Hello and welcome! In today’s trending news stories;
1. The Federal Government of Nigeria and organized labor are set to resume negotiations on the national minimum wage today Tuesday. The Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) and the Trade Union Congress (TUC) have emphasized the need to finalize negotiations by May 31, as decided in their Monday meeting. Previously, labor leaders had walked out of discussions due to dissatisfaction with the government’s offer of N48,000, which was significantly lower than their demand of N615,000. The Organized Private Sector had proposed N54,000. NLC President Joe Ajaero criticized the government’s proposal as insufficient, highlighting the disparity between the suggested minimum wage and the actual needs of Nigerian families. The labor unions have issued an ultimatum, threatening industrial action if their demands are not met by the end of May.
2. Prince Ajibola Afonja, a former Minister of Labour and Productivity under Chief Ernest Shonekan’s Interim National Government, has died at 82. Afonja, also a former Chairman of First Bank, sustained injuries in a car accident and passed away at the University College Hospital in Ibadan. He was also a senatorial candidate for the ANPP in Oyo Central. Afonja’s death was confirmed by Taiwo Adebayo, Chairman of the Oyo Global Forum, who praised him as a community leader and industrialist. President Bola Tinubu and other notable figures, including Secretary to the Government of the Federation Senator George Akume, extended their condolences, highlighting Afonja’s contributions to Nigeria’s financial sector and his philanthropic efforts. Afonja was known for his work with the E-Customs project and his impact on the Oyo community.
3. Nnamdi Kanu, leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), called the federal government’s lawyer a “terrorist” after his bail plea was denied by the Federal High Court in Abuja. Kanu, detained on charges of treasonable felony, had requested bail or transfer from DSS custody to prison or house arrest, but Judge Binta Nyako rejected the plea, instructing Kanu to appeal instead. Nyako also ordered the DSS to provide Kanu access to his lawyers and medical care. Kanu accused the government of constitutional violations and argued that his trial should not proceed without addressing his prior disappearance. He claimed the trial contravened Nigerian law and international treaties, labeling the prosecution as terrorists. Prosecution counsel Gboyega Awomolo remained calm, dismissing Kanu’s accusations as emotional outbursts. Judge Nyako advised that Kanu’s only option was to appeal, highlighting that he had previously jumped bail. The court adjourned until June 19 and 20 for the continuation of the case.
4. The cost of living for rural Nigerians has significantly increased, as highlighted by the National Bureau of Statistics (NBS). The Rural Consumer Price Index (CPI) for food has nearly doubled over the past three years, with a 99.22% increase from April 2021 to April 2024. The data shows a persistent rise in the Rural CPI for food, starting from 419.7 in March 2021 to 423.7 in April 2021. By March 2022, it rose to 488.4 and further to 497.9 in April 2022, marking a 17.50% year-on-year (Y-O-Y) increase and a 1.94% month-on-month (M-O-M) rise. The trend continued in 2023 with the CPI at 601.4 in March and 613.2 in April, reflecting a 23.17% Y-O-Y and a 1.97% M-O-M increase. In 2024, the CPI surged to 827.4 in March and peaked at 844.2 in April, showing a substantial 37.66% Y-O-Y increase and a 2.02% M-O-M rise.
5. Air Peace, Nigeria’s flag carrier, refuted claims by the UK Civil Aviation Authority (UK CAA) that it violated safety regulations. The UKCAA had reported safety concerns after a ramp inspection in London, specifically about the use of the Electronic Flight Bag (EFB) without operational approval, and other issues like lack of mounting devices and charging points. Air Peace responded, stating these claims were false and aimed at causing unwarranted fear. The airline clarified that the Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) had approved their EFB use and that their Boeing 777 aircraft are equipped with necessary mounts and charging ports. They also addressed minor concerns regarding manual storage locations and a captain’s runway exit choice, which they have since rectified. Air Peace emphasized their commitment to safety and criticized media reports for exaggerating the situation.
6. Bologna seemed ready to secure third place in Serie A but collapsed late in the game, turning a 3-0 lead into a 3-3 draw against Juventus. Young center-back Riccardo Calafiori scored twice, with Santiago Castro adding another, putting Bologna in control. However, a defensive lapse in the 76th minute allowed Juventus to mount a comeback, with goals from Federico Chiesa, Arkadiusz Milik, and Kenan Yildiz. The draw keeps Juventus in contention for third place, trailing Bologna on goal difference with one game remaining. Bologna will face Genoa, while Juventus will play Monza in their final matches. Despite the late collapse, Thiago Motta’s Bologna showcased their strong season, though Motta’s late substitutions were costly. Riccardo Calafiori was the standout player, establishing his place as a top center-back in the league.
7. British-born Ghanaian artist Joseph Awuah-Darko has accused renowned painter Kehinde Wiley of sexually assaulting him twice in June 2021. Awuah-Darko detailed the allegations in an Instagram post, stating that the incidents occurred during a dinner in Ghana at the Noldor Artist Residency, which he founded. Wiley allegedly groped Awuah-Darko and later forced himself onto him in a more violent encounter. Wiley responded claiming the relationship was brief and consensual, and stated he is working to clear his name. Wiley’s attorneys have reportedly sent a cease-and-desist letter to Awuah-Darko, though he denies receiving it.
