OGILO SKOPE (the speaking pen 🖊️)

The Federal Government of Nigeria has issued a stern warning to private employers who pay their workers less than the new minimum wage of N70,000, stating that failure to comply will be considered a punishable crime.  This directive was communicated by Alhaji Ismaila Abubakar, Permanent Secretary of the Federal Ministry of Labour and Employment, at the 13th Annual General Meeting of the Employers Association for Private Employment Agencies of Nigeria in Lagos. According to Abubakar, the minimum wage is now a law, and paying less than N70,000 after deductions will result in severe consequences, including jail time.  The government emphasizes that no Nigerian worker, whether in the public or private sector, should receive less than the minimum wage. The Employers Association for Private Employment Agencies of Nigeria has expressed commitment to implementing the minimum wage and providing decent jobs for Nigerians. However, they have requested clarification on whether the N70,000...

  The House of Representatives Committee on Basic Education has thrown its weight behind the Federal Government's decision to peg the minimum age for candidates sitting for the Senior Secondary School Certificate Examination (SSCE) and Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination (UTME) at 18. This decision, announced in July by the Minister of Education, Prof Tahir Mamman, has been generating heated debates among parents and education stakeholders. In an exclusive interview with  OGILOSKOPE the Chairman of the House of Representatives Committee on Basic Education, Mark Useni, explained that the decision was taken to ensure that children pursue their education alongside their cognitive and physical development and maturity. Useni noted that the policy is not peculiar to Nigeria, citing military and paramilitary institutions which place the entry age at 18 years, as well as the voting age in Nigeria which is pegged at 18 years. However, in a recent development, the Minister of E...

 

  WYNNE The Nigeria Police Force has declared a British national, Andrew Wynne, and a Nigerian, Lucky Obiyan, wanted for allegedly plotting to overthrow the democratically elected government in Nigeria.  The suspects are accused of building a network of sleeper cells to topple the government and plunge the nation into chaos. According to the Force spokesperson, Muyiwa Adejobi, Wynne rented a space at Labour House in Abuja and established a school as a decoy for his subversive activities.  He allegedly provided financial backing and operational guidance to his Nigerian collaborators to achieve unconstitutional regime change in Nigeria. The police have launched a comprehensive investigation into the activities of foreign nationals and subversive elements plotting to undermine the government.  Nine suspects have been apprehended, and documentary evidence and confessions have revealed Wynne's involvement in the plot. Wynne and Obiyan have fled the country, and a global h...

A violent clash occurred today at the United Methodist Church of Nigeria in the Garki area 1 of Abuja, leading to a swift police response and the lockdown of the religious facility.  According to a Facebook post by online advocate Very Dark Black Man, the violence was sparked by the church's decision to legalize homosexual marriage, following an order from overseas church authorities. As of the time of reporting, police had evacuated all members from the premises. Thee controversy was further fueled by the refusal of the presiding Bishop to step down despite being due for retirement.  The overseas church authorities are reportedly planning to appoint a new Bishop to facilitate the implementation of homosexual marriage in the church. It is worth noting that in Nigeria, both male and female same-sex relationships are illegal and punishable by up to 14 years in prison under the conventional court system. The situation remains tense, and further developments are expected.

  In a fiery outburst, Minister of FCT, Nyesom Wike, threatened to wreak havoc in the states of PDP governors supporting Governor Siminalayi Fubara, warning them to back off from attempts to take control of the party structure. At the Rivers State PDP Congress in Port Harcourt, Wike declared: "Not while we live will anybody take the PDP structure from us... I will put fire in their states." This threat comes amid a deepening rift between Wike and his successor, Fubara, which has split the Rivers State legislative arm into factions and resisted mediation efforts.  Wike's anger appears to be fueled by the consistent support of PDP governors for Fubara.

