Trending News: Top 10 Stories this Morning

Good Morning. Here’s a recap of top trending news stories this morning.

1. President Bola Tinubu has extended condolences to Malawian President Lazarus Chakwera and the people of Malawi over the tragic plane crash that claimed the lives of Vice President Saulos Chilima and other officials. The military aircraft carrying Chilima and nine others disappeared from radars in bad weather conditions.

2. Minister of Housing and Urban Development, Arc. Ahmed Dangiwa, has called for African housing ministers’ collaboration to tackle housing challenges. Speaking at the 43rd AGM of Shelter Afrique Development Bank in Rwanda, He emphasized innovative financing and robust partnerships, highlighting Shelter Afrique’s role and the need for continued support.

3. Speaker of the House of Representatives, Tajudeen Abbas has appointed Abdulmumin Jibrin as the new Chairman of the House Committee on Housing and Habitat. Jibrin, known for his academic background and legislative experience, previously chaired several committees. His tenure as Executive Director of the Federal Housing Authority (FHA) is seen as an asset.

4. The Housing Development Advocacy Network (HDAN) has said that Nigeria’s democratic system has fallen short in addressing the pressing issue of homelessness. According to the group, despite the country’s democratic principles, there has been little to no improvement in tackling homelessness due to a notable absence of political will to implement effective social housing solutions.

5. A bill is set to be forwarded to the National Assembly to formalize the recently negotiated National Minimum Wage for the next five years or less. President Bola Tinubu hinted at this move, though he didn’t specify the exact figure. However, the proposed N62,000 by the Tripartite Committee is widely speculated to be the amount in question.

6. The Attorneys-General of the 36 states are objecting to the Federal Government’s local government funds suit at the Supreme Court. Led by Gombe State’s Commissioner for Justice, Zubairu Umar, they challenge the court’s jurisdiction in the case. Filed by the Attorney-General of the Federation, Lateef Fagbemi (SAN), the suit is set to begin Thursday, 13 June 2024.

7. Governor of Ogun State, Dapo Abiodun, has directed the immediate renovation of late MKO Abiola’s house in Gbagura, Oja Agbo Abeokuta, to mark Democracy Day on Wednesday. The move commemorates Abiola’s sacrifices for democracy, as June 12 is now recognized as Democracy Day. The renovation aims to make the house suitable for visiting pro-democracy activists.

9. The Benue Assembly has passed a bill to combat harassment and extortion of developers, criminalizing ‘Marching Ground’ practices. The legislation aims to address escalating threats against developers and awaits the governor’s assent.

10. Following a tragic building collapse in Obingwu, Ukwa West local government area of Abia State, which resulted in the death of five construction workers, the Iron Rod and Steel Distributors Employers Union of Nigeria (IRSDEUN) has urged the federal government to crack down on substandard steel producers.