OPINION
Newsflo.ng

APC’s Automatic Ticket Rumour: A Threat To Democracy

By Ajalekoko Moses

Oh APC, oh APC, with news so bold,
Automatic tickets for all, a story to be told.
A slip of the tongue, a joke, or so it’s said,
But now it’s a rule, that’s being spread.

President Tinubu, with a mistake so fine,
Promoted the 11th Assembly, oh what a bind.
A joke, a slip, or a Freudian slip, too,
But now it’s a rule, that’s being touted anew.

The people cry out, for democracy’s sake,
Don’t impose your will, let the delegates make.
A level playing field, is what we all desire,
Not automatic tickets, that set hearts on fire.

The APC leadership, with a decision so grand,
Ignoring the people’s voice, and the democratic band.
The National Assembly, a voice of the people, you see,
Should be chosen by the people, not by decree.

Dr. Ganduje and Felix Morka, with conflicting tales,
One says yes, the other says no, which one prevails?
The people are confused, and democracy’s at stake,
When automatic tickets, are the rules that make.

The legislature, a voice of the people, so true,
A check on the executive, and the judiciary, too.
But with automatic tickets, the people’s voice is mute,
And democracy suffers, with a wound so acute.

The APC should know better, as a party of the people,
To allow democracy to flourish, and the people’s voice to be steeled.
Free, fair, and credible primaries, are what we all desire,
Not imposed candidates, that set hearts on fire.

Don’t contemplate imposing candidates, on the people’s fate,
Let the delegates decide, and democracy participate.
The people yearn for freedom, and a voice that’s clear,
Not automatic tickets, that bring forth fear.

So APC, dear APC, do the right thing, and allow,
Democracy to flourish, and the people’s voice to be heard, and followed.
President Tinubu, a progressive democrat, we know,
Should let democracy thrive, and not be held low.

The people’s voice, is what democracy’s all about,
Not automatic tickets, that bring forth doubt.
So let’s do the right thing, and let democracy shine,
And the people’s voice, be the guiding light that’s divine.

Newsflo.ng 🇳🇬

OPINION
Newsflo.ng
24-02-2025

The Saint Among Sinners: El-Rufai’s Hollow Cry

By Ajalekoko Moses

A man of many titles, past and gone
Ex-minister, ex-governor, a legacy worn
He jumped and sweated, with zeal and with zest
To install a president, and secure his own nest.

But when the food was ready, he was denied a seat
By the senate’s verdict, his ambitions to beat
Now he discredits the government he once did praise
A short man devil, with a heart full of maze.

He calls himself an accidental public servant, a claim to fame
But Nigerians know better, his antecedents, his shame
He should find a quiet place, to park himself with pride
For Nigerians won’t be fooled, by his hypocrisy and stride.

A cry of lamentation and scorn, for El-Rufai’s tale is one of deceit,
Claiming saintly virtue, while his actions speak defeat.
He cried foul, pointing fingers, at his party’s highest echelon,
Yet, his own integrity is questionable, a truth he cannot relinquish.

With sanctimonious zeal, he protests his innocence and purity,
But Nigerians see through the facade, the hypocrisy of his verity.
He swore he didn’t covet a position, under Tinubu’s presidency,
Now, he’s waging war, a bitter crusade, for being denied a seat.

A man who once helped build the APC, now seeks to destroy its foundation,
His actions, a betrayal, a stab in the back, a gross manifestation.
Let us watch, as he navigates this treacherous path he’s chosen,
And see how far his duplicity will carry him, before his downfall is spoken.

Newsflo.ng 🇳🇬
24-02-2025

OPINION
Newsflo.ng

By Ajalekoko Moses

Oh Governor Aiyedatiwa, so wise, so lucky and so grand,
Celebrating 100 days, with achievements in hand.
You’ve employed 2,000 teachers, a feat to behold,
And rehabilitated roads, with stories to be told.

Your commitment to transparency, a beacon of light,
Shines bright, like a guiding star, in the dark of night.
The people of Ondo State, with hope in their eyes,
Look up to you, with expectations that rise.

