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Federal Government Urges States to Implement New ₦70,000 Minimum Wage

The Federal Government has called on state governments yet to implement the new National Minimum Wage Act to commence payment of the recently approved ₦70,000 minimum wage.

The Secretary to the Government of the Federation, George Akume, made the appeal following a meeting with President Bola Tinubu on Monday.

Akume commended states that have already started paying the revised minimum wage, acknowledging their proactive efforts in supporting workers.

He said: “The issue of the new minimum wage has been central to President Bola Tinubu’s administration. To address this, a tripartite committee, which included representatives from the Federal Government, state governments, and the Organised Private Sector, was set up to discuss and agree on the new wage structure.”

He added that some states have not only met but exceeded the ₦70,000 benchmark.

“We applaud those who have commenced payments and encourage others to begin implementing this new standard,” Akume stated.

The appeal reflects the Federal Government’s ongoing commitment to enhancing the welfare of workers nationwide and ensuring that all states align with the updated wage policy.

House of Reps Member Alex Ikwechegh Apologizes for Assault Incident with Bolt Driver

The House of Representatives member representing Aba South/North Federal Constituency of Abia State in the National Assembly, Hon. Alex Ikwechegh, has issued a formal apology following an altercation with a Bolt driver, Stephen Abuwatseya, in Abuja.

The incident, which recently went viral, has drawn significant public attention and prompted a statement from the lawmaker.

In a Tuesday statement, Hon. Ikwechegh expressed regret over the encounter, describing it as “unfortunate” and “unreflective” of the values he strives to uphold. The lawmaker acknowledged his responsibility and confirmed that he and Mr. Abuwatseya have mutually resolved the issue through alternative dispute resolution.

He also extended an apology to the Inspector General of Police for what he termed “unintended disparaging remarks,” as well as to the House leadership and National Assembly members for any reputational impact the incident may have caused.

Meanwhile, the House of Representatives has urged the public to await the outcome of an official investigation by the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Police Command.

On Monday, Hon. Ikwechegh was briefly detained and questioned at Maitama Police Station in Abuja.

The incident gained widespread attention after a video circulated showing a verbal and physical exchange between the lawmaker and Mr. Abuwatseya.

In the video, Ikwechegh is seen confronting the Bolt driver over a delivery transaction and, at one point, slapping the driver. The confrontation allegedly began over a disagreement regarding the collection of goods delivered via the e-hailing service.

Online reactions have been swift, with many Nigerians calling for accountability and justice as the investigation proceeds.

FLYING EAGLES AMONG TEN TEAMS TO QUALIFY FOR 2025 U-20 AFCON

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Nigeria’s Flying Eagles have secured their place in the 2025 Under-20 Africa Cup of Nations, joining nine other countries in this prestigious tournament.

The Flying Eagles clinched their qualification on Sunday night during the WAFU B Championship held in Togo. They will now compete alongside Ghana, Senegal, Congo, and Sierra Leone.

Other confirmed participants include the Democratic Republic of Congo, Kenya, Tanzania, South Africa, and Zambia.

Two additional teams will qualify from the Northern Africa region. The Confederation of African Football is expected to announce the host country and tournament dates shortly.

 

REPORTER: SAMUEL ADELEKE, ADBN NEWS.

MANCHESTER UNITED SACK MANAGER ERIK TEN HAG

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Manchester United has parted ways with manager Erik ten Hag following a disappointing start to the season.

Ten Hag’s tenure ended after Sunday’s 2-1 defeat against West Ham, which left the club languishing in 14th place in the Premier League, with only three wins from their first nine matches.

In addition, Manchester United is currently ranked 21st out of 36 teams in the Europa League table, having drawn all three of their opening fixtures.

The Dutch manager was informed of his dismissal by the club’s board on Monday morning, less than 24 hours after the loss to West Ham at the London Stadium.

Ruud van Nistelrooy, who joined the club as Ten Hag’s assistant last summer, has been appointed as the interim manager.

REPORTER: SAMUEL ADELEKE, ADBN NEWS.

ARTETA DISAPPOINTED AS ARSENAL SETTLES FOR 2-2 DRAW AGAINST LIVERPOOL

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Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta has expressed disappointment following his team’s 2-2 draw against Liverpool in their Premier League clash on Sunday.

Mohamed Salah scored with nine minutes remaining to secure a point for the Reds at the Emirates Stadium.

In the post-match news conference, Arteta emphasized that Arsenal should have won the match given the number of chances created.

He praised his team for their dominant and determined performance, particularly commending the resilience of his revamped defense amid a series of injuries.

REPORTER: SAMUEL ADELEKE, ADBN NEWS.

NIGERIA THUMP NIGER REPUBLIC 3-1, QUALIFY FOR 2025 AFRICA U-20 CUP OF NATIONS

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Nigeria’s Flying Eagles have advanced to the final of the 2024 WAFU B Under-20 Championship after a thrilling 3-1 comeback victory against Niger Republic on Sunday in Togo.

