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Improving Minimum Wage: A Call For Holistic Change – Tajudeen

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By Tambaya Julius, Abuja

In the pursuit of equitable economic practices, the Speaker of the House of Representatives, Rt. Hon. Tajudeen Abbas, has vowed to champion a vital change.

This transformation aims to ensure Nigerians receive a substantial minimum wage that genuinely sustains them.

The commitment was articulated during a noteworthy event in Abuja, the National Policy Dialogue on Corruption, Social Norms, and Behavioral Shifts in Nigeria.

Addressing the gathering on behalf of Speaker Abbas, Hon. Busayo Oluwole-Oke, representing Obokun/Oriade Federal Constituency, articulated the Speaker’s earnest dedication to this noble cause.

It’s evident that a fair minimum wage holds the potential to alter the course of societal norms and reduce the inclination towards corruption.

The Speaker’s vow resonated within the corridors of power, highlighting the urgency of the ongoing review of the country’s minimum wage structure.

Abbas delved into the core of the issue, identifying a significant link between a survival wage and the prevalence of corruption.

A populace struggling to make ends meet is susceptible to engaging in corrupt practices.

He affirmed that the House of Representatives is committed to ensuring Nigerians receive a minimum wage that can truly sustain them, thereby reducing the temptation towards illicit activities.

Drawing insights from societies with minimal corruption rates, Abbas emphasized the importance of social safety nets in shielding citizens from dire economic circumstances.

The model suggested that Nigeria, with its inherent capabilities, can embrace similar measures.

He acknowledged the societal pressures faced by legislators, stemming from the high poverty rates in the country.

These pressures underscore the need for holistic change to uplift citizens and steer them away from corruption.

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While advocating a shift in societal norms is pivotal, Abbas affirmed the need to address the factors that give rise to undesirable behaviors.

He proposed behavior change interventions, encompassing diverse strategies like awareness campaigns, educational initiatives, and legal reforms.

By fostering ethical behavior and challenging existing norms, a more resilient anti-corruption environment can be established.

Abbas emphasized the indispensable role of governmental policies in combating corruption through behavior change.

He stressed the need for policies that advocate for living wages and bridge the gaps created by governance failures.

The vision of curbing corruption necessitates a comprehensive and multi-faceted approach, integrating social norms, awareness campaigns, strong institutions, ethical leadership, and effective legal measures.

Senator Godswill Akpabio, the President of the Senate, echoed the complexity of the corruption challenge.

He highlighted transparency, accountability, and strengthening legal frameworks as critical components of the fight against corruption.

Akpabio underlined the importance of comprehensive anti-corruption laws enforced by institutions like the ICPC.

Furthermore, he emphasized fostering a culture of ethics and integrity through education, media engagement, and the involvement of civil society organizations.

To win the war on corruption, Akpabio stressed the significance of promoting responsible business practices, enhancing financial transparency, and ensuring strict enforcement of anti-corruption protocols in both public and private sectors.

The path to a corruption-free society demands a concerted effort from all quarters government, institutions, civil society, and the media.

The collective pledge to improve minimum wage is a pivotal step towards curbing corruption in Nigeria said Akpabio.

Through a symbiotic blend of policy changes, ethical shifts, and comprehensive legal frameworks, the nation can pave the way for a brighter, more transparent future.

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Shocking Video: Bandits Conduct Eid Prayers In Kaduna Forest

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In a startling turn of events, a video has surfaced online showing a group of armed bandits conducting Eid prayers deep within the forests of Kaduna State, Nigeria.

The footage, which has sparked widespread alarm, was shared by counter-insurgency expert Zagazola Makama on his account on Tuesday, April 1, 2025.

According to reports, the armed groups gathered in at least two distinct locations Maidaro, Sabon Birni, and East Kaduna, within the Dogon Dawa Forest.

The bandits armed with a variety of sophisticated weapons. In addition to carrying automatic rifles, the bandits were seen equipped with drones and mobile phones, suggesting an alarming level of coordination and access to technology.