But, oh Governor, don’t forget, power is ephemeral,
A fleeting dream, that can vanish like a mirage in the desert’s heat.
You’ve been given a mandate, to serve and to lead,
But the people will judge you, by the promises you keep.

So take heed, dear Governor, of the criticisms you face,
And apply them with wisdom, to find your proper place.
For in the words of the wise, “power corrupts, but accountability tames”.

Your 100 days in office, are but a mere blip,
In the annals of time, a fleeting moment’s grip.
You’ve achieved much, but there’s still much to be done,
To deliver on your promises, and have the people’s fun.

The people of Ondo State, are watching with bated breath,
As you navigate the challenges, of governance and depth.
You’ve got the chance, to make a difference, to leave a mark,
But the clock is ticking, and the people are embarking on a journey of expectation.

Some praise your efforts, with accolades and cheer,
While others criticize, with skepticism and fear.
The APC party chieftains, with diverse perspectives abound,
Some see progress, while others see a government that’s still found wanting.

But amidst the noise, and the cacophony of opinions,
One thing is clear, the people of Ondo State are hungry for solutions.
They want to see action, they want to see change,
They want to feel the impact, of your governance, and range.

So, Governor Aiyedatiwa, as you celebrate your 100 days,
Take a moment to reflect, on the journey ahead, and the way.
You’ve got the chance, to make a difference, to leave a legacy,
But it won’t be easy, it won’t be simple, it will take courage and tenacity.

The people of Ondo State, are looking up to you,
To deliver on your promises, and see them through.
You’ve got the power, you’ve got the might,
To make a difference, and bring about the light.

Governor Aiyedatiwa, your 100 days in office,
Have been marked by achievements, and challenges, and strife.
You’ve got the chance, to make a difference, to leave a mark,
But the clock is ticking, and the people are embarking on a journey of expectation.

So take heed, dear Governor, of the criticisms you face,
And apply them with wisdom, to find your proper place.
You’ve got the power, you’ve got the might,
To make a difference, and bring about the light.

As you celebrate your 100 days, don’t forget the people,
Who put you in office, and gave you the mandate to lead.
You’ve got a responsibility, to deliver on your promises,
And make a difference, in the lives of the people.

So, dear Governor Aiyedatiwa, take heed of this advice,
And use your power, to make a positive impact, and thrive.
The people of Ondo State, are watching, and waiting,
To see the difference, you can make, and the legacy you’ll be creating.

Newsflo.ng 🇳🇬

PENGASSAN Secures 300% Wage Increase For Oil And Gas Workers.

PENGASSAN Secures 300% Wage Increase For Oil And Gas Workers
President of the Petroleum and Natural Gas Senior Staff Association of Nigeria (PENGASSAN), Comrade Festus Osifo, has revealed that the union has successfully negotiated wage increase of up to 300 per cent for some oil and gas workers.

Osifo said that the union’s ongoing push for fair wage in the sector was in response to rising inflation, Naira devaluation and economic challenges faced by Nigerian workers, particularly in the oil and gas industry.

The labour leader, who spoke while addressing delegates at the 2025 PENGASSAN Women Annual Convention (PWAC) held in Abuja on Monday, noted that since inflation started biting hard, the union has been carrying out Collective Bargaining Agreement (CBA) negotiations across board with tangible results.

He disclosed that some companies in the oil and gas sector have implemented nearly 300% salary increments and many others have seen increases above 200%.

“Since this inflation came, since this inflation started, we’ve been doing CBA negotiations across board and there have been tremendous response we’ve had since 2023, we have some companies in PENGASSAN that have done close to 300% salary increment.

“So, it’s been success stories from one branch to another, from one company to another. So, the response or the push that we have given to the management in oil and gas company is second to none. And we’ll continuously do that.

“So for us in PENGASSAN, we are not even talking about 70,000 naira, we are talking about the effect of devaluation,” Osifo said.

