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At least 17 dead in powerful bomb blast at train station in Pakistan

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At least 17 people have died in a powerful bomb blast at a train station in Quetta, southwestern Pakistan, officials said.

Another 30 were wounded in the explosion that tore through the station in the early hours of Saturday.

“The blast took place inside the railway station when the Peshawar-bound express was about to leave for its destination,” said Muhammad Baloch, the senior superintendent of police operations.

Quetta is the capital of the restive Balochistanprovince, which has seen a growing threat in recent months from local militant groups.

Preliminary visuals of the aftermath of the explosion showed the platform littered with passengers’ luggage.

Mr Baloch said the attack “seems to be a suicide blast” but it was too early to say for sure. Around 100 people were present at the station at the time of the attack, Mr Baloch said, citing footage of the incident.

The death toll is likely to rise as some of the wounded passengers are in critical condition, said Shahid Ring, a government spokesperson.

An investigation has been launched into the incident to ascertain the nature of the blast, he said, according to the daily newspaper Dawn.

The Balochistan Liberation Army, a separatist group that operates in the region, has claimed responsibility for the attack and said a suicide bomber targeted troops present at the railway station. Police officials said they are investigating the claim.

If confirmed, it would be the second deadly attack by BLA militants in a little over a month in Pakistan.

On 7 October, at least two Chinese nationals were killed after BLA militants carried out a bomb attack near the international airport in Karachi. The attack took place just a week before a high-level summit of the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO), raising security concerns for the meeting of world leaders.

BLA militants have repeatedly targeted security forces and foreigners, especially Chinese nationals who are in Pakistan as part of Beijing’s multibillion-dollar Belt and Road Initiative, which includes the construction of major infrastructure projects in Pakistan.

The militant group sees the presence of foreign workers as a threat to local resources and its grip on the restive southwestern region.

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NLC announces indefinite strike action

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NLC announces indefinite strike action
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NLC announces indefinite strike action

The Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) has ordered its members in states that are yet to commence the implementation of the new minimum wage to commence an indefinite strike, beginning from December 1, 2024.

The directive is part of the resolutions of the NLC after its National Executive Council (NEC) meeting at the weekend.

“The NEC notes with deep frustration the persistent delay and outright refusal by some state governments to implement the 2024 National Minimum Wage Act. This betrayal by certain governors and government officials across the country flies in the face of both legality and morality, as workers continue to be denied their rightful wages amidst rising economic hardship. It is a blatant disregard for the law and the lives of millions of Nigerian workers, who are being exploited by the very leaders sworn to protect them.

“The NEC therefore resolves to set up a National Minimum Wage Implementation Committee that will among others commence a nationwide assessment, mobilization and sensitization campaign, educating workers and citizens on the need to resist this assault on their dignity and rights. Furthermore, the NLC shall initiate a series of industrial actions in all non-compliant states and shall not relent until the minimum wage is fully implemented across Nigeria.

“To this end, all state Councils where the National Minimum Wage has not been fully implemented by the last day of November, 2024 have been directed to proceed on strike beginning from the 1st day of December, 2024. Nigerian workers demand justice, and justice they shall have,” the NLC communique read in part.

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Travellers must report reckless driving to curb crashes — FRSC

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Travellers must report reckless driving to curb crashes — FRSC
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The Plateau State Command of the Federal Road Safety Commission, on Friday, concluded a series of activities aimed at reducing road accidents during the 2024 ember months with a call on travellers to report reckless driving in order to achieve the objective.

The campaign, tagged “Speak Up Against Dangerous Driving: Crashes Kill More Passengers Than Drivers,” kicked off on November 6, 2024, in Jos, the state capital, with a press briefing, town hall meeting, fliers distribution to the members of the public as well as motorcade carnival to sensitise the people.

Speaking at the flag-off ceremony, the Sector Commander of the FRSC in the state, Maxwell Plateau, emphasised the need for behavioural change among drivers.

He stressed that passengers have the right to a safe drive and encouraged them to caution drivers who violate road rules.
We must appreciate the selfless services the transport subsector in the country ensures that the movement of people, goods, and services get to their destinations safely.

“However, we must be deliberate in playing our role to maximize safety. As such, FRSC will, at this critical moment, intensify, increase visibility, provide prompt response to rescue, and add more gravity to the enforcement of traffic rules and regulations to ensure our safety. However, passengers also have their own roles to play.

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MINISTER OF STATE WORKS ON THE SPOT ASSESSMENT OF ILLELA-BADAGRY SUPERHIGHWAY

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MINISTER OF STATE WORKS ON THE SPOT ASSESSMENT OF ILLELA-BADAGRY SUPERHIGHWAY
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MINISTER OF STATE WORKS ON THE SPOT ASSESSMENT OF ILLELA-BADAGRY SUPERHIGHWAY

Minister of State Works, Bello Muhammad Goronyo has expressed satisfaction with the level of progress so far made on the Multi-Million Naira Illela-Badagry Superhighway conceived to connect Northern with the Southwestern part of Nigeria and neighbouring Niger Republic.

This is during an on the spot assessment to illela Amarawa the originating point of the legacy Project.

Contract for the construction of the 3 lane carriageway was awarded on 14th August, 2024 by President Bola Tinubu led Administration to create jobs, connect Communities and fast track economic development of the Country in line with his renewed hope Agenda on Road infrastructural development.

Work on the phase One 1A covering 120km that stretches 4 Local Government Areas of Sokoto State commenced on the 4th November as directed by the Minister of Works David Umahi.

The Minister of State Works Bello Muhammad Goronyo embarks on an on the spot assessment to ensure total compliance by the Contractor handling the Project

On the recent revocation of the Abuja-Kaduna-Kano Road Project, the Minister lamented that, after eight Years the Federal Government can no not be hold to ransom by underperforming Firms.

Goronyo stated that the Ministry will re-award the contract to a more serious company in due course to facilitate movement of goods and services.

Representative of the Contracting Firm Willie Barkhursen and Federal Controller of Works incharge of Sokoto State Maigwandu Kasim assured that, the Project is being executed according to specifications and would be completed within the agreed 24 Months period.

A joint reconnaissance survey is ongoing under the Office of the National Security Adviser to ensure safety of workers and equipment

The over 1000km length Superhighway passes through Four Northern and Three Southern States of Sokoto, Kebbi, Niger, Kwara, Oyo, Ogun and Lagos

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