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Minimum wage: NLC strike may fail as states pull out

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There are strong indications that the planned December 1 strike called by the Nigeria Labour Congress may suffer a setback following the declaration by some state chapters of the union that they will not be part of the proposed industrial action.

President Bola Tinubu had in July approved a new minimum wage of N70,000 for Nigerian workers, including civil servants, and pledged to review the wage every three years.

Many states agreed to pay above the N70,000 minimum, with Lagos and Rivers states offering the highest pay of N85,000.

However, 13 states and the Federal Capital Territory have yet to begin the implementation of the new minimum wage.

Some of the affected states include Abia, Akwa Ibom, Ebonyi, Ekiti, Imo, Nasarawa, Kaduna, and Katsina.

Others are Oyo, Sokoto, Yobe, Zamfara, Enugu states, and the FCT.

But less than 24 hours to the planned strike, some state chapters of the NLC withdrew and distanced themselves from the industrial action.

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Some of the affected states include Abia, Akwa Ibom, Ebonyi, Ekiti, Imo, Nasarawa, Kaduna, and Katsina.

Others are Oyo, Sokoto, Yobe, Zamfara, Enugu states, and the FCT.

But less than 24 hours to the planned strike, some state chapters of the NLC withdrew and distanced themselves from the industrial action.

Imo

In Imo State, the NLC Chairman, Uche Chigaemezu, said on Saturday that there was no plan to embark on any strike.

Speaking in an interview with Sunday PUNCH, Chigaemezu said, “We cannot think of embarking on any strike because we have reached an agreement with the state government led by Governor Hope Uzodimma.

“He has shown commitment to the payment of N70,000 minimum wage to Imo workers. We have communicated our position to the national body, and they are aware of the decision of the government to pay the minimum wage soon.”

A civil servant, who spoke on condition of anonymity, confirmed that there was no plan to embark on strike in the state.

Sokoto

In Sokoto State, following the approval of N70,000 minimum wage for state workers by Governor Ahmed Aliyu, the NLC opted out of the planned national strike of the union.

Recall that the state governor, while presenting the 2025 appropriation bill to the state House of Assembly on Friday, announced that his administration was ready to adopt N70,000 as the new minimum wage.

The governor, however, disclosed that the implementation of the new wage would commence in January 2025.

Speaking with our correspondent on the next line of action, the secretary of the NLC in the state, on Saturday, said the union had withdrawn from the proposed strike action.

He said, “We are not joining the strike action; representatives of the labour union and the state government have signed a memorandum of understanding on the implementation of the new minimum wage.”

Oyo

Similarly, organised labour in Oyo State dissociated itself from the strike.

The NLC state chairman and his Trade Union Congress counterpart, Kayode Martins and Bosun Olabiyi, respectively, in separate interviews with Sunday PUNCH in Ibadan, the state capital, said labour would not participate in the strike.

Martins said, “We have liaised with the national secretariat, and we let them realise the stage we are. Already, we have Monday, Tuesday, and Wednesday for the conclusion of everything.

“We wrote in our press release that we have a good rapport with the government.”

In his submission, Olabiyi said, “We are dissociating ourselves totally from the strike in the state. We have an understanding with the state government; we are not going on strike because everything is fine in this state.”

Katsina

The NLC Chairman in Katsina State, Hussaini Danduna, was also part of the withdrawal spree, saying workers in the state would not join the planned December 1st industrial action.

He said, “We have signed an agreement with the Katsina State Government, and based on this, we are not going to join the strike action declared by the national executive council of our union.”

Also, the TUC Chairman, Katsina State chapter, Mukhtar Abdu-Ruma, said workers would not join the action following the agreement reached with the state government on Saturday.

“The new minimum wage will be implemented in December, and we have agreed on the minimum wage and consequential adjustment,” he stated.

Akwa Ibom

Meanwhile, the TUC Chairman in Akwa Ibom State, Dominic Abang, said public civil servants would not participate in the planned industrial action by the NLC over the non-implementation of the new minimum wage.

