Asianet Pakistan Private Limited

AHMED: Good day, my name is Ahmed. I retired from NIWA in 2007, my complains are I haven’t received any of the arrears paid to some of the pensioners ranging from the 24 per cent and the N32,000 arrears. I was told my name fell on the second batch since August 2024. Kindly help me out

PTAD: Dear Mr. Ahmed, please send your verification slip to our email [email protected] to enable us to investigate and respond further. Thank you.

ANONYMOUS: I have no other option than to continue to complain of deduction of my pension allowance sum of #9000, since September last year. Please use your office to rescue me from this situation l have written several times for correction to no avail why?

PTAD: Dear PTAD pensioner, please send your verification slip to our email [email protected] to enable us to investigate and respond further. However, note that PTAD obtained a directive for the re-implementation of the CPA based on grade level in line with the clarification from the NSIWC before implementing the new 20 per cent and 28per cent increment as applicable. The CPA which was as a result of the minimum wage approval in April 2019 was implemented in May 2021 based on pay-band application with subsequent payment of 24 months arrears covering from April 2019 to April 2021. It is, therefore, instructive to mention that arrears reconciliation arising from the re-implementation of the CPA based on grade level is set aside pending further directive.

The clarification from the NSIWC which revised the implementation of the CPA to Grade level was taken into cogni NAICOM, FRSC, NHIA Partner on Road Safety, NIIRA 2025 sance and accordingly implemented on the payroll before the application of the new pension increment of 20-28per cent as applicable which will take effect from September 2024.

Further to the above, the Executive Secretary gave directive to pay the 20per cent / 28per cent pension increment arrears to only the pensioners whose monthly pension have been correctly computed and implemented as per the August payroll. In line with the directive of the Executive Secretary, the Department reviewed the August 2024 pension payroll to ascertain that only pensioners who are on their correctly computed monthly pension are paid the 20 – 28per cent pension increment arrears and thereafter identified and excluded the following categories of pensioners:

Pensioners on the payroll with inherited monthly pension and whose monthly pension entitlement is yet to be computed to date;

Pensioners on the payroll with inherited monthly pension but whose monthly pension entitlement have been computed but not yet implemented;

Pensioners on the payroll with monthly pension figure that appears to be higher than the maximum monthly pension for their Grade Level.

Thank you.

Stakeholders in the education sector have urged teachers in the country to embrace artificial intelligence (AI) for future-ready education system.

They made the call during the Train the Trainer-Teacher’s summit 2025 at the weekend in Abuja.

Speaking at the summit, gender advocate, Hansatu Adegbite, underscored the need for teachers to integrate technology into their teaching practices to maintain relevance in a rapidly evolving educational landscape.

She noted that the future of education depended on how effectively educators adapt to technological advancements and leverage them to enhance learning outcomes.

The keynote speaker noted that AI tools can help teachers personalise instruction, automate administrative tasks, and foster creativity among students, thereby creating a more engaging and efficient learning environment.

Adegbite, who is also the Executive Director, Women in Management, Business and Public Service (WIMBIZ), urged teachers to view AI not as a threat but as an enabler that can empower them to deliver better results.

Speaking on the theme, ‘Deconstruct the old, define the new’, the gender advocate challenged educators to rethink traditional teaching methods and embrace innovative strategies that align with the realities of the digital age.

She highlighted the critical role of AI and technology in the future of education and the need for teachers to learn and adapt to these changes.

She noted that deconstructing old models of education does not mean discarding foundational values but rather reimagining how those values can be expressed through modern tools and approaches.

The Convener, Train the Trainer Teachers Summit, Dr Onyekachi Onwudike-Jumbo noted the collective responsibility of teachers, parents, and schools in educating children.

She emphasised the importance of a standardised education system that provides equal opportunities for all students.

Onwudike-Jumbo encouraged participants to take action and collaborate to improve the educational system.

