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December 2, 2024 Fire Destroys Market in Trademore Estate, Abuja

Fire Destroys Market in Trademore Estate, Abuja

An early morning fire has destroyed the only market in Trademore Estate, Lugbe, Abuja.

The blaze reportedly started around 3:30 am, shortly after the Abuja Electric Distribution Company (AEDC) restored power to the area. The exact cause of the fire remains unknown at this time.

Details about the extent of the damage and the items destroyed in the inferno were not available as of the time of filing this report.

It took about two hours for firefighters from the Federal Fire Service, including teams from the EFCC and Sauka stations, to bring the fire under control.

Further investigations are expected to shed light on the cause and full impact of the incident.

 

December 1, 2024 Lagos Government Declares No Ban on Sachet Water

Lagos Government Declares No Ban on Sachet Water

The Lagos State Government has dismissed rumors of a ban on sachet water within the state.

Tokunbo Wahab, the Commissioner for Environment and Water Resources, clarified the situation on Sunday through a statement shared on his official X account. His response followed the circulation of a viral video depicting enforcement officers destroying packs of sachet water at various locations in Lagos.

Addressing the issue, Wahab explained that the officers in the video were from the National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC). He stated that their actions were part of a lawful operation to remove unregistered and unsafe products from the market, prioritizing public health and safety.

“My attention has been drawn to a viral video showing individuals bursting sachet water packs at factories and on buses,” Wahab wrote. “I wish to categorically state that these individuals are not enforcement officers from any Lagos State Government agency or the Ministry of Environment and Water Resources.”

He further clarified: “Upon investigation, it was confirmed that the individuals in question are enforcement officers from NAFDAC. Their actions are part of an enforcement exercise targeting sachet water that does not comply with NAFDAC regulations, undertaken in the interest of public health and safety.”

Wahab reassured Lagos residents that the state government has not imposed any ban on sachet water and has no plans to do so. Instead, he emphasized the government’s focus on improving plastic waste management across the state.

“As part of our commitment to sustainability, we are implementing mandatory Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) for manufacturers of polythene terephthalate (PET) products, sachets, and carrier bags with a thickness of no less than 40 microns,” he added.

This clarification aims to dispel misinformation and highlight Lagos State’s ongoing efforts toward environmental conservation and public health.

November 29, 2024 Osun State Set to Implement New Minimum Wage Starting December 1

Osun State Set to Implement New Minimum Wage Starting December 1

The Osun State Government has announced that the new minimum wage of N75,554.20 for civil servants will take effect from December 1, 2024. This follows the successful conclusion of negotiations between the state government and labor unions.

In addition to the minimum wage increase, the government has approved a uniform N25,000 increase for all pensioners. Arrears for the minimum wage will be paid alongside November salaries for workers.

During the official signing of the agreement, Osun’s Commissioner for Information and Public Enlightenment, Kolapo Alimi, emphasized that this decision reflects Governor Ademola Adeleke’s dedication to ensuring a satisfied and motivated workforce. Alimi remarked, “This move highlights the Adeleke administration’s focus on worker welfare and the well-being of retirees.”

The ceremony was attended by the state chairpersons of the Trade Union Congress and the Nigeria Labour Congress, Abimbola Fasasi and Christopher Arapasopo. Osun’s Deputy Governor, Kola Adewusi, commended the peaceful resolution of the negotiations and praised Adeleke’s leadership, which he said had gone above and beyond expectations. He urged workers to respond by enhancing service delivery and productivity across the state.

A circular issued on November 29, 2024, by the Head of Service, Ayanleye Aina, provided further details on the wage adjustment. It stated that the N25,000 pension increase reflects the government’s sensitivity to the needs of senior citizens and its commitment to resolving outstanding pension issues.

The circular also noted that the wage hike was the result of “exhaustive negotiations” between the government and labor unions, with consideration given to factors such as state revenue, debt obligations, and economic sustainability. It confirmed that the new wage will take effect on December 1, 2024, with arrears to be paid for one month, and stated that other salary structures will be addressed in the future.

The government has called on all public servants, including local government workers, to show renewed commitment to service delivery and contribute to Osun State’s ongoing development.

 

November 29, 2024 Public Outcry as Investigative Journalist Fisayo Soyombo Detained by Army

Public Outcry as Investigative Journalist Fisayo Soyombo Detained by Army

Renowned investigative journalist Fisayo Soyombo, founder of the Foundation for Investigative Journalism (FIJ), has been detained for three days by the 6th Division of the Nigerian Army in Port Harcourt, Rivers State, sparking nationwide outrage.

Soyombo, celebrated for exposing corruption and systemic failures, is being held without clear charges, raising serious concerns about press freedom in Nigeria.

In a statement on Friday, November 29, FIJ denounced the detention, describing it as a direct assault on journalism.
“Journalism is not a crime! #FreeFisayoNow,” the organization declared, urging the military to immediately release Soyombo and protect confiscated evidence.
“All his devices have been seized. We demand the Nigerian Army safeguards this evidence to ensure the truth is not suppressed,” FIJ added.

This marks yet another instance of journalists facing persecution in Nigeria, where press freedom is increasingly under threat. Soyombo himself was briefly detained in 2021 following an exposé on police corruption.

The latest detention has sparked an outcry on social media, with the hashtag #FreeFisayoNow trending as activists, rights groups, and citizens demand his release.

Amnesty International Nigeria described the detention as "arbitrary and unlawful," calling for his immediate and unconditional release. Activist Aisha Yesufu criticized the Army's priorities, urging them to focus on arresting criminals rather than journalists.
“Dear Nigerian Army, go and arrest Bello Turji, who has killed Nigerians and your personnel. Leave Fisayo alone. Journalism is not a crime,” she posted on X (formerly Twitter).

The International Centre for Investigative Reporting echoed these sentiments, labelling the incident an attack on press freedom.

Despite mounting pressure, the Nigerian Army has neither confirmed the detention nor provided an official explanation. Attempts to contact Army spokesperson Clement Nwachukwu have gone unanswered.

Nigeria continues to rank poorly on global press freedom indices. In the 2024 World Press Freedom Index, the country was ranked 115th out of 180 countries, solidifying its reputation as one of the most dangerous places for journalists in West Africa.

The detention of Fisayo Soyombo underscores the growing challenges faced by the Nigerian press as rights groups and citizens rally for his freedom.

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