Labour considers N1m as new minimum wage (Punch)
The President of the Nigeria Labour Congress, Joe Ajaero, has stated that if the ongoing inflation continues unabated, organised labour might push for a new minimum wage of up to N1 Million for Nigerian workers.
Ajaero said the demand from organised labour would be influenced by the cost of living which has been increasing since President Bola Tinubu assumed office, notably due to the removal of fuel subsidy and other policies.
The NLC president said this during an interview with Arise News, on Sunday evening.
He said, “This N1 million may be relevant if the value of the Nigerian (naira) continues to depreciate; if the inflation continues unchecked because the demand of labour is equally dependent on what is happening in the society. Read more
Lagos police arrest leader of one-chance robbery syndicate (Nation)
The Lagos State Police Command has arrested a 49-year-old leader of a one-chance robbery syndicate.
This was revealed in a statement posted by Lagos PPRO, Benjamin Hundeyin on his official X page.
He wrote: “Operatives of @LagosPoliceNG have arrested one Ndubisi George ‘m’ aged 49, leader of a one-chance robbery syndicate operating within Itire, Aguda, Cele and Surulere. One grey Toyota Camry was recovered from him while efforts are on to arrest other members of the syndicate. The suspect has been arraigned and remanded to prison till March 18, 2024, for continuation of hearing. Read more
Davido, Burna Boy rivalry resurfaces after shady comment (Vanguard)
Davido, Burna Boy rivalry resurfaces after shady comment
Grammy-winning Nigerian artiste Damini Ogulu, also known as Burna Boy, has subtly alluded to his colleague Davido as a “joke”
Burna Boy made the shady comment in response to a Davido’s fan who labeled him an “ode” for recently losing four Grammys.
Commenting on a post on Burna Boy’s X handle, the Davido’s fan who used the DMW boss as his display photo wrote: “Ode, bottled four Grammys,” to which Burna Boy responded, “The actual joke is in your display pic.” Read more
4 killed in renewed attack on Plateau villages (Channels)
Four persons were reportedly killed by suspected herdsmen in what looks like renewed attacks on two villages of Miango district of Bassa Local Government Area of Plateau State.
According to the national publicity secretary of Irigwe Development Association, Davidson Malison, the assailants launched an attack on Nkienzha community in Miango district of Rigwe Chiefdom in the early hours of Monday where three persons were killed and one severely injured with machete cuts and receiving treatment at a medical facility.
The fourth death was recorded in another attack on Teegbe village on Saturday night while a car ambush occurred on Friday where the vehicle was burnt and one person sustained injuries. Read more
Hunger, starvation more alarming under Tinubu gov’t, Kano emir tells first lady (DailyTrust)
Emir of Kano, Alhaji Aminu Ado Bayero, has urged Nigeria’s First Lady, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, to convey the message of the teeming populace about the hunger and starvation in the country to the President, saying the hardship is more alarming.
The Emir made the call when the first lady paid him a courtesy visit at his palace on Monday.
Mrs Tinubu visited Kano to attend the opening of a Faculty of Law building at Maryam Abacha American University named after her. Read more
LCCI, LASG seeks increased adoption of LPG utilisation in Nigeria (ThisDay)
The Lagos Chamber of Commerce and Industry (LCCI) and the Lagos State Government have partnered to push for the increased usage of Liquefied Petroleum Gas (LPG) in households across Lagos State and the nation at large.
The president, LCCI, Gabriel Idahosa, at the LPG Group Eko Gas Scheme II report launch in Lagos, explained that access to clean and affordable energy is a critical challenge in the country, with about 68.3 percent of Nigerian households using firewood and charcoal for cooking.
He noted that LPG is a clean and efficient alternative to traditional biomass fuels, with lower greenhouse gas emissions and fewer health impacts. Read more
Maritime Policing: National Assembly to end Navy’s monopoly (Leadership)
The National Assembly is planning to initiate legal frameworks to break the monopoly of the Nigeria Navy (NN) in the policing of the nation’s blue water and deep sea, where the economic assets of the country in the oil and gas sectors are located.
This action would pave the way for the accommodation of private security companies in the task of securing the country’s oil and gas assets located in the blue waters and deep sea.
