Author: Friday Omosola

Governor Monday Okpebholo has presented the 2026 Appropriation Bill, valued at ₦939.85 billion, to the Edo State House of Assembly, outlining an ambitious fiscal plan aimed at accelerating development across the state. Christened the “Budget of Hope and Growth,” the proposal represented a significant increase on the previous year’s estimate and aligned with the administration’s SHINE Agenda. READ ALSO: Okpebholo vows decisive action on security, health reforms The governor said the 2026 budget built on the “practical governance” foundation laid in 2025, supported by improved revenue performance and a firm commitment to people-centred development. He disclosed that the budget prioritised physical…

The Socio-Economic Rights and Accountability Project (SERAP) has called on the Code of Conduct Bureau (CCB), the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), and the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) to investigate allegations of corruption within the Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority (NMDPRA). SERAP’s request follows public disclosures made by the President/Chief Executive Officer of the Dangote Group, Aliko Dangote. READ ALSO: SERAP sues Akpabio, Abbas over alleged missing ₦18.6bn NASS commission funds SERAP urged the anti-corruption agencies to jointly invite the Chief Executive of the NMDPRA, Farouk Ahmed, for questioning regarding two major allegations.…

The Head of the Civil Service of the Federation, Didi Walson-Jack, has expressed profound sadness over the sudden passing of Bayelsa State Deputy Governor, Lawrence Ewhrudjakpo, who died on Thursday. In a condolence message addressed to the state governor, Douye Diri, Walson-Jack described the late Ewhrudjakpo as a distinguished son of Bayelsa land, a remarkable public servant and leader. READ ALSO: Deputy governor of Bayelsa collapses in government house, rushed to hospital Walson-Jack highly praised the deceased’s character, noting that his service, character, and loyalty “stood out as a beacon across the nation.” She highlighted their professional connection, stating, “He was…

The presidency has issued a rebuke to opposition politicians, accusing them of engaging in subterfuge and seeking scapegoats to avoid accountability for alleged financial crimes. This was disclosed in a statement signed by the Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga. The statement follows a recent gathering of opposition figures who alleged that the administration of President Bola Tinubu is using the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) to threaten multi-party democracy and target political opponents. READ ALSO: Presidency urges Nigerians to report VIPs violating police escort withdrawal order The presidency rejected the accusations of using the…

Lagos State Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu participated in this year’s Lagos Food Festival yesterday, where he personally cooked and tasted a meal of seafood rice with stir-fry spinach. The event was organised by the Lagos State Ministry of Agriculture and Food Systems at Muri Okunola Park, Victoria Island. The governor stressed that the festival is designed to be a platform for families to come together, unwind and see food from different cultures to tell the Lagos food story. READ ASO: Sanwo-Olu commissions rehabilitated Akilo water facility to supply one million gallons daily Sanwo-Olu noted that the festival, themed “Taste Beyond Borders”, is…

Bayelsa State Governor, Douye Diri, accompanied by his wife, Gloria Diri, and other top government officials, visited the wife of his late deputy, Lawrence Ewhrudjakpo. Ewhrudjakpobdied on Thursday at the age of 60. Diri, during the visit to the bereaved wife, Beatrice Ewhrudjakpo, described his late deputy as “very resourceful, a brother, a confidant, and the heartbeat of our administration.” READ ALSO: Keyamo hails Bayelsa Gov Douye Diri’s defection to APC as ‘final piece’ in south-south dominance The governor praised their working relationship, emphasising that it transcended a typical superior-subordinate dynamic and was characterized by a bond of brothers and friends,…

Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa has a deep-sea port that the Federal Executive Council (FEC) has approved for the industrialisation of the state’s deep-sea port licence. He described the decision as pivotal for industrialisation and investment in the state. Aiyedatiwa made the disclosure on Friday while addressing stakeholders of the All Progressives Congress (APC) at the final expanded quarterly meeting for 2025 in Akure. READ ALSO: Aiyedatiwa flags off Owena dam rehabilitation, vows to end decades of water scarcity The governor explained that the licence, initially secured during his tenure as deputy governor, had been delayed due to a naming error in the…

Ekiti State Governor, Biodun Oyebanji, has directed the chairmen of all Local Government councils and Local Council Development Areas (LCDAs) in the state to prioritise security and strengthen community-based efforts to ensure the safety of lives and property. The governor issued the charge during a brainstorming session with the council bosses in Ado Ekiti yesterday.   He emphasised that the protection of citizens is the first responsibility of government at all levels, and effective grassroots security management is critical to sustaining peace and boosting socio-economic development. READ ALSO: Oyebanji cuts leave short, set to resume on Monday amid security concerns Oyebanji stressed…

The Lagos State Government, through the Lagos State Infrastructure Asset Management Agency (LASIAMA), officially unveiled the redeveloped BOSKOH Garden at the Main Secretariat Complex, Alausa. The event also marked the commencement of the inaugural Christmas Lights Switch-On Ceremony, which will now become an annual festive tradition for the State Public Service environment. LASIAMA General Manager, Adenike Adekanbi, described the garden’s unveiling as the rebirth of a once-prominent sustainability landmark that had gradually lost its essence over the years. READ ALSO: Lagos govt unveils 2025 ‘Light Up Lagos’ festive illumination sponsored by Nigerian breweries The redevelopment was undertaken to preserve the garden’s…

The Chairman of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), Ola Olukoyede, has urged the management of OPay to make compliance with existing regulations a watchword to ensure business integrity and curb money laundering and fraudulent practices. Olukoyede issued the charge in Abuja during a courtesy visit by the Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of OPay, Steven Wen, and othEFCCer top managers to the EFCC headquarters. READ ALSO: Ex-Aviation minister Stella Oduah arraigned by EFCC over N2.4bn fraud Speaking through his Chief of Staff, Commander of the EFCC, Michael Nzekwe, he stressed that the EFCC’s mantra includes using anti-corruption efforts to stimulate…