The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has congratulated the Governor of Oyo State, Seyi Makinde on the occasion of his 57th birthday.

The party commended his compassion towards the people of Oyo state.

The Governor had canceled all activities relating to marking his birthday in solidarity with families of the tragic stampede at the children fun fair in Ibadan, the Oyo state capital.

This was disclosed in a statement by the National Publicity Secretary of the PDP, Debo Ologunagba, on Wednesday, December 25.

The statement reads: “The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) acknowledges the unceasing compassion of the Governor of Oyo State, Engr. Seyi Makinde FNSE towards the people.

“The PDP notes Governor Makinde’s cancellation of all activities relating to the marking of his birthday today in solidarity and compassion towards the families of the deceased children and the injured in the recent tragic stampede at a private children fun fair event in Ibadan, the Oyo State capital.

“Governor Makinde’s decision is in line with his stance that the purpose and essence of leadership is in pursuing the wellbeing and comfort of others and not self. Such distinguishes him as a leader with empathy and who at all times has the people’s interest and wellbeing at heart.

“The PDP continues to pray and stand with Governor Makinde, the families of the victims and the people of Oyo state especially at this trying moment.”

The wife of Oyo State governor, Mrs. Tamunominini Makinde on Wednesday, 25th of December 2024 visited some hospitals within the state to celebrated Christmas with babies born on Christmas Eve.

She also presented gifts, cash and other items to mothers of the new born babies.

The governors wife was accompanied by the Commissioner for Health, Dr. Oluwaserimi Ajetunmobi, Commissioner for Youth and Sports, Miss Wasilat Adegoke, Commissioner for Budget and Economic Planning, Prof. Musibau Babatunde, Chairperson of Oyo East, Oyo West, Afijio, and Atiba Local government, and Wife of PFN President Pastor Victoria Wale Oke among others.

The governors wife said the birth of the new babies coincided with birthday of her husband, Governor Seyi Makinde also felicitated with families of the new born babies

Some of the hospitals visited by Mrs Makinde include State Hospital, Owode, Oyo, Oba Adeyemi Primary Healthcare Centre, Durba, Oyo.

The first baby was given birth to at 12:40am at State Hospital, Owode, Oyo.

The second baby was given birth at 4:17am at Oba Adeyemi Primary Healthcare Centre, Durba, Oyo while the third baby was born at 6:22am at State Hospital, Owode, Oyo.

The three babies were given hampers and cash gifts. Also, other newborn babies in the wards were given cash gifts.

Speaking while presenting the gifts and cash to mothers of the new born babies, Mrs Makinde urged mothers to always take good care of their babies, saying children are special gifts from God.

According to her, children are meant to be taken care of by their parents, saying that many social vices in the society will reduced to the bearest minimum if parents give proper upbringing to children.

She said, “It is important for parent to take care of their children properly and direct them to the way of God, not only the newly ones but also the older ones.”

She urged parents to maintain good hygiene at all times, adding that residents must always show love and share what they have with their neighbors.

Some of the mothers of the new born babies thanked Governor Makinde and his wife for their gesture, saying the gifts and cash would go along way in addressing some of their burdens.

The Edo State Police Command has arrested a man identified as Theophilus Osazuwa for allegedly killing his four-year-old son.

The command said Osazuwa was suspected to have committed the act while under the influence of hard drugs.

The spokesperson for the command, Moses Yamu, revealed in a statement on Wednesday night that the incident, which resulted in the death of the four-year-old boy, occurred at about 12:30 p.m. on Tuesday.

He stated that Osazuwa had just returned to his apartment at Ogbeson Quarters, off Benin-Agbor Road in Benin City, when he suddenly fell into a trance.

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While in a trance, the suspect reportedly screamed, “Holy Ghost fire,” grabbed the four-year-old boy, and slammed him against the wall, resulting in the child’s death.

Yamu stated, “Edo Police Command has arrested one Theophilus Osazuwa of Ogbeson Quarters off Benin-Agbor Road, Benin City, for the murder of his four-year-old son named Testimony Osazuwa.

“The suspect was said to have arrived at his home on 24/12/2024 at about 1230 hrs, went berserk screaming ‘Holy Ghost fire,’ then reached for the four-year-old boy and slammed him to the wall. The child was rushed to the hospital but was pronounced dead on arrival.

“Preliminary investigation revealed that the young man who is known for the consumption of illicit (colloquial, ice, etc.) substances must have acted under the influence of the same.”

He stated that the Commissioner of Police in the state, Umoru Ozigi, cautioned youths against the dangers of consuming illicit substances and drugs, emphasising their harmful effects on health and the potential risks they pose to both their lives and the safety of others.

Mrs. Funmilayo Ogunseyi, the mother of Naomi Silekunola, a former wife of the Ooni of Ife, has called on President Bola Tinubu and well-meaning Nigerians to intervene in her daughter’s legal troubles.

Silekunola is among three individuals taken before the Iyaganku Magistrate Court in Ibadan in connection with a tragic funfair stampede that resulted in the death of 35 children last week.

The court has since ordered the remand of the accused in prison on charges bordering on conspiracy, negligent acts causing harm, and failure to provide adequate security and medical facilities at the event.

In an emotional video that has gone viral, Mrs. Ogunseyi pleaded for mercy, asserting that her daughter’s intentions were purely humanitarian.

According to her, Naomi had organised numerous outreach programmes over the past decade to assist the needy, elderly, children, and pregnant women across Nigeria.

She lamented that her daughter’s goodwill had inadvertently led to the stampede and subsequent deaths.

“Have mercy on me. Mothers have mercy. Come to my rescue. Don’t let my life be destroyed. My child only came to Ibadan to help the needy; this was not her first time. We have travelled across the country helping children and the vulnerable. I sympathise with the families who lost their children; it was never our intention. Please, don’t let Naomi be imprisoned—she is innocent. She only came to show compassion,” Ogunseyi said tearfully.

She recounted the events leading to the tragedy, noting that crowds had gathered hours before the programme’s scheduled start time of 10 a.m.

According to her, the stampede began around 6:30 a.m., long before Naomi arrived at the venue.

Mrs. Ogunseyi further revealed that Naomi, who was reportedly unwell, fainted during police interrogation and remains in custody despite her fragile health.

“The programme was meant to begin at 10 a.m., but people started arriving the day before. By 6:30 a.m., the crowd became uncontrollable. Naomi wasn’t even there yet. I received a call about the chaos while still asleep. My phone number was on the event flyer, so I was the one contacted. Naomi, her elder brother, and I immediately went to the police station to report the incident, but she was detained and later charged with murder,” Ogunseyi narrated.

Breaking down in tears, Ogunseyi appealed to President Tinubu and other influential Nigerians to intervene. She claimed that her daughter’s predicament was orchestrated by “powerful persons.”

“They have taken my child to prison. The court was full of policemen. I don’t know where else to turn. They say her ordeal is an ‘order from above.’ Please, I beg those in power to release her. She is not a killer; she came to help. Naomi is fragile and sick. President Tinubu, I beg you, come to our aid,” she implored.

Mrs. Ogunseyi also expressed her condolences to the families of the deceased children, emphasising that the tragedy was unintended.

A fire incident was reported at the Federal Institute of Industrial Research office in Oshodi, near Cappa Bus Stop, Lagos State.

According to Vanguard, men of the Lagos State Fire and Rescue Service, in collaboration with the Lagos State Emergency Management Authority are currently on the ground to contain the incident.

When asked about the cause of the fire, a LASEMA official told Tribune Online that “Investigations are still ongoing to determine what triggered this unfortunate incident.”

No casualties have been reported so far, but the fire has extensively destroyed property worth millions of naira, and rescue operations are still ongoing.

The cause of the fire remains unknown at the time of filing this report.

President Bola Tinubu has expressed his condolences to Jigawa State Governor, Umar Namadi, following the passing of his mother, Maryam.

The matriarch of the Namadi family passed away on Wednesday, December 25, and has since been buried according to Islamic rites in the governor’s hometown, Kafin Hausa.

In a statement issued on Thursday by his Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, the President paid tribute to the deceased, highlighting her commitment to community service.

He urged the Namadi family to honour her legacy by sustaining her philanthropic efforts.

The President described her as a pillar of the community and called on the family to find solace in the enduring impact of her good deeds.

“Hajiya Maryam’s life was marked by service to her community, and I encourage her family to immortalise her by continuing her philanthropic undertakings, ensuring that her legacy endures,” Tinubu said.

He urged the governor and other family members to draw strength from the exemplary life and good name the deceased left behind.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky on Wednesday denounced an “inhumane” attack from Russia, which launched over 170 missiles and drones on his war-torn country’s power grid on Christmas Day, killing one and causing widespread blackouts.

The country woke up at 5:30 am (0330 GMT) to an air raid alarm, shortly followed by air force reports that Russia had launched Kalibr cruise missiles from the Black Sea.

“Putin deliberately chose Christmas to attack. What could be more inhumane? More than 70 missiles, including ballistic missiles, and more than a hundred attack drones. The target is our energy system,” Zelensky said.

This was the 13th large-scale strike on Ukraine’s energy system this year, the latest in Russia’s campaign targeting the power grid during the winter.

One Russian missile went through Moldovan and Romanian airspace, said Foreign Minister Andriy Sybiga, who denounced Russia’s “Christmas terror.”

Ukraine’s air force shot down over 50 missiles, Zelensky said.

“Unfortunately, there are some hits. As of now, there are blackouts in several regions,” he said.

Ukraine’s DTEK energy company said the attack severely damaged equipment of thermal power plants.

“Denying light and warmth to millions of peace-loving people as they celebrate Christmas is a depraved and evil act that must be answered,” DTEK CEO Maxim Timchenko said, urging allies to send more air defence.

Engineers were working to repair the system, as regional officials reported power cuts.

“Christmas morning has once again shown that nothing is sacred for the aggressor country,” said Svitlana Onyshchuk, the head of the Ivano-Frankivsk region.

She said part of the region was without electricity “at a time when we celebrate one of the greatest religious holidays—the bright Christmas.”

Ukraine is officially celebrating Christmas on December 25 for a second year.

The government last year changed the date from January 7, when most Orthodox believers celebrate, as a snub to Russia.

The Christmas Day attack targeted central Dnipropetrovsk, whose governor Sergiy Lysak said Russia was “trying to destroy the region’s power system.”

The attacks killed at least one person in the Dnipropetrovsk, Lysak said.

Rescue operations had been completed on the site of a strike on Kryvyi Rig, which killed one person and wounded 17 others the day before.

Russia launched 12 missiles toward Kharkiv, Ukraine’s second-largest city near the Russian border, targeting the city’s boiler houses, thermal power plants and electricity facilities, mayor Igor Terekhov said.

The attack wounded four in Kharkiv and cut heating to part of the city, he added.

Kazakhstan’s Ministry for Emergency Situations said on Wednesday that 25 people had survived the crash of a passenger jet with 67 people on board in the west of the country.

“According to preliminary information, there are 25 survivors, of whom 22 have been hospitalised,” the ministry said on Telegram. Health officials had earlier reported that 14 survivors had been hospitalised.

Nollywood actor Adeniyi Johnson has expressed his support for Naomi Silekunola, the ex-wife of the Ooni of Ife, following the tragic stampede in Ibadan that claimed the lives of over 30 children.

The incident occurred during a charity event organized by Naomi to feed the less privileged, which unfortunately ended in disaster.

In a heartfelt post on his Instagram page, Adeniyi extended condolences to the families of the victims and offered prayers for Naomi, acknowledging her pure intentions and charitable spirit.

He commended the people of Ondo State for their generosity, stating that Naomi’s actions mirrored the compassionate values of her community.

The actor also appealed to authorities to exercise leniency, emphasizing the tragic nature of the incident and the goodwill that had inspired the event.

