Hello and welcome! In today’s trending news stories;
1. Organized Labour has stated that President Bola Tinubu and the National Assembly will determine its next steps after recent deadlocked negotiations on a new national minimum wage. The tripartite committee on the minimum wage failed to reach an agreement due to significant differences between the offers from the government and the Organised Private Sector (OPS) versus those from organized labour unions. The government offered an increase to N62,000, while labour reduced their demand to N250,000. Some experts and analysts expressed concerns that this dispute, along with the return of fuel subsidies, complicates the economic recovery. They argue that increasing the minimum wage amidst inflation could worsen the situation rather than improve it. Meanwhile, the International Trade Union Confederation (ITUC) criticized the Senate President for describing the strike as economic sabotage, defending the strike as a legitimate response to economic hardships faced by workers. Prominent voices like Prof. Omowumi Iledare and Catholic priest Ejike Mbaka have weighed in, suggesting that other government officials should also receive the proposed minimum wage to understand the workers’ struggles. Mbaka warned that failure to address these issues could lead to severe social unrest.
2. The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) recently intercepted a shipment of 175,000 bottles of opioids imported from India, following a similar seizure of codeine-based syrup the previous week at the Port Harcourt Ports complex. Acting on intelligence, the agency requested full examinations of the shipments. On June 7, a joint operation by NDLEA, Customs, and other security agencies uncovered 875 cartons of codeine weighing 26,250 kg. Additionally, NDLEA officers intercepted illicit drugs concealed in parcels destined for the US and UK and made several arrests across Nigeria. These included the seizure of tramadol, diazepam, and cannabis in states like Kebbi, Gombe, Benue, Bauchi, Yobe, Oyo, Kogi, and Kaduna. NDLEA’s Chairman, Brig. Gen. Mohamed Buba Marwa (Retd.), praised the officers for their diligence and emphasized the agency’s ongoing drug reduction and awareness efforts.
3. Nigeria is nearing the final stage of selling five key power plants for $1.15 billion, with the winners of the bids soon to be announced. This sale is part of a broader strategy to improve the energy sector, enhance efficiency, and attract private investment to address chronic power shortages and support economic growth. Minister of Power Adebayo Adelabu stated that the bidding process is complete, and a report has been submitted to the National Council of Privatisation (NCP), chaired by Vice President Kashim Shettima. The final announcement of the preferred bidders will be made at the next NCP meeting. The power plants being sold include the 434MW Geregu II in Kogi, the 451MW Omotosho II in Ondo, the 750MW Olorunsogo II in Ogun, the 563MW Odukpami in Calabar, and the 451MW Benin-Ihovbor in Edo. The sale prices for these plants range from $85 million for Omotosho to $420 million for Benin-Ihovbor.
4. Super Eagles head coach, Finidi George, acknowledged that the Squirrels of Benin Republic will be confident heading into their match on Monday after their morale-boosting 1-0 win against Rwanda. This victory was Rwanda’s first in the 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifying series. In contrast, the Super Eagles are still looking for their first win after three consecutive draws. Finidi noted that the match at the Felix Houphouet Boigny Stadium in Abidjan will be challenging, with Benin in high spirits. The Super Eagles have arrived Abidjan, and are trained and prepared for the 5 p.m. kick-off.
5. The Badminton Federation of Nigeria hosted a special dinner in Lagos to honor Anuoluwapo Opeyori, the country’s top badminton player, as he prepares to train in Italy for the Paris 2024 Olympic Games. Opeyori, who has dominated African men’s singles badminton since 2019, recently secured a spot at the Paris Games, becoming the first Nigerian to qualify for two consecutive Olympics after competing in Tokyo 2020. Francis Orbih, President of the Badminton Federation, celebrated Opeyori’s achievement, noting it broke a significant jinx in Nigerian badminton. Opeyori’s preparation includes a three-week training camp in Italy, followed by participation in the Mauritius International and other championships, culminating in the Olympics. Habu Gumel, President of the Nigeria Olympic Committee, encouraged Opeyori to perform well in France.
6. The Nigeria Professional Football League match between Enugu Rangers and Enyimba ended abruptly due to fan violence. The disruption occurred when the referee awarded a penalty to Enugu Rangers in the 107th minute, causing irate fans to storm the pitch and throw objects. This match, held at Nnamdi Azikiwe Stadium, was crucial as a potential league title decider, with Rangers leading the table by two points over Enyimba. The incident led to a temporary walkout by Enyimba players, and despite efforts to resume, the situation escalated, forcing players and officials to seek cover. The game, which was televised live, concluded with a 0-0 draw.
7. Popular Nollywood actor Hanks Anuku has shared how a viral video from 2022, falsely portraying him as mentally unstable, deeply affected his career and personal life. The video showed him in tattered clothes, talking to himself, sparking widespread concern about his mental health. Nollywood actress Shan George quickly denied these claims, stating Anuku was not mentally unstable. In a recent interview with content creator Lucky Udu, Anuku clarified that the video was from a movie set where he was preparing for a role as a mentally unstable character. He emphasized that he was not on drugs or sick, but simply immersing himself in his role. The false rumors led to a loss of friends, job offers, and income, causing significant distress. Anuku expressed his heartbreak over the ordeal, explaining how it impacted his life and career.
