The National Bureau of Statistics has earmarked N35m in its 2025 budget proposal for “Capacity Building on Cybersecurity and Data Centre Management.”

This allocation comes at a critical time as the agency grapples with the aftermath of a cyberattack that compromised its website on December 18, 2024.

The breach, which was publicly disclosed via the bureau’s official X (formerly Twitter) account, led to a warning for the public to disregard any information on the platform until the situation is resolved.

This incident has raised significant concerns about the vulnerability of the bureau’s digital infrastructure, especially considering its crucial role as Nigeria’s primary source of statistical data.

In addition to the cybersecurity allocation, the NBS’s 2025 budget proposal includes several other projects aimed at improving its operational efficiency, modernising infrastructure, and enhancing service delivery.

For instance, the bureau has allocated N55m for the National Agricultural Sample Survey, N20m for the Compilation of Tourism, Education, Health, and Natural Resources Satellite Accounts, N50m for Tracking the Implementation of the 8-Point Agenda, and N50m for the System of Administrative Statistics Reports.

Other notable allocations include N60m for the National Integrated Survey of Establishment, N45m for Reform and Service Delivery Capacity Building, N35m for SDG Tracking, and N30m for the Revision of the Statistics Act.

Additional allocations of N25m each have been designated for Financial Management Capacity Building and Sustainable Procurement Methods Capacity Building, while N10m has been earmarked for developing capacity in creating infographics and statistical reports.

One of the most significant allocations in the budget is N500m for the Labour Force Survey.

The Compilation of Quarterly GDP by Production, Expenditure, and Income has been allocated N60m.

N15m has been allocated for the Waste Generated Statistics Report in Nigeria, while the NBS Annual Report and Quarterly Progress Reports have been allocated N10m.

Also, N80m has been set aside for the National Consultative Committee on Statistics, an initiative that facilitates collaboration among stakeholders in the national statistical system.

The Annual Abstract of Statistics has received N15m, while the Production of Demographic Statistics Bulletin has been allocated N9m.

N36m has been allocated for the Quarterly Production of Foreign Trade in Goods and Trade Intensity Index, while Producer Price Index Production, which measures changes in the prices of goods and services at the producer level, has been allocated N40m.

Similarly, the Consumer Price Index  Production, a critical measure of inflation, has been allocated N80m, reflecting its central role in economic analysis and policymaking.

The bureau’s total expenditure proposed amounts to N9.85bn, with personnel costs constituting the majority of the allocation.

A significant portion of the budget is directed towards personnel costs, which account for N6.65bn.

With the website hack lasting for about a week, this may lead to delay in the release of critical reports by the government agency.

The NBS, a critical government agency responsible for collecting and disseminating statistical data on Nigeria’s economy, governance, and development, plays a pivotal role in informing public policy and decision-making processes.

The cyberattack highlights the increasing vulnerability of government institutions to digital threats.

Earlier, The PUNCH reported that Nigeria, Africa’s largest economy, is under siege from cybercriminals, with organisations facing an average of 3,759 cyberattacks weekly.

This was according to the latest 2024 African Perspectives on Cyber Security Report by Check Point Software Technologies.

The report paints a grim picture of the country’s vulnerability as it increasingly embraces digitalisation, with critical sectors such as finance, government, and education bearing the brunt of the attacks.

The report noted that government institutions are not spared, with public sector entities experiencing an average of 1,791 attacks weekly.

Ransomware and botnet activities dominate the threats to this sector, which plays a crucial role in managing the nation’s economy.

...faces backlash

Veteran Nigerian actor and filmmaker Kanayo O. Kanayo is under fire after making controversial remarks about unmarried women over the age of 30 during a recent interview.

Speaking on the SIL Show, the actor offered his take on why many women remain single in their 30s, sparking widespread criticism on social media.

According to Kanayo, many women who are unmarried past 30 refuse the advances of younger men in their 20s because they are attracted to wealthier, older, and married men.

He claimed that these women often receive lavish gifts such as cars and houses from wealthy men, which leads them to dismiss the more modest proposals from men their age.

Kanayo suggested that by the time these women reach their 30s, they find themselves less attractive to men their own age, eventually becoming “a prayer point.”

The actor’s statement quickly went viral, drawing backlash from many social media users who criticized him for generalizing and passing judgment on women’s personal choices.

Several people expressed their discontent, labeling his comments as outdated and insensitive.

Many pointed out that there are numerous reasons women may remain unmarried, which are far more complex than Kanayo’s oversimplified analysis.

Kanayo further stirred controversy by describing women in their early 30s as being in a “state of emergency,” implying that their chances of finding a partner were slim.

His remarks were met with a wave of rebukes, with many questioning his understanding of the challenges women face in relationships and marriage.

Award-winning Nollywood actress Funke Akindele and popular content creator Kamo State have ignited widespread reactions after a video of them sharing a kiss surfaced online.