He wrote: “First and foremost, condolences to the family of lost ones; no family deserves this kind of pain at this time or any other. I pray the good lord gives you the fortitude to bear the loss and comfort the family!! Amen

“Secondly, My heart and prayers go to @queen_silekunolanaomi_ogunwusi, whose intentions were not to hurt or kill but to give and feed!! This time, too, shall pass, and the God of your good deeds will speak for you, restore you, and bring you back stronger!!!

“We, the people of Ondo state, are known for our kind heartedness and generosity, which is clearly your motive for putting the program together. I pray God to see you through this in time and bring you back stronger!! @queen_silekunolanaomi_ogunwusi.

“Lastly, I know for a fact that the law must be upheld, but we beseech the authorities in charge to temper justice with mercies and look beyond the tragic incident! GOD BLESS NIGERIA”.

Snowboarder Sophie Hediger, who was part of the Switzerland’s national snowboard cross team that competed in the Beijing Winter Olympics in 2022, has died after being caught in an avalanche in the Swiss Alps on Monday.

According to the New York Times, Hediger was snowboarding with another person down a closed black diamond slope in Arosa, a mountain village in eastern Switzerland, when they left the slope, the initial police report stated.

Unfortunately, Hediger was lost in the avalanche, prompting her companion to notify rescue services, who immediately began looking for her.

However, it was not until after more than two hours that they could locate her buried in the snow.

The rescuers tried but were unable to resuscitate her, according to the police.

She was 26.

Hediger reached the podium for the first time in a World Cup race, finishing second in a competition in St. Moritz, Switzerland, in January before she finished third in a World Cup race in Gudauri, a ski area in the Caucasus Mountains in Georgia, the following month.

Less than two weeks ago, she competed in a World Cup race in Cervinia, Italy.

“For the Swiss Ski family, the tragic death of Sophie Hediger has cast a dark shadow over the Christmas holidays,” Walter Reusser, the chief executive of Swiss Ski, the country’s ski and snowboarding federation, said in a statement on Monday.

“We are immeasurably sad. We will honour Sophie’s memory,” he added.

Governor Francis Nwifuru has urged public officeholders to use the yuletide celebration to extend love and kindness to the less privileged, especially those around them.

In his Christmas message on Tuesday, the governor said the season should characterise love, kindness and generosity.

“This is a season of joy, reflection, and gratitude, a time to come together as families, friends, and communities to celebrate the hope and love that this special time of the year represents.

“By doing this, we can embody the true spirit of the season by lifting one another and spreading goodwill throughout our dear state.

“Commemorating the birth of Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ reminds us of the power of giving, compassion, and unity,” the governor explained.

Mr Nwifuru commended residents on the journey so far, especially their steadfastness in joining him in moving Ebonyi forward.

“As we look back on the year, I am filled with pride and gratitude for the resilience and strength of our people.

“Despite the challenges we may face, your dedication, hard work, and unwavering spirit make our state a better place for everyone,” he added.

The governor assured that his administration would continue to initiate policies and projects that would enhance the well-being of the people.

“It is my fervent wish and prayers that this Christmas will bring peace, happiness, and hope to you and your loved ones,” he said.

An abandoned two-year-old boy (identity unknown) has been found at a dumpsite in the Iganmu area of Lagos State.

The spokesperson for the Lagos State Police Command, Benjamin Hundeyin, stated in a post shared on his X.com handle on Tuesday that the baby was found on Monday night.

According to Hundeyin, the boy was taken to a police station after being found at the Sari Iganmu dumpsite, and the police are now seeking public assistance in locating the boy’s family.

“Found child: This boy of about two years old was found last night at the Sari Iganmu dump site by a Good Samaritan and brought to the station. Kindly share to enable him to reunite with his family,” the police spokesperson stated on Tuesday

A 10-year-old boy, Tasi’u Abdullahi, was brutally murdered by his kidnappers at the Rikkos community in the Jos North Local Government Area of Plateau State.

Abdullahi was said to have been killed after his parents paid N150,000 as part of the ransom demanded.

His lifeless body was however discovered in a sack on Friday near his family’s house.

