May Day: FG approves pay rise for workers as labour leaders lament hardship (Vanguard)
The Federal Government yesterday approved an increase of between 25% and 35% in salary for civil servants on the remaining six Consolidated Salary Structures.
It also approved a pay rise for its pensioners under the Defined Benefits Scheme, DBS.
This came on a day labour leaders said the last year had been tough and agonising for workers and the masses.
The Salary Structure is the Consolidated Public Service Salary Structure (CONPSS), Consolidated Research and Allied Institutions Salary Structure (CONRAISS), Consolidated Police Salary Structure (CONPOSS), Consolidated Para-military Salary Structure (CONPASS), Consolidated Intelligence Community Salary Structure (CONICCS) and Consolidated Armed Forces Salary Structure (CONAFSS). Read more
Pregnant woman, 8 others injured in Lagos gas explosion (NewTelegraph)
A pregnant woman and eight other people sustained varying degrees of injuries after a gas explosion rocked the Alaba Lane area of Alayabiagba Community in Lagos, Nigeria.
New Telegraph reports that the incident occurred on Tuesday at around 12:39 pm.
According to Amodu Shakiru, the Head of Public Education at the Lagos State Fire and Rescue Service, preliminary investigations suggest that a leaking gas cylinder among several being traded in the neighborhood triggered the explosion. Read more
Lagos trains workers in property tax system (Punch)
The Lagos State Ministry of Finance has trained civil servants in the state in the property taxation system application to enhance productivity and increase internally generated revenue from land use charge collections.
The training, which was facilitated by Detamainingu Limited, recently held in Lagos, had the theme “Maximising the Use of LAPTS for Improved Productivity”.
The Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Finance, Lagos State, Mr Hundogan Temitope, said the Lagos State Government had intensified efforts in training its workers with the use of technology in the collection of land use charges. Read more
Shettima returns to Nigeria after IDA-21, meets US Deputy Secretary (Channels)
Vice President Kashim Shettima has returned to Nigeria after representing President Bola Tinubu at the just concluded International Development Association (IDA21) Summit in Nairobi, Kenya.
On arrival at the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport, Abuja on Tuesday, Shettima met behind closed doors with the US Deputy Secretary Kurt Campbell and his team.
A statement by his Senior Special Assistant on Media and Communications, Stanley Nkwocha, says that issues discussed at the meeting were security, bilateral relations, shared visions, technological cooperation, and economic and mutual partnership. Read more
Flooding: Ogun orders dwellers on wetland to relocate (Leadership)
Ogun State Government on Tuesday, ordered residents whose houses fall on wetland areas to relocate to safer ground before the rainy season fully commences.
The state Commissioner for Environment, Mr. Ola Oresanya gave the directive while speaking at the 2024 State Flood Alert held in Abeokuta in conjunction with the Ogun-Osun River Basin Development Authority (OORBDA).
Oresanya said the order becomes inevitable following the predictions by the Nigeria Meteorological Agency (NIMET) and the Nigeria Hydrological Services Agency (NIHSA) which indicated an average 239 days rainfall and an average precipitation of 1, 786.5mm, affecting 16 out of the 20 local government areas of the state. Read more
Northern govs meet in Kaduna, design regional economy, human capacity devt (Nation)
The chairman, Northern States Governors’ Forum (NSGF), Muhammadu Inuwa Yahaya, has called for the development of the Northern economy and human capacity without further delay.
Yahaya, who made the appeal during a meeting of regional governors in Kaduna on Tuesday, April 30, emphasised that the approach is crucial for the region to overcome its ongoing security challenges.
He underscored the importance of long-term economic development in addressing insecurity in the region. Read more
Electricity Tariff hike: You’ve failed Nigerians, Falana blasts Power Minister (DailyTrust)
Human Rights lawyer, Femi Falana, has slammed the Minister of Power, Adebayo Adelabu, over failure to deliver constant supply of electricity despite increasing tariff for Nigerians using Band A.
In what he described as “the illegality of tariffs”, Falana said the federal government and Adelabu could not defend the impunity that formed the hike, adding that they have failed Nigerians.
