Why Ondo 2025 Budget Did Not Perform – Gov Aiyedatiwa

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September 21, 2025

By Ayodele Oni

Nine months into the year, Ondo State Government has observed that the 2025 budget of the State has not achieved its objectives.

To this end, the State Government has expressed readiness to streamline and prepare realistic budget for the 2026 fiscal year, in a bid to align its financial plans with available and accessible funding sources.

Disclosing this at the consultative meeting with stakeholders on the 2026-2028 medium term Expenditure framework (MTEF) and 2026 budget organised by the state Ministry of Economic Planning and Budget, Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa said the state was focusing on hinging its budget on funds the state is sure of accessing.

Governor Aiyedatiwa attributed non performance to poor budgeting, as a result of non-payment by foreign development funding organizations for implementation of the 2025 budget.

It would be recalled that the state’s 2025 annual budget was (Grand Total) N:698,659,496,000. The Capital Expenditure was N433,622,000, which was 63.07 percent of the total budget, while the Recurrent Expenditure was N222,168,420,000.

In his address, the governor, who was represented by the state Commissioner for Economic Planning and Budget, Mr. ‘Laolu Akindolire, explained that the state government would be looking at preparing a sizable budget that is within the financial strength of the state.

He disclosed that the state would no longer hing the funding of its budget on development funding which he explained are too cumbersome to access.

The governor said: “When we looked at the 2025 capital budget, it’s just too unrealistic. A capital budget of N433 billion, how do you fund it?

“This is what brought about the need to prepare a more realistic budget that would be well funded. Such that we would be able to perform about 70 to 80 percent.

“It’s not the size of a budget that matters, it’s the ability to fund it and to perform to meet the aspirations of our people. When we put the figures together, we want to see what we can actually get. That’s what we are relying on for the preparation of the 2026 budget.

“The procedure of obtaining funding from most international development organizations is very clumsy. Most of the time, the money does not come. And when we have prepared the budget with it, it leads to poor funding and ends in poor budgeting performance.

“Now we want to look at those that we are really sure of getting in the course of the year. If additional comes, it’s okay.”

Reeling out some items on the proposal for 2026, the Administrative Secretary of the Ministry, Stephen Aworere disclosed that the 2026 budget was designed in line with World Bank advisory -global market and how it will impact on Nigeria’s economy in 2026.

25 Terrorists Killed In Yobe, Borno By NAF Airstrikes

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Akinwale Kasali

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September 21, 2025

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By Akinwale Kasali

The Nigerian Airforce recorded a significant breakthrough in a coordinated night air operation at Bula in Yobe and Banki axis of Borno. 25 Terrorists were killed

The significant achievement was contained in a statement released by the Director, Public Relations and Information, NAF, Air Commodore Ehimen Ejodame, on Saturday in Abuja.

Ejodame said the operations were conducted on September 18 following intelligence from ground troops.

He said a force package of Intelligence, Surveillance and Reconnaissance (ISR) assess and strike aircraft tracked the movement of terrorist and identified multiple groups North of Banki.

He stated that the real-time updates were relayed to ground forces and base operations, enabling synchronised action.

“The strike aircraft engaged the terrorists in three successive precision strikes on their movement routes and assembly areas, effectively neutralising more than 25 fighters.

“Post-strike surveillance confirmed ground forces remained in defensive positions, with no further threats observed”, he said.

Ejodame said the operation underscored NAF’s decisive support to ground troops, denial of terrorist freedom of action, and unwavering commitment to securing Nigeria’s North-East.

It would be recalled that on September 8, Boko Haram terrorists attacked the Darajamal community in Bama LGA, Borno State, and killed at least 63 people, including five soldiers.

The terrorists stormed the community on motorcycles, firing at residents and burning houses and vehicles before military reinforcement arrived. Governor Babagana Zulum described the incident as “very sad” and confirmed the casualty figures.

