The presidency on Saturday insisted that President Bola Tinubu will fulfill the agenda of reducing Nigeria’s inflation to 15% by December 2025.

The Special Assistant to President Tinubu on Social Media, Dada Olusegun, said agriculture and food security is one of the ways the President intended to achieve his aim.

Speaking via a statement on his X account, Olusegun said several mechanisms have already been put in place to achieve the agenda.

Recalls  that President Tinubu had, during the presentation of the ₦47.9 trillion 2025 budget to the National Assembly, stated that the budget projects a decline in inflation from the current 34.6% to 15%. He also reiterated it in his 2025 New Year message.

His projection has, however, elicited pessimism from certain quarters. But the presidency, on Saturday, insisted that the aim would be achieved.

The media aide disclosed that part of the steps put in place to achieve the dream include the delivery of 2,000 tractors, 4000 disc ploughs, ⁠1000 disc ridges, ⁠1200 tractor trailers and other assorted spare parts to Nigeria in the next few weeks.

He added that an agricultural manufacturing firm, JohnDeere, is also expected to set up assembly/maintenance plants for these equipment in Nigeria.

“On food security, I can categorically confirm that agriculture will be a major priority for the administration in 2025 as President Tinubu has set an ambitious agenda of reducing inflation across the board to 15% by December.

“To achieve this, several mechanisms have been put in place including the delivery of farm equipment which will begin soon.

“It’s not just the 2,000 tractors mentioned by President Tinubu in his new year speech;

– 4000 disc ploughs
– ⁠1000 disc ridges
– ⁠1200 tractor trailers and other assorted spare parts are set to be delivered to Nigeria over the next few weeks as part of a major mechanization project under the National Agricultural Mechanization Programme (NAMP).

“@JohnDeere is also expected to set up assembly/maintenance plants for these equipments in Nigeria as they will be replicating the supply successively over the next five years,” Olusegun noted in the statement.

He added that several states would also receive support through the Special Agro Processing Zone program and several zonal commodity exchanges are expected to come on board in the all-inclusive approach.

Olusegun promised that 2025 will be a great year for Nigerians.

“Several states will also be supported via the Special Agro Processing Zone program which is spearheaded by the Africa Development Bank. This is an entirely different agricultural development scheme as the administration seeks to make the challenge of food security a thing of the past in the country by institutionalizing programs that will maximize our potentials as a major food producing nation.

“On storage and commodity boards, several zonal commodity exchanges are expected to come on board just as much as many state governments have started the process of floating the same to mitigate the effects of hoarding and middlemen-induced inflation.

“It’s an all inclusive approach aimed at correcting the wrongs of the past and there are a lot of reasons to be optimistic. 2025 promises to be a great year because “joy is coming,” he concluded.

The Senior Pastor of the Commonwealth of Zion Assembly (COZA), Pastor Biodun Fatoyinbo, has declared that while the devil fears prayers, he does not fear poor people.

Fatoyinbo made the statement while preaching to his congregation in a viral video online.

The clergy emphasised the importance of financial success and stability alongside spiritual growth.

He recounted a story of a man who went to preach the gospel but was chased away by another man who questioned his appearance, asking, “Has God helped you? Look at the way you look.”

According to him, the devil wants people to stay behind and make noise even though “Jesus became poor for our sake that through the grace of God we might become rich.”

Fatoyinbo encouraged his members to pursue spiritual and material wealth, stressing that financial resources can effectively help spread the gospel.

Amid the ongoing controversy surrounding the proposed tax reform bills by the current administration, the Federal Government and 21 out of the 36 states in the federation have projected a combined Value Added Tax revenue of N2.5 trillion for 2025 in their respective budget estimates.

This projection excludes additional funds that may accrue from the implementation of the contentious tax reform bills.

VAT, a consumption tax on goods and services, is levied at each stage of the supply chain where value is added.

Sunday PUNCH previously reported that VAT revenue collected under the current administration increased by N549bn within six months.

This figure was derived from financial reports released by the Federation Account Allocation Committee between October 2023 and March 2024.

An analysis of the 2025 budget documents from the Federal Government and 21 states revealed a combined VAT revenue projection of about N2.53tn, representing a significant increase of N1tn (65.8 per cent) compared to the N1.527tn projected in 2024.

The 21 states include Kebbi, Kaduna, Ekiti, Oyo, Osun, Ogun, Enugu, Borno, Ondo, Kano, Katsina, Ebonyi, Gombe, Anambra, Abia, Niger, Jigawa, Bauchi, Akwa-Ibom, Adamawa, and Delta. Budget documents for the remaining 14 states and the Federal Capital Territory were unavailable.

