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A Sigh Of Relief For Sanw-olu As LAHA Finally Passes N2.267trn 2024 Budget

January 5, 2024

By Akinwale Kasali

A sigh of relief came the way of Governor Babajide Olusola Sanwo-Olu as the Rt. Hon. Mudashiru Obasa led-Lagos State House of Assembly on Friday, finally, passed a total of N2,267,976,120,869 as the 2024 budget for the State.

The budget made up of 58 percent Capital Expenditure and 42 per cent Recurrent Expenditure was approved following a unanimous voice vote by all the lawmakers present at the sitting.

“A bill for a law to authorise the issuance and appropriation of N952,430,566,998 from the Consolidated Revenue Fund for Recurrent Expenditure and N1,315,545,553,871 from Development Fund for Capital Expenditure thereby totaling a budget size of N2,267,976,120,869 for the year ending 31st December, 2024 be passed into law,” the Speaker had raised on the floor as the budget report was read a third time.

Obasa, thereafter, commended the Lawmakers for their dedication and cooperation at ensuring a quick passage of the Appropriation Bill while directing the Clerk of the House, Barr. Olalekan Onafeko, to forward a copy of the approved budget to Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu for assent.

Prior to its passage, Hon. Sa’ad Olumoh, chairman of the joint-committee on Budget and Finance, had presented a report containing some recommendations to the House.

Among the recommendations is that the Public Works Corporation, the Water Corporation and the state-owned tertiary institutions be placed on first-line charge to enable them perform optimally.

Governor Sanwo-Olu had on Wednesday, December 13, 2023, presented the 2024 budget proposal of N2.246 trillion to the House of Assembly saying that the state anticipated internally generated revenue of N1.251 trillion and federal government allocations of N596.629 billion.

Recall that Obasa, during the presentation of the budget by the Governor, urged the Government to ensure a functional budget.

“It is highly important for us to apply the right indices towards ensuring a performing and functioning budget that would lift our people out of poverty and reposition the state towards infrastructural growth and renewal.

“Palliatives should move from just giving people garri, rice, beans or even money. We should have a direction that is focused, impactful and deeply backed up by effective policy implementations.

“For instance, in the name of palliative care, let there be provision of drugs at all public hospitals in the state at subsidised rates. At the same time, focus should be on a downward review of treatment costs in these hospitals,” the Speaker said during the budget presentation.

Akeredolu’s Body Arrives Nigeria

Ayodele Oni

January 5, 2024

By Ayodele Oni

The body of the late former Governor of Ondo State, Oluwarotimi Akeredolu has arrived Nigeria.

The aircraft which conveyed the body arrived about 3:39 p.m, Friday.

The late Governor’s remains were brought into the country from Germany, where he passed away.

The body was received by his wife, Betty Anyanwu-Akeredolu, his children, and siblings led by Prof. Wole Akeredolu, the immediate younger brother.

Lagos State Governor, Mr. Babajide Sanwo-Olu, represented by his Chief of Staff, Tayo Ayinde; Ogun State Governor, Prince Dapo Abiodun, represented by the Secretary to the State Government, Tokunbi Talabi; and representative of Osun State Governor, Senator Demola Adeleke also joined in receiving the body.

Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Ondo State, Ade Adetimehin; a member of the House of Representatives, Gboyega Adefarati, and some members of the Ondo State Executive Council, led by the Secretary to the State Government, Princess Oladunni Odu, were also present at the airport to receive the body of the former Governor.

Family members, followers, friends, and associates could not control their emotions when the body of the late Governor was lowered from the plane.

Late Governor Akeredolu passed on in Germany on December 26, 2023.

His remains have been deposited at the morgue until the final burial.

Details of the burial arrangements are expected to be announced by the family at a later date.

South East Peace Initiative Gets Boost, Northern Community, Methodist Bishops Throw Support

Ayodele Oni

January 5, 2024

By Ayodele Oni

The peace initiative in the South East region is getting a boost as the Northern community resident in Abia State, and the Bishops of Methodist Church, have pledged to support Peace In South East Project, (PISE-P) to ensure it achieves its objectives.