How Gunmen Invaded Yobe State NUJ Secretariat, Shoot Policeman

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Suleiman Anyalewechi

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September 21, 2025

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By Suleiman Anyalewechi

In a development that have left in its trail palpable apprehension, and anxiety, some gunmen suspected to be terrorist elements, early Friday, September 19, 2025 invaded the Yobe State Secretariat of the Nigerian Union of Journalists, NUJ, in Damaturu the State capital .

The attackers who stormed the Secretariat at about 2.00 am, shot sporadically. A Policeman on duty was shot on the leg in the process.

The injured police officer said to be one of the security operatives guarding the premises, is receiving medical attention at the emergency unit of the Police Hospital in Damaturu, where he was rushed to.

The Yobe State NUJ Council Chairman, Rajab Ismail,

Mohammed, while confirming the unfortunate incident, described the situation as not only unfortunate, but scary.

He called on all relevant authorities, particularly security agencies, to immediately put in place all necessary machineries to track down the perpetrators

of the dastardly act..

Mohammed urged security operatives to take a swift action in not only enhancing security, but also to ensure adequate protection for working journalists, media outlets and facilities in the State.

Although the authorities have not yet reacted to the incident, security sources however revealed that efforts are underway to unravel the circumstances surrounding the attack, considered to be a novel development in the history of insurgency in the state

The Source reports that Yobe is among the States in the North East region of Nigeria that are ravaged on large scale,by insecurity .

The State

and its closest neighbour ,Borno ,are widely believed to be the epicentre of the murderous activities ,and devastating terrorist campaigns of the insurgent groups-Boko Haram and ISWAP

However,in the nearly two decades of the groups orgy of violent activities in the region , journalists ,and media outlets have been to a large extent insulated from direct attacks by the insurgents,.a fact which has accentuated concerns over Friday’s attack on the NUJ Secretariat in Yobe state.

Benue Youths Block Highway With Corpses Of Farmers Murdered By Herdsmen

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Akinwale Kasali

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September 21, 2025

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By Akinwale Kasali

Angry Benue Youths blocked the busy Makurdi-Lafia-Abuja highway with the corpses of three persons reportedly murdered Saturday morning in their farms by suspected armed herdsmen. The murders took place at Abagena and Atsom villages in the outskirts of Makurdi Local Government Area, LGA.

Attacks by suspected herdsmen in the State have been a recurring decimal, prompting the Youths to take the drastic action in order to get the attention of the Federal Government. That, they reasoned would push the FG into addressing the insecurity bedeviling the State.

It was gathered that the attack came less than 24 hours after two others were killed by the marauders in a separate attack at Tse Adaa village in neighbouring Guma LGA.

The protesting youths trooped out in their numbers from their villages as early as 9am, took over the busy road between Makurdi and Daudu, and disrupted all vehicular movements from Makurdi and Abuja.

According to one of the protesters who simply identified himself as Ushahemba, the armed herders attacked the victims in their farms, killed three and took several others hostage.

He said: “Our people went to the farm this morning and at about 8:30am there were cries for help from the farms after they got attacked.

“There was pandemonium, people started running with their families.

“The attacks happened just about one kilometer from the express road. They killed some of those they reached in the farm and took away some of the victims.

“Three bodies have so far been recovered while a search for more corpses is ongoing because several persons are still missing.

“Our people cannot even go very far into the bush where more corpses could be discovered because no one knows where the attackers are at the moment.

“Just yesterday, two others were killed at Tse Adaa village not far from here in neighbouring Guma LGA. The question is when will all these killings stop?

“And the only way the people can express their anger is to bring the corpses to the road to let the authorities understand what we are going through and the need to end these attacks in order to allow our people cultivate their farmland.

“The people were also asking for the Governor to come and address them before they leave the highway.”

It was gathered that security personnel who were drafted to the community to ensure that the situation did not escalate prevailed on the protesters to open up the road.