Falana said this while appearing as a guest on a Channels TV programme. Read more
My late father predicted better Nigeria – Ajanaku (Nation)
The chairman and chief executive, Ajanaku Holdings, Otunba Rotimi Ajanaku, has stated that his late father, Pa Olusegun Samuel Ajanaku, gave reassurance to him and those close to him during his lifetime, expressing optimism for a brighter future for Nigeria in the near term.
He said the deceased always urged them to keep praying for the country and those holding various political offices.
A statement by Ajanaku said final burial arrangements for his late father will commence on Tuesday April 30. Read more
Barbra Streisand addresses Melissa McCarthy Ozempic comment: “She looked fantastic!’’ (MusicNews)
Barbra Streisand has explained why she publicly asked Melissa McCarthy if she’d been taking Ozempic.
The singer had commented on a photo of Melissa McCarthy on Instagram on Sunday, asking: “Did you take Ozempic,” in reference to Melissa’s noticeably slimmer frame in a photo with director and choreographer Adam Shankman.
She deleted the comment quickly, after fans called her out, calling her comments “rude” and “disrespectful.” Read more
Drake and Kendrick Lamar beef climbs up the Billboard charts (HipHopDX)
Drake and Kendrick Lamar‘s rap beef is not only fun for the culture, but it’s also proving to be good for their chart positions.
In its first full week out, Billboard reports that Drizzy’s K. Dot diss “Push Ups” debuted at No. 2 on both the Hot R&B/Hip-Hop Songs chart and the Hot Rap Songs chart. On the R&B/Hip-Hop Streaming Songs chart, the song debuted in the top spot this week.
But Kendrick (alongside Metro Boomin and Future) is also seeing success with his Drake (and J. Cole) diss “Like That,” as the song is No. 1 once again on both the Hot R&B/Hip-Hop Songs and the Hot Rap Songs charts – for a whopping fifth week in a row. And it’s just behind “Push Ups” at No. 2. on the R&B/Hip-Hop Streaming Songs chart. Read more
Dwayne Johnson “Red One” movie crew “left uncomfortable by his pee in water bottles on set’’ (Standard)
Dwayne Johnson’s habit of peeing in empty water bottles has caused some awkwardness on the set of his latest movie “Red One”, according to reports.
The 51-year-old actor – who is also known by his wrestling name The Rock – is even said to have a preferred brand he uses to relieve himself when nature calls.
“On set, away from his trailer, if he needs to pee, he doesn’t go to the public bathroom,” an insider told The Wrap. Read more
‘The Repair Shop‘s Jay Blades quits social media after murder of family member (DailyRecord)
Jay Blades, the beloved presenter of The Repair Shop, has announced a temporary departure from social media following the tragic murder of his uncle.
Known for his signature flat cap and thick-rimmed glasses, Blades shared a sombre video on Instagram on Monday, April 29, revealing the heartbreaking news that had deeply affected him.
“Hope you’re all well. This is kind of like a public service announcement”, Jay began in the video, “I’ve just been to my uncle’s funeral, he was murdered a few weeks ago. Really, super nice guy, shouldn’t have happened to him, but it really affected me.” Read more
90s pop legend to perform in the UK for the 1st time in five years as she announces European tour (DailyMail)
A pop legend is set to perform in the UK for the first time in five years as she announces a European tour.
Five-time Grammy award-winning singer Janet Jackson, 57, has revealed she will be travelling to Europe off the back of her sold-out Together Again tour in North America.
This will be her first UK performance since her iconic 2019 Glastonbury Festival performance – and four British cities are on the list. Read more
Jon Bon Jovi reveals he “got away with murder” in marriage to Dorothea Hurley: “I had 100 girls in my life’’ (Hello!)
Jon Bon Jovi candidly opened up about the highs and lows of his storied music career and his enduring marriage to his high school sweetheart, Dorothea Hurley.
In a heartfelt conversation with Michael Strahan on ABC’s Halfway There special, Jon admitted to enjoying the perks of rock stardom but emphasized the importance of not letting it jeopardize what truly matters.
