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Upperhill News is committed to promoting accurate information on African stories, issues relating to the Girl-child, gender-based violence, health, politics, sports as well as national and international events of public interest.

  • Fuel Subsidy: Presidency refutes claims in unofficial leaked documents

    The Presidency has said the two trending fiscal policy documents in circulation are still proposals which have not been approved by President Bola Tinubu.

    It also insisted that the fuel subsidy regime has ended, and the government’s position on fuel subsidy has not changed since President Tinubu’s declaration on 29 May 2023.

    The Presidency also debunked the N5.4 trillion provision for it in 2024, as being widely speculated and discussed.

    It said the documents, titled Inflation Reduction and Price Stability (Fiscal Policy Measure etc) Order 2024 and Accelerated Stabilisation and Advancement Plan (ASAP) surfaced on the internet on Tuesday following the meeting between the Minister of Finance, Wale Edun and President Tinubu at the State House in Abuja.

    The first policy proposal aims to reduce inflation and stabilise prices, while the second policy aims to fast-track economic recovery and provide succour to Nigerians as possible.

    The Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga,in a statement said the two documents are not official and still subject to reviews at the highest level of government.

    The statement reads: “The attention of the Presidency has been drawn to two fiscal policy documents in circulation that are being given wide coverage by the mainstream media and social media platforms.

    “One of the documents titled Inflation Reduction and Price Stability (Fiscal Policy Measure etc) Order 2024 is being shared as if it were an executive order signed by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.

    “The other is a 65-page draft document with the title “Accelerated Stabilisation and Advancement Plan (ASAP), which contains suggestions on how to improve the Nigerian economy. President Tinubu received a copy of the draft on Tuesday.

    “We urge the public and the media to disregard the two documents and cease further discussions on them. None is an approved official document of the Federal Government of Nigeria. They are all policy proposals that are still subject to review at the highest level of government. Indeed, one has a ‘draft’ clearly written on it.

    “According to the Coordinating Minister of the Economy, Mr. Wale Edun, “It is important to understand that policymaking is an iterative process involving multiple drafts and discussions before any document is finalised.

    “We assure the public that the official position on the documents will be made available after comprehensive reviews and approvals are completed.”

    The President’s aide also asked the public and media to desist from second-guessing the government’s policy on customs tariffs, fuel subsidies and other economic matters.

    He called on the media to always confirm documents that do not emanate from official channels so that the members of the public are properly informed on government policies and programmes.

    The statement  buttressed that: “Emanating from the two documents have been reports second-guessing government’s policy on customs tariffs, fuel subsidy and other economic matters.

    “The government wants to restate that its position on fuel subsidy has not changed from what President Bola Ahmed Tinubu declared on 29 May 2023. The fuel subsidy regime has ended. There is no N5.4 trillion being provisioned for it in 2024, as being widely speculated and discussed,” Edun stated.

    “As previously stated by government officials, including myself, President Tinubu announced the end of the fuel subsidy program last year, and this policy remains firmly in place.

    “The Federal Government is committed to mitigating the effects of this removal and easing the cost of living pressures on Nigerians.

    “Our strategy focuses on addressing key factors such as food inflation, which is significantly impacted by transport costs. With the implementation of our CNG initiative, which aims to displace high PMS and AGO costs, we expect to further reduce these costs.

    “Our commitment to ending unproductive subsidies is steadfast, as is our dedication to supporting our most vulnerable populations”.

    “We call on the media to always exercise necessary checks and restraints in the use of documents that do not emanate from official channels so that the members of the public are properly informed, guided and educated on government policies and programmes,” he said.

  • 25 Ajayi Crowther University Students Arraigned for Murder

    A total of 25 students of Ajayi Crowther University have been arraigned in the Chief Magistrate Court, Ibadan Magisterial District, for  allegedly involving in the murder of a fellow student, Alex Timileyin. 

    The students were brought before the court for  beating Timileyin, a Prince of Warri Kingdom, to death over allegation of mobile phone theft.

    Recall that the tragic incident occurred on May 24, 2024, at Shepherd Inn hostel on the university campus. 

    The assault, which reportedly lasted for hours resulted in the untimely death of Timileyin.

    Following their arraignment, the court ordered the students to be remanded in prison until July 8, pending trial.

    The arraigned students included Kumolu Opeyemi Daniel (21), Oluwole Olanshile Thompson (25), Lawal Victor Tomilola (23), Omolakin Oluwatomiwa Anthony (24), Folorunsho Oluwakunmi (21), Bolarinwa Oloruntoyinbo Victor (20), Oladoye Femi Ola (34), Kehinde Olasusuyi Martins (32), Okorie Samuel (20) and Mustapha Khalid (23).

