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 The United Kingdom has made changes at its visa application centres in Nigeria. According to the UK government, the UK visa application process in Nigeria will in 2025 transition to a supplier, VFS Global. The transition according to the UK Embassy in Nigeria will result to changes in the locations where applicants submit and collect their visa applications. According to a statement by the UK Embassy on Wednesday, with the new arrangements, applicants can now visit one of three designated locations in Abuja and Lagos for their visa-related needs. The Embassy further explained that the changes are part of ongoing efforts to streamline and improve the visa application process in the country. It assured applicants that they would be notified via email with further instructions. Following this, VFS Global, which is now responsible for UK visa applications in Nigeria, has provided new addresses for their visa application centres in Abuja and Lagos. It further encouraged applicants to endeavour to book an appointment online as walk-ins would not be accepted during the transition period. The statement reads, “We are pleased to announce that customers in Nigeria can now visit our UK Visa Application Centres in Abuja and Lagos for a hassle-free start to their journey at the addresses below: “Abuja – Mezzanine Floor, Tower C, Churchgate Plaza, Plot 473, Cadastral Zone AO, Constitution Avenue, Central Business District. Lagos (Ikeja) – 2nd Floor, Ile Oja Opebi Mall, Opebi, Link Road. Lagos (Victoria Island) – 2nd Floor, Churchgate Plaza Tower 2, PC 31 Churchgate St. “Don’t forget to book an appointment before your visit. Appointments can be scheduled online through the official website to ensure a smooth experience during the visa application process. Customers must follow the appointment procedure, as walk-ins may not be accepted at these centres.”
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 The House of Representatives at the plenary on Thursday rejected a bill, seeking to amend the 1999 constitution to provide for a single term of six years for the Offices of the President, State Governors and Local Government Areas Chairmen. The bill which was sponsored by Rep Ikenga Ugochinyere (PDP-Imo) and 33 other lawmakers also seeks zonal rotation of presidential and governorship seats, as well as holding of the elections in one day. The proposed legislation seeks to alter Sections 76, 116, 132, 136, and some others of the 1999 Constitution (as amended). According to the general principles of the bill, “these amendments was to ensure inclusive governance and to curb wastages occasioned by four year periodic elections. The bill among others seeks amendment of Section 132 of the Principal Act by inserting a new subsection (2), deleting the extant subsection (4) and renumbering the entire section accordingly to provide that an election to the office of President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria shall be rotated between the North and the South regions of the country every six years. “Other amendments include, Section 76 of the Principal Act is altered by inserting a new subsection (3) as follows; (3) For the Purposes of Section (1) of this section, all elections into the offices of President, Governors, National Assembly and State Houses of Assembly shall hold simultaneously on the same date to be determined by the Independent National Electoral Commission in consultation with the National Assembly and in accordance with the Electoral Act." "Section 116 of the Principal Act is amended by inserting a new a subsection (3) as follows; < For the purposes of subsection (1) of this section, all elections into the offices of President, Governors, National Assembly, State Houses of Assembly and Local Government Councils shall be held simultaneously on the same date to be determined by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) in consultation with the National Assembly and in accordance with the Electoral Act. "Section 136 of the Principal Act is amended by deleting the a extant subsections 1 & 2 and replacing them with new subsections I, 2 and 3 as follows: If a person duly elected as President dies before taking and subscribing the Oath of Allegiance and oath of office. or is for any reason whatsoever unable to be sworn in, the person elected with him as First Vice President shall be sworn in as President and he shall appoint a new First Vice President with the approval by a simple majority of the National Assembly at a joint sitting. “Section 132 of the Principal Act is amended by inserting a new é subsection (2), deleting the extant subsection (4) and renumbering the entire section accordingly: An election to the office of President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria shall be rotated between the North and the South regions of the Country every six years. Provided that where it is the turn of the North or South to present a candidate for election into the office of President, it shall be rotated among the three geo-political zones that constitutes the regions. The extant subsection (2) becomes subsection (3) The extant subsection (3) becomes subsection (4) The extant subsection (4) is hereby deleted The extant subsection (5) remains subsection (5). “A person who was sworn in as Governor to complete the term for which another person was elected as Governor shall not be elected to such office for another term. The Principal Act is altered by inserting a new Section 188 immediately after the extant 187 and immediately before the extant 188 and renumbering accordingly as follows; 188(1) Notwithstanding any other provision, the Governor shall present a mid-term account of stewardship performance report to the State House of Assembly at the end of the third year of the six-year term. The State House of Assembly shall determine by a resolution supported by not less than two-third majority of members whether the Governor bas by the account of stewardship report justified his continuous stay in office. "Where, upon the consideration of the mid-term report under subsection (1) of this section, the State House of Assembly is not satisfied with the performance of the Governor for the period he has been in office, the State House of Assembly shall pass a vote of no confidence on the Governor. The State House of Assembly shall immediately commence the process for the impeachment of the Governor from office.” When the Bill was put to a voice vote by the Speaker who presided over the plenary session and the nays had it.