With this win, the team has also secured a spot in next year’s Africa Under-20 Cup of Nations.

President of the Nigeria Football Federation, Alhaji Ibrahim Musa Gusau, praised the team’s fighting spirit and their remarkable performance throughout the tournament.

He expressed confidence in the Flying Eagles’ ability to successfully defend their title against Ghana in the final on Wednesday.

Reporter: Samuel Adeleke, ADBN News

17 NIGERIAN GIRLS RESCUED FROM HUMAN TRAFFICKING IN GHANA

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In a significant breakthrough against human trafficking, 17 young Nigerian women have been rescued from traffickers in Ghana and safely returned to Nigeria. The operation, conducted in collaboration with the Ghanaian Anti-Human Trafficking Police, Nigerians in Diaspora Organisation (NIDO) Ghana, and the Nigerian High Commission in Accra, has brought relief to the victims and their families.

This repatriation, part of ongoing efforts since July 2024, brings the total number of Nigerian girls rescued from Ghana to 130. Hon. Abike Dabiri-Erewa, Chairman/CEO of the Nigerians in Diaspora Commission (NiDCOM), thanked First Lady Senator Oluremi Tinubu for her support in the safe return of the young women and commended NIDO Ghana’s BOT Chairman, Chief Callistus Elozieuwa, as well as the Ghanaian Anti-Human Trafficking Police for their contributions.

The rescued girls, aged 18 to 29, are from various Nigerian states, including Anambra, Abia, Akwa Ibom, Rivers, Imo, Edo, and Ebonyi. They were deceived with promises of employment in Ghana but were later subjected to harsh exploitation. The operation, carried out in Kpone Katamanso, Tema, also led to the arrest of five traffickers, marking one of the most substantial busts in recent months.

Reporter: Ama Marcus, ADBN News.

Manchester United Sack Manager Erik Ten Hag

Manchester United has parted ways with manager Erik ten Hag following a disappointing start to the season.

Ten Hag’s tenure ended after Sunday’s 2-1 defeat against West Ham, which left the club languishing in 14th place in the Premier League, with only three wins from their first nine matches.

Manchester United Boss, Erik Ten Hag
Manchester United Boss, Erik Ten Hag

In addition, Manchester United is currently ranked 21st out of 36 teams in the Europa League table, having drawn all three of their opening fixtures.

The Dutch manager was informed of his dismissal by the club’s board on Monday morning, less than 24 hours after the loss to West Ham at the London Stadium.

Ruud van Nistelrooy, who joined the club as Ten Hag’s assistant last summer, has been appointed as the interim manager.

FEDERAL CAPITAL TERRITORY POLICE COMMISSIONER ISSUES WARNING TO SCAVENGERS

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The Commissioner of Police for the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), CP Olatunji Disu, has issued a stern warning to scavengers, instructing them to desist from damaging government infrastructure or face strict legal consequences.

ADBN correspondent, Funmilola Adeyemi, reports that CP Disu gave the warning during a surprise visit to scavengers’ colonies across the FCT.

Scavengers in the nation’s capital have been targeting iron-made properties, damaging streetlights, and removing manholes, among other government assets.

CP Disu visited sites in Mpape, Dawaki, and Gwarinpa to observe the operational activities of these scavengers firsthand. He expressed concern over the situation in Mpape, where over 50 dogs were unleashed upon the police team’s arrival.

The Police Commissioner warned market leaders that anyone found aiding scavengers in the destruction of government infrastructure, either by buying or selling stolen materials, would not be spared.

Mallam Bashir Lawal, Chairman of the Gwarinpa Pantaker Association, pledged to cooperate with the new commissioner and report any of his members exhibiting questionable behavior to the police.

With CP Disu’s visit, it’s clear that scavengers in the nation’s capital will no longer operate with impunity.

REPORTER: FUNMILOLA ADEYEMI, ADBN NEWS.

MINISTER FLAGS OFF ACCESS ROAD TO DAKI BIYU, ABUJA

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The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Barr. Nyesom Wike has officially flagged off the construction of an access road and adjoining roads leading to Daki Biyu, a community in Abuja.

Speaking at the flag-off ceremony, Barr. Wike stressed the importance of timely completion of the project, as directed by President Bola Tinubu, to ensure the FCT’s road network is functional and efficient.

The FCT Minister emphasized that the administration’s development plans extend beyond urban centers to include the six area councils and rural areas, showcasing the administration’s commitment to infrastructure development across the territory.

Executive Secretary of the Federal Capital Development Authority (FCDA), Engr. Shehu Amad, described the road as a collector road, made of a dual carriageway with up to four lanes, linking Obafemi Awolowo Road with Olusegun Obasanjo Road.

The road project is expected to significantly ease traffic congestion for commuters, improve the quality of life for residents of Daki Biyu, and contribute to the overall development of Abuja.

REPORTER: NAOMI OLERIBE, ADBN NEWS