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The Chief Justice of Nigeria (CJN), Justice Kudirat Kekere-Ekun has said that the process for the appointment of judicial officers in the country now enjoys greater transparency.

Justice Kekere-Ekun, who is also the Chairman of the National Judicial Council (NJC), said this while presenting a paper, titled: ‘Innovations in judicial practice: Embracing change for a better future,’ at the Commonwealth Magistrates and Judges’ Association Triennial Conference held in Banjul, The Gambia.

The NJC, at its 108th meeting held between April 29 and 30 approved a landmark policy to publish the names of

candidates under consideration for appointment as judicial officers and to invite public input.

The CJN, in her presentation, explained that the policy adopted by the NJC was to introduce an additional layer of transparency into the process of appointing judges by ensuring that members of the public and other relevant stakeholders can raise objections, provide information, or endorse nominees before appointments are finalized.

According to her, it is a deliberate effort to strengthen accountability, enhance public trust, and align Nigeria’s appointment procedures more closely with international best practices, including those recommended in the Constitution Hill Guidelines.

The Constitution Hill Global Guidelines on Apex Court Appointments, published in September 2024, provide globally for a set of baseline principles tailored to the singular role of apex courts as the final arbiters of constitutional interpretation and guardians of democratic governance.

Justice Kekere-Ekun noted that members of the public are already taking advantage of the initiative as shown in the last exercise for the appointment of judicial officers conducted by the NJC.

She that ‘in a plural society such as Nigeria, with over 200 million citizens across different ethnic, religious, and linguistic identities, the visibility of diversity on the Supreme Court bench strengthens public confidence and assures citizens that the judiciary reflects the society it serves.’

The CJN noted that despite several efforts to strengthen appointment of judicial officers, challenges still remain.

She identifies some of the challenges to include executive delays in acting on recommendations for appointments made by the NJC, which, she said, could impair the court’s capacity to sit at full strength.

Other challenges, she added, include the requirement for security vetting and the interpretation of federal character requirements, which often sparks debate about whether merit is being compromised for inclusivity.

The CJN however, assured the audience, among whom were Chief Justices of Commonwealth countries, that Nigeria will continue to appoint to the bench only people who satisfy constitutional, professional and ethical standards.

Justice Kekere-Ekun, while in The Gambia, also visited the Nigeria High Commission in Banjul, where she was received by the chargé d’affaires, Muhammed Mainasara Usma; Head of Chancery, Amali Musa and other staff of the commission.

As Nigeria marks 65 years of independence, maritime journalists have urged policymakers to look seaward for solutions to the country’s economic challenges.

The maritime journalists under the aegis of the Maritime Correspondents Organisation of Nigeria (MARCON), in a statement signed by its President, Ismail Aniemu, and Secretary, Olamide Osho, said the blue economy holds the potential to create at least 100,000 jobs annually.

They, however, cautioned that such opportunities will remain elusive unless coastal communities are brought into the centre of implementation.

The group described Nigeria as a ‘maritime powerhouse’ whose potential has yet to meaningfully impact its citizens. It argued that while President Bola Tinubu has taken commendable steps by creating the Ministry of Marine and Blue Economy and approving a 10-year policy roadmap, grassroots inclusion remains the missing link.

‘Job creation through the maritime sector is not a mirage. It is easily realisable if the federal government and its agencies close gaps with states to explore untapped opportunities in fishing, boat building and repairs, as well as the local production of life jackets and other marine essentials,’ MARCON stated.

The group emphasised that bridging the gap between federal agencies and coastal states is critical for achieving the government’s ambitious employment targets.

It recommended quarterly engagements with traditional rulers and community stakeholders in maritime-endowed regions to ensure inclusivity, environmental sustainability, and safety compliance in water transport.

MARCON also stressed the importance of skills development at the grassroots level, calling for mass training in coxswain duties, fish processing, rescue operations, and maritime security.

