New Zealand’s minimum wage increases to $14 per hour
New Zealand’s adult minimum wage rate will increase by 2 per cent to 23.15 NZ (New Zealand) dollars, (14.12 US dollars) an hour from April 1. “The government has taken a cautious approach to the minimum wage this year as the economic context has changed significantly over the past year,” Van Velden said. However, as a ratio to the median wage, the minimum wage has increased from 62 per cent of the median wage in June 2017 to 72 per cent in June 2023. However, the opposition Labor Party criticised the minimum wage increase as “tiny.”The minister stated that the increase has taken into consideration the current economic conditions and the historically large increases to the minimum wage that have distorted relativities with other wage earners. However, training wages and starting wages will remain at 80 per cent of the adult minimum wage rate.
Source:Nigerian Tribune
February 01, 2024 10:35 UTC
Delta gov orders suspended commissioner’s probe
The Delta State Governor, Sheriff Oborevwori, has ordered the immediate suspension of the Commissioner for Agriculture and Natural Resources, Omoun Perez, over allegations of infractions in the implementation of a Greenhouse project by the ministry. He also raised a seven-man panel to conduct a probe in the allegations. Omoun Perekebena Perez, Hon. Commissioner for Agriculture and Natural Resources, while Messrs Bennett Ezon-Abode Agamah, Permanent Secretary; Engr. “The government’s action is in no way a presumption of guilt but rather a necessary measure to uphold the sanctity of the investigative processes already instituted which is to ensure that the investigation is conducted without any potential for undue influence or bias,” the statement said.
Source:Punch
February 01, 2024 09:04 UTC
Stakeholders seek collaboration to tackle disaster
Key players in disaster risk reduction and climate change have emphasised the need for collaboration to address the issues presented by climate change and other natural disasters. At a workshop on disaster risk reduction monitoring and reporting framework for stakeholders in Nigeria, the Head of the National Emergency Management Agency, Mustapha Ahmed, emphasised the importance of keeping track of and reporting on disaster risk management efforts based on the UN Sendai Framework Monitor. “As stewards of disaster risk reduction and the Sendai Framework, we hold a deep and time-sensitive responsibility. Anosike said, “Disasters pose significant challenges to our nation, and enhanced coordination between disaster risk reduction and climate change adaptation is necessary for better understanding and communication of cost-benefit analysis. Through partnerships and collaboration, we can strengthen Nigeria’s resilience and effectively mitigate disaster impacts.”He also emphasised the crucial role of NiMet in providing accurate and timely weather information, forecasting, and climate services.
Source:Punch
February 01, 2024 07:05 UTC
Bendy silicon solar cells pack a powerful punch
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Source:Punch
February 01, 2024 04:32 UTC
JAMB under Oloyede made N50bn for FG in one year — Shettima
Vice President Kashim Shettima has revealed that Prof Ishaq Oloyede is the first Registrar of the Joint Admission and Matriculation Board to have made over N50bn for the Federal Government within a year. The Vice President, who represented President Bola Tinubu, disclosed this on Wednesday while speaking during a public engagement organised by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission. While speaking on the issue of corruption in the public sector, the Vice President noted that JAMB had never made up to $1m for the Federal Government before Oloyede assumed office. Shettima said, “One person I always respect is Prof Ishaq Oloyede. Oloyede was appointed the registrar and Chief Executive of JAMB by former president, Muhammadu Buhari in 2016.
Source:Punch
February 01, 2024 02:37 UTC
Adebayo ecstatic after historic Luton hat-trick
Adebayo has been in impressive form for the Hatters this season and now has eight goals in 21 EPL appearances. “Through my whole career, you dream of nights like this when playing non-league,” he told BBC Sport. “For many of us who have been on such a journey, we thrive and wish for nights like this. I couldn’t be happier for the group of lads that are in there, who have been on an incredible journey. Another fan Ifeoluwa Bamidele also tipped him to still play for Nigeria, “Straight into the Super Eagles team,” he wrote.
Source:Punch
February 01, 2024 00:11 UTC
UPDATED: Supreme Court upholds Fintiri's election
The Independent National Electoral Commission had declared Fintiri the winner of the March 18 governorship election and the supplementary election held on April 16, 2023. However, the Adamawa Resident Electoral Commission, Hudu Ari had declared Binani as the winner of the poll before the conclusion of the election. The police subsequently arrested Ari over his conduct during the governorship election in Adamawa and granted him bail. The duo of Binani and Ardo took their appeals further to the apex court, urging the court to sack Fintiri. The Supreme Court had on January 10 dismissed the appeal by Ardo for want of merit.
Source:Punch
January 31, 2024 22:58 UTC
JUST IN: Supreme Court dismisses Binani’s suit challenging Fintiri’s election
The Apex Court, in a unanimous judgment delivered by Justice John Inyang Okoro held that Binani’s appeal was devoid of merit and consequently dismissed it. The senior lawyer said the Resident Electoral Commissioner (REC) who pronounced Binani as winner of the March 18, 2023 Governorship election had powers under the Electoral Act to do what he did. Specifically, Olujinmi insisted that as a Staff of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) the REC cannot be faulted for making declaration in the election he superintendent over. Among others, Dodo submitted that the Resident Electoral Commissioner lacked power to make declaration on election adding that the only person vested with power to do so is the Returning Officer. He explained that the Resident Electoral Commissioner who made the unlawful declaration refused to show up at the Adamawa State Governorship Election Petitions Tribunal to give evidence and justify his actions.
Source:Nigerian Tribune
January 31, 2024 21:40 UTC
Tekken 8 review – 3D fighter packs more punch than ever
It’s been almost 30 years since the original Tekken burst into arcades to face off against Sega’s Virtua Fighter and kickstart a decade-long battle for fighting supremacy. Unlike 2D fighting games such as Street Fighter, characters can circle each other rather than just moving on a 2D plane, adding a sense of depth. There’s a chat system, and there are places to customise your character or indulge in lighthearted games of Tekken Ball, the game’s answer to volleyball. Tekken used to be dismissed as a showy poser by Street Fighter and Virtua Fighter veterans, its combos seen as over-automated and inexpressive. But later Tekken titles have added subtle layers of complexity, and now Tekken 8 wants everyone to see how that works.
Source:Punch
January 31, 2024 20:58 UTC
Cybercrime: AI experimentation in the dark web —Study
KASPERSKY’s Digital Footprint Intelligence service have found nearly 3,000 dark web posts mainly discussing use of ChatGPT and other LLMs for illegal activities. Stolen ChatGPT accounts and services offering their automated creation en masse are also flooding dark web channels, reaching another 3,000 posts. These language models are marketed on the dark web as alternatives to ChatGPT, boasting additional functionality and the absence of original limitations. In 2023, another 3,000 posts (in addition to the previously mentioned ones) advertising ChatGPT accounts for sale were identified across the dark web and shadow Telegram channels. Notably, certain posts were repeatedly published across multiple dark web channels.
Source:Nigerian Tribune
January 31, 2024 19:25 UTC
IMF raises forecast for global growth in 2024 to 3.1%
The International Monetary Fund (IMF) on Tuesday said that it has improved its forecast for global economic growth in the coming year. According to the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN), the IMF forecast, however, raised its expectations to 3.1 percent from an earlier forecast of 2.9 percent in October and expects growth of 3.2 percent in 2025. The IMF increased its 2024 growth forecast for the United States from 1.5 percent in October to 2.1 percent. The IMF took a dimmer view of prospects for Germany, lowering its growth forecast for Europe’s largest economy to just 0.5 percent for 2024. The IMF had forecast 2024 growth of 0.9 percent in Germany back in October.
Source:Nigerian Tribune
January 31, 2024 13:53 UTC
Naira continues free fall on official window, trades N1482.57
The naira continued its free fall on the official Investor and Exporter window of the foreign exchange market, closing at N1482.57/$ on Tuesday. On Monday, FMDQ Securities Exchange, which calculates the exchange rate, revised the methodology used to set the rate. He said, “It is not possible to remain profitable with this exchange rate. I am not sure that the parallel rate is the ultimate rate. At some point, we may think about a fair naira rate that is probably between what we see in the parallel market and the official market.
Source:Punch
January 31, 2024 10:26 UTC
Stop kidnapping before Nigeria turns world laughing stock - Part 2 | The Guardian Nigeria News - Nigeria and World News
There is a need to check the influx of foreigners into Nigeria through the porous borders in the northern part of the country. It may be true that nationals of neighbouring countries, who enter and exit Nigeria freely, are part of the perpetrators of heinous crimes in the country. It is also worrisome that security agencies have not been able to successfully track ransom payments, leading to the arrest of kidnappers. Reports of high-level corruption, especially in the corridors of power, instigate youths to take into kidnapping and other criminal acts to make money quickly. The Nigeria Police, as presently constituted is a floundering behemoth that can scarcely respond well to mere propping with money.
Source:The Guardian
January 31, 2024 10:19 UTC
Niger drags power ministry, electricity companies to court over N136bn debt
The Niger State Government has dragged some electricity power companies to the Federal High Court, Minna. over N136 billion in ground rent spanning the period of 2013 to 2023. According to Ndayako, “We demand and ask for the ground rent, especially in respect of the Kainji and Shiroro dams, which have been outstanding and unpaid. “Basically, we have been briefed by the Niger State Internal Revenue Service to help the Niger State Government to recover the arrears of rent that is being owed by several companies doing business and making a profit in Niger State but are either yet to pay their ground rent or refusing to pay their ground rent. “We are here basically against Power Holding, the Niger Electricity Liability Company which took the assets of the former power Holding Company of Nigeria, as well as the Kainji Power Company and the Mainstream Company which operates the Kainji Company.
Source:Punch
January 31, 2024 05:21 UTC
Climate change and clean energy transition in Nigeria | The Guardian Nigeria News - Nigeria and World News
I write concerning a matter of utmost national importance and urgency: the impact of climate change on Nigeria and the need for immediate and comprehensive action. Climate change is a multifaceted threat that affects the economy, agriculture, water resources, health, and the overall well-being of our nation. First, the global climate system does not care if your country is a minor or major polluter. Scientific evidence proves that climate change is human-made and is not part of the natural cycle. We have never seen a climate change as severe as the global warming we are now bringing about.
Source:The Guardian
January 31, 2024 04:20 UTC