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NLC threatens nationwide showdown over poverty, insecurity

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NLC, TUC Demand New Minimum Wage as Inflation Bites

NLC threatens nationwide showdown over poverty, insecurity

The Nigeria Labour Congress, NLC, has threatened a nationwide protest over the worsening cost-of-living crisis, escalating insecurity, and coordinated attacks on workers’ rights.

It warned that Nigerian workers would no longer sit idly by while the country’s economy and democracy collapsed.

Following its Central Working Committee (CWC) meeting over the weekend at the 12th June Cultural Centre in Abeokuta, Ogun State, the NLC claimed that the hardships endured by workers and the poor have reached unbearable proportions, and prompt action is required to prevent a national breakdown.

The NLC has also vigorously opposed any legislative action by the National Assembly to move labour issues, including the national minimum wage, from the exclusive legislative list to the concurrent list of the Nigerian Constitution.

If enacted, the amendment would allow individual states to set their own minimum wages and other labour-related legislation.

NLC President Joe Ajaero reiterated the congress’ view on the topic on Friday while addressing members of the Central Working Committee at a National Administrative Council meeting in Abeokuta, Ogun State.

Ajaero described the move as “an exercise in futility”, arguing that the national minimum wage is a widely accepted level supported by International Labour Organisation (ILO) standards that treat countries, not sub-national entities, as the unit of accountability on labour matters.

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He further claimed that the planned constitutional amendment is part of a larger push by legislators to “bastardise” Nigeria’s national labour system.

This, he claimed, includes delegating labour responsibilities to individual governments and permitting the establishment of state-level industrial courts to resolve wage disputes, which he said would contradict ILO standards.

“The National Assembly should not go into this exercise in futility unless members will also allow their respective states to determine their wages.

“If they attempt to smuggle labour matters into the concurrent list, we will mobilise workers to protest against it, even up to election day,” the labour leader said.

Speaking to the press after the meeting, Ajaero emphasised the NLC’s commitment to opposing any move to weaken national labour standards. He asked lawmakers to follow worldwide best practices and protect Nigerian workers’ rights.

“All over the world, there is a minimum wage for the protection of workers. In Nigeria, there is legislation for a minimum wage of N70,000. The law permits states to pay more than that, and in fact, many states currently pay above the minimum wage,” he stated.

Ajaero argued that allowing states to determine their own minimum salaries could affect workers’ wellbeing, particularly in states with weaker economies or governance issues.

He also stated that the NLC was unaware of any states now refusing to adopt the newly legislated minimum wage.

In a related subject, Ajaero discussed the stalling implementation of local government autonomy, emphasising the significance of obtaining the Supreme Court’s interpretation of its decision to ensure full compliance with constitutional provisions.

NLC threatens nationwide showdown over poverty, insecurity

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Jowizaza’s Billionaire Father, Reverend Sister Regain Freedom After N1.5bn Ransom Demand

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August 15, 2026

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Chief Sir Joseph Ebere Ezeokafor, the billionaire businessman and father of popular socialite Jowizaza
Chief Sir Joseph Ebere Ezeokafor, the billionaire businessman and father of popular socialite Jowizaza

Jowizaza’s Billionaire Father, Reverend Sister Regain Freedom After N1.5bn Ransom Demand

Chief Sir Joseph Ebere Ezeokafor, the billionaire businessman and father of popular socialite Jowizaza, has regained his freedom alongside a Reverend Sister after spending several harrowing days in the custody of kidnappers in Anambra State. The Anambra State Police Command confirmed on Saturday, August 15, 2026, that the septuagenarian chairman of Jezco Group of Companies and the Reverend Sister, who were abducted by armed men at Ifite-Awka, Awka South Local Government Area, have been released and safely returned to their families.

Chief Ezeokafor was abducted in the early hours of Tuesday, August 4, 2026, while reportedly on his way to a prayer ground in Awka, Anambra State. He was travelling alone without any security personnel at the time of the incident, a practice his family described as a monthly routine, and his abduction had generated widespread concern across Anambra State and beyond, with security agencies coming under immense pressure to secure his release. The businessman was released late on Friday night and subsequently picked up by a family member near the boundary between Anambra and Enugu states, close to Ebenebe, near Awka. Described by a family member as an emerging location for kidnapping activities in the axis, the Ebenebe area has reportedly been where several victims have either been abducted or taken after being kidnapped elsewhere. Confirming the development, the Anambra State Police Public Relations Officer, SP Tochukwu Ikenga, said the command is currently taking necessary steps to establish the circumstances surrounding their release and obtain relevant information that will assist ongoing investigations and the identification of the perpetrators.

