UAE President to visit Nigeria this year

United Arab Emirates President Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan has accepted Nigerian President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s invitation to visit Nigeria this year. The Nigerian leader invited him Wednesday night during their bilateral talks on the sidelines of the Abu Dhabi Sustainability Week 2025 President Tinubu arrived in Abu Dhabi on Sunday as a guest of the UAE President to participate in the Sustainability Week, a forum for exchanging ideas to support sustainable development worldwide and encourage collective action to address global challenges, such as climate change, water and energy crises. He delivered Nigeria’s position on climate and other challenges earlier on Wednesday and congratulated the UAE leader for the successful event. During the discussions, Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan thanked the Nigerian leader for accepting his invitation and expressed the UAE’s determination to strengthen economic cooperation between Nigeria and his country. The two leaders also explored attracting investment into Nigeria. President Tinubu said his government’s economic reforms are yielding fruits and called on the UAE to partner with Nigeria to develop the economy. He said the reforms had stabilised and grown the economy, encouraging foreign investors, including international oil companies, to announce billion-dollar investments, signalling renewed confidence in doing business with Africa’s most populous nation. President Tinubu thanked Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan for the warm reception he and his aides received since their arrival over the weekend. Minister of Foreign Affairs Yusuf Tuggar, Minister of Finance Wale Edun, and the National Security Adviser Nuhu Ribadu accompanied President Tinubu to the meeting at the Emirates Palace Mandarin Oriental in Abu Dhabi. Sheikh Abdullah bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs; Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Deputy Chairman of the Presidential Court for Special Affairs; and H.H. Sheikh Zayed bin Hamdan bin Zayed Al Nahyan accompanied the UAE President. Other UAE officials at the meeting were: Reem bint Ebrahim Al Hashimy, Minister of State for International Cooperation; Dr Sultan bin Ahmed Al Jaber, Minister of Industry and Advanced Technology and Salem Saeed Al Shamsi, UAE Ambassador to Nigeria.

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House of Representatives mourn Deputy Chief Whip, Onanuga

The House of Representatives has announced the passing of Rt. Hon. Adewunmi Oriyomi Onanuga, who, until her demise, served as the Deputy Chief Whip of the House. Onanuga, who represented the Ikenne/Sagamu/Remo North Federal Constituency of Ogun State, passed away Tuesday, January 15, 2025, after a brief illness. Representative Onanuga, born on December 2, 1965, was a dedicated public servant, a visionary leader, and a passionate advocate for her constituents. She was first elected to the House in 2019 on the platform of the All Progressives Congress (APC). During that tenure, she served as Chairperson of the House Committee on Women Affairs and Social Development in the 9th Assembly, where she championed policies to empower women and advance social welfare. Re-elected in 2023, she was appointed Deputy Chief Whip of the 10th Assembly, a role in which she demonstrated exceptional leadership and unwavering commitment to legislative discipline, particularly during parliamentary sittings. Affectionately known as ‘ Ijaya,’ Rep. Onanuga’s intellect, passion, humility, and drive for excellence earned her admiration among her colleagues and constituents alike. Her impactful contributions to Nigeria’s political landscape reflected her passion for creating a better society and her tireless dedication to public service. “We extend our heartfelt condolences to her family, friends, associates, the Government and People of Ogun State – particularly the Ikenne/Sagamu/Remo North constituency – and the entire membership of the National Assembly. “As we mourn the loss of this vibrant and committed lawmaker, whose life was devoted to improving the lives of Nigerians – especially her constituents – her legacy of service and dedication will continue to inspire future generations. “Funeral arrangements will be announced by her family in due course. May her soul rest in perfect peace, and may her legacy continue to inspire generations to come,” the House stated.

