NLC Set To Meet President Tinubu Over 65 Years Retirement Age For Workers

Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) has concluded plans to meet with President Bola Tinubu over the proposed 65 years retirement age for Civil servants in the country.

The National President, NLC, Joe Ajaero, told pressmen on Sunday that labour will continue to agitate for better working conditions for workers in the country.

Recall that the NLC had during the 2023 May Day celebrations appealed to Buhari to extend the retirement age for civil servants.

But then Minister of State for Labour, Festus Keyamo, told our correspondent that Buhari, in the twilight of his administration, would not be able to deal with the matter.

“The process to effect that change to 65 years (if it is accepted by the Federal Government) is a process that cannot be completed before the end of the tenure of Buhari.  So, I guess the new administration will have to deal with that,” Keyamo had said.

Already, teachers under the employment of government at all levels, are enjoying the implementation of a new retirement age.

When asked on Sunday, if the congress would meet with Tinubu on the matter, the NLC President said, “Yes. Only few other establishments, including the core civil service, are now left out.

“We are, therefore, demanding that the age of retirement and length of service in the entire public service, including the civil service, be reviewed upward to 65 years of age and 40 years of service.”

Also speaking with our correspondent, the National Treasurer, NLC, Hakeem Ambali, said, “Yes, we are going to negotiate that, to avert the imminent crisis and suffering of our members whose Contributory Pension Deduction were not remitted to their PFAS by a large percentage of labour employers.

"So that they (workers) are not pushed to premature death and penury, such window of five years  is expected to form a transition period of normalising the scheme.”

Nigerians Expect A Lot From You, APC Urges NASS To Work With Executive

All Progressives Congress (APC) leadership has reminded members of the 10th National Assembly that Nigerians expect a lot from them.

APC also appealed to the legislators to collaborate with the executive arm of government led by President Bola Tinubu.

The party's National Chairman, Senator Abdullahi Adamu, gave the charge when the President of the Senate, Godswill Akpabio led members of the Senate on Sallah homage to his Keffi residence in Nasarawa State on Saturday, July 1, 2023.

This was contained in a statement made available to the press on Saturday evening.

President of the Senate, Godswill Akpabio visits APC National Chairman, Senator Abdullahi Adamu. [Facebook:GodwillObotAkpabio]

The National Chairman used the occasion to congratulate Akpabio and Senator Jibrin Barau on their emergence as the President and Deputy Senate President, respectively.

Adamu, who noted that the outcome of the National Assembly election was a great relief to the party, told the principal officers that it was now time to focus on governance.

He stressed the need for effective collaboration between the legislature and the executive in the overall interest of the Nigerian people.

President of the Senate, Godswill Akpabio visits APC National Chairman, Senator Abdullahi Adamu. [Facebook:GodwillObotAkpabio]

The statement partly read: ”I congratulate you and your deputy on your emergence as the President of the Senate and Deputy President of the Senate respectively. Your emergence was a great relief to the party.

"Contests for offices are over, it is now time for governance. There must be effective collaboration between the Legislature and the Executive in the overall interest of our people.

“Nigerians expect a lot through you and that can only be achieved through a united legislature and the executive working in sync in bipartisan manner.

"As the President of the Senate and Chairman of the National Assembly, you have the knowledge, experience and what it takes for the two arms of government to work in harmony for the peace and development of our country,” Adamu said.

We’ll Announce Tariff Increase Base On Instruction – IBEDC

Ibadan Electricity Distribution Company (IBEDC) has said that Nigerian Electricity Regulation Commission (NERC) has yet to give a directive on the new electricity tariff earlier scheduled to commence on July 1.

The Public Relations Officer of IBEDC, Ms. Busolami Tunwase, stated this in an interview with NAN in Ibadan on Saturday.

She said: “I am not aware that NERC has given us any such directive. It is the commission that does the whole thing and I am not sure it has given such a directive.

“But, any moment we get the directive to that effect, we will announce it and it will commence based on instructions from NERC,” Tunwase said. 

Recalled that condemnation had greeted the proposed new tariff since the news hit the airwave, with stakeholders arguing that the timing of the increment was wrong, given the poor service delivery of most of the electricity distribution companies.

It was observed that IBEDC offices were besieged by lots of customers seeking to buy energy ahead of the commencement of the new tariff.

The customers were, however, disappointed, as they could not purchase the energy due to complaints of congestion and network hitches by the company.

Wema Bank PLC Launches Season 3 Of The Wema Bank 5 For 5 Promo, Rewarding Customers With N90,000,000 In Cash Prizes

Wema Bank PLC, the leading financial institution in Nigeria and the pioneer of Africa's first fully digital bank, ALAT, yesterday announced the launch of the highly anticipated 3rd season of the Wema Bank 5 for 5 promo. This reward program, initiated by Wema Bank, aims to recognize and reward customers across Nigeria for their unwavering loyalty to the bank.