Patients Stranded As Nurses Begin Indefinite Strike At LAUTECH Teaching Hospital

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Akinwale Kasali

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September 21, 2025

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By Akinwale Kasali

Patients at the Ladoke Akintola University of Technology, LAUTECH, Teaching Hospital, Ogbomoso, Oyo State are stranded as Nurses and Midwives embarked on an indefinite strike, thus shutting down vital services and further worsening the country’s healthcare crisis.

The workers, under the National Association of Nigerian Nurses and Midwives, NANNM, said their decision followed the refusal of the hospital management and Oyo State Government to implement the new National Minimum Wage and address welfare demands.

The action adds to the string of strikes rocking Nigeria under the Bola Tinubu administration.

In a statement signed by NANNM Unit Chairman, Ojewumi Olutayo, and Secretary, Adedokun Foluwake, the union noted that the strike began after a 15-day ultimatum expired without results.

According to the Nurses, “LAUTECH workers have been subjected to systemic neglect, while counterparts in other state-owned hospitals already enjoy improved welfare packages.”

Their demands include immediate implementation of the minimum wage with effect from January 2025, settlement of promotion arrears from 2018 to 2024, urgent recruitment of Nurses to tackle staff shortages, and renovation of dilapidated restrooms and workstations.

The Union warned that continued neglect has driven many nurses away, created severe shortages, and pushed the hospital, Oyo’s only state-owned tertiary health facility serving patients from Oyo, Osun, Kwara and neighbouring states, into near collapse.

The strike now threatens the lives of hundreds of patients, including pregnant women, children, accident victims and emergency cases who depend on the hospital.

This development according to sources is amid growing unrest in the health sector, as Resident Doctors across the country only recently suspended their strike, with unresolved issues of unpaid arrears, hazard allowances, poor funding and worsening working conditions still lingering.

The ongoing strike by Nurses and Midwives has further escalated labour unrest sweeping across Nigeria, leaving the health sector increasingly paralyzed by unresolved disputes over wages, arrears, poor funding and harsh working conditions.

Bauchi: 58 Confirmed Dead In Fresh Cholera Outbreak

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Ayodele Oni

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September 21, 2025

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By Ayodele Oni

Not less than 58 persons have been killed by a fresh outbreak of cholera across 14 of the 20 local government areas in Bauchi state.

The Deputy Governor of Bauchi State, Auwal Jatau, who disclosed this while inaugurating the State Cholera Steering Committee and the State Technical Working Committee, also confirmed that the state has recorded 258 new cases of the disease.

Jatau noted that cholera remains one of the biggest public health threats in the state, despite the government’s ongoing efforts to fight it.

He stressed that most outbreaks can be prevented if timely action, proper coordination, and improvements in water, sanitation, and hygiene are put in place.

The deputy governor explained that the newly established steering committee will serve as the main coordinating body for Bauchi State’s multi-sectoral response to cholera.

It will also help to drive long-term prevention strategies in line with the National Cholera Control Plan and the goals of the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control and Prevention.

Cholera is a severe diarrheic illness caused by eating food or drinking water contaminated with the Vibrio cholerae bacteria.

The disease can kill within hours if untreated, though some cases may be mild or without symptoms.

Earlier this year, the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control and Prevention, (NCDC), reported a sharp increase in cholera cases across the country.

Between January 27 and February 2, 2025, infections rose by 75 per cent compared to the same period in 2024. Even more alarming, deaths linked to the disease increased by 250 per cent within the same five-week period.

VP Shettima To Represent President Tinubu At UNGA

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Ayodele Oni

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September 21, 2025

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By Ayodele Oni

Vice President Kashim Shettima will lead Nigeria’s delegation to the 80th session of the United Nations General Assembly, (UNGA) holding in New York, United States of America, between Monday, September 22 and Sunday 28, 2025.

He will be standing in for President Bola Tinubu during the seven days event.

Shettima, who is scheduled to join other leaders at the global event to commemorate the 80th anniversary of the United Nations slated for Monday, at the UN headquarters in New York, will also join other dignitaries at the high-level general debates from Tuesday, September 23 to Sunday 28.

