Fuel price hike: Gov Makinde announces N10,000 transport support for workers

The governor of Oyo state, Seyi Makinde, has approved a N10,000 transportation allowance as a palliative for the state workforce to cushion the effects of the increase in the pump price of Premium Motor Spirit, otherwise known as petrol. 

The Chairman of the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC), Oyo State chapter, Kayode Martins, in a statement released on Monday, March 23, disclosed that the governor has granted the request of the union on the issue of transportation allowance. 

The statement read “Following the intervention and formal request made by the State Council of the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) earlier this morning, the state government has approved a N10,000 transportation allowance for all workers in the state.

The newly approved allowance is set to take effect from April 2026, providing much-needed relief to workers grappling with rising transportation costs amid current economic challenges. 

This development comes as a direct response to sustained advocacy by the state NLC, aimed at cushioning the impact of increased living expenses on the workforce. 

Further details on implementation are expected to be communicated by the relevant government authorities in due course.”

Gov. Seyi Makinde Sets Up Committee to Screen PDP Governorship Aspirants in Oyo

The Oyo State Governor, Engr. Seyi Makinde, has constituted a high-level committee to screen aspirants seeking the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) governorship ticket ahead of the next election cycle.

The committee is chaired by Chief Bolaji Ayorinde, who also doubles as the Chairman of the Governor’s Advisory Council.

The panel comprises members drawn from both the PDP Elders Council and the Governor’s Advisory Council, signalling what party insiders describe as a thorough and consultative screening process.

It was gathered that the committee commenced its assignment on Saturday, with some aspirants appearing before it for assessment.

Among those reportedly screened were Hon Adedeji Olajide, Dr. Nureni Aderemi Adeniran, Bimbo Adekanmbi, and Debo Ogundoyin.

Party sources indicated that the exercise is aimed at evaluating the credentials, experience, and acceptability of the aspirants as PDP prepares to present a strong candidate for the governorship race.

The process is also expected to help foster internal consensus within the party.

The screening exercise is scheduled to continue into next week, with more aspirants expected to appear before the committee.

Ondo: Police arrest 21 year-old man for raping, killing elderly woman

The Police Command in Ondo State says it arrested a 21-year-old suspect, Alabi Anthony, in connection with raping and killing an elderly woman, one Olaseni Veronica ‘f’ in Iboropa Akoko Area.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) gathered that the incident happened on Friday at Iboropa Akoko in Akoko North East Local Government Area of the state, while the victim’s age was not disclosed.

DSP Abayomi Jimoh, the command’s spokesperson, said this in a statement made available to newsmen on Sunday in Akure.

“Following credible intelligence, detectives promptly launched an investigation which led to the tracking of the deceased’s missing phone and the subsequent arrest of the suspect.

“The suspect has confessed to the crime and admitted to having carnal knowledge of the victim and thereafter strangling her to death.

“The command condemns this heinous and inhumane act and assures the public that justice will be diligently pursued.

“The case has been transferred to the headquarters in Akure for further discreet investigation and prosecution.

“The state Commissioner of Police (CP) urges the public to promptly report suspicious incidents and avoid hasty conclusions in cases of sudden or unnatural deaths, as timely reporting greatly aids effective investigation,” he said. 

Over 150 suspected terrorists drown in Sokoto

At least 150 suspected terrorists at the weekend reportedly drowned after their boat capsized in the Sabon Gida area of Sokoto State.

Counter-terrorism expert, Zagazola Makama, revealed this on his verified X account yesterday.

According to him, the incident occurred on Saturday evening when a boat carrying the bandits was crossing a river.

He said the passengers, all armed, were thrown into the river, adding that preliminary reports indicated that many of them could not swim

Makama said information he received showed that none of the criminals survived the accident.

At the time of this report, there was no official comment from the security services or relevant government agencies.

Obi, Makinde, others visit Kwankwaso for Eid celebration in Kano

The Labour Party Presidential Candidate in the 2023 general elections, Peter Obi, on Sunday visited Rabiu Musa-Kwankwaso, former presidential candidate of the New Nigeria Peoples Party (NNPP), to felicitate on the occasion of Eid-el-Fitr.

Speaking during the visit, Obi said his visit was not political but to celebrate Sallah with the people and show solidarity.

“I am here to felicitate with you on the occasion of Sallah and to pay my respects to our leader,” he said.

He expressed optimism about the future of Kano, noting the need to restore its economic strength.

“We want to change Kano. We want to build a new Kano. What we want to do is ensure that we bring back the economic power of Kano,” he said.

Obi prayed for peace and blessings upon the people, urging continued unity and progress.

In his remarks, Kwankwaso said he was delighted to host Obi and other dignitaries at his residence during the Sallah celebration.

He said the visit reflected unity and goodwill among leaders across the country.

NAN reports that among those present were the Governor of Oyo State, Seyi Makinde, and a former Governor of Bayelsa State, Seriake Dickson, among other dignitaries.

NAN also reports that the event witnessed an unprecedented turnout of Kwankwaso’s loyalists, who trooped out to give a rousing welcome to the visiting distinguished personalities.