‘We must begin to focus on training locals to become active participants in the maritime economy. Coastal communities should not only be beneficiaries but should also play critical roles in monitoring suspicious vessel movements and safeguarding our waters,’ the statement read.

The journalists further argued that state governments with marine resources must not limit themselves to federal allocations, but should instead seize the economic opportunities within the blue economy to empower their citizens.

‘State governments must, as a matter of urgency, key into the blue economy agenda. This will expand citizens’ participation in what is clearly Nigeria’s low-hanging fruit for economic diversification,’ the statement added.

As Nigeria reflects on its 65 years of independence, the message from maritime stakeholders is clear: the nation’s vast waters are more than just a boundary-they are a frontier for jobs, security, and sustainable economic growth, if only the coastal communities are given a seat at the table.

The federal government has reaffirmed its commitment to completing the ongoing Abuja-Keffi road rehabilitation project within the stipulated deadline of December 2026.

Speaking during an inspection visit to the Maraba-Nyanyan section site on Thursday, the Minister of State for Works, Bello Goronyo, said the project, which commenced in December 2023, spans 43.6 kilometres from the Keffi-bound section, with 41 kilometres completed up to Binda, representing 50 percent progress.

The project, being executed by China Harbour Engineering Company Limited under the Road Infrastructure Development and Refurbishment Investment Tax Credit Scheme and funded by the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL), was awarded on April 19, 2023, commenced on December 20, 2023, and was initially scheduled for completion in May 2026.

Noting that the Abuja-Keffi dual carriageway is one of the busiest routes into the Federal Capital Territory, serving thousands of commuters daily, Goronyo explained that the major challenge lies on the Abuja-bound section, particularly a three-kilometre stretch prone to flooding.

‘A lot of people coming from the Keffi-Nyanya axis experience serious difficulty crossing into Abuja city. We immediately directed the contractor to put in palliative measures and create a route to ease movement,’ he said.

According to him, work on the section will be carried out mainly at night to reduce disruption to traffic.

‘The contractor must fully mobilise to the site. We are not happy with the suffering commuters face daily on this arterial road. It is a key corridor for civil servants and residents, and people must have ease of movement,’ he stressed.

The Minister, who was accompanied by ministry officials and representatives of the contracting firm, said the government will ensure strict monitoring to guarantee timely completion.

‘We don’t want to see this problem persist. The contractor must finish within the stipulated period,’ he emphasised.

The Project Manager of China Harbour Engineering Company, the contractor handling the project, Dong Hong, assured that the firm remains committed to meeting the deadline.

‘We have the confidence to finish this project on time with the highest quality. Much of the work is now being done at night to meet the schedule,’ he said.

The National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) has destroyed seized fake, expired, substandard, and falsified drugs and products worth N15 billion in Ibadan, the Oyo State capital.

According to the Director General of the Agency, Prof. Mojisola Adeyeye, the destruction, held in Ibadan, became necessary to prevent reintroduction of the drugs into circulation.

Adeyeye, who was represented at the event by NAFDAC Director of Investigation and Enforcement, Dr. Martins Iluyomade, said NAFDAC as lead agency and chair of the Federal Task Force on Fake and Counterfeit Drugs and Unwholesome Processed Foods is resolutely committed towards ensuring that foods, drugs, cosmetics, medical devices, chemical, packaged water and drinks are safe, wholesome and effective for human consumption.

She said, ‘There is no doubt that drugs are a critical aspect of NAFDAC’s mandate, and the agency has established strict guidelines governing the licensing, sale, and distribution of drug products.

‘The products we destroyed today include expired, counterfeit, uncontrolled, unregistered, and banned drugs such as Analgin, Cocodamol, Codeine cough syrup, Tramadol, Oxytocin, and various types of vaccines.

‘The estimated street value of these products being destroyed today stands at fifteen billion naira only.’

She stated that the destruction of those products will eliminate the risk of their re-entry into the Nigerian market.