The deceased’s uncle, Aliyu Muhammad, told newsmen on Tuesday that the boy was kidnapped in front of his family house on Monday, December 16, after he was lured by unknown individuals.

According to him, the abductors contacted the family five days later, demanding a sum of N50,000 for the boy’s feeding and a ransom of N1m.

They eventually agreed to collect N300,000 after rounds of negotiations out of which they were paid N150,000.

He said, “After paying N150,000 through a bank transfer, as instructed by the abductors, we were shocked to receive a call from a woman the following day, informing us that our child had been killed and abandoned near our house.

“Upon examining the body of the deceased, we observed that our son had been strangled, with blood coming out of his nose and mouth.”

Two suspects were reportedly arrested in connection with the incident.

Chief Magistrate, Mrs Olabisi Ogunkanmi has ordered that a former wife of the Ooni of Ife, Olori Naomi Silekunola, the owner of Agidigbo FM, Alhaji Oriyomi Hamzat and Principal, Islamic High School, Bashorun, Ibadan be remanded at the Agodi Correctional facility pending an advice for the Director of Public Prosecution of the State Ministry of Justice.

The Chief Magistrate gave the ruling when the trio were arraigned in court yesterday. Mrs Ogunkanmi is presiding over Chief Magistrate Court 1, Iyaganku, Ibadan.

Silekunola, Oriyomi and Fassasi are facing trial on a four-count charge which bothers on conspiracy, acceleration of death, negligent acts causing harm and omitting to provide adequate security and medical facilities.

The case with charge number C/2024 is: Commissioner of Police Versus Naomi Silekunola ‘f’ 31yrs, Alhaji Oriyomi Hamzat ‘m’ 51years, and Fasasi Abdulahi Babatunde, ‘m’, 56 years.

Some supporters and fans of Hamzat also stormed the court premises but for heavy security presence at the court which saved the situation from going out of hand.

The supporters who were visibly enraged showed anger as the patrol vans conveying the suspects were leaving the court.

All the suspects were in court in person

Although seven persons were arrested by the police in relation to the incident, with Oriyomi missing on the list, The Nation gathered that the police on Monday released five of the arrested suspects.

Those released included Genesis Christopher, 24; Tanimowo Moruf, 52; Anisolaja Olabode, 42; Idowu Ibrahim, 35 and Abiola Oluwatimilehin, 25.

It was gathered that Oriyomi was arrested on his hospital bed where he was said to be receiving medical attention following his illness, aftermath of the tragedy that led to the death of at least 35 children.

During proceedings yesterday, counsel to the school principal, Waheed Adebowale Olajide, who led Abdulfattai Oyedeji and Rufai J. T raised the issue of jurisdiction, noting that the magistrate court cannot countenance the offence and as such they should not be arraigned in the court.

According to the senior lawyer, the essence of bringing the suspects to court is to be heard and that there is nothing before the court to prove that the suspects have committed the crime.

He urged the court that instead of sending the suspects to the Correctional Centre, they could be kept at a police facility where they could be taken care of and presented in court whenever they were needed.

Gunmen have kidnapped some travellers in Emure-Ile in Emure Local Government Area of Ekiti.

It was gathered that the bus conveying the travellers who were returning from Onitsha, Anambra state to Ado-Ekiti, the Ekiti state capital was ambushed on Sunday night by the daredevil attackers.

A source at the Road Transport Employer Association of Nigeria,(RTEAN) Ado-Ekiti Motor Terminal branch, who confirmed the incident, said the driver, Mr. Sunday Emmanuel was kidnapped alongside the passengers.

The source said that the kidnappers had contacted the driver’s family demanding a whopping sum of N30 million ransom for each of the passengers.

He explained that the men of the under world abandoned some children in the bus, whose cries attracted attention of passersby in the early hours of Monday, before it was reported to the nearest police station.

He said: “They drove the bus into the bush and dragged people inside the bush.

“They called the family of the driver and I pleaded to speak with the driver and after our conversation, they demanded a ransom of N30 million. They said they would call back, but they have not done so yet.

