Renowned Nigerian Islamic singer, Rukayat Gawat Oyefeso, has reportedly passed away, leaving the entertainment and Islamic communities in mourning.

The news of her passing was disclosed on Tuesday morning by Islamic cleric, Alfa Aribidesi At-Tawdeeh, who took to his Facebook page to share the tragic update.

In his post, the cleric expressed deep sympathy for her family, writing: “Our sympathy goes to the family of Ruqayat Gawat for this great loss! May Allah forgive her shortcomings! RUQAYAT GAWAT IS GONE!”

Confirming the news of her death, a relative of the late singer, Jubril Gawat, who serves as the Senior Special Assistant (SSA) on New Media to Lagos State Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu, posted on X (formerly known as Twitter). He tweeted, “Indeed we belong to Allah, and indeed to Him we will return.” (Qur’an 2:156).

In a show of solidarity, Sanwo-Olu’s Chief Press Secretary, Gboyega Akosile, also shared his condolences on the platform.

Quoting Jubril Gawat’s tweet, Akosile said: “‘Ina lillahi waina ilaehi rajiun.’ May the Almighty Allah, who is the giver and taker of life, console the family of my dear brothers @Mr_JAGs and @tfk_gawat on the demise of our beloved sister, Rukayat. May Aljannah firdaus be her permanent home. May Allah grant you the fortitude to bear this irreparable loss.”

Rukayat Gawat Oyefeso was a respected figure in Islamic music and was known for her soulful renditions that inspired many within the Muslim community. She was the daughter of the popular broadcaster, Alhaji Rasaq Gawat, who went missing in 2012.

The Federal Government has announced that it will implement the new ₦70,000 minimum wage, with effect from July 29, 2024.

This development follows the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between the government and the Labour Union on Friday. The agreement also includes the revision of the salary structure for lecturers, doctors, military personnel, and other civil servants.

The announcement was made in a statement released by the Office of the Head of Civil Service of the Federation (HCSF) and signed by the Head of Information and Public Relations, Eno Olotu.

According to the statement, the committee on civil servant salaries has finalised plans for the implementation of the new wage structure from July 29, 2024.

The revision comes as part of resolutions reached during the committee’s meeting held in Abuja. One key recommendation of the committee is the continuation of the wage award, which the Federal Government had previously discontinued, up until July 28, 2024.

The committee, led by the Head of Civil Service of the Federation, Didi Walson-Jack, noted that the government’s decision was informed by the current economic realities facing the country.

Speaking after the MoU signing, Walson-Jack, who also chaired the committee, commended the members for their diligence in executing the task.

She stated, “Both the Trade Union and the Government have agreed on the consequential adjustments in salaries arising from the new minimum wage of ₦70,000.” She added that all committee members reviewed and signed the MoU, which was then handed over to representatives from both sides.

Walson-Jack described the negotiations as one of the shortest and most peaceful in recent times and confirmed that the signed MoU would now be forwarded to the Federal Government for further action.

In his remarks, the National Chairman of the Joint Negotiating Council, Comrade Benjamin Anthony, who represented the Trade Union, expressed satisfaction with the work done by the committee and lauded the leadership of the HCSF for the smooth conduct of the negotiations.

The Federal Character Commission (FCC) has refuted claims by former Senate President, Adolphus Wabara, that he was denied job placements for his constituents due to his refusal to pay bribes.

The commission clarified that the rejection of Wabara’s request stemmed from the fact that it fell outside its mandate.

Wabara had alleged that efforts to secure job placements for individuals in his wards were blocked because he did not offer any money.

According to him, “You won’t believe that up till now, nothing has been done for the simple reason that I have not dropped any money and that they cannot even ask me to drop money.”

However, in a statement issued by Dr. Chuks Okoli, Director of Public Affairs and Communication at the FCC, the commission dismissed the allegations, emphasising that Wabara was informed during a visit to the FCC Executive Chairman, Dr. Muheeba Dankaka, in March 2023, that the commission does not serve as a recruitment agency.

The statement further explained that the FCC’s role is to monitor recruitment processes across Ministries, Departments, and Agencies (MDAs) to ensure fairness and equity, not to facilitate job placements.

In response to Wabara’s bribery claims, the FCC challenged the former Senate President to substantiate his accusations.

“For this weighty allegation, it will be appreciated if His Excellency, the former Senate President, can mention the name(s) of the person(s) that asked him to pay a bribe to secure FCC job slots for his children and grandchildren or substantiate his allegation.”

The FCC also urged the public to disregard the claims, reaffirming that since Dr. Dankaka was appointed Executive Chairman, she has maintained strict adherence to the principles of Federal Character in the recruitment processes of MDAs.

“The general public is hereby asked and encouraged to disregard this unsubstantiated allegation of ‘bribe for FCC job slot’ made by former distinguished Senator Adolphus Wabara,” the statement concluded.