Below is the summary of Top Nigeria Newspaper Headlines Today 20th September 2024 being Friday
1. President Tinubu Receives Report on Livestock Reforms in Nigeria
President Bola Tinubu has received the report from the committee on livestock reform implementation in Nigeria. The chairman of the committee, Professor Attahiru Jega, presented the 152-page report at the State House in Abuja on Thursday. Jega, a former INEC chairman, explained that the report outlines recommendations to address the ongoing conflicts between farmers and herders. The committee suggested that both ranching and open grazing could coexist temporarily while awareness and infrastructure for full ranching are developed. They also advised adopting modern technologies in livestock production.
2. Tinubu to Skip 79th United Nations General Assembly
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has instructed Vice President Kashim Shettima to lead Nigeria’s delegation to the 79th UN General Assembly. According to a statement from the presidency, Tinubu will not attend the summit to focus on pressing domestic matters. His Special Assistant on Social Media, Dada Olusegun, mentioned that after recent trips to China and the UK, Tinubu intends to address national challenges, particularly the aftermath of severe flooding.
3. Senate to Amend Constitution for Local Government Autonomy
Senate President Godswill Akpabio announced on Thursday that the Senate plans to amend the constitution to ensure the Supreme Court’s ruling on local government autonomy remains intact. Akpabio made this statement during a meeting with APC members in Akwa Ibom State. He credited President Tinubu for pursuing local government autonomy through the court’s intervention.
4. Federal Government Reveals Schedule for 2024 Independence Day Celebration
The Federal Government has announced plans for Nigeria’s 64th Independence Day celebration. Secretary to the Government of the Federation, George Akume, said that events would begin with a World Press Conference on September 26, 2024. During the inauguration of the planning committee, Akume emphasized that the celebration will be modest, reflecting the nation’s current economic challenges.
5. Northeast PDP Endorses Damagum as National Chairman
The Northeast zone of the PDP has endorsed Umar Iliya Damagum as acting National Chairman. A statement from Governor Ahmadu Fintiri’s Chief Press Secretary, Humwashi Wonosikou, expressed the party’s confidence in Damagum’s leadership. Some stakeholders had pushed for Damagum’s removal in favor of a candidate from the Northcentral zone, but a court order has prevented such a move.
6. Federal Government Warns Against Paying Workers Below ₦70,000 Minimum Wage
The Federal Government has issued a warning that any employer, public or private, paying workers less than ₦70,000 as the minimum wage is committing a crime. Kachollom Daju, Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Labour and Employment, made this clear during a meeting in Lagos. Employers are urged to adhere to the minimum wage, with clarifications on whether the amount is net or gross to be made.
7. Minister Matawalle Denies Involvement in Banditry
Bello Matawalle, Minister of State for Defence, has denied allegations from Zamfara State Governor Dauda Lawal, accusing him of sponsoring bandits. In a statement from his media team, Matawalle dismissed the claims as attempts to tarnish his reputation. Tensions between the two officials have escalated, raising concerns over Zamfara’s security situation.
8. FG, Ex-CJN Onnoghen Agree to Settle Case Out of Court
The Federal Government and former Chief Justice of Nigeria, Walter Onnoghen, have agreed to settle their legal dispute out of court. Onnoghen was dismissed in 2019 during a disciplinary case. Both parties requested a delay in court proceedings to finalize an agreement.
9. Jonathan Calls for Peace in Edo State Ahead of Governorship Election
Former President Goodluck Jonathan has urged stakeholders in the upcoming Edo State governorship election to prioritize peace and security. In a statement released by his media adviser, Jonathan called on political candidates, INEC, and security agencies to ensure a fair and neutral process.
10. Vice President Shettima to Lead Nigeria’s Delegation at 79th UNGA
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu will not attend the 79th UN General Assembly, instead appointing Vice President Kashim Shettima to lead the delegation. Tinubu, who recently returned from trips to China and the UK, will focus on addressing domestic challenges, especially in the wake of recent flooding. Shettima will represent Nigeria at the Assembly, delivering the national statement and participating in key events.