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 Juice WRLD and Nicki Minaj have collaborated once more on the song 'Insecure (All Girls Are The Same 2)'. When Juice was still with us, the two got along well. The two previously worked on the track 'Money' with Young Thug. In 2018, they embarked on a European tour named The Nicki Wrld Tour in support of Minaj's fourth studio album Queen. This song serves as a sequel to Juice WRLD’s ‘All The Girls Are The Same‘ that originally came out in 2018. When Nicki first announced the song on Thursday, Halsey was also credited as a main artist but that has been edited now. Stream Below
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 Lil Baby returns with two new tracks for his fans. The Atlanta rapper has been relatively inactive this year, but he hopes to make a comeback as the year comes to a conclusion. "Ain't it crazy how they try to play me like I ain't the one / Ain't said it, but you know without me, this shit would be none," the diamond-certified rapper raps on '5 AM,' which includes a music video produced by Skeeboe. Baby also unveils another new track called ‘Insecurities’ with a video done by Hidji. Check out the songs with videos below, out now via Quality Control Music/Motown.
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 Governor Adeleke Flaunts Local Content Records, Says Osun Industrialisation is Progressing. Governor Ademola Adeleke of Osun state has celebrated the local content achievements of his administration which he said has transformed the Osun economy and strengthened local businesses. The Governor, represented by his Deputy, Prince Kola Adewusi, made this declaration at the 2024 Trade Fair of the Osun State Chamber of Commerce and Industry held at the trade fair complex, Osogbo with the theme "Developing Osun Local Content Value Chain for Shared Prosperity" The State Governor reviewing his records on local content in the last two years said he was proud to announce that his administration has set an unrivaled record in the promotion and commitment to local content development. According to the Governor, "our major infrastructural projects are being handled by local contractors. We are building up our indigenous companies to handle major jobs outside the state. Our local engineers are fully engaged in all facets of the construction processes. Our supply chain feeding the construction processes is also locally focussed and sourced. "As local content is a tool for economic development, our multi billion naira infra plan has a focus beyond Osun money revolving within the Osun economy. We seek to stop capital flights, thereby ensuring a financially vibrant local economy that contributes to the fight against poverty and underdevelopment. "Beyond a solvent grassroots economy, our policy ensures skill transfer. Local workers are empowered with requisite skills which they subsequently deploy as skilled service providers. We are building a pool of skilled citizens across all sectors. "Additionally, our local content agenda is a strategy for employment creation. By adopting direct labour in many project executions, we provide jobs for the artisans and the unemployed. Osun is indeed a huge construction site with increasing job opportunities for the unemployed. "Local content as a state strategy also drives our focus on infra growth and development. We are eager to bridge the infrastructure deficit to enhance trade and investment. We have recorded huge progress in that respect. "Our administration is also removing possible bottlenecks in business operations in Osun state. The processing of Certificates of Occupancy is now within a 45 days window. This is billed to enhance business capacity to attract financial transactions and support within the business ecosystem. "The era of multiple taxation is coming to an end as Osun state has now introduced a harmonized tax system. Our tax agency has become truly business friendly. "To facilitate investment, we revive and strengthen the Osun State Investment Promotion Agency (OSIPA). The agency puts under one roof all regulatory and certification agencies of the Government. "To accelerate the pace of industrialization, we revive the Free Trade Zone to provide over one million direct and indirect jobs for the people. We establish Markets with modern facilities, set up farm produce aggregation centres, and put life into moribund industries among others. "The State Government recently hosted an Industrial Investment Summit. The event attracted local and international investors. While the current industrial policy is being vigorously implemented, we plan to review the policy to accommodate new realities occasioned by modern innovations and Artificial Intelligence", the Governor told the audience made of business operators from within and outside the state. While restating his administration’s readiness to partner with the organized private sector, Governor Adeleke urged the business chamber to expand its scope, calling on the business leaders to reach out within and outside Nigeria for the development of businesses in Osun state. "As the voice of Osun business, you are not a government agency. You represent the private sector. Your task is to expand your scope and mobilize businesses to grow as an umbrella body. I task you to interact with all sectors of the state economy. You have a duty to shake off bureaucratic burden and truly act like a private sector body", the Governor charged the chamber. The Commissioner for Commerce and Industry, Rev Bunmi Jenyo listed out several programmes and policies of the state government designed to support growth and development of businesses in Osun state, declaring that Osun is open for business. According to the Commissioner, the recent industrial investment summit showcased the huge potentials of the state and expressed delight at the huge number of investors who showed up and expressed interest to tap into the investment potentials of Osun state.