Though the state NLC Chairman, Sunny James, could not be reached on the phone, Abang told one of our correspondents in Uyo, the state capital, that the TUC had gone far at the committee level, hence there was no need to join the strike.

Kaduna, Nasarawa, Zamfara, FCT confirm participation

The Kaduna State chapter of the NLC on Saturday confirmed its participation in the planned nationwide strike scheduled for December 1, 2024.

The Chairman of the Kaduna State NLC, Ayuba Suleiman, confirmed the state’s participation to Sunday PUNCH on Saturday.

When asked if the NLC was prepared to embark on the nationwide strike, Suleiman replied, “Yes, we are set for the strike.”

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Lady Nearly Plunged To Her Death From 10th Floor Window While Escaping From Lover’s Wife (Video)

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A woman in China was captured on video clinging to the exterior of a high-rise building as she attempted to avoid being caught by her lover’s wife—a dramatic scene that has since gone viral online.

Residents in Guangdong province watched in disbelief as the woman dangled from a tenth floor balcony, appearing at moments to lose her grip.

Footage shows a shirtless man speaking to her through a window before retreating inside. Holding her phone, she begins lowering herself toward the floor below, using drainpipes and narrow ledges to steady herself.

The video shows her sliding down a water pipe and knocking urgently on a neighbour’s window. The occupant eventually opens up and pulls her to safety.

Local reports say a married man pushed his mistress out onto the balcony in a panic when his wife unexpectedly returned home, forcing her to attempt the perilous escape. The recording spread rapidly across Chinese social media, with many users saying the pair had been left “socially dead” by the public exposure and would face deep embarrassment.

Commenters also warned that climbing the exterior of a high rise posed extreme risks and could easily have ended in a fatal fall.

The incident comes shortly after a separate tragedy in the UK, where twenty nine year old Bartosz Urbaniak died after falling from a balcony at a holiday park event in Skegness.

Witnesses said he attempted to climb between balconies before losing his footing. A trainee nurse at the scene administered CPR, and he was flown to Queen’s Medical Centre in Nottingham, but he died two days later from severe head injuries.

Watch the video below…

https://www.instagram.com/reel/DR40X2njDrC/?igsh=MTRwZGd4N2Q3NDNmeQ==

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IMO ON GLOBAL SPOTLIGHT AS GOVERNOR UZODIMMA KICKS OFF 2025 IMO ECONOMIC SUMMIT.

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By Prince Uwalaka Chimaroke
5- DEC- 2025

The kick-off of the Imo Economic Summit of December 2025 marked a historic moment as global political and business leaders converged on Owerri to demonstrate unprecedented support for Governor Hope Uzodimma’s ambitious plan to unlock Imo State’s economic future. It was the first summit of such scale since the State’s creation, signalling the beginning of a transformative journey.

World leaders, leading economists, global investors, and high-ranking government representatives were in attendance, showcasing the event’s international significance. Their presence reaffirmed the global community’s interest in partnering with Imo State as it strategically positions itself for accelerated development.

Among the distinguished guests were President Joseph Boakai of Liberia, President Amina Akim of Mauritius, Prime Minister Americo Ramos of São Tomé and Príncipe, former UK Prime Minister Boris Johnson, and former UN Secretary General Ban Ki-Moon. Each brought with them perspectives shaped by decades of leadership in global development.

Representing President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, the Vice President, Senator Kashim Shettima, delivered a powerful message of solidarity from the Federal Government. He praised the vision of the summit and reiterated the President’s unwavering support for Imo’s economic reawakening.

President Tinubu, through his representative, emphasized that partnership between subnational governments and the federal structure is vital to sustaining national growth. He highlighted that the administration is committed to helping states implement reforms that expand business opportunities, strengthen infrastructure, and create jobs.

He expressed confidence that the summit would serve as a launchpad for unlocking the economic ecosystem of Imo State, urging local and international investors to seize the abundant opportunities created by recent national reforms and the enabling environment already visible in the State.

