News
Makinde Signs N684 Billion 2025 Appropriation Act, Targets 80% Budget Implementation
Oyo State Governor, ‘Seyi Makinde, on Monday signed the N684 billion 2025 Appropriation Act, tagged the “Budget of Economic Stabilisation.” Speaking at the signing ceremony held in the Executive Chamber of the Governor’s Office in Ibadan, Makinde attributed the improved budget performance in the state—from 30–35% under previous administrations to over 70%—to an inclusive budgeting process that involves stakeholders and prioritizes the state’s development.
The governor announced that the 2025 budget aims for an 80% implementation rate, emphasizing reforms, people-centered policies, and economic stability. He highlighted that the budget includes provisions for the new minimum wage, which will take effect from January 1, 2025, and reassured workers that the government would pay the 13th-month salary on December 31, 2024.
“This budget is more than a financial document; it’s an operational manual guiding our administration,” Makinde said. “We prepared this budget after extensive consultations with stakeholders across all zones, ensuring that it reflects the aspirations of our people.”
Makinde praised the collaboration between the executive and legislative arms, which enabled the budget’s passage within three months. He noted that the Assembly spent six weeks scrutinizing the document, reflecting a shared commitment to Oyo State’s growth.
The governor also addressed the challenges of 2024, encouraging residents to remain hopeful. “Despite the tough year, we are pushing forward with reforms and policies to stabilize our economy. This budget is key to achieving our goals, and I urge everyone to support this administration,” he said.
Makinde called for continued transparency and engagement with citizens, assuring residents that grievances would be addressed without bias. “Our administration has been open and fair, reinstating workers unfairly dismissed and emphasizing dialogue with all aggrieved parties.”
Legislative Support and Budget Priorities
The Speaker of the Oyo State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Adebo Ogundoyin, lauded the upward review of the budget from N678 billion to N684 billion, describing it as a strategic move to address emerging priorities. He commended Governor Makinde’s achievements, including workforce expansion and investments in infrastructure, education, and workers’ welfare.
Ogundoyin stated, “This budget lays a solid foundation for unprecedented growth and development in Oyo State, ensuring that critical projects and the new minimum wage implementation are prioritized.”
Dignitaries in Attendance
The signing ceremony was attended by notable figures, including Deputy Governor Barr. Abdulraheem Bayo Lawal; PDP Deputy National Chairman (South) Ambassador Taofeek Arapaja; former deputy governors Engr. Hamid Gbadamosi and Barr. Hazeem Gbolarumi; and Chief Mrs. Mutiat Ladoja, wife of a former Oyo State governor. Other dignitaries included members of the Oyo State House of Assembly, religious and traditional leaders, labor union representatives, and top government officials.
With the 2025 budget in place, Governor Makinde reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to fostering economic growth, improving infrastructure, and enhancing the quality of life for Oyo State residents.
News
Terrorists reportedly bomb Nigerian army base
By Kayode Sanni-Arewa
Suspected Boko Haram terrorists have reportedly bombed a Nigerian military base in Wajiroko, located in the Damboa Local Government Area of Borno State.
The attack occurred on Christmas Eve December 24 2024, when multiple armed drones, carrying locally fabricated grenades, targeted the Forward Operating Base.
The strike injured no fewer than six soldiers, who were quickly given first aid at the scene and are awaiting further medical treatment.
The assault began with gunfire from the terrorists, who launched a brief attack that was repelled by the soldiers.
However, shortly afterward, drones carrying explosives struck the base again.
According to military sources, up to four different armed drones were observed during the attack.
A report also revealed that a military gun truck was damaged during the strike.
Boko Haram has been a persistent threat in Northeastern Nigeria for nearly two decades, causing loss of life and displacing millions.
The Nigerian military has repeatedly claimed success in combating the insurgents, though the group remains a formidable force, continuing to carry out attacks across the region.
News
Christmas disaster: Plane crash claims dozens
By Kayode Sanni-Arewa
Dozens have died after a passenger plane crashed on Christmas Day.