Security analysts, including Makama, have expressed deep concern over the implications of this gathering. Tagging both the Nigerian Army and the Defence Headquarters (DHQ) in his post, Makama emphasised the urgent need for strategic countermeasures against these criminal elements.

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APC Youth Group Counters Jaji’s Claims Against Matawalle

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The National Youth Vanguard of Nigeria’s ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) has rejected allegations made by Honourable Aminu Sani Jaji, who accused the Minister of State for Defence, Bello Muhammed Matawalle, of orchestrating claims of anti-party activities against him.

In a statement issued on Saturday, the group’s National Publicity Secretary, Dr Adeniyi Wale, described Jaji’s accusations as “baseless” and an attempt to distract from his own political manoeuvres.

“Jaji has long positioned himself as a loyal APC member and a unifying force within the party, but his actions suggest otherwise. His political moves appear more self-serving than focused on party unity,” Wale said.

The APC Vanguard emphasised that Nigerians deserve transparent and accountable leaders rather than those who, it said, manipulate public trust for personal gain. The group also questioned Jaji’s credibility, citing what it described as a pattern of inconsistency in his political engagements.

“The remarks made by Jaji not only lack substantiation but also raise concerns about his reliability and judgment,” the statement read. “Leadership is not merely about holding a position of power; it is about demonstrating qualities that inspire trust and confidence among the people.”

The group commended Minister Matawalle for his efforts in strengthening national security and promoting peace. It said his leadership had contributed significantly to fostering unity and improving community relations across the country.

“Minister Matawalle exemplifies the qualities of effective leadership. Under his stewardship, significant progress has been made in enhancing national security and community relations,” the statement said.

The APC Vanguard further criticised Jaji’s leadership approach, accusing him of lacking the foresight and responsibility required for credible governance.

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“This pattern of inconsistency not only weakens the integrity of his decisions but also erodes the confidence of party members and stakeholders who seek dependable representation,” Wale added.

The group reaffirmed its support for Matawalle and urged APC members to remain focused on unity and national progress while rejecting divisive rhetoric that could undermine the party’s strength.

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Two brothers Launch Sardaunan Ikulu Fans Foundation, Sponsor WAEC Registration For 50 vulnerable Students

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By Israel Bulus, Kaduna

In a significant effort to promote education, two brothers have launched the Sardaunan Ikulu Fans Foundation, sponsoring the West African Examinations Council (WAEC) registration for 50 vulnerable students in Kamaru Ikulu Ward, Zango-Kataf Local Government Area of Kaduna State.

Speaking at the launch on Tuesday, Yusuf Ismail Ashafa, popularly known as Sardaunan Ikulu, urged the beneficiaries to remain dedicated to their studies and strive for academic excellence. He assured them that the foundation would continue to support outstanding students by facilitating their admission into higher institutions.

Ashafa also called on parents to play an active role in motivating their children to focus on education, emphasizing that their success would contribute to a brighter future for the community.

Meanwhile, Ashafa, who played a crucial role in the emergence of Engr. Bege Gaiya Joseph as the Executive Chairman of Zango-Kataf Local Government Area, expressed deep appreciation for Joseph and his brother, Reuben Richman Bissla, for sponsoring the students’ WAEC registration in his honor.

He pledged to build on these efforts, ensuring continued support for students’ education as a means of fostering societal development.

In his remarks, the co-sponsor, Engr. Joseph Bege Gaiya, popularly known as Lordbeckson, disclosed that the initiative was aimed at improving the education of the most vulnerable students for the betterment of society.

“I am one of the beneficiaries of the goodwill of Sardaunan Ikulu. If he had wanted to become the Council Chairman, he would have been, but he decided to push me forward, and today I am the Council Chairman through his mentorship,” he stated.

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He urged the beneficiaries to consider themselves fortunate and to take full advantage of the opportunity by studying hard to achieve excellent results.

“With the establishment of the Federal University of Applied Sciences in Kachia, we must ensure that our students pursue science courses. We cannot afford to have a Federal University in our region and yet have our children unable to gain admission to study science-related fields,” he added.

The initiative has been widely commended as a timely intervention, helping underprivileged students overcome financial barriers to education.

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