Commencing July 1st, 2023, Season 3 of the 5 for 5 promo will distribute a total of N90,000,000 in cash prizes to Wema Bank customers throughout different regions of Nigeria over a span of 10 months. Each month, customers will be selected in weekly giveaways and monthly draws, with cash prizes ranging from N5,000 to an impressive N1,000,000. Furthermore, the promo draws will be hosted in various regions across Nigeria, increasing the chances of winning for customers residing in the selected cities.

Segun Adeniyi, Wema Bank's Chief Digital Officer, emphasized the bank's unwavering commitment to prioritize customer satisfaction, stating, "Our customers have always been our priority and serve as the inspiration behind every decision we make. The Wema Bank 5 for 5 promo is our way of going the extra mile to provide value to each and every one of our esteemed customers. We initiated this promo to reward and show appreciation to our active and transacting customers for their loyalty to the bank. As we embark on the 3rd season, we have fine-tuned the requirements to ensure that more customers have the opportunity to win."

In line with Wema Bank's dedication to promoting financial inclusion, Ololade Ogungbenro, Wema Bank's Divisional Head of Brands, People, and Culture, expressed, "For Season 3 of the Wema Bank 5 for 5 promo, we have adopted a diverse communication strategy that includes various languages such as Yoruba, Igbo, Hausa, and Pidgin. We recognize the diverse range of customers who speak different languages, and it is of utmost importance to us that inclusivity remains a top priority, ensuring that no one is left out."

To qualify and stand a chance to win in this season of Wema Bank 5 for 5 promo, Ayodele Olojede, Wema Bank's Divisional Head for Retail Banking, explained the simple requirements: "There is something for everyone in the 5 for 5 promo. All you need to do is fund your Wema Bank account with a minimum of N5,000, maintain an average monthly account balance of N5,000, and conduct a minimum of 5 transactions each month on ALAT using *945# or your Wema or ALAT debit or credit card. The more you fund and transact, the higher your chances of winning and the more you can win."

Mabel Adeteye, Head of Brands & Marketing Communication at Wema Bank highlighted the accessibility of opening a Wema Bank account, stating, "If you're not a customer yet, opening an account is effortless. You can visit the nearest Wema Bank branch or search 'ALAT Hub near me' on Google to find a Wema Bank Agent near you. Alternatively, you can download the ALAT app from your Play Store or App Store and click 'Get Started' to set up your account. Season 3 of the Wema Bank 5 for 5 promo offers abundant opportunities for winning. Reactivate your account if you've been inactive and start funding and transacting today.

Falana Urges DSS To Arraign Emefiele, Bawa In Court If It Had Evidence Of Indictment

Human rights lawyer, Femi Falana, SAN has asked the Department of State Services (DSS) to speed up the investigation into the cases involving the suspended Chairman of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), Abdulrasheed Bawa and the suspended Governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), Godwin Emefiele.

Recall that Emefiele was arrested on June 10 over allegations of terrorism financing,vwhile Bawa was nabbed by the secret services over allegations of abuse of office levelled against him.

Falana in an interview on Channels Television politics today, urged the DSS to arraign the duo in court if it had an evidence of indictment.

He argued that the continued detention of Emefiele and Bawa did not reflect the implementation of the Administration of Criminal Justice Act.

The Senior Advocate of Nigeria urged the Nigerian government to handle the cases in line with the provisions of the law to avoid a situation whereby loopholes are exploited.

“Investigations should be speedily conducted, more so where allegations are made. I do not expect any delay in the investigation of the very serious allegation that has been made,” he stated.

“In the case of Emefiele, the State Security Services last year alleged his involvement in terrorism financing. Please, quickly do something about that. With respect to money laundering and other offences, take them to the appropriate agencies of government.

“In the case of Mr Bawa, we haven’t been told the offences he committed. I cannot speak very confidently with respect to the gentleman except to ask the government or the agencies involved to speed up an investigation and have them arraigned if they are indicted.”

5 Fascinating Aspects Of Shaka Ilembe

• 1. Explore the Fascinating Zulu Culture: Shaka Ilembe takes you on a captivating journey through the life of the legendary Zulu King and warrior, King Shaka. This series delves into the significant events that shaped his extraordinary life, offering a glimpse into the rich culture of the Zulu people. Experience their way of life, witness their diverse traditions, immerse yourself in their mesmerising warrior chants, and much more. Prepare to be captivated by the screen and left craving for more.

