Entertainment
Housing Experts Decry Labour Cost
Experts in the housing sector have expressed concern over the rising cost of labour and the dearth of artisans in Nigeria. A cross section of the experts told our correspondent in Lagos that the scarcity had become a national problem which required the attention of the federal and state governments. Mr Femi Olomola, a former chairman of Nigerian Institute of Town Planners (NITP) in Lagos, said that good artisans were few in the country. He said that the rising cost of labour was worrisome, adding that one was not even sure of getting quality work after paying highly for services. “The dearth of manpower in the housing sector is a big problem in Nigeria. We do not have good carpenters, electricians, masons, bricklayers and even labourers. “This has assumed a national problem that requires government’s attention,’’ he said. According to him, associations in the construction industry cannot do much about the situation because they cannot influence the school system. Mr Femi Shodunke, Vice President of the Nigerian Institute of Architects (NIA) in Lagos, noted that charges for labour were not regulated and so the charges varied and were always on the high side. He said that the cost of labour currently varied between N1,500 and N2,000 per day compared to N500 and N600 in the past. “This also depends on how one source the labour. As of now, one bargains on ability to pay,’’ he said. Chief Charles Adebiyi, the Managing Director, Charles Adebiyi and Company a firm of estate surveyors and valuers, said that the dearth of artisans needed urgent attention by the government. He said that good artisans were aging as many of them were in their 60s while young people were not available to replace them. Adebiyi said that the situation had resulted to the closure of the Federal Ministry of Works training schools and non-functional technical schools to train technicians and artisans. According to him, the federal and state governments need to resuscitate the training schools and hand them over to private individuals to manage. Adebiyi said the rising cost of labour was due to the economic situation in the country. “There is inflation; prices of basic necessities of life are on the increase, including house rents. “The artisans have to charge to survive but whether they do a good job to justify the payment is another thing altogether,” he said.
Popular businessman and socialite, Pascal Okechukwu, aka Cubana Chief Priest, has said that his relationship with singer Davido is beyond money and gossip.
He stated this in a recent interview with BBC Igbo.
“Davido is my friend. He is my in-law; he married Chioma who is from Imo State where I hail from.
“So the relationship I have with Davido is beyond money and gossip,” he said.
DAILY POST reports that Chief Priest disclosed via his Instagram page that his outfit for the wedding of the singer, Davido and his wife, Chioma, in Lagos on Tuesday cost seven million Naira.
The socialite recently appreciated Davido for not “discarding” Chioma.
He stated that the DMW boss has made Imo State proud by choosing to marry from the state.
Nigerian singer Simisola Kosoko, popularly known as Simi, has lent her voice to the ongoing anti-tax hike protests in Kenya.
The Tide’s source reports that Kenyan youths are marching against tax hike in widespread demonstrations tagged ‘RejectFinanceBill2024.’
Five people were shot dead and dozens wounded after police clashed with protesters who stormed the parliament building in Nairobi on Tuesday, according to Amnesty Kenya.
Reacting via her X handle on Tuesday night, Simi declared her support for the demonstrators.
She stated that “it is both powerful and heartbreaking for a people to have to fight and die for freedoms and rights.”
The singer wrote, “I stand with the people of Kenya. It is both powerful and heartbreaking for a people to have to fight and die for freedoms and rights. Godspeed and Strength. [Hash tag] RejectFinanceBill2024.”
In a series of other posts, she wrote: “Wow. When you’ve had enough, the fight is almost inevitable.
“African leaders- have not you done enough?
“I can’t wait for the day Africa is not a weapon fashioned against Africans. All of this amazing Black power and human resource, but the majority are not likely to thrive unless they run.”
Famous Nigerian Afrobeat singer, Davido was spotted among other top artistes at Asake’s ‘Lungu Boy’ tour concert in Atlanta, Georgia.
Asake’s performance at his sold-out show at the 17,000-capacity State Farm Arena in Atlanta began on August 16, 2024, and is set to run for 10 days.
In a trending video on social media, Davido appeared backstage with American rapper Quavo to support Asake during the live performance.
Other musicians in attendance included Nigerian hitmaker Zlatan and American rapper Russ Millions.
The Tide’s source reports that Asake’s ‘Lungu Boy’ tour is set to cover six U.S. cities, where he will headline notable venues including Madison Square Garden in New York, the Toyota Center in Houston, and the State Farm Arena in Atlanta.
Asake’s tour comes just days after the release of his latest hit, ‘Lungu Boy,’ which features several superstars, including Wizkid, British rappers Central Cee and Stormzy, Travis Scott and Brazilian singer Ludmilla.
‘Lungu Boy’ set a new record for the biggest opening week on Spotify Nigeria, garnering 18.9 million streams in its opening week and breaking the previous record of 14.4 million streams held by Davido’s ‘Timeless.’