PISE-P, brain child of the Deputy Speaker, House of Representatives, Benjamin Okezie Kalu which calls for a non kinetic approach to resolving the security issues in the region was recently unveiled in Bende Local government Area of Abia State.

Speaking during a courtesy call on the Deputy Speaker in Bende on Friday, leader of the northern community, Alhaji Saliru Idris said members will join hand with Kalu to ensure that the project is sufficiently achieved.

He appreciated Kalu for coming to their aid when the Lokpanta cattle market in Umunneochi Local government area of the state got burnt.

“We will rally round to support this movement. Part of the reason why we are here is because, when our brothers in the cattle market had a problem, when you heard about it, you asked me what was the problem.

“Immediately you took action by forming a committee of the House of Representatives who were sent to this place for a fact finding mission.

“The people were overwhelmed with joy and pleaded with me that whenever an opportunity comes for them to thank you physically, they will like it. That’s why when they heard about this, they quickly said let’s come and show you the appreciation.

“That made us to believe that, indeed, we have a brother in the House of Representatives.”

Earlier in his remarks, the Deputy Speaker sued for peace amongst them and their host communities.

“The northerners are very trustworthy, that’s the truth. We are one nation. We are one. We should always find a reason to come together. I have northerners working with me.

“This is the spirit I want to build around Nigeria. Let me tell you, because of my love for one Nigeria, that was why the Emir of Kano, and Emir of Bichi were here for the unveiling of PISE-P.

“It’s the first since 1914, you have the leader of the south west, Ooni of Ife here, Emir of Bichi, Kano, Obi of Onitsha all in one place talking about peace.

“Some donated cows, money and so on. They said they like what we are doing. I want you to like what we are doing as well because you will benefit from it. Let’s have one Nigeria where there’s peace.”

Similarly, Bishops of Methodist Church led by the Arch Bishop of Umuahia Diocese, His Grace, Chibuzor Okpoko said the Church will fully get involved in spreading the message of peace across the south east and indeed, Nigeria in general.

He said: “Let me say this. We thank God that we have an opportunity for our son to be the number six man in the nation. We want to also thank God that from the state government, Governor Otti planned a reception for you.

“It has never happened before. We as Methodist Bishops are also happy that you made the whole country come to Bende Local Government Area. We are happy that there was no security issues.

“The Issue of peace is what we are involved in. No peace, no security. I want to thank you for the peace initiative you just started. We are committed to this. The good thing is that the governors were involved. For me to see the governors make a pledge, it was a perfect synergy.

“I want to say that we will pray for you. We don’t care about the party but the personalities and the people who are ready to impact our people. We have to be pragmatic.

“We have a role to play. The impact of the clergy is not to be doubted at all. We are standing with you on this bold step. We will pray for you and ask God to give you more wisdom”, Okpoko said.

In his remarks earlier, Kalu asked the clergy men to support the peace initiative, stressing it will help integrate the south east into the national political mainstream.

“Talk about it and tell the people why peace is needed. The Muslims are supporting this peace and Christians must also support this peace.

“Let’s use the non kinetic means. We can achieve those things agitating you but not through the barrels of guns. The President of Nigeria loves the South East and he is in support of this initiative.

“I want to tell Mr. President that these were the general that partnered us. I don’t want to do it alone. I have pushed for a platform that will stimulate reintegration.

“I need you to support this initiative, back me up with prayers. It’s a long journey but no matter how long, starting with prayers will reduce it. In the next six months, Peace in South East will be building roads, markets. We will get the results.”

“Former Governor Nyame Recalls Time In Jail, Says He Will Be A Better Governor If Given Another Chance”

Akinwale Kasali

January 5, 2024

By Akinwale Kasali

Jolly Nyame, former Taraba State Governor has gone down memory lane on his time at the Kuje Prison Correctional Center, Abuja.

Nyame served time for embezzlement and diversion of public funds.

He disclosed that he learnt a lot which has made him know more about life and what it entails.

He said this during a Thanksgiving service which took place at the Christian Association of Nigeria, CAN Secretariat in Jalingo, Taraba State Capital.

The former Governor vowed to emerge as a more capable leader following his incarceration if given a second chance to preside over the affairs of the state.

