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FIFA U-20 World Cup: Flying Eagles Brightens Round Of 16 Chances

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Flying Eagles

By Akinwale Kasali

The Flying Eagles of Nigeria  brightened its chances of qualifying for the Round of 16 at the ongoing FIFA Under-20 World Cup in Chile with a 3-2 triumph over Saudi Arabia 3-2 in an eventful Group F encounter in Talca on Friday morning.

The victory puts the Flying Eagles on Three Points, aiming to earn another maximum point in their final Group match against Colombia.

Midfielder Nasiru Salihu scored Nigeria’s first goal of the tournament by converting in the 10th minute, but Saudis

were back on level terms in the 21st minute through Amar Alyuhaybi.

Undaunted, the seven-time African champions went in front again as Amos Ochoche scored with seven minutes left in the first period. The first half ended with Nigeria leading 2-1.

Six minutes into the second half, Saudi Arabia were again back on level terms, thanks to Talal Haji.

Nigeria secured victory with four minutes into added time when captain Daniel Bameyi converted from the penalty spot.

The victory means the two-time World Cup finalists will reach the Round of 16 if they get a result against Colombia on Monday.

Coach Aliyu Zubairu has stated that the Flying Eagles are battle ready to get the maximum point when they square up against their South American counterpart on Monday in their last Group match.

“In The Name Of God And Ancestors Of  Ancient Benin Kingdom, I Urge Benins To Reject The Imposition Of Iyaloja” – Senator Uzamere

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Senator Ehigie Uzamere,

By Ayodele Oni

“In Benin culture, market leadership is not a political creation or an external imposition. It is a deeply rooted institution governed by tradition and sanctioned by the Oba of  Benin” – Uzamere Warns Tinubu’s Daughter

Ehigie Uzamere, a former Senator who represented Edo South in 2007, has said that the Iyaloja title is alien to the culture and tradition of Benin.

His reaction is coming as voices continue to rise against Mrs. Folashade Tinubu-Ojo, daughter of President Bola Tinubu and the Iyaloja General of Nigeria over her move to install Madam Josephine “Otagbogbo” Ibhaguezejele, as the head of market women in Edo State.

The Oba of Benin, Ewuare II, joined by the market women made it clear to Mrs Tinubu-Ojo, that the title, Iyaloja, is strange to Benin tradition.

Senator Ehijie Uzamere, citing some historical facts maintained that: “The Coronation Of “Iyaloja Of Edo State Market Association” By Chief (Mrs.) Folashade Tinubu-Ojo is a cultural misstep.

“To understand why this move has unsettled many in Benin City, Edo State, one must revisit the cultural and historical foundations of market leadership within the Edo South Senatorial District, otherwise known as the Benin Kingdom.

“In Benin culture, market leadership is not a political creation or an external imposition. It is a deeply rooted institution governed by tradition and sanctioned by the Oba of Benin.

“Market leaders, traditionally, known as Iy’Ikhueki or Iyeki, are selected by the market women themselves and later confirmed and blessed by the Oba, the revered custodian of Edo culture.

“Once confirmed, the Iyeki becomes the custodian of market traditions and the cultural representative of the Oba within that marketplace.

“This tradition is centuries old and must be spared from the corrupting influence of Nigerian politics. Each market in the Benin Kingdom functions independently, with its own Iyeki.

“There is no overarching ‘Iyaloja of Edo State,’ as markets are decentralized in their leadership, anchored in the customs of their respective communities, and collectively tied to the authority of the Oba of Benin.

“The title Iyaloja, popular in parts of Western Nigeria, is not indigenous to Benin tradition, and the word Iyaloja is not found in the Benin language lexicon. While respected in its place of origin, it is culturally alien to Edo State.

“Attempts to superimpose this title over Benin markets not only ignores historical reality, but also distorts the carefully preserved traditional structures that define market leadership in the Kingdom.

“The Iyeki is not a political figure but a custodian of culture. She safeguards rituals, resolves disputes, maintains harmony among traders, and represents the Oba’s spiritual presence in the market. Her authority flows from the Oba, not from associations or external influences.

“It is important to stress that market leadership in Benin is inseparably tied to the sacred authority of the palace. To tamper with this order is to tamper with the cultural soul of the people.

“Just as no external body can appoint Palace Chiefs in Benin, so too can no external association impose leadership on Edo markets. The palace remains the singular source of legitimacy, and its role can not be substituted or replicated by any outside influence.