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 How we Arrived at N75,000 New Minimum Wage for - Osun Government ● Salutes Public Service Negotiation Committee Members for a Job Well Done. ●We are Solidly behind Adeleke's Administration - Osun state Workforce. The government of Osun state has shed more light on how the new minimum wage of Seventy Five Thousand Naira was adopted and approved by Governor, Senator Ademola Adeleke for civil servants in the state. Explaining this in a statement in Osogbo on Wednesday was the State Commissioner for Information and Public Enlightenment, Oluomo Kolapo Alimi, who confirmed that the New Minimum Wage got the executive approval of the Governor after the receipt of the Public Service Negotiation Committee's report . Oluomo Alimi, as one of the members of the Committee saddled with the responsibility of working out a good and acceptable template for the new minimum wage said the State Government team was led by the Chief of Staff to the Governor, Hon Kazeem Akinleye while that of the Labour team was led by the State NLC Chairman, Comrade Christopher Arapasopo. The press statement further revealed that the implementation of the New Minimum Wage of 75,000 for Osun workers is in tandem with commitment to social justice, economic growth and an enhanced living standard for Osun teaming workers and citizens alike. The statement partly reads ; "Governor Ademola Adeleke led administration is deeply committed to prioritizing the welfare of civil servants, who, tirelessly provide efficient, effective and quality services to the state despite the limited resources accruing to it" Osun State Governor, after the approval, according to Oluomo Alimi, urged all civil servants in the state to up their service delivery more and more by endlessly seeking innovative solutions to improve public service in ensuring transparency and accountability for the growth and development of the 33 year old Osun State. Earlier, the Chief of Staff to the Governor, Hon. Akinleye who lauded the Governor for the executive approval of new national minimum wage for workers, further stated that the committee carried out its duties and responsibilities without any let or hindrance from the State Government that put it in place to work out the new wage template. Mr Ayanleye Aina, on his own part as the Head of Service assured that Osun workers will continue to live up to the desired billings. Speaking in the same vein, on behalf of the Labour team side, Chairman, NLC, Osun State, Comrade Christopher Arapasopo ,who also thumbed up Ademola Adeleke led administration for the N75,000 new wage bill for an average worker in the state, maintained that it was carefully crafted and arrived at in line with Osun State's current economic condition . Arapasopo further expressed conviction that the new wage structure would be both durable and sustainable, as it would impact the financial stability of all civil servants in the State. He then stated that Osun State workforce are solidly behind the administration of Governor Ademola Adeleke, promising that they will not relent in their support for the government. Alimi finally reeled out names of the members of the Osun State Government team in the negotiation committee to include: 1.Alh.Kazeem Akinleye ( Chief of Staff to the Governor ) - Chairman 2.Mr Ayanleye Aina, (Head.Of Service) 3.Oluomo Kolapo Alimi, Hon.Comm.for Information and Public Enlightenment 3.Hon Sola Ogungbile (Hon Commissioner for Finance) 4.Prof Maruf Ademola Adeleke, (Hon Commissioner for Budget and Economic planning) 4. Mr Olugbenga Fadele (Permanent Secretary, Human Resources and Capacity Building) 4 Mr Adebayo Raji ( Permanent Secretary, BPSB) 5. Mrs Yetunde Esan ( Permanent Secretary, Economic Planning,Budget and Development 6. Mr A.A Bello ( Permanent Secretary ,Finance) 7. Jimoda O.J( Ministry of Local Government and C.A) 8. Yemi Esan ( OPRS) 9. Mr Atolagbe L.A ( Director, Funds) 10 Mr Gabriel Oginni( SIFMIS Manager) 11. Mr Akinjide Samuel ( SIFMIS) and 12 Mr Albert O. Ajiboye( Director,L.I.R ) Alimi, mentioned in the statement that, on the part of Labour team, the following people were members of the negotiation team: 1.Comrade Christopher Arapasopo ( NLC Chairman) 2 Comrade Fatai Bimbo Sanusi ( TUC Chairman) 3 Comrade Akindele Lasun ( Chairman,JNC) 4 Comrade Amusan Victor ( Secretary ,NLC) 5 Comrade Adeyemi Abdullateef( Secretary.TUC) 6 Comrade Akinjide Akinlami ( JNC Secretary) 7 Dr Kehinde Ogungbangbe ( NULGE President) 8 Comrade Emmanuel Olawuyi ( NUT) 9 Comrade Ojo Akintunde ( Chairman,SSUCOEN) 10 Comrade Adekunle Adesina ( Chairman,PASAN) 11. Comrade Johnson Adegoke (Chairman,MHWUN) 12. Comrade Ganiyu Salawu ( Chairman,NUP) 13. Comrade Waheed Opeyemi ( Chairman,NANNM); and 14. Comrade Adedokun Olalekan ( Chairman, AUPCTRE)
