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Subsidy Removal: NULGE Requests 300% Minimum Wage Increment, FG Releases 10,000 Buses
FG Releases 10,000 BusesThe Nigeria Union of Local Government Employees (NULGE) has called for 300 per cent increment in the minimum wage for workers across all sectors due to the inflation caused by the removal of fuel subsidy. adsbygoogle || []).push({}); js">
NULGE National President, Mr Ambali Olatunji, said this in a communique jointly signed by Mr Isah Gambo, General Secretary of the union, at the end of its regular National Executive Council (NEC) meeting on Thursday in Abuja.
Olatunji said that the 300 per cent rise was imperative considering the inflation necessitated by the removal of fuel subsidy on local government staff.
Accordingly to him, it is the position of NULGE that there should be 300 per cent rise in the minimum wage for all Local Government workers and other public servants including private sector workers.
He also said that considering the overbearing posture of the state governors on local government which had left it prostrate in the country, there was need for state of emergency to be declared on local government administration.
This, he said would address the infrastructural decay, poverty and state of unemployment across the local governments in the country.
Olatunji also said that government as a matter of urgency should create a special intervention fund to take care of aforementioned social welfare and infrastructural decay through the Ministry of Special Duty.
NUGLE boss said that the proposed fund should be able to carter for projects and programmes in conjunction with local government.
He further called on the federal government to establish a special agency to collaborate with the local government administration in administering the fund for the development and the transformation of the rural areas.
He added that considering the state of insecurity that had affected food production in the country, the local government administration should be assisted in establishing special vigilante to protect farmers.
He, however, acknowledged the effort of federal and state governments to cushion the effect of the economic policies on citizens.
Olatunji also urged the government to utilise the 800 million dollars from World Bank to provide mass transit and other interventions especially in the auto-mobile spare parts companies, to carter for the transport need of the masses.
“This will discourage importation, alternate energy provision (CNG), vocational skill acquisition centers for youth and women,” he said.
He also advised government to give tax rebate/holiday for low income earners and small scale entrepreneurs, as a way of encouraging and sustaining their businesses.
He condemned the attacks on local government secretariats in Plateau, Anambra, Abia and Enugu states by gunmen nothing that they were unwarranted.
Olatunji while calling for urgent re-opening of the 17 local governments in Plateau shut down as a result of alledged political crisis, urged the SGF to expedite action on the scheme of service for the local government.
“It is the conviction of the union that autonomy for local governments remains the best way to return the country to the part of development and growth.
“This will translate to the direct funding of local governments without which no genuine national development can be achieved,” he said.
He also called for the establishment of Local Government Police (Community Police) to address the spate of insecurity across the country.
Olatunji further called for special rural allowances for local government staff to discourage rural-urban migration.
Meanwhile, Daily Asset Newspaper reports that the FG has Releases 10,000 Buses for Subsidy Removal Palliative.
The Bauchi State governor, Senator Bala Mohammed said that the Federal Government will distribute 252 thousand metric tons of grains to states at a subsidised rate to cushion the effect or subsidy removal.
Mohammed said that the National Emergency Management Agency, NEMA, will also make available to the people its package.
On his side, Governor Dapo Abiodun of Ogun State said that though the hardship the masses are facing as a result of the removal of fuel subsidy was not the doing of the government as the market forces determines the price, efforts were being made to cushion its effect.
Some of the packages include cash transfer to the poorest of the poor by the states, cash award policy for all public servants which should be implemented for six months in first instance, payment to public servants on outstanding liabilities such as pension, allowances among others.
He also said that the government is looking at the possibility of funding Micro Small and Medium Enterprises (MSME), which he said are the engine room of business.
He further said the government plans immediate implementation of energy transition plants, converting mass transit buses to Compressed Natural Gas, CNG, adding that the long term vision was to establish electric automobile plants.
On his part, the acting Governor of Central Bank of Nigeria, CBN, Folashodun Shonubi said the Federal Inland Revenue Service, FIRS, briefed the council and announced that it was ahead of the half year target.
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Soludo’s Economic Blockade of Onitsha Is ‘Declaration of War’ Against Igbo People
A U.S.-based organization, The Rising Sun Foundation, alongside the global coalition for Biafra restoration, has warned Governor Charles Soludo of Anambra State, condemning his blockade of Onitsha’s business district and accusing him of betraying the Igbo people.