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According to multiple reports, the abductors initially demanded N700 million from Ezeokafor’s family before allegedly increasing the ransom to N1.5 billion during negotiations. The family had reportedly accepted the initial N700 million demand as part of efforts to secure the businessman’s release, but sensing that there might be more money, the kidnappers subsequently raised their demand to N1.5 billion, after which they stopped further engagement with the family until their release on Saturday. A close family source claimed the family paid N1.5 billion to secure his release, though police have not officially confirmed whether any ransom was paid. The source told Punch that the family paid N1.5 billion for his release, with the kidnappers initially demanding N700 million, a figure which the victim’s family had accepted as part of efforts to secure their father’s release, but sensing some feelings that there may be more money, the kidnappers subsequently raised their demand to N1.5 billion, after which they stopped further engagement with the family until their release on Saturday. Although a police source had earlier confirmed to journalists during a police function in Awka on Friday that the family had paid the sum of N1.5 billion and was expected to be released soon, the police spokesperson declined to disclose whether ransom was paid.

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The businessman’s abduction sparked tension within the Ezeokafor family, with his eldest daughter, Blessing, publicly blaming her younger brother, Eberechukwu (Jowizaza), for making their father a target through his flamboyant lifestyle on social media. In a series of Facebook posts, Blessing accused Jowizaza of flaunting wealth on social media despite the family’s alleged financial struggles, claiming that his public display of wealth may have attracted kidnappers to their father and influenced them to demand a higher ransom. In her posts, Blessing wrote that her brother was the cause of the madness, saying social media noise when they don’t have that money, and that he uses audio money to make hoodlums think the money is available, imagining 1 billion. She further claimed the family owes banks over N40 billion in debts and insisted that the wealth projected online was “audio money.”

The Commissioner of Police, Anambra State Command, CP Nnanna Oji Ama, commended the safe return of the victims and directed intensified intelligence-led operations and a manhunt for those responsible for the abduction. The ongoing operation involves the Nigeria Police, Department of State Services, the military, Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps, Agunechemba security operatives and other relevant security agencies, and the command appealed to members of the public to remain vigilant and provide credible information that could assist security agencies in apprehending the perpetrators. Following his father’s release, Jowizaza took to Instagram on Saturday, August 15, 2026, to share his first public reaction with the caption “Forever grateful 🙏,” and the post, which gathered thousands of reactions within an hour, drew an outpouring of support from celebrities including Obi Cubana, Kiddwaya, and Cubana Chiefpriest, who flooded the comments with prayers and thanksgiving.

Jowizaza’s Billionaire Father, Reverend Sister Regain Freedom After N1.5bn Ransom Demand

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[UPDATED] Osun Election: Police Arrest Lawmaker with 200 PVCs, 146 Suspected Electoral Mercenaries

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August 15, 2026

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[UPDATED] Osun Election: Police Arrest Lawmaker with 200 PVCs, 146 Suspected Electoral Mercenaries

[UPDATED] Osun Election: Police Arrest Lawmaker with 200 PVCs, 146 Suspected Electoral Mercenaries

The Osun State Police Command has arrested a serving member of the State House of Assembly, Honourable Abiola Ibrahim Inaolaji, alongside 146 suspected electoral mercenaries in the early hours of Saturday in Ikire, Irewole Local Government Area, as part of security operations ahead of the governorship election. The lawmaker, who represents Irewole/Isokan State Constituency, was arrested at his residence during a joint operation. Confirming the arrest, the Osun State Police Public Relations Officer, Abiodun Ojelabi, said the operation was carried out by the FBI-IRT as part of intensified measures to prevent activities capable of undermining the credibility of the poll. According to the police, no fewer than 200 Permanent Voter Cards were recovered from the residence during the raid.

In a video clip obtained after the arrest, Inaolaji was seen identifying himself and allegedly stating that he facilitated the movement of the 146 suspects into Osun State from neighbouring states to participate in the governorship election. The police said the allegation remains subject to further investigation. Ojelabi told journalists that the lawmaker was arrested in Ikire with about 146 suspected mercenaries in the early hours of Saturday, and the suspects were allegedly found camped at the lawmaker’s father’s residence, with preliminary investigations indicating they were brought into Osun State from Ondo State to participate in unlawful electoral activities.

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In a separate operation at Babs Hotel, located behind the State High Court in Ede, operatives of the Anti-Robbery Section and the Violent Crime Response Unit arrested 33 suspected electoral mercenaries comprising 30 males and three females. Police said preliminary investigations indicated that the suspects were brought into Osun from Ondo State for alleged unlawful electoral activities, while four voters’ cards were recovered from them as exhibits. The suspects reportedly told investigators that an unidentified politician recruited them and promised financial rewards in exchange for voting, and the police said further investigation is ongoing to establish the identities and roles of those behind the alleged operation.

The Commissioner of Police in charge of election security, CP Samuel Etaifo Erale, reiterated the command’s commitment to ensuring a peaceful, free, fair and credible electoral process in Osun State, warning individuals and groups planning to engage in activities capable of undermining the election to desist, stressing that the police would deal decisively with electoral offences in accordance with the law. The Commissioner of Police in charge of election security had earlier disclosed that no fewer than 15,000 personnel had been deployed for the conduct of the poll, with a Deputy Inspector-General of Police overseeing the operation.