The clip, taken on the set of Akindele’s latest project, Everybody Loves Jennifer, quickly went viral, sparking mixed reactions from fans and critics alike.

In the video, Funke Akindele, surrounded by cast and crew members, is seen sharing a surprising kiss with Kamo State.

Following the kiss, Kamo State humorously pretended to faint, drawing laughter from onlookers.

A fellow crew member joined the theatrics, playfully slapping him back to “consciousness.”

This humorous moment, however, has divided netizens.

While some criticized the pair for what they deemed inappropriate behavior, others dismissed the act as harmless fun between colleagues.

Interestingly, Kamo State recently tied the knot with his fiancée, with highlights from the wedding still trending online.

The timing of the video has further waves of discussion online with many sharing their opinions.

Crisis is brewing between Ondo State Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa and widow of his predecessor, Betty Akeredolu, over plans by t to organise a memorial lecture in honour of the deceased governor.

Former Governor Rotimi Akeredolu passed on December 28 last year, following a protracted illness.

Aiyedatiwa, his deputy, was immediately sworn in as governor in accordance with constitutional provisions.

To honour the legacy of the former governor, the state government plans to organise a memorial lecture on Friday, December 27.

However, Mrs Akeredolu, has chided  Aiyedatiwa for allegedly organising a memorial lecture for her late hisband without informing the family.

In a statement posted on her verified X account, the former First Lady said the lecture being organised was not for her late husband.

She said it was an “entry point to chop money on Aketi’s head.”

According to her, “Lucky can’t be serious! Which legacy? Mtcheew. Lecture, my foot!  This is not for Aketi because I and my family are not aware. Damn it!

“As the saying goes, you and your co-travellers cannot shave Aketi’s head in his absence. You cannot weep more than the bereaved. This is an insidious propaganda carried too far!

“Lucky, you are preoccupied with rubbishing Aketi’s legacy; you can’t succeed, anyway. Anybody close to Aketi and Arabinrin becomes your enemy. Your minions are scared to get close otherwise they lose their appointments.

“Now, you want to pretend by organising one yeye lecture for Aketi’s memorial as an entry point to chop money on Aketi’s head. You are on your own o! If this is not #yahoo #419 lecture, tell me what it is!”

However, Chief Press Secretary to Governor Aiyedatiwa, Ebenezer Adeniyan, said the planned lecture was an exclusive event of the state government.

He clarified that the organisers extended invitation to the late Akeredolu’s family.

The National Leader of Yoruba Self-Determination Movement, Prof. Banji Akintoye, has lost his wife, Mrs Julia Olubusola Akintoye.

She died yesterday. She was 88.

Spokesman for Chief Sunday Adeyemo (aka Sunday Igboho), Mr Olayomi Koiki, confirmed the development to The Nation, saying the deceased passed on peacefully.

He said the family would announce the funeral arrangements later, adding that ‘’it respectfully requests time to grieve privately during this difficult period.’’

He added: “It is with sorrow but even greater gratitude to God for a life extremely well spent that we announce the passing away of our dearly beloved mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, aunt and sister, Mrs Julia Olubusola Akintoye, wife of Prof. Banji Akintoye – National Leader of the Yoruba Self-Determination Movement.

“She peacefully departed this life in the early hours of today (yesterday) at the age of 88.

“Funeral arrangements will be announced by the family at a later date.

“The family respectfully requests time to grieve privately during this difficult period.”

The mother of Queen Naomi, the former wife of the Ooni of Ife, Oba Adeyeye Enitan Ogunwusi, has finally broken her silence, speaking out passionately about the unbearable situation her daughter now finds herself in.

Recall that Queen Naomi was among those arrested after the tragic stampede in Ibadan, which claimed the lives of several innocent victims, following her ortganization of a Christmas funfair meant to bring joy to children.

In the aftermath, as Queen Naomi and other organizers were detained and arraigned in court, her mother, devastated by the turn of events, took to her daughter’s official Instagram page to express her heartache and confusion.

She shared that, like any caring mother, Queen Naomi had always gone above and beyond to create joyous experiences for children during festive seasons, having successfully organized similar events in the past without a single casualty.

Through her tears, Queen Naomi’s mother passionately declared that her daughter never intended for any of this to happen, her heart broken by the unwarranted suffering that had befallen the families of the victims

She spoke of a dark and mysterious force, an order from above, which seemed to be standing in the way of her daughter’s release. Her words, heavy with confusion and frustration, reflected the emotional burden of a mother who could not comprehend why her daughter remained trapped in a situation so far beyond her control.

In a final desperate plea, the hearbroken mum called on the government, the police, to recognize her daughter’s good intentions and to temper justice with mercy.

The federal government has earmarked N100 billion for the National Home Grown School Feeding Programme (NHGSFP) in its proposed 2025 budget.

According to an analysis of the budget, the programme falls under the Service Wide Vote (SVW) and is managed by the Ministry of Budget and Economic Planning.

