In November, worshipers thronged Christ the King Catholic cathedral, Aba, for the annual Christ the King profession. The venue was packed. Every year, it has been filled, chaotic and hot. But no fatalities have ever been recorded. This time, in the middle of proceedings, the devil struck. The most reliable accounts said gunshots were heard. Eyewitnesses recount a sudden surge. Edgy people, tormented by terror, accustomed to fright and flight, took to their heels. They thought the Unknown Gunmen, who have no fear of God, had come to disrupt the festival. Security officials locked the big gates: the major entrance and exit route.  Hell broke loose in the church. 

The only one exit left was a narrow pedestrian gate. People tumbled over themselves. By the time the turmoil subsided, bodies lay strewn on the hallowed ground. Among them, a mother and her daughter. Among them, three members of another family. The elderly and children didn’t stand a chance. In this country, crowds are loved: politicians, pastors, Imams, musicians, etc. In this country, nobody cares about emergencies and crowd control measures. 

Often, tragedies are suppressed. Ostensibly to stem public outrage, which can make a politician or pastor look bad. But without outrage, what lessons can be learned? If avoidable overcrowding and paucity of exits lead to the untimely death of the innocent, isn’t it immoral to falsify the figures and efface the tragedy? If the doctoring of the body count denies the enormity of a disaster, are the victims and society not doubly victimised? 

In Aba, in the aftermath of the mayhem, there was no public anger. Perhaps the church is loved. The demand for an inquiry was weak. Perhaps governments in the southeast fear antagonising the church. Somehow, in this social media age, when people would rather make videos of accident victims bleeding to death rather than help them, there were only a few pictures of the disaster in circulation. The church quietly blamed the incident on overcrowding as if some Martians had the crowd control responsibilities. The police said they were investigating. Newspapers put the death toll at 4-6. A relative of some victims said about 48 died. The disparity in figures is another story on its own. Evidently, the disaster was minimised. After a terse apology by the church promising to prevent a future occurrence, the matter effectively died. The dead have been buried. 

A month later, in December, people were invited to gather at a school field in Ibadan for a funfair. This time, it was an Islamic venue. Five thousand people were expected. Gifts and scholarships were included in the promises. A popular radio station made sure everyone heard. People came from near and distant villages to camp at the venue on the eve of the show. It was a cold night. In the times we live, every such invitation should expect a mammoth crowd

Some came for the fun. Some went for the goodies. Ooni’s ex-wife was at the centre of it all. Like the catholic church in Aba, her intentions were pure. By 8am on the D-day, the crowd was already pulsating. The organisers saw the crowd and started to palpitate. The crowd saw them and jumped into a frenzy. The earliest attempt at distributing tickets triggered the avalanche. People surged forward in waves, crushing others. There was no plan to control the crowd. The main entrance was the epicentre of the chaos. The small gate was opened, but it perhaps only worsened the stampede.  People stomped on falling people like horse hooves on grass. The desperation of the living drowned the cries of the dying. The tsunami was already at the peak of its madness. 

As it was in Aba, there were no emergency exits. Unlike Aba, the instigating factor was impatience rather than fear. But like in Aba, as the hospitals filled up, some PR machines stepped in to mop the mess. So, only a few pictures exist. Rumours say some unidentified men prevented people from taking photographs. Others said they saw them seizing phones. The idea was to spare the public the goriness. But if photoshopping the disaster reduces the weight of the scandal and leaves sleeping dogs to lie, how can forceful deterrents be established?

In Ibadan, the police have confirmed 35 deaths. Many lie injured in hospitals. Eyewitnesses dispute the figure. The president has ordered an investigation. An investigation should aim at punishing negligence. But the overriding priority is to lay down new rules to forestall future occurrences. If the laws don’t already exist, they must be enacted. The penalty for exposing people to stampedes because of a lack of crowd control, improper emergency planning, and insufficient exit routes must be stiff. A new culture of safety must spell out the maximum number that can gather in a space and the minimum number of exit routes. 