• 
  

From ancient culture and ancestor based traditions to the allure of unique fashion and the art of wooing, Shaka Ilembe invites you to immerse yourself in the captivating world of Zulu Tradition like never before. Brace yourself for an extraordinary journey through time and culture, as we explore five intriguing aspects of this thrilling series.

• 

2. Unveil Unique Fashion Inspirations: The Zulu people possess a distinctive sense of style that is unparalleled. They are known for their skills in artful and colourful bead work. Shaka Ilembe presents an opportunity to witness their fashion choices and gain insights that you won't find anywhere else. Get ready to take notes and incorporate a touch of Zulu fashion into your own wardrobe and if you don’t mind showing off some skin then you must definitely follow this series

• 
  
  3. Master the Art of Wooing: Are you interested in someone but unsure how to approach them? Look no further! Shaka Ilembe is packed with scenes that offer invaluable wooing tips and techniques to leave you amazed. Discover the secrets of wooing as you observe the characters' interactions and learn from their charming tactics. 

• 
  
  4. Tips on How to become a warrior: in this series there are intense battle scenes, you’ll get to pick up a few things if you’re interested in being a fighter and not a runner… from the war chants to the actual battle itself, it will leave your blood pumping.

• 
  
  5. Hone Your Dancing Skills: The Zulu culture is also known for its vibrant and mesmerising dance traditions. Shaka Ilembe grants you the opportunity to see firsthand the authentic Kwaito, Patsula, Kwas-kwasa, Gqom-Vosho and Gwara-gwara dances and the learn a few dance steps and be a killer on the dance floor with your Zulu infused dance skills.  

Join us on an unforgettable exploration of Shaka Ilembe every Sunday at 10.00 pm on Africa Magic Urban Ch 8 on GOtv.

Sterling Bank Launches Tech-based Solutions For Stakeholders In The Nigerian Education Sector

Sterling Bank has recently launched Edubanc; an innovative tech-based solution to provide banking and social services for stakeholders in the education sector. The solution aims to improve current learning outcomes and business growth for students, parents, and providers of educational services.

Mr. Damian Umeasala, General Manager of Edubanc, stated at the launch in Lagos over the weekend, "Education has always been the cornerstone of progress, development, and growth in any economy in the world today. However, financial constraints often hinder the dreams and potential of countless individuals. At Edubanc, we firmly believe everyone should have equal access to quality education, regardless of their financial status "This is why we have created a solution that aims to remove the financial barriers that prevent individuals from realizing their educational goals."

He described Edubanc as a robust platform that provides students, parents, and educational institutions, a seamless route to secure funding, pay tuition, and access other value-added services.

According to him, products on the platform offer bespoke loan options with flexible repayment plans at competitive interest rates to ensure education remains within everyone's reach. 

"We understand the unique challenges students and families face in today's dynamic world. This is why Edubanc goes above and beyond traditional financing models by incorporating advanced technologies in the development of products such as Edpay, School Management System, free teachers training, and online tuition collection services," Umeasala explained.

He revealed that through these cutting-edge offerings, the platform has helped over 3,000 children remain in school, relieved the financial burden of 1,200 parents, granted free training to over 350 teachers, and introduced operational efficiency to about 1,000 schools.

He added that the offerings have also helped parents and students make informed decisions about their educational investment.

"We are committed to partnering with leading educational institutions to provide a holistic solution that addresses the financial aspects and fosters a supportive and nurturing learning environment. 

Our collaboration with schools, tech educational institutions, and vocational institutes ensures that Edubanc aligns with their educational goals and values," Umeasala said.

He said that as Edubanc embarks on a journey to empower countless individuals to pursue their dreams and unlock their true potential, they envision a future where education knows no financial boundaries and every dreamer can aspire and achieve. 

Chief Yomi Otubela, National President of the National Association of Proprietors of Private Schools (NAPPS), also spoke, citing gender disparities, insufficient access to education, insecurity, and poor infrastructural facilities as some of the educational sector's challenges.

He expressed the need to invest in the education system because "when we invest in it, we are investing in our future." 

Otubela said there is also a need to reform the educational curriculum to make it dynamic, relevant, and in line with global standards, adding that there is a need to emphasize critical thinking, problem-solving skills, creativity, as well as honesty, hard work, selflessness, and service to humanity.

Mrs. Njideka Nwabueze, Sterling Bank's Head of Education Finance, moderated a panel discussion on “The current state of Education in Nigeria, Future prospects and what we need to do differently”. A few notable mentions were Rachel Onoja, Head of Operations at AltSchool, Francis Ogunlaja, Financial Controller at Decagon, Henry Nnalue, CEO at Allpro Technologies, and many others.