“They left some children on the bus, and it seems that some people to the the farm saw the kids and alerted the police in Emure-Owo. The driver’s union in Ado-Ekiti is currently holding a meeting on how to reach out to the kidnappers”, he said.

He added that two of the kidnapped victims escaped while they were being herded into the bush.

Efforts to get the Ekiti police command’s comment was not successful as calls to the telephone line of the Police Public Relations Officer, Sunday Abutu rang out.

Nigeria’s First Lady, Oluremi Tinubu, has extended a gesture of goodwill to the Christian community in Bauchi State by donating 1,000 bags of 25kg rice to support their Christmas and New Year celebrations.

The gesture was part of the Renewed Hope Agenda of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s administration, aimed at alleviating the economic hardships faced by Nigerians.

Speaking during the handover on Monday, the Bauchi State Coordinator of the Northern Nigeria Christian Political Forum, Ayuba Umar Yelwa, announced that the donation was facilitated through the organization, which operates across the 19 Northern states and the FCT.

“In her usual compassionate manner, Her Excellency, the Wife of the President, has donated 1,000 bags of 25kg rice to the Christian community in Bauchi State for the Yuletide celebrations,” Yelwa said.

He explained that the rice would be distributed across all 20 Local Government Areas (LGAs) of the state, prioritizing widows, widowers, persons with disabilities, and other vulnerable groups.

“This is the first time we are receiving such a gesture from the Presidency, particularly through the Office of the First Lady, under the leadership of Hon. Amin Sani Jaji. We are deeply grateful,” Yelwa added.

Yelwa also revealed that the initiative followed a meeting between the organization and Sen. Oluremi Tinubu on December 19, 2024, in Kaduna.

He expressed optimism that the donation would help ease the economic challenges faced by many during the festive season.

The coordinator for Bauchi LGA, Iliya Bukar, expressed gratitude on behalf of the Coordinators, adding that the donation would bring joy to many families during the season.

“We assure the donor that the distribution will be fair and just, reaching the intended beneficiaries,” he said.

There was a mild drama at a Federal High Court in Abuja as a suspect begged to retake his plea after pleading guilty to the two-count charge read to him.

The suspect, Adun Adewale, also known as “Coachbanter,” was arraigned before Justice Emeka Nwite on alleged cybercrime offence against Inspector-General (I-G) of Police, Kayode Egbetokun.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the I-G had, in the charge marked: FHC/ABJ/CR/634/2024, sued Adewale as sole defendant.

In the charge filed on Dec. 17 by A.A. Egwu, the defendant was alleged to have, sometime in 2024, intentionally sent video recording by means of computer system and network through his Tiktok username: “@brodabanter_backup_page” and handle “CoachBanter.”

Adewale was alleged to have said in the said video, “Police IG Egbetokun busted for colluding with notorious cartel moving cash from CBN (Central Bank of Nigeria) vault via Abuja, Lagos airport.”

The statement he knew to be false, “for the purpose of causing a breakdown of law and order.”

The offence is said to be contrary to and punishable under Section 24 (1) (b) of Cybercrimes (Prohibition, Prevention, Etc.) (Amendment) Act, 2024.

In count two, he was also alleged to have sent a video through his Tiktok username accusing Egbetokun of victimising police officers to shield members of a cartel notorious for hauling suspicious new bank notes from the CBN.

The statement, which was said to be false, was contrary to and punishable under Section 24 (1) (b) of Cybercrimes (Prohibition, Prevention, Etc.) (Amendment) Act, 2024.

Upon resumed hearing, the I-G’s counsel, Victor Okoye, told the court that the matter was slated for the arraignment of the defendant and that he was ready to proceed.

After count one was read to Adewale, he pleaded guilty.

When the registrar read count two, the defendant said: “I pleaded guilty with reason.”

“What is the reason?” Justice Nwite asked.

Adewale explained from the dock that he saw the post somewhere and he forwarded it to his page.

His lawyer, O.A Olaleye, therefore, prayed the court for a stand down in order to confer with his client.

