Gov Abba Yusuf of Kano State has presented a proposed 2025 appropriation budget of N549,160,417,663.00 to the state assembly with a 2024 budget performance of 77 percent.

Presenting the budget on Friday at the Chamber of the State Assembly, Governor Yusuf hinted that the capital component of the budget stood at N312,634,912,672.18 billion, while the recurrent expenditure is set at N236,525,504,990.82 billion for the 2025 budget.

He said that when the budget is approved by the State Assembly, it is projected to have a capital-to-recurrent ratio of 57:43 percent, respectively.

He noted that most of the capital spending will be in the social and economic sectors to the tune of N461,447,963,240.86.

Governor Yusuf explained that education will receive N168,350,802,346.19 (31.00%), health will receive N90,600,835,766.48 (16.50%), agriculture will receive N21,038,199,190.76 (3.83%), and infrastructure development will receive N70,682,843,744.15 (12.87%).

The governor said that Manufacturing, Commerce, Industry, and Tourism will receive N3,887,338,871.45 (1.22%), Environment and Sanitation will receive N15,523,154,078.47 (2.83%), adding that governance institutions will receive N98,242,089,019.58 (17.57%).

He added that the 2024 budget of N437.3 billion has a general performance standing at 77 percent, with recurrent revenue and expenditure at 65 percent. He also noted that many leakages were blocked, leading to the achievements recorded.

Governor Yusuf expressed concern that 2024 has been a very difficult year for many citizens, leading to protests by Nigerians due to the Federal Government’s economic reforms, price rises, and the dollar exchange rate problems.

He prayed that the August protests would be the last but acknowledged that it served as a big reminder of the need to be there for the youths.

He emphasised that the uncertainty of the youth’s response could be disastrous, prompting the Kano government to rise to the occasion by developing many youth programmes.

Residents of Ruga, a settlement along Airport Road, Abuja, took to the streets on Friday to protest the demolition of their homes by FCT Minister Nyesom Wike.

Wike had previously ordered a task force, “Operation Sweep,” to demolish Ruga and other communities within the nation’s capital to clear the city of perceived nuisances and criminal activities.

Leading the demonstration, renowned lawyer and activist Deji Adeyanju, along with Vincent Martins Otse, popularly known as VeryDarkMark, said the demolition was carried out with malicious intent.

Adeyanju expressed concern, stating that the task force burned many houses and destroyed property worth millions of naira.

He urged President Bola Tinubu to consider the plight of poor people who had been driven from their homes in Borno and other northern states due to insecurity in the region.

Adeyanju said: “There is no justification for this demolition. We are using this medium to appeal to the president to consider the plight of the displaced residents, who are barely surviving.

“Most of the residents here were forced out of their homes in Borno, Adamawa, and Yobe due to insecurity.

“Most of them are artisans trying to make a living. These demolitions are excessive, and Mr President needs to act to prevent further harassment of the people.

“We are sounding a warning to those in government that peace is only achievable if the poor are allowed to live peacefully. When the poor cannot sleep, it affects everyone.

“Tinubu should call Wike to order and stop him from demolishing people’s homes and reallocating the land to rich people.

“There is no justification for demolishing these homes and allocating them to the rich. There is no overriding public interest here because the community is far from the main road.”

On his part, Otse stated: “This is strange. The repercussions of this will have a heavy toll on Abuja. This area that has been demolished is not near the main road. These people have been rendered homeless amid the ongoing hardship in the country.

“They are evicting these people without compensating them. It is sad that the elite think the poor are not part of society.”

Famous comedians, AY Makun and Basketmouth, have discussed their 17-year fight.

DAILY POST reports that the comedians have been in the news since 2006 over their lingering rift, with both avoiding each other publicly.

The duo made their first public appearance together after reconciliation in September 2024.

However, reflecting on the impact of their beef during the latest episode of the ‘Glass House‘ podcast, AY noted some damages caused by the long time fight.

Speaking at the reunion, AY said, “I didn’t know when the fight started. I just noticed it started. Every day I wake up thinking boys will be boys and like that, it grows into several years. People were spreading more rumours about it till it lasted that long.

“Our feud caused some damages because in a way we were like providers for people.”

Basketmouth added: “Most times people swear allegiance by default. So when we were not on good terms some people made it their business.

“There was a guy that picked side and came at me. Now that we are cool, he would be confused. It is a collaboration over competition.”

Watch the video below

The Nigeria Police Force has arrested some officers of the Zone 16 Zonal Headquarters, Yenegoa, Bayelsa State, for extorting the sum of ₦10 million from some youths in the area.

The Inspector-General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun, disclosed on Friday that the erring officers have been detained and subjected to orderly room trial.