    Others were Mustapha Usman Segun (19), Adeniran Yusuf (20), Oloyede Femi (18), Areye Joseph Aduragbemi (19), Oyelakin Iyanuoluwatomiwa (18), Olalekan Obaloluwa (20), Adejumobi Emmanuel (18), Daudu John Oluwaseun (18), Gana Solomon (21), Moses Abiola (20), Tijani Hammad (21), Omon-Fumen Jenkins (21), Okay-Aroh Gerald (20), Kolawole David (22), and Afesojaye Emmanuel (18) respectively.

    The court noted that the suspects and others still at large conspired to commit murder, an offense contrary to and punishable under Section 324 of the Criminal Code, Cap 38, Vol. II, Laws of Oyo State of Nigeria, 2000.

    Count II charge indicated that  they unlawfully caused the death of Timileyin by beating him with planks and electrical cables, an act contrary to Section 316 and punishable under Section 319 of the same code.

    Count III specifically charged Oladoye Femi Ola and Kehinde Olasusuyi Martins, who were the security guard and porter at the university, with conspiracy to commit a felony, including the acceleration of death, and failing to rescue Timileyin from the aggrieved students. 

    This neglect is punishable under Section 311 and Section 319 of the Criminal Code.

    Reacting to the court’s decision, a renowned activist from the Warri Kingdom in Delta State, known as ‘Lord Of Warri,’ expressed his satisfaction on social media. 

    According to him, “Today, June 5, 2024, a total of 25 students were arraigned in court in connection with the tragic murder of Prince Alex Timileyin, a son of the Warri Kingdom and a student at Ajayi Crowther University, Oyo.

    “ The court has remanded them in prison until July 8th, pending trial. 

    “We appreciate the efforts of the Oyo State Government and the Oyo State Police Command in pursuing justice and ensuring that the perpetrators are held accountable.

    “ We await the trial and expect that justice will be served in its entirety,” he said.

  • Reps berate organised labour for disseminating fake lawmakers’ pay

    The Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) and the Trade Union Congress (TUC) have come under fire from the House of Representatives for misleading the public about what it called the “fake earnings” of its members.

    It claimed that an effort was undertaken to damage the lawmakers’ reputation and incite public animosity towards the legislators.

    It demanded that those responsible for undermining the country’s economy be held accountable, citing concerns that such actions may increase public dissatisfaction with politicians and damage the Assembly’s reputation.

    This was announced by the House on Tuesday in a statement that was signed by Akin Rotimi, the House of Reps’ spokesman.

    The statement read: “The House of Representatives acknowledges the recent industrial action undertaken by the NLC and the TUC due to the breakdown in negotiations for a new national minimum wage.

    “The People’s House is pleased to note that the strike action has been suspended for one week to allow for further negotiation.

    “During this period, as we have previously demonstrated, the People’s House remains responsive and committed to actively engaging all stakeholders to resolve the issues in the best interest of Nigerians.

    “House Speaker Abbas Tajudeen has consistently advocated a living wage and better working conditions for workers.

    “At various fora, he has emphasised the importance of addressing key national priorities, including the state of the economy and insecurity, through legislative action.

    “While the Green Chamber is in full support of the call for improved wages and working conditions, there is a great need to exercise caution in increasing the minimum wage beyond what our economy can sustain to avoid unintended outcomes such as inflation, layoffs, and other adverse economic consequences.

    “Thus, we restate the importance of approaching this issue from a balanced perspective to ensure long-term stability and prosperity for all.

    “In the same vein, we observed with concern the direction of the strike action before its suspension and what it portends for the future.”

    The House also denounced the national grid and airport shutdowns that occurred during the joint unions’ mandatory strike.

    “Importantly, the shutdown of critical infrastructure, such as the national grid, constitutes economic sabotage and is detrimental to the well-being of our country. Those responsible for these actions must be held accountable.

    “We also find it troubling that the leadership of Organised Labour, the majority of who live far above the means of the average Nigerian, would engage in actions that exacerbate the suffering of ordinary citizens.

    “It is necessary, therefore, to state that while industrial actions and dissent are fundamental rights within our democratic space that must be protected, the manner in which Labour conducted itself during the just-suspended strike largely shows a lack of empathy for Nigerians.

    “Is the objective of the leadership of the unions to compel the government to implement a living wage or to inflict pain on Nigerians?”

    “Additionally, it is important to address persistent misinformation and disinformation propagated by organised Labour leadership regarding the earnings of lawmakers.

