Members of the Senior Staff Association of Nigerian Universities (SSANU) and the Non-Academic Staff Union (NASU), have called off their seven-day warning strike.
In a circular to branch chairmen at public universities all over the coutry, SSANU President, Mohammed Ibrahim, directed SSANU and NASU members to resume work from Monday, March 25, 2024.
The two unions began a seven-day warning strike on Monday, March 18, 2024 over withheld salaries with workers in registry, bursary, works and maintenance, security, and students’ affairs withdrawing their services.
Both SSANU and NASU are protesting withheld salaries by the Federal Government. The two unions berated the Federal Government for paying withheld salaries to the Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU) while neglecting the non-academic unions.
All the unions had embarked on an eight-month strike in 2022 to press home some of their demands including a better welfare package. The administration of then President Muhammadu Buhari subsequently invoked a ‘No Work, No Pay policy’ against the unions but President Bola Tinubu last October approved the release of four of the eight months withheld salaries.
Major staple food prices across Nigeria increased by double figures month-on-month, the latest food price watch by the National Bureau of Statistics (NBS) has shown.
This is according to the NBS Food Price Watch for February 2024 released by the NBS recently.
According to the report, the average Food such as Garri, Rice, Beans, Beef, bread increased by as high as 25% with the lowest around 10% between January and February 2024.
The average price of 1kg of loose local rice increased by 19.69% from N1,021.79 sold in January 2024 to N1,222.97 in the month of February. On an annual basis, the price of loose local rice increased by 134.81% from N520.84 to its current figure.
The average price of 1kg brown Beans (sold loose) increased from N976.58 in January 2024 to N1,177.9 in February. This indicates an increase of 20.62% in one month. On an annual basis, the price of 1kg brown beans jumped from N594.15 in February 2023 to its current price.
Monthly, the average cost of 1kg boneless beef increased by 10.22% from N3,315.78 it sold in January to N3,654.56 for February 2024. On a year-on-year basis, the price of Beef increased by 49.41% from N2,445.96 in February, 2023.
Similarly, the average price of loose Garri white per kilogram surged by 109.16% year-on-year, climbing from N345.88 in February 2023 to N723.45 in February 2024, with a monthly increase of 20.44%.
READ ALSO: NBS report says Nigerians paid more for cooking gas in February 2024
The average price of Yam tuber per kilogram rose by 131.33% year-on-year, escalating from N436.41 in February 2023 to N1009.56 in February 2024. On a month-on-month basis, it saw an 11.93% increase from N901.94 in January 2024 to N1009.56 in February 2024.
Likewise, the average price of one medium-sized agricultural egg surged by 58.21% year-on-year, climbing from N88.03 in February 2023 to N139.28 in February 2024, with a monthly increase of 19.65% from N116.41 in January 2024.
The average price of a 500g sliced bread rose from N 904.02 in January 2024 to N1,047.86 in February. This represents an increase of 15.91% between January and February. Yearly, the price of bread increased by 89.48% between February 2023 and February 2024.
The founder and Chairman of the Tony Elumelu Foundation (TEF), Tony Elumelu has said that everybody cannot be president and he has no ambition of contesting for the office.
The billionaire businessman said this while replying to Princess Adenyike Tekina, one of the pioneer recipients of TEF’s $5,000 nonrefundable seed capital.
“I know many young alumni will want to know this. Will you ever run for the office of president of Nigeria? My dream is to run for the president of this country,” she said during the 2024 award in Lagos.
Tekina started Happy Coffee in 2015, an indigenous Nigerian coffee brand that sources locally grown coffee from the Mambilla Plateau.
In 2022, the entrepreneur was elected as the first National President of Women in Coffee in Nigeria. She said when she was selected for the $5,000 award, she used the fund to establish the brand which she said is now profitable.
Responding to her, Elumelu who is also Chairman of Heirs Holdings dismissed any plans of delving into politics in the future.
“I am happy to see that you are succeeding from the meagre $5000 not refundable seed capital you go. Keep succeeding and tell yourself that failure is not an option,” Elumelu said adding “Not just success for you, for your family, for your country but for all aspiring young Africans especially women.
“And now, do I want to run for president? Let’s know that all of us cannot be president. So, let’s support (those in office). That is why we support those in office. Share ideas on how we can make Nigeria and Africa a better place. We are strong on advocacy.”
Elumelu said he is strong on advocacy for the TEF philosophy of Africapitalism which is the private sector partnership to develop the continent.
Heirs Holding boss advocated for other successful business leaders in the continent to prioritise investment in youths.
“For your aspiration to become president, we support you and we pray for it to happen. Maybe, you will be our first female president,” he added.
‘Everybody Can’t Be Nigerian President’ – Tony Elumelu Speaks On Presidential Ambition is first published on The Whistler Newspaper
Nigerians on social media are reacting to a video of Clergywoman Funke Adejumo educating single ladies intending to get married on how to behave when visiting their parents-in-law for the first time.
