News
No Amount Of Foreign Aid Can Save Nigeria – Says Tinubu, Gives Reason
By Kayode Sanni-Arewa
President Bola Tinubu on Wednesday stated that no amount of aid from foreign countries or any other nation will fix Nigeria because “they take care of themselves first.”
The President said this when he appeared before a joint sitting of the National Assembly in Abuja, the nation’s capital.
Tinubu’s visit to the lawmakers comes as the nation marked 25 years of unbroken democracy.
The President stepped into the parliament at 12:28pm, accompanied by the Vice President, Senator Kashim Shettima.
Upon his arrival, the lawmakers recited the new national anthem, “Nigeria, we hail thee” which the President had earlier signed into law.
He briefed the MPs and praised them for their efforts in preserving the nation’s democracy for over two decades.
He continued: “Out of respect, I want to say thank you very much. This is the institution building the country.
“Our friends, old and new, to every Nigerian, I say congratulations to 25 years of unbroken democracy.”
“You rang out the latest national anthem, ‘Nigeria, we hail thee’. This is our diversity, representing all characters and how we blend to be brothers and sisters.
“We have no other choice; it is our nation. No other institution or personality will help us unless we do it ourselves. No amount of aid from foreign countries or any other nation (will fix us), they take care of themselves first. Let us work together as we are doing to build our nation, not only for us but for generations unborn.”
The Senate and the House of Representatives had previously passed the legislation to swap the national anthem from “Arise, O Compatriots” to “Nigeria, We Hail Thee” at separate sittings.
Lillian Jean Williams, a British expatriate who lived in Nigeria during its independence, penned the lyrics for “Nigeria, We Hail Thee,” while Frances Berda composed the music. The anthem played a significant role in shaping Nigeria’s national identity and unity during the 1960s and late 1970s.
He said, “Without this house (parliament), probably, I may not have found the path to the Presidency. It started all here. Please, continue to collaborate and work together. We have no other choice. It is our nation.”
…promises renewed development in region
By Gloria Ikibah
The House Committee on South East Development Commission (SEDC) has approved the Commission’s 2025 budget of N250 billion, expressing confidence that it will kick-start much-needed development in the region after decades of neglect following the civil war.
Chairman of the Committee, Rep. Chris Nkwonta, addressing journalists after the budget defense session on Mondayi Abuja, said that the approval marks the beginning a new chapter for the South East.
Nkwonta commended President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for signing the SEDC bill into law, emphasising that the budget will ensure government presence in the South East through key infrastructural projects.
He said: “This budget essentially is going to target those areas where there were deficits in terms of infrastructure, erosion and other areas of human capital development.
“You are aware that since after the civil war, the South East has been. What it ought to be. Remember that at the end of the civil War there was this promise that was made to us.
“You know the three R’s abd till today, that has not been done until this President signed the bill into law. We are talking about 54 years after the civil war.
“This budget is essentially going to target those areas where there is deficit in infrastructure, erosion and other areas of human capital development.
“The Commission will be expected to build roads, bridges, railway and manpower development.
“Although the money will not be enough, this is just a take off grant. This is just the beginning because the SEDC is just a growing concern and the President has given them this take off grant.
“The commission also expect money to come in from federal allocation. I am told that money is also expected to come from the five South eastern states, from ecological funds coming into the country and from oil companies operating in the South East.
“Even though this is not enough, we need to start from somewhere. But we are grateful to the President thay after six military heads of state and five democratically elected Presidents, attention has been given to the South East.
“The journey of a thousand miles begins with a step. Even those boys that are causing trouble, when they see that the region is now being taken care of, what they are doing now will not continue.
“If you want to develop the South East, there has to be peace. If there is no peace and Security, there is nothing we can do. Some of the items in the budget is a aimed addressing insecurity, unemployment and youth development”.
Nkwonta said that the SEDC through its projects implementation would bring about end to agitations and youthful unrest in the area.
The budget ooutline plans to address critical infrastructure deficits in the region.
Lagos State Governor, Babajide Sanwo-Olu, has reaffirmed his commitment to supporting ECOWAS and strengthening regional ties.
Speaking at the opening ceremony of the First Extraordinary Session of the ECOWAS Parliament in Abuja, he highlighted Lagos’ strategic role as a hub for trade, investment, and cultural exchange in West Africa.
Sanwo-Olu commended ECOWAS for evolving from a mere concept into a vital institution shaping the region’s future. He acknowledged the gathering of leaders, policymakers, and stakeholders dedicated to advancing integration, peace, and economic growth.
The Governor also praised the ECOWAS Parliament for its efforts in promoting regional unity, defending citizens’ rights, and tackling shared challenges.
Nollywood actor and comedian Ijoba Lande has made terrible disclosures about his troubled marriage, alleging that his wife has been unfaithful with multiple men, including powerful figures in the entertainment industry.
In a heartbreaking outburst, Lande claimed that his marriage has been in turmoil for months, with his wife allegedly engaging in extramarital affairs with at least 21 men in the industry. He further revealed that their intimacy had ceased for over eight months, fueling his suspicions.
The actor recalled a painful incident during his child’s naming ceremony when his wife’s male friend openly danced with her and even tapped her on the backside in front of guests.
“I have evidence, but if I mention their names, I might not make it home alive because powerful men are involved,” he lamented.
Reps Approves N250bn SEDC Budget
ECOWAS at 50: Sanwo-Olu Applauds Achievements, Urges Stronger Commitment to Integration
“My wife has tasted over 21 men in the movie industry-Comedian Ijoba laments
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