    “This is especially because organised Labour has, for years, contributed to false narratives about the remuneration of members of the National Assembly, exaggerating figures to stoke public resentment and undermine the credibility of the Legislature.

    “This tactic diverts attention from the core issues at stake and unfairly vilifies the institution of parliament. It is crucial for all parties to engage in an honest and transparent dialogue rather than resorting to the spread of inaccuracies for political leverage.

    “Contrary to the insinuations of the Labour leadership through its social media platforms, the Legislature is on the side of Nigerians and will continue to act in the best interest of our constituents – giving meaning to their mandate.

  • IGP Egbetokun Appoints AIG Longe as First Female Force Secretary

    The Inspector-General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun, has appointed Assistant Inspector General of Police, AIG Yetunde Longe, as the first female Force Secretary of the Nigeria Police Force (NPF).

    The Force Public Relations Officer, ACP Olumuyiwa Adejobi, in a statement on Wednesday, announced that the appointment was in alignment  with the vision of promoting gender inclusivity and equality within the Police Force.

    Adejobi noted that Longe, has a wealth of experience and expertise which she was bringing into her new role, having demonstrated exceptional dedication and competence in her career journey .

    “She holds a Bachelor’s Degree in Forensic Toxicology, which has significantly contributed to her proficiency in crime management and investigation. Her professional development is further enriched by her participation in advanced courses such as the Advanced Detective Course and Intermediate Command Course at Police Staff College Jos, and the Protection of Civilians course in Italy,” Adejobi stated.

    “Since her appointment as Cadet ASP on March 3, 1990, AIG Longe has held several key positions, including Administrative Officer, Crime Officer, Commandant in  Lagos, Assistant Commissioner of Police in charge of Corporate Investment at the NPF Cooperative; Area Commander in Lagos, Deputy Commissioner of Police at the State Criminal Investigation Department (SCID) in both Bauchi and Lagos States, and DCP Admin at Zone 2,  Lagos,” Adejobi noted.

    “The Inspector-General Egbetokun emphasised that the inclusion of women in strategic roles is crucial for the comprehensive development and effectiveness of the police force. “The Inspector General of Police reiterates that gender sensitivity in police appointments and operations remains a non-negotiable principle as his administration is poised to promote gender equality and empower female officers to attain leadership positions within the Force,” he noted.

    Egbetokun assured that the Force will continue to foster an inclusive environment where merit and capability would remain the primary criteria for advancement, irrespective of gender. “The inclusion of women in strategic roles is crucial for the comprehensive development and effectiveness of the Police Force,” he stated.

    AIG Yetunde Longe

  • OGUN PERM SEC URGES 100 INDIGENES ON UTILISING ITF-NERGP TRAINING FOR IMPROVED ECONOMIC STATUS

    No fewer than 100 indigenes of Ogun State who were trained and empowered with start-up packs through the Industrial Training Fund (ITF)-National Economic Recovery Growth Programme (NERGP) have been urged to make good use of the opportunity to improve their economic status, impact lives and contribute to the growth of the nation’s economy.

    The ITF-NERGP is a training and empowerment programme implemented by the Federal Ministry of National Budget and Economic Planning in collaboration with the ITF, which has trained 4,000 Nigerian youths on different vocations including, crop production, welding and metal fabrication, electrical installation and maintenance, carpentry (furniture making) and tilling.

    The Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Industry, Trade and Investment, Dr. Olu. Ola. Aikulola made the appeal during the closing ceremony and distribution of start-up packs to the beneficiaries of the programme held at the ITF, Abeokuta Area Office in Abeokuta, the State capital.

    Aikulola said the skills acquired during the programme were not just trades but empowerment which would enable the beneficiaries contribute meaningfully to the economy, reduce unemployment and curb idleness, adding that, trainings like the ITF-NERGP training serve as panacea for socio-economic challenges faced by the youths.

    He urged the participants not to sell the startup packs that have been given to them to start their businesses stating that, effective utilisation of the equipment can result in exponential income in the long run.

    “I am particularly proud of the 100 beneficiaries from Ogun State for your dedication and commitment throughout this training programme. As you step out today, you do so not just with a certificate but with the confidence and skills to build a sustainable livelihood and by extension, contribute to the development of our great State and nation,” Aikulola stated.

    The Permanent Secretary who recounted his past experience of working as a barber, photographer and Printer during his motivational speech, urged the participants not to feel inferior to others adding that the acquired skills if well harnessed could help make them wealthy.

    Aikulola who reiterated the Ogun State government’s commitment to supporting and creating enabling environment for skills acquisition and entrepreneurship lauded the ITF and the Federal Ministry of National Budget and Planning for organising the programme.