In 2024, the Federal Government’s share of VAT revenue was N512.8bn, but it is projected to rise to N972bn in 2025. Similarly, Kebbi State, which received N41bn from VAT in 2024, anticipates N87.3bn this year. Kaduna State’s VAT revenue is projected at N57.8bn, up from N48.2bn in its 2024 budget.

Ekiti State plans to generate N54.9bn in VAT revenue this year, compared to N52.6bn in 2024.

Oyo State, which earned N78.8bn from VAT in 2024, projected N144bn for 2025, while Osun State expects N78.1bn, up from N45.3bn last year.

Other states such as Ogun, Enugu, Borno, Ondo, Kano, Katsina, Ebonyi, Gombe, and Anambra have projected VAT revenues of N85bn, N74.9bn, N87.3bn, N71.5bn, N97.3bn, N85.9bn, N50.8bn, N39bn, and N92.4bn respectively for 2025.

In comparison, their 2024 projections were N57.7bn, N44bn, N49.4bn, N30.3bn, N76.6bn, N46.9bn, N36.5bn, N30bn, and N58.4bn respectively.

Similarly, Abia, Niger, Jigawa, Bauchi, Akwa-Ibom, Adamawa, and Delta have projected VAT revenues of N60.6bn, N64.6bn, N80bn, N78.5bn, N70bn, N52.5bn, and N46.6bn respectively for 2025. Their projections for 2024 were N40bn, N50.6bn, N45bn, N45bn, N45bn, N47bn, and N45.7bn.

No fewer than 7,228 inmates were pardoned by federal and state governments, chief justices and nongovernmental organisations between January 2022 and December 2024, as part of efforts to decongest the nation’s overcrowded correctional centres.

The figures were obtained from media reports and compiled by our correspondent on Saturday.

 According to recent data from the Nigerian Correctional Service, the total inmate population stands at 79,125 exceeding the system’s capacity of slightly more than 50,000.

 Of this number, 52,903 inmates are awaiting trial. Most of these individuals face serious charges such as armed robbery, murder, and culpable homicide, which require lengthy investigations and prosecutions. 

In 2022, 707 inmates were pardoned. The figure rose significantly in 2023 to 4,678, with another 1,843 pardoned in 2024.

A major release occurred on November 18, 2023, when 4,068 inmates were freed across the country due to their inability to pay fines.

The gesture initiated by the Federal Government was made possible through N585m raised by corporate organisations as part of their corporate social responsibility.

The NCoS spokesperson, Abubakar Umar, who recently spoke to our correspondent in an interview, attributed the overcrowding primarily to delays in the dispensation of justice.

To address these challenges, the NCoS adopted several measures, including facilitating judicial access for inmates by ensuring their timely appearance in court.

Non-custodial measures, such as community service and probation, have also been introduced to ease pressure on correctional centres.

The agency is collaborating with state governments to grant clemency to reformed inmates and has partnered with state judiciaries to conduct regular jail delivery exercises.

The Lagos State Police Command has arrested a 21-year-old US returnee, David Segun, and two others for allegedly killing an Uber driver in the Obalende area of Lagos State.

The Commissioner of Police, Ishola Olanrewaju, disclosed this while parading the suspects at the state command headquarters on Saturday.

Olanrewaju disclosed that Segun and his friends, Emeka Akwara (19) Samuel Ariori (21) and Lukman Ariori (19) ordered an Uber ride from Chevron in Lekki to Obalende at midnight on Thursday, January 9.

He said upon arriving at a lonely area in Obalende, the suspects allegedly robbed and killed the Uber driver by stabbing him multiple times in the neck.

According to him, the suspects were unable to snatch the vehicle, and two among them were apprehended on the spot by members of the community.

He said, “On January 9, 2025, at about midnight, a case of conspiracy, armed robbery and murder was reported. One Emeka Akwara 19yrs, David Segun, 21yrs, Samuel Ariori, 21yrs and Lukman Ariori, 19yrs  ordered an Uber at Chevron in the Lekki area – en-route to Obalende. On getting to Obalende in a lonely area, they robbed and killed the Uber driver by stabbing him multiple times in the neck, unfortunately, they were unable to snatch the vehicle.

“With the intervention of good Samaritans within the environs, two suspects were immediately arrested and were handed over to police operatives attached to Lion Building. “

The Police chief further stated that two other fleeing suspects were arrested in the Chevron area of the state, adding that the deceased’s corpse was deposited in the morgue at Mainland Hospital, Yaba.