The IGP, in a statement signed by the Force Public Relations Officer, Olumuyiwa Adejobi, said the extorted money has been recovered through the efforts of the new Assistant Inspector-General of Police in charge of Zone 16.

The statement identified the erring officers as ASP Emmanuel Ubong, Inspector Nse Okon, Inspector Adiewere Collins, and Inspector Kuromare Marine.

Egbetokun vowed that under his watch, the Police could not condone such behaviours, and stringent punishment would be meted out to corrupt officers.

“The Inspector-General of Police, IGP Kayode Adeolu Egbetokun, Ph.D., NPM., has condemned alleged extortions by some officers of the force in some areas within the country, most especially the extant case involving the officers of the Zone 16 Zonal Headquarters, Yenegoa, identified as ASP Emmanuel Ubong, Inspector Nse Okon, Inspector Adiewere Collins, and Inspector Kuromare Marine.

“The officers were alleged of extorting the sum of Ten Million Naira from a group of young Nigerians. The money has been recovered through the efforts of the new Assistant Inspector-General of Police in charge of Zone 16, and the Officers have since been detained and subjected to orderly room trial.

“The Nigeria Police Force, under the leadership of IGP Egbetokun, maintains a zero-tolerance policy for any act of corruption and police misconduct, as the Force takes every allegation of extortion and abuse of power extremely seriously.

“The IGP has however reassured the general public that the force will continue to investigate all allegations levelled against erring officers of the Force thoroughly. In pursuit of restorative justice, the Inspector-General of Police has mandated severe consequences for any officer, no matter how highly ranked, found culpable, acting as a deterrent to those who may seek to compromise the integrity of the Force,” the statement reads.

The Job Creation and Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) Secretariat, under the Office of the Vice President, has partnered with renowned musician and entrepreneur, Innocent Idibia (Tuface) to rally public support for the MSMEs sector.

The partnership was formalized on Friday in Abuja, with Tuface and Mr. Tola Adekunle-Johnson, Senior Special Assistant to the President on Job Creation and MSMEs, signing the agreement.

Adekunle-Johnson emphasized that Tuface’s role as a brand ambassador for job creation and MSMEs would help advance initiatives under the National MSMEs Awards.

He highlighted the initiative’s focus on the Expanded National MSMEs Clinics, the Shared Hubs for MSMEs, and various job creation activities.

The presidential aide expressed confidence that Tuface’s influence and reputation would encourage public engagement in these programs, which aim to foster job opportunities and support small businesses.

“We thought of how best we can sustain the momentum of creating jobs and promoting all the activities of the MSMES, awards, hubs, and the single-digit loan.

“And in trying to consistently promote this, we looked at areas that are of interest to some of our target audience, and you will agree with me it is the entertainment or creative industry.

“Today we are unveiling who I regard as an icon, a legend in the game, he has been consistent with his craft and a very creative man in the person of Mr. Innocent Idibia (Tuface).

“This partnership with Tuface will help galvanise private sector support for public sector initiatives aimed at creating jobs and supporting businesses,” he said.

Responding to the partnership, Tuface thanked President Tinubu’s administration for its focus on youth and small businesses.

He pledged to raise awareness about MSMEs, particularly among young Nigerians, and expressed his gratitude for the trust placed in him.

“I appreciate the vote of confidence, I appreciate the kind words, for me I’m excited about this. It is a very good move in a good direction.

“Most of our youths today, there are so many things going that they can easily be deviated from following the right positive trajectory of life.

“But with this, people might even under estimates the power and value that this will bring to both the individuals, their communities and the country as a whole.

“So, for me I really commend this initiative, I commend the show of concern and show of support from the government towards young people, small businesses,” Tuface remarked.

Also, Deputy Director, Office of Trade and International Relations, National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC), Mrs Sarah Ajayi, emphasized the importance of entertainment in engaging youth, noting that Tuface’s influence would be instrumental in reaching the younger demographic.

“Entertainment is what attracts the youth.

“Most of them are given to entertainment, so having Tuface as our brand ambassador is a good one,” Ajayi said.

The 33-year-old woman, Comfort Olajumoke Olalere Tinubu, who was accused of stabbing her husband, Oluwasegun Tinubu,39, to death, was on Thursday, remanded  at Agodi Correctional facility, Ibadan, by an Iyaganku Chief Magistrates’ Court.

The police charged Olalere with a count of murder.
 
The prosecutor, Cpl. Akeem Akinloye, told the court that the defendant stabbed Oluwasegun with a knife during a disagreement at their house, at Zone 5, Gbelu, Iyana – Agbala, Ibadan at 9.00 p.m. on October 30, 2024.
 