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Court faults firm on suspension, orders salaries payment within 30 days

The Presiding Judge, Ibadan Judicial Division of the National Industrial Court, Hon. Justice Dele Peters has declared the purported indefinite suspension of Mr. Dada from the service of Dee-Pee Global Packaging which has lasted over one year and eight months and continuing, without payment of salary as unfair labour practice, and wrongful determination of appointment. The Court stated that it is an unfair labour practice for an employer to deny an employee his salary and allowances under the guise of exercising some form of disciplinary control through indefinite suspension. Justice Dele Peters ordered Dee-Pee Global Packaging to pay Mr Dada the sum of Five Hundred and Four Thousand Naira (=N= 1,260,000) only being the arrears of salaries and allowances before and during the period of the illegal and wrongful suspension, 1st October 2020 till the date of this judgment January 2025, and the sum of N200k cost of action within 30 days. From facts, the claimant, Mr Dada, submitted that he was placed on an indefinite suspension on 3 October 2020, that he has not been recalled since then, that he was not paid any salary, and that his employment has not been terminated. Under cross-examination, Mr. Dada stated that he was not aware that the Company he worked for had shut down its operations; he did not visit Dee-Pee Global Packaging’s premises, and he had not had another job since he was suspended. In defence, the Defendant, Dee-Pee Global Packaging, averred that Mr Dada was indefinitely suspended for misconduct, which caused the defendant economic loss and consequently led to the company shutdown. Learned Counsel submitted that one of the ways of determination of contract of personal service or employment is by the death of either party and that the shutdown of the firm without resuscitation took her to the brink of winding up to date; that Mr Dada did not prove how he arrived at the calculation of his salaries and allowances, and urged the Court to dismiss the case in its entirety. In opposition, Mr. Dada’s learned counsel, Omoniyi Odeyemi with M.O. Ibrahim & T.M. Odeyemi argued that since indefinite suspension does not amount to termination of employment, the implication is that their client remains in continuous employment with Dee-Pee Global Packaging until he is recall or his employment is formally terminated or dismissed, and urged the Court to grant the reliefs sought. In reply, learned Counsel to the firm submitted that indefinite suspension without pay can amount to constructive dismissal and urged the Court to dismiss Mr Dada’s case in its entirety. Delivering judgment after careful evaluation of the submissions of both parties, the Presiding Judge, Justice Dele Peters stated that suspension even where it is stated to be indefinite is neither demotion from rank nor termination of contract of employment. The Court reasoned that an employer suspending his employee may impose terms of the suspension but in a general sense suspension of an employee from work only means the suspension of the employee from performance of the ordinary duties assigned to him by virtue of his office. Justice Peters maintained that nothing in the contract between the parties confers the firm with the power to suspend or to suspend indefinitely without pay as the Company has done, and stated that the conduct of Dee-Pee Global is nothing short of denying Mr. Dada completely of his means of livelihood.

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Lagos Govt. reaffirms commitment to sustainable development

The Lagos State Government on Tuesday reaffirmed its readiness to partner with stakeholders to make Lagos a model of sustainable development in Africa. The State Governor, Mr. Babajide Sanwo-Olu made this known at the Nigerian Conservation Foundation (NCF) 23rd Chief S.I. Edu Memorial Lecture held at CIBN Centre, Victoria Island, adding that to make a meaningful impact; collaboration is essential as government policies alone will not suffice. “We need the private sector, civil society, and our academic institutions to join hands in building a more sustainable future. Investing in renewable energy, sustainable agriculture, and eco-friendly technologies not only protects our environment but also stimulates economic growth”, he said. The Commissioner for the Environment and Water Resources, Mr. Tokunbo Wahab, who represented the Governor, said the annual event serves as a crucial reminder of the need to harmonize economic aspirations with preserving the natural environment. He added that the 2025 theme speaks to the heart of a pressing challenge as the evidence of climate change is all around and poses significant threats to communities, especially in Lagos, a coastal city vulnerable to flooding and erosion. He said that Climate-positive growth entails integrating sustainability into every facet of economic planning and development, stressing that Lagos has implemented several key initiatives to drive this change. He explained that the Lagos State Energy Master Plan aims to create a stable environment for investment and expand renewable energy policies, carefully considering factors such as energy access, affordability, environmental impacts, and investment needs. He said complementing the aforementioned is the Lagos Integrated Energy Resource Plan, a comprehensive blueprint for the State’s energy initiatives, adding that this plan sets ambitious goals, which include the provision of a reliable and sustainable power supply as well as significantly improving electricity supply to critical public infrastructure. He explained that the Lagos Renewable Energy Transformation Project is actively working to create a cleaner and more secure energy future for the state by leveraging innovative renewable energy solutions and enhancing energy efficiency across the board. He said these initiatives have resulted in a demonstrable increase in solar energy adoption in the past few years, showcasing the commitment to clean and a sustainable urban planning initiative. Examples, according to him, include the development of green spaces in previously underutilized areas, which have also contributed to a healthier environment. Sanwo-Olu added that the transformation of the dumpsite at Olawale Dawodu Road in the Ikoyi-Obalende LCDA into a 5-A-side Astro-Turf Football pitch, consisting of parking and open space for recreation, has helped mitigate the urban heat. He said the legacy of Chief S.L. Edu reminds everyone that environmental stewardship is a responsibility everyone shares; as such, there is a need to empower young people with the knowledge and tools to become active participants in building a greener future. He added that this could involve supporting environmental clubs in schools, organising community clean-up drives, or promoting educational campaigns on sustainable practices. The Governor stated further that there is a need to prioritize environmental education and community engagement for the young people who are the custodians of tomorrow to understand the value of conservation and sustainability.

