Author: Kwara Reporters

The Department of State Services has warned against the planned nationwide protest in the country.The agency said on Thursday that it had already identified the sponsors of the planned protest and warned them not to proceed with it as it is not in Nigeria’s interest.The warning is contained in a press statement signed by the Director of Public Relations and Strategic Communications, Dr Peter Afunanya, and made available to Vanguard.The security outfit warned that it had intelligence that the planned protest would be hijacked by hoodlums to cause chaos and extreme violence in the country.The statement alleged that the goal…

By Lawal Akanbi Sharafadeen Before I begin, let me quickly react to the recent article by Babatunde Lawal misrepresenting former Governor Bukola Saraki’s stance on the 18,000 minimum wage during his tenure as Chairman of the Nigerian Governors’ Forum. Saraki’s comments in 2011 were not a blanket refusal to implement the N18,000 minimum wage, but a realistic assessment of the challenges some states would face due to economic constraints. While emphasising the importance of stakeholders working together and avoiding political gamesmanship to ensure fair implementation. Kwara State was one of the first batch States that led in implementation of the 18,000…

The National Youth Council of Nigeria (NYCN) has issued a communiqué calling for urgent action to address the socio-economic challenges facing the country. The communiqué was released after a meeting with its National Executive, 36 State Chairmen, and other stakeholders on July 24, 2024.According to the NYCN, the current socio-economic situation in Nigeria, including rising inflation, insecurity, unemployment, and general hardship, has reached alarming levels. The council recognizes the need for a coordinated response to these issues, which have sparked widespread agitation and calls for a nationwide protest.The NYCN has resolved to:- Engage in wide consultation and stakeholder engagement within…

Owners of local refineries in Nigeria, including the Dangote Petroleum Refinery, say they can help the country stop the importation of refined petroleum products in 18 months if the Federal Government works with their plans.The refiners, who spoke under the aegis of the Crude Oil Refiners Association of Nigeria, said there are other refineries at different stages of completion to join the 650,000-capacity Dangote Petroleum Refinery.In an interview, CORAN Publicity Secretary, Eche Idoko, told The PUNCH that the Dangote refinery and others in the country can satisfy the fuel needs of the nation.Idoko’s comment is coming at a time when…

The Federal Government has reiterated commitment to the full implementation of the 2024 Budget.It also pledged to promote a transparent and efficient financial management system.The commitments were made yesterday by the Finance Minister and Coordinating Minister of the Economy, Mr. Wale Edun.He spoke during a meeting with the House of Representatives Committee on Public Accounts at the National Assembly in Abuja.Edun’s meeting with the House panel came a day after the National Assembly passed the N6.2 trillion Supplementary Appropriation Bill to raise the 2024 Budget to N35.05 trillion from N28.8 trillion.Pledging to achieve a robust and transparent financial management system,…

By Akinremi OlaoluEvery period in the history of mankind, God throws up a leader among the people. The chosen one is always made to suit the purpose at hand and to lead the people out of a particular crisis.The crisis at hand in Nigeria now is multi-dimensional. It has socio-political, economic, and moral sides. Therefore, what is needed is a leader with the right knowledge, experience, connections, temperament, vision, determination, and Programme to lead in harnessing and distributing state resources for the overall benefit of the people.With the way things are going in our country, it is obvious that to…

By Lawal Akanbi SharafadeenThe essence of passing the minimum wage bill into law cannot be overstated. It is a critical step in ensuring that workers receive fair compensation for their labour, aligning with the principles of social justice and economic stability. The minimum wage is not just a figure; it represents the minimum standard of living that a least worker should be able to afford. It is a safeguard against exploitation and a necessary measure to ensure that workers can meet their basic needs, such as food, shelter, healthcare, and education. In essence, a fair minimum wage is fundamental to…

Unknown gunmen have reportedly kidnapped two wives of one man at Ikerin Opin in Ekiti local government councils area of Kwara state.It was reliably gathered that the abductors have demanded the sum of N15 million as ransom from the families of the victims before they can be released.It was further gathered that the incident happened late last Sunday evening in the ancient town when the residents of the town were asleep.Sources close to the town told journalists on Tuesday that, the unknown gunmen were said to have invaded the town in midnight last Sunday went straight into the family’s residence,…

President Bola Tinubu has called on Nigerian youths to cancel their planned protest and await the government’s response to their concerns.Minister of information and national orientation, Mohammed Idris, disclosed this to State House correspondents yesterday following a meeting with the President at the Presidential Villa Abuja.He said the president is attentive to the voices of young Nigerians and is working diligently to address their grievances.The minister said, “We also discussed the issue of the country generaly and Mr President has asked me to again inform Nigerians that he listens to them, especially the young people that are trying to protest.“Mr…

Billionaire business mogul, Femi Otedola, has explained why Nigerians, particularly the government should support the Chairman of Dangote Group, Aliko Dangote, by creating an enabling environment to ensure businesses thrive.He argued that Dangote’s contributions which extend beyond industrial facilities to critical infrastructure, must be recognised and supported by all means.Otedola, who rose in defence of his friend and business ally in a post on his X account on Tuesday, described Dangote as a “titan that God created specially for mankind”.“In Nigeria, we have our own titans, and it is imperative that we recognise and support them. Aliko Dangote has broken…