governor of Ogun State, Prince Dapo Abiodun (MFR) and the first lady of the state, The Ewusi of Makun, HRH Oba Timothy Oyesola Akinsanya, ORUNAGBA II, Chairman of Adron Group and Otun Akile of Remoland Aare Adetola Emmanuelking, amongst others.

Aare Adetola Emmanuelking’s presence stood out in class as he brought unparalleled style, sophistication, and charm to the occasion. Dubbed the ” Remo Day Man of Steeze,” Aare Adetola made an unforgettable entrance, draped in an exquisite wine agbada adorned with intricate embroidery, accessorized with traditional coral beads, and crowned with a regal fila. His look, a masterclass in cultural elegance, radiated confidence and pride in Yoruba heritage, instantly earning him admiration from the gathered audience. Known for his charisma and commitment to the development of Remoland, Aare Adetola was the epitome of poise and grandeur as he engaged with other top dignitaries and attendees. From his interactions to his overall demeanor, every aspect of his presence reflected a deep connection to his roots, and an unyielding passion for community growth.

Communities from across Remoland including Epe, Makun, Iperu, Irolu, Emuren, Ogere, Ikenne, Ilara, Ode remo, Isara, Ipara, Ilishan, Soyindo, Ijagba, Ado, Ode lemo, Ibido, Idena, Ogijo, Atayo, Eposo, Idado, Latawa, Oko, Ipoji, Lowa ibu, Igbepa, Ijoku, Iraye, Ilupeju, Iraniken, Okeselu, Simawa, Ilaye, Iraye, Agura, Igode, Sotubo, Ariye , Araromi, Imushin, Imeji, Agbehinsa , and many more, converged at the Gateway Stadium to pay homage to the Akarigbo of Remoland, a revered symbol of unity and cultural pride. This act of respect and solidarity emphasized the deep-rooted connection between the people and their traditional ruler as they celebrated the remarkable growth and development of Remo. Among the many groups, Iyaniwura Base stood out under the distinguished leadership of Aare Adetola Emmanuelking. Following in his illustrious footsteps, the group brought a splash of vibrance to the event, dazzling attendees with their matching cultural attires that reflected the rich traditions of Remoland. Their coordinated elegance and enthusiastic homage added a memorable touch to the grand celebration.

The Remo Day celebration, themed “In Unity & Culture, We Thrive,” was more than a cultural showcase. It was a celebration of the strength and progress of Remoland, featuring colorful displays of traditional dance, drumming, and artwork. Amid the festivity, Aare Adetola’s magnetic personality and gallant appearance was a true highlight of the day. The Grand Rally provided a perfect backdrop for celebrating individuals who embody the spirit of Remo’s advancement. In Aare Adetola Emmanuelking, Remo found a true cultural icon, someone who not only lives the values of the community, but also inspires others to embrace and promote its legacy with pride and dignity.

The Remo Day celebrations may have concluded, but the image of Aare Adetola, standing tall in his resplendent attire, remains etched in the memories of attendees. Aare Adetola Olaonipekun Emmanuelking- a name synonymous with grace, culture, and unshakable pride in Remoland’s illustrious heritage. Indeed, the “Remo Day Man of Steeze” has set a standard that will resonate far beyond Remoland.

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BIG STORY

“My NGO Account Has Been Hacked, N160Million Diverted” — VeryDarkMan

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Popular activist and social critic, VeryDarkMan, has raised concerns about the hacking of his NGO account, which led to the diversion of N160 million.

In a video shared on his verified Instagram account on Friday, he revealed that the incident had left him feeling distressed in recent days.

He explained that the funds were stolen after hackers allegedly gained access to the NGO’s website. The compromised account, which initially contained N180 million, now holds only N20 million.

He mentioned that law enforcement agencies had tracked one of the suspects, resulting in an arrest.

To address the situation, he stated that the NGO’s app had been temporarily taken offline for maintenance to prevent further vulnerabilities.

He said, “For the past few days, I’ve not been myself. I am here with Officer Joe, and we are going to Jos. NGO money—somebody stole the money. Somebody hacked into the NGO website, and I don’t know how they did it. N180 million is missing, but thank God we have tracked the person, and we are on our way to Jos.

“They have arrested one person, and that is why I’m even saying it now. I’m excited, and the account has been put on PND. The account now has N20 million, while N160 million has been diverted to another account. We are currently going there to see how we can get the money back. I just want to update you people.

“I even had to shut down the app and put it on maintenance so that people will not really see what is going on, but let me just come out plain and tell everyone what is going on. Hopefully, we will get the money back.”

The NGO, which launched in October, gained significant attention after raising over N21 million within 24 hours of its inception.

The initiative, aimed at transforming Nigeria’s public education system, attracted support from prominent figures, including music producer Don Jazzy.

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BIG STORY

Christmas Celebrations: Police Arrest 23 Suspected Armed Robbers, Hoodlums, Kidnapper, Recover Dangerous Weapons [PHOTOS]

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  • As IGP Commends Officers For Vigilance, Commitment To Safety

 

In furtherance of the directive of the Inspector-General of Police, IGP Kayode Adeolu Egbetokun, Ph.D., NPM., to commands and formations to emplace unalloyed anti crime strategies towards ensuring adequate safety and security during this festive period, operatives of the Nigeria Police Force across several states in the country have successfully apprehended multiple groups of armed robbers, cultists and hoodlums targeting fun seekers and engaging in gangsterism during Christmas celebrations.

On the 25th of December 2024, at about 1am, the police operatives attached to Lagos State Command, received a distress call that a group of hoodlums armed with dangerous weapons was operating around the Safejo area of Amukoko, Lagos State. The swift response by the police operatives to the scene led to the arrest of 3 of the suspected hoodlums identified as Emmanuel Okoli ‘m’, 20 years, Ogunde Tejiri ‘m’, 20 years, and Emmanuel Orji ‘m’, 18 years, and also the recovery of the weapons they had used in carrying out robbery attacks on innocent funseekers in the area. The police have emplaced intensified searches to apprehend the fleeing members of the gang.

In a similar development, Police Operatives attached to Saminaka Division of the Kaduna State Command on 25th December 2024, at about 8pm, successfully apprehended one Sule Muhammad ‘m’, 25 years, who has been actively involved in multiple kidnapping incidents within the Saminaka area. Further investigation led to the recovery of a fabricated AK-47 rifle from the suspect. The suspect confessed to being a member of a notorious kidnapping gang who had been evading arrest since the arrest of other gang members on August 16, 2024, until his recent arrest on 25th December 2024. Following cooperation received from Muhammad, efforts are in top gear to apprehend other members of his gang and recover more arms and ammunition in their identified camp. Commendable efforts of the Nigeria Police Operatives have also been witnessed in states including Delta, Ogun Katsina, Benue, FCT and Imo, leading to the arrests of several suspects in various locations during the Christmas celebration period.

The IGP has commended the officers involved in these operations for their vigilance and commitment to public safety, highlighting their display of exemplary dedication in safeguarding our communities, especially during this joyful season. The IGP urges the public to remain vigilant and report any suspicious activities to the authorities.

The IGP further assures citizens that the Force is fully committed to creating a safe environment for everyone as they partake in the joy and cheer of the holiday season. As the celebrations continue, the Nigeria Police Force remains steadfast in its mission to protect all citizens and ensure that the spirit of festivities during this period remains unmarred by criminal activities.

 

ACP OLUMUYIWA ADEJOBI, mnipr, mipra, fCAI,

FORCE PUBLIC RELATIONS OFFICER

FORCE HEADQUARTERS,

ABUJA.

27TH DECEMBER 2024.

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