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 Osun Shooting : Governor Adeleke Calls for Peace as IGP Orders Immediate Arrest of Moses Lohor for Attempted Murder. Amidst tension in Osun, Governor Ademola Adeleke has called for peace to allow the authorities to investigate and deliver justice on the attempted murder of Mr Alowonle Iyanda, the state motor transport system chairman. The Governor particularly pleaded with transport workers statewide not to take laws into their hands and allow state and federal authorities to address the issue for justice to prevail. The Governor noted that he had spoken to the Inspector General of Police and that immediate actions have been directed by the police authorities to bring to book those who shot the State Park Management System chairman. “I call on Osun transport workers to maintain peace and not to take laws into their own hands. I have acted on this sad incident. I spoke with the police Chief and I had a closed door meeting with the Commissioner of Police. Justice will be served. “We will not allow agents of violence to destroy the peace and stability of our dear state. Do not be provoked to violence. Go about your normal duties while we handle this serious threat to the peace of our state”, the Governor was quoted as saying. Meanwhile, following the fatal shooting of the Chairman of Osun State Motor Transport System, Comrade Iyanda Alowonle, the Inspector General of Police has ordered immediate arrest and prosecution of Head of Police Anti-Kidnapping Squad in Osun State, Moses Lohor and members of his team for attempted murder. This was confirmed by the Special Adviser to the Osun State Governor on Security, Samuel Ojo Esq after a closed door meeting between the Governor and the State Commissioner of Police. Moses Lohor had shot Mr Alowonle in the abdomen at the police station after his arrest over a domestic brawl with a neighbor. The park chairman is currently on life support at the Intensive Care Unit of the Osun State Teaching Hospital, Osogbo. Mr Ojo narrated that the police authorities frowned at Moses’ conduct as unprofessional, illegal, unauthorized, and against operational code, noting that Moses and his men are about to be moved to Abuja this morning. “We can confirm that the police authorities at the highest level have acted decisively on this matter. A clear punitive directive was issued by the IG. Mr Governor has directed we follow up to ensure that justice is served”, Mr Ojo noted.
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Osun Govt Decries Attempted Murder by Police of Park Management Chairman, ● Seeks Arrest, Transfer & Prosecution of Moses, Head of Anti-Kidnapping Squad Osun State Government has raised alarm over the shooting to near death in police custody of the Chairman of Osun Transport Management System, Comrade Iyanda Alowonle over a domestic matter. Alowonle is presently on life support at the Intensive Care Unit of the Osun State Teaching Hospital after a gunshot wound in the abdomen while in the custody of the police at Osogbo. Video clips of Alowonle in handcuffs and under interrogation circulating in the media space dispelled any excuse that the park chairman was trying to escape. The fact that he was shot in the abdomen as video from his hospital bed confirmed proved that he was shot at close range with intent to eliminate him. Interactions between the Special Adviser on Security Matters to the State Governor, Mr Samuel Ojo and the Head of Anti-Kidnapping Squad, Moses Lohor provided direct proof that the incident was premeditated to murder Mr Alowonle. We also note that the issue that generated the purported arrest was a civil matter, not criminally related to have warranted the involvement of Mr Moses Lohor, the head of the Anti-Kidnapping squad except for the repeat of a recent pattern of police harassment of officials of the state government on partisan motivation. The programmed attempted murder of Mr Alowonle is just one in the series of shootings and attacks on officials of the state by the head of anti-kidnapping squad who regularly acted with impunity and who has not hidden his vow to eliminate supporters of the state government. As we summoned several meetings to calm frayed nerves today, we struggled hard to stop reprisal attacks against police establishments across the state due to what the public now see as police partisan conduct in breach of the law. As we regret a situation in which law enforcers are becoming threat to peace and stability of the state, the state government therefore demands the Inspector General of Police and the National Security Adviser to take judicious note of the increasing breach of state peace by the hostile conduct of some police officers who now shot at innocent civilians and suspects at will. “We call for the immediate arrest and prosecution of Mr Moses Lohor, the Head of the Anti- Kidnapping Squad for his wilful act of attempted murder. “We demand police impartiality and commitment to rule of law without fixation on partisan considerations; “We also call the attention of the National Security Adviser to the increasing threat to peace in Osun state amidst threat to unleash violence ahead of 2026 election “We call on the Inspector General of Police to rise to the occasion and abandon any signal that may portray him as acting against Osun peace and stability”, the statement concluded. ● Nurudeen Iyanda Wakili (ALOWONLE), nabbed in possession of police pistol and rounds of ammunition. Watch Video.