Inquiries in Nigeria are often political gimmicks. They are used to mollify the public. They consume money and reports that will be discarded. That is why the goriness of these disasters should be published for all to see. Let them be etched on our minds. That way, people will be wary of overcrowding. People will learn to note the location of emergency exits. 

If these disasters are painted in bright colours for all to see, consciousness against overcrowding will be raised. This kind of mass education will do more good that inquiries whose recommendations will die in infancy, stampeded to death by governments’ abiding insouciance and indolence. 

Today, the brand new and ephemeral undisputed heavyweight champion, Ukrainian Oleksandr Usyk, will give Englishman Tyson Fury a chance to regain the heavyweight championship belt, after a surprising demonstration in May, when he surprisingly took the title, despite the obvious size difference in favour of the ‘Gipsy King’.

While the fight will no longer be for the undisputed title, after Usyk was stripped of the full IBF title, this eagerly awaited rematch will be a spectacular event, again taking place at The Kingdom Arena in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia.

According to specialized media such as Fight Sports and The Independent, the total purse will be $190 million and will be split 55-45 in Usyk’s favour.

In the first fight, the Ukrainian, despite being champion of several organizations, took home $45 million, while Fury earned $100 million fully guaranteed, despite losing the fight.

According to Celebrity Net Worth, Usyk’s net worth is approximately $80 million. He had $35 million before fighting Fury and $4 million before fighting Anthony Joshua for the first time.

In the case of Fury, Celebrity Net Worth notes that his fortune hovers around $140 million.

[Vanguard]

Yahaya Bello, former governor of Kogi, has regained freedom after meeting bail conditions.

Bello has been charged with alleged criminal breach of trust to the tune of N110,446,470,089, contrary to sections 96 and 311 of the Penal Code Law Cap.89, Laws of Northern Nigeria, 1963, and punishable under section 312 of same law.

On Thursday, a federal capital territory (FCT) high court in Maitama granted bail to Bello in the sum of N500 million.

Maryann Anenih, the trial judge, held that the defendant must produce three sureties in like sum who must be responsible citizens of Nigeria.

The sureties must have landed properties within Guzape, Wuse 2, Apo, Asokoro and Jabi areas in the FCT.

In a now-viral video, Bello and Usman Ododo, governor of Kogi, are seen jubilating.

TheCable understands that the former governor is already in Kogi state.

In the video, he is seen surrounded by a group of people who were also jubilating over his release.

Two major events that happened at two different locations in Ekiti State earlier in the month, again laid credence to the primacy of capacity, character and compassion in the leadership style of Ekiti State Governor, Biodun Abayomi Oyebanji. First was the event at Oke Ako Ekiti, in the north senatorial district, which featured the distribution of cheques totalling N160 million as compensation to land owners whose land were acquired for the commercial farming scheme for young farmers and the flag- off of some newly purchased tractors and other equipment. The second event which came barely 48 hours after was the distribution of cheques totalling N140 million to some young farmers as payment for the farm produce off-taken from them across the six farm clusters.

The gist here is that the chains of activities- the land acquisition, the compensation and the utilisation of the acquired land, the first harvest and the off-taking of the harvested crops as well as the purchase of tractors and other equipment required for the tractorisation policy of the government was completed within the space of six months of the introduction of the scheme, code-named “Bring Back the Youth Into Agriculture” a programme run in partnership with a private investor.

Four weeks earlier, in a move aimed at achieving energy independence and ensuring that his administration’s huge investments in power infrastructure achieve the desired result, Governor Oyebanji had granted operational licence to 14 investors which included three distribution companies, four power generating companies, two mini-grid generation companies and five meter asset providers.

