By Yusuf Danjuma Yunusa

The Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) on Wednesday asked the federal government to urgently approve emergency palliatives and wage awards to workers nationwide.

The Congress called on the government to introduce measures to cushion the impact of the rising price of petrol and ensure immediate sale of crude oil to local refineries in naira.

Commuters have started trekking long distances following the sudden increase in price of fuel in order to cut the cost of transportation.

Checks showed that petrol now sells for about N1,430 per litre in major cities, with prices reportedly higher in less accessible locations.

President of NLC, Joe Ajaero, in a statement on Wednesday, warned that the rising cost of petrol would further worsen the economic hardship facing Nigerians.

The labour leader noted that increases in transportation costs typically trigger higher prices of food, rent, school fees and other essential goods and services across the country.

Ajaero maintained that the latest increase came at a time when government pressure on oil marketers to reduce pump prices in response to lower international crude prices was beginning to produce results.

“As a nation, and as a people endowed with enormous fossil resources, we are deserving of a certain level of protection or buffer against the gales from the Gulf, and indeed, other gales,” he said.

Ajaero argued that Nigeria’s status as an oil-producing country means it should be able to provide some protection against international oil market shocks regarding the latest surge that has been linked to the resurgence of conflict in the Gulf.

The NLC President urged the federal government to immediately introduce measures to shield households and businesses from the impact of the higher fuel prices.

“There is nothing wrong with the government subsidising the needs of citizens, especially in emergencies like this,” Ajaero argued.

He added that oil-producing countries were introducing different forms of intervention or palliatives to protect their citizens from the effects of the current global energy crisis.

By Yusuf Danjuma Yunusa

Mohammed Abacha, son of ex-military ruler Sani Abacha, has been named as the governorship candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Kano.

According to NAN, Bello Gambo-Bichi, chairman of the Kano PDP faction loyal to Nyesom Wike, minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), made the announcement on Wednesday during the party’s replacement governorship primary election in Kano.

Gambo-Bichi also announced Alhaji Yusuf Ado-Kibiya, a former PDP state chairman and commissioner, as Abacha’s running mate.

He said the exercise followed the withdrawal of the party’s earlier candidate, Muhammad Dalha, after consultations among stakeholders in Kano and Abuja.

Gambo-Bichi said the replacement process was conducted in line with the Electoral Act and relevant party guidelines.

“Kibiya’s nomination followed reconciliation between the two factions of the PDP in Kano,” he said.

The chairman said the development had strengthened unity within the party, with the reconciliation process also resulting in the replacement of some candidates for the national and state assembly seats.

Gambo-Bichi urged party leaders, stakeholders, members and supporters to unite behind the candidates and work collectively to strengthen the party.

He said representatives of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) were present during the exercise.

The chairman described the development as a new phase for the party, adding that the PDP “is waxing stronger in Kano”.

Also speaking, Abba Abdullahi, chairman of the gubernatorial replacement primary election panel, said the exercise was conducted in accordance with the party’s constitution, guidelines, relevant regulations and applicable electoral laws.

He added that Abacha’s nomination remains subject to statutory processes and scrutiny by relevant electoral authorities.

The panel chairman congratulated Abacha and called on PDP members, leaders and stakeholders to accord him their support and cooperation as the party’s candidate.

In March, INEC recognised the PDP faction backed by Wike and published the party’s leadership on its website, with Abdulrahman Mohammed listed as the party’s national chairman.

By Yusuf Danjuma Yunusa

The First Lady, Sen. Oluremi Tinubu, has commended Maryam Ibrahim Dan’Azumi, for winning the women’s category at the 46th King Abdulaziz International Qur’anic Competition in Makah, Saudi Arabia.
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‎The First Lady gave the commendation on Tuesday in Abuja, and awarded Dan’ Azumi the sum of N20 million.

‎She was accompanied by her father, Ibrahim Dan’ Azumi, the Governor of Gombe State, Inuwa Yahaya, and other members of the state government.
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‎Tinubu described Maryam’s accomplishment as a pride to the nation and the girl child globally.
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‎She described the winner as an inspiration to the girl child, and commended her parents for supporting her education and nurturing her talent.
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‎She said the award was not only a personal triumph but also a source of national pride, as she has placed Nigeria prominently on the global stage through her mastery of the Holy Qur’an.
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‎The first lady described Dan’Azumi and her elder sister, Hajara, who came first in a similar competition in Jordan in 2024, as inspiration to young Nigerians.
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‎She particularly commended their parents, teachers, mentors, and Gov. Inuwa Yahaya for their mentorship and support.
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‎”Maryam’s achievement show the value of hard work, discipline and dedication.

“I urge her to embrace mentorship as she advances in her education,” Tinubu said.

She said education remained a key priority of President Bola Tinubu’s administration, with emphasis on inclusive education and creating opportunities for young Nigerians to develop their talents.

‎The First Lady also announced her willingness to support Dan’Azumi pursuit of post graduate degree.

Earlier, the Gombe state governor said that the state was not deficient in education.

Yahaya described Dan’Azumi’s achievement as a source of pride to Gombe state and Nigeria, noting that she had progressed through local and national Qur’anic competitions before qualifying for the international contest.

‎Responding, Dan’Azumi thanked the First Lady for the honour.

She said participating in the Saudi Arabian competition gave her global exposure.

She expressed hope that her achievement would inspire other young Nigerians to work harder and excel.

Dan’ Azumi further expressed gladness and joyfully presented her award to the first Lady.

‎She encouraged the youths to develop themselves both mentally and physically.

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