He declared that the experience had bestowed invaluable lessons, shaping him into a better potential leader for the people of Taraba State.

Nyame stated, “I learned a lot while in Kuje Prison and in the hospital. If given another opportunity to lead the people of Taraba State, I will do better because of the experience I have gained.”

He stressed the significance of faith and resilience, advising leaders to stand strong in the face of challenges.

Nyame, who served only four years of a 14-year sentence, asserted that his imprisonment was politically motivated.

Amidst personal reflections, he delivered a message of hope and unity for Nigerians, emphasizing the importance of prayer and faith in the nation’s future.

On his personal journey, Nyame urged Nigerians to be prudent in their expenses while calling on the government to prioritize policies that enhance citizens’ lives.

“Nigerian Youths Take Fermented Urine, Lizard Dungs To Get Intoxicated” – NDLEA Laments

Akinwale Kasali

January 5, 2024

By Akinwale Kasali

The National Drug and Law Enforcement Agency, NDLEA, has raised alarm over the high intake of hard drugs by Youths, mostly of Borno State.

The Agency disclosed that youths in Borno State are drinking fermented human urine, preserved for over 10 days, as an alternative to hard drugs to get ‘high’.

Iliyasu Mani, the Commander of Narcotics in Borno State revealed that the abuse of psychoactive substances was prevalent among the youths, noting that they also take other unusual substances such as lizard dung, camel urine, Lipton soaked in gin, and Mentholated spirit mixed with soft drinks.

Mani added that the Youths go to the extreme of inhaling toilet fumes and gutter dirt in their quest to get intoxicated.

Mani said, “Let me state categorically here that these new psychoactive substances that are commonly abused today include Cannabis Sativa, skunk, Cough syrup with codeine; Ice, Tramadol, Rohypnol, Diazepam, Pentazocine, rubber solution, glue, gutter dirt, toilet fumes, lizard dung.

“Others include lipton soaked in gin, camel urine, mentholated spirit in soft drinks; 10-day-old human Urine, and so on.”

Mani said the NDLEA command, under his watch, had fought a hard battle against drug abuse but “unfortunately, the issue of substance abuse is even getting challenging, especially with the involvement of young teens in the abuse of new psychoactive substances, especially women.”

“Despite all these, we must not lose our hope as the agency has strengthened its efforts towards prevention strategy through the establishment of remodeled counselling/rehab centre within the premises of Borno State Command,” the NDLEA commander said.

Mani said his command had also established drop-in centres across all tertiary institutions to serve as drug abuse research centres for the benefit of all.

He said the command, under his watch, had seized 4.5 tonnes of illicit substances and arrested 863 suspects, of those arrested, he said 53 had been convicted while 736 were undergoing counselling.

The intake of hard drugs by Youth in Nigeria has grown astronomically with Medical Expert saying that Youth mostly engage in this illicit act due to bandwagon, peer pressure, emotional distress and depression.

President Thumbs-up Funke Akindele Over ”A Tribe Of Judah” Movie, Atiku Also Lauds Initiative

Ayodele Oni

January 5, 2024

By Ayodele Oni

Accolades are pouring in for Funke Akindele over the success of her latest movie titled ‘A Tribe Called Judah’ the first Nollywood film to gross one billion naira.

President Bola Tinubu in a statement signed by Ajuri Ngelale on Friday, celebrated the ingenuity, creativity, and immense artistic talents of Nigeria’s thriving entertainment industry.

He commended the thespian for her contributions to the growth of the industry.

“The President extols the excellence of the Nigerian creative industry, acknowledging its pivotal place as a medium not only for artistic expression but also a source of enormous soft power and viable export.

“The creative industry is one of the high-employment sectors, providing jobs for our able and talented youths. It is an industry that is crucial to my administration.

“I salute Nigerians for their enduring support and patronage of home-grown creative efforts. We will provide the conducive environment for the industry to thrive further,” the statement read.

Also, the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) presidential candidate, Atiku Abubakar, took to Facebook to congratulate actress Funke Akindele on the outstanding success of movie, “A Tribe Called Judah”.