He said the offence contravened Section 316 and is punishable under Section 319 of the Criminal Code Laws of Oyo State 2000.
 
The Chief Magistrate, Mrs Olabisi Ogunkanmi, who did not take the defendant’s plea for lack of jurisdiction, ordered her remand pending the legal advice from the Directorate of Public Prosecution (DPP).
 
She, thereafter, adjourned the case until March 5, 2025 for mention.

As part of the commitment of the Federal government to reduce maternal and neonatal mortality rates, the minister of health, Ali Pate has announced a major healthcare policy to provide caesarean sections (C-sections) free of charge to women across the country.

Pate made the announcement in Abuja during the launch of the Maternal Mortality Reduction Initiative (MAMII) at the Joint Annual Review (JAR) of the Sector Wide Approach (SWAp) for health. The initiative, focusing on improving maternal and newborn health, will prioritize access to essential healthcare, especially in underserved communities.

“This is in further effort to reduce maternal mortality in the country,” Pate said. “No woman should lose her life simply because she can’t afford a C-section.”

The policy aims to remove financial barriers for women in need of C-sections, whether due to emergency complications or planned deliveries. It is designed to strengthen primary healthcare and increase community engagement in maternal health.

The initiative has received support from the World Health Organization (WHO), with WHO’s Nigeria Country Representative, Walter Mulombo, emphasizing the importance of effective implementation. “If implemented right, this initiative will deliver. We’re here to support every step of the way,” Mulombo stated.

During the event, Pate also called for Nigerians to hold government accountable for ensuring accessible and quality healthcare in line with President Tinubu’s focus on healthcare reform.

The President of Ghana,  Nana Akufo-Addo has unveiled a statue of himself at the Western Region of Ghana.

The golden statue was unveiled on Wednesday, November 6, at the entrance of Effia-Nkwanta Regional Hospital in Sekondi during his tour of the Western Region

It was gathered that the Chief, Elders, and people of the Western Region pulled a surprise on President Akufo-Addo when they ushered him to unveil a statue of himself at the Effia-Nkwanta Regional Hospital in Sekondi.

The statue was said to recognise his administration’s contributions to the region’s development.

The Regional Minister, Kwabena Darko-Mensah, who led the unveiling ceremony, praised the president for several major projects initiated under his administration, including the start of a petroleum hub project in Western Nzema.

The unveiling of the statue comes just a few months before Akufo-Addo will step down from office after two terms as president.

A Harare woman, Shamiso Zuze, has filed a suit, demanding US$100 per month from her former partner, Givemore Gonye, whom she accused of causing her significant emotional and physical pain during their two-year relationship.

Zuze brought the case to the Harare Civil Court, arguing that Gonye’s actions, including alleged infidelity and disrespect, warrant financial compensation.

The Federal Government has expressed appreciation to Nigerians for their resilience amid the challenging effects of recent economic reforms, assuring that these changes are now yielding positive results.

Speaking at an interactive session with the Senate Committee on Finance, led by Senator Sani Musa (APC, Niger East), Finance Minister and Coordinating Minister of the Economy Wale Edun acknowledged the sacrifices made by Nigerians. He noted that the “teething problems” from reforms are easing as indicators of economic improvement begin to emerge.

Edun stated, “The two critical reforms—market-based pricing for Premium Motor Spirit (PMS) and foreign exchange adjustments—are now at the stage of delivering results. These pillars of reform strengthen our economy by enhancing fiscal viability and laying a solid foundation for growth.”

“These reforms,” he continued, “will generate additional government revenue, support the recovery of NNPCL’s finances, and foster economic growth through increased investment and job creation. We commend Nigerians for enduring to this point where benefits are beginning to materialize.”

In his opening remarks, Senator Musa described the session as a fact-finding discussion on the impact of various reforms, saying, “Today, we gather to examine the implications of selling crude oil to domestic refineries in Naira and its effect on the medium-term expenditure framework for 2024-2026, as well as projections for 2025-2027.”

He added, “We will also address revenue shortfalls, focusing on foreign and domestic excess crude accounts, signature bonus accounts, and the NNPCL cash call account. This meeting reaffirms our commitment to transparency, accountability, and responsible resource management.”

Musa expressed confidence in the collaboration of the Finance Ministry, Office of the Accountant General, Central Bank of Nigeria, Revenue Mobilization and Fiscal Commission, and other key stakeholders to find solutions and uphold due process for the benefit of the economy and the Nigerian people.

The session was attended by Finance Minister Wale Edun, NNPCL Group Chief Executive Officer Mele Kyari, NUPRC Director General Gbenga Komolafe, and representatives from the Central Bank of Nigeria. Later, Senate President Godswill Akpabio joined the meeting behind closed doors.