She thanked the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS), which handed over 25 40ft containers of pharmaceutical products, including Tramadol 225mg, Artesunate injection, CSC cough syrup with codeine, as well as frozen chicken, which is prohibited.

She also appreciated the Police, Nigerian Army, DSS, NDLEA, NSCDC, and Pharmaceutical Council of Nigeria, among others, for their support.

She urged stakeholders to educate their families and wards about the dangers of patronizing quacks and unauthorized medicine dealers.

She, however, sought the cooperation of Nigerians in providing information to help prevent and ultimately eradicate the presence of unregistered and dangerous medicines and other volatile products from society.

In his remark, SK Tijani, who spoke on behalf of the Controller General of the Nigerian Customs Service, Bashir Adeniyi, said there is synergy between Customs and NAFDAC in the fight against fake, expired, substandard, and unwholesome drugs and products across the nation.

He said all stakeholders must play their role in making sure that the nation is free from criminal activities, such as importing and producing the products and drugs.

In a world buzzing with complexity, where financial transactions often feel like navigating a maze, FlipEx was born with a singular vision: to simplify the exchange of digital assets while delivering a premium user experience.

Since our inception in 2016, FlipXpress Digital Technologies has been on a mission to redefine how people interact with their digital wealth whether it’s a gift card to Naira, crypto to Naira, or bill payment.

The name ‘FlipEx’ itself is a nod to our core ethos: flipping the script on traditional financial systems, making digital transactions effortless as a coin toss, yet as sophisticated as a tailored suit.

Our choice of black and white as our brand colors is no accident. Black, a tribute to our African roots – embodies strength, resilience, and pride. White complements it with clarity, purity, and simplicity.

Together, they create a visual identity that’s bold yet approachable, sophisticated yet unpretentious just like the service we strive to deliver. Our story is one of innovation, trust, and a deep-rooted commitment to empowering users across Nigeria, the UK, and the USA.

The idea for FlipEx emerged from a simple observation: gift cards and cryptocurrencies were becoming the currency of the future, yet the process of converting them into tangible value was anything but seamless. In 2016, as digital transactions began to outpace traditional banking, we saw an opportunity to bridge this gap. Why should someone with a $100 Amazon gift card struggle to turn it into cash? Why should trading Bitcoin or USDT feel like an ordeal?

These questions fueled our drive to create a platform that’s not just functional but transformative.

Based in Nigeria, with operations in the UK and USA, FlipEx was built to serve a global audience with a touch of African strength and resilience. We understood that users needed more than just a platform, they needed trust, speed, and reliability. That’s why every feature of the FlipEx app, from its sleek interface to its multi-layered authentication system, was designed with the user in mind. Whether you’re in Lagos trading a Steam gift card to Naira or in London flipping Litecoin to cash, FlipEx makes it happen with a few taps.

At the heart of FlipEx lies our commitment to accessibility. We believe that everyone, regardless of their tech savvy or financial background, deserves to harness the power of digital assets. Our mobile and web applications are designed to be intuitive, ensuring that even first-time users can navigate with ease. Want to sell an iTunes gift card? It’s done in minutes. Need to convert Bitcoin to Naira? The process is instant, secure, and transparent.

Our platform supports a vast array of digital assets, from cryptocurrencies like Bitcoin, USDT, and Litecoin to gift cards from global brands such as Amazon, Apple, Walmart, Sephora, and Visa.

Whether you’re holding a Nordstrom gift card or a Google Play gift card, FlipEx ensures you get the best value with competitive rates and instant payouts. But we didn’t stop there. Recognizing the everyday needs of our users, we expanded our services to include bill payments, buy data, pay for electricity tokens, or settle your Cable TV subscription all within the same seamless app.