While preaching recently in her church, the clergywoman said;
‘’As a woman, when you are going on that first trip, you don’t go with a gift or something too big, maybe just a basket of fruits or a wrapper for mama.
When you get there, depending on your culture. In my culture, we kneel to greet elders. As a Yoruba girl, you will kneel down and remain on your knees and let your eyes look down. It’s not that you will be staring at the mama and the baba and everybody there, Let them tell you to stand up before you stand up.
Even if you are an extrovert, please pretend that day”
She said whenever the parents ask the lady to stand up, she advised that the lady should ensure she sits on the very first seat
‘’Don’t walk around the length of the house. Just enter and sit down. When you sit down, you may not realise, they may be watching you from the keyhole because you have gone there for your entrance exam. Your own is more than the man. Remember what you wear will not be something you will be looking for a scarf and then one high heel show that will make you shake. Be as comfortable as possible. Not that your cleavage, everything is opened.
If you must look around, turn your eyes, not your head.
If they ask you any question, answer briefly.”
She went on to advise that ladies should not interject in any discussion the would-be parents-in-law are having. Adejumo advised against finishing the meal served.
‘’If the meat is tough, don’t pull it. Just leave it like that and make sure no oil spills on your dress. Carry your plate.”
She went on to say ‘’why Am I pretending, someone would say, she answered ‘ No I am being diplomatic’’
‘’Carry the plate, go to the kitchen and wash. Some of you, you go to your boyfriend’s house and you wash your plates, We are talking about your in-laws now”
Her advice has elicited reactions on social media. While some agree with her, others argue that they rather be themselves than pretend just to get any approval from their would-be in-laws.
The sad news of the passing away of veteran actor Amaechi Muanagor has been announced to the dismay of scores of Nollywood movie buffs, critics and fans alike
The thespian, who in 2020 stated that s3xual harassment is not peculiar to Nollywood as it happens in every profession passed onto the great beyond after a prolonged illness.
The news of Amaechi’s demise was made public on the X page of social commentator Morris Monye, who said that he is deeply heartbroken by the sad news.
He wrote, “Deeply heartbroken by the news of Amaechi Muonagor’s passing.
“He was a talented Nollywood actor whose presence on our screens was truly masterful.
“We watched with concern as he battled health issues, offering whatever support we could to help him seek treatment in India.
“This tragic loss highlights the need for better healthcare in our country.” Morris added.
As a parting shot, we highlight below eight things you may not have known about the versatile actor who plunged headlong into the world of make-believe after he left his job at the News Agency of Nigeria.
1.) Amaechi was born in Obosi, a village in Idemili North, Anambra State.
2.) He attended St. Mary’s Primary School, Obosi, Oraifite Grammar School
3.) Amaechi furthered his education at the University of Nigeria, Nsukka (UNN) where he studied economics and graduated in 1987.
4.) In 1989 after his youth service, Amaechi started working for NAN (News Agency of Nigeria).
5.) He left his job a few years later for an acting role in his first movie as Akunatakasi in Taboo 1, a Nigerian movie.
6.) He was nominated for the 2017 Africa Magic Viewers’ Choice Awards for Best Actor.
7.) He joined the Nigerian movie industry, dubbed Nollywood, in 1998
8.) Amaechi starred in many movies, including Taboo 1 (1989), Aki and Pawpaw, Karishika (1998), Aki na Ukwa (2002), and Igodo (1999).
Africa is disproportionately facing the harsh realities of climate change, with increased heatwaves, floods, droughts, and desertification threatening livelihoods and economies. In response, the Climate Action Africa Forum (CAAF24) is launching a unique initiative to combat this crisis: A “Deal Room” to connect tech innovators with potential investors.
The ‘Deal Room’ will be unveiled at the inaugural Climate Action Africa Forum conference which promises to be a watershed moment in Africa’s fight against the escalating climate crisis.
CAAF24, themed ‘Green Economies, Brighter Futures: Innovating and Investing in Africa’s Climate-Smart Development,’ will serve as a platform for various stakeholders, including leaders, activists, cleantech innovators, and concerned citizens, to come together and create a new story for Africa.
“CAAF24 is not just a conference; it’s a clarion call to action,” declared Grace Oluchi Mbah, co-founder and Executive Director at Climate Action Africa at a media parley held in Abuja.
The forum, taking place from June 17 to June 19, 2024, at the Landmark Centre in Lagos, aims to be a platform for collaboration and a launchpad for African climate solutions.
Mbah emphasised the urgency of the situation, highlighting the IPCC’s prediction of agricultural losses in Africa ranging from 5 to 15% of GDP.
“We cannot allow climate change to become the single story of Africa,” Mbah further declared, echoing the sentiments of renowned author Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie. “CAAF24 is our proof that when we come together with intent, purpose, and partnership, we can achieve our goals and make a lasting impact.”
She stressed that a cornerstone of CAAF24 is the introduction of the “Deal Room,” which seeks tech-driven solutions in crucial areas like emissions reduction, transportation, agriculture, energy, and sustainable practices. Registration for participation and volunteer opportunities open on April 2nd, 2024.