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Ondo Governor sacks commissioners, special advisers

Ondo State Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa, has dissolved the State Executive Council with immediate effect. Aiyedatiwa, however, exempted two members of the cabinet from the dissolution “due to the critical nature of their duties.” A statement by his Chief Press Secretary, Ebenezer Adeniyan, listed the two cabinet members as the Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice, Dr. Kayode Ajulo, and the Commissioner for Finance, Mrs. Omowunmi Isaac. The statement directed all affected cabinet members to hand over all government properties in their care to the accounting officers of their respective ministries. Aiyedatiwa thanked the EXCO members for their service and contributions to the development of the state under his administration and wished them well in their future endeavours.

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Kwara employs 300 Youths, registers 270,000 Kwarans

The Kwara State Residents Registration Agency (KWASRRA) has so far employed about 300 youths and registered over 270,000 Kwarans in its continuous registration exercise. The Acting General Manager of KWASRRA, Mr. Tajudeen Jimoh stated this at the inter-ministerial press briefing, organized by the Kwara State Ministry of Communications. He disclosed that the mandate of the Agency which is to register all Kwara State residents is anchored on the target of registering three million Kwarans based on projections from the last population census, which puts the population of Kwara State at 2.3 million as at 2006. Mr. Jimoh highlighted the successes of the Agency for the period under review to include: registration of all civil servants and allocation of registration centres across the sixteen Local Government Areas of the State, the launch of KWASRRA website in order to make the registration seamless, hassle-free and less time consuming, delivery and distribution of SSID cards to their owners, and the ongoing registration of pensioners and students, which is recording steady progress. The Acting General Manager also disclosed plans by the Agency to open up the registration exercise to all residents soon. “The Agency shall open up the registration exercise to all residents of Kwara State as soon as relevant approval is gotten. “This move is aimed at ensuring that no resident is left out, and to meet the target of the exercise of registering three million Kwarans,” he said. “Among the successes already recorded by the Agency is the registration of 270,000 residents of Kwara State within five months of the registration exercise. “This figure is expected to rise sharply as more residents embrace the online registration option and as soon as the registration is opened to all residents,” he added.

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Planning permit: Lagos demands CCTV Cameras in six floors upward buildings

The Lagos State Government has said that it would henceforth demand the mandatory provision of CCTV cameras in buildings of six floors and above as a prerequisite for the issuance of Planning Permits. This was made known in Alausa on Tuesday by the Commissioner for Physical Planning and Urban Development, Dr. Oluyinka Olumide. According to the Commissioner, “Property owners will, as a requirement for Planning Permit, now be mandated to install CCTV cameras in all existing buildings of six floors and above along major roads in the state as well as in all proposed or under construction buildings of six floors and above anywhere in the state”. He stated further that the initiative would also cover all commercial buildings in Lagos State, which would equally be mandated to provide CCTV cameras as a requirement for their approvals. Olumide said that the Governor of Lagos State, Mr. Babajide Olusola Sanwo-Olu approved the initiative to bring about enhanced security and balance public safety with physical planning considerations within the state. He disclosed that to ensure consistency and interoperability, the Lagos State Physical Planning Permit Authority (LASPPPA), would establish standardised specifications for CCTV camera systems and direct regular maintenance and inspection schedules to ensure camera functionality. The Agency will also mandate property owners to always make the footage available to the state security agents on request. He enjoined all stakeholders to support the initiative, which is in tandem with the smart city ideals and the T.H.E.M.E.S Plus Agenda of the Lagos State Government as it is geared towards achieving a livable, organised and sustainable Lagos.