The Nigerian Centre for Disease Control (NCDC) has reported that children between the ages of 0-5 years are the most affected by the Mpox disease outbreak in Nigeria.  Out of the 48 confirmed cases recorded this year, the majority of those affected fall within this age group. The NCDC stated that Mpox spreads easily through contact with infected persons or contaminated materials.  In the latest update, eight new confirmed cases were recorded across five states, bringing the total number of confirmed cases in 2024 to 48. Since September 2017, a total of 4,685 suspected cases have been reported from 36 states and the FCT, with 1,134 confirmed cases (24.2%) and 17 deaths. Males account for approximately 70% of those affected. Symptoms of Mpox include fever, headache, lymphadenopathy, back pain, myalgia, and asthenia, followed by a progressively developing rash. The NCDC urges citizens to take precautions to prevent the spread of the disease.

The Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) has terminated its agreement with German coach Bruno Labbadia as the head coach of the Super Eagles.  The decision comes after Labbadia's insistence that the NFF pay the full tax amount on his salary, which would have added an extra 32% to 40% to his monthly wage. NFF President Ibrahim Musa Gusau stated that the tax issue was not part of the initial discussions and that the federation cannot afford to shoulder the additional tax burden.  This marks the third time a foreign coach has failed to take charge of the Super Eagles after being announced by the NFF. Technical Director Augustine Eguavoen will now lead the team for the upcoming Africa Cup of Nations qualifying matches against Benin Republic and Rwanda.  Eguavoen has previously managed the Super Eagles on three occasions. The NFF had announced Labbadia's appointment as head coach earlier in the week, but the deal has now been aborted due to the tax impasse.

  The Commissioner of Police in Akwa Ibom State, Waheed Ayilara, has died.  He passed away in the early hours of Thursday at the Lagos State University Teaching Hospital, Ikeja, after undergoing prostate cancer surgery. Ayilara was deployed to Akwa Ibom by the Inspector General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun, in February 2024.  He previously served as the acting Commissioner of Police in Lagos and Deputy Commissioner of Police in charge of the State Criminal Investigation Department. The Akwa Ibom State Police Command has not yet made an official statement, but sources close to the family and a top police officer in the state have confirmed Ayilara's death. Ayilara's passing is a significant loss for the Nigeria Police Force, and he will be remembered for his dedication and service to the country.

  Nigeria Labour Congress President Joe Ajaero has arrived at the Intelligence Response Team (IRT) Headquarters to answer questions related to allegations of terrorism financing, cybercrime, subversion, criminal conspiracy, and treasonable felony. Ajaero was invited by the police last week to appear on August 20 but was unable to attend. He promised to honor the invitation today and arrived at 10:17 am, accompanied by Femi Falana, SAN, Marshal Abubakar, Deji Adeyanju, and other senior NLC officials. The IRT is the Force Intelligence Bureau of the Nigeria Police Force. Further details are expected to emerge from the questioning session.

  The Federal Government is holding an emergency meeting with the Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU) to prevent a planned nationwide strike.  The meeting, convened by Education Minister Prof Tahir Mamman, aims to address ASUU's demands, including better welfare, increased funding for universities, and an end to the proliferation of universities. ASUU had threatened to strike over the government's alleged failure to honor the 2009 renegotiated agreement.  The meeting, attended by ASUU representatives, past presidents, and top education officials, is focused on preventing another nationwide strike and ensuring security in the education sector. The government has expressed its commitment to deepening security in the education system and ensuring students remain on campus.  The meeting is ongoing, with a closed-door session currently underway. ASUU's demands include: - Improved welfare for members - Increased funding for universities - An end to the proliferatio...