Olanrewaju who explained that an investigation had begun into the incident described Segun as a US returnee as well as the gang’s leader.

While pointing at him, Olanrewaju said, “This is their team leader. He was sent home from America by his father. The mother at home could still not handle him. The failure of society is placed on the police. We are not complaining, it is a job we signed up for. They will be facing criminal prosecution right from Monday.

“I wonder the value of what this vehicle will fetch in the market that made them snuff the life out of the owner. Probably the man even took the vehicle on hire purchase,” he added.

Other suspects were paraded for kidnapping, cultism, armed robbery, carjacking and other various acts of criminalities.

The CP also noted that the command had intelligence-led policing during the yuletide season which resulted in a peaceful celebration.

“During this period, we had intelligence-led policing that resulted in the peaceful yuletide season that we had in Lagos. It is on record that Murtala Muhammed airport received nothing less than 500,000 diasporan Nigerians and ninety percent of whom did not go outside of Lagos for celebration,” he added.

The Governor of Imo State, Hope Uzodinma, has urged unknown gunmen still in hiding to lay down their arms and join society in contributing positively to the progress of the state.

Uzodinma made the appeal at the funeral of the slain former Imo APC Woman leader, Orlu zone, Jenny Rachael Okonkwo, who was murdered in 2022 by suspected hoodlums

He promised that the government would help in providing financial aid in any kind of business the bandits choose to go into to be useful to themselves and society.

Addressing the mourners at the country home of the late APC woman leader in Ogberuru, Orlu LGA , the Governor condemned the conditions under which the woman leader was assassinated, insisting that the Party and the State lost a gem in her.

Uzodinma prayed for the repose of her soul and the souls of the four other women assassinated with her and proceeded to approve the sum of ₦10 million for each of the deceased families.

He also promised that the government will be willing to employ any of their children who is employable or in the alternative train them if they are willing to learn a trade or skill.

He said, “She was one of the best organizers and mobilizers, not only in Orlu Local Government but in Imo State in general. A very committed party woman, who worked, suffered, served the Party and the government, and because of her commitment, political opponents assassinated her.

“When Rachael was assassinated alongside four others, the senseless political violence and gruesome killings in the area was not known. Those who are behind the political killings in Orlu zone are still at work but very soon the wrath of God will catch up with them.”

Uzodinma hinted that strangers were recruited by unscrupulous politicians to kill and assassinate their own brothers and sisters in the name of politics.

He, however, said with the help of God, Orlu people are beginning to see that those behind the killings in the LGA and other areas do not mean well for the state.

The Governor, called on all affected by the death of late Okonkwo to take heart and remain committed to the Party and the state.

Borno State Commissioner for Education, Science, Technology, and Innovation, Lawan Wakilbe has raised concerns about the rising issue of prostitution among former Boko Haram captives.

He made the remarks during a courtesy visit by Hamsatu Allamin, the CEO of the Allamin Foundation for Peace, on Friday in Maiduguri. Wakilbe highlighted that some of the freed victims were exposed to sexual exploitation due to their vulnerability during captivity by the terrorists.

The commissioner noted that prostitution is especially prevalent in the local government areas of Bama, Banki, and Gwoza. He shared a distressing encounter with an 11-year-old girl, surrounded by three other children, which he described as heartbreaking. He also mentioned that Cameroonian authorities had recently repatriated young girls, aged 13 to 15, who had multiple children.

Wakilbe emphasized the urgent need for reintegration and support for these vulnerable individuals, pointing out that the widespread sexual abuse could be attributed to poverty and the lack of viable survival alternatives.

Attahiru Jega, co-chairman of the presidential livestock reforms implementation committee, says Nigeria’s livestock sector is starting to attract foreign investors.

The former Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) chairman said the federal government’s reforms are fuelling the interest.

He said partnerships with global players are crucial to achieving the sector’s full potential.

Jega spoke on Saturday during the inauguration of the Ngarannam Livestock Improvement and Ranch Settlement in Mafa LGA of Borno state.

 

While delivering the keynote address, Jega said the settlement is part of a broader national effort to modernise Nigeria’s livestock sector.

He called for collective action from private and public stakeholders to ensure the effectiveness and sustainability of the government’s reforms.

“The livestock reforms are not just the responsibility of the federal government or the state governments alone. It is critical that all stakeholders ranchers, farmers, policymakers, and international partners work together to ensure the success of this initiative,” he said.

Jega said it is important to integrate innovative solutions to boost productivity and ensure long-term sustainability.