“The coronation of an ‘Iyaloja of Edo State’ by an external body, raises serious cultural and constitutional concerns:

It disregards the Oba’s sacred role in confirming market leaders, undermining centuries of cultural practice.

“It politicizes an institution that has always been neutral, risking division and unrest among market women.

The concept of Iyaloja belongs to another cultural context; transplanting it into Edo South amounts to cultural encroachment and disrespect.

“The markets of Edo South are not merely centers of trade; they are cultural spaces tied to the identity and heritage of the Benin people.

“The attempt to impose a non-traditional title upon them disrespects this heritage and risks creating unnecessary tension between modern associations and age-old customs.

“In the name of God and the ancestors of the ancient  Benin Kingdom, I urge Benins to reject the imposition of Iyaloja on our market women in Edo South.

“For centuries, the Oba of Benin has been the fountain of cultural legitimacy. Any deviation from this order threatens not just the stability of market leadership but also the dignity of the traditions that define the Benin Kingdom.

“The coronation of an ‘Iyaloja of Edo State Market Association’ by Chief (Mrs.) Folashade Tinubu-Ojo is not only culturally misplaced, but also potentially a disruptive move.

“Market leadership in Edo South is the prerogative of the Oba of Benin, exercised through the recognition and confirmation of Iyeki selected by the traders themselves.

“For the sake of peace, harmony, and respect for cultural heritage, stakeholders must recognize and honour the boundaries of culture and tradition.

“Edo South markets must remain what they have always been: sacred cultural and economic spaces, guided by the Oba of Benin and safeguarded by the Iyeki.

“Only Omonoba N’Edo Uku Akpolokpolo, Oba Ewuare II N’Ogidigan, wears a crown in Benin City. Not an Iyaloja, not any other human being.

“Torghobaghase – only the words from the Oba of Benin when it concerns the culture and traditions of the Benin people must come to pass and be respected.”

Iyaloja Title: Edo PDP Asks Gov. Okpebholo To Apologize To Oba Of  Benin

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Governor Monday Okpebholo

By Ayodele Oni

“Tradition not bargaining chips for political expediency”

Indications have emerged that despite opposition and criticism which trailed the idea of the  installation of Iyaloja General Title in Benin City, Edo State, Josphine Isi Ibhaguezejele, has been inaugurated.

The Palace of the Oba of Benin, Ewuare 11, and prominent Benin Indigenes, including market women, had kicked against the Iyaloja title to superintend over all markets in Edo State by President Bola Tinubu’s first daughter, Mrs. Folashade Tinubu-Ojo.

Report indicate that the President’s daughter has  inaugurated Ibhaguezejele who had earlier been rejected not just by the Palace but by traders as well.

The installation, which reportedly took place at the Edo State Government House on Thursday, and attended by the Director, office of the First Lady, Edo State, Mrs. Edesili Anani, implied that it had the blessing of Governor Monday Okpebholo.

This may likely put the Governor on a collision course with the Palace like his predecessor, Godwin Obaseki.

It was gathered that the move towards the inauguration of Iyaloja General in Edo State began in 2024 when President Tinubu’s daughter wrote a letter to the Benin Monarch to that effect.

The letter, written by  Chief (Mrs) Folashade Tinubu-Ojo, the Iyaloja-General of Nigeria and first daughter of President Bola Tinubu, has surfaced online, deepening the controversy over the installation of a new market leader in Edo State.

The letter, dated April 30, 2024, and acknowledged by the Benin Traditional Council on May 1, was addressed to His Royal Majesty, Omo N’Oba N’Edo Uku Akpolokpolo, Oba Ewuare II.

In the letter, Tinubu-Ojo stated: “With greatest sense of responsibility and utmost regards to our Royal Father, His Royal Majesty, Omo N’Oba N’Edo, Uku Akpolokpolo Oba Ewuare II, the Oba of Benin, I humbly write to introduce Pastor Mrs. Josephine Isi Ibhaguezejele as the Edo State Iyeki-Elect.”

 “With the development, it is her responsibility to see to the day-to-day affairs of the traders in the State (Edo State).

“Your Majesty, I humbly request that you give your daughter every necessary backing to succeed in this great and noble assignment as I look forward to your fatherly blessing for her to be fruitful in her newly assigned responsibilities.”