  1. John Finch (England) - 1949 2. Daniel Anyiam (Nigeria) - 1954-1956, 1964-1965 3. Les Courtier (England) - 1956-1960 4. Moshe Beit Halevi (Israel) - 1960-1961 5. George Vardar (Hungary) - 1961-1963 6. Joey Blackwell (England) - 1963-1964 7. József Ember (Hungary) - 1965-1968 8. Sabino Barinaga (Spain) - 1968-1969 9. Peter 'Eto' Amaechina (Nigeria) - 1969-1970 10. Karl-Heinz Marotzke (Germany) - 1970-1971, 1974 11. Jorge Penna (Brazil) - 1972-1973 12. Jelisavčić 'Father Tiko' Tihomir (Yugoslavia) - 1974-1978 13. Otto Glória (Brazil) - 1979-1982 14. Gottlieb Göller (Germany) - 1981 15. Adegboye Onigbinde (Nigeria) - 1983-1984, 2002 16. Chris Udemezue (Nigeria) - 1984-1986 17. Patrick Ekeji (Nigeria) - 1985 18. Paul Hamilton (Nigeria) - 1987, 1989 19. Manfred Höner (Germany) - 1988-1989 20. Clemens Westerhof (Netherlands) - 1989-1994 21. Amodu Shaibu (Nigeria) - 1994-1995, 1996-1997, 2001-2002, 2008-2010 22. Johannes Bonfrere (Netherlands) - 1995-1996, 1999-2001 23. Ph...

  Today, August 27, 2024, marks the 72nd birthday of Nigerian football icon, Patrick Olusegun Odegbami, fondly known as "Mathematical" Segun Odegbami.  The legendary winger is celebrated for his outstanding contributions to Nigerian football, both on and off the pitch. Odegbami's illustrious career spanned over a decade, from 1970 to 1984, during which he played for IICC Shooting Stars of Ibadan and earned 46 caps for the Nigerian national team, scoring 23 goals.  His most notable achievement was leading the Super Eagles to their first Africa Cup of Nations title in 1980. Renowned for his exceptional skill, speed, and precise crosses from the right wing, Odegbami won the African Cup Winners' Cup with Shooting Stars F.C. in 1976, Nigeria's first African club trophy. In recent years, Odegbami has ventured into sports broadcasting, launching Eagles 7 Sports Radio 103.7 FM in Nigeria in June 2022. As he celebrates his 72nd birthday, Golden Oldies and football fans acr...

  The Federal Government's recent directive banning under-18 candidates from sitting for the West African Senior School Certificate Examination (WASSCE) and National Examination Council (NECO) has sparked a heated debate.  The Nigeria Union of Teachers (NUT) has condemned the policy, while the Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU) has backed it. The Minister of Education, Prof. Tahir Mamman, announced the new age policy, setting the minimum age at 18, citing the need for students to complete the requisite number of years in school before advancing to tertiary education.  However, NUT Secretary-General, Dr. Mike Ene, argued that the policy is unrealistic, given the economic pressures that lead to early enrollment in schools. ASUU National President, Prof. Emmanuel Osodeke, personally supported the policy, emphasizing the importance of standard academic progression and emotional maturity.  Meanwhile, the West African Examinations Council (WAEC) and NECO have stat...

  The Nigerian Association of Resident Doctors (NARD) initiated a seven-day warning strike on Monday to demand the immediate rescue of Dr. Ganiyat Popoola, a Kaduna-based doctor who has been held captive by kidnappers for nearly eight months.  The strike, which affected hospitals nationwide, left countless patients stranded and healthcare services severely disrupted. In Abuja, patients at the Federal Medical Centre and the National Hospital experienced significant delays, with many expressing frustration and distress over missed appointments and prolonged waiting times.  Sarah Adamu, a diabetic patient, lamented the uncertainty surrounding her long-awaited appointment, while Mrs. Aisha Abdul, a retired civil servant, worried about the impact of the strike on her urgent medical needs. Despite the disruption, consultants, house officers, and other healthcare workers were left to manage patient care in the absence of resident doctors.  Dr. Tayo Haastrup, spokesperson fo...

  The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has refuted claims that its officials are involved in the sale of Permanent Voter Cards (PVCs) in Edo State ahead of the September 21 Governorship Election. In response to a petition by Transparency for Electoral Systems Advocacy (TESA), INEC's Chief Press Secretary, Rotimi Oyekanmi, described the allegations as baseless and challenged TESA to provide concrete evidence. Oyekanmi emphasized that PVCs are issued free of charge to registered voters and that the process is transparent and strictly regulated.  He highlighted the introduction of the Bimodal Voter Accreditation System (BVAS), which makes it nearly impossible for anyone to use another person's PVC to vote. INEC warned that any attempt to do so would result in arrest and prosecution on Election Day.  The Commission urged TESA and others to present any evidence of misconduct by its officials for immediate action. The PVC collection process in Edo State began on...

  L-R President Tinubu, Comr. Afuye Former deputy governorship candidate of the Action Democratic Party (ADP) in Ekiti state, Comrade Idowu Sunday Afuye has urged state governors to rally behind President Bola Tinubu's administration to achieve its goals. In an interview with  OGILOSKOPE  in Ado Ekiti, Afuye emphasized that President Tinubu cannot single-handedly reach all parts of the country, necessitating the collaboration of state governors.  He criticized governors for exacerbating the people's suffering with their poor performances. Afuye stressed that wholehearted support from governors is crucial for the success of Tinubu's "Renewed Hope Agenda".  He also advised governors to invest federal funds in projects that benefit the masses, rather than embarking on cosmetic ventures that add no value to citizens' lives.

  The National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) has announced the release of call-up letters for 2024 Batch 'B' Stream 2 prospective corps members.  The orientation camp is scheduled to start on August 28, 2024, with the swearing-in ceremony on August 30, 2024, and the closing ceremony on September 17, 2024. Important notes for prospective corps members: - Some members posted to Lagos will have orientation in Ogun and Osun, while those posted to Zamfara will be in Kebbi and Sokoto. - Avoid traveling to the orientation camp at night and break your journey when necessary. - Report on your scheduled date and apply for corrections on your dashboard before camp registration. - Certain details, such as date of birth and course of study, cannot be changed after documentation in camp. - Resolve any discrepancies in your course of study or date of graduation with your institution before reporting to camp. Remember to print and sign the addendum, which will be submitted during registration at...

After completing one year in office, President Tinubu's administration has made several notable purchases and investments, including: - A presidential jet valued at ₦150 billion - A presidential yacht valued at ₦5 billion - A bulletproof Escalade SUV valued at ₦2 billion - Acquisition of Nigeria AGIP oil company (NAOC) with 17 deep sea upstream oil wells valued at $5 billion USD, allegedly for his family The administration has also awarded the Lagos to Calabar Coastline super highway project valued at $13 billion USD without bidding to a friend. However, the country is facing significant economic challenges, including: - A crashed naira to USD exchange rate of ₦1,600 per dollar - High prices for essential goods:     - Petrol: ₦950 per liter     - Rice: ₦88,000 per bag     - Beans: ₦145,000 per bag     - Garri: ₦130,000 per bag     - Yam: ₦7,000 per tuber - High transportation costs:     - Lagos to Abuja: ₦45,000     -...

The Federal Government of Nigeria has announced an upward review of the fees for the Nigerian passport, effective September 1, 2024.  This decision was made public through a statement released by Kenneth Udo, the spokesman for the Nigeria Immigration Service (NIS), on the service's official platform. According to Udo, the fee increase aims to ensure the quality and integrity of the Nigerian Standard Passport. The reviewed fees are as follows: - A 32-page passport booklet with a five-year validity, previously priced at N35,000, will now cost N50,000. - A 64-page passport booklet with a 10-year validity, previously priced at N70,000, will now cost N100,000. While the NIS regrets any inconvenience this increase may cause prospective applicants, it assures Nigerians of its unwavering commitment to transparency and quality service delivery at all times.