The Organised Labour are demanding ₦615,000 as the new minimum wage for workers, due to the hardship in the country.

An executive of the organized labour, requesting anonymity as he lacked authorization to speak on the issue, disclosed to Sunday PUNCH that the consensus on the new monthly wage of ₦615,000 was reached through consultations facilitated by the NLC and TUC.

The source said, “We (NLC and TUC) have given our figures to the government (on the minimum wage), and it is ₦615,000. That is the position of the NLC and TUC on the matter. The government has been informed as well.”

Recall that the President of the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC), Joe Ajaero, had said in an interview that rising inflation in the country might push organised labour to demand ₦1 million as the minimum wage.

As a result, various controversies emerged, with experts expressing doubts about the feasibility or long-term viability of the proposed wage.

However, in an interview with Punch correspondent, another labour leader emphasized that the NLC and TUC had tentatively agreed on setting the new wage at ₦615,000.

When questioned about whether the May 1 deadline was still feasible, the labour leader said, “What I want you to know is that we are doing our best. Both the TUC and NLC have harmonised, and they have sent their position to the government.

“We are in the process. Be assured that once anything happens, I will, as usual, inform you. That is all I can tell you for now because we have not met, even though we have submitted our unified positions to the Federal Government. We will be speaking with one voice.

“But, let me also hint to you that with the removal of the electricity tariff subsidy, we are going to have another round of serious conversations with the government.

“Mind you, the tariff increase is also very good for us, because they (the government) did it when the new minimum wage process had not been concluded. So, it is going to be a good ground for us to ask for more.

“Our position will be defended based on the new price of ₦225 per kWh of electricity. Although we (the government and Labour) are not in agreement, we are waiting to meet and decide on the next point of action.”

Iran’s mission to the United Nations has said the country’s missiles and drones fired toward Israel were justified, warning the United States to “stay away.”

“It is a conflict between Iran and the rogue Israeli regime, from which the U.S. MUST STAY AWAY!,” Iran’s mission to the United Nations said in a statement, according to Fox News.

Iran’s warning came after U.S. officials confirmed to Fox News that the United States military is continuing to shoot down Iranian drones that are headed toward Israel.

“U.S. forces in the region continue to shoot down Iranian-launched drones targeting Israel. Our forces remain postured to provide additional defensive support and to protect U.S. forces operating in the region,” a U.S. military official said.

According to Iran’s mission to the United Nations, the attacks were justified by Article 51 of the UN Charter, which recognizes a member of the United Nations’ right to self-defence if attacked by another nation.

Iran said that the missiles and drones were launched in a retaliatory attack to an Israeli airstrike on the Iranian consulate in Syria which killed several generals.

“Iran’s military action was in response to the Zionist regime’s aggression against our diplomatic premises in Damascus,” the statement said.

Israel has not taken responsibility for the attack on Iran’s consulate in Damascus.

Iran said that the retaliatory attack could be deemed concluded. However, should the Israeli regime make another mistake, its response will be considerably more severe.

Former President Trump has shared a heated message to those in attendance at his rally in Pennsylvania on Saturday, after Iran’s attack on Israel, vowing it should not have happened.

Fox News reports that Trump joined other GOP politicians in voicing their concerns about President Joe Biden’s administration and the attacks.

“Before going any further, I want to say God bless the people of Israel. They’re under attack right now. That’s because we show great weakness,” Trump said.

“The weakness that we’ve shown is unbelievable, and it would not have happened if we were in office. You know that. They know that, and everybody knows that,” the former President added.

Trump said America is praying for Israel and is sending absolute support to everyone in harm’s way.

DAILY POST reported that Israel witnessed an unprecedented air attack from Iran on Saturday being a retaliation against Israeli attack on its consul in Syria.

Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu of Lagos State has called on citizens of the country to refrain from speaking ill of Nigeria but pray for its betterment.

The governor gave the advice on Saturday at the 2024 Eid-el-Fitr celebration at the Lagos House, Ikeja.

The celebration had the theme: “Allah will not Change the Way of the People until they Change What is in their Hearts”.

Sanwo-Olu, who was represented by his Deputy, Dr Obafemi Hamzat, called on Nigerians to change their thoughts about Nigeria, urging them to speak positively about the country.

According to the governor, God will not change anything for any society until the people decide to change their minds for good.

Sanwo-Olu added that the citizens should stop cursing the country so that God would change it for the better.

He, therefore, urged Nigerians to believe in their current leaders and pray for them and the country.

“Almighty God will not change anything for any society until they change what is in their minds.

“Our collective intent should be to keep praying for Nigeria and the leadership to do the right thing.

“That is when Allah will intervene in the present situation of our country.

“It is, therefore, important for us to desist from talking ill about the country,” he said.

The All Progressives Congress, APC, has cleared the 16 aspirants seeking their ticket to contest the November 20 Ondo State Governorship election.

DAILY POST reports that the seven-man screening committee, led by Sen. Joshua Lidani, gave all the aspirants the nod to contest the April 20 primary election.

A report submitted to the party’s Directorate of Organisation in Abuja on Saturday said the committee considered eligibility, suitability, character, and support base, among other areas.

Among those cleared were the incumbent Governor, Lucky Aiyedatiwa, Isaac Kekemeke, former APC National Vice-Chairman (South West), Olusoji Ehinlanwo, a former member of the House of Assembly, Olugbenga Edema, and Sen. Jimoh Ibrahim.

Others are Mrs Funmilayo Waheed-Adekojo, Akinfolarin Samuel, former Commissioner for Finance, Adewale Akinterinwa, Chief Olusola Oke, Ohunyeye Felix and Morayo Lebi.

