Economy

FG Approves New Allowances for Civil Servants

By Web News 772

The Federal Government has approved a sweeping increase in peculiar allowances and other welfare benefits for civil servants, in a move aimed at improving take-home pay and boosting morale across the public service.

The announcement was made on Friday by the Head of the Civil Service of the Federation, Didi Walson-Jack, during a press briefing in Abuja, where she outlined key reforms endorsed by the Federal Executive Council.

According to Walson-Jack, the review affects workers under the Consolidated Public Service Salary Structure, CONPSS and the Consolidated Research and Allied Institutions Salary Structure, CONRAISS, ensuring a broad-based impact across all cadres.

She said the revised peculiar allowances have been structured to reflect across all grade levels, resulting in a meaningful increase in earnings for both junior and senior officers.

In addition, the government approved an upward review of several key allowances, including duty tour allowance, DTA, estacode, and book allowance. Walson-Jack noted that virtually all allowances listed under the Public Service Rules have now been revised.

A major highlight of the reform is the approval of 100 percent Duty Tour Allowance for civil servants attending approved training programmes, regardless of whether travel is involved.

“Even if you are based in Abuja and attend training within Abuja, you are entitled to full DTA,” she said.

Beyond salary-related adjustments, the government also introduced a new exit benefit scheme for retiring civil servants under the Contributory Pension Scheme. The scheme provides 100 percent of a retiree’s total annual emoluments as an exit package, in addition to their pension, effective January 1, 2026.

Walson-Jack described the move as a step toward ensuring dignity in retirement, stressing that no public servant should leave service without adequate financial support.

The government also confirmed the operationalisation of the Employee Compensation Scheme, designed to provide financial protection for workers who suffer job-related injuries or death.

The reforms come amid growing calls from labour unions for improved welfare, as rising living costs continue to put pressure on workers. Analysts say the combined measures could significantly enhance financial stability for civil servants and improve overall productivity in the public sector.

Punch/Adetutu Adetule

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Education

2026 UTME Begins April 16

By Web News 333

All is now in place for the 2026 Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination, UTME, as the Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board, JAMB, prepares to commence the nationwide exercise on April 16, with over 2.2 million candidates expected to participate.

The examination, scheduled to run until April 22, will take place across 966 accredited Computer-Based Test, or CBT, centres nationwide, following the delisting of 23 centres over poor performance during the mock exercise.

JAMB has directed all candidates to print their examination notification slips, which contain essential details including date, time, and venue, warning that failure to comply could disrupt participation.

The Board, in a statement through its spokesman, Fabian Benjamin, stressed that candidates must familiarise themselves with their centres ahead of time to avoid last-minute challenges.

In a decisive move to safeguard the integrity of the examination, JAMB has rolled out enhanced security measures and warned that it would enforce strict penalties against malpractice.

The Registrar of JAMB, Professor Is-haq Oloyede, charged examination officials to demonstrate utmost professionalism, noting that the success of the UTME hinges largely on their performance.

He disclosed that 11 technical officers had already been delisted for poor performance, with further sanctions underway.

While commending officials for the relative success of the mock UTME, Professor Oloyede emphasised the need for thorough technical assessments at centres, revealing that lapses in this area accounted for most of the challenges recorded earlier.

To boost performance, the board has introduced incentives for high-performing teams while deploying cutting-edge technology, including a newly tested alternate examination system with a reported 90 per cent success rate.

JAMB also assured inclusivity, stating that candidates living with disabilities would be adequately catered for through the JAMB Equal Opportunity Group, JEOG.

Meanwhile, the Federal Capital Development Authority, FCDA, has initiated a partnership with JAMB to adopt CBT for its staff promotion examinations, further underscoring the Board’s growing reputation in examination administration.

Across states, including Abuja and Ogun, JAMB officials have intensified oversight of CBT centres, urging operators previously flagged for deficiencies to urgently rectify issues or face sanctions.

Beyond the UTME, the Federal Government has rolled out a nationwide Learner Identification Number, LIN, for students, a digital system expected to strengthen data management, curb examination fraud, and enhance transparency in the education sector.

Vanguard/Taiwo Akinola

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Sport

Women Set for Ogun 5km Run

By Web News 219

By Olusegun Folarin

Over one thousand women are expected to participate in the 4th edition of the 5 kilometres Ogun Women Run scheduled for Saturday, 11th April, 2026.

The Project Manager of the race, Mr Emmanuel Odeh, made this known during an interaction with sports journalists in Abeokuta ahead of the race.

Mr Odeh described this year’s run as a women-focused initiative aimed particularly at market women and others who, he said, were usually busy with daily economic activities to prioritise their health and fitness. 

He explained that the event was designed to create awareness about the importance of exercise while providing an inclusive platform for women of all backgrounds.

Mr Odeh announced the sum of 500 thousand naira as the prize money for the first place runner, 300 hundred thousand naira for the second place runner while third place runner would go home with the sum of 200 thousand naira for the third-place runner.

Also, the project coordinator, Mr Ebidowei Oweifie, announced that the race would be flagged off at the Sapon area of Abeokuta by 8 am and terminated at the MKO Abiola Sports Arena, where he said medals and cash awards would be presented to the winners.

Describing the event as the biggest 2026 women’s race in Ogun State, the convener, Mrs Yetunde Johnson, said the initiative focused on encouraging women to stay fit for their overall well-being.

Mrs Johnson expressed appreciation to the National Sports Commission, NSC, and all sponsors supporting the initiative, noting that their contributions had been vital to its success.

She added that adequate technical and logistical arrangements had been put in place, with support from the state government and other stakeholders, to ensure a smooth outing.

She added that expectations are high for this year’s edition, with organisers looking forward to greater participation and impact.

In a remark, the Ogun State Commissioner for Sports Development, Mr Wasiu Isiaka, who was represented by the acting Director of Sports, Mr Seyi Sonde, described the race as a well-established initiative aimed at promoting women’s participation in sports and fitness across the state. 

Mr Isiaka called for continued collaboration between the public and private sectors to drive sports development in the State.

Edited by Adetutu Adetule/Maxwell Oyekunle

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Sport

Iran Wants 2026 World Cup Games in Mexico

By Web News 265

Iran has asked FIFA to move its 2026 World Cup games from the United States to Mexico due to the conflict in the Middle East, Iran’s embassy in Mexico.

Iran’s participation at this summer’s finals in the United States, Canada, and Mexico has been thrown into doubt since the war began late last month.

“When US President Donald Trump has explicitly stated that he cannot ensure the security of the Iranian national team, we will certainly not travel to America,” Iranian football Chief Mehdi Taj said in remarks posted on the embassies X account.

“We are currently negotiating with FIFA to hold Iran’s matches in the World Cup in Mexico.”

Iran are scheduled to face New Zealand and Belgium in Los Angeles, followed by Egypt in Seattle.

The team’s base camp for the tournament is currently slated to be located in Tucson, Arizona.

Abolfazl Pasandideh, Iran’s ambassador to Mexico, on Monday denounced “the US government’s lack of cooperation regarding visa issuance and the provision of logistical support” for the Iranian delegation ahead of the World Cup, in a statement published on the embassy’s website.

He added that he had also “suggested to FIFA that Iran’s matches be moved from the United States to Mexico.”

FIFA did not immediately respond to a request for comment.

Trump triggered uproar last week after stating that while Iran’s football team would be “welcome” in the United States, they should not travel to the tournament “for their own life and safety.”

Trump’s comments came after FIFA president Gianni Infantino had given assurances that Trump had promised him that the Iranian team would be welcome.

Iran hit back at Trump’s comments saying “no one can exclude Iran’s national team from the World Cup.”