Reflecting on his early days, Jon humorously remarked: “I’m not saying that there weren’t 100 girls in [my] life,” but he quickly clarified his commitment to his roots, stating, “I’m a rock ‘n’ roll star. I’m not a saint. I’m Jon Bon Jovi. It was pretty good. But if you think I was ever going to jeopardize… anything for believing the narcissist in me was real? What a stupid thing to do.” Read more
New York City police enter Columbia campus as Gaza protest escalates (AlJazeera)
Large numbers of New York City police officers have entered the campus of Columbia University in the latest escalation in the Gaza protests that have swept dozens of universities, mostly in the United States.
The New York Police Department received a notice from Columbia authorising officers to take action shortly before they entered the campus late on Tuesday night, a law enforcement official who spoke on condition of anonymity told The Associated Press news agency.
Live television images showed police entering the campus in upper Manhattan, which has been the focal point of student protests against Israel’s war in Gaza, in which more than 34,535 Palestinians have been killed. Read more
Federation Cup: Insurance begin title defence against Stormers (Punch)
Defending champions, Bendel Insurance Football Club of Benin, will on Wednesday begin the defence of their Federation Cup title when they take on Stormers of Ogun State in the round of 64 at the old parade ground in Abuja at 4pm.
The champions beat Enugu Rangers 1-0 at the Stephen Keshi Stadium, Asaba, Delta State to win the title in 2023 to earn their fourth FA title.
The Benin Arsenals began their journey in this year’s FA Cup with a convincing 3-1 victory over Ine Stars to lift the Edo FA Cup last month. Read more
Vinicius hits 2 as Real Madrid eye final after snatching draw at Bayern (France24)
Real Madrid forward Vinicius Junior scored a double, including an 83rd-minute equalising penalty, to snatch a 2-2 draw at Bayern Munich on Tuesday that puts the Spanish side in the driving seat for the return leg of the Champions League semi-final.
Vinicius gave Real the lead after 24 minutes of the first leg but Bayern scored twice in four second-half minutes to wrestle back control, Leroy Sane with a stunning opener and Harry Kane converting a penalty.
Kim Min-jae fouled Rodrygo in the box with eight minutes remaining and Vinicius stepped up, drowning out a chorus of boos and whistles to blast home. Read more
Terminally-ill Derby County fan dies days after promotion (BBC)
A terminally-ill Derby County fan who wanted to “hang on” to see the Rams clinch promotion has died.
Colin Attenborough was diagnosed with pancreatic cancer just before Christmas and died on Monday “surrounded by his family”.
Loved ones said Mr Attenborough, 87, was aware Derby had achieved promotion back to the Championship on Saturday. Read more
Jaime Munguia ready to out-think Saul ‘‘Canelo’’ Alvarez (BoxingScene)
Jaime Munguia is expecting a “mentally” challenging fight when on Saturday he contests the undisputed super-middleweight title with the reigning champion, Saul Alvarez.
The Mexican rivals fight at the T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas on the occasion of Cinco de Mayo weekend, when Munguia will become the fourth challenger to “Canelo” Alvarez’s crown.
Munguia, 27, is considered the significant underdog, but on account of his youth, high punch output and aggression is expected to present Alvarez, one of the world’s most intelligent and cultured fighters, with a physical test. Read more
Tyrese Maxey scores 46 points to lead Philadelphia 76ers past New York Knicks in Game 5 OT win (CBS)
Tyrese Maxey scored 46 points to lead the Philadelphia 76ers to a thrilling 112-106 overtime victory over the New York Knicks and force a Game 6 on Tuesday night at Madison Square Garden.
Game 6 will be on Thursday night at the Wells Fargo Center in South Philly.
Maxey hit a 3-pointer with less than 10 seconds left to tie the game and force overtime. Read more
FIFA rules on player transfers may be illegal, EU adviser says (RTE)
Some of world soccer governing body FIFA’s rules on player transfers may breach EU rules as they hamper players seeking to move to another team and clubs looking to hire players, an adviser to Europe’s top court said.
The case before the Luxembourg-based Court of Justice of the European Union (CJEU) centered on former French professional footballer Lassana Diarra, 39, who challenged the rules governing contractual relations between players and clubs.
Diarra had signed for Russian football club Lokomotiv Moscow in 2013 but his contract was terminated a year later for an alleged breach. Lokomotiv then applied to the FIFA Dispute Resolution Chamber for compensation and the player counterclaimed for unpaid wages. Read more