The chairman of the House of Representatives Committee on Petroleum Upstream, Hon. Alhassan Ado Doguwa, made this disclosure during the weekend when he led his colleagues, drawn from seven relevant oil and gas committees of the House, on an inspection of the two oil bunkering vessels – MT KALI and HARBOR SPIRIT, impounded by Tantita Security Services Nigeria Limited (TSSNL), headed by a former militant commander in the Niger Delta, Chief Government Ekpemupolo, alias Tompolo, in conjunction with the special task force set up by the Chief of Naval Staff, Vice Admiral Emmanuel Oglala, made up of all government security agencies (GSAs), at Oporoza, Warri South West Local Government Area of Delta State. Read more
Gov Nwifuru to offset WAEC, NECO fees of Ebonyi public school students (Tribune)
Ebonyi State Governor, Rt. Honourable Francis Nwifuru, has directed the Commissioner for Education in the State to provide the lists of students in public schools set to write the West African Examination Council (WAEC) and the National Examination Council (NECO) across the 13 local government areas of the state.
According to the governor, he chose to assist the parents of the students in clearing the fees following the recent increase in NECO and WAEC.
He, however, assured Ebonyians that his government will continue to ensure that every citizen is happy. Read more
Beyoncé announces new album ‘Act II,’ shares new songs (Pitchfork)
Beyoncé has announced a new album; “Act II” arrives March 29. She’s also graced us with two new songs: “Texas Hold ’Em” and “16 Carriages.” During the Super Bowl LVIII broadcast, Beyoncé revealed the news with a video on her Instagram.
It looks as though she’s going country for the second act of her Renaissance trilogy, based on the sound of both songs and the footage in the teaser. The announcement video features old-school tunes like Chuck Berry’s “Maybelline,” as well as a dusty scene of men looking up at a massive billboard featuring a scantily-clad Beyoncé and the words “Texas! Hold ’Em.” The moment seems to be a reference to Wim Wenders’ 1984 film Paris, Texas. Read more
Usher’s halftime show is a guest-packed frenzy of sexy shirtless jams, roller skating and breathless dance moves (Variety)
Fresh off of a promotional whirlwind including a new album and tour announcement, Usher took the stage during the Super Bowl LVIII, lighting up Allegiant Stadium in Las Vegas with a crew of famous friends including Alicia Keys, Ludacris and H.E.R. in tow.
It makes sense that Usher would be drafted to perform during the Super Bowl. Throughout his decades-long career, he’s proven time and again to be a showman and bona fide entertainer, whether it be during live shows and music videos or as an actor.
And during his breathless performance, Usher gave the crowd exactly what they’ve come to expect from him: sweat, dance moves and more hits than you could count. Read more
Ralph Fiennes calls for trigger warnings to be scrapped as theatre should shock and disturb audiences (Standard)
Ralph Fiennes has called for trigger warnings, which let audiences know if there is upsetting content, to be scrapped saying people should be “shocked and disturbed” by theatre.
The 61-year-old British actor, known for period drama The English Patient, holocaust film Schindler’s List and comedy The Grand Budapest Hotel, is starring in an immersive touring production of William Shakespeare’s ‘‘Macbeth’’.
Suffolk-born Fiennes told BBC One’s Sunday With Laura Kuenssberg: “I think we didn’t used to have trigger warnings. I mean, there are very disturbing scenes in Macbeth, terrible murders and things. Read more
Christopher Nolan wins Directors Guild Award for Oppenheimer (UPI)
Christopher Nolan won the Directors Guild Award for Outstanding Directorial Achievement in Theatrical Feature Film for Oppenheimer at a ceremony in Beverly Hills Saturday.
Celine Song took home the prize for Outstanding Directorial Achievement for a First-Time Theatrical Film for Past Lives and Mstyslav Chernov scored the Outstanding Directorial Achievement in Documentary trophy for 20 Days in Mariupol.
Peter Hoar earned the honor for Outstanding Directorial Achievement of a Drama Series for The Last of Us, while Christopher Storer accepted the accolade for Outstanding Directorial Achievement for a Comedy Series for The Bear. Read more
Rock & Roll Hall of Fame 2024: Oasis, Ozzy Osbourne and Mariah Carey among nominees (NME)
This year’s Rock & Roll Hall Of Fame nominations are out, and Oasis, Ozzy Osbourne and Mariah Carey are among the nominees.
There are also nominations for Sinead O’Connor, Cher, Sade, Mary J. Blige, Jane’s Addiction and A Tribe Called Quest. Other finalists include Dave Matthews Band, Peter Frampton, Eric B. & Rakim, Foreigner, Kool & the Gang, and Lenny Kravitz.