Senior Special Assistant to The President on Media & Communications,

(Office of The Vice President), Stanley Nkwocha, in a statement on Saturday, explained that the vice president will also deliver Nigeria’s national statement on Wednesday, on behalf of President Tinubu.

Besides, the Vice President will attend a special event on Climate for Heads of State and Government to be hosted by the UN Secretary-General on Wednesday, September 24, where Nigeria is expected to announce its new Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs) under the Paris Agreement.

Shettima is also billed to attend the high-level roundtable of the Global Champions on Adequate and Affordable Housing to be hosted by the President of Kenya on September 24 and attend to other bilateral meetings and events.

After attending UNGA, the Vice President will leave for Frankfurt, Germany, where he is slated to meet with officials of the Deutche Bank before returning to Nigeria.

Tinubu, Atiku Divide CPC Amid Marginalisation Complaints By Members

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James Orji

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September 21, 2025

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President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has polarised the leaders of the defunct Congress for Progressives Change, CP, the political structure of the late President Muhammadu Buhari.

Recall that the CPC was among the legacy political parties that formed the All Progressives Congress, APC in the race to the 2015 national elections

Out of the 36 state chairmen of the CPC, 20 are now supporting the president while 16 have declared their support for former Vice President Atiku Abubakar.

The magazine reports that the state chairmen have become divided following the demise of Buhari, on who to support for the 2027 presidential election.

The situation recently led to 16 state chairmen of the defunct party to pull their weight behind Abubakar, citing neglect by the ruling All Progressives Congress, APC.

Explaining the reason for the decision taken by 16 state chairmen, the Forum of State Chairmen of the CPC, in a statement said the CPC bloc has been shoved aside following President Tinubu’s election victory in 2023, despite being part of the coalition that brought the incumbent to power.

The forum however stated that they are still loyal to the president and the APC, provided that the problem of marginalization is addressed.

It also pledge its support for former Governors Tanko Almakura and Aminu Bello Masari, and the Speaker of the House of Representatives, Tajudeen Abass as their leaders. defunct Congress for Progressives Change (CPC) has explained why 16 of its members broke ranks with the All Progressives Congress (APC) and declared support for former Vice President Atiku Abubakar.

In a statement signed by its leaders, the Forum said neglect of the CPC bloc in the ruling party was the main reason for the defection. It noted that despite being part of the coalition that brought APC to power, the bloc has suffered marginalisation in appointments and recognition.

The defunct CPC state chairmen denied endorsement of former Vice President and chieftain of the African Democratic Congress (ADC) Atiku Abubakar, for the forthcoming general elections.

The Forum of State Chairmen of the CPC in a statement at the weekend dismissed the purported endorsement.

In the statement signed by Kasim Mabo (National Chairman); Sulaiman Oyaremi (National Secretary); Olalekan Obolo (South West Coordinator); Enyinnaya Ibiam Nnachi (South East Coordinator) and Ahmad Dawayo (North East and North West Coordinator), they clarified that 16 of the 37 member Forum have however pledged allegiance to the former Vice President.

The statement noted that 20 of its members remain firmly committed to the APC and a fresh mandate for President Bola Tinubu.

Part of the statement: “We wish to categorically state that 20 members of the group remain committed to the All Progressives Congress. We wish to state clearly that for some time now our Forum has been put under intense pressure which includes financial gratification by opposition leaders which accounts for why nine of our members succumbed to their pressure a few months ago and seven others joined them only last week as it appears they could no longer resist the pressure. As we speak however 20 of us remain unwaivering as we have lost one of our members from Borno State.

“This moment however calls for reflection, especially by the Presidency and the APC leadership to urgently address the continued neglect of the CPC bloc, particularly the Forum of State Chairmen who are feeling increasingly alienated. Without the fear of sounding immodest we remain the direct link to the grassroots structures that gave the CPC its national relevance and we were the Chairmen that worked with President Buhari of blessed memory to achieve the much touted 12.5 million votes.