    In her address, the Area Manager, ITF Abeokuta Area Office, Mrs. Bolanle Ajibade said the ITF-NERGP is a three-month programme which exposes participants to two months of practical training and one month of internship advising the 100 Ogun State indigenes who benefitted from the programme to use the knowledge gained to contribute positively to the development of the country’s economy.

    Ajibade while giving account of different programmes that have been organised at the Abeokuta Office since its creation in 1990 disclosed that, another window of opportunity called the Skill-Up Programme for Artisans (SUPA) is currently open for artisans adding that those interested can register for the programme via http://www.supa.itf.gov.ng.

    The Area Manager noted that the SUPA which is an initiative of the ITF in collaboration with the Federal Government is aimed at upskilling, licensing, certifying and empowering ten million artisans across the country.

    Speaking in separate interviews, a sexagenarian, Mr. Olufemi Idowu-Onasile and a Creative designer, Mrs. Ruqqayat Dairo, who both benefited from the programme said the training has been a source of empowerment through which they have been earning income adding that, Nigerians irrespective of age or academic qualifications need to leverage different ITF programmes to contribute to the growth of Nigeria’s Gross Domestic Product (GDP).

  • Abiodun Lauds Police  Security Efforts in Ogun

    Ogun State Governor, Prince Dapo Abiodun has commended the Nigeria Police Force for its efforts at securing lives and properties in the state.

    Abiodun gave the commendation on Tuesday when he received the Deputy Inspector General of Police (DIG) in charge of the South-West region, Mr. Abiodun Alabi, who was in his office on a courtesy call.

    He said police personnel in the state have been up and doing in the discharge of their constitutional roles in collaboration with other sister agencies.

    “We have enjoyed the cooperation of the police. Their collaboration with other security agencies like the Army, the Department of State Services (DSS), the Nigerian Security and Civil Defence Corp (NSCDC) and of course our Amotekun has led to the peaceful atmosphere that we enjoy and this has also encouraged investors to come and do business in our state,”Abiodun said.

    The Governor also lauded the collaborative efforts of the Ogun, Oyo and Lagos state commands in tackling criminal activities, particularly on the Lagos-Ibadan Expressway, stating that this has brought down the rate of criminality in that corridor.

    He applauded DIG Alabi for touring the region to see how his men were faring and how they relate with the people. He commended the Inspector General of Police for his support and the Commissioner of Police for doing a wonderful job in the State.

    Speaking earlier, DIG Alabi said there was the need for interface with relevant stakeholders to ensure effective community policing in the country, adding that his visit was in line with the directive of the IGP for the six DIGs to tour their regions to assess security situation and come up with strategies to deal with such.

    He thanked Governor Abiodun for always supporting the force, even as he pledged the readiness of his men to up their game and provide the State with the needed security.

    While fielding questions from newsmen after meeting the governor, DIG Alabi said that though there are pockets of kidnapping and cultism and other related crimes, the Southwest was relatively peaceful when compared to other regions.

    “There is no society that is crime free, as you all know. Crime is a galloping phenomenon. Today, it can be brought down to almost zero level. Tomorrow, there is that tendency for it to be up again. It is now left for us to go back to the drawing board and re-strategize and emplaced strategic policing plan to deal with it decisively,” he said.

    He added that his team has taken notice of the areas crimes are prevalent, assuring that his men would work towards providing security in all parts of the southwest region.

    DIG Alabi maintained that Ogun State, despite being the industrial capital of the country, remained one of the most peaceful, assuring the people that more security measures would be put in place to sustain the peaceful atmosphere.

  • Gov Abiodun Appoints Three Aviation Consultants For Take-off of Gateway International Airport

    The Ogun State Governor, Prince Dapo Abiodun, has appointed three consultants to man the aviation sector in the state.

    This was contained in a statement on Tuesday, signed by the Secretary to the Ogun State Government (SSG), Mr. Tokunbo Talabi.

    The appointment is in readiness for the take-off of the iconic Gateway International Agro-Cargo Airport.

    According to the statement, the experts appointed to take responsibility for specific areas in the fast developing aviation sector in the State are Capt Dapo Olumide – Consultant on Airport Management; Engr. Benedict Adeyileka – Consultant on Regulatory Matters (Aviation) and Engr Mohammed Odunowo – Consultant on Aviation.

    “Please note that the above appointments by His Excellency were based on the relevant and cognitive expertise and experience of the appointees in national and international aviation sector,” the statement added.

  • Organised Labour Suspends Strike Action For One Week  

    The Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) and the Trade Union Congress (TUC) have suspended their industrial action for one week. 

    The strike, which was called due to disagreements over a new minimum wage and a recent hike in electricity tariffs, has been put on hold for one week. 

    This decision was announced by the President of TUC, Festus Osifo on Tuesday after an extraordinary joint National Executive Council (NEC) meeting held by both unions in Abuja.

    “A joint NEC meeting of TUC/NLC has approved to relax the industrial action for one week with immediate effect,” Osifo informed Channels Television.

    He further said that an official communique detailing the decision and its implications would be issued soon.

    The strike, which began on Monday, aimed to express the unions’ dissatisfaction with the government’s handling of the new minimum wage negotiations and the abrupt increase in electricity tariffs. 

    The industrial action led to a near-complete shutdown of critical sectors across the nation, including schools, businesses, hospitals, and airports, thereby  creating a widespread disruption. 

    In addition, the national grid was shut down, plunging the nation  into utter darkness and worsening the situation for millions of Nigerians.

    The unions’ decision to halt the strike for a week suggests a potential window for dialogue and resolution. 

    The government and other stakeholders are expected to utilize this period to address the pressing issues raised by the unions. 

    The suspension provides a temporary relief to citizens and businesses who were grappling with the consequences of the strike.

    As the unions and the government head back to the negotiation table, there is cautious optimism that a more sustainable solution will be reached. 

    The outcome of these discussions will be closely monitored by all parties involved, including the general public, who are directly impacted by the outcome.

    The NLC and TUC have made it clear that their grievances are rooted in the need for a fair and livable minimum wage and a more reasonable approach to utility tariffs. 

    The unions argue that the current economic conditions have made it increasingly difficult for workers to maintain a decent standard of living, hence their firm stance on these issues.

    The temporary suspension of the strike marks a critical juncture in the ongoing negotiations. It remains to be seen whether the government can address the concerns of the unions adequately within this one-week window or if further industrial actions will be necessary.

  • Tinubu ready to pay above ₦60,000- FG

    The Federal Government has announced the commitment of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to achieving a national minimum wage that is above N60,000.

    This was one of the resolutions at a meeting between the Federal Government and the organised Labour on Monday by the Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF), George Akume, in Abuja. 

    The meeting followed a nationwide industrial strike called by the Labour, led by the Nigerian Labour Congress (NLC) and the Trade Union Congress (TUC) over national minimum wage disagreements.

     

    Reading out the outcome of the long-drawn meeting, Akume announced that to arrive at a mutually agreeable national minimum wage, the Tripartite Committee on National Minimum Wage would resume negotiations from Tuesday. 

    He also affirmed that no worker would be victimised as a result of the industrial action.

    “The Federal Government, in the National interest, convened a meeting with Labour held in the office of the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, on Monday 3rd June, with a view to ending the strike action.

    “After exhaustive deliberation and engagement by both parties, the following resolutions were reached:

    “The President, Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces, Federal Republic of Nigeria is committed to a National Minimum Wage that is higher than N60,000;

    “Arising from the above, the Tripartite Committee is to meet everyday for the next one week with a view to arriving at an agreeable National Minimum Wage;

    “Labour in deference to the high esteem of the President, Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces, Federal Republic of Nigeria’s commitment in (ii) above undertakes to convene ameeting of its organs immediately to consider this commitment; and

    “No worker would be victimized as a result of the industrial action,’ the agreement read.

    The agreement was signed by the Minister of Information and National Orientation, Muhammed Idris and the Minister of State for Labour and

    and Employment, Hon. Nkeiruka Onyejeocha, on behalf of the federal government. 

    For the Organised Labour, President of the NLC, Joe Ajaero, and the President of the TUC, Festus Osifo, signed. 

    The Organised Labour would be meeting with its affiliate members on Tuesday to deliberate on the next line of action. 

  • Real Madrid sign Mbappé for five years

    Real Madrid, on Monday, announced the signing of French superstar, Kylian Mbappé.

    The Spanish giants and the 25-year-old forward have reached an agreement that will see him wearing the iconic white jersey for the next five seasons.

    The official statement from Real Madrid read, “Official statement. 03/06/2024 Real Madrid C.F. and Kylian Mbappé have reached an agreement whereby he will be a Real Madrid player for the next five seasons.”

    According to reports from Le Parisien, a Spanish media outlet, Mbappé, widely regarded as one of the best finishers in the world, will initially wear the number 9 shirt at Real Madrid.

    However, the report further revealed, “Kylian Mbappé will wear the number 9 shirt during his first season with Real Madrid. He will then recover the number 10 shirt from Luka Modrić when the Croatian leaves in 2025.”

    Earlier, Mbappé removed his former club, Paris Saint-Germain, from his bio on Instagram, confirming his departure from the team.