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Niger State Governor Approves Salary Increase for Casual Hospital Workers.
In a significant move to address the concerns of casual employees, Niger State Governor Mohammed Umaru Bago has approved a monthly salary of N80,000 for casual workers in hospitals across the state. This decision was made following a meeting with aggrieved workers from the Minna General Hospital, who expressed dissatisfaction regarding their employment status and compensation during a recent conversion exercise initiated by the governor’s administration.
Governor Bago articulated that this increase aligns the earnings of casual workers with the state’s approved minimum wage, thereby acknowledging their contributions to the healthcare sector. While this directive represents a positive step towards improved remuneration, the governor also clarified that it is not feasible to absorb all casual workers into the state civil service.
For those casual workers who hold degree qualifications and have served between 10 to 15 years, the governor announced that they will be granted automatic appointments. In contrast, workers with diploma qualifications will be appointed on probation, with the expectation that they will enhance their qualifications within a three-year timeframe.
This initiative underscores the administration’s commitment to promoting fair labor practices and improving the welfare of healthcare workers in Niger State, ultimately contributing to the betterment of the healthcare system as a whole.
DAURA, Katsina State – In a gesture of respect and remembrance, Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso, the 2023 presidential candidate for the New Nigerian Peoples Party (NNPP), and former Senate President Bukola Saraki visited the gravesite of the late former President Muhammadu Buhari on Saturday.
Both Kwankwaso and Saraki offered their condolences to the family of the former Head of State in Daura. Images circulating on social media depicted the leaders in prayer at the gravesite.
Buhari, who led Nigeria from 2015 to 2023, passed away in London following a period of illness. His remains were interred in Daura earlier this week. The visits by Kwankwaso and Saraki mark the latest in a series of tributes paid to the late president.
The Federal Government has declared Tuesday, July 15, 2025, a public holiday to honor the late former President Muhammadu Buhari, who passed away on Sunday at the age of 82. The announcement was made by the Minister of Interior, Dr. Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, on behalf of the Federal Government, following President Bola Tinubu’s approval. This declaration is part of the ongoing seven-day national mourning period.
In a statement, the Minister described Buhari as a leader who served Nigeria with dedication and integrity, emphasizing the holiday’s purpose: to allow Nigerians to reflect on his contributions to the nation’s democratic journey and national development. Citizens are urged to use this day to promote peace, patriotism, and national cohesion, aligning with the late President’s vision for a united and prosperous Nigeria. During the mourning period, national flags will fly at half-mast. The Federal Government has expressed its deepest condolences to the family, the people of Katsina State, and all Nigerians.
The Nigeria Police Force has announced the successful dismantling of two major human trafficking syndicates operating across the country. In coordinated sting operations spanning Enugu, Anambra, and Ondo States, law enforcement rescued numerous victims, including children, pregnant women, and foreign nationals, and apprehended 11 suspects.
Force Public Relations Officer, ACP Olumuyiwa Adejobi, issued a statement from the Force Headquarters in Abuja, commending the officers involved for their bravery and precision.
In one operation spearheaded by the Zone-13 Police Command, authorities targeted a child trafficking and “baby factory” ring. Eight suspects were arrested, including Uzoamaka Ani (27), Joy Madu (52), and Victoria Onodu Akasike (56), who allegedly confessed to involvement in child abduction, illegal adoption, and operating unlicensed medical facilities used as baby factories. The syndicate operated strategically across communities in Enugu and Anambra States, preying on vulnerable women and children. Rescued victims included a seven-month-old baby, a four-year-old child, and two pregnant women, all discovered in a secluded village. The expectant mothers, from Ebonyi State, were reportedly lured and detained for forced childbirth, with the intent to sell their newborns. The victims are currently receiving medical and psychological support under protective custody, while the search continues for fleeing members of the syndicate.
In a separate incident in Ondo State, an operation led by the state police resulted in the rescue of David Angerinya, a Ghanaian national trafficked into Nigeria under false pretenses. This operation stemmed from a formal petition from the Interpol Liaison Office in Abuja, highlighting a suspected case of transnational human trafficking. Investigators uncovered a broader international trafficking network and arrested three suspects: Hayford Nyamekye, Awine Alex, and Kojo Felix. These individuals were allegedly part of a syndicate deceiving individuals from neighboring West African countries with false promises of jobs and travel visas to destinations like Canada, only to hold them in exploitative conditions in Nigeria. During the raid, police discovered 39 additional Ghanaian nationals, many without valid travel documents or with expired passports, and in dire health conditions. These victims are now receiving medical treatment.
Inspector-General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun, praised the officers for their swift response and dedication to dismantling trafficking networks. He reaffirmed the Police Force’s commitment to combating human trafficking, child exploitation, and cross-border crimes. He urged Nigerians to report suspicious activities to the nearest police station.
The Inspector-General emphasized the Police Force’s commitment to protecting vulnerable individuals and ensuring perpetrators are brought to justice, stating, “These operations send a strong and clear message: there is no hiding place for human traffickers in Nigeria.” He added that the Nigeria Police Force will continue working to disrupt criminal networks and safeguard the rights and dignity of all individuals within the nation’s borders.
Kwankwaso and Saraki Pay Respects at Buhari’s Gravesite.
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