In their keynote presentations, the leaders of Liberia, Mauritius, and São Tomé and Príncipe underscored Africa’s rising profile in global economics. They noted that Nigeria—particularly states like Imo with an energetic youth population—is positioned to lead the continent’s next wave of advancement.

President Amina Akim of Mauritius highlighted renewable energy as a frontier sector and pledged collaboration with Imo State to expand its clean energy initiatives. She described Imo as a willing and capable partner in Africa’s green energy expansion.

President Joseph Boakai of Liberia emphasized the role of innovation in driving transformational growth. He stressed that technological adoption can reposition Imo as a regional economic force and urged African leaders to prioritise development-focused governance.

President Boakai noted shared similarities between Imo and Liberia, praising both societies for their resilience and commitment to progress. He encouraged deeper regional cooperation to strengthen democratic governance and inclusive development.

Boakai also celebrated Liberia’s recent election to a non-permanent seat on the UN Security Council, stating that such achievements reflect broader African progress—a progress he believes Imo State is prepared to actively contribute to through visionary leadership.

Welcoming the global audience, Governor Uzodimma described the summit as a turning point in Imo’s economic journey. He declared that Imo has transitioned from a rising State to a fully risen one, ready to compete with major investment destinations across Africa.

The Governor introduced a new definition of IMO: Investment Meets Opportunities, underscoring the State’s strategic location, entrepreneurial population, and expanding infrastructure as key pillars for sustained growth.

Uzodimma applauded President Tinubu’s nationwide policy reforms, stating they have created the right conditions for investors to thrive. He emphasized that Imo’s $1 trillion economy aspiration is fully aligned with the Federal Government’s economic renewal agenda.

He highlighted Imo’s competitive advantages, including fertile agricultural belts, a rapidly expanding digital ecosystem, and its status as home to the largest proven gas reserves in West Africa—assets he said investors can immediately leverage.

Addressing infrastructure, the Governor announced that Imo has successfully constructed over 120 major roads linking communities, industrial zones, and neighbouring states. He said the improved connectivity is already stimulating commerce and reducing travel time.

A major announcement was the imminent commencement of the Light Up Imo Project, which aims to deliver 24-hour electricity to power industries, tech hubs, and commercial districts. Uzodimma described constant electricity as the backbone of the State’s economic plan.

On land reforms, the Governor revealed that the establishment of the Imo Land Information Centre has eliminated bottlenecks and transformed land administration into a modern, transparent, and technology-driven system, thereby boosting investor confidence.

He further identified other transformative initiatives such as dredging the Orashi River to the Atlantic to unlock maritime trade, establishing Imo as Nigeria’s digital innovation centre, and promoting OKOBI—One Kindred, One Business Initiative—to stimulate grassroots enterprise development.

Concluding his address, Governor Uzodimma extended an open invitation to global investors to become active participants in Imo’s economic rebirth. He reaffirmed that Imo is not merely ready for investment—it is structured, positioned, and determined to become one of Africa’s most dynamic economic destinations.

The Imo Economic Summit continued to attract powerful endorsements as distinguished speakers delivered compelling addresses in support of Governor Hope Uzodimma’s economic blueprint. Nigeria’s Minister of Finance and Coordinating Minister of the Economy, Mr. Wale Edun, praised the Governor’s strategic foresight, particularly his bold investment in an independent power project designed to deliver uninterrupted electricity across the State. Describing the initiative as a “real game changer,” Edun asserted that reliable power will unlock industrial growth, enhance productivity, and position Imo as one of Nigeria’s most competitive economic hubs. He further noted that Nigeria’s economy is on a progressive upward trajectory, with expanding fiscal capacity and a target of 7 percent annual growth. To accelerate this national ambition, he encouraged deeper collaboration among local, state, and federal institutions to build a unified pathway to prosperity.

Adding a global perspective, former United Nations Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon emphasized Africa’s pivotal role in shaping global climate solutions. He highlighted that the continent possesses immense natural advantages capable of transforming global environmental efforts. Ban Ki-moon urged stronger international cooperation, stressing that climate challenges require shared responsibility and the spirit of global citizenship. By advocating environmental stewardship and sustainability, he encouraged African nations—including Imo State—to fully embrace innovation, resilience, and partnerships as key tools for combating climate threats and advancing long-term development.

Former UK Prime Minister Boris Johnson also addressed the gathering, expressing admiration for Governor Uzodimma’s forward-looking vision for an economic renaissance. Johnson hailed Nigeria as one of the world’s most promising investment frontiers, fueled by its youthful population, rich natural resources, and expanding digital economy. He described the country as a future global powerhouse and commended Imo State for positioning itself strategically to benefit from Nigeria’s immense potential.

In another resounding endorsement, former President of the Africa Export-Import Bank, Prof. Benedict Oramah, reaffirmed Afreximbank’s commitment to supporting major economic projects in Imo. He highlighted the transformational value of the Orashi River dredging project, which aims to open new maritime trade corridors and strengthen Imo’s logistical capacity. Prof. Oramah also referenced the establishment of a state-of-the-art petrochemical testing facility near the Sam Mbakwe International Cargo Airport—an investment expected to elevate Imo’s role in global petrochemical exports and attract high-value industries.

The President of Dangote Group, Africa’s foremost industrialist Alhaji Aliko Dangote, added his voice by commending President Tinubu for implementing reforms that strengthen national economic stability. Dangote encouraged entrepreneurs to invest courageously in Nigeria, noting that the nation’s vast natural resources and entrepreneurial talent remain unmatched. He assured Governor Uzodimma that the Dangote Group is willing and ready to partner with the Imo State Government in any developmental area deemed appropriate, reinforcing investor confidence in the State’s economic direction.

The summit hall was filled with an impressive array of global and local leaders—including diplomats, multinational executives, development partners, top financiers, and influential business figures such as Dr. ABC Ojiakor, Ogbuagu Ernest Nwapa, Mr. Abdulrasak Isaiah of Walmart, and Mr. Uzoma Dozie of Sparkle Microfinance Bank. Traditional rulers, religious leaders, captains of industry, and top-tier investors also graced the event, validating the summit’s stature as a global investment magnet.

In a strong show of political solidarity, the National Chairman of the All Progressives Congress, Yetaweh Nantewah, along with former National Chairman Dr. Abdullahi Ganduje, joined several serving governors and political stakeholders at the summit. Members of the Federal Executive Council, federal and state legislators, and senior officials of the Imo State Executive Council also attended in full strength, reflecting the broad national support behind Imo State’s transformative agenda under Governor Uzodimma’s leadership.

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“Ned Nwoko Paid Us N5 Million Each To Kill Regina Daniels” – Man Claims As Video Goes Viral (Watch)

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A young man has sparked widespread reactions on social media after claiming that Senator Ned Nwoko offered him and others N5 million each to kill his estranged wife, actress Regina Daniels.

Ned Nwoko, a Nigerian billionaire and politician, has been embroiled in a highly publicised marital crisis with Regina Daniels, with rumours of separation dominating the headlines in recent months.

Although the couple appears to have moved on separately, the recent allegation has reignited public attention on their turbulent relationship.

In a viral video on X (formerly Twitter), the young man, who partially concealed his face, alleged that the Senator instructed them to carry out the killing, providing Daniels’ location and schedule. He claimed they refused the assignment, citing the high risk involved.

He stated in the video: “Ned Nwoko told us to go and kill Regina Daniels, gave us her location and the time she was going to move, but we refused to do it, because… I cannot do it.”

The man further alleged that even appearing in the video put his life in danger. He added that the Senator had paid them N5 million each and warned Regina Daniels to be cautious during the current ember months.

The revelation has generated mixed reactions across social media, with many Nigerians expressing shock, concern, and disbelief over the claim.

Watch the video below…

 

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