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In a statement released on Tuesday and signed by Dr. Maxwell Dede, representing The Rising Sun Foundation in the United States, the foundation described Soludo’s actions as “tyrannical” and a “flagrant betrayal” of promises he made four years ago to support a grand dialogue on the Igbo people’s future within or outside Nigeria.
“Governor Soludo stands accused of a profound and treacherous betrayal. Four years ago, he courted the support of Mazi Nnamdi Kanu and the aspirations of millions, publicly pledging to facilitate a grand dialogue for the Igbo people. Today, he actively persecutes the very people and principles that propelled him to power,” the statement said.
The group criticized the governor for deploying predominantly non-Igbo military and police personnel to blockade economic arteries, describing the move as “the act of a tin-pot dictator, not a democratic leader.”
It further claimed that the Onitsha crisis is “not a result of merchant disobedience but of gubernatorial failure and dictatorial impulse”.
“The governor is strangling the economic lifeblood of the people he swore to serve, shattering the fragile peace he claims to protect,” the foundation said.
It also condemned Soludo’s perceived comfort with the continued detention of Mazi Nnamdi Kanu by the federal government, calling it evidence that Soludo is “a politician of convenience, not conviction.”
The Rising Sun Foundation warned that any harm inflicted on peaceful protesters or merchants exercising their rights would be interpreted as “an open declaration of war against the Igbo people and their fundamental human rights. The blood will be on Soludo’s hands.”
The group added that the world should hold the Government House in Awka responsible for any breakdown of law and order, insisting that “Governor Soludo fired the first shot with this unjust and provocative blockade”.
“We are a peaceful people, but we say no more killings. The era of Igbo governors colluding to spill the blood of Igbo youths is over. We will not stand idly by and watch history repeat itself,” the statement said.
The foundation also announced it was initiating steps to have Soludo declared persona non grata internationally for what it described as gross violations of democratic norms and economic rights, asserting that “his welcome on the international stage will be rightfully rescinded.”
Calling on international observers, human rights organizations, and the Nigerian federal government to take action, the foundation said, “The siege on Onitsha must be lifted. The path to peace in the South-East is through justice, dialogue, and the release of Mazi Nnamdi Kanu—not through military barricades and economic suffocation.”
The group warned the governor, “Governor Soludo, you are at the brink. Pull back. Respect the people. Honor your forgotten promises. The world is watching.”
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New Year: Gov Ododo Calls for Unity, Commitment to Security of Lives, Properties
From Joseph Amedu, Lokoja
Governor Ahmed Usman Ododo of Kogi state has called for Unity of the people in complementing government’s efforts to tackle rising insecurity in the state.
The Governor also solicited people’s support through hard work, and sustained patriotism as his administration intensifies efforts to deliver people-oriented governance.
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Ododo who made the call in his New Year message to the people of the state, thanked Almighty God for protection and guidance throughout the past year, noting that the period tested the resilience of the people but also strengthened their collective resolve.
The Governor said that despite challenges, the state recorded modest but significant gains across key sectors, including security, infrastructure, education, healthcare, agriculture, and youth and women empowerment, attributing the progress to discipline, unity of purpose, and the cooperation of citizens.
According to him, the New Year presents renewed hope and a stronger resolve by his administration to do more through prudent resource management, inclusive governance, and policies aimed at improving the quality of life of the people, expanding opportunities for youths, empowering women, and strengthening the state’s economy.
Governor Ododo reaffirmed that security remains a top priority of his government, assuring residents of deeper collaboration with security agencies and community stakeholders to sustain peace across the state, stressing that meaningful development can only thrive in a secure environment.
He called on all Kogites to continue to reject division and embrace cooperation, describing the state’s diversity as a strength that must be harnessed to build a Kogi that works for everyone, both in urban and rural communities.
Reiterating his pledge to serve with integrity, transparency, and compassion, the Governor expressed optimism that the New Year would usher in shared prosperity and greater accomplishments for the state.
Governor Ododo also urged continued support for the Renewed Hope Agenda of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, noting that the President’s reforms have strengthened the economy and expanded resources available to sub-national governments for development.
He wished the people of Kogi State a peaceful, prosperous, and fulfilling New Year, while praying for continued progress for the state and the nation.