The scene of the crash in Kazakhstan. Emergency Situations of Kazakhstan/Anadolu via Getty
According to the BBC, the Azerbaijan Airlines flight had been travelling from the Azerbaijani capital Baku to Grozny in Russia when it caught fire as it made an emergency landing near Aktau in Kazakhstan.
The outlet, citing local officials, reported that dozens of people had been killed in the crash.
Per CNN, at least 28 people survived the crash, including two children. Authorities also told the outlet that the survivors had been taken to hospital.
The Associated Press reported that Kazakhstan’s Emergency Ministry confirmed in a Telegram statement that 67 people, including five crew, were on board the plane.
PEOPLE has contacted Kazakhstan’s Emergency Ministry, Azerbaijan Airlines and The Ministry of Digital Development and Transportation of the Republic of Azerbaijan for comment.
In an initial statement shared on X (formerly known as Twitter) and translated to English, the airline wrote, “According to preliminary information, the passengers included 37 Azerbaijani citizens, 16 Russian citizens, 6 Kazakh citizens, and 3 Kyrgyz citizens.”
“There were 67 people on board, including 62 passengers and 5 crew members. There were no children among the passengers, and information about the injured will be provided shortly,” they added.
“According to the information, there are survivors who are receiving initial medical assistance. Contacts are being established with the Kazakh authorities, and the necessary operational support is being provided by Kazakhstan’s emergency rescue agencies at the scene.
According to CNN and Reuters, a video showed the aircraft circling before hitting the ground and bursting into flames. Passengers covered in blood were also seen coming out of the wreckage shortly after.
In a statement obtained by PEOPLE, a spokesperson for the plane’s manufacturer Embraer said, “We are saddened to learn of the incident today near Aktau, Kazakhstan. Further updates will be provided as soon as more information is confirmed and Embraer is authorized to release. We stand ready to assist all relevant authorities. Our concerns and sympathy go to the families, friends, colleagues and loved ones affected by the accident.”
News
Reps Congratulates Nigerians At Christmas, Advocate Unity, Love, Peace
By Gloria Ikibah
The House of Representatives has congratulated Nigerians for celebrating the birth of Jesus Christ and the timeless message of hope, peace, and love associated with the season.
in a statement by the House Spokesperson, Rep. Akin Rotimi, he said “Christmas serves as a reminder of values that bind us together as a nation: compassion, generosity, and forgiveness. These virtues, as demonstrated by Jesus Christ, are crucial not only for spiritual growth but also for promoting harmony and progress in our diverse society”.
Speaker of the House, Rt. Hon. Abbas Tajudeen, PhD, GCON, congratulated Christians on this special occasion, urging Nigerians to embrace unity, love, and peace, transcending religious and ethnic boundaries. He described the birth of Jesus Christ as a symbol of renewal and fulfillment, calling for a collective effort towards a national rebirth, especially in these challenging times. He encouraged prayers for a better Nigeria and support for the country’s leaders at all levels.
Deputy Speaker, Rt. Hon. Benjamin Okezie Kalu, emphasized the essence of Christmas as a time to reflect on the values of love, forgiveness, and selflessness embodied by Jesus Christ. He urged Nigerians to extend kindness and compassion to one another, particularly to those in need.
The 10th House of Representatives reaffirmed its commitment to the welfare of all Nigerians and prayed that the joy of Christmas would strengthen bonds of unity and love across the nation.
Wishing all Nigerians a Merry Christmas and a season filled with hope and happiness.
-
News24 hours ago
BREAKING: Human Rights Lawyer Dele Farotimi Released
-
News11 hours ago
Ex-Presidents’ wives lament disrespect after husbands’ tenure
-
News11 hours ago
FG workers face gloomy Christmas over delayed Dec salaries
-
News22 hours ago
WATCH moment Tinubu hails FCT minister for his doggedness, sterling performance
-
News11 hours ago
Insecurity: Why I Will Not Probe Security Chiefs – Tinubu
-
News10 hours ago
I’ve never lied against anyone, says Dele Farotimi after regaining freedom
-
News24 hours ago
Speaker Abbas Salