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Labour Strike, WAEC, IPOB: The Timing is Wrong By Victor Ojelabi

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Strike actions have always been a tool deployed by organised labour in Nigeria to either get the attention of the governments or force the latter to do its bidding since time immemorial.

So it did not come as a shock when the Nigeria Labour Congress, under the leadership of Comrade Joe Ajaero and the Trade Union Congress (TUC), mobilised their members for the nationwide industrial action that will commence tomorrow.

And the bone of contention? The two apex labour groups, which expressed disappointment with the government’s handling of the negotiation on the new minimum wage, had declared an indefinite nationwide industrial action effective from Monday, 3 June 2024.

The organised labour is demanding better welfare for its members, specifically asking for the sum of N494,000 as minimum wage due to the economic challenges being faced by many Nigerians.

While it is my belief that the demand is justified, I will appeal to organised labour to tread with caution as the timing is not only wrong but will spell doom for the future of many youths in the country.

As we speak, the West African Senior School Certificate Examination (WASSCE) is ongoing and such strike action at this moment will not only cripple movements, it will jeopardise the emotional stability of the students, whose future is on the line.

Many parents, guardians and those who have children in schools are already anxious and smitten by fear over what this action portends not only for their children but for their already stressed pockets.

The leadership of the apex labour groups needs to keep in mind that WASSCE is not a Nigerian examination and, therefore, cannot be suspended or paused for Nigeria to straighten out its internal problems.

Already, the West African Examinations Council (WAEC) has said the indefinite strike announced by labour unions would not affect the conduct of the ongoing West African Senior School Certificate Examination (WASSCE).

In an internal memo addressed to the principals of schools participating in the 2024 WASSCE, WAEC said the conduct of the internal examination continues irrespective of the strike.

“The attention of Management has been drawn to a notice of the commencement of an indefinite strike by NLC and TUC effective Monday, 3 June 2024. Please be formally informed that the conduct of WASSCE SC 2024 goes on as scheduled,” the examination board said in a statement signed by the Ekiti Branch Controller for WAEC National Office, identified as T. A. Lawson.

Tell me, how do we expect the students and invigilators to move and access their examination centres when the economy is shut down? How do we even expect them to be in the right state of mind if they manage to access their examination centres?

If a group like the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) was magnanimous enough in allowing the students writing their WASSCE to do so on a day set aside by the secessionist group to honour those who died during the Civil War between 6 July 1967 and 15 January 1970, then I wonder why the union leaders cannot do the same.

BIG STORY

BON 2024: Madam Saje, Kanayo O Kanayo Set To Bag Lifetime Achievement Awards

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With the Kwara State government set to host the prestigious Best of Nollywood (BON) Awards on November 24, esteemed actors, Fausat Balogun, popular as Madam Saje, and Kanayo O Kanayo are poised to recieve the Best of Nollywood Lifetime Achievement Awards for 2024.

The announcement was made by Seun Oloketuyi, founder, BON Awards, earlier in the week.

With the announcement the duo are set to join other Nollywood greats in the league of Lifetime Achievement Award winners. On this list are people like Adebayo Salami, Toyin Adegbola, Madam Kofo, and others.

While speaking about the duo, Oloketuyi explained that there was a need to start celebrating film heroes in their lifetime, when they can enjoy the accolades.

He said , “Why must we wait till our film heroes are dead to give them awards? Posthumous awards are good, but its better the recipient is alive to recieve awards.”

Also weighing in, Feranmi Olaoye, the Executive Producer BON Awards revealed that the choice of Kanayo and Madam Saje were not made lightly.

“These two are people we grew up watching. They inspired the generation we watch now, and they still maintained their stand in the industry. They deserve to be celebrated, and that’s why we have chosen them as this year’s Lifetime Achievement Award winners.

The 2024 edition of the BON Awards is billed to hold at the Sugar Factory Film Studios in Ilorin, the state’s latest hub for filmmakers.

Oloketuyi had earlier expressed excitement about Kwara’s role as host, promising a fulfilling experience for the expected 500 Nollywood stars attending.

Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq had also highlighted the studio’s potential to elevate Nigerian cinematography and promote local talent. The event underscores Kwara’s commitment to becoming a leading destination in the creative industry, fostering growth and investment in the sector.

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BIG STORY

JUST IN: Prison Officers Involved In Bobrisky Bribery Allegations Will Face Prosecution — Interior Minister Tunji-Ojo

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The Federal Government on Friday assured that all individuals implicated in the alleged bribery case involving crossdresser “Idris Okuneye, also known as Bobrisky,” will be prosecuted.

This announcement was made by the Minister of Interior, “Dr. Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo,” during a press conference in Abuja on Friday, commemorating his first year in office.

Earlier, the minister had launched a comprehensive investigation into accusations of bribery and corruption within the “Nigerian Correctional Service (NCoS).”

This came after reports emerged that “Bobrisky,” who had been sentenced to prison earlier in the year, had not served his sentence within the correctional facility.

As the investigation progressed, the Nigerian Government, through the “Civil Defence, Correctional, Fire and Immigration Services Board,” suspended several senior prison service officers on Thursday, “September 26, 2024.”

The officers suspended include “Michael Anugwa,” Deputy Controller of Corrections (DCC) responsible for the Medium Security Custodial Centre (MSCC) in Kiri-kiri, Lagos State; “Sikiru Adekunle,” Deputy Controller of Corrections (DCC) overseeing the Maximum-Security Custodial Centre (MSCC) in Kiri-kiri, Lagos State; and “ASC II Ogbule Samuel Obinna,” stationed at the MSCC in Afikpo, Ebonyi State, who was accused of escorting a convicted inmate outside the facility.

Another officer, “Iloafonsi Kevin Ikechukwu,” Deputy Controller of Corrections (DCC) managing the MSCC in Kuje, Abuja, was suspended for allegedly accepting payments on behalf of an inmate.

In addressing the unfolding bribery and corruption scandal, “Dr. Tunji-Ojo” called on Nigerians to remain patient during the investigation, assuring the public that all involved would be held accountable.

“We will not spare anyone, regardless of their status. The investigation is ongoing, but rest assured that no one will be shielded or protected,” the minister asserted.

He further clarified that the investigation went beyond the allegations linked to “Bobrisky,” noting that of the four suspended officers, only two were connected to the “Bobrisky” case. “This process will continue; it doesn’t end here,” he added.

“Dr. Tunji-Ojo” expressed his trust in the integrity of the committee members leading the investigation, encouraging the public to have confidence in their work.

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BIG STORY

UPDATE: US Company Costco Denies Selling Baby Oil To Diddy

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American wholesale corporation, Costco, has denied selling “baby oil” to disgraced rapper and music executive, Sean Combs, aka Diddy.

The federal officers seized supplies that they say were intended for use in orgies known as “freak offs,” including drugs and more than 1,000 bottles of “baby oil” during the raiding of Diddy’s Beverly Hills mansion in March.

In a new TMZ Studios documentary, ‘The Downfall of Diddy: The Indictment’, the rapper’s lawyer, Marc Agnifilo suggested he had 1,000 bottles of “baby oil” because he buys them in bulk from Costco.

Reacting to Diddy’s lawyer’s claim, Costco said they don’t sell “baby oil.”

“None of the company’s US locations carry ‘baby oil,'” Costco told TMZ.

Diddy was recently arrested by Homeland Security on suspicion of sex trafficking, racketeering conspiracy and interstate transportation for prostitution.

Diddy has denied all the charges, entering a not-guilty plea on Tuesday, 17 September.

However, the Bad Boy Records’ boss’ bail request was rejected twice.

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