Although Okoye opposed the application, the judge stood down the matter in the interest of justice.

After the court reconvened, Adewale’s lawyer told the court that he had discussion with his client and Adewale told him that he (defendant) did not understand the charge read to him.

Based on this premise, the lawyer prayed the court for the charge to be read again for his client to take his plea.

But Okoye vehemently opposed the application.

He argued that before Adewale took his plea, he was asked if he understood English Language and he responded in affirmative.

The prosecutor said besides, the defendant was represented by a lawyer.

He said the law is clear that when a defendant understands the charge read to him, it does not behove on the lawyer to persuade the defendant to change his plea.

Justice Nwite consequently adjourned the matter until Dec. 30 for the parties to address the court on the position of law in such instance.

Imo state governor, Hope Uzodimma, presented the 2025 budget to the Imo State House of Assembly on Monday, December 23, 2024.

The budget, tagged “Budget of Expanded Economic Opportunities,” totals N755,588,041,220.

This represents a significant increase of over N163.3 billion compared to the 2024 budget, which stood at N592.2 billion.

The governor explained that the increase is necessary to accommodate the growing needs of the state and to drive sustainable economic development.

The 2025 budget is divided into recurrent and capital expenditures. The recurrent expenditure stands at N112,302,000,000, while the capital expenditure is N643,286,041,220.

The budget is expected to be financed through a combination of internal and external sources, including the Federation Account Allocation Committee (FAAC) allocation of N293,154,121,949, internally generated revenue (IGR) of N42,577,065,257, and capital receipts of N419,856,584,014.

During his presentation, Governor Uzodimma highlighted his administration’s achievements over the past five years and reaffirmed his commitment to transforming Imo State under the Shared Prosperity mandate.

The governor emphasized the importance of infrastructure development, allocating N296,461,152,778, representing 46% of the capital budget, to the Ministry of Works and Infrastructure Development. This is a significant increase from the N180 billion allocated to the ministry in the 2024 budget.

Other key sectors also received significant allocations, including the Ministry of Transport, which got N101,010,000,000, representing 16% of the capital budget, and the Ministry of Power and Electrification, which received N74,755,479,042, representing 12% of the capital budget.

The Education Ministry was billed to receive N7.420 billion while the Ministry of Livestock development receives N20.000 billion.

The governor also prioritized education reforms, agriculture, industrial and market development, housing and urban renewal, water and gas supply, and digital economy.

“We must do as much as we can at a time and do it well enough for our people to endure,” Governor Uzodimma said. “I have set out our priorities, and my goal is to concentrate on their faithful implementation to achieve maximum results.”

The governor also appreciated the support of the Imo State House of Assembly and reassured the people of Imo State of his commitment to accountable and transparent governance.

According to the governor, the N72,600,766,110.80 loan burden he inherited upon assuming office in 2020 has been cleared, making the state an investor’s pride. “My administration has paid back the loans completely. Today, the perception of Imo State in the global financial market has changed for the better.”

Earlier The Speaker of the House, Mr Chike Olemgbe commended the governor for his achievements and assured him of the House’s support for his policies geared towards the state’s progress.

In a vote of thanks, the Deputy Speaker, Mr Amarachi Iwuanyanwu (Nwangele) commended the governor for the budget presentation and for the achievement of all the projections of the 2024 budget.

He also commended him for attracting investors to the state and improving the economy while remaining committed to the welfare of the people of the state.

The bill was adjourned to December 30, for the second reading.

In a bid to foster direct communication with the Nigerian people, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu will hold his first presidential media chat tonight.

The highly anticipated broadcast is scheduled for 9 p.m. and will air on the Nigerian Television Authority (NTA) and the Federal Radio Corporation of Nigeria (FRCN).

The Presidency, in a statement issued by Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, urged all television and radio stations across the country to hook up to the broadcast.

“The first Presidential Media Chat with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu will be broadcast at 9 p.m. on Monday, December 23, on the Nigerian Television Authority and Federal Radio Corporation of Nigeria.

“All television and radio stations are requested to hook up to the broadcast”, the statement said.