News
Corps members in Enugu decry high cost of house rent
Some members of the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) serving in Enugu State have expressed concern over the high cost of house rent in Enugu and its environs.
The corps members who spoke in separate interviews told OUR correspondent in Enugu, that the situation had posed much difficulty on them as they were paid a paltry N800 and N1,000 as monthly allowance by the state government.
NAN reports that the cost of rent of one bedroom within the State Capital Territory was as high as N300, 000 per annum, including agency and lawyer fees.
A one room self-contained within the same location rents for between N180, 000 and N250, 000 per annum, including agency and lawyer fees.
One room located in a public compound with shared convenience costs between N100, 000 and N150, 000 per annum, including agency and lawyer fees.
A corps member, Miss Odichi Joseph described the high cost of rent in the state capital and adjoining communities as `alarming’.
Joseph said that four to five corps members usually combined to rent an accommodation between N250, 000 and N300, 000 in some obscure locations.
She said that such areas were usually far-flung from their places of primary assignments.
The corps member said that it had become necessary for the state government to regulate the cost of renting a house in some areas in the state.
She said that some house owners, agents, and lawyers were creating hardship for tenants.
Joseph said that the hardship they were subjected to in terms of the cost of living in Enugu was a far cry from the N19, 800 monthly allowance they receive.
Also, another corps member, Miss Jenifer Ugah appealed to the state government to intervene by impressing it on house owners to review downward their house rents.
Ugah said that the Federal Government should also make it mandatory for every corps employer to take charge of their accommodation issues.
“Most corps employers do not even pay monthly allowances apart from the one the Federal Government is paying,” she said.
She said that the involvement of lawyers and agents in house hire without regulation had become worrisome in Enugu as some lawyers helped in influencing the cost.
Also, Miss Busayo Arowosegbe, said that most of the houses had no potable water in spite of the high costs at which they were given on rent.
Arowosegbe said that she and few of her friends paid N130, 000 for a small room with no potable water.
“You need to see the ‘cubicle’ that we are forced to rent at N130, 000 per annum,” she said.
She appealed to the state government to provide affordable lodges where corps members serving in the state capital could reside in their service year.
NAN reports that the high cost of house rent in Enugu and its environ has generated a big discourse in the social space as Enugu now rates as one of the most expensive cities in the country
Investigations by Nigerian Concord Newspaper reveal that the Executive Secretary of the Nigerian Shippers Council, Mr. Pius Akutah, has allegedly misappropriated public funds for a lavish lifestyle.
According to our findings, within months of assuming office, Akutah allegedly purchased a bulletproof SUV valued at approximately N850 million. In addition, he is reported to have acquired over twenty exotic SUVs for use as a convoy.
Akutah is also said to have acquired multiple high-value properties, including three in Abuja’s Maitama and Asokoro districts worth over N2 billion, and two in Lagos’ Banana Island valued at N1.8 billion. These acquisitions appear far beyond the scope of his official salary and allowances.
Further investigation suggests that Akutah may be using public funds to support political ambitions, including allegedly grooming militants across 23 local government areas in Benue State for a potential 2027 gubernatorial bid.
Staff of the Shippers Council reportedly claim that Akutah frequently accesses the council’s treasury without proper authorization. Some insiders have indicated that a petition will soon be filed with the EFCC, ICPC, and the Presidency to report his alleged misconduct.
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Investigations by Nigerian Concord Newspaper reveal that the Executive Secretary of the Nigerian Shippers Council, Mr. Pius Akutah, has allegedly misappropriated public funds for a lavish lifestyle.
According to our findings, within months of assuming office, Akutah allegedly purchased a bulletproof SUV valued at approximately N850 million. In addition, he is reported to have acquired over twenty exotic SUVs for use as a convoy.
Akutah is also said to have acquired multiple high-value properties, including three in Abuja’s Maitama and Asokoro districts worth over N2 billion, and two in Lagos’ Banana Island valued at N1.8 billion. These acquisitions appear far beyond the scope of his official salary and allowances.
Further investigation suggests that Akutah may be using public funds to support political ambitions, including allegedly grooming militants across 23 local government areas in Benue State for a potential 2027 gubernatorial bid.
Staff of the Shippers Council reportedly claim that Akutah frequently accesses the council’s treasury without proper authorization. Some insiders have indicated that a petition will soon be filed with the EFCC, ICPC, and the Presidency to report his alleged misconduct.
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I am writing to felicitate with Your Excellency, Atku Abubakar, GCON, former Vice-President of Nigeria (Zege Mule u Tiv & Wazirin Adamawa)
on the occasion of your 79th birthday anniversary.
I join your teeming admirers globally in celebrating you on this special day, an adorable Statesman and my Boss.
I recall with nostalgia, how countless generations have benefited from your generosity, wealth of experience and benevolence including being my key benefactor even as a young lawyer for my professional success.
Your Excellency, may your special day be filled with grandeur befitting your illustrious career.
I wish you continued success, prosperity, and an unending stream of accolades.
It takes a remarkable kind of fortitude to remain active in public life well into one’s golden years. Your dedication and patriotism remain truly exceptional.
May you enjoy a day of reflection on your many years of fruitful service to humanity. It is my prayer that God Almighty grants you many more healthy, fruitful, and fulfilling years ahead, and continues to endow you with wisdom, strength, and the grace to keep contributing to our nation-building.
Happy Birthday, Your Excellency.
Michael Kaase Aondoakaa SAN.
Former Attorney General of the Federation and Minister of Justice
TAU reaffirms commitment to globally competitive learning
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