“We remain loyal, patient, but firm in our resolve to demand for better patronage just as we pray that the Almighty God shall continue to guide Mr President and indeed all our leaders.”

Since the death of Buhari on July 13, 2025 the CPC has yet to announce a clear leader, raising worries among party’s supporters of the possibility that the party may not be able to speak in one voice ahead the general elections in less than two years.

Gov Fubara’s Tenure Will End On November 29, Not May 29 2027 -Kenneth Okonkwo

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Suleiman Anyalewechi

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September 20, 2025

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By Suleiman Anyalewechi

The former spokesperson for the Campaign Organization of Peter Obi, the Labour Party, LP, Presidential 3candidate during the 2023 general election, Kenneth Okonkwo, has stated that the tenure of Rivers State Governor, Sir Siminalayi Fubara should be ending on November 29, 2027, instead of May 29,

He urged the returnee Governor to challenge his illegal and unconstitutional removal from office for a period of six months by President Bola Tinubu.

In a statement on his official site on Saturday, September 20, 2025, the Nollywood star maintained that the Supreme Court had, in previous judicial pronouncements, affirmed that Governors are elected for a period of four years.

According to Okonkwo, having been short-changed through the President’s illegal emergency rule declaration on March 18, 2025, Governor Fubara who made a return to office on Thursday, after a six-month suspension, should insist on having his complete constitutionally guaranteed four-year mandate.

He, therefore, urged Fubara to approach the Supreme Court to seek a Judicial affirmation to hand over on November 29, instead of May 29, 2027.

“Governor Fubara was elected to serve for four years from the date of being sworn in .

“The illegal declaration of the state of emergency has reduced his term in office by six months

“This will send a conclusive message to every future President that his actions cannot terminate or shorten the will of the people as expressed through elections.

“The power to Governor of Rivers State belongs to Rivers people, not any President, or his unelected Sole Administrator” Okonkwo stated.

Okonkwo’s statement is coming on the heels of Governor Fubara’s declaration that he deliberately refused to mount legal proceedings against his suspension through emergency rule declaration.

In a statewide broadcast on his resumption in office on Friday September 19, Governor Fubara explained that he chose not to challenge his suspension just to allow peace to reign in the State.

Ironically, and curiously too, the Supreme Court of Nigeria refused to list for hearing and determination , an application filed by the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, Governors Forum challenging the constitutionality of the suspension of the Governor by President Tinubu after proclaiming a State of Emergency.

Not a few observers,both nationally and internationally ,have accused the country’s Apex Court of, alleged, high-level complicity in the orchestrated plot to undermine democratic principles in Rivers State, and Nigeria as a whole.

Gunmen Kill Enugu Catholic Priest, Rev Fr Eya

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Suleiman Anyalewechi

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September 20, 2025

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By Suleiman Anyalewechi

The Catholic family in Enugu State has been thrown into anguish and mourning.

This follows the gruesome killing of one of its Priests, Rev Fr Mathew Eya, by gunmen in Eha-Ndiagu, Eha-Alumonah in Nsukka Local Council of the State.

According to eye witness accounts, Fr Eya who was the Priest in-charge of St.Charles Catholic Church in Eha -Alumona was shot and killed by the hoodlums late Friday evening September 19, 2025, while returning home from an engagement in Enugu.

The assailants who operated on a motorcycle, reportedly seized and killed the Catholic Cleric very close to an ongoing healthcare delivery project in the area.

The motives of the dastardly act could not be clearly established as at the time of reporting.

But not a few have ruled out the possibility of a failed kidnap attempt, insisting that it may have been a glaring case of assassination.

A witness informed that Fr Eya was alone in the vehicle at the time he was Intercepted by the gunmen.

“They shot at his tyres, thereby forcing his vehicle to stop. Then, they approached and shot him severally at a close range. From the way the gunmen operated, it does not look like a case of abduction even though some people are thinking along that line.”

The Police and State Government, as well as the Catholic authorities in Enugu state, were yet to officially react to the development at the time of this reporting.