General
LCCI Lauds FG’s Decision to Review Minimum Wage
By Adedapo Adesanya
The Lagos Chamber of Commerce and Industry (LCCI) has lauded the federal government’s commitment to implementing power projects and a new minimum wage.
In a statement in Lagos on Tuesday, signed by its Director-General, Mrs Chinyere Almona, the organisation also praised the government for its dedication to improving agriculture and the business environment.
The reactions came following President Bola Tinubu’s New Year Day broadcast on Monday where he assured Nigerians of his administration’s readiness to address critical issues affecting the country.
According to LCCI, FG’s commitment to power projects, including the Siemens Energy initiative and the effort to enhance the reliability of transmission lines, is a positive step toward addressing poor electricity supply.
It, however, said that the government would need to consider bringing private sector investment into the transmission segment of the power sector to ensure adequate technical and financial capacity.
“The focus on cultivating farmlands to grow staple crops and boost food security aligns with the need to ensure constant food supply, security and affordability for citizens.
“However, LCCI cautions that the productivity of the farmlands and the effectiveness of investments in food production are subject to adequate security measures.
“LCCI recommends that the government considers fast-tracking the movement of the police from the exclusive list to the concurrent list to be legislated upon by the federal and state governments.
“This will guarantee effective policing of the nooks and crannies of the society, including farmlands,” it said.
LCCI also said that the announcement of a new national living wage by the president was a positive step toward ensuring the well-being of workers and promoting inclusive economic growth.
It added that the dedication to creating a conducive business environment was commendable, adding that the call for collaboration with the private sector was in line with the chamber’s vision for a thriving business environment.
The chamber, however, noted that specific strategies to address the potential ripple effects of fuel subsidy removal on the cost of living were not mentioned in the broadcast.
It said that this gave room for concerns about the impact on the citizens.
The chamber also noted that, while efforts to address security challenges were mentioned in the broadcast, details on comprehensive security strategies were limited.
It added that the government’s commitment to building a fair and equitable society and addressing inequality was commendable, but specific policy measures to close the widening wealth gap were unclear.
“The LCCI appreciates the president’s efforts to address these critical issues facing the nation.
“However, the chamber urges the administration to provide more detailed plans and strategies to tackle inflation, under-employment, security challenges and social inequality, among other issues,” it said.
By Modupe Gbadeyanka
The Lagos State Commissioner for the Environment and Water Resources, Mr Tokunbo Wahab, has disclosed that the state government has not restricted the movement of people during the re-introduced monthly environmental sanitation exercise.
Responding to an enquiry by an X user, Faveo Autos, on Saturday, he said the exercise was not brought back to restrict the movement of residents, noting that arresting anyone during the sanitation was unlawful and not backed by law.
However, he encouraged Lagosians to use the period to keep their surroundings clean.
“What is the fine for movement during environmental [sanitation]?” Mr Wahab was asked by Faveo Autos today.
In his response, the Commissioner said, “For clarity, there is no restriction on movement during the monthly environmental sanitation exercise. Consequently, arresting anyone on the basis of movement during the exercise is unlawful and does not represent the position or policy of the Lagos State Government.
“The monthly environmental sanitation exercise was reintroduced primarily to restore and strengthen the culture of environmental cleanliness across the state.
“The initiative is backed by the Lagos State Environmental Management and Protection Law, 2017. However, the law does not provide for any restriction on movement during the exercise.
“Our focus is on encouraging Lagosians to embrace environmental sanitation as a civic responsibility and a shared commitment to maintaining a cleaner, healthier, and more sustainable Lagos, rather than relying on enforcement measures.”
Life is full of unexpected moments that test our patience, strength, and perspective. Everyone experiences setbacks, disappointments, and periods of uncertainty. While these moments can feel overwhelming, they also provide opportunities for personal growth and self-discovery.
One of the most valuable lessons we learn is that difficult situations rarely last forever. Time, reflection, and a willingness to adapt often help us move beyond even the toughest circumstances. Maintaining a positive outlook and focusing on practical solutions can make a significant difference.
Relationships also play an important role in overcoming hardships. Support from family, friends, or mentors reminds us that we are not alone. At the same time, learning to let go of anger and resentment can free us from emotional burdens that prevent us from moving forward.
The only way out of the labyrinth of suffering is to forgive. It is nothing to die. It is frightful not to live. Everything was beautiful and nothing hurt.
Personal growth is not about avoiding challenges but about responding to them with resilience and wisdom. Every experience, whether positive or negative, contributes to the person we become. By embracing change and practicing gratitude, we can create a more meaningful and fulfilling life.
In the end, moving forward requires courage, forgiveness, and hope. When we choose to focus on what we can control instead of dwelling on the past, we open ourselves to new opportunities and a brighter future.
By Modupe Gbadeyanka
The establishment of four new army divisions has been approved by President Bola Tinubu, bringing the total to 12.
In a statement on Thursday by the Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy, Mr Bayo Onanuga, it was stated that the President also authorised the recruitment of 28,000 additional personnel to strengthen national security.
The new divisions created include 5 Division, with the headquarters in Makurdi covering Benue, Nasarawa and Kogi States; 9 Division, with the headquarters in Ilorin covering Kwara and Niger States; 10 Division, with the headquarters in Jalingo covering Taraba and Adamawa States; and 83 Division, with the headquarters in Benin City covering Edo, Delta and Bayelsa States.
It was disclosed that the establishment of the new Divisions in Makurdi, Ilorin, Jalingo and Benin City will significantly improve command and control, decentralise operational decision-making, strengthen border security, enhance the protection of critical national infrastructure, improve counter-insurgency and internal security operations, and ensure faster military response to emerging threats nationwide.
Implementation of the new force structure will be done in two phases. The first phase, covering the establishment of the 5, 9, and 10 Divisions and the reorganisation of existing formations, will be completed by September 2026. The second phase, involving the establishment of the 83 Division and further reorganisation, is expected to be completed by December 2026.
The statement said the expansion of the Nigerian Army’s structure from eight to twelve divisions will improve the operational effectiveness of the security agency and strengthen national defence capabilities further.
Before now, the Nigerian Army operated 1 Division, with the headquarters in Kaduna covering Kaduna, Kano, Katsina and Jigawa States; 2 Division, with the headquarters in Ibadan covering Oyo, Osun, Ekiti and Ondo States; 3 Division, with the headquarters in Jos covering Plateau, Bauchi and Gombe States; 6 Division, with the headquarters in Port Harcourt covering Rivers, Akwa Ibom and Cross River States; 7 Division, with the headquarters in Maiduguri covering Borno and Yobe States; 8 Division, with the headquarters in Sokoto covering Sokoto, Kebbi and Zamfara States; 81 Division, with the headquarters in Lagos covering Lagos and Ogun States; and 82 Division, with the headquarters in Enugu covering Enugu, Anambra, Abia, Ebonyi and Imo States.
Mr Tinubu reaffirmed his administration’s determination to continue investing in the Armed Forces, ensuring they remain adequately equipped, highly motivated, and fully capable of protecting the nation and guaranteeing the safety and security of all Nigerians.
He lauded the Chief of Army Staff, Lieutenant General Waidi Ibrahim Shuaibu, and all officers and soldiers of the Nigerian Army for their dedication, professionalism, and steadfast commitment to defending Nigeria’s sovereignty and territorial integrity.