Iran’s place at the tournament was thrown into question after the United States and Israel launched a massive offensive against the Islamic Republic, which responded with waves of missiles and drones targeting Israeli territory and American targets across the Middle East.

CityAM/Adetutu Adetule

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News

Paramount FM Targets Greater Heights in 2026

By Web News 561

By Adebola Àjàyí

Members of staff of Radio Nigeria Paramount FM Abeokuta, Ogun State, have been reminded of the need to be more committed and dedicated to duty, towards taking the station to an enviable height among its contemporaries in the State.

The General Manager of Paramount FM, Mrs Oluremi Olugbenro gave the charge during the maiden edition of staff forum in 2026, which also featured special prayers for the staff and station, as well as the distribution of promotion letters to some members.

Mrs Olugbenro who appreciated the members of staff for their support and contributions to the development of Paramount FM Abeokuta, last year, called on them to improve on their drive for the Internally Generated Revenue of the station in the New Year, for the betterment of the Federal Radio Corporation of Nigeria, FRCN, in general.

She implored the staffs to maintain love and harmonious relationship with one another to promote efficient service delivery of informing, educating and entertaining the teeming listeners of the station, promising that the management would prioritise their welfare and ensure conducive work environment.

Responding on behalf of the promoted staff, Mr Bukola Olagunju of the Administrative Department, thanked the management of the FRCN, for finding them worthy of the elevation, and promised to reciprocate the kind gesture with hard work and dedication to duty.

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Lifestyle

2026: Government Delivers More Housing Units

By Web News 400

By Oluwatoyin Adegoke 

The Ogun State Government has reaffirmed its commitment to deliver no fewer than three thousand affordable housing units in 2026, with a bold target of ten thousand units by 2027.

The Commissioner for Housing, Mr Akande Omoniyi, made this known while briefing journalists at a news conference held at the Ministry of Housing, Oke-Mosan, Abeokuta.

Mr. Omoniyi revealed that the Dapo Abiodun–led administration has delivered over five thousand housing units since 2019, with more than four thousand units completed between 2019 and 2023, and nearly one thousand units delivered in the current second term.

The Commissioner gave assurance that housing delivery would be scaled up in the coming months through strategic partnerships and phased implementation.

The Commissioner also announced plans for a proposed Bureaucratic Estate, to be developed in collaboration with the Office of the Head of Service, under the Civil Servants’ Housing Scheme.

He explained that the initiative was designed to provide affordable housing for civil servants through flexible, mortgage-based payment plans spread over time.

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Legislature

OGHA Passes 2026 Appropriation Bill

By Web News 376

By Omolara Adasofunjo

Ogun State House of Assembly has passed the Year 2026 Appropriation Bill of one point seven trillion presented by the State Governor, Prince Dapo Abiodun barely 26 days ago.

Merry Christmas Greetings from all of us at Radio Nigeria Ibadan

The passage of the Appropriation Bill was consequent upon the presentation of the report of the House Committee on Finance and Appropriation, chaired by Mr Musefiu Lamidi, who thereafter moved the motion for its adoption, seconded by Mr Folawewo Salami and supported by the Whole House through a voice vote during the plenary presided over by Speaker, Mr Oludaisi Elemide, at the Assembly Complex, Oke-Mosan, Abeokuta.

The bill was later read and adopted clause by clause before the Committee of the Whole House; after which the motion for its third reading was moved by the Majority Leader, Mr Yusuf Sheriff, seconded by the Minority Leader, Mr Lukman Adeleye and supported by all the lawmakers through a unanimous voice vote.

The Clerk, Mr. Sakiru Adebakin, thereafter took the third reading of the bill before the State lawmakers; while the Speaker later directed that the clean copy of the bill be transmitted to the State Governor, Prince Dapo Abiodun for his assent.

