UN chief asks South Africa to end xenophobia

The UN Secretary-General, António Guterres, has urged South Africa to end xenophobic attacks and the intimidation of foreign nationals in the country.

Guterres, in a statement issued by his spokesperson, Mr Stéphane Dujarric, expressed deep concern over the situation and strongly condemned criminal acts and incitement to violence against migrants in parts of KwaZulu-Natal and the Eastern Cape Province.

He reminded the international community that South Africa’s struggle against apartheid was built on a foundation of global and African solidarity.

“Violence, vigilantism and all forms of incitement to hatred have no place in an inclusive, democratic society,” he said.

The UN chief noted that South Africa’s development has long been shaped by the contributions of people from across the continent.

Pay row: FG meets SSANU, NASU leadership Wednesday

The Federal Government has invited the leadership of the Senior Staff Association of Nigerian Universities and the Non-Academic Staff Union of Universities and Allied Institutions to a meeting on Wednesday, April 29, 2026, in a bid to avert the looming strike by the two university-based unions.

The strike threat followed the ongoing row on the proposed 30 per cent pay rise for the unions, announced by the Minister of Education, Dr Tunji Alausa.

In a letter earlier addressed to the National Universities Commission, National Commission for Colleges of Education and National Board for Technical Education, announced a 30 per cent pay rise in salaries of non-academics in Federal Government-controlled universities, polytechnics and colleges of education.

The Joint Action Committee of SSANU and the NASU demanded that the government withdraw the controversial letter allegedly approving the 30 per cent salary increase or risk a nationwide shutdown of public universities.

In a letter signed by the Secretary General of the JAC, Peters Adeyemi, and President, Comrade Mohammed Ibrahim, on behalf of the unions, the workers described the development as shocking and unacceptable.

Senate begins screening of Tinubu’s ministerial nominee

The Senate on Thursday commenced the screening of President Bola Tinubu’s ministerial nominee for the Ministry of Housing and Urban Development, Muttaqha Darma, marking the latest step in the administration’s efforts to strengthen its cabinet.

The minister-designate was ushered into the chamber at exactly 12:32 pm, where he appeared before lawmakers in plenary for the constitutionally mandated exercise.

As of press time, senators had begun questioning the nominee on his qualifications, policy direction, and readiness to manage the critical housing portfolio.

The screening follows a formal request transmitted to the upper chamber by the President on Wednesday, seeking Darma’s confirmation as a minister of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.

President of the Senate, Godswill Akpabio, who read the communication from Tinubu during plenary, subsequently referred it to the Committee of the Whole for consideration, directing that the panel report back as soon as practicable.

Breaking: Oba AbdulQuadri, Alaporu of Ilaporu joins his ancestors

A revered and esteemed monarch in Ijebu-North local government FG area of Ogun State, the Alaporu of Ilaporu, Oba Jimoh Adebamiro Quadri has joined his ancestors.

Row Radio, Japara can authoritatively report that the monarch, who was a strong supporter of community initiatives, passed this Saturday morning.

The monarch played a significant role in fostering development and maintaining cultural heritage of Ijebu-Igbo.

Row Radio has, however, commiserated with with Oba Lawrence Jaiyeoba Adebajo, Ojuromi VI, the Orimolusi of Ijebu Igbo who is the acting Chairman of Ijebu Traditional Council and Chairman of Ijebu North Traditional Council, as well as the Abijaparako of Japara, Oba Aderemi Ogunye with whom he had a strong tie.

The Alaporu who was the father of Prince Taofeeq AbdulQuadri, would be sorely missed for the so many lives he touched and the peace and development he brought to the region, Ogun State and Nigeria.

Palace sources said the final home rites would be communicated soon.

More details on Row Radio…