President Bola Tinubu’s reforms are steadily preparing Nigeria’s economy for lasting recovery and growth, despite current hardships, Senator Atiku Bagudu, Minister of Budget and Economic Planning, has said.

His remarks, made after a visit to President Tinubu’s Lagos home, were echoed by Aminu Suleiman, a member of the recently launched North West Development Commission, who urged Nigerians to be patient, suggesting Tinubu’s two years in office have been more effective than the preceding administration’s entire eight-year term.

Bagudu emphasised that Nigeria is beginning to see positive outcomes from long-overdue economic changes.

“We’re not where we want to be, but these steps have turned the economy in the right direction,” he stated.

He highlighted the administration’s pivotal decision to end costly subsidies on fuel, foreign exchange, and electricity.

Decades of underinvestment brought Nigeria to a point where even paying salaries was difficult.

“By cutting these subsidies, we freed up resources. Today, subnational governments, states and local governments have nearly tripled the funds they had before. That’s transformative,” he said.

The minister noted that these freed-up funds are being channelled into critical sectors such as infrastructure, agriculture, consumer credit, digital innovation, and human capital development.

He added, “These are not abstract promises. We are seeing real allocations going to security, education, and economic empowerment.”

Bagudu also reported a resurgence of investor confidence, both domestic and international.

“There is a visible return of private capital. Investors are taking Nigeria seriously again. They see a government that’s making tough but necessary choices,” he added.

He likened the reforms to “filling the hole under a house”, explaining that while visible progress might not yet be apparent, crucial foundational work is underway.

Bagudu also commented on the growing number of opposition politicians joining the All Progressives Congress (APC), including governors from Delta and Akwa Ibom states, describing it as a reflection of faith in Tinubu’s leadership and the direction of the country.

He concluded that as Nigerians celebrate Eid and the second anniversary of the Tinubu administration, “the administration’s reforms are working, and investments are rising, despite challenges besetting the country.”

Portugal won for a 2nd time in its history the UEFA Nations League after a 2-2 draw in regular time against Spain and then by winning after penalties, as the only player that failed to score was Alvaro Morata, and he cost his nation the chance to triumph.

Spain took the lead in the match after 21 minutes when, after a fantastic attack, the ball ended in Martin Zubimendi, who scored 1-0.

However, only 5 minutes later, Portugal tied the result after great individual effort by Nuno Mendes, who scored into the bottom right corner for 1-1.

La Furia scored in the last minute of the regular time of the 1st half to take the lead for a 2nd time in the final as Pedri assisted Mikel Oyarzabal, who made it 2-1 in the 45th minute.

Selecao refused to give up and in the 61st minute, the world’s superstar Cristiano Ronaldo tied the result after the ball ended in his feet after a cross, and he scored 2-2.

However, minutes before the end of the regular time, Ronaldo was forced to leave as Goncalo Ramos entered in his place, while the other star on the pitch, but for the opponent, Lamine Yamal, was also substituted after the end of the 1st extra 15 minutes.

Alvaro Morato missed his penalty, while Portugal were 5 of 5 from the penalties and won the tournament

The Kano State Government has demanded financial compensation from the Federal Government over the cancellation of the annual Durbar celebrations for two consecutive years in Kano Emirate, citing heavy economic losses.

The State’s Commissioner for Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs, Alhaji Tajo Uthman, made the demand on Sunday during the traditional Sallah homage paid by the 16th Emir of Kano, Muhammadu Sanusi II, to the Government House.

Speaking during the event, Uthman said the suspension of the Durbar festival had deprived the state of significant revenue that is usually generated from tourism and associated economic activities.

“Kano State has suffered huge financial losses due to the cancellation of the Durbar. It is more than just a cultural event—it is an economic driver,” Uthman stated. “it is high time we begin demanding reparation from the federal government for the losses incurred over the past two years”

LEADERSHIP reports that the annual Durbar, a colourful display of horsemanship, traditionally draws thousands of spectators, including tourists from within and outside Nigeria. The event is a major source of revenue for hotels, restaurants, transport operators, artisans, and traders.

Uthman stressed that even the smallest transactions during the festival season, such as shoe polishing and street food sales, play an essential role in boosting the local economy.

“When these tourists come, they stay in hotels, enjoy local dishes, watch the Durbar, and when their shoes get dusty, they pay someone to clean them. Some even buy snacks like Gurasa,” he explained. “These seemingly minor activities inject money into the economy. Now that the Durbar has been cancelled two years in a row, all of that revenue is gone.”

The commissioner added that the state had included revenue from the Durbar festivities in its annual budget, and the cancellation had created a financial gap that needed to be addressed.

“We included these revenues in our annual budget. Now that we’ve lost them, we’ll need the Federal Government to step in and cover the gap,” he added.

LEADERSHIP reports that the Kano State Police Command had placed a total ban on Durbar in the State since 2014 over the Kano emirship tussle between Emir Sanusi II and the 15th Emir of Kano, Aminu Ado Bayero, in order to forestall possible breakdown of law and order.

[Leadership]

Each of the 3,200 pilgrims from Sokoto state have received 1000 Saudi Riyals which is equivalent to N450,000 as Sallah gift from Governor Ahmed Aliyu.

The governor made the announcement on Saturday during a visit to the Sokoto contingent in Minna, where he congratulated them on the successful completion of the Hajj exercise.

Aliyu said the gesture was aimed at supporting the pilgrims financially as they prepare for their return journey to Nigeria.

He expressed satisfaction with the conduct of the state’s pilgrims, noting that none were found violating Saudi Arabian laws during their stay in the holy land.

“I want to thank you most profoundly for being good ambassadors of our dear state in this holy land. I am indeed very proud of you,” the governor said.

“I equally appreciate your maturity and high sense of responsibility while undertaking the Hajj rituals.”

He reassured the pilgrims of his administration’s continued commitment to their welfare and that of all residents of Sokoto State.

Governor Aliyu also commended the State Amirul Hajj, Alhaji Ummarun Kwabo, for his tireless efforts to ensure the success of this year’s Hajj. He further appreciated the officials of the Sokoto State Pilgrims Welfare Agency for their dedication in organizing a successful pilgrimage.

He urged the pilgrims to intensify prayers for Nigeria, especially for divine intervention in addressing the country’s numerous challenges, with emphasis on insecurity.

“No matter the effort we are putting into addressing insecurity, prayer remains the best weapon to end the insecurity that has been crippling our development,” he added.

The governor also used the visit to condole with pilgrims from Gudu and Shagari Local Government Areas over the demise of Hajiya Hadiza and Bala Jangebe, who passed away during the pilgrimage. He prayed for Allah’s forgiveness for the departed souls and comfort for their grieving families.

Earlier, the State Amirul Hajj, Alhaji Ummarun Kwabo, thanked the governor for his support, which he said significantly contributed to the success of this year’s Hajj operations. He noted that all the committees set up for the pilgrimage have been working diligently to ensure a smooth and successful exercise.

[DailyTrust]