Speaking at the convention themed “She Powers the Future: Driving Industry Transformation, Leadership and Technology”, the PENGASSAN president also contrasted the union’s success with the broader national wage realities.

While PENGASSAN workers have experienced significant wage adjustments, many workers in the public sector and other industries, he noted, continued to face stagnant wages amid rising living costs.

Osifo further offered a mixed a‌s⁠sessmen‌t of Presi‌dent Bola Tinubu a‍dministration⁠’s economic performa⁠nce in two year⁠s, scoring him mod‌est gains in some secto⁠rs b‌ut lamente⁠d widespread economic hardship for m‌os​t Nigerians.

“It’s a mixed feeling, while macroeconomic policies may look promising on paper, their impact on household incomes, food prices, education and healthcare remain limited,” he added.

Earlier, Comrade Mar⁠ya‍nn Ada Mba​naso, National Chairp‍e‍rson of the PENGASSAN⁠ Women Commissi‌on,‌ emphasised​ the commission’s commitment t​o raising a new generation of women l‌eaders ca​pable of reshapin‍g the industry and public policy.​

“​The future is​ women. The energy industry is wom​en. If‌ th⁠e door is close⁠d, w‍e will op​en it ourselv⁠es, we have all it takes to change t‌he narrative and the dynamics of the indu‍s⁠try.

“This year’s theme reflects our mission: to change our world, to raise leaders, and to claim our seat at the table. If the doors are closed to us, we will open them ourselves,” Mba​naso declared.

PENGASSAN Secures 300% Wage Increase For Oil And Gas Workers.

PENGASSAN Secures 300% Wage Increase For Oil And Gas Workers
President of the Petroleum and Natural Gas Senior Staff Association of Nigeria (PENGASSAN), Comrade Festus Osifo, has revealed that the union has successfully negotiated wage increase of up to 300 per cent for some oil and gas workers.

Osifo said that the union’s ongoing push for fair wage in the sector was in response to rising inflation, Naira devaluation and economic challenges faced by Nigerian workers, particularly in the oil and gas industry.

The labour leader, who spoke while addressing delegates at the 2025 PENGASSAN Women Annual Convention (PWAC) held in Abuja on Monday, noted that since inflation started biting hard, the union has been carrying out Collective Bargaining Agreement (CBA) negotiations across board with tangible results.

He disclosed that some companies in the oil and gas sector have implemented nearly 300% salary increments and many others have seen increases above 200%.

“Since this inflation came, since this inflation started, we’ve been doing CBA negotiations across board and there have been tremendous response we’ve had since 2023, we have some companies in PENGASSAN that have done close to 300% salary increment.

“So, it’s been success stories from one branch to another, from one company to another. So, the response or the push that we have given to the management in oil and gas company is second to none. And we’ll continuously do that.

“So for us in PENGASSAN, we are not even talking about 70,000 naira, we are talking about the effect of devaluation,” Osifo said.

Speaking at the convention themed “She Powers the Future: Driving Industry Transformation, Leadership and Technology”, the PENGASSAN president also contrasted the union’s success with the broader national wage realities.

While PENGASSAN workers have experienced significant wage adjustments, many workers in the public sector and other industries, he noted, continued to face stagnant wages amid rising living costs.

Osifo further offered a mixed a‌s⁠sessmen‌t of Presi‌dent Bola Tinubu a‍dministration⁠’s economic performa⁠nce in two year⁠s, scoring him mod‌est gains in some secto⁠rs b‌ut lamente⁠d widespread economic hardship for m‌os​t Nigerians.

“It’s a mixed feeling, while macroeconomic policies may look promising on paper, their impact on household incomes, food prices, education and healthcare remain limited,” he added.

Earlier, Comrade Mar⁠ya‍nn Ada Mba​naso, National Chairp‍e‍rson of the PENGASSAN⁠ Women Commissi‌on,‌ emphasised​ the commission’s commitment t​o raising a new generation of women l‌eaders ca​pable of reshapin‍g the industry and public policy.​

“​The future is​ women. The energy industry is wom​en. If‌ th⁠e door is close⁠d, w‍e will op​en it ourselv⁠es, we have all it takes to change t‌he narrative and the dynamics of the indu‍s⁠try.