Its primary objective is to catalyse tangible investments in products and services that can turn the tide in Africa’s favour.
“We are looking for pioneers who are steering us toward a sustainable horizon,” said Mbah.
The Deal Room, facilitated by partners like the National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA) and Founders Institute, aims to bridge the gap between innovation and investment.
The forum invited investors to participate and support the climate-smart solutions that would be coming up to turn the tide in Africa’s fight against climate change.
Beyond the Deal Room, CAAF24 offers a rich programme lineup as attendees will gain knowledge and strategies to contribute to a circular economy, unlock climate finance, and navigate the energy transition.
The “Energy Evolve Stage,” led by the Presidential Compressed Natural Gas Initiative (Pi-CNG), will delve into harnessing renewable energy for a greener Africa.
Speaking at the event, Mrs Jummai Vandu, representing the National Council on Climate Change (NCCC), called for a collective effort to combat climate change in Nigeria
“Climate change is not the responsibility of the government alone, it’s the responsibility of everyone,” she stated.
Vandu emphasised Africa’s abundance of natural resources, such as Nigeria’s 200 trillion cubic feet of natural gas and Mozambique’s recently discovered 108 trillion cubic feet of gas reserves, as potential transition fuels. However, she stressed the need for smart processes, technical support, and financial assistance to meet Africa’s conditional and unconditional targets under the Paris Agreement.
Dr Jummai Vandu, National Council on Climate Change.
Quoting her, “But while considering and transiting using gas as a transition fuel, we must adopt smart processes; we must call for support, and that is why we have said for us to meet our conditional target and unconditional target of 47 and 20%, we need technical support, financial support and technical expertise to be able to get it right. So, for us, we have a pipeline of initiatives. We have the energy transition plan. We have our NDCs (Nationally Determined Contributions); we have low and long-term low-emission development strategies and we have the deep decarbonisation pathways; all of these are a pipeline of initiatives to be able to meet our Paris commitment by 2060.
“So, going to the United Nations in 2024, this is going to be the summit for the future in September, the National Council on Climate Change is not just having fit for proposed solutions but we are having fit for future solutions. We want every stakeholder to be able to rethink climate change. We want every stakeholder to be able to resist climate change. And we want also to restructure climate change because that is the only way we can get it right.
“For us to have the outcomes to be right, climate change has to be smart. It’s not just the right thing to do but the smartest thing to do. We’re already feeling the impact. And if you look at the renewed hope agenda of Mr. President, top on his agenda is ending poverty and (attaining) food sovereignty. So, if we’re able to address climate change immediately, we can meet with the first two agendas of the renewed hope agenda. And then this is the era that we are already feeling the impacts of climate change very closely in our community and that is why this is the time that we all need to come together and take very urgent actions to be able to address climate change.”
CAAF24’s lineup of partners includes the National Council on Climate Change, Channels Media Group, Founder Institute, the Lagos State Government, and Coca-Cola.
Climate Change Fighters Wanted As CAAF24 Unveils ‘Deal Room’ To Connect Investors With Tech Innovators is first published on The Whistler Newspaper
Bianca Censori has made another headline, but this time for covering up as she stepped out for the first time in months without wearing revealing or see-through outfits.
On Saturday, March 23, in Beverly Hills, California., she stepped out for dinner with husband Kanye West, 46, and his daughter North West, 10, wearing a more conservative attire.
The Australian architectural designer, 29 who got to know Ye when she started working at Yeezy in November 2020 has become famous for wearing dresses that expose her butt cheeks, breasts and even vagina,
Kanye covered up in shades, baggy trousers, and an oversized hoodie while Bianca wore a fury jacket and black tights.
The couple kept their distance as Kanye’s first child North walked between them in sportswear.
In response to the state of the nation and the challenging times, President Bola Tinubu has asked his friends, family and other well meaning Nigerians not to hold any event or party to mark his 72nd birthday anniversary.
The president said he would dedicate the occasion to the task of building a more stable, secure, prosperous and united Nigeria.
He also asked friends and associates wishing to celebrate him to donate such monies to charity organisations of their choice in his name, instead of placing adverts in newspapers or radios.
A statement by Mr Bayo Onanuga, Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy, said that Tinubu would mark his birthday on Friday, March 29.
“During an auspicious occasion as this, it is customary for family members, friends and associates to celebrate him in different ways.
“President Tinubu, in deference to this challenging time, said he will not host any birthday event and does not want any of his associates and numerous well-wishers to organise any celebratory event on his behalf or in his name.
“President Tinubu appreciates the honour of being the leader of Africa’s leading nation at this time and he is working very hard to make life better for the generality of our people,” Onanuga said.
He said that the manner of celebration was the President’s responsiveness to the present mood of the nation and recent killing of officers and men of the Army and Police in Delta.
He said that it was also due to the recent spate of security breaches by criminal elements in different parts of Nigeria.
“There should be no form of birthday event and placing of birthday goodwill advertorial messages in newspapers. Goodwill messages should not be placed on radio and television stations too.”
