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Tariff Hike: NLC Asks Nigerians To Boycott Telecom Services

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The Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) has condemned the 50% tariff increase imposed by telecommunications companies, calling for an immediate return to the previous rates.

The NLC and the Federal Government had previously established a 10-member committee to review the tariff hike within two weeks and provide recommendations before any final decisions were made.

However, despite this agreement, telecom companies went ahead with the increase, prompting the NLC to set a March 1 deadline for a full shutdown of operations if the tariffs are not rolled back.

Read Also: FG Proposes 12-Year Basic Education, Denies Scrapping JSS, SSS

In a statement signed by President Joe Ajaero and General Secretary Emma Ugboaja after a meeting of the NLC Central Working Committee in Lokoja, the union accused telecom companies of breaching trust and ignoring proper procedure by implementing the hike before the committee’s review was concluded.

The NLC also criticized the government for failing to protect citizens from corporate exploitation.

As a first step in opposing the tariff hike, the NLC has called for Nigerian workers and other citizens to boycott services from MTN, AIRTEL, and GLO daily between 11:00 AM and 2:00 PM from February 13 through the end of February 2025.

The NLC also urged a suspension of data purchases from these companies, which it claims have been exploiting Nigerians. Furthermore, it demanded the repatriation of funds sent abroad by these companies.

The union warned that if telecom companies do not revert to the previous tariff by the end of February 2025, a nationwide shutdown of their operations will begin on March 1, 2025.

The NLC also instructed its State Councils to begin mobilizing and sensitizing members and the public within their areas.

Additionally, the NLC requested its affiliated unions to encourage members nationwide to observe an “electronic silence” during the specified hours.

In the meeting, the NLC also reviewed ongoing discussions concerning the Tax Reform Bills being considered by the government.

While recognizing the need for fiscal reforms, the Congress emphasized that any tax policies should ease the burden on Nigerian workers rather than exacerbate the current economic difficulties.

 

Ex-PDP Chairman, Others Defect To APC [PHOTOS]

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The former acting chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Ebonyi State, Ifeanyi Nworie, has defected to the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC).

On Wednesday, Nworie and hundreds of his supporters were formally welcomed into the APC at a civic reception held at the Ezza South Local Government Area headquarters in Onueke.

Read Also: PDP Loses Another Rep Member To APC

Nworie expressed his support for the Governor Francis Nwifuru-led administration, explaining that his decision to join the APC was driven by the party’s people-focused policies.

He pledged to contribute his extensive political experience to help Governor Nwifuru advance development in the state.

“We have fought a lot, and we can see that Governor Francis Nwifuru and the APC genuinely want what’s best for the state,” he said. “Our defection is to back Governor Nwifuru in building the state and delivering the benefits of democracy to the people.”

Stanley Okoro-Emegha, the APC chairman in the state, welcomed the defectors, emphasizing the need for continued support for the APC government and discouraging division and bitterness.

He also mentioned that he had reached out to Ifeanyi Chukwuma-Odii, the PDP’s 2023 governorship candidate, encouraging him to join forces with Governor Nwifuru for the state’s progress.

“The party’s door is like that of a church – everyone is welcome when they repent,” Okoro-Emegha said. “We want everyone to come together. The state’s development requires collective ideas, and we warmly welcome the defectors. I even traveled to Lagos to meet Dr. Ifeanyi Chukwuma-Odii, urging him to join Governor Nwifuru in moving the state forward.”

See photos below:

 

Tuface Proposes To Edo Lawmaker Natasha Osawaru [VIDEO]

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A viral video on Thursday showed the moment music legend Innocent Idibia, better known as Tuface or 2Baba, proposed to Edo State lawmaker Natasha Osawaru.

In the video, the two were seen dancing together, while their friends looked on with admiration.

Read Also: Who Is Natasha Osawaru?

Tuface then presented Osawaru with a ring, and they shared a long embrace.

This came just one day after Tuface publicly acknowledged his romantic relationship with Osawaru, sparking a buzz on social media.

See video below:

National Grid Collapses Again

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The national grid has collapsed once again, leaving millions of Nigerians without power. This incident, which occurred on Wednesday, marks the first grid failure of 2025.

The Ikeja Electricity Distribution Company confirmed the outage in a post on X, stating that it happened at 11:34 am local time. They wrote, “Please be informed that we experienced a system outage today, February 12, 2025, at 11:34 am, affecting all our feeders. Restoration of supply is ongoing in collaboration with our key stakeholders.”

The Abuja Electricity Distribution Company also acknowledged the disruption, posting on X, “Dear Valued Customer, we regret to inform you that a system disturbance occurred on the national grid at 11:34 am today, causing a power outage across our franchise areas. Gradual restoration of power supply has started, and we are working closely with relevant stakeholders to fully restore electricity as soon as the grid stabilizes.”

This event is part of a troubling trend, as the grid experienced approximately 12 collapses in 2024.

A popular Nigeria National Grid account on X also confirmed the disturbance, saying, “There was a GRID DISTURBANCE before noon today (Wednesday). Parts of the country experienced an outage.”