“This year’s theme reflects our mission: to change our world, to raise leaders, and to claim our seat at the table. If the doors are closed to us, we will open them ourselves,” Mba​naso declared.

PENGASSAN Secures 300% Wage Increase For Oil And Gas Workers
President of the Petroleum and Natural Gas Senior Staff Association of Nigeria (PENGASSAN), Comrade Festus Osifo, has revealed that the union has successfully negotiated wage increase of up to 300 per cent for some oil and gas workers.

Osifo said that the union’s ongoing push for fair wage in the sector was in response to rising inflation, Naira devaluation and economic challenges faced by Nigerian workers, particularly in the oil and gas industry.

The labour leader, who spoke while addressing delegates at the 2025 PENGASSAN Women Annual Convention (PWAC) held in Abuja on Monday, noted that since inflation started biting hard, the union has been carrying out Collective Bargaining Agreement (CBA) negotiations across board with tangible results.

He disclosed that some companies in the oil and gas sector have implemented nearly 300% salary increments and many others have seen increases above 200%.

“Since this inflation came, since this inflation started, we’ve been doing CBA negotiations across board and there have been tremendous response we’ve had since 2023, we have some companies in PENGASSAN that have done close to 300% salary increment.

“So, it’s been success stories from one branch to another, from one company to another. So, the response or the push that we have given to the management in oil and gas company is second to none. And we’ll continuously do that.

“So for us in PENGASSAN, we are not even talking about 70,000 naira, we are talking about the effect of devaluation,” Osifo said.

Speaking at the convention themed “She Powers the Future: Driving Industry Transformation, Leadership and Technology”, the PENGASSAN president also contrasted the union’s success with the broader national wage realities.

While PENGASSAN workers have experienced significant wage adjustments, many workers in the public sector and other industries, he noted, continued to face stagnant wages amid rising living costs.

Osifo further offered a mixed a‌s⁠sessmen‌t of Presi‌dent Bola Tinubu a‍dministration⁠’s economic performa⁠nce in two year⁠s, scoring him mod‌est gains in some secto⁠rs b‌ut lamente⁠d widespread economic hardship for m‌os​t Nigerians.

“It’s a mixed feeling, while macroeconomic policies may look promising on paper, their impact on household incomes, food prices, education and healthcare remain limited,” he added.

Earlier, Comrade Mar⁠ya‍nn Ada Mba​naso, National Chairp‍e‍rson of the PENGASSAN⁠ Women Commissi‌on,‌ emphasised​ the commission’s commitment t​o raising a new generation of women l‌eaders ca​pable of reshapin‍g the industry and public policy.​

“​The future is​ women. The energy industry is wom​en. If‌ th⁠e door is close⁠d, w‍e will op​en it ourselv⁠es, we have all it takes to change t‌he narrative and the dynamics of the indu‍s⁠try.

“This year’s theme reflects our mission: to change our world, to raise leaders, and to claim our seat at the table. If the doors are closed to us, we will open them ourselves,” Mba​naso declared.

4th June 2025

FILES-US-BRAZIL-INTERNET-MEDIA
X owner, Elon Musk speaks at the 27th annual Milken Institute Global Conference at the Beverly Hilton in Los Angeles on May 6, 2024. – (Photo by Frederic J. BROWN / AFP)

Elon Musk has publicly condemned President Donald Trump’s proposed spending bill, calling it an “outrageous, pork-filled, disgusting abomination” just days after his departure from a White House advisory role, The Independent UK reported.

The billionaire entrepreneur, who recently completed a 130-day stint as a special government employee leading the Department of Government Efficiency, voiced his disapproval in a post on X on Tuesday.

Musk sharply criticised the bill’s projected impact on the federal deficit, warning it would push the budget shortfall to $2.5trn and leave American citizens with an “unsustainable” debt burden.

“I’m sorry, but I just can’t stand it anymore. This massive, outrageous, pork-filled Congressional spending bill is a disgusting abomination.

