Author: Friday Omosola

Ekiti State Governor, Biodun Oyebanji, held a crucial meeting with contractors and heads of Ministries, Departments, and Agencies (MDAs) on Tuesday, aimed at reviewing the progress of ongoing projects and ensuring their timely completion.  The meeting, which took place in the Governor’s Office Conference Room in Ado-Ekiti, focused on the set deadlines and quality delivery of projects scheduled for completion this year. During the meeting, Governor Oyebanji carefully examined progress reports on various ongoing projects across the state. Contractors reiterated their commitment to meeting the agreed-upon deadlines for each project. The governor emphasised the importance of taking advantage of the…

The Minister of Solid Minerals, Dele Alake, has secured funding for a study facility aimed at developing a comprehensive roadmap for Nigeria’s critical minerals value chain, from extraction to beneficiation.  The Minister made the announcement on his X page on Wednesday, revealing that the funding was secured during the prestigious Mining Indaba event in Cape Town, South Africa.  Alake emphasised that the initiative will be supported by the Global Council for Critical Minerals, a specialized body within Sustainable Energy for All, a United Nations agency dedicated to advancing the Agenda for Sustainable Development. He said the collaboration is expected to…

Inaugurates debt management office supervisory board Vice President Kashim Shettima has emphasised the importance of transforming Nigeria’s public debt into an asset for economic growth, infrastructure development, and poverty reduction.  The Vice President made this statement while inaugurating the Supervisory Board of the Debt Management Office (DMO) at the Presidential Villa on Wednesday. The inauguration marks a significant step in the Federal Government’s ongoing efforts to strengthen fiscal and monetary policy coordination and ensure long-term debt sustainability, in line with President Bola Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda. Shettima, who also serves as Chairman of the newly inaugurated Board, urged its members…

President Bola Tinubu has increased the proposed 2025 budget from N49.7 trillion to N54.2 trillion, attributing the rise to additional revenues from key government agencies. The revised figures were communicated in separate letters sent to both the Senate and the House of Representatives. Senate President Godswill Akpabio read the letters aloud during today’s plenary session. READ ALSO: Tinubu raises retirement age for healthcare workers to 65 According to President Tinubu, the budget adjustment reflects an extra N1.4 trillion from the Federal Inland Revenue Service (FIRS), N1.2 trillion from the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS), and N1.8 trillion from other government-owned agencies.…

Kwara State Governor Abdulrahman Abdulrazaq yesterday inaugurated a steering committee to reverse the transfer of the Kampe Game Reserve, located in the Patigi Local Government Area, to the Federal Government (FG) for its upgrade to a National Park.  The handover marks a significant step in environmental conservation and sustainable resource management in the state. At the ceremony held in Ilorin, Governor Abdulrazaq emphasised the strategic importance of the initiative. “Today marks a crucial moment in our collective efforts. The inauguration of the Steering Committee is a fulfilment of the Federal Government’s roadmap for the transformation of the Kampe Game Reserve…

Oba Abdulsemiu Ogunjobi, the suspended traditional ruler of Orile Ifo, has been remanded at a correctional centre in Ilaro, Ogun State, after appearing before the Ifo Magistrate Court. The New Daily Prime earlier reported that Governor Dapo Abiodun ordered the suspension of Oba Ogunjobi following an assault on Areola Abraham. The monarch, who faces allegations of assault, was not granted immediate release as he failed to meet the court’s bail requirements. READ ALSO: Ogun monarch lands in court for assaulting 73-yr-old man He attended court on Tuesday to answer a three-count indictment brought by the Nigeria Police Force. “That Abdul-Semiu…

President Bola Tinubu has approved increasing the retirement age for doctors and other healthcare professionals from 60 to 65 years. This decision was announced in a statement on Wednesday in Lagos by Mannir Bature, the National Publicity Secretary of the Nigerian Medical Association (NMA). Bature explained that the Coordinating Minister of Health and Social Welfare, Muhammad Pate, has been instructed to formally submit the approval to the Council on Establishment via the Office of the Head of Service for finalization. During a high-level meeting with NMA President Bala Audu and other key health sector stakeholders, Professor Pate outlined the policy…

President Bola Tinubu will depart Abuja on Wednesday for Paris, France, on a private visit before proceeding to Addis Ababa, the Ethiopian capital. Bayo Onanuga, Tinubu’s Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, confirmed this in a statement today. In Addis Ababa, the President will join African leaders at the 46th Ordinary Session of the Executive Council and the 38th Ordinary Session of the Assembly of the AU Heads of State, scheduled for February 12th to 16th, 2025. This departure comes shortly after President Tinubu’s return from Dar es Salaam, Tanzania, where he participated in the Mission 300 Africa Energy Summit.…

Ekiti State Governor, Biodun Oyebanji, has urged the Nigerian Army to strengthen its collaboration with other security agencies in the state to enhance security and eliminate criminal elements. He made the call on Tuesday while receiving the new Brigade Commander of the 32 Artillery Brigade, Akure, Brigadier-General Justin Ifeanyi, during a courtesy visit to his office in Ado-Ekiti. Governor Oyebanji emphasised that such cooperation and increased military presence would complement the efforts of other security operatives already active in Ekiti, contributing to a more secure environment. He commended the existing synergy among security chiefs in the state, which has helped…

Olu Verheijen, Special Adviser to President Bola Tinubu on Energy, stated that the federal government (FG) spends N200 billion monthly on electricity subsidies.  In a statement yesterday, the presidential aide noted that despite this spending, only a few Nigerians are benefiting from the subsidies. She said: “Today, the Federal government spends over ₦200 billion per month on electricity subsidies, but much of this support benefits the wealthiest 25 per cent of Nigerians rather than those who truly need assistance. “To address this, the Federal government is working towards a targeted subsidy system to ensure that low-income households receive the most…