 

PDP Loses Another Rep Member To APC

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Another member of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in the House of Representatives, Rep. Salisu Koko, who represents the Koko-Besse/Maiyama Constituency in Kebbi State, has defected to the All Progressives Congress (APC).

This follows the defection of Rep. Amos Magaji, who represents the Zango Kataf/Jaba Federal Constituency in Kaduna, to the APC during Tuesday’s plenary.

During Wednesday’s plenary in Abuja, Speaker Tajudeen Abbas announced Koko’s defection and encouraged the APC caucus to welcome him.

Read Also: Another PDP Rep, Amos Magaji, Defects To APC

Koko cited the ongoing crisis within the PDP as his reason for switching parties.

However, Minority Leader Rep. Kingsley Chinda raised a point of order, asserting that there was no prolonged crisis within the PDP.

Chinda urged the house to recognize the consequences of defection without adhering to constitutional requirements.

Rep. Ben Etanabene, supporting the minority leader, emphasized that the defection should result in the lawmaker vacating his seat.

Despite this, Speaker Abbas overruled the point of order, stating that the house does not have the authority to enforce such constitutional provisions. He advised the concerned lawmakers to seek resolution through the appropriate channels.

 

Benefits Of Eating Pap

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Corn pap, also known as akamu, ogi, koko, or eko, is a traditional Nigerian fermented maize cereal pudding.

Despite its tangy taste, pap is commonly paired with a variety of dishes such as fried plantains, pancakes, akara, fried yam, okpa, bread, puff puff, and beans.

Read Also: 8 Benefits Of Semolina Flour

These combinations make for a tasty breakfast meal.

This article explores the health benefits of pap.

1. Energy Source

It’s well-known that pap provides carbohydrates, which are a key source of energy.

Its paste form is easily digestible, making it a popular option for athletes who need sustained energy throughout the day.

2. Blood Pressure Regulation

Pap is rich in potassium and low in sodium, making it an excellent choice for individuals with high blood pressure or those looking to maintain healthy blood pressure levels.

Foods high in potassium, like pap, help reduce the effects of sodium in the body and ease tension in blood vessel walls, potentially preventing health issues related to high blood pressure.

3. Supports Kidney Health

The kidneys are vital organs, and damage to them can have serious health implications.

Factors such as uric acid, urea, toxins, and other waste substances can harm the kidneys.

The good news is that consuming pap can aid in the elimination of these harmful substances by promoting more frequent urination, helping to cleanse the body.

4. Promotes a Healthy Pregnancy and Reduces Risk of Neural Tube Defects

Folic acid is essential for a healthy pregnancy, as its deficiency can lead to underweight babies and neural tube defects.

Pap is a rich source of folic acid, making it a great option for pregnant women.

Additionally, pap helps stimulate breast milk production after childbirth.

According To A Dietitian, These Are 6 Best Foods To Eat For Fertility

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Trying to conceive can be an exciting and hopeful time in a person’s life.

Many will agree that there’s nothing better than welcoming a new baby into the world and watching them grow.

Read Also: Things You Don’t Know About Infertility

However, infertility is common, with about 1 in 5 people experiencing difficulty getting pregnant after trying for a year, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).

Fertility issues can arise due to various factors like hormonal imbalances, poor egg quality, or poor sperm health.

While there’s no guaranteed solution to overcoming fertility struggles, certain foods, when incorporated into a balanced diet, may help support your efforts to conceive.

It’s essential to remember, though, that while diet can improve fertility, the outcome isn’t guaranteed.

Here are six fertility-boosting foods to consider if you’re trying to improve your chances of conception:

Sardines

If you haven’t tried sardines yet, it may be time to start.

These fish are packed with DHA omega-3 fatty acids, high-quality protein, and other nutrients that support fertility.

A 2018 study showed that couples who ate more fish, like sardines, had higher chances of conception.

Sardines are lower in mercury compared to larger fish, making them a safe option for fertility and pregnancy.

Full-Fat Milk

Dairy products have been criticized in the past for potentially causing inflammation, but research suggests that full-fat dairy may actually help reduce inflammation.

A 2021 meta-analysis found that full-fat dairy could decrease the risk of ovulatory infertility, especially in women.

Therefore, opting for full-fat dairy products might be a better choice when trying to conceive.

Lean Beef

Lean beef, such as flank steak or eye of round roast, is a great source of protein and zinc, a mineral crucial for fertility in both men and women. Zinc supports egg quality and sperm health.

Lean beef also provides vitamin B12, which can benefit fertility. Including lean beef in your meals may support your fertility efforts.

Oats

Whole grains like oats are rich in B-vitamins, iron, and fiber, and can support the body’s health during the fertility journey.

For women, whole grains may help maintain a healthy endometrial lining, which is important for embryo implantation.

A thicker endometrial lining increases the likelihood of successful conception.

Tomatoes

While fertility is often thought of in terms of female health, male fertility plays a crucial role in conception as well.

Tomatoes are an excellent source of lycopene, an antioxidant that supports male fertility.

Cooking tomatoes enhances the absorption of lycopene, making dishes like tomato sauce a great addition to a fertility-boosting diet.

Walnuts

Studies have shown that eating walnuts daily can significantly improve male fertility.