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Marwa seeks more NASS support, defends N67.5B 2025 NDLEA budget

Chairman/Chief Executive Officer of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency, NDLEA, Brig Gen Mohamed Buba Marwa (Rtd) has expressed appreciation to the National Assembly especially the Senate and House Committees on Narcotic Drugs for their commitment to the nation’s fight against substance abuse and illicit drug trafficking while he appealed for their continued support to enhance the capacity and capability of the Agency to deliver on its mandate. Marwa made the appeal on Monday 13th and Tuesday 14th January when he led his management team to defend the 2025 budget proposal of the Agency before the House Committee on Narcotic Drugs and Senate Committee on Drugs and Narcotics respectively. He equally thanked President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for his unrelenting encouragement to the NDLEA. “I wish to first appreciate the honorable chairman, the deputy chairman, and distinguished members of this esteemed committee for your invaluable and consistent support throughout the 2024 fiscal year. This committee, under its able and dynamic chairman, has demonstrated remarkable courage and commitment towards the war against drug abuse. In particular, your effort towards the amendment of the NDLE Act is also highly appreciated. “And I respectfully ask your good offices to continue to assist in our area of critical needs during the appropriation process. Our commands across the federation are contending with significant challenges, particularly lack of accommodation. “I cannot overstate this matter because it all comes to my desk when you get these reports of attacks on our officers and so on and so forth, killing personnel and their families. So, we know that we trust that this esteemed committee will do its best. And we know that there are compelling demands from other MDAs, but the barracks project is critical to the operational efficiency and success of NDLEA. “I must not forget to seize this opportunity to also appreciate President Bola Tinubu for his continuing support and encouragement to the agency. I also wish to reaffirm the agency’s unwavering commitment to working collaboratively with the National Assembly, in particular this esteemed committee, to advance our shared vision of a drug-free Nigeria. With your support, we are confident in our ability to enhance our operations and fulfill our mandate of safeguarding the security of our nation”, Marwa stated in his remarks while pleading for budgetary provision for the ongoing barracks accommodation for the personnel of the agency to enhance their security, dedication and performance. In the budget proposal for 2025 fiscal year, the agency was allocated Sixty-Seven Billion Five Hundred and Twelve Million Five Hundred and Sixty-Four Thousand Sixty-Three Naira Eighty Kobo (N67, 512, 564, 063.80), with recurrent personnel cost taking N47, 159,240, 496.80; recurrent overhead N3, 384,332, 017.00 and capital expenditure N16, 968, 991, 550.00. He explained that the recurrent personnel cost reflects the nominal roll of the agency’s staff strength totaling over 14,038 officers, men and women, while the recurrent overhead cost covers the operational expenses of intelligence gathering, arrests, seizures, investigations and prosecutions. The NDLEA boss called for the enhancement of the N16 billion provided for capital expenditure, which has zero allocation for the ongoing barracks project component to enable the agency continue with the provision of secure accommodation for its workforce across the country. Justifying his plea, Marwa said “the agency faces growing challenges, including sophisticated drug cartels, drug abuse and inadequate critical infrastructure. To address these issues, NDLEA has embarked on reforms, including constructing barracks to accommodate its personnel, improve operational integrity and ensure security. Currently, many commands operate from rented facilities, which are inadequate for effective administration. Proper accommodation will enhance staff morale, ensure security, and strengthen the agency’s capacity to execute its mandate” In his remarks, House Committee Chairman on Narcotic Drugs, Hon Abass Adigun assured of their commitment to adequate funding to enhance NDLEA’s operational successes. “This committee recognizes the critical role the NDLEA plays in safeguarding our communities from the scourge of narcotics and illicit substances. As we engage in today’s deliberations, we remain committed to ensuring that public funds are allocated efficiently, with a focus on measurable outcomes, transparency, and accountability. I urge all participants to contribute thoughtfully as we work together to ensure the NDLEA is well-resourced to fulfill its vital mandate in the new year”, the lawmaker stated. Speaking in the same vein on Tuesday 14th January 2025, Senate Committee chairman on Drugs and Narcotics, Senator Ibrahim Dankwambo congratulated the agency for its outstanding performance in 2024. “We’re all witnesses to the good work you are doing and we are proud of your performance”, the committee chairman stated, assuring of more support to enable the agency function effectively in the new year.

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