“We must embrace modern ranching techniques, focus on breed improvement, and provide adequate training to livestock farmers. This will enhance the quality of meat and dairy products while creating jobs and economic opportunities for our people,” he said.

“International partners such as JBS S.A., Saudi Arabia, the United States, and China have already expressed interest in investing in our livestock sector. This is a clear indication that the reforms we are implementing are gaining global recognition.”

Baba Usman-Ngelzarma, the national president of the Miyetti Allah Cattle Breeders Association of Nigeria (MACBAN), described the livestock settlement as a testament to a “collective commitment” toward enhancing the livelihood of pastoralists.

“This initiative is not just a beacon of hope but a practical solution to many of the problems faced by pastoralist communities,” he said.

“It is a testament to what we can achieve when we come together with a common purpose and share a commitment to progress.”

The MACBAN president commended President Bola Tinubu for creating the ministry of livestock development, adding that the sector currently employs over 20 million Nigerians and has the potential to create more jobs.

Umar Kadafur, the deputy governor of Borno, said the Ngarannam ranch is equipped with over 27 essential facilities, including a breeding centre, earth dams, and solar-powered boreholes for irrigation and livestock needs.

Kadafur, who doubles as the state’s commissioner for livestock development, added that over 200 hectares of rain-fed pasture had been cultivated to support year-round grazing.

President Bola Tinubu says Nigerians must build a strong, united and indivisible country.

In a post on X on Saturday, Tinubu said while presenting the proposed 2025 budget of N49.7 trillion to the national assembly on December 18, he told the lawmakers that his administration is building a Nigeria “where peace reigns, opportunities abound, and every citizen can dream, work, and thrive in safety”.

The president said his ‘Budget of Restoration: Securing Peace, Rebuilding Prosperity’ is for the growth and progress of the country.

“We have to move forward, not as individuals but as one united nation, determined to rewrite our story for the generations to come,” Tinubu wrote.

During the presentation of the Appropriation Bill, last month, Tinubu said the proposed budget reinforces his administration’s roadmap to secure peace, prosperity, and hope for a greater future for Nigeria.

“The time for lamentation is over. This is a time to act. A time to support and promote greater investment in the private sector. A time for every Nigerian to look hopefully towards a brighter future because a new day has dawned for us as a nation,” the president said.

“Together, we have embarked on a journey of transformation and reform, and while the road has not been easy, the progress we have made is undeniable.”

On December 19, the appropriation bill scaled the second reading at the senate and house of representatives.

On January 6, heads of ministries, departments, and agencies (MDAs) began defending their budget estimates before the relevant committees of the national assembly.

The national assembly is expected to pass the budget by the end of January.

Sam Adeyemi, senior pastor of Daystar Christian Centre, says President Bola Tinubu must give youths compelling pictures of what Nigeria will look like in the next 30 years.

Speaking on the topic ‘Leadership Shift: Redefining Influence’ on Saturday when he featured on Channels Television, Adeyemi said whatever a person sees consistently over time enters their heart and puts their life on autopilot.

When asked how that can be applied to the federal government’s proposed National Youth Confab, he said “Mr president needs to come with pictures, 3D of what Nigeria will be like in 30 years’ time”.

Tinubu had, in his nationwide broadcast on October 1, said he would set up a 30-Day National Youth Confab for youths in the country to discuss and address challenges confronting them.

Speaking further, Adeyemi said leaders must strive to change people’s belief systems to create sustainable change.

“No leader will create sustainable change if he or she cannot shift the mindset, and you cannot shift the people’s culture without shifting people’s belief and their mindset,” he said.

“I have an ex-governor who is a friend. I went to visit him whilst he was governor. And then he said, ‘Brother Sam, my biggest problem is not infrastructure’. They were celebrating two years in office then and he was celebrating over two years

“He said ‘when I want to do a job, I get the best contractor to do the job’. He said ‘my biggest problem is mindset’. He said ‘on my own cabinet, one of the members of the state executive came to tell me that they were having a conversation somewhere and they were saying: the governor will just be talking about vision. Will we eat vision?’

“He said ‘Can you imagine that the people on my cabinet – the state executive does not even understand vision? They don’t value vision; they are just looking for what they want to eat talk less of the citizens’.”

Adeyemi said the dynamics of leadership must change for the development of Nigeria.

He said many people’s New Year resolutions are already unraveling because there can’t be sustainable change until it is brought about from the subconscious to the conscious.

“You can’t kill a habit; you have to replace it with a new one — nature harbors a vacuum,” he said.