A 2019 clinical trial found that men who consumed 42 grams of walnuts daily had healthier sperm.

Walnuts are rich in plant-based protein, omega-3 fatty acids, and antioxidants, all of which are beneficial for fertility.

Conclusion

Infertility can be a challenging experience, and while many factors are beyond your control, certain foods can help improve your fertility.

Foods like sardines, walnuts, dairy, whole grains, and lean protein provide vital nutrients that support fertility.

Remember that a balanced diet should focus on incorporating nutrient-rich foods rather than restricting specific types of food, meaning that indulgent treats like desserts and pasta can still be enjoyed as part of a healthy fertility journey.

Who Is Natasha Osawaru?

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Her name is Natasha Irobosa Osawaru, but people call her Honourable Natasha.

She is a politician and a member of the Edo State House of Assembly, representing the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP).

Read Also: ‘I Want To Marry Her’ – Tuface Confirms Relationship With Edo Lawmaker Natasha

According to information from the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), Natasha is from the Egor Local Government Area of Edo State, in southern Nigeria.

She was born on November 14, 1994, which means she will be 31 years old in 2025.

Currently, she serves as the Deputy Majority Leader of the Edo State House of Assembly, representing the Egor Constituency.

Natasha holds a law degree from Igbinedion University and later obtained a Master’s degree in Film Production from Full Sail University in the United States.

Before entering politics, she was an advocate for youth and women’s development.

She has focused her efforts on promoting policies that support economic growth, social welfare, and infrastructural development for Edo State and Nigeria as a whole.

 

UNIZIK Vows Sanction As Female Student Allegedly Bite Lecturer

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The management of Nnamdi Azikiwe University (UNIZIK) in Awka, Anambra State, has launched an investigation into an altercation between a lecturer in the Department of Theatre Arts and a student over a social media video.

A spokesperson for the university, Njelita Louis, stated that the institution’s Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Joseph Ikechebelu, will ensure that appropriate disciplinary measures are taken against anyone found responsible for the incident.

In the widely shared videos, Goddy Precious, a third-year student in the Department of History and International Studies, was seen dancing in the corridor while filming a TikTok video.

Read Also: Woman Sells Baby N4m, Gives Mother N600,000

As she recorded, Dr. Chukwudi Okoye, a lecturer, passed by and lightly tapped her on the shoulder, asking her to move aside.

The student became upset over the interruption of her video, accusing the lecturer of hitting her.

She allegedly grabbed his shirt, dragged him, and even bit him on the wrist and arm during the confrontation. Despite the scuffle, the lecturer remained calm.

The videos have sparked online debate, with social media users expressing various opinions on the incident.

The university issued a statement saying, “The management of Nnamdi Azikiwe University, Awka, is aware of the concerning incident involving Dr. Chukwudi Okoye and Goddy Mbakwe Precious, which has gained widespread attention on social media. This matter is being treated with the utmost seriousness by the university.”

The statement continued, “In line with our core values of discipline, self-reliance, excellence, and fairness, Acting Vice-Chancellor Prof. Joseph Ikechebelu has ordered a thorough, transparent, and impartial investigation into the incident. We urge all parties involved and the public to remain calm as we seek the truth. The university is committed to maintaining discipline and will take appropriate action based on the findings of the investigation. Nnamdi Azikiwe University upholds high moral and ethical standards, and any form of indiscipline or misconduct is unacceptable in our community.”

 

‘I Want To Marry Her’ – Tuface Confirms Relationship With Edo Lawmaker Natasha

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Amidst the announcement of his separation from his wife, Annie Macaulay, Nigerian music icon Innocent Idibia, also known as Tuface or 2baba, has confirmed his relationship with Natasha Osawaru, the Deputy Majority Leader of the Edo State House of Assembly.

Rumors of their relationship had been circulating, and Tuface sparked further speculation on Monday when he made an appearance at the Edo State House of Assembly during a plenary session.

While many on social media questioned his purpose for attending, some viewed it as confirmation of his rumored romance with the Edo State lawmaker.

The music star addressed the speculation in a video posted on his Instagram early Wednesday morning.

Confirming his feelings for Natasha, Tuface said, “Yes, I love her. I want to marry her.” He went on to say, “I said what I said. All of us will be alright… Honourable Natasha, I see she has been dragged, called all sorts of names, and labelled as a homebreaker. She is a young, brilliant, and amazing woman.”

Tuface clarified that his new relationship had nothing to do with the issues in his marriage to Annie.

“She has nothing to do with what’s happening between me and Annie. But I see everybody trying to allegedly rope her into everything. Yes, I love her. She is amazing, she is cool, I want to marry her,” he stated.

In January, Tuface made headlines when he revealed that he and his wife, Annie, had been separated for some time and had filed for divorce. He shared the news on social media, saying, “Hello to my beautiful people of all federations. Well, this thing I have to say is short but also long.

Annie Macaulay and I have been separated for a while and have filed for divorce. I would grant a press release soon to say my story—not because it is anyone’s right to know about my personal life, but because I love my people, and I need them to know my innocence or offence. Stay blessed, my people. I love you all.”