Meanwhile, the People’s Democratic Party (PDP), sensing the involvement of Governor Okpebholo in the process, has advised him to tender an apology to the Benin Monarch.

In a press statement, signed by the State Publicity Secretary of the PDP, Dan Osa-Ogbegie, the party demanded an “explicit apology to the Oba of Benin and to the good people of Edo State from the office of the Governor and from any official involved in organising the event.”

It called for an independent review of the role of the First Lady’s Office and Government House protocol “in staging events affecting Benin cultural institutions”, with findings to be made public.

PDP also called for a meeting between the Palace and the State Government to reaffirm the Palace’s custodial role over native customs and market institutions and a formal undertaking that no future inauguration, appointment, or public recognition of market leaders would take place without prior consultation and confirmation by the Palace, as required by custom.

“No one individual or government, has the right to usurp the custodial functions of the Oba. Any attempt to create parallel or “general” market leadership structures that undermine the Palace-confirmed order will be resisted by Edo people at home and in the Diaspora.

“Governor Okpebholo and his appointees must explain themselves. The people of Edo deserve to know who authorised or facilitated the event in Government House, and under whose instruction the Palace was disrespected,” Ogbegie stated.

The PDP image maker stated clearly that “Edo is not for sale. Our traditions are not bargaining chips for political expediency or a stage for partisan showmanship. They violated the dignity of the Oba Palace and the people it represents,” Ogbegie said.

Breaking: Tinted Glass Permit: Court Orders Police To Maintain Status Quo

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Kayode Egbetokun - IGP

By Akinwale Kasali

Following the outrage that has greeted the New Tinted Permit Enforcement, the Federal High Court Sitting in Warri, Delta State, has ordered the Nigeria Police Force and the Inspector-General of Police, Dr. Kayode Egbetokun, to maintain the status quo.

The suit filed by a lawyer, John Aikpokpo-Martins, challenged the legality of the new tinted permit enforcement.

It would be recalled that the Nigeria Police had earlier revived the tinted permit policy through its digital platform POSSAP, citing public complaints of harassment of motorists with factory-fitted tints, with official enforcement commenced in June 2025 after a 30-day grace period, though it was later extended twice — first to August and then to October — to allow motorists more time to comply.

The renewed push was defended on security grounds, with the police arguing that criminals often exploit vehicles with opaque glass to evade detection.

The enforcement, however, took effect Thursday, October 2, 2025, with motorists lamenting the harassment it faced from Police Officials.

The legal challenge, however, questions whether the Police have acted within the bounds of the Motor Vehicles (Prohibition of Tinted Glass) Act of 1991, which requires that permits be granted only for “good cause,” such as medical or security reasons. Aikpokpo-Martins and other critics contend that the blanket enforcement disproportionately burdens motorists, infringes on constitutional rights to privacy and freedom of movement, and risks perpetuating harassment by security agents.

The Court’s directive underscores the growing legal and public pushback.

Alaafin To FG: End Kwara Killings

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Alaafin owoade
Alaafin of Oyo, Oba Akeem Abimbola Owoade 1,

Oba Abimbola Akeem Owoade I, the Alaafin of Oyo has called on the federal government to take urgent steps to end the killing in Kwara state by suspected Fulani herders.

The traditional ruler spoke amid the recent killing of a dozen of persons in Oke Ode, one of the suburbs in the state.

According to a statement signed by his media aide, Bode Durojaiye, the Oyo monarch said he has also reached out to the governor of the state,  AbdulRahman AbdulRasaq on the possible way to end the senseless killings by the marauders.

He commends security forces for the efforts to arrest the situation, saying all those involved should be brought to justice, to prevent others from committing same crime in the future.

Oba Owoade said,  “Government, political leaders and followers must have the courage and honesty to get to the root causes of our insecurity, now worsened by criminality, insurgency and terrorism by herdsmen,

“Security should not be taken for granted. Immediate and conscious efforts must be made to design and build a robust system capable of creating a stable and peaceful environment for national development.”

Amid the tension caused by the invasion of the state by suspected bandits, the state government said on Thursday that the kingpin of the gang violence and kidnapping in the state, and other neighbouring states, one Maiwada has been neutralised alongside some of his men by the Nigerian Airforce who bombed their hideouts.

Ibraheem Abdullateef, the Senior Special Assistant on Communication to the governor, disclosed to journalists  that security intelligence confirmed Maiwada’s death.