Our black and white aesthetic isn’t just about style; it’s a statement of intent. In a world of flashy colors and cluttered designs, we chose simplicity to stand out. Black represents the strength and pride of our African heritage, a reminder that FlipEx is an African product with global ambitions. White symbolizes clarity, ensuring that when you open the FlipEx app, you see exactly what we offer, no gimmicks, no confusion. Together, these colors reflect our promise: a premium service that’s straightforward yet sophisticated.

This design philosophy extends to every aspect of the user experience. From the moment you log in, the app’s clean interface guides you effortlessly through the process of trading gift cards or cryptocurrencies. Our multi-layered authentication system ensures your transactions are secure, while our instant payout feature means you’re never left waiting. It’s this balance of simplicity and sophistication that makes FlipEx more than just a platform; it’s a trusted partner in your financial journey.

Digital assets are more than just numbers on a screen; they represent opportunities to pay bills, invest in dreams, or simply enjoy the freedom of financial control. At FlipEx, we’re not just facilitating transactions; we’re empowering people to take charge of their digital wealth. Since 2016, we’ve helped thousands of users turn their gift cards and cryptocurrencies into real-world value, whether it’s cash in their bank account or a paid utility bill.

Our platform is built on trust. As a registered business in Nigeria, the UK, and the USA, we operate with transparency and accountability. Every transaction is backed by robust security measures, ensuring your assets are protected. But beyond security, we prioritize value. Our competitive rates for gift cards and cryptocurrencies mean you get the most out of every trade. Whether you’re selling a $50 eBay gift card or converting Litecoin to Naira, FlipEx ensures you walk away with the best deal.

The FlipEx app is more than a tool; it’s a revolution you can carry in your pocket. In a world where digital transactions are becoming the norm, we’ve created a platform that makes the process as natural as breathing. Need to pay for your DStv subscription? Done. Want to sell an Xbox gift card? Easy. Looking to convert USDT to cash? Instant. With FlipEx, you’re not just keeping up with the digital age, you’re ahead of it.

Our commitment to innovation drives us to constantly improve. We’re not content with being just another trading platform. We’re listening to our users, expanding our offerings, and refining our technology to stay at the forefront of the digital asset revolution. From supporting new gift card brands to integrating the latest cryptocurrencies, FlipEx is always evolving to meet your needs.

The story of FlipEx is still being written, and we invite you to be a part of it. Whether you’re a student in Abuja selling a Google Play card, a professional outside Nigeria converting Bitcoin to Naira, or a tech bro in Lagos paying bills with ease, FlipEx is here to make your financial life simpler, faster, and more rewarding. Our platform is more than a service, it’s a movement to empower people through the seamless exchange of digital assets.

As we look to the future, our vision remains unchanged: to bridge the gap between digital dreams and real-world value. With every gift card flipped, every cryptocurrency converted, and every bill paid, we’re building a world where financial freedom is just a tap away.

Join us on this journey. Download the FlipEx app today and experience the power of simplicity, the strength of security, and the joy of getting the best value for your digital assets.

Why choose FlipEx? Because we’re more than a platform we’re a promise. A promise to deliver a premium, reliable, and user-friendly experience. A promise to honor our African roots while serving a global audience. A promise to make every transaction, no matter how small, feels like a step toward financial freedom. With FlipEx, you’re not just trading, you’re flipping the script on what digital assets can do for you.

So, what are you waiting for? Step into the world of FlipEx, where black and white isn’t just a design choice it’s a symbol of trust, simplicity, and sophistication. Let’s flip the future of finance together.

Reality TV star and actress Phyna has penned an emotional tribute to her late sister, Ruth Otabor, on the occasion of her child’s sixth birthday.

She described Ruth as a confidant, safe haven, protector and quiet strength in every storm.

Phyna, on Instagram, praised her sister’s kindness, grace, and unwavering support, stating that Ruth’s presence significantly shaped her life.

Ruth’s passing came after a tragic accident involving a Dangote Group truck.

Phyna had accused the company of attempting to cover up the incident, but Dangote Group pledged support for Ruth’s medical care and compensation.