The pace-setting and strategic move is to enhance power generation, ensure efficient distribution and provide reliable metering for residents. The goal is to move the state from the 20-25 mw it gets from the national grid (which falls short of the estimated requirement of 120mw) and move up to 130mw through a robust state grid, reducing dependency on the national supply and promoting sustainable. locally managed energy solutions. Again, the initiative, which aligns with the 2023 Electricity Act, was achieved within the space of a year that also witnessed a massive power upgrade and re-connection of many communities that hitherto were without power supply to the national grid.

Remarkably, Oyebanji is quite intentional about putting smiles on the faces of the people. Moved by the plight of Ekiti pensioners in the face of accumulated gratuities inherited from previous administration, the Governor, had in the last two months paid a total 4.5 billion naira to offset part of the outstanding gratuities. This is outside the regular monthly payment of gratuities. Aside supporting and equipping workers in the state to ensure a more excellent service delivery, the Governor put extra smiles on the faces of Ekiti teachers earlier in the year, when he directed that primary school teachers with degree qualifications should enjoy career progression to level 16 like others. This is in addition to extending car and housing loans to them, thereby bringing them out of an age-long policy that had deprived them.

The community of people with disabilities have also found a champion in Governor Oyebanji, who through his inclusion policy has not only created a government department headed by a cabinet –ranked officials and saddled with their welfare. This has resulted in a greater attention for the welfare and human capital development of PWD, with attendant huge investment in the upgrade of the state special schools and establishment of a trauma centre for children with disabilities.

These, and several other cutting-edge initiatives that authenticate the welfarist approach of his government and underscores his compassionate nature as a leader as well as his sheer determination to create economic opportunities for the people, are what stand Governor Oyebanji out as a true leader of the people, who is happy only when the people are happy and progressing.

And because the people know that “BAO” or “Talk- and- do Governor”, as he is fondly called, is passionate about their welfare and wellbeing, they have chosen to celebrate him not only on his birthday, but on daily basis and with the same level of energy and dexterity with which he serves them.

As the renowned American author and speaker, John C. Maxwell puts it, a leader is someone who knows the way, goes the way and shows the way”. Governor Oyebanji has a clear vision, which he communicates quite eloquently with corresponding actions. He walks the talk and he helps the people achieve their vision and purpose as well. This, many people believe, had provoked critical stakeholders in the state, including all former governors, to endorse him for a second term even before he marked his second anniversary in office.

Those who live by their strength may readily provide an answer to the question bordering on how they surmount obstacles and stay on top of their game. But those who live by the power of the Almighty God and the attendant grace can’t make such boast. Rather, they work hard, they work hand-in- hand with others, and they let God be God over everything- directing each step all the way through the paths that eventually yield boundless rewards. This is the story of the Omoluabi Governor of Ekiti State, Biodun Abayomi Oyebanji as he clocks fifty-seven years old today.

Those who have followed Oyebanji’s trajectory right from his undergraduate days, know that his political philosophy is built around the social democratic principle of lifting and supporting the weak and the vulnerable in society as well as the biblical injunction of love thy neighbour as yourself. An apostle of soft leadership, BAO’s genuine concerns include how transformational leadership can replace transactional politics; how to build strong institutions that will support growth and development; how to make government wear human face; how to get every citizen to contribute to state and nation building, each utilising his talent, time, platform and resources; and what mechanism should be put in place for genuine and effective empowerment of the citizens towards the attainment of shared prosperity for all.

Governor Oyebanji is disarmingly humble. He proudly wears humility like a garment. He possesses an insatiable appetite for championing good causes. In a recent interviews with state correspondents, he told them the secret of his calmness. According to him, he has committed the state into God’s hands, hence he is not under any pressure. Those who have come in contact with him, and, indeed a vast majority of Ekiti people believe humility remains his greatest asset, and gratitude the most potent weapon in his arsenal. This year alone, he has caused the office of the Secretary to the State Government to issue letters of commendation to no fewer than three members of his cabinet, as well as the chairman of the State Internal Revenue Service, appreciating them on behalf of the government and people of the state for their superlative performances.

As a change agent, BAO believes a leader must live in the hearts of the people by serving them diligently and faithfully, knowing he is accountable to the people and would give account of his stewardship to God one day. He believes trust is a public good without which no great thing can be achieved collectively. Hence, he believes trust has to be earned. As a leader, he embodies creativity, character, competence, and compassion with passion for excellence.

Born on December 21, 1967, in Ikogosi-Ekiti, Oyebanji had his early education in his home state. He bagged a Bachelor of Science degree in Political Science from the Ondo State University (now Ekiti State University, Ado-Ekiti) in 1989 and Masters’ degree in Political Science (International Relations and Strategic Studies), from the University of Ibadan in 1992.
He started his career as a Lecturer at the Department of Political Science, Ondo State University, Ado-Ekiti, between 1993 – 1997 . He later proceeded to work as Manager, Treasury, and Financial Services at the defunct Omega Bank Plc (now Heritage Bank) till May 1999, when he commenced an illustrious career in politics and governance.

Since embracing public service in 1999, Oyebanji has served in various capacities with different administrations. He also served as Secretary to Ekiti State Government between October 2018 to December 2021, when he resigned his appointment to join the governorship race, which he won on the platform of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in June 22, 2022. He was inaugurated Governor of Ekiti State on October 16, 2022.

A devout Christian, Oyebanji sees his career in politics and governance as a divine calling. This philosophy remains his guiding light as he continues to serve God and country diligently as a loyal party man and conscientious public servant.

In recognition of his inspirational life journey, BAO has received many awards and recognitions. He was named Governor of the Year (2023) by Daily Independent Newspaper and Marketing Edge Magazine. He is also a recipient of the Ekiti Exceptional Achievers (MEEA) Award, granted in recognition of his contributions to the creation of Ekiti State as Secretary, State Creation Committee and Secretary, Ekiti State Development Fund.

Oyebanji is married to Dr Olayemi Oyebanji, an Associate Professor of Educational Management, University of Ibadan. They are blessed with three children.

As he celebrates another year of impact, Oyebanji remains an inspiration to both existing and aspiring leaders and a symbol of boundless grace. At 57, his legacy of integrity, innovation, loyalty, diligence and generosity of spirit continues to shape political narratives and inspire generations to come.

* Olayinka Oyebode is Special Adviser (Media) to the Governor, Ekiti State

Penultimate Monday, further to his sustained effort to develop a transportation hub in Ogun State to facilitate cargo movement and boost industrial growth, the Governor, Prince Dapo Abiodun received the outlined “Certificate of Compliance” on the Inland Dry Port located in the Papalanto, Ewekoro area of the state. Among other benefits, the dry port will facilitate trade and promote economic development in inland regions. Dry ports, like normal seaports, handle cargo and provide storage facilities, warehousing, logistics services, customs clearance, and inspection services. The project was recently flagged off by the Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, Alhaji Adegboyega Oyetola.

The Executive Secretary and Chief Executive Officer of the Nigerian Shippers’ Council, Barrister Ukeyima Akutah, while making the presentation to the Governor at his Oke-Mosan office in Abeokuta, along with a delegation of directors and other top officials, made an inspiring remark about the administration’s commitment to creating an enabling environment for economic growth. He said the emergence of Ogun State as the leading industrial economy in Nigeria was due to the Ease-of-Doing-Business Index achieved under the present administration of Governor Abiodun.

The remark lends credence to the Abiodun administration’s commitment to make Ogun State an investment destination of choice in the West African sub-region, leveraging on the combined advantages of its geographical location and oceanic plentitude of land. To realize the objective, the Governor has developed the plan, the strategy and the modality for the implementation, focusing on the creation of an enabling environment to attract local and foreign direct investments into the State.

Apart from the network of road infrastructure across the three senatorial districts, continuous improvement in the Ease-of-Doing-Business and land reform initiative provide a good attraction for investors. The administration has also created four economic zones in addition to the Agbara Industrial Zone, which includes the Ota (Ogun West) and Kajola (Ogun Central) axes.