The school feeding initiative, suspended earlier this year on January 12, followed the suspension of Halima Shehu, CEO of the National Social Investment Programme Agency (NSIPA), over alleged financial misconduct.

In August, Minister of Finance and Coordinating Minister of the Economy, Wale Edun, announced plans to relaunch the programme.

He emphasized the government’s commitment to providing adequate resources to sustain and enhance educational initiatives nationwide.

Edun highlighted the programme’s significance, stating, “Feeding children in schools not only improves their health and wellbeing but also encourages them to stay in school.

This will help reduce the number of out-of-school children.”

Bishop Mathew Hassan Kukah of Sokoto Diocese has attributed the recent stampedes in Oyo, Anambra, and Abuja to the government’s failure to tackle the hunger crisis effectively.

The tragedies which occurred during food distribution events claimed several lives and highlighted the desperation of many Nigerians.

In his Christmas message, Bishop Kukah expressed sorrow over Nigeria’s struggles despite over 60 years of independence. He described the nation as “still walking in darkness,” citing a lack of progress tied to greed, nepotism, and ethnicity.

“Imagine if light shone on our politics, public service, and institutions,” he said. “Nigeria’s journey to greatness remains hindered by forces prioritising ethnicity and religion over citizenship. These feelings of exclusion drive many to frustration and violence.”

He emphasized the importance of embracing diversity, urging Nigerians to align with the ideals of the national anthem, which promotes unity despite differences in tribe and tongue.

Bishop Kukah also addressed barriers discouraging Nigerian youths from active political participation. While acknowledging the progress made since the passage of the Not Too Young to Run Bill in 2018, he noted that high costs of running for office and lack of internal democracy remain significant obstacles.

He commended young Nigerians who have won elections but called for reforms to make politics more accessible to the youth.

The Bishop praised the federal government’s educational loan scheme but advised that it should extend beyond university students to include those pursuing vocational and technical skills.

He urged the government to remove bureaucratic bottlenecks and ensure the scheme’s implementation fairness, enabling more youths and their families to benefit.

“Poverty should never exclude anyone from obtaining a quality education,” he said, encouraging youths to take advantage of the initiative.

Bishop Kukah lauded the strides made in fighting insecurity but called for a detailed work plan with clear deadlines to secure the nation.

He linked insecurity to unemployment and violent extremism, stressing that addressing these root causes is crucial for sustainable peace.

“Insecurity is the child of corruption. Without tackling unemployment and extremism, the violence will persist,” he stated.

Reflecting on the recent stampedes, the Bishop lamented the conditions of hunger and desperation that led to the tragedies in Okija, Ibadan, and Abuja.

He criticized the government for not acting decisively to address the food crisis, stating that these deaths were avoidable.

“The desperation of citizens reflects the government’s failure to address hunger effectively,” he said. He urged the government to collaborate more closely with institutions working for the common good to prevent similar tragedies in the future.

Bishop Kukah extended his condolences to the families of the victims and called on the government to ensure every Nigerian’s dignity and well-being.

An Azerbaijani airliner carrying 67 people crashed near the city of Aktau, Kazakhstan, on Christmas Day, leaving 38 dead and 29 injured, officials confirmed.

Azerbaijan Airlines flight J2-8243 was en route from Baku, the Azerbaijani capital, to Grozny in Russia’s Chechen Republic and made an emergency landing approximately 3 kilometers (1.8 miles) from Aktau, Kazakhstan.

Kazakhstan’s Deputy Prime Minister, Kanat Bozumbayev, disclosed that 29 survivors, including two children, were rescued from the wreckage with 11 of the survivors are reportedly in critical condition.

Footage from the crash site showed dazed and bloodied survivors emerging from the charred remains of the plane.

“The bodies are in poor condition, mostly burnt, all collected,” Bozumbayev said. “Now they will be in the morgue, and identification will take place.”

“There is only one survivor whose identity remains unknown, according to Bozumbayev. “She is unconscious, has no documents, and is in the hospital,” he added.

President Aliyev expressed deep sorrow over the tragedy, offering condolences to the families of the victims and wishing a speedy recovery to the injured. He declared December 26 a national day of mourning in Azerbaijan.

“I express my deepest condolences to the families of the victims and pray for the swift recovery of those injured,” Aliyev wrote on social media.

Russian President, Vladimir Putin, spoke to Aliyev on the phone and expressed his condolences, Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov told reporters.

Speaking at the CIS meeting in St. Petersburg, Putin also said that Russia’s Emergency Ministry sent a plane with equipment and medical workers to Kazakhstan to assist with the aftermath of the crash.

Kazakhstani, Azerbaijani and Russian authorities said they were investigating the crash.
Embraer told The Associated Press in a statement that the company is “ready to assist all relevant authorities.”

The flight’s passenger list included 42 Azerbaijani citizens, 16 Russians, six Kazakhs, and three Kyrgyz nationals. Kazakh authorities had initially reported 32 survivors but later revised the number to 29 as investigations continued.