Also cleared were Garvey Iyanjan; Prof. Francis Faduyile, Mrs Judith Omogoroye, Ifeoluwa Oyedele and Okunjimi John.

“All aspirants demonstrated a willingness to support the aspirant that emerged as the party’s candidate for the November 2024 governorship election,” the report said.

It tasked the party’s leadership to ensure that the April 20 primary election is free, fair, credible and acceptable to all.

Former England women’s player, Eniola Aluko, has become the first black woman to own a club in Italy.

Aluko has acquired a major stake in FC Como’s female team.

The 37-year-old confirmed this in a post on her X page, where revealed she is a part of a $100 million ownership group, known as Mercury 13, which acquired a majority stake.

Como Women was only established in 2020, and they use a 3,700-capacity stadium.

They currently play in the top flight of the Italian Serie A.

Eniola, who is the sister of former Super Eagles player Sone Aluko, was born in Lagos to Nigerian parents in 1987.

But she eventually naturalized to England and played for the Three Lionesses.

Former Manchester United defender, Rio Ferdinand, has identified the two fixtures that will cost Arsenal the Premier League title.

With seven matches left, the Gunners can go back to the top of the table with a win over Aston Villa on Sunday.

But Ferdinand believes that Mikel Arteta’s men will suffer two more defeats before the season’s end, which will eventually cost them the title in the process.

While predicting the run-in for TNT Sport, Ferdinand tipped Arsenal to lose 2-1 away at North London rivals Tottenham, before falling to another defeat against United at Old Trafford in the penultimate game of the campaign.

According to him, Erik ten Hag’s side will run out 3-2 winners against Arteta’s men.

The federal government targets over 25,000 jobs and $2.5 billion worth of investment in four years through the Presidential Compressed Natural Gas Initiative.

The Programme Director and Chief Executive of the PCNGI, Michael Oluwagbemi, disclosed this in a stakeholders’ workshop in Ibadan Oyo state on Friday.

He stressed that President Bola Ahmed Tinubu had given PCNGI the mandate to convert one million vehicles by 2027.

“The President has said we need to convert one million vehicles by 2027. We need 1,000 conversion shops and over 3,000 filing stations just like this. You can imagine the level of investment required for this.

“To sustain one million vehicle conversions by 2027, we need 25,000 technicians. So, the job creation potential is an opportunity for job creation in addition to our gross domestic product, $2.5 billion worth of investment to be mobilised in the next four years and, of course, more than $25 billion added to our GDP.”

Recall that President Tinubu approved the Presidential Compressed Natural Gas initiative to achieve 11,500 new CNG-enabled vehicles and 55,000 CNG conversion kits for existing vehicles that depend on Premium Motor Spirit.

Brazil and AC Milan legend KaKa’s ex-wife, Caroline Celico, has revealed that she divorced him because he was “too perfect” for her.

Kaka, 41, married his childhood sweetheart Celico in 2005 before they divorced in 2015, spending ten years in their marriage together.

The divorced couple had two children together, but Celico was not happy and has now revealed she felt something was missing.

“Kaka never betrayed me, he treated me well, he gave me a wonderful family, but I was not happy, something was missing,” she was quoted on The Sun.

“The problem was, he was too perfect for me,” Celico declared.

Celico, a Brazilian socialite, joined Kaka’s church after they married and later became an Evangelical pastor but quit in 2010.

The 36-year-old later married Eduardo Scarpa Julião in 2021 and the couple are now expecting their first child.

Kaka also found love again with partner Carolina Dias whom he started dating in 2017.

He had a decorated career which saw him win nine major trophies, including the World Cup with Brazil in Korea/Japan 2002 and the FiFA Confederations Cup in 2005 and 2009.

He also won Serie A and the Champions League with AC Milan, as well as La Liga with Real Madrid.

Kaka was also named FIFA World Player of the Year and Ballon d’Or both in 2007.

says project would be ready for commissioning in May

The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, has said that the construction of the Vice President’s official residence in Abuja will not cause any traffic disruption upon completion.

Mr Wike stated this while inspecting the project on Saturday.

He said the federal government’s design and planning for the residence took traffic flow into careful consideration.

According to the Minister, the Office of the National Security Adviser (NSA) provided valuable input into the project, ensuring that necessary adjustments were made by both the Federal Capital Development Authority (FCDA) and the project contractor.

Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike inspects construction of the Vice President's residence

“Those who designed the Vice President’s residence know why. We are not the ones who designed it. It was the Federal Government that decided that the Vice President’s residence should be located here. So, I’m sure they considered everything before deciding that.

“We have invited the office of the NSA and they have taken a look and made their input which the FCDA and the contractor, Julius Berger have taken into cognizance and made amendments. So, for traffic concerns, I don’t think it’s a problem,” he said.

Highlighting the meticulous planning behind the project, Mr Wike said the selection of the residence’s location was a decision of the federal government, with thorough consideration of all relevant factors before construction commenced.

He expressed contentment with the progress of the project, noting the speed and quality of work.

The minister confidently announced that the project is on track for completion and commissioning by next month, with the contractor pledging timely delivery.

Furthermore, Mr Wike assured the public of the timely completion of other infrastructure projects in the FCT, slated for May, underscoring the administration’s commitment to fulfilling its promises within the first year of office.

“Significant progress has been made on the project since his last visit to the site, while the contractor has also promised to hand over the project in May.

“As for the quality of the job, of course, we can see the work is going according to design and specification. So, we believe, by the grace of God, that is something that will be actualised,” he stated.