Currently, the Agbara Industrial Zone is arguably the largest industrial zone in Nigeria and probably one of the largest on the continent. It is the zone that makes Ogun State the industrial capital of Nigeria. 

The decision by the present government to create additional zones is not only to expand economic opportunities that abound in the State but also make it investor-friendly. As of today, investors can conveniently choose any zone that suits them. The importance of economic zones cannot be over-emphasized. Among other benefits, a high-performing zone with strong foreign investment can create thousands of jobs while also building the capabilities of the local workforce as outside investors share expertise and know-how.

The Nigerian Shippers’ Council boss, Akutah, noted that the initiatives aligned with the policy statement of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu aimed at unleashing the country’s potential for industrial growth, prosperity, and job creation.

According to Akutah, the sustained effort of the Ogun State Government towards infrastructural development has enhanced industrial growth, thereby complementing the strides of the Federal Government to achieve sustainable transformation and industrialization.

He further commended the Governor for his determination to raise the bar of business activities in the state and develop critical infrastructure as a way of opening the state for an array of productive activities.

His words: “Your Excellency, we believe that the industrial revolution in Nigeria has already commenced in Ogun State under your watch, and we are very grateful for what you are doing.

“All the transport infrastructures you are developing, including the cargo airport which is at an advanced stage to commence operations, complement the efforts of Mr. President in terms of the industrial revolution in Nigeria, and this is quite commendable.

“We are also grateful to Your Excellency for the transit area which we are working together with our partners to develop in your State and also the land-a 20-hectare plot of land-which you graciously have provided to us to develop into a vehicle transit area.

“We commend you and your team for being consistent with infrastructural development in all sectors of the state’s economy. One of those infrastructures is the Gateway International Agro-cargo Airport, as well as the Inland Dry Port for which we are presenting its “Certificate of Compliance” to you today.

“Obviously, you have demonstrated capacity and quality leadership by all standards, and your state is piloting the ongoing industrial revolution in Nigeria as conceived by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.”

Akutah noted that the provision of a good road network, the construction of an airport, and a conducive business environment had led to the influx of companies to the state, signaling the industrial revolution in the country.

In his response, the Governor, Prince Dapo Abiodun, commended the delegation for the visit and for granting the “Certificate of Compliance” for the take-off of the Papalanto Inland Dry Port, saying it was a significant step in the quest for the establishment of the port.

The Governor described the Papalanto Inland Dry Port as a strategic port of operation aimed at decongesting the Lagos Ports and boosting industrial activities in Ogun State. He explained that through the concept of the Multi-modal Transportation System adopted by his administration upon assumption of office on May 29, 2019, the Inland Dry Port would be an efficient mechanism for the industrial revolution embarked upon by the Federal Government.

Governor Abiodun stated that his administration conceived the Kajola Inland Dry Port project in alignment with the Federal Government’s initiative to strengthen rail lines across the country to take pressure off the Apapa and Tin Can ports, both in Lagos, and make the clearance of raw materials seamless.

Abiodun said: “Ogun State has a lot of federal roads that traverse the North, East, and other parts of the country, which explains why many manufacturers have found us a convenient location to set up their concerns.

“We have the advantage of proximity to Lagos, Nigeria’s busiest seaports and airport. We also have the advantage of extensive gas reticulation in terms of pipelines, which allows for energy and gas to power industries.

“These two factors have made us the industrial capital, and naturally, you will find that a lot of raw materials are coming in by sea, and once processed, they are coming in through Lagos to our State.

“This initiative is supported by the strong case that if we were able to establish an Inland Port here, it would align with the federal government’s initiative of strengthening the rail line since this line connects Lagos to Ogun, Oyo, Osun, and Ondo states.

“The volume of traffic at Tincan and Apapa seaports is overwhelming, and these ports have become extremely inefficient as containers remain there for upwards of 30-60 days, accruing demurrage. By the time they are cleared and brought down to our state, a lot of demurrage and added costs have been incurred.

