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Tinubu Speaks on N573bn grant as governors deny receipt

Published

2 years ago

August 12, 2024

Gloria Ikibah

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President Bola Tinubu has broken the silence after some governors denied receiving the ₦573 billion grants to cushion hardship in their states.

Naijablitznews.com recalled that on Sunday August 2, 2024, President Tinubu in his nationwide broadcast to Endbadgovernance protesters disclosed that the Federal Government has disbursed ₦570bn to the 36 states.

He said: “Also, more than ₦570bn has been released to the 36 states to expand livelihood support to their citizens, while 600,000 nano-businesses have benefitted from our nano-grants. An additional 400,000 more nan0-businesses are expected to benefit”.

However Governor Seyi Makinde of Oyo State and some other governors said they never received such grants which has now sparked controversy over the payment.

President Tinubu through his Senior Special Assistant to the President on Media and Publicity, Temitope Ajayi, has now addressed the controversy.

The Presidency clarified that the ₦573 billion is a loan from the World Bank, not a grant.

Ajayi, explained that the loan is part of the Covid-19 livelihoods support scheme under the NG-CARES Programme funded by the World Bank.

“They are not denying. They are saying it is not a grant, a dash from federal government. That it is a loan from World Bank

“I think the issue is not whether it is a loan or grant. The point, as clearly stated in the President’s broadcast is that the states got money and the amount, which is the second tranche under the Covid-19 livelihoods support scheme under the NG-CARES Programme funded by the World Bank, is N570 billion.

“The fact of the matter is states are getting needed support and funding to improve the lives of the people. Meanwhile the World Bank facility is guaranteed by the federal government because every multilateral loans must have Sovereign guarantee which means the loan will be paid by the FG in case the sub-nationals are unable to pay.

“There should be no hue and cry by any governor really if the objective is to serve the people and make life better for the masses. The President is elected to make life better for citizens same way the governors are elected to do same in their respective states.

“President Tinubu will continue to work to expand the economy and enable shared prosperity for all Nigerians. He considers the Governors as partners in progress and in the job of nation-building.

“What can’t be denied is that the states have more resources to deliver better service to the people, especially in critical areas of education, healthcare, security and physical infrastructure like roads among others.

“I think the issue here is one or two governors trying to reduce the matter to semantics. It is much more than that. The fact remains that the federal government paid the states the money and the N573 billion is actually the second tranche. The first tranche was paid sometimes in October or November last year”, he said

News

Wike Hails First Lady Oluremi Tinubu At 66, Says “She’s a pillar of support for Nigerians”

Published

33 minutes ago

September 22, 2026

Austin Ojomah

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The Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Minister, Nyesom Wike, has described the First Lady of Nigeria, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, as a major pillar of support for President Bola Tinubu in particular and Nigerians, especially the vulnerable ones in general.

The FCT Minister, in a goodwill message to the First Lady on her 66th birthday, commended her for the transformation of the Abuja City Gate, saying “the roles the First Lady played in transforming the Abuja City Gate into how it is today, is a manifestation of her commitment to the success of her husband’s administration.”

In a statement by his Senior Special Assistant on Public Communications and Social Media, Lere Olayinka, the Minister also hailed the First Lady’s Renewed Hope Initiative, noting that it has brought succor to several vulnerable Nigerians in the last three years.

Wike said; “At 66, the simple way of life of the First Lady, Mrs Oluremi Tinubu, CON, has remained an inspiration to women in the country, and it is my prayer that God will continue to uphold her.

“Most importantly, this new age is a confirmation of God’s love for her, and I pray that the good Lord will continue to grant her good health.

“I celebrate and rejoice with our ever caring and development oriented First Lady on the attainment of this significant age in her life and wish her many more years of service to our country, Nigeria.”

News

JAMB sacks staff member over extortion of candidates

Published

7 hours ago

September 22, 2026

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The Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board, JAMB, has sacked one of its staff members for allegedly extorting unsuspecting candidates.

The Board made this known on Monday in its bulletin, stating that the action was part of its renewed efforts to eliminate fraudulent practices within the admission and examination system.

According to JAMB, the sanction against the unnamed staff member showed that its fight against exploitation was not limited to external fraudsters but also applied to employees found abusing their positions.

“The Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board, JAMB, has terminated the appointment of one of its staff members for extorting unsuspecting candidates, in further demonstration of its renewed commitment to flushing out bad eggs from the system,” the board stated.

It further cautioned its employees against engaging in activities capable of undermining its credibility or exploiting candidates and members of the public.

The Board stressed that any staff members found guilty of misconduct would face severe consequences in line with established regulations.

“The Board noted that the action sends a clear and unequivocal message that its zero-tolerance policy on corruption and misconduct applies to everyone, irrespective of status or position,” it added.

The tertiary examination body reiterated that it would not shield any employee who abuses the trust placed in them by candidates or members of the public.

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UNICAL suspends nine students over exam misconduct

Published

7 hours ago

September 22, 2026

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The Senate of the University of Calabar (UniCal) has suspended nine students for one academic session over their involvement in examination misconduct.

According to a statement by the university’s public relations unit and made available in Calabar on Monday, the suspension was conveyed to the affected students in letters signed by the registrar, Chukwuka Icha.

The action, the university said, followed approval by the Senate following recommendations by its Examination Misconduct Committee (SEMC).

“The affected students have been suspended for the 2026/2027 academic session and are expected to resume their studies in the 2027/2028 academic session.

“Five of the affected students are from the Department of Theatre and Media Studies, Faculty of Arts,” it said.

The others are in the Department of Human Nutrition and Dietetics, Faculty of Basic Medical Sciences; the Department of Geology, Faculty of Physical Sciences; the Department of Pharmacology, Faculty of Basic Medical Sciences; and the Department of Sociology, Faculty of Social Sciences,” the statement said.

The university directed the acting chief security officer, deans, heads of departments, and other relevant units to take note of the suspension and ensure full compliance with the directive.

(NAN)