In her tribute, Phyna reflected on the memories she shared with Ruth, describing her sister’s laughter as a soothing balm in difficult times.

She wrote: ‘Today, I want to speak from the deepest part of my heart about someone whose presence shaped my life in ways words can barely capture: my beloved sister, Ruth.

‘Ruth was more than a sister; she was a confidant, a safe place, a protector, and a quiet strength in every storm. Her laughter had a way of softening the hardest moments, and her kindness wasn’t something she performed; it was who she was to her core. She carried love with so much grace, gave without hesitation, and taught me what it means to show up for those you care about.

‘There are memories of her that live with me like warm light moments of comfort, jokes we shared, silent understandings, and the way she believed in me even when I doubted myself. Losing her left a space that no one else can ever fill, but loving her left an imprint that can never fade. I honour her in the way I live, in the strength I gather, and in every step forward I take. Ruth, your name is stitched into my story forever, and I will continue to celebrate you in everything I become. You are loved beyond words, remembered beyond time, and missed beyond measure.

‘Today also marks a beautiful milestone: Ruth’s first child turns 6! Happy Birthday to this bright, growing star! You carry a piece of your mother’s light, and watching you become your own person is a blessing. May your life be filled with joy, wisdom, laughter, protection, and endless opportunities. You are surrounded by love, and your mother’s spirit lives proudly through you. Shine, little one, this world is better with you in it. I love you

‘Four Years of Love, Fame and Family From the very first day till now, it has been a ride of highs, lessons, memories, growth, and grace. My fans, my people, you stood by me in noise and in silence, in celebration and in controversy, in mistakes and in milestones. You didn’t just support me; you became my family, and together we built something powerful.

‘To everyone who has loved me, rooted for me, prayed for me, protected me, and grown with me, thank you. Ruth, your memory lives in me. I love you, baby’.

Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), Prof. Mahmood Yakubu, on Thursday warned that uncertainty over the legal framework for the 2027 general election could unsettle the commission’s preparations.

Speaking while receiving a delegation of the European Union Election Observation follow-up mission to Nigeria, Yakubu appealed to the National Assembly to expedite action on the electoral reform proposal currently before it.

He said, ‘Election is a process governed by law. Many of your recommendations require the review of our electoral laws. For this reason, the Commission had interfaced with our National Assembly, including a retreat with the Joint Committee on Electoral Matters (Senate and House of Representatives).

‘We appeal to the National Assembly for an expeditious consideration of the electoral reform proposal. An early passage of law is critical to our planning for the elections. Uncertainty over the legal framework for the election can unsettle the work of the Commission as election draws nearer.’

The INEC boss said, ‘this is the third time that the present Commission is receiving such a mission. I recall that in 2017, we received Mr. Santiago Fisas who led the EU Election Observation to Nigeria’s 2015 General Election. Similarly, in 2022 we hosted Maria Arena who led the EU Election Observation Mission to Nigeria in 2019. Today, we are glad to receive Mr. Barry Andrews who led the EU Mission to the 2023 General Election.

‘In 2019, the EU EOM made 30 recommendations out of which 11 were specifically addressed to INEC. Three of them were identified as priority recommendations while 8 were categorised as general.

‘By comparison, your 2023 report made 23 recommendations out of which 8 (34.8%) require action by INEC of which only one recommendation was listed as priority. The remaining 15 (65.2%) recommendations, of which five were categorised as priority, require action by other entities in the executive, legislature and the judiciary as well as political parties and multiple stakeholders such as civil society organisations, the media and professional bodies.

‘The Commission has carefully considered all the 8 recommendations specifically addressed to us in your report. Action has been taken on aspects of the recommendations that only require administrative action to implement.

‘Similarly, action is being taken on cross-cutting recommendations that require collective action between INEC and other bodies and stakeholders while waiting for the conclusion of the ongoing legal review by the National Assembly on the recommendations that require legislative intervention.

