Indications have emerged that President Bola Tinubu may announce the new minimum wage on May 1 in commemoration of International Labour Day and backdate its implementation to April. Punch gathered that the National Minimum Wage Committee was working to ensure that all negotiations regarding the new rate were finalised before then with the expectation that the President would announce the new minimum wage in his Workers’ Day address. A member of the committee, who spoke to Saturday Punch and made available to GOVIMA on condition of anonymity because of the sensitive nature of the issue, said, “By next week, the…
Author: Editor Francis
Following the momentous adoption of a landmark resolution on Artificial Intelligence (AI) by the United Nations General Assembly, Ambassador Linda Thomas-Greenfield, U.S. Representative to the UN, expressed jubilation at the global consensus achieved. The resolution, crafted through extensive collaboration with over 120 countries and supported by an equal number of Member States, signifies a unified commitment to governing AI for the benefit of humanity. In her remarks, Ambassador Thomas-Greenfield emphasised the inclusive nature of the resolution’s development, with contributions from diverse stakeholders including governments, the private sector, civil society, academia, and technical communities. Notable early co-sponsors such as the Bahamas,…
The United Nations General Assembly has unanimously adopted a groundbreaking resolution spearheaded by the United States, aimed at shaping the future of Artificial Intelligence (AI) worldwide. Secretary of State Antony J. Blinken hailed the momentous occasion as a unified step towards establishing a framework for the safe, secure, and trustworthy deployment of AI technologies to drive sustainable development. This consensus resolution, crafted in collaboration with over 120 nations and supported by an equal number of Member States spanning diverse regions, marks a pivotal milestone in global efforts to harness the potential of AI responsibly. Recognising the immense potential of AI…
Prof Mahmood Yakubu, the Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), emphasized the necessity for early security arrangements for the forthcoming off-cycle governorship elections in Edo and Ondo states. Speaking at the inaugural quarterly meeting of the Interagency Consultative Committee on Election Security, Prof Yakubu commended the security agencies for their pivotal role during the 2020 governorship elections in both states, attributing the success to their early planning. During the meeting, tribute was paid to the Nigerian Army personnel who tragically lost their lives while on a peace mission in the Okuama community of Delta State. Prof Yakubu underscored…
During its quarterly meeting , the Millennium Challenge Corporation’s (MCC) Board of Directors engaged in discussions surrounding the agency’s remarkable 20-year journey and outlined its future trajectory. Among the agenda items were reflections on the recent closure of the Niger Compact and various strategic matters. Reflecting on MCC’s journey since its establishment in 2004, CEO Alice Albright emphasised the agency’s unwavering commitment to data-driven results, having positively impacted over 380 million individuals across 47 countries through approximately $17 billion in investments. “As we mark our 20th anniversary, we recognise the enduring validity of our model and our sustained impact,” said…
The Defence Headquarters has just issued a public notice declaring 97 individuals wanted for alleged involvement in acts of terrorism and threats to national security. Among those sought is Simon Ekpa, identified as a leader of the proscribed Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB). Ekpa, aged 35 and a trained lawyer based in Finland, is alleged to have engaged in activities detrimental to the nation’s security. They include Alhaji Shingi; Malindi Yakubu; Boka ; Dogo Gide; Halilu Sububu; Ado Aliero ; Bello Turji; Dan Bokkolo; Labi Yadi ; Nagala; Saidu Idris; Kachalla Rugga and Sani Gurgu. Also listed are: Abu Zaida;…
In a landmark decision aimed at combating the global epidemic of synthetic drug trafficking, the 67th Session of the United Nations Commission on Narcotic Drugs (CND) convened in Vienna, Austria, and unanimously agreed to enforce stricter regulations on multiple precursor chemicals integral to the illicit production of fentanyl and other synthetic narcotics. Responding to a plea from the United States, the International Narcotics Control Board (INCB) proposed the inclusion of two key fentanyl precursors, namely 4-piperidone and 1-boc-4-piperidone, under international control as per the 1988 Convention. The CND’s unanimous approval of this measure signals a significant stride in fortifying global…
The Biden-Harris Administration has unveiled a comprehensive action plan at the Third Summit for Democracy in Seoul. President Biden, who initiated the historic Summit in 2021, aims to fortify democratic resilience, safeguard human rights, and combat corruption both domestically and internationally. Led by Secretary of State Antony Blinken, the U.S. delegation highlighted significant strides made since the inception of the summit. With a focus on advancing technology for democracy, combating corruption, and supporting free media, the administration has unveiled a series of initiatives to propel democratic values into the future. In a bid to address the proliferation and misuse of…
The United States has pledged additional humanitarian aid to support Sudanese people and host communities. Assistant Secretary for Population, Refugees, and Migration, Julieta Valls Noyes, representing the U.S., met with Chadian Prime Minister Succès Masra to announce over $47 million in emergency assistance for Sudan and neighboring countries, including Chad and South Sudan. Sudan currently faces one of the most severe humanitarian crises globally, with over eight million individuals displaced since the conflict erupted in April last year. According to the United Nations, nearly 25 million people, which is half of Sudan’s population, require urgent aid. This aid encompasses over…
Ambassador Linda Thomas-Greenfield, the U.S. Representative to the United Nations, convened with Sudanese non-governmental organizations (NGOs) actively engaged in delivering critical aid to the Sudanese populace. During the session, NGO delegates apprised Ambassador Thomas-Greenfield of the dire humanitarian situation gripping Sudan, with a staggering 18 million individuals confronting severe food insecurity. They underscored the perilous conditions faced by both aid recipients and providers alike amidst the ongoing crisis. Expressing grave concern over the escalating turmoil in Sudan, Ambassador Thomas-Greenfield commended the NGOs for their courageous endeavors in delivering vital assistance amidst conflict-ridden zones. Highlighting the United States’ unwavering commitment to…
Operatives of the National Agency for Food and Drug Administration Control (NAFDAC) uncovered a counterfeit bottled water syndicate operating in Pipe Line Road, Eneka, Port Harcourt, Rivers State. The syndicate specialized in producing fake Eva water. Cyril Monye, the Public Relations Officer for NAFDAC’s south-south zone, confirmed that the illicit activities of the group were exposed thanks to a tipoff. The suspects were found using a dilapidated shop disguised as a pool house for their production operations. Monye explained, “They would collect used Eva plastic bottles, fill them with contaminated water from a paint bucket, and use a dirty rubber…
In a bid to address the displacement of street traders caused by the Agodi Gate Junction Improvement Works, Governor Seyi Makinde of Oyo State has announced the allocation of free stalls in the new market constructed as part of the project. This announcement came during the commissioning of the Idi Ape, Civic Centre, and Agodi Gate Junction Improvement Projects on Friday, March 22. Governor Makinde emphasised that the projects aim to not only reduce commuting time for residents but also enhance traffic flow and stimulate commercial activities in the area. He reiterated the government’s commitment to enforcing regulations against street…