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Delta Assembly passes N979.2bn budget for 2025 fiscal year
The Delta House of Assembly passed the Appropriation Bill of N979.2 billion for the 2025 fiscal year for assent.
The budget passed at plenary, was sequel to a report by the Chairman, House Committee on Finance and Appropriation, Mrs Marilyn Okowa-Daramola.
Presenting the committee’s report, Okowa-Daramola noted that out of the amount, N348.7 billion was for Recurrent Expenditure, while the N630.4 billion was for Capital Expenditure.
She said that the amount showed an increase of N43.2 billion compared to N936 billion Gov. Sheriff Oborevwori earlier presented to the Assembly.
”The committee also recommended that the Capital Expenditure estimate of N587.3 billion be amended to read N630.4 billion.
“This represents an increase of N43.1 billion or 7.34 per cent increase over the proposed Capital Expenditure budget.”
Okowa-Daramola added that the committee recommended that the total amended budget size would now be N979.2 billion from the N936 billion presented by the governor.
She also recommended that the 2025 Appropriation bill should be monitored for effective implementation.
The committee chairman said that the 2025 budget was presented in line with global best practices.
According to her, the budgetary estimates reflect the goals of the ‘MORE Agenda’s of the state governor.
The report of the committee was unanimously adopted at the Committee of Supply, Chaired by the Speaker, Mr Dennis Guwor.
Consequently, the Majority Leader of the Assembly, Mr Emeka Nwaobi, moved a motion for the third reading and passage of the bill.
The Minority Leader, Mr Edafe Emakpor (APC-Uvwie) seconded the motion when put to a voice vote by the Speaker.
The Speaker commended the lawmakers for their commitments to the early passage of the appropriation bill.
(NAN)
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READ latest updates on DC crash: Rescue team still searching for bodies after air disaster
28 bodies pulled out, crash maybe US deadliest in 24yrs
At least 28 bodies were pulled from the icy waters of the Potomac River after an American Airlines jet carrying 60 passengers and four crew members collided with an Army helicopter while landing at Ronald Reagan National Airport near Washington D.C., officials said Thursday.
Crews were still searching for other casualties but did not believe there were any survivors, which would make it the deadliest U.S. air crash in nearly 24 years.
Here’s the latest:
What caused the collision? There was no immediate word on the cause of the collision. Officials said flight conditions were clear as the jet coming from Wichita, Kansas, was making a routine landing when the helicopter flew into its path.
Three soldiers were onboard the helicopter during a training flight, an Army official said.
What’s known about the victims?
Passengers on the flight included a group of figure skaters, their coaches and family members who were returning from a development camp that followed the U.S.
Figure Skating Championships in Wichita.
What’s the latest on the recovery efforts? The body of the plane was found upside down in three sections in waist-deep water.
The wreckage of the helicopter was also found. Some 300 first responders were on scene as of early Thursday morning.
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Indian Couples In US Rush C-Sections Ahead of Trump’s Birthright Citizenship Deadline
Indian couples in the United States are scheduling early C-section deliveries to ensure their children are born before February 20, 2025.
This rush follows an executive order by President Donald Trump that ends automatic citizenship for children born to non-citizen parents after February 19.
According to the Times of India, Trump issued the directive shortly after taking office. Under the new rule, babies born in the U.S. to non-citizens will no longer qualify for citizenship by birth.
Many Indian parents, especially those on temporary visas like H-1B and L1 or waiting for Green Cards, are trying to beat the deadline. Babies born before February 19 will still be granted U.S. citizenship, making early delivery a priority for many expectant parents.
Despite due dates being weeks away, reports indicate that several couples are contacting doctors to schedule early C-sections.
Dr. S.D. Rama, a gynecologist in New Jersey, said his clinic has seen a surge in C-section requests, including from women as early as seven months pregnant. One couple even requested delivery in February, though the baby was due in March.
A major reason for this rush is the long-term immigration benefits. Previously, U.S.-born children could sponsor their parents for Green Cards once they turned 21. For Indian nationals facing decades-long backlogs in visa processing, this was a crucial pathway to legal residency.
However, medical professionals are warning against premature deliveries. Texas-based obstetrician Dr. S.G. Mukkala highlighted the risks, including respiratory issues and neurological complications. Despite this, he has received about 20 requests for early deliveries in recent days.
For undocumented immigrants, the situation is even more critical. Without birthright citizenship, their children will have no claim to legal status, leaving many families uncertain about their future in the U.S.
As the February deadline approaches, Indian families across the country are making difficult decisions to secure a future for their children in America.
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Watch out for upcoming episode of ‘Your Family Lawyer ‘ this Saturday
Again, seasoned lawyer, Chinye Chuma this Saturday will unearth inherent dangers in familyhood.
Chinye known for his incisive and clear cut analysis will this Saturday highlight how one can swim through legal challenges in marriages and family matters.
WATCH out!
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