To be eligible to be nominated, an artist or band must have had their first commercial recording at least 25 years prior to the year of nomination. It’s the first time artists including Oasis, Osbourne, Carey, O’Connor, Cher, Sade, Frampton, Foreigner, Kool & the Gang and Kravitz have been nominated. Read more
Ben Affleck attempts pop stardom in Dunkin’ ad featuring Matt Damon, Tom Brady, Jennifer Lopez, Jack Harlow and Fat Joe (THR)
Ben Affleck attempts a career pivot in his latest ad campaign for Dunkin’. The star-studded Super Bowl spot, which aired Sunday during the game, features Affleck alongside his wife, Jennifer Lopez, and friends Matt Damon, Tom Brady, Jack Harlow and Fat Joe.
In the commercial, Affleck, Damon and Brady all don tracksuits — available for sale from Dunkin’ on Monday — as part of their transformation to become “The DunKings” pop stars while Lopez, Harlow and Fat Joe offer skepticism.
“What up punks,” Affleck says as he enters what appears to be the set of a music video. “For your consideration, here comes the Boston massacre, The DunKings!” Read more
Shooter at Pastor Joel Osteen mega church in Houston, Police respond, child reported injured
(Deadline)
Police have responded to a reported shooting at pastor Joel Osteen’s Lakewood Church, the Houston Police Department said in a post on X Sunday.
“This is an on-going, active scene. Please avoid the area. Additional information will be provided as it is available,” police said.
Texas authorities say a child between ages 5 to 8 was shot and the suspect who fired shots inside Joel Osteen’s Lakewood Church on Sunday afternoon is down. Read more
AFCON: Take unity beyond football pitch, Super Eagles captain tells Nigerians (Punch)
Super Eagles captain, Ahmed Musa, while reflecting on Nigeria’s journey in the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations tournament, has urged Nigerians to unite despite economic challenges.
In a statement on Monday via X, Musa wrote, “I’m filled with immense pride for the Nigerian Super Eagles.
“Though we may have fallen short of the championship, our unity on the field transcended religious and tribal differences, reminding us of the power of football to bring us together.” Read more
AFCON 2023: Iwobi deletes all pictures on Instagram account amid criticisms (Vanguard)
Super Eagles midfielder, Alex Iwobi has removed all photos on his official Instagram page.
Super Eagles midfielder, Alex Iwobi has removed all photos on his official Instagram page.
A check by VANGUARD on Monday afternoon confirmed that only one video remains on the account.
The video was shared ten weeks ago, and the comment section remains locked. Read more
‘Disappointing end,’ tearful Nwabali apologises to Nigerian fans after AFCON loss (Channels)
Super Eagles goalkeeper Stanley Nwabali has apologised to Nigerian fans over the team’s loss in the final of the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON).
The Nigerian side surrendered a one-goal lead to hosts Ivory Coast in Sunday’s final, slumping 1-2 to the Elephants.
After the match, Nwabali described the defeat as a “frustrating end,” saying the team would take full responsibility for the loss.
He, however, thanked the nation for its support throughout the tournament. Read more
Jude Bellingham suffers sprained ankle in Real Madrid win (IrishExaminer)
Real Madrid have revealed Jude Bellingham sprained his ankle during his side’s 4-0 win against LaLiga title rivals Girona on Saturday.
Los Blancos, who moved five points clear of Girona in the table, have allayed fears the England midfielder sustained a serious injury after scoring twice in his side’s emphatic win.
A brief statement on the club’s official website read: “Following tests carried out today on Jude Bellingham by the Real Madrid medical services, he has been diagnosed with a sprain in his left ankle. His recovery will be monitored.” Read more
Tottenham Hotspur, Newcastle United to move for Albert Gudmundsson this summer (SportsMole)
Tottenham Hotspur and Newcastle United are reportedly interested in Genoa forward Albert Gudmundsson.
The 26-year-old has been in fine form for Genoa this season, scoring 11 goals and providing three assists in 23 appearances in all competitions.
Gudmundsson has tended to play as a second striker for Genoa this season, but he has showcased his versatility in the past to operate as a wide man and a centre-forward. Read more
Elena Rybakina storms past Daria Kasatkina to win Mubadala Abu Dhabi Open title (National)
Elena Rybakina lived up to her billing as top seed by easing to the Mubadala Abu Dhabi Open title on Sunday.
On a day when the weather forecast dominated the collective conversation at the Tennis Village, Rybakina held off any impending storm clouds and the challenge of seventh seed Kasatkina to secure a comfortable 6-1, 6-4 victory.
There was a brief pause at 30-30 with Rybakina serving for the title as a few specks of rain started to fall, but when the players returned, she wrapped up the win in the next two points. Read more