‘To this end, the Commission has prepared a detailed response on each one of your direct observations which we shared with you at this meeting. If time permits, we can go over each of the recommendations seriatim.

‘I must also add that your recommendations, along with similar reports from other national and international election observers, were the subject of wide-ranging consultations with critical institutions and stakeholders during our own review of the 2023 General Election.

‘The review report contains 142 recommendations for electoral reform. In addition, the Commission has published our main 2023 General Election report over a year ago. The two reports are available from our website.

‘We look forward to the next EU EOM for the 2027 General Election. As you are aware, international Election Observation Missions are deployed on the invitation of the Commission. I want to reassure that we will continue to engage with you.

‘Very soon the Commission will send out invitations to the EU as well as the Commonwealth, the African Union and ECOWAS for the 2027 General Election. We believe that the recommendations arising from your observation of our election and electoral process help to improve the quality of our elections and electoral activities.’

The head of the delegation, Barry Andrews said the mission was pleased with the implementation of their recommendations from the 2023 general elections, but insisted that Nigeria must move beyond half-measures and guarantee transparency if democracy is to survive.

He said election observation is not about interference; it is about strengthening democracy in Nigeria, in Africa, and across the world.

He warned that reforms in the judiciary, administration, and constitution remain too slow, with transparency in result publication still unresolved.

Nearly a week after the first wide-bodied aircraft landed at the upgraded Samuel Ladoke Akintola Airport, Alakia, Ibadan, Oyo state Governor, Seyi Makinde, has said that his government will do more to attract investors into the state.

He stated that the upgrading of the airport has rewritten its 43-year-old history, but his government will not stop just yet, as its vision is to make the facility welcoming to investors, who would come into the state and always wish to come back.

The governor, who spoke on Wednesday at The Jagz Hospitality Conference, held in commemoration of the first anniversary of the hotel in the state, said the government would sustain its policies, which attracted the hotel into the state and have been attracting many other businesses, while it will also up the ante to ensure that more investors are attracted into the state.

He added that the state government would continue to support businesses in the state to thrive, irrespective of the economic challenges in the country.

Governor Makinde commended the management and staff of The Jagz Hotel, charging them not to rest on their oars.

He said, ‘I am glad to be here one year after we commissioned this business. The business has not folded up, and it is still waxing very strong.

‘It is not by accident when you see things happen. It is because people are putting in the hard work. They are putting in everything necessary to keep the venture going.

‘So, the staff members, the management, and even some of you who are patrons here, let me commend you for various roles that you are playing, especially the management. It is not easy.

‘Since that one year, there has been a lot within the economic environment, and that you are still standing shows that you have together a team. And, I can only assure you that as a government, whatever you need from us, please ask, we will oblige.’

The governor equally addressed the issue of import substitution, noting that the theory that the country’s economic challenges would go away once its people focus only on the local economic environment is defective.

He maintained that while Oyo State has remained open to local businesses coming into the state, it could not afford to rely solely on those businesses to bring its vision of economic expansion to reality, hence its decision to upgrade Ibadan Airport to international standards, such that it can accommodate investors from all parts of the world.

‘When we look at our environment, we do have challenges. We have all the building blocks. We have everything that can create success. But when you come into this country, there is a big challenge.

‘When people say that, well, we have a huge population, over 200 million people. So let’s look inward, let’s patronise ourselves. I have news for people with that theory. Nowhere in the world has any country been successful through import substitution by focusing on its local environment. No. And Nigeria will not be an exception.

‘Import substitution or looking at your own local environment will not work. But if you have people coming from all over the world who are interested in coming to our own environment, we can start attracting people within our local environment.

‘Let us say internal tourism, which is what we witness in Ibadan and all over Oyo State. We’ve seen people, mainly from Lagos, who now see Ibadan as their playground. We want them to come and play around here. We will do more to attract them. But that is not enough for us.