Earlier while presenting the House Committee on Finance and Appropriation’s report on the bill titled: “Year 2026 Appropriation Bill“, Mr Lamidi said that the Assembly adjusted the budget proposals of three MDAs, part of which led to a slight upward review of the Internally Generated Revenue to the tune of two point one nine three billion naira  the same figure was reduced from the capital receipt, retaining the total actual budget expenditure of one point seven trillion naira earlier presented to the State lawmakers by the Governor.

In a related development, the Assembly had earlier passed the Year 2025 Revised Appropriation Bill and that of the Revised Medium Term Expenditure Framework, MTEF for Year 2026-2028.

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Economy

Osun Emerges New Investment Hub for China

By Web News 496

By ‎Funmi Ojo

A delegation of Chinese investors from mainland China and Hong Kong has commended the Osun State Government for rapid and impressive infrastructural development across the state, which has positioned Osun as an emerging hub for industrialisation and economic growth.

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‎The investors, which cut across sectors, including food and water processing, mining, electric vehicles and agro-equipment manufacturing, gave the commendation during a dinner hosted in their honour at the Government House, Osogbo.

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‎Speaking on behalf of the delegation, the team leader and Chief Executive Officer of Yuanfar International, Ms. Nancy Chi, said the scale of ongoing road and urban infrastructure projects in Osun was already changing the perception of the state among Chinese business communities.

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‎Ms. Chi noted that while Chinese investors traditionally favoured Lagos, Ogun and Abuja, Osun was fast gaining prominence as a viable investment destination due to improved infrastructure, peace and deliberate government support for investors.

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‎She disclosed that members of the delegation were interested in establishing operations within the Osun Free Trade Zone and other parts of the state, adding that the Hong Kong government, through its investment agency, would soon invite Governor Ademola Adeleke for an official visit, with a reciprocal visit to Osun planned for 2026.

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‎Also addressing the gathering, the Owa Obokun of Ijeshaland, His Imperial Majesty, Oba Adesuyi Haastrup, revealed that the investors were considering Ilesa and other parts of Osun for the establishment of industrial plants, including proposals for a China Town, a computer village and solar-powered tricycle manufacturing facilities.

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‎In his remarks, Governor Adeleke thanked the Chinese delegation for their positive appraisal of his administration, reiterating his government’s resolve to close Osun’s long-standing infrastructure gap and create a business-friendly environment.

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‎The Governor further announced that accreditation had been secured for the study of the Chinese language at the University of Ilesa, describing the move as part of deliberate efforts to deepen economic ties with Asia.

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Politics

Former Osun Assembly Speaker Emerges ADC Flag Bearer

By Web News 486

‎By Funmi Ojo

A former Speaker of the Osun State House of Assembly, Dr. Najeem Salaam has emerged as the governorship candidate of the African Democratic Congress, ADC, for the 2026 Osun State election, sweeping the party’s primary with a landslide victory.

‎Dr. Salaam who is the sole aspirant in the race, was declared winner at the conclusion of the ADC governorship primary election held in Osogbo.

‎Announcing the results, Chairman of the Osun ADC Governorship Primary Election Committee, Mr. Chukwuemeka Nwajiuba, said 528 delegates were accredited and also cast their votes.

‎Of the total votes, eight were declared invalid, while 520 were valid, all cast in favour of Dr. Salaam.

‎In his acceptance speech, Dr. Salaam described his emergence as more than a routine political victory, describing it as a moral responsibility.

‎He blamed Osun’s challenges on years of poor political judgment, internal contradictions and misplaced priorities, particularly within the APC, noting that genuine attempts at reform were resisted.

‎Dr. Salaam also criticised the withholding of local government allocations, saying the development had weakened grassroots governance and triggered legal battles that left schools struggling, workers unpaid and communities neglected.

‎Outlining his agenda, Dr. Salaam pledged to prioritise workers’ welfare, revive the education sector, empower youths, strengthen security, promote local enterprise and restore public confidence in governance

‎He called on party members and supporters to remain united as the ADC intensifies preparations for the 2026 governorship election in Osun State.

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