In his post on Friday, Atiku expressed his heartiest congratulations to Akindele for the record-breaking achievement of “A Tribe Called Judah”.

He said “The movie has not only shattered box office records by grossing 1 billion naira in domestic theatres, making it the first Nigerian movie to achieve this feat, but it also serves as an emblem of cultural pride and the unyielding spirit of Nollywood.

“A Tribe Called Judah” stands as a cultural gem that showcases the vibrancy and resilience of Nigerian cinema. He commended Akindele’s achievements and her role in pushing Nigerian cinema to new heights, stating that her success serves as an inspiration for a new generation of filmmakers and storytellers in Nigeria and beyond.”

Atiku congratulated Akindele on this historic milestone, lauding her for setting a new standard of excellence and inspiring others in the industry.

World Bodies Say Nigerian Children With Basic Education Still Lack Literacy Proficiency

Ayodele Oni

January 5, 2024

By Ayodele Oni

The World Bank, UNICEF, and UNESCO have identified in the country what they refer to as ‘the Nigerian Learning Crisis’

This followed discovery that in Nigeria, three out of four children that completed basic education lack numeracy and literacy proficiency.

Secretary to the Enugu State Government (SSG), Prof. Chidiebere Onyia, who disclosed this, said 50 per cent of pupils in the state can neither read in English nor solve simple mathematics questions.

Onyia stated this while delivering a keynote address titled, “Smart Basic Education and the Future of Africa” at the quadrennial convention of the Old Boys Association of Union Secondary School, Awkunanaw, in Enugu.

According him, the government discovered the shortcoming in its Baseline Assessment of primary schools in the state, conducted in November 2023.

“Our findings were shocking. After six years of primary school, 50 per cent of our children cannot read a single word in English and those who can read struggle with comprehension.

“Fifty percent of our children cannot solve simple subtraction challenges. What we found out in Enugu State is written large across our nation.

“The World Bank, UNICEF, and UNESCO have defined this as ‘the Nigerian Learning Crisis’.

“On top of this, our children suffer a ‘Skills Gap’ because existing modes of teaching do not equip children with scientific, technological, productive, and digital competences.”

The SSG, however, revealed that the state government education policy has been repositioned to incorporate bio-digital-technology that would drive industrial growth.

This, he said, would be achieved through the introduction of innovative technologies in education, particularly at the basic education level.

He stated that Governor Peter Mbah has taken deliberate steps at reforming the education system to meet the changing global demands.

Onyia assured that the challenges were being addressed through well-thought-out radical policy-initiatives by the government.

The SSG explained that this include the introduction of smart school model across the 260 electoral wards in the state, which had new facilities such as centres for artificial intelligence and robotics, and interactive smart boards among others.

The SSG added that the academic curricula would now prioritize experiential learning methods, problem-solving and case studies.

He pointed out that the changes would not only equip students with emerging technological skills, but also afford them opportunities to compete with their peers globally.

“In Enugu State, we now believe that in addition to providing continuous training and professional development to teachers within the school systems, we must also transform how teachers teach, as well as how students learn.”

NGF Commends FG On Timely Intervention In Plateau State Killings

Akinwale Kasali

January 5, 2024

By Akinwale Kasali

The President Bola Ahmed Tinubu administration has been commended by the Northern Governors Forum, NGF, for its prompt intervention to avert a reoccurrence of the killings in Plateau and Kaduna States.

Gombe State Governor, Inuwa Yahaya, who is the Chairman of the NGF showered praises on the Federal Government for providing support and relief materials to the survivors and families of the slain.

Speaking with Journalists after a closed door meeting with President Tinubu at the Aso Rock Villa in Abuja, Yahaya said there is need to curb the spread of divisive narratives among communities that could escalate the crisis within the communities in the States.

He said, “In my capacity as the Chairman of Northern Governors’ Forum, I praise the steps taken by the President to get to the root of what happened in these two states and the pledge he made that the right action would be taken to prevent future occurrence of these incidents.

“Above all, I thank him for supporting victims or survivors.”

He described the Plateau crisis as old, calling for a broader review of the immediate and remote causes to produce lasting solutions.

