NEWS
NULGE Strike: FCT-NLC to Shut down Abuja July 3

By Laide Akinboade, Abuja
Angered by the ongoing labour disputes between the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) chapter of the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) and the six area councils in the nation’s capital, the labour union has threatened to shut down Abuja after July 3 if the Administration fails to resolve it.
This was contained in a statement by FCT-NLC in Abuja. The labour union said the planned protest would be aimed at forcing authorities to address several unresolved welfare concerns, which have led to prolonged strikes across the six area councils. The NLC attributed its decision to delay the protest to President Bola Tinubu’s ongoing project inaugurations in the FCT, scheduled to conclude on July 3.“We had to extend the ultimatum because of Tinubu’s movements to inaugurate the FCT-executed project,” Knabayi said. “Members of the union will take over the streets of Abuja as soon as Tinubu concludes the inauguration.”The industrial dispute has already paralyzed operations in primary health centres, public schools, and area council secretariats.The unions involved, including the Nigeria Union of Teachers, Nigeria Union of Local Government Employees, and the National Association of Health Workers, are demanding payment of outstanding minimum wage arrears, a 40 percent peculiar allowance, and implementation of previously agreed salary increases of 25 and 35 percent.They are also calling for enforcement of a N35,000 wage award promised by the Federal Government.A seven-day ultimatum issued to the FCT Administration on June 13 expired on June 20 without any resolution, prompting plans for large-scale mobilisationThe unions described the situation as unacceptable and accused council chairmen of failing to make genuine efforts to resolve the crisis despite repeated appeals.The NLC also criticised the sudden suspension of the N70,000 minimum wage implementation, which began in May but was halted in June without explanation.It confirmed that both the FCT Administration and security agencies have been notified of the planned protest, describing it as a final warning to avert further breakdown in essential services.NEWS
Police Reunite 35 Rescued Kidnapped Victims with Families

The Police Command in Niger, says it has reunited 35 rescued kidnapped victims and survivors with their families in Niger.
This is contained in a statement by its Public Relations officer, Wasiu Abiodun, on Tuesday in Minna.
According to the statement the rescued victims consist of 16 women and 19 children.
The Commissioner of Police (CP) in Niger, Adamu Elleman, represented by the DCP investigation, Ibrahim Adamu, said the victims were from Kagara, Tegina and Agwara.
According to the CP, the victims had been in custody for some period for counselling and deradicalisation processes before handed over to their Council Chairman of Rafi LGA and relatives.
He appealed to members of the public to continue to cooperate with the police by providing actionable information on criminal activities.
NEWS
Turkish Embassy Pledges Partnership with Asset Media Group

By Donald Andoor, Abuja
The Turkish Embassy in Nigeria has pledged a working relationship with the Asset Media Group and Nigeria’s media in general to further boost long lasting diplomatic and trade relations existing between the two countries.
Head of Political Office, Embassy of the Republic of Turkiye, Muzaiffer Hakan Tok who was exchanging views with the management team of Asset Media Group in Abuja, yesterday recalled the robust diplomatic, trade and cultural relationship between Nigeria and Turkiye.
While stressing the cordial relationship existing between the two nations over time, he said there was need for media practitioners to be further enlightened about those things that were common and binding between the two nations.
He applauded the people of Nigeria and the government for the hospitality accorded Turkish nationals in the country.
Earlier, Dr. Cletus Akwaya, Proprietor of Asset Media Group, owners of the Daily Asset Newspaper and Asset Television, said the visit was to explore ways of media partnership with the embassy.
He appealed to the Turkish Embassy in Nigeria to initiate avenues for exchange of visits between journalists of the two countries to enable them to enlighten and educate the public about opportunities that abound in the country.
The diplomatic relations between the two nations started when Turkey opened an embassy in Lagos in 1962. The embassy was moved to Abuja in 2001 after Nigeria’s proclamation of Abuja as the new capital.
On the other hand, Nigeria has an embassy in Ankara, the capital of Turkey and the two countries are members of a group of eight developing nations, code named D-8.
The delegation of the Daily Asset Group included Donald Andoor, Chairman Editorial Board and General Manager of Asset Television, Ayami Sunny Ayami.
NEWS
NCS Cautions Nigerians against Breach of US Visa Terms

By Tony Obiechina, Abuja
The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) has issued a public advisory urging Nigerians to use U.S. entry visas responsibly, following concerns raised by the United States government over visa misuse.
The NCS emphasized that Nigerian travelers must adhere strictly to the purpose stated in their visa applications, warning that engaging in activities inconsistent with their visa classification could lead to revocation.
It reminded the public that security screening by U. S. authorities continues beyond the point of entry, and that visa holders remain under regular monitoring.The agency also reiterated the importance of complying with U.
S. immigration laws, including import/export regulations. Travelers were further reminded to declare any cash in excess of $10,000 or its equivalent at entry or exit points, and to avoid carrying any prohibited items in their luggage.NCS advised all passengers to maintain lawful conduct both within Nigeria and abroad, cautioning that fraudulent acts committed in any country could result in legal consequences under both Nigerian and U.S. laws.
Assuring continued collaboration with the U.S. Mission in Abuja, the NCS stated that efforts are ongoing to ensure Nigeria avoids inclusion in any future visa restrictions, thus safeguarding the travel rights of Nigerians with legitimate purposes for visiting the United States.