‘And that is why, for this administration, it was a thing of joy when, last Friday, the first wide-bodied aircraft landed at Ibadan Airport. And Ibadan Airport was commissioned in 1982. So, the airport is 43 years old, but this is the first time a wide-bodied aircraft has landed here. Yes, it is better late than never. So, we have been able to turn around the disappointment of 43 years.

‘We got that approval in May 2024. So within a year, we have been able to extend the runway such that we can have this wide-bodied aircraft land here. But we are not stopping there. We want to dare to be different. We want to make Ibadan airport more welcoming than any other airport in Nigeria. We want people from across the world to be able to come here, feel welcome, and then come back again.

‘And that is my charge to the management and staff of Jagz. Not satisfied with being the best hotel in Ibadan, I aspire to be the best in Nigeria and even Africa.’

Speaking earlier, the Commissioner for Culture and Tourism, Dr Wasiu Olatubosun, said the present administration under the leadership of Governor Makinde has expanded the economy through tourism and solid mineral development.

He called on all stakeholders in tourism and the hospitality business to continue to support the government.

On the governor’s entourage were the PDP Deputy National Chairman (South), Ambassador Taofeek Arapaja; former Speaker, Oyo State House of Assembly, Senator Monsurat Sunmonu; Chairman of Local Government Chairmen in Oyo State, Hon Sikiru Sanda, and the Ekefa Olubadan of Ibadanland, High Chief Akinade Fijabi, among others.

Council workers in Osun State have announced they will return to work on Monday, October 6, 2025, ending a strike that began in February following a protracted dispute over the control of local government secretariats.

The strike was triggered after elected chairmen from the All Progressives Congress (APC) and Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) both laid claim to the councils following a Court of Appeal verdict, prompting the Federal Government to withhold allocations to the LGAs.

However, the offices of the Minister of Finance, Attorney-General of the Federation, Accountant General, and the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) later recognised the APC reinstated chairmen and directed them to open accounts for all 30 LGAs, leading to the release of funds.

Speaking in Osogbo on Thursday, the Association of Concerned Local Government Workers of Osun State, led by Comrade Adedayo Adekunle, declared readiness to resume duties, describing the seven-month strike action declared by the Nigeria Union of Local Government Employees (NULGE) as needless.

Adekunle lamented that the prolonged industrial action had led to the death of some of their colleagues, stressing that resumption was necessary to restore normalcy to council operations across the state.

He said, ‘This is the best time for autonomy, but some disgruntled elements under the disguise of comrades are working against it. The excuse of insecurity given for strike action is not tenable; we are landlords of the council Secretariat. The ongoing legal actions should not make us abscond from our duty posts and yet receive a salary from the state government. The strike action is unwarranted.’

Adekunle hinted that workers who failed to resume duty risk degradation and job loss as the reinstated chairmen of APC may conduct staff auditing after their resumption on Monday to ascertain the actual workers before paying them salary forthwith.

He urged the reinstated chairmen to prioritise the welfare of council workers, warning that the union will continue to fight for the rights of its members at any time and time of resumption.

Meanwhile, NULGE, through its State Publicity Secretary, David Owoeye, in a statement, kicked against the planned resumption of workers, saying, ‘We have not ordered any worker to resume duty; our safety is paramount.’

Comedian Emmanuel Iwueke, popularly known as Craze Clown, has raised alarm after a friend allegedly squandered money he borrowed for visa processing on gambling.

In a post on Instagram, Craze Clown said the friend had asked him to transfer millions into his account to present as proof of funds during a visa application.

However, when he requested the money back, the friend confessed to using it for gambling in an attempt to double it, but lost everything.

A visibly frustrated Craze Clown questioned why the friend risked the money instead of simply returning it.

He wrote, ‘You beg me make I send money to your account in millions make you use do statement of account for your visa process. After a month, oya send me my money, u come dey explain say you try double the money for gamble come loser everything! Wetin make I do with that information?’