“Shame on those who voted for it: you know you did wrong. You know it.

“It will massively increase the already gigantic budget deficit to $2.5 trillion (!!!) and burden America (sic) citizens with crushingly unsustainable debt,” Musk posted on X Tuesday.

The spending bill, championed by Trump and currently under Senate debate, aims to slash taxes while increasing expenditures on oil drilling, the military, and border security. It also includes significant cuts to Medicaid and food assistance programmes.

The Congressional Budget Office estimates that the legislation could add $3.8 trillion to the national debt over the next decade.

In response to Musk’s remarks, White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt downplayed the criticism, reiterating the administration’s support for the bill.

“The president already knows where Elon Musk stood on this bill. It doesn’t change the president’s opinion.

“This is one big beautiful bill and he’s sticking to it,” Leavitt said.

During his time at DOGE, Musk had expressed concern that the bill undermined the department’s mission to trim federal spending.

At a weekend event, he reiterated his disapproval, stating, “I was, like, disappointed to see the massive spending bill, frankly, which increases the budget deficit, doesn’t decrease it, and undermines the work that the DOGE team is doing.

“I think a bill can be big or it can be beautiful. But I don’t know if it can be both. My personal opinion,” Musk said.

The legislation proposes $1.5trn in spending cuts as a condition to unlock $4.5bn in tax reductions. Should the necessary savings not be identified, the bill’s tax benefits would be scaled back proportionally.

According to the CBO, the bill would disproportionately benefit the wealthiest Americans while reducing resources for those in the lowest income brackets.

REPORT
Newsflo.ng

By Adeola Ogunrinde

The Federal Capital Territory (FCT) High Court has taken a significant step towards digital justice delivery with the launch of the Virtual Affidavit Registry Management System (VARMS) mobile application. This innovative app allows users to process affidavits from anywhere in the world within five minutes, eliminating the need for physical visits to the court registry.

Mr. Moyosola Niran-Oladunni, Managing Chief Executive of Axys Systems & Solutions Limited*, the company behind the VARMS mobile app, expressed his excitement about the launch, saying, “The VARMS app removes the barriers of time, location, and paperwork, placing affidavit services directly in the hands of every Nigerian. It removes the barriers of time, distance, and bureaucracy, allowing Nigerians to process affidavits securely from the comfort of their homes or offices in minutes.”

Key Features of VARMS Mobile App includes: Obtain affidavits in under 5 minutes. Each affidavit comes with a secure QR code for instant digital verification. Easy-to-use interface for deponents. Seamless identity verification and payment system. Depose affidavits via real-time video with commissioners of oaths. Stay informed with real-time notifications

The VARMS mobile app is a game-changer for individuals, lawyers, institutions, and government agencies, providing verified, time-stamped affidavits without the need for physical court visits. This innovation strengthens the integrity of the affidavit process and aligns with Nigeria’s broader digital transformation agenda in the justice sector.

The FCT High Court’s commitment to digital transformation and efficient service delivery is commendable. By leveraging technology, the court has increased accessibility, reduced bureaucracy, and enhanced the overall experience for users. The VARMS mobile app is a shining example of how technology can improve the justice system, making it more efficient and user-friendly.

For more information or to download the app, visit:

About AXYS Systems & Solutions Ltd:
AXYS is a Nigerian tech company specializing in secure digital systems for private and public sectors. It is the lead developer of VARMS and has been at the forefront of digitizing affidavit services in partnership with the FCT Judiciary since 2022.

For press inquiries or interviews, please contact:
info@axyssystems.com
38 Opebi road Adebola House Suite 100, Rear Car Park Wing Ikeja, Lagos
+2349166744744
+2347080780513

Newsflo.ng 🇳🇬

By Oyewumi Adeniyi

Global philanthropist and Microsoft co-founder, Bill Gates, has been honoured with one of Nigeria’s highest national recognitions, the Commander of the Order of the Federal Republic (CFR), for his pivotal role in reshaping the country’s healthcare landscape and inspiring generations of global leadership through impactful philanthropy.