Executive Secretary of the Universal Basic Education Commission (UBEC), Aisha Garba underscored the need for educators to leave a lasting impact and celebrates the ongoing efforts to improve education.

Represented by the Director, Social Mobilisation, UBEC, Dr. Ossom Ossom, the executive secretary highlighted ongoing reforms introduced by the commission, including sharing best practices, and empowering teachers to improve learning outcomes.

She announced plans to train 875,000 teachers and introduce digital pedagogy in learning environments.

‘This initiative aims to equip teachers with the necessary skills to enhance classroom learning and ensure they can add value to the educational process,’ the executive secretary added.

Paris St Germain posted record revenue in the 2024-2025 season of 837 million euros ($976.11 million), the Champions League winners announced in their financial results.

PSG, third in the Deloitte Football Money League in January, beat their previous revenue high of 806 million euros.

The Ligue 1 club generated 367 million euros of commercial revenues and 175 million euros from matchday income, with the Parc des Princes sold out for 170 consecutive matches.

The 2024-2025 season was one for the history books as PSG won their first Champions League title plus the Ligue 1 crown, French Cup and Trophee des Champions before losing in the Club World Cup final.

‘This performance shows the maturity of the project since the arrival of its main shareholder QSI, and confirms the solidity of the club’s economic model, now among the most successful in the world’, PSG said in a statement.

Qatar Sports Investments took over the club in 2011.

Revenue from the Club World Cup up to the quarter-finals was included in this season’s financial report, while the latter stages will be reflected in next year’s results.

Despite record revenue, PSG registered an annual loss although the club did not disclose the deficit. Last season, PSG reported a loss of approximately 60 million euros.

Afrobeats singer Tiwa Savage has opened up on feeling unhappy about her African heritage while growing up in London to embracing it with pride due to the global impact of Afrobeats.

Speaking at the Unstoppable Africans event, she attributed the genre’s success to its ability to showcase the continent’s positive image.

According to Savage, Afrobeats is the fastest-growing genre in the world, achieving remarkable success despite lacking support and infrastructure.

‘Afrobeats is the fastest growing genre in the world. We kind of created it with nothing; no support, no infrastructure, no real belief even from our own people initially.

‘I remember growing up in London and I was not happy being African. But now I’m so proud because of how big Afrobeats is growing,’ she said.

She dismissed claims that Afrobeats is declining, pointing to its increasing presence on charts and sold-out stadium performances.

Savage emphasised the genre’s unstoppable momentum, noting that one in every four black persons is either Nigerian or African, which underscores its potential for continued growth.

‘There was a conversation at one point that Afrobeats is going to have its 15 minutes of fame and then fades away. But we are still here. We are not slowing down. In fact, we are filling out stadiums, and we are getting the biggest songs on the charts right now.

‘I don’t know how true this is, but apparently one in every four black persons is a Nigerian or an African.

‘So, we are not going anywhere. As much as they are trying to quiet us down, the music is not going anywhere. We are Africans and we are unstoppable,’ she remarked.

The Senate yesterday approved the nomination of Abubakar Sadiq Yelwa for a second four-year term as the Managing Director/CEO of the National Hydroelectric Power Producing Areas Development Commission (N-HYPPADEC).

The Senate’s resolution followed its consideration and adoption of the report of the Committee on Power which screened the nominee.

Committee Chairman Enyinnaya Abaribe said the committee found the nominee suitable for reappointment during his screening.

In their contributions, the senators supported the reappointment of Yelwa by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.

They voted overwhelmingly to approve the nomination of Yelwa for a second term in office when Senate President Godswill Akpabio put the matter to a voice vote.

The House of Representatives Ad-hoc Committee on Preparedness for the Single-Use Plastics Ban in Nigeria has proposed the introduction of a green tax on industries involved in the production of polypropylene – one of the most widely used materials in plastic manufacturing.

According to the committee, the move aims to tackle Nigeria’s growing plastic waste crisis and ensure that manufacturers bear responsibility for the environmental costs of their operations.

Speaking at the committee’s inaugural meeting in Abuja, Chairman Hon. Terseer Ugbor (APC, Benue) said the House will also consider legislation to regulate polypropylene production and promote recycling as part of a broader national strategy to reduce pollution and protect public health.

Ugbor described plastic pollution as a growing menace, warning that the unchecked use of polypropylene-based products has placed enormous pressure on Nigeria’s already strained waste management systems.

‘Polypropylene’s environmental impact is substantial and disturbing,’ he said. ‘During production, it releases toxic chemicals like formaldehyde and benzene, putting workers and nearby communities at risk. It is responsible for enormous carbon emissions and relies heavily on fossil fuels, contributing to resource depletion.

‘As waste, polypropylene isn’t biodegradable, it lingers in landfills for up to 500 years, polluting our oceans and harming marine life in the process.’

The lawmaker said the committee will collaborate with the Federal Ministry of Environment and the National Environmental Standards and Regulations Enforcement Agency (NESREA) to design policy frameworks for the proposed green tax and integrate polypropylene recycling into the national waste management system.

‘Nigeria cannot afford to continue on this path of environmental neglect,’ Ugbor added. ‘Our industries must take responsibility for the ecological footprints they leave behind.

This committee will work with all relevant stakeholders to ensure that sustainable, environmentally responsible solutions are not just recommended but implemented.’

Nigeria ranks among the top 20 countries globally contributing to marine plastic pollution. Studies by the World Bank and the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) estimate that the country generates over 2.5 million tonnes of plastic waste annually, with less than 10 percent being recycled.

Major cities such as Lagos, Abuja, and Port Harcourt are the worst affected, with clogged drainage systems and waterways littered with plastic waste contributing to frequent flooding and water contamination.

Environmental experts warn that improper disposal of polypropylene and other plastics contaminates soil, groundwater, and food sources, while burning plastic waste releases toxic emissions that worsen air quality and increase respiratory illnesses.

Only a few private firms currently engage in large-scale recycling, while the absence of a coherent national policy continues to hinder sustainable waste management efforts.

With the committee’s proposal, lawmakers hope to stimulate investment in recycling, strengthen enforcement of environmental standards, and align Nigeria’s waste management policies with global climate and sustainability goals.

Ugbor said the committee would also hold public hearings with manufacturers, recyclers, and environmental experts to ensure that any proposed levy or regulation is both effective and fair.

‘This is not about taxation,’ he emphasized. ‘It is about responsibility, sustainability, and protecting the future of our environment and our people.’

A public presentation of two books may appear ordinary, as many books have been presented in the past by an author at a go. But, when such books are written by a police officer, Superintendent of Police Chidi Okoye, then such efforts are more than ordinary. It is simply a commendable feat.

Little wonder colleagues, relations and friends converged on Oriental Hotel, Victoria Island Lagos, recently to witness the unveiling of two books, The Syndicate Affairs and Checkmate by Chidi Okoye. It was organised by CO Books Enterprise and Solomon Arase and Associates. The books were not only educative and morally instructive, but also products of a fertile mind for analysis, reasoning and imagination as well as creativity.

The Assistant Inspector General of Police Zone Two Command, Mr. Adegoke Fayoade, who was impressed by Okoye’s efforts at documenting some of his major cases, said despite the 24/7 duty call, Okoye still found time to write such books.

‘He has been up and doing, improving himself, and he is a very versatile and deep investigator. My experience of him within the short period I had matters to do with him showed he is competent. Give him any matter to handle, he goes deeper into it and makes sure he unravels the mystery behind it,’ Fayoade said.

Recalling how Okoye who is Head, Zonal Quick Interventions Squad at Zone Two, started writing the books, Fayoade said: ‘When he approached me that he is writing a book, he gave me a copy of it to go through. I discovered that the book is a collection of some of the cases we had handled in the past. And you will find that those cases are very interesting, as he is able to bring out the criminal aspects of them. He is also able to bring out the major elements of those cases, as if he is a qualified lawyer. In fact, the way he wrote this book, you think he has been to the law school. That’s why I’m imploring him to enrol for a degree in law without wasting time.’

According to Fayoade, Okoye’s effort is a confirmation to the fact that police officers also have time to read and are deep in intellect unlike the impression people have about policemen.

‘This is an example of a police officer who is highly intellectual, who is an author, and has made us proud today. He has made Zone Two headquarters proud, made Nigeria Police proud, and we are very proud of him,’ he added.

Reviewer of one of the books, The syndicate Affairs, Art Editor and Deputy Editorial Board Chairman, Vanguard Newspaper, Dr. Osa Mbonu-Amadi, described the book as an expository narrative that reveals how people are framed sometimes for crimes and made to pay through their noses to prove their innocence.

He noted that Okoye maintains via his creative narrative, that ‘not every scandal is real. Some are fabricated for culprits to cash out. Sadly, some rogue officers smile to the bank through blackmails.’

‘The title of the book is apt. The cover is beautifully designed with props indicating the nature of the subject matter. Employing real settings such as police stations, headquarters, towns, and estates in Lagos makes the plot convincing as more of a faction than fiction. Speaking of the genre, it’s not certain whether the account of detective Dikko on pages 175 to 177 about his entanglements with Funmi should be classified as faction or pure fiction. ‘However, it is a smart way of cooling the tempo of the successive actions and letting the storyteller himself and the reader breathe. The chronicle of their intimate scene was also done with some level of decency, yet, you’ll know Dikko is a ‘bad boy’ in that field. But as grave as the subject matter is, it is commendable that the author sees the need to infuse some element of romance into the plot.

‘The crime novel is un-put-down-able. It is informative, educative, and generally makes an interesting read, he asserted. Professor of Public Law and Criminology, and Head, Dept. of Public Law, Faculty of Law, University of Lagos, Prof. Olugbenga Akingbehin, was the reviewer of the second book, Checkmate.

Chairman on the occasion, Chairman, Ailes Group, Chief Micheal Onuoha, described the author as a huge asset not only to the police, but also to the nation, adding that he would remain an inspiration to other officers and men of the force.

Chief Onuoha assured that he will continue to support the work of the author, believing that Nigeria will create true men of his kind.

Guests at the presentation included Hon. Lawal Pedro, The Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice, Assistant Inspector General of Police Abutu Yaro Fdc (Rtd), The Commissioner of Police, Lagos State, Moshood Jimoh, Rev. Dubus Achufusi GO (Spiritual Father of the Day), CEO Chisco Group of Company, Dr. Chidi Anyaegbu, (Father of the day), CEO Brittania-U Nigeria Limited, Catherine Uju Ifejika (Mother of the day), and Dr. Monday Oyekachi Ubani (SAN).

Nigeria is seeking partnership with Denmark’s richest man and Chief Executive Officer of Bestseller Group, Mr. Anders Holch Povlsen.

Yesterday, the President met with Povlsen, accompanied by Danish Ambassador to Nigeria, Jens Bach Hansen, at the Presidential Villa.

Other senior officials of the global fashion and philanthropy group were also on the delegation.

Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy, Mr. Bayo Onanuga, writing on his X handle @aonanuga1956, the meeting was attended by top government officials, including the Chief of Staff to the President, Femi Gbajabiamila, and the Minister of Communications, Innovation and Digital Economy, Dr. Bosun Tijani.

The Bestseller Foundation, a private philanthropic arm funded by Denmark’s Bestseller A/S, focuses on driving social and environmental impact-particularly across West Africa-and supports entrepreneurs and ventures that combine social progress with sustainable financial outcomes.

Before the meeting with President Tinubu, Mr. Povlsen and his delegation were received by Gbajabiamila and Dr. Tijani at the State House.

The wife of of Ikeja Local Government Chairman, Mrs. Fausat Dauda, has reaffirmed her administration’s commitment to promoting quality education and nurturing academic excellence among pupils within the council area.

She made this known while addressing participants and guests at the preliminary stage of the 2025 Spelling Bee Competition, held at the Ikeja Local Government Secretariat, Ikeja, yesterday.

Mrs. Dauda described the Spelling Bee as ‘a remarkable platform designed by the Lagos State Government to showcase the spelling skills, intellect, and confidence of pupils and students across the state.’

She announced that the winner of the primary school category would serve as One-Day Chairman of Ikeja Local Government, while the first and second runners up would assume the positions of Vice Chairman and Leader of the Legislative Arm respectively.

‘It’s a way to motivate them and let them know that excellence comes with responsibility and recognition,’ she added.

According to her, the competition, which had been inactive for some time but is now fully restored, represents ‘a celebration of language, learning, and the incredible dedication of our young learners.’

She explained that the Spelling Bee serves as a preparatory ground for pupils to face future academic challenges, in line with the directives of the Office of Education Quality Assurance, under the Ministry of Basic and Secondary Education.

Mrs. Dauda noted that each of the 20 Local Governments and 37 Local Council Development Areas (LCDAs) across Lagos State is mandated to conduct the preliminary stage of the competition to select outstanding representatives for the state finals.

‘At Ikeja Local Government, we believe in transparency and objective representation. This is why our Education Department, in collaboration with the Quiz Team, visited each of the eight public primary schools to conduct the intra-school stage. The best three pupils from each school are the contestants you see here today,’ she said.

Mrs. Dauda urged the winners to give their best performances and embrace sportsmanship at the grand finale of the competition.

‘Not everyone can emerge as the winner. But every participant here today is already a champion. Those who do not win this time should take it in good faith, as greater opportunities will still come their way,’ she said.

She also used the occasion to highlight her husband’s administration’s recent educational support initiatives.

She recalled the ‘Back to School’ distribution exercise, during which school bags, notebooks, mathematical sets, and water bottles were given to pupils in public primary and junior secondary schools within the local government.

She explained that the gesture was part of efforts to cushion the effects of the current economic situation on parents, especially those of indigent pupils, and reaffirmed that more educational interventions were underway as dividends of democracy.

Mrs. Dauda expressed appreciation to teachers and education officers for their dedication to nurturing pupils and making the event a success, adding ‘We can see the impact of your hard work on these children. Beyond human appreciation, I believe the Almighty God will reward you abundantly.’

Miss Zainab Ismail, who emerged as the overall winner, said: ‘I feel good. My mummy gave me time to learn, and my auntie encouraged me.’

She thanked her family and teachers for their support and advised her colleagues to ‘keep studying hard and never give up.’

Gunmen believed to be kidnappers have abducted 15 passengers between Obarenren Community and Idunwongie Community along the Benin-Akure highway.

The passengers were travelling in Hummer Bus marked KJA 119 XF.

All the 15 passengers were taken into the bush by the kidnappers.

But Deputy spokesman for the Edo Police Command, ASP Eno Ikoedem, said eight of the passengers including three children have been rescued unhurt.

Ikoedem said policemen from Ekiadolor Division were swiftly deployed to the scene.

She said the operatives pursued the kidnappers into the forest and successfully rescued eight victims, including three children, adding that the operatives were still in the bush to rescue the remaining eight passengers.

ASP Ikoedem said: ‘However, seven other passengers are still unaccounted for as efforts are intensely ongoing to locate and rescue them. An aggressive manhunt for the perpetrators is currently in progress, with a full complement of technological support to ensure the safe return of the remaining victims while the driver of the vehicle is assisting the police with investigation.

‘The Edo State Police Command assures the public that no effort will be spared in ensuring the safety of all residents and commuters within the state. Members of the public are encouraged to remain calm, vigilant, and to promptly report any suspicious movements or activities to the nearest police formation.

‘Anyone with useful information is encouraged to kindly contact our emergency Control Room Numbers 08077773721, 08037646272.’