“In a strong business case, we say if we set up the Inland Dry Port, when the containers arrive, they don’t need to be cleared in Lagos; they will be put onto trains, and all the processes will be done here. This means that containers destined for Oyo, Osun, and Ondo states will be cleared here.”

Governor Abiodun assured that his administration would cooperate and work with the Shippers’ Council for the benefit of all.

Akutah’s commendation confirms the ongoing effort by the administration of Governor Dapo Abiodun to make Ogun State an investment destination of choice. From all available indices, the administration has brought far more remarkable achievements than any other time in the recent past. None of his predecessors has achieved the level of success the present government has recorded within the five and a half years of its inception. For three consecutive sessions under his administration, the state has routinely maintained its competitive edge over the rest parts of the country.

Having created the pathway for sustainable economic growth, the challenge is to continue to strive to forge ahead in the drive to sustain the state’s leading position as the nation’s industrial capital.

However, because the desire for a higher goal of economic prosperity for all is forever a work in progress, all the stakeholders must come together as a collective group to join hands with the government and take ownership of the process.

Governor Abiodun has promised not to let the guard down. Already, there are plans in the pipeline to create more economic zones for further industrial development. These include the construction of a deep Seaport at Olokola, the Sea Port in the Ijebu Economic Zone, and the Remo Economic Zone.

All these Economic Zones are to ensure that cargos produced in the State are conveniently processed and exported through the Ogun International Cargo Airport as well as Sea Port.

The establishment of Kajola dry port, Akutah said, underscored the collective dedication to improving Nigeria’s trade and logistics infrastructure, expressing optimism that it would play a vital role in national transformation.

•Ogbonnikan writes from Abeokuta, Ogun State capital

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has expressed profound sadness over the tragic incident at the Children's FunFair in Ibadan, which resulted in the loss of innocent lives and left many injured.

The President extends his heartfelt condolences to the Government and people of Oyo State, as well as to the grieving families who have lost their beloved children.

In this moment of mourning, President Tinubu stands in solidarity with the affected families and offers prayers that the Almighty God will grant peace to the souls of those who have departed in this unfortunate event.

President Tinubu has urgently directed the relevant authorities to investigate the circumstances of this tragedy thoroughly. He emphasises that it is imperative to determine whether negligence or deliberate actions contributed to this painful incident, ensuring a transparent and accountable process.

The President urges the Oyo State Government to take every necessary measure to prevent such a tragedy from reoccurring. Among the essential actions are a comprehensive review of all public events' safety measures, strict enforcement of safety regulations, and regular safety audits of event venues.

Furthermore, President Tinubu calls on event organisers to prioritise the safety of all attendees, especially children. He stresses the importance of integrating professional security, protocol, and logistics at events to ensure the utmost safety of all participants.

"Our children's safety and well-being remain paramount. No event should ever compromise their safety or take precedence over their lives," President Tinubu asserts.

Bayo Onanuga

Special Adviser to the President

(Information & Strategy)

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has approved the extension of the of the tenure of Dr. Oluwatoyin Madein, the substantive Accountant General of the Federation (AGF), until March 7, 2025.

Naija News recalls that Tinubu had appointed Mr. Shamseldeen Babatunde Ogunjimi as the Acting Accountant-General of the Federation (AGF) following the pre-retirement leave of the outgoing AGF, Dr. Oluwatoyin Sakirat Madein.

But in a u-turn on Thursday, the President reassigned the Acting Accountant General to the Public Service Institute of Nigeria as Director of Accounts.

The letter authorizing Madein’s continuation was issued by the Head of Service of the Federation and confirmed on Thursday.

Bawa Mokwa, spokesperson for the Office of the Accountant General of the Federation (OAGF), stated that the directive reinstates Madein to her role as AGF, allowing her to oversee treasury operations until her retirement.

He disclosef that embarking on terminal leave is optional under civil service regulations, leaving staff uncertain about whether Madein’s reinstatement invalidates Ogunjimi’s prior appointment as Acting AGF.