He said, “Communications intercepted from the marauding kidnappers revealed that a notorious kidnapper known as Maidawa and many of his foot soldiers have been eliminated in an encounter with joint security forces around Isanlu-Isin in Kwara State.

“Security forces, spurred by new calls of the state government for urgent interventions, have ratcheted up efforts to dislodge the kidnappers who often launch cowardly attacks on civilian populations and abduct people for ransom.”

Alleged Rap*e Of Minor: Senator Elisha Abbo In Police Custody

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Senator Elisha Abbo
Senator Elisha Abbo

By Charles Igbo

Reports have emerged that a former Senator who  represented Adamawa North,  Elisha  Abbo, is in Police custody.

Abbo, allegedly, gave himself up to  Police operatives of the  Force Criminal Investigation Department (FCID) in Abuja. Abbo’s action  followed allegations that he ra*ed a 13-year-old minor – a student.

The shocking incident, said   the victim’s parents,  allegedly happened on June 29, 2025, at the former  Senator’s  Katampe, Abuja residence. This became public because the victim’s parents were said to have rebuffed  Abbo’s many entreaties to cover up the scandal by  allegedly trying to buy off the victim’s father.

At least, according to the reports, one other high profile former Senator also tried to intervene to save Abbo from the alleged scandal.

Reports also quoted an unnamed Police officer to have confirmed that Abbo is in custody and the matter under a thorough investigation by the FCID.

Recall that this former Senator in 2019, in a viral  video, just before he was sworn-in as a first time Senator was seen in a viral video assaulting a saleswoman in an adult shop in Abuja. The action triggered an outrage and ultimately a probe but it finally came to nought as it was settled out of court.

If the latest allegation is proved to be true, Abbo would have finally burnt his  fingers as it would end any further political aspirations including to the Governorship seat of his State Adamawa.

He lost his bid for a second term to the Senate in 2023.

Neither the Police nor Abbo has confirmed or denied the latest allegation at the time of filing this report.

IMO Scribe Commends Nigeria’s Maritime Security Gains

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IMO Scribe 2

The Secretary-General of the International Maritime Organization, IMO,  Arsenio Domínguez, has lauded Nigeria’s remarkable achievements in maritime security, particularly its success in recording zero piracy incidents for over three years and the groundbreaking Deep Blue Project, which he described as a model for regional cooperation in the Gulf of Guinea.

Domínguez, who arrived in Nigeria on Thursday, made the remarks during a courtesy visit to the Honourable Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, Adegboyega Oyetola. He noted that Nigeria’s investment in maritime safety infrastructure and the collaboration of its security agencies, especially the Nigerian Navy, have yielded tangible results in combating piracy and maritime crimes. According to him, these efforts demonstrate Nigeria’s leadership and commitment to ensuring safer seas, not just for its own waters but for the wider West and Central African region.

The IMO chief acknowledged Nigeria’s recent submission to the organization outlining its national and regional security initiatives, and while commending the progress made, he stressed the need for continued support in infrastructure development and acquisition of modern equipment. He assured that the IMO would remain committed to providing technical assistance through awareness campaigns, training programmes and capacity-building initiatives.

In highlighting the organization’s ongoing projects, Domínguez referenced a regional conference scheduled to hold in Ghana in January on the Safe Seas Project, designed to consolidate contributions from Nigeria and other partner states. He also announced ongoing discussions with the European Union aimed at launching a new maritime governance project focused on ports and security, as well as two regional projects in Southern and Western Africa where progress would be tracked through defined indicators.

Beyond security, Domínguez emphasized the need for countries to prepare for wider global challenges including the energy transition, the adoption of biofuels, and financing mechanisms to support training of seafarers, infrastructure development and the adoption of future fuels. He praised Nigeria’s Blue Economy Policy as a forward-looking initiative for harnessing marine resources sustainably and expressed admiration for the facilities at the Maritime Academy of Nigeria in Oron, especially the training infrastructure. He encouraged greater collaboration between the academy, the Ministry of Education and industry stakeholders to guide young Nigerians in pursuing maritime careers.

Oyetola, in his address, said the IMO chief’s visit reflected the strength of Nigeria’s relationship with the global maritime body. He noted that Nigeria’s partnership with the Nigerian Navy and other stakeholders had been pivotal in suppressing piracy in the Gulf of Guinea and reaffirmed the country’s determination to consolidate recent gains and expand opportunities in the marine and blue economy. He thanked Domínguez for choosing Nigeria for the visit and expressed optimism that the discussions would further strengthen bilateral cooperation.