The arrests come as voting commenced across the 30 local government areas of the state amid heightened security. The election is being conducted under tight security following pre-election concerns over possible violence and intimidation, and stakeholders have continued to call on voters and political actors to maintain peace throughout voting and collation. Meanwhile, the APC deputy governorship candidate, Kayode Adereti, who voted at Ward 11, Unit 3, Ilare in Ife Central, described the voter turnout as impressive and commended the security arrangements and the operation of the Bimodal Voter Accreditation System. “The turnout is impressive and the security is perfect. The BVAS is working well, and everyone is happy here,” Adereti said, urging eligible voters to come out and participate, saying the future of the state depended on active citizen participation, and appealing to political parties and supporters to remain peaceful and allow voters to freely choose the next governor.

[UPDATED] Osun Election: Police Arrest Lawmaker with 200 PVCs, 146 Suspected Electoral Mercenaries

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Working in Canada Without a Permit: IRCC Warns of Serious Immigration Consequences

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August 15, 2026

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Working in Canada Without a Permit: IRCC Warns of Serious Immigration Consequences

Working in Canada Without a Permit: IRCC Warns of Serious Immigration Consequences

The Canadian government has reminded foreign nationals traveling to the country that holding an electronic travel authorization (eTA) or visitor visa does not grant them the right to work in Canada. According to Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC), most foreign nationals seeking employment must obtain a valid work permit and meet applicable eligibility requirements before beginning any work. The clarification aims to prevent visitors from mistakenly assuming that permission to enter Canada also permits them to take up employment. The government stated that having an electronic travel authorisation or visitor visa does not give you the right to work in Canada, and a visitor visa or eTA allows eligible travellers to seek entry to Canada as visitors, but it does not constitute authorization to work. Anyone intending to work should determine whether they require a work permit and confirm their eligibility before accepting employment, and IRCC advises prospective workers to establish which category applies to them before submitting an application.

The Canadian government has warned that working without required authorization can have serious immigration consequences. Individuals found working without explicit authorization risk immediate removal from Canada, a permanent fraud record with IRCC, and a five-year ban from re-entering the country. Such violations can also substantially damage future applications for permanent residence. Foreign nationals are therefore advised not to rely on a visitor visa or eTA as permission to work, and the government encourages prospective workers to use official Canadian immigration channels when applying for work authorization and to understand the requirements before accepting employment.

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Canada has two main categories of work permits, each designed for different circumstances. An employer-specific work permit, also known as a closed permit, ties you to a specific employer, job role, and often work location, and the conditions are printed on the permit itself. If you change employers or jobs, you must apply for a new permit before starting the new position. Most employer-specific permits require your employer to first obtain a Labour Market Impact Assessment (LMIA) through the Temporary Foreign Worker Program, though some positions are LMIA-exempt under the International Mobility Program. An open work permit offers flexibility, allowing you to work for any eligible employer in Canada without a specific job offer, but open work permits are only available under specific circumstances, including Post-Graduation Work Permit holders, spouses or common-law partners of certain skilled workers or international students, Bridging Open Work Permit applicants awaiting permanent residence decisions, and International Experience Canada participants.

Foreign nationals can apply for a Canadian work permit through different routes depending on their circumstances. IRCC provides options to apply from outside Canada, from inside Canada, or at a port of entry, though eligibility varies for each route. To begin the application process, sign in to your IRCC Secure Account and complete the eligibility questionnaire, which generates a personalized document checklist. Gather required documents, including a valid job offer for employer-specific permits, an LMIA number or offer of employment number, proof of qualifications, and proof of funds. Complete the application form digitally and pay the required fees, which include $155 for standard permits, $255 for open work permits, plus $85 for biometrics if applicable. Submit your application online and save the confirmation, then provide biometrics (fingerprints and photo) if required. Wait for processing, as times vary depending on the permit type and your country of residence — current estimates are employer-specific permits taking 60-180 days, PGWP taking 80-120 days, and spousal permits taking 100-150 days. If approved, you will receive a Port of Entry Letter of Introduction to present to border officers upon arrival in Canada. Your eTA or visitor visa will typically be issued at the same time as your work permit, so you do not need to apply separately or pay an additional fee.

Once a person receives authorization to work in Canada, there are additional requirements and services they may need to access. These include obtaining a Social Insurance Number (SIN), understanding workplace rights and labour standards, and complying with the conditions attached to the work permit. It is crucial to apply to renew permits at least 30 days before expiry to maintain legal status, and those who apply before expiry can remain under “maintained status” while their application is processed. Work permits carry strict conditions specifying permitted work type, authorized employer, and geographic region, and any deviation constitutes a breach of immigration law. Workers must stop working if their permit expires before they apply for a new one or if they fail to comply with permit conditions. Foreign workers who experience workplace abuse can access government procedures for reporting abusive employers, and IRCC also provides information on extending work permits, changing jobs or employers where permitted, restoring legal status, and pathways that may eventually lead to permanent residence.

IRCC has specific provisions for certain categories of workers, including international graduates, students, participants in International Experience Canada programs, and some family members of foreign workers. Some foreign nationals may be eligible to work without a work permit under specific exemptions and are advised to check whether an exemption applies before beginning employment. For job seekers, Canada’s Job Bank provides information on employment opportunities, including positions open to foreign candidates.

Working in Canada Without a Permit: IRCC Warns of Serious Immigration Consequences

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