“Even though this matter has been there for a long time, it is time for stakeholders to have a round table and tell each other the truth and then take deliberate steps toward loving each other. Before now, the people were living in peace and doing their regular business.

“Some major issues that seem to allow the problem to persist include farmer-herder clashes, the clamour for indigenes versus settlers.

But the world over, if any society or country does not welcome visitors, such a nation will not progress. After all, we here are the same family,” he reasoned.

Yahaya sympathised with those who lost their loved ones, appealing for restraint from aggrieved communities who may be tempted to revenge.

He advised, “There should be no reason why anyone should go and kill or take the life of a fellow human being since it is not a war situation.

“Reprisal attacks have not taken us anywhere, so we need to concentrate on understanding ourselves and knowing that we have leaders at all levels to whom we can lodge our complaints.

“We should imbibe the habit of loving one another and living in peace for the progress of all of us.”

The Chairman Called for a deeper collaboration between federal and state governments as this would ease development in all sectors for the good of Nigerians.

Lawmaker Condemns EFCC Raid On Dangote’s Office

James Orji

January 5, 2024

Ikenga Ugochinyere Ikeagwuonu, a member repesenting Imo State in the National Assembly, has condemned the reported raid of the Lagos Office of the Dangote Group by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC.
Officials of the anti graft agency, sources said raided Dangote office on Thursday in their quest to get document that could assist them in their ongoing investigation on the allegation of roundtripping against Aliko Dangote.
The raid has elicited mixed feelings from many Nigerians, even as some Nigerians have linked Dangote’s current predicament to the last presidential election.
Reacting to the development, Ugochinyere said the timing of the raid, coming at a time that Nigeria is seriously looking for investors. He said investors would be discouraged as a result of the incident.
He explained further that the raid portends serious negative image for the country because “this is not good look for us internationally.”
According to him,, “This evening, I read about the raid of the headquarters of the Dangote Group in connection with ongoing investigation into forex allocations in the country. The EFCC was reported to be investigating forex allocations to some companies during the tenure of Godwin Emefiele as Governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN).

“I’m of the view that the timing of the raid on Dangote Group is not only very suspicious, but most importantly capable of worsening the economic situation and scaring investors. In the last few months, our nation has lost so many foreign investors. While some of the foreign companies operating in the country are leaving, potential investors are also sidelining us. Now you have the EFCC despite the word the nation is currently facing, raiding the headquarters of the largest industrial conglomerate in West Africa.

“The Dangote Group, with investments in several sectors and across 14 countries in Africa. This is not good look for us internationally. What will the international community think of Nigeria when they read about news like this? Dangote Group’s impact for decades has been felt through various facets of Nigeria’s economy.

“The President of Dangote Industries Limited, Aliko Dangote. has helped transform our economy from heavy import dependence to a net exporter in some critical industries, including cement and Fertiliser. And given our current fragile economic situation, I believe this move by the EFCC will worsen things, now is not time for this, it’s time for the nation to focus on integration of African economies and expansion of trade and investments across the continent to stimulate growth and create employment opportunities, not carrying out raids on its largest conglomerate.”

Close watchers of the ongoing investigation of Dangote told the magazine that the business man’s fortune has nosedived after losing his position as Africa’s Richest man to a South African, Johann Rupert.

Veteran Nollywood Actor, Olofa Ina Dies

Akinwale Kasali

January 5, 2024

By Akinwale Kasali

Nollywood has been thrown into mourning following the death of Veteran Actor, Chief Adedeji Aderemi, also known as Olofa Ina.

The Nollywood Actor died Thursday evening.

The News of his passing was made public by his colleague, Saidi Balogun who mourned the aged actor.

Balogun took to his Instagram page and wrote, “Goodnight Legend Chief Adedeji alias Olofa Ina”.

The cause of his death remains sketchy at the time of filing this report.

The Late Actor was born May 15, 1950, into the family of Late Chief AbdulSalam Aderemi and Late Madam Aisha Aderemi of the Jagun- Olukosi compound in Ede, Osun State, during the reign of Late Oba John Adetoyese Laoye, the then Timi of Ede Land.

He was known for his good interpretation of roles, as he acted as a Chief in most Yoruba Movies.

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