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Comrade Lamina Urges IGP Egbetokun To Resist Pressure From Osun Govt Over The Arrest Of Alowonle. Chairman of the World Institute for Peace (WIN), Comrade Lamina Omotoyosi has urged the Inspector General of Police, IGP Kayode Egbetokun to resist pressure from the Osun State Government to manipulate the arrest of the Chairman of the Osun State Transport Management Committee, Nurudeen Iyanda popularly known as Alowonle by the State Police Command. In a statement issued by Lamina on his official x-com Page monitored by SOJ WORLDWIDE, called for a thorough investigation on the alleged criminal allegations. Alowonle was arrested by the anti-kidnapping team of the Osun State Police Command on Monday night, November 18, 2024 with a gun and ammunition. “The World Institute for Peace (WIP) has appealed to the Inspector General of Police, Dr Kayode Egbetokun to resist Osun State government lobbying and pressure to release the Chairman of Osun State Transportation Management Committee, Nurudeen Alowonle who was arrested last night with gun and ammunition. The organization in a statement by the Institute Executive Director, Comrade Lamina Omotoyosi commended the Police for the successful arrest of Alowonle who has been on watch list for the past two years over several murder cases allegation and urge the Inspector General of Police, to resist pressure to manipulate the case. We are also aware of several moves by the Osun State Government and the State Assembly to protect the appointee of Governor @AAdeleke_01 by blackmailing the Police and harassing the officers who arrested him. We are calling on the IGP to resist the pressure and ensure that the suspect face the law so that we can continue to enjoy relative peace in Osun State.” “The primary responsibility of government is security of life and property and it would be a constitutional contradiction to look as if the state government is shielding criminal suspect who has been alleged of several murder cases Including that of Sherif Oyewale who was killed in November 27, 2022, whose corpse could not be found up till date. We commend the Osun State Police Command and most especially the Anti Kidnapping Unit for this arrest and called for discreet investigation to all criminal allegations for the victims to get justice”.
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Ademola Adeleke, the Governor of Osun State, has approved a new minimum wage of N75,000 for civil servants in his state. The Osun State chapter of the Nigerian Labour Congress, NLC, announced the decision in a statement issued in Osogbo on Tuesday. Announcing the development, the Osun NLC Chairman, Christopher Arapasopo, lauded Governor Adeleke for his commitment to improving the welfare of workers. According to Arapasopo, “The Organised Labour in Osun State and the Government, after exhaustive deliberations, have decided on N75,000 as the new minimum wage in Osun State.” The decision comes after weeks of negotiations between the state government and organised labour unions. Sources within the talks confirmed that both parties were focused on ensuring that the new wage aligns with current economic realities while being sustainable for the state. Speaking further, Arapasopo expressed the gratitude of the workers to the governor for fulfilling one of his key campaign promises. “This is a victory for the hardworking men and women of Osun State who have been striving to sustain the civil service despite economic challenges,” he said. Governor Adeleke, in his response, emphasized that the welfare of workers remains a top priority for his administration. He stated, “This is not just about a pay raise; it is about recognising the dedication of our workforce and ensuring that they have the means to live with dignity in these tough times.” Labour leaders in the state also praised the inclusiveness of the negotiation process, which they described as transparent and participatory. “The discussions were robust, and the government showed genuine concern for the plight of workers,” Arapasopo noted. Civil servants across Osun State have welcomed the announcement with enthusiasm, with many describing it as a breath of fresh air. A civil servant, who identified herself as Olufunke Ajayi, said, “This decision has renewed our faith in the government. It shows that our voices are being heard.” The new minimum wage is expected to take effect immediately, with workers eagerly anticipating its implementation in the coming payroll cycle. Governor Adeleke assured the public that his administration is committed to ensuring that the state’s financial resources are efficiently managed to sustain the new wage structure.
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