During the visit, presentations were delivered by top government officials and key stakeholders in the sector. The Director-General of the Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency, NIMASA, Dr. Dayo Mobereola, highlighted ongoing reforms and initiatives in security, seafarer welfare and regulatory frameworks aimed at positioning Nigeria as a leading maritime nation. The Acting Rector of the Maritime Academy of Nigeria, Oron, Dr. Kevin Okonna, showcased the academy’s modern training facilities and underscored the importance of international partnerships in cadet exchange and simulator-based training. The Managing Director of the Lekki Free Trade Zone, Wang Qiang, outlined the port’s role in boosting Nigeria’s cargo handling capacity, creating jobs and attracting long-term foreign investments.

The IMO scribe Domínguez also interacted with cadets of the Maritime Academy of Nigeria, urging them to embrace emerging opportunities in the maritime sector, particularly in renewable energy, green shipping and maritime technology.

He reaffirmed IMO’s commitment to working closely with Nigeria to strengthen maritime safety, enhance governance structures, and drive the sustainable growth of the blue economy, noting that the country’s achievements already serve as a model of excellence for Africa and beyond.

Osun: Oluwo Of Iwo In Trouble Over Allegations Against Ooni As Ife North Royal Fathers Threaten Legal Action

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By Ayodele Oni

Oluwo of Iwo, in Osun State, Oba Abdulrosheed Akanbi, is in trouble. He has come under serious condemnation following his accusations against the Ooni of Ife, Oba Adeyeye Ogunwusi.

Oba Akanbi had shockingly alleged that the Ooni and his (Oluwo’s) Canadian estranged wife were not only in an untidy relationship but had planned to get rid of him through poison.

But in a swift response to the allegations, Royal Fathers from Ife North Local Government Area of Osun State, under the aegis of Origbo Meje Obas, on Thursday gave the Oluwo of Iwo, a 21-day ultimatum to substantiate allegations against Oba Ogunwusi, or face a lawsuit.

The Royal Fathers listed past unbecoming behaviours of Oluwo which they said were against Yoruba tradition and culture once earned him a suspension from the Osun state Traditional Council.

Addressing journalists on behalf of the Origbo Meje Obas, the Acting Vice Chairman of the Ife North Traditional Council, Oba Kehinde Adesoji, who is the Salu of Edun Abon, accused the Oluwo of denigrating the stool of the Ooni and demanded the retraction of all allegations against Ogunwusi.

The Monarch, who was flanked by the Olulamokun of Yakooyo, Oba Meshach Oyediran, and the Alakinlalu of Akinlalu, Oba Oluwabusola Oloyede, recalled alleged past misconduct by Oba Akanbi and described the Oluwo’s claim that the Ooni conspired with his ex-wife to poison him as defamatory.

Recalling the issue, Adesoji said, “There is no gainsaying the supremacy of the throne of the Ooni of Ife as the head of all Obas in Yorubaland.

“Records are available for verification regarding the outbursts of the Oluwo of Iwoland against the Ooni of Ife.

“It is surprising that the Oluwo is the only Oba in Yorubaland who changes his title every six months — from Emir of Iwo to Alaafin of Iwo — just to gain undue media recognition.

“His actions are bringing disrepute and ridicule to the thrones of all Obas in Yoruba land.

“The Oluwo of Iwoland also claimed that our father, the Ooni of Ife, lacked the power to suspend him from the State Council of Obas meeting.

“It should be recalled that the Oluwo had issues with fellow Obas in Iwoland, namely the Olu of Ileogbo, the Olowu of Kuta, the Olu of Songbe, the Agbowu of Ogbaagba and others.

“The AIG Zone XI, Osogbo, was resolving the issues.

“At one of the meetings, the Oluwo became furious and attacked the Agbowu of Ogbaagba, injuring him.

“The Agbowu was later hospitalised, which necessitated an emergency meeting summoned by the Ooni of Ife as chairman of the council. The Oluwo of Iwoland, the monarchs involved, and the AIG were all invited.

“After carefully listening to the explanations and defences of the parties involved, the Council found the Oluwo guilty of the alleged offences and resolved that he be suspended for six months from council meetings.