Although the letter did not explicitly nullify Ogunjimi’s appointment, it appears to have delayed his assumption of the Acting AGF role pending a decision by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.

Madein’s return has been met with enthusiasm from her supporters, who highlighted her commitment to completing key projects and reforms initiated during her tenure.

“By the first week of January 2025, we will start commissioning the projects she began. She felt it was important to see them through and not let another person take the credit for her efforts,” a supporter told The Nation.

The reinstatement also aims to restore stability within the OAGF. Mokwa assured that “Madein will be signing documents and checks on behalf of the AGF. She has returned, so no more rancor within the treasury.”

[NaijaNews]

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and Vice President Kashim Shettima will spend N9.36 billion on local and foreign travels as well as refreshments in the coming year.

This is contained in the details of the 2025 Appropriation Bill released by the Ministry of Budget and Economic Planning.

The president had, on Wednesday, present the N49.7 trillion 2025 budget proposals to a joint session of the National Assembly.

The fiscal document is christened: ‘Restoration Budget, Securing peace and building prosperity.’

N59.4bn Greater Dutse Water project takes off in JigawaFG reverses Ogunjimi’s appointment as AGF; Madein to complete tenure

According to the budget proposal, Tinubu will spend N7.44 billion on travels and refreshments; while Shettima will spend N1.9 billion for same.

The president’s international travels in 2025 will gulp N6.14 billion; and his local trips, N873.9 million.

Also, the sum of N431.6 million was earmarked for Tinubu’s refreshments and meals as well as foodstuffs and catering supplies.

The vice president’s international travels in 2025 will gulp N1.31 billion; and local trips, N417.5 million.

Refreshments and meals as well as foodstuff and catering supplies for the vice president will gulp N186.02 million.

In 2024, President Tinubu, Vice President Shettima, and First Lady Remi Tinubu spent not less than N5.24 billion on local and foreign travel between January and March 2024, according to an analysis of the travel expenses using GovSpend, a civic tech platform that tracks and analyses the Federal Government’s spending.

Presidency to spend N10.6bn on cars, honorarium, fuel, SAs office

The Office of the President also proposed N4,760,035,960 for vehicles, with N3,661,566,123 for the purchase of State House operational vehicles and N1 billion for the replacement of Sport Utility Vehicle (SUVs).

Another N255,728,214 was budgeted for purchase of cars, with N127,864,107 set aside for the procurement of SUVS for the president and vice president as well as N127,864,107 for the purchase of operational vehicles at the Presidential Conference Car Unit (CCU) fleet.

The sum of N5,938,883,548 was proposed for honorarium, construction for Special Advisers and Senior Special Assistants’ Office Complex and fuel for generators.

The budget proposals showed that N2,118,521,128 was earmarked for sitting allowance/honorarium, N1,989,579,359 for fuel and N1,830,783,061 (billion) is for construction of office complex for SAs and SSAs.

2025 Appropriation Bill scales second reading

The National Assembly yesterday passed the N49.7tn ‘Restoration’ Budget for a second reading.

The budget was passed by both the Senate and the House of Representatives after various deliberations on the bill’s general principles by senators and members of the House of Representatives at their separate sittings.

In the Senate, the budget was passed and referred to the Committee on Appropriations after being put to a voice vote by the Senate President, Godswill Akpabio, who presided over the session.

Similarly, in the House of Representatives, the appropriation bill was passed for second reading and referred to the House Committee on Appropriation for further legislative actions.

Also, the House also passed through Second Reading, a Bill to extend the capital component of the 2024 Budget to June 30th, 2025.

The bill was presented on the floor of the House by the House Leader, Rep. Julius Ihonvere.

It was titled, ‘A Bill for an Act to Amend the Appropriation Act, 2024 to extend the Implementation of the Capital Component of the Appropriation Act, 2024 from 31 December, 2024 to 30 June 2025 and for Related Matters (HB.2023).’ 

Meanwhile, both chambers of the National Assembly have adjourned sittings to January 14, 2025, to observe recess for the yuletide celebrations.

[Daily Trust] 

Bandits terrorizing Zamfara State have reportedly abducted over 40 persons from communities in Maru Local Government Area during various attacks over the past two weeks.

A resident of Maru town, Alhaji Umar Abdullahi, told newsmen in a telephone interview on Thursday that the situation has become deeply concerning for many community members in the local government area.

According to him, the bandits have been carrying out a series of attacks in the local government headquarters and surrounding communities, abducting residents from their homes.

“Just last week, the bandits stormed our town and conducted house-to-house searches, starting from the Emir’s palace area, and kidnapped seven persons,” he said.

Abdullahi attributed the frequent attacks on Maru communities to the activities of informants collaborating with the bandits in the area.

“Our major challenge is the bandits’ informants, as most of the kidnapped victims are prominent persons in the area,” he lamented.

“As I am talking to you now, there are over 40 kidnapped victims in bandit camps following simultaneous attacks on Maru communities over the past two weeks.”

Speaking further, he noted that the bandits terrorizing the area are operating from camps behind Bakalori Dam (Bayan Ruwa) in Maradun Local Government Area of the State.

“We are in serious trouble because many bandits are relocating to the Maradun camp. There is an urgent need for authorities to dislodge them for peace to thrive.”

He appealed to the federal and Zamfara State governments to urgently deploy more troops to the Maradun area to tackle the Bayan Ruwa bandit camps.

Another resident of the area, Usman Abubakar, described the local government as a “colony of banditry,” stating that the bandits unleash terror at will.

“When the banditry began more than a decade ago, Dansadau, a district of Maru Local Government, was the epicenter. But now, the bandits have spread to all parts of the State, especially Maru Local Government Area,” he said.

Recall that a few months ago, bandits killed several police officers, including a Divisional Police Officer (DPO), in Maru town.

All efforts to obtain a reaction from the State Police Command on the issue proved abortive at the time of filing this report.

[Daily Post]

The Nigerian Army Council has approved the promotion of 108 senior officers to the Major-General and Brigadier-General ranks.

According to a statement on Friday by the Director of Army Public Relations, Maj-Gen. Onyema Nwachukwu, the list includes 35 Brigadier Generals elevated to Major-Generals and 73 Colonels promoted to Brigadier-Generals.

Among the newly promoted Major-Generals are officers holding critical command and staff positions.

Notable names include the acting General Officer Commanding 8 Division and Commander, Sector 2, North West Operation Fasan Yamma, Brig-Gen. Ibikunle Ajose; the Commander, Nigerian Army Space Command, Brig-Gen. U.G. Ogeleka; among others.

Officers promoted to the Major-General rank include the Deputy Chief of Military Affairs, Army Headquarters, Department of Civil-Military Affairs, Brig-Gen. B.P. Koughna; Brig-Gen. I. Otu from the Nigerian Army Heritage and Future Centre; Brig-Gen. A.O. Adegbite from the Headquarters, Nigerian Army Corps of Supply and Transport; and the Deputy Director, Tender Board, Department of Procurement, Brig-Gen. S.A. Jimoh.

For the rank of the Brigadier-General, notable promotions include the Commander, 43 Engineers Brigade, Col. S.M. Iliya; the Commander, 78 Supply and Transport, Col. O. Igwe; the Chief Medical Director, 44 Nigerian Army Reference Hospital, Col. N.S. Onuchukwu; among others.

The Chief of Army Staff, Lt-Gen. Olufemi Oluyede urged the newly promoted officers to redouble their efforts, justify their elevation and lead by example.

He encouraged them to develop innovative solutions to tackle the nation’s contemporary security challenges.

“Oluyede also reminded them of their oath of allegiance to defend the nation and their duty to maintain unalloyed loyalty to the constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria,” the statement added.

[Punch]