Destkelamedia

   In a significant move to promote clean energy and enhance the quality of life for families across Nigeria, the Federal Government has launched an initiative to distribute one million free gas cylinders. This program aims to transition at least one million homes to clean cooking gas by 2030, marking a crucial step towards reducing reliance on wood and kerosene for cooking. The rollout of this ambitious program began with a ceremony in the Apo Resettlement area of Abuja. The Minister of State for Petroleum Resources (Gas), Ekperikpe Ekpo, highlighted the government’s commitment to increasing domestic gas usage. He emphasized that this initiative is part of a broader strategy to promote sustainable energy solutions and mitigate environmental and health hazards associated with traditional cooking methods. "The administration is determined to increase domestic gas usage and provide cleaner, healthier cooking options for Nigerian families," Ekpo stated. He further explained that

  The ongoing discussions between the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) and the Federal Government on the minimum wage hit a significant impasse yesterday, as organized labour staged a walkout during the third tripartite meeting. The Federal Government's offer of N60,000 was rejected by the NLC, which has lowered its demand from N497,000 to N494,000 for public sector workers. The resumed talks saw the Federal Government increase its proposed minimum wage from N57,000 to N60,000. However, this offer was deemed unacceptable by the NLC, leading to their dramatic exit from the meeting. The NLC’s latest proposal of N494,000, a slight reduction from their previous demand, remains far apart from the government's offer. Minister of State for Labour and Employment, Mrs. Nkeiruka Onyejeocha, expressed the Federal Government's commitment to establishing a new minimum wage for workers. She noted that the Labour leaders requested time for further consultation but ultimately did not return t

  In a groundbreaking move aimed at enhancing transparency and accountability in government transactions, the Federal Government of Nigeria has announced a new strategy for direct payments to contractors. This initiative, spearheaded by the Minister of Finance and Coordinating Minister for the Economy, Chief Wale Edun, seeks to eliminate the role of middlemen, thereby streamlining the payment process and ensuring that funds reach their intended recipients without undue delay or diversion. Chief Wale Edun emphasized that this new strategy is designed to foster greater transparency and accountability in the execution of government contracts. By removing intermediaries from the payment chain, the government aims to reduce the opportunities for corruption and mismanagement of funds. Direct payments to contractors are expected to improve efficiency in project delivery and ensure that government funds are used effectively. "The adoption of direct payment to contractors is a significant

    In a surprising turn of events, conflicting statements from presidential spokesmen Bayo Onanuga and Ajuri Ngelale have left Nigerians uncertain about President Bola Tinubu’s plans for his first anniversary in office. The contradictory information has sparked widespread confusion and speculation regarding the President’s address, a key moment anticipated by many citizens. Bayo Onanuga, a well-known presidential spokesman, initially announced that President Tinubu would break from the traditional nationwide broadcast. Instead, Onanuga claimed the President would address a joint session of the National Assembly. This statement deviated from the expectations of many Nigerians who look forward to the President’s annual address. However, Ajuri Ngelale, another authorized presidential spokesman, quickly refuted Onanuga's claim. Ngelale clarified that the President's speech would indeed occur but as part of a larger program commemorating Nigeria’s 25 years of democratic governance.

   Kano State is currently embroiled in a significant emirship dispute, marked by a series of conflicting court orders and escalating tensions. The turmoil began with the dethronement of the 15th Emir of Kano, Aminu Ado Bayero, and the subsequent enthronement of Muhammadu Sanusi II as the 16th Emir. This development has reignited a historical power struggle, further complicated by recent judicial interventions. Aminu Ado Bayero was dethroned last week in a dramatic turn of events that saw Muhammadu Sanusi II, previously dethroned in 2015 by the former governor Alhaji Abdullahi Ganduje, reinstated as the Emir of Kano. This reinstatement followed a Federal High Court ruling that prohibited security forces from arresting, detaining, or harassing Bayero. The court also ordered the removal of Sanusi from the Emir Palace in Kano. In a surprising twist, a Kano State High Court issued an order instructing Aminu Ado Bayero to desist from assuming the role of emir and directed the police to evic

     *PUNCH* LP sacks Edo exco, raises 17-man caretaker committee ICYMI: Troubling dreams about Nigeria made us relocate to US — Pastor Sam Adeyemi AGF wrong to join Lagos in LG funds suit — Sanwo-Olu FG announces single-digit interest loan for media organisations Tinubu, AGF want LG reforms to tackle insecurity, govs’ abuse CSOs oppose bill seeking pay rise for Osun public officers N391m disbursed to families of 164 deceased workers — LASG Fintiri appoints 182 special assistants, 57 board heads INEC resumes voter registration in 397 Edo, Ondo centres How sports ministry has fared under Enoh First anniversary: Tinubu govt awards N6tn contracts for roads, others Emirate tussle: Court orders Bayero’s eviction, Kano says deposed emir a threat APC demands N’Central commission over insecurity, infrastructural deficit Kaduna distributes inputs to 40,000 farmers Kwara vaccinates 787 schoolgirls against cervical cancer 12,000 out-of-school children enrolled in Lagos — Sanwo-Olu Plateau unveils

    Peter Obi, former governor of Anambra State and the 2023 Labour Party presidential candidate, has been honored with the prestigious ‘Most Impactful Politician of the Fourth Republic (1999 to 2023)’ award by Champion Newspaper. The award was presented during the Champion Annual Awards held on Saturday night in Lagos, recognizing Obi's significant influence on Nigeria's political landscape. Peter Obi's political career has been marked by his transformative approach, which has shifted the dynamics of Nigerian politics. His ability to mobilize and inspire the youth, notably through the ‘Obidient Movement,’ has been particularly noteworthy. This grassroots movement, characterized by its energetic presence on social media and its commitment to reclaiming the country’s political future, has garnered widespread support and caused ripples even within the ruling party. Despite the challenges and the keenly contested 2023 presidential election, which he did not win, Obi has not re