“The decision was ratified by His Imperial Majesty, the Ooni of Ife, as chairman of the State Council of Obas.

“The Ooni of Ife received applause and accolades across the globe for taking prompt action against the Oluwo of Iwo.”

The Salu further stated that the Oluwo recent claim that the Ooni conspired with his ex-wife to poison him amounted to a criminal allegation.

“He who alleges must prove. On this note, we are giving the Oluwo of Iwo a 21-day ultimatum to write to the Inspector General of Police, Mr Kayode Egbetokun, or sue our father, His Imperial Majesty the Ooni of Ife, over the allegations.

“Otherwise, the Origbo Meje Obas will take legal action against the Oluwo at the expiration of this ultimatum,” he stated.

Recall that Akanbi, in another video released on his social media handles on Tuesday, declared that his feud with the Ooni is just beginning and would continue.

2027: Atiku Denies Reports, Says He Is Stepping Down For Nobody

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Atiku Abubakar

By Adesina Soyooye

Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar has rubbished the report which quoted him as saying he would step down for a younger more vibrant Presidential Candidate in 2027.

Atiku, who has ran for the Presidential seat three times in vain said he was misquoted by Media Reports which claimed he would step down for some other person in 2027. Perish the thought, the former Vice President who recently defected to the African Democratic Congress, ADC, from the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, under which he ran for the lPresidency in 2023 said.

The report had said Atiku, in an interview with the BBC Hausa Service, said he would step down for a younger candidate who had certain qualities.

However, in a statement by his Media Adviser, Paul Ibe, on Thursday, Atiku clarified what he said in the BBC Hausa Service interview.

In the statement, Ibe said:

“It has become necessary to clarify certain misrepresentations arising from the reportage of an interview granted by His Excellency, Atiku Abubakar, to the BBC Hausa Service by some sections of the media.

“After a thorough review of both the video and transcripts of the interview – in the original Hausa and the English translation – it is evident that at no point did the former Vice President expressly state, suggest, or even imply that he intends to step down for anyone.

“What Atiku Abubakar clearly and unambiguously said was that young people, as well as other prospective presidential aspirants, are free to enter the contest.

“He further stressed that if a young candidate were to emerge through a competitive primary, he would readily support such a candidate without any hesitation.

“While interpretative journalism is a legitimate aspect of reporting, stretching interpretation to the point of mischief is unacceptable and must not be encouraged.

“For the records, therefore, the insinuations attributed to the Waziri Adamawa from his BBC Hausa interview are inaccurate and do not reflect what he actually said.”

Gov. Idris Signs Over N43bn Kebbi Supplementary Appropriation Bill

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Nasir Idris - Governor of Kebbi State

By Ayodele Oni

Kebbi State Governor, Nasir Idris has said the over N43 billion supplementary Budget of the state will ensure more developmental projects.

Assenting into the Bill on Thursday at the Government House Chamber in Birnin Kebbi, the governor applauded members of the Kebbi State House of Assembly for discharge their official responsibilities diligently.

“I must state that we have a good working relationship with the members of the House, there was never a time they failed us and by the grace of Almighty Alhah we will not only sustain this understanding, but we will make sure we double it.”

A statement by the Chief Press Secretary,  Ahmed Idris stated that the governor assured his administration’s commitment to continue to support and provide the people of Kebbi State with the dividends of democracy.

Presenting the 2025 supplementary Budget Bill, the Speaker of the State House of Assembly, Usman Zuru explained that the bill sought to ensure more developmental projects across the state.

He said after scrutiny and making all the necessary adjustments, the House of Assembly passed the Bill into law for the governor to assent to it.

The speaker thanked the Kebbi State Governor Idris for given the House all the necessary support and encouragement needed, which reflected harmonious working relationship between the legislature and the executive.

Similarly, the speaker also congratulated the Kebbi State Governor and the good people of Kebbi State on the occasion of Nigeria’s 65th independence anniversary.

While expressing delight for the attainment of 65 years of nationhood, the speaker prayed that Nigeria would continue to march forward with hope and renewed commitment to peace and sustainable development.

“Your Excellency, all members of this honourable house are proud of your visionary leadership especially the achievements recorded under your watch.

“There is no doubt, you have contributed meaningfully to the growth and development of our dear state and the nation at large.

“We want to put it on record that members of this honourable house are happy to be associated with your regime,” he said.