President Bola Tinubu, who conferred the honour during a ceremony held in Lagos on Tuesday, said Gates’s legacy in Nigeria is defined not just by generosity but by results, in lower child mortality rates, polio eradication, and wider access to life-saving vaccines.

“All I need to say is thank you, Bill Gates, for your indivisible commitment to humanity,” Tinubu said.
“It is highly remarkable and an inspiration to leaders across the world, including the one standing before you.”

President Tinubu acknowledged Gates’s long-term support through the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation, particularly in strengthening maternal health systems, advancing agricultural reforms, and combating infectious diseases.

He said these interventions have helped transform some of the most vulnerable communities in Nigeria.

In his tribute, Minister of Health and Social Development, Prof. Muhammad Ali Pate, described the honour as well-earned.

He noted that Gates, in collaboration with business magnate Alhaji Aliko Dangote, helped overcome cultural barriers to immunisation in Northern Nigeria and drove the nationwide campaign that led to the eradication of polio.

“From that time until now, the Gates Foundation and its partners have invested over \$2 billion in Nigeria,” Pate said.
“These funds have strengthened health care delivery, agriculture, and the digital economy, all with real, measurable impact.”

Nigeria awards Gates CFR as he commits $7.5M to AI innovation hub

Accepting the honour, Bill Gates said the CFR award symbolises the shared progress achieved by Nigerian institutions and the Foundation over the last 25 years.

He particularly lauded Nigeria’s leadership for its commitment to public health, adding that partnerships with Tinubu, Pate, and Dangote have helped the country record milestones in disease prevention.

“We’ve made significant progress, especially in vaccine coverage and polio eradication, thanks to strong collaboration,” Gates said.

He highlighted the Foundation’s nationwide rollout of the HPV vaccine, aimed at curbing cervical cancer, which claims over 7,000 Nigerian women annually. Gates commended Nigeria for recording the highest uptake of the vaccine among girls aged 9–14 compared to any other country.

Gates reaffirmed his commitment to Nigeria, outlining the Foundation’s plans to eliminate malaria within two decades and aggressively tackle malnutrition, especially among children.

“Some of our goals may seem ambitious,” he said. “But I’m committed to investing all my wealth in this mission over the next 20 years.”

Other dignitaries present at the event included Alhaji Dangote.

REPORT
Newsflo.ng

By Adeola Ogunrinde

The Federal Capital Territory (FCT) High Court has taken a significant step towards digital justice delivery with the launch of the Virtual Affidavit Registry Management System (VARMS) mobile application. This innovative app allows users to process affidavits from anywhere in the world within five minutes, eliminating the need for physical visits to the court registry.

Mr. Moyosola Niran-Oladunni, Managing Chief Executive of Axys Systems & Solutions Limited*, the company behind the VARMS mobile app, expressed his excitement about the launch, saying, “The VARMS app removes the barriers of time, location, and paperwork, placing affidavit services directly in the hands of every Nigerian. It removes the barriers of time, distance, and bureaucracy, allowing Nigerians to process affidavits securely from the comfort of their homes or offices in minutes.”

Key Features of VARMS Mobile App includes: Obtain affidavits in under 5 minutes. Each affidavit comes with a secure QR code for instant digital verification. Easy-to-use interface for deponents. Seamless identity verification and payment system. Depose affidavits via real-time video with commissioners of oaths. Stay informed with real-time notifications

The VARMS mobile app is a game-changer for individuals, lawyers, institutions, and government agencies, providing verified, time-stamped affidavits without the need for physical court visits. This innovation strengthens the integrity of the affidavit process and aligns with Nigeria’s broader digital transformation agenda in the justice sector.

The FCT High Court’s commitment to digital transformation and efficient service delivery is commendable. By leveraging technology, the court has increased accessibility, reduced bureaucracy, and enhanced the overall experience for users. The VARMS mobile app is a shining example of how technology can improve the justice system, making it more efficient and user-friendly.