Author: Gbenga Oluranti OLALEYE

Bauchi State Governor, Bala Mohammed, on Thursday, presented a ₦465.855 billion budget proposal for the 2025 fiscal year to the state House of Assembly. The proposed budget represents an 18 percent increase from the 2024 appropriation and is aimed at addressing ongoing reforms and rising inflationary trends impacting various sectors across the country. Governor Mohammed highlighted that the increase in the 2025 budget reflects the state’s response to economic challenges. He also noted that 80 percent of the 2024 budget had been implemented, underscoring the state’s commitment to delivering on its promises. The governor outlined several key sector allocations in…

The Nigerian Senate on Thursday, November 21 has confirmed the nomination of Omolola Oloworaran for appointment as the new Director-General of the National Pension Commission (PENCOM). The confirmation followed a request from President Bola Tinubu, who had written to the Senate seeking approval for the nominee. The Senate’s decision came after it considered and adopted the report from the Senate Committee on Establishment and Public Service during plenary. Senator Cyril Fasuyi, the committee chairman and member representing the Ekiti North Senatorial District, explained that the committee had thoroughly reviewed the nominee’s qualifications. According to Fasuyi, Oloworaran met all the legal…

A Federal High Court in Abuja, presided over by Justice Inyang Ekwo, has adjourned the hearing of a motion filed by former Petroleum Minister, Diezani Alison-Madueke, seeking to amend the originating process in her ongoing legal dispute with the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC). The hearing has been rescheduled for February 17, 2025. Alison-Madueke, through her lawyer, Professor Mike Ozekhome (SAN), filed a suit (marked FHC/ABJ/CS/21/2023) requesting the court to grant her more time to apply for an order to annul the EFCC’s public notice for the sale of her assets. She contends that the orders for the forfeiture…

Lagos State Governor, Mr Babajide Sanwo-Olu on Thursday presented a budget estimate of N3.005 trillion for the 2025 fiscal year to the state House of Assembly. A breakdown of the budget tagged, “Budget of Sustainability” showed that N1 trillion was proposed for Capital budget while N1.2 trillion was set aside in the budget before the lawmakers for recurrent spending in the coming year. The budget proposal presented before the lawmakers on Thursday was about N800 billion higher than the approval granted for 2024. Details later…

The US government made a bold move late Wednesday by requesting a judge to order the dismantling of Google, specifically calling for the sale of its popular Chrome browser, as part of a major antitrust crackdown on the tech giant. In a court filing, the US Department of Justice (DOJ) urged for sweeping changes to Google’s business practices, including banning its lucrative deals that secure Google as the default search engine on smartphones and limiting its use of the Android operating system. The DOJ’s filing also proposed that Google be required to sell Android if its current business practices are…

John Prescott, the former British Deputy Prime Minister who played a pivotal role in the transformation of the Labour Party alongside Tony Blair, has passed away at the age of 86, his family confirmed on Thursday, November 21. Prescott’s death on Wednesday was described as “peaceful,” and he was surrounded by his wife Pauline, his two sons, and the music of jazz artist Marian Montgomery. “We are deeply saddened to inform you that our beloved husband, father, and grandfather, John Prescott, passed away yesterday at the age of 86,” the family statement read. Prescott, a former merchant seaman, trade union…

Edo State Deputy Governor, Dennis Idahosa, has responded to claims of nepotism regarding the recent nomination of Cyril Adams Oshiomhole, the son of former Governor Adams Oshiomhole, as the Commissioner for Health-designate. Idahosa, in an interview on Channels Television, clarified that Cyril’s appointment was based purely on his qualifications and not his family connections. According to Idahosa, Cyril Oshiomhole is a well-educated and experienced medical doctor, having studied both in Nigeria and further pursued his education in the United States. He stressed that Cyril’s appointment was made on merit and competence, asserting, “The fact that he is Oshiomhole’s son does…

The First Lady of Nigeria, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, has called for continued efforts to achieve gender equality, stressing that it is crucial for fostering a peaceful, equitable society and driving sustainable development. She made the call during her keynote address at the 2024 Gender Conference held at the University of Lagos on Tuesday, November 19. Represented by Mrs. Maryam Obadina, Tinubu highlighted the importance of justice, equity, and empowerment in advancing societal progress. “Gender equality is essential for achieving a peaceful and equitable society,” she declared, emphasising that empowering women is vital for economic growth and productivity. Tinubu further noted…

Bauchi State Governor, Bala Mohammed, has raised concerns over the failure of state governments to benefit from the improved revenue generated by Nigeria’s oil sector. Despite the rise in oil revenue, the governor claims that funds are not being properly credited to the Federation Account for distribution among the three tiers of government. The governor, who also serves as the Chairman of the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) Governors Forum, made these comments during a visit by the Minister of Finance and Coordinating Minister of the Economy, Wale Edun, ahead of the 2024 Conference for the National Council on Finance and…

Galatasaray striker Victor Osimhen has hailed the late Rashidi Yekini as Nigeria’s greatest striker, despite being on the verge of breaking the legendary forward’s long-standing goalscoring record for the Super Eagles. Osimhen recently equaled Segun Odegbami as Nigeria’s joint second-highest goalscorer with 23 goals, following his strike in the 1-1 draw against Benin Republic last Thursday. However, the 25-year-old still trails Yekini’s impressive tally of 37 goals from 62 appearances for Nigeria, a record that has stood for nearly three decades. In a video posted on social media, Osimhen made it clear that surpassing Yekini’s record would not diminish the…