Author: Friday Omosola

Governor Dapo Abiodun has presented the 2026 appropriation bill, totalling ₦1.668 trillion, to the state House of Assembly. This proposal represents a 63% increase from the 2025 budget. The budget, tagged the “Budget of Sustainable Legacy,” prioritises the completion of key projects under the administration’s ISEYA pillars and aims to drive long-term growth. READ ALSO: Abiodun sets N500bn IGR target for Ogun’s 2026 budget The proposed budget allocates the majority of its funds to capital expenditure, with ₦1.044 trillion set aside for capital projects. It also earmarks ₦624.76 billion for recurrent expenditure. The administration projects that the budget will be funded…

President Bola Tinubu, on Wednesday, swore in five new permanent secretaries and the Chairman and two members of the National Population Commission (NPC) during the Federal Executive Council (FEC) meeting in Abuja. The new officials took their oaths of office as part of the administration’s efforts to strengthen key areas of the civil service and national planning. The five new permanent secretaries sworn in are: John Ezeamama, Imo State; Ibrahim Ozi, Nasarawa State; Abdul Usman Garba, North Central; Ishiyaku Mohammed, North East; and Binyerem Ukaire, South East. READ ALSO: Remi Tinubu unveils empowerment grants for PLWS in Rivers Several of the…

The National Economic Council (NEC), chaired by Vice President Kashim Shettima, has approved ₦100 billion for the rehabilitation of training institutions belonging to the Nigeria Police and other security agencies. The approval is subject to the final ratification of President Bola Tinubu. During its 154th virtual meeting on Wednesday, the Council also approved ₦2.6 billion for consultancy services related to the rehabilitation project. READ ALSO: APC announces December meetings of national caucus, NEC The decision follows a proposal made by Tinubu at the 152nd NEC meeting in October to overhaul training facilities across security agencies nationwide. The allocation was based on…

Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq of Kwara State visited the training ground for the newly recruited 2,600 additional forest guards in Ilorin on Wednesday to assess the progress of their ongoing “multifaceted training.” The governor’s visit and his address to the prospective guards and their instructors underscore his administration’s continued commitment to improving the security of lives and property, particularly in rural areas. READ ALSO: Ekiti govt allays security fears, mobilises LG chairmen over incursions from Kogi, Kwara The governor’s presence at the facility is intended to boost the morale of the trainees and reassure residents, especially those affected by recent threats, that…

Vice President Kashim Shettima has called on state governments, federal ministries, departments and agencies (MDAs), and the organised private sector to intensify efforts in advancing Nigeria’s business environment. Speaking yesterday in Abuja at the Presidential Enabling Business Environment Council (PEBEC) Gala and Awards Night, he acknowledged the year’s successes as a “triumph of collaboration over silos”. He stressed that the collective commitment of all 36 states, MDAs, and other stakeholders is necessary for national success. READ ALSO: “Press freedom non-negotiable under Tinubu administration” – Shettima assures journalists Shettima’s charge to the attendees—gathered to celebrate exceptional public service delivery and reform excellence—was…

The Rivers State Government has called on auditors in the state civil service to strengthen their proficiency in Information and Communication Technology (ICT) to enhance the quality and efficiency of their work. The Secretary to the State Government, SSG, Benibo Anabraba made the call yesterday while addressing participants at a two-day capacity-building workshop themed “Auditing for Impact: Current Strategies for Detecting Emerging Cyber Crimes and Implementing Budget Collaboration in Government MDAs.” Declaring the training open in Port Harcourt, Anabraba stressed that auditors must go beyond basic ICT compliance. READ ALSO: Rivers seeks collaboration with traditional rulers to strengthen healthcare delivery He…

Pope Leo XIV said on Tuesday that his next international trip may be to Africa, expressing a particular desire to visit Algeria in 2026. The US-born pontiff, who was wrapping up his first international trip with a return flight from a six-day visit to Turkey and Lebanon, made the announcement during a press conference aboard the papal plane. READ ALSO: Pope Leo XIV appoints Nigerian priest Edward Daleng as vice-regent of papal household “I hope to make a trip to Africa, which could be my next trip”, he stated. The Pope’s interest in Algeria is deeply personal and theological. He specifically…

The trial of former Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) Governor Godwin Emefiele and his co-defendant, Henry Omoile, on allegations of a $4.5 billion fraud, resumed on Tuesday. The trial resumed with a prosecution witness stating that Omoile’s statement to the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) was made voluntarily. Emefiele faces a 19-count charge bordering on receiving gratification and making corrupt demands, while Omoile faces a three-count charge of unlawful acceptance of gifts as an agent. READ ALSO: Court fixes December dates for continuation of Emefiele’s $4.5bn fraud trial Both men have pleaded not guilty. At the resumed sitting, an EFCC…

Vice President Kashim Shettima has described Nigerian journalists as the nation’s primary defence against authoritarian rule. He assured that press freedom remains a non-negotiable pillar of President Bola Tinubu’s administration. Speaking on Tuesday at the 2025 Conference and Annual General Meeting of the International Press Institute (IPI) Nigeria, he affirmed the Federal Government’s (FG) unwavering commitment to protecting media practitioners from harassment and intimidation. READ ALSO: Shettima endorses Indian firm’s ‘smart class’ solution for Nigerian schools The conference was themed: “Addressing Media Repression and Safeguarding Democratic Accountability in Nigeria.” Shettima praised the media community for its historical resilience against authoritarian tendencies,…

President Bola Tinubu has nominated General Christopher Musa as the new Minister of Defence. He’ll succeed Badaru Abubakar, who resigned on Monday,  on health-related issues. Tinubu conveyed Musa’s nomination in a letter to the Senate President, Godswill Akpabio, according to a statement by Bayo Onanuga, the President’s Special Adviser on Information and Strategy. READ ALSO: PDP urges Tinubu to extend democratic protection to Nigeria’s opposition after Guinea-Bissau gesture In his letter to the Senate, Tinubu expressed confidence in Musa’s ability to lead the Ministry of Defence and further strengthen Nigeria’s security architecture. Musa, who will turn 58 on December 25, is…