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One Community, One Honour: Item Okpi Kingdom Celebrates Prof. Arunma Oteh’s Global Legacy
By Abdulrahman Aliagan,
The ancient town of Item in Bende Local Government Area of Abia State was agog on Tuesday, December 30, 2025, as the Item Development Association (IDA) Incorporated trustees hosted the 2025 Item Day Celebration, a historic edition specially designed to honour a single, outstanding personality — Chief, Prof.
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The celebration, held at the playground of Akanu Item Primary School, Akanu Item, was attended by top government officials, traditional rulers, community leaders, clergy, captains of industry and sons and daughters of Item from across Nigeria and the diaspora.
Themed “Building a Greater Item Through Collective Action: The Work Continues,” the 2025 Item Day marked a significant departure from previous editions that featured multiple awardees. This year’s event was deliberately structured around a single award and traditional honour, in recognition of Prof. Oteh’s exceptional contributions to the growth and development of Abia State, Nigeria, Africa and the global community.
A major highlight of the event was a Grand Civic Reception in honour of the Executive Governor of Abia State, His Excellency, Dr. Alex Chioma Otti, OFR, whose presence further underscored the importance of the occasion.
At the ceremony, the Item Development Association formally presented the Item Grand Merit Award to Chief Arunma Oteh, OON, describing her as a worthy daughter of the soil whose global achievements have brought immense honour to Item Okpi Ancient Kingdom, Abia State and Nigeria at large.
The award plaque cited her “distinguished leadership and transformative contributions to global development and in appreciation of the great honour this has brought to our community.”
Prof. Oteh was also specially celebrated for her consistent role as a global ambassador of the Amaba-Ukwu Item community, projecting its image positively across international platforms. This singular contribution, the organisers noted, was a key reason she was singled out for the prestigious award.
The event was chaired by Chief Ojay Obasi Eke (Udoka), with Chief Chukwuemeka Ogwo, MBA (Ugwuchukwuemere I of Item) serving as Co-Chairman.
Other dignitaries present were Hon. Dr. Ibekwe Nnamdi Chimdi, Member representing Bende North Constituency in the Abia State House of Assembly; Hon. Okwu Ukoha, Speaker of the Abia State House of Assembly; and Hon. Uwabunike Bassey, Executive Chairman (Mayor) of Bende LGA.
Traditional blessings were led by the Royal Father of the Day, HRH Eze Jerry Akpala Igwe (JP), Chairman of the Item Traditional Rulers Council, alongside HRM Eze Silas Okafor Igwe (JP), the Okpi of Item, and other royal fathers.
Religious leaders, including His Grace, Dr. Sunday Ndukwo Onuoha, Archbishop of Umuahia, also offered prayers for the community and the awardee.
The newly conferred Nwanne Ukwu Di Na Mba of Amaba-Ukwu Item, Abia State, Alhaji Chief Dr Ibrahim Mohammed Ajia, congratulated Prof. Arunma Oteh on the well-deserved honour.
He described her as a pride of Item and a shining example of what dedication, integrity and excellence can achieve, noting that her global impact has placed Amaba-Ukwu Item firmly on the world map.
He prayed for greater strength and wisdom for her to continue serving humanity and inspiring future generations.
In her acceptance speech, an emotional Prof. Arunma Oteh expressed profound gratitude to the Item Development Association, the people of Amaba-Ukwu Item, the traditional institution, the Abia State Government and all stakeholders who contributed to the success of the programme.
She pledged to continue projecting the image of her community globally, describing the honour as a renewed call to service.
Prof. Oteh urged sons and daughters of Amaba-Ukwu Item, Abia State and Nigeria at large to embrace courage, resilience and hard work, stressing that “the sky is only the beginning of success for those who dare to dream and work relentlessly.”
She thanked Governor Alex Otti for his support for community development initiatives and commended the leadership of IDA for sustaining the vision of unity, selfless service and progress captured in the association’s motto: “Faith in God and Selfless Service to Our People.”
A Historic Item Day led by Dr. Cyril Onyekachi O. Kalu, President of IDA, and Ambassador Dr. Anthony Chukwudum Okorie, Chairman, Board of Trustees, the 2025 Item Day Celebration has been widely described as historic — not only for honouring one of Item’s most illustrious daughters, but also for reaffirming the community’s commitment to collective development and global relevance.
For many attendees, the celebration was more than an award ceremony; it was a statement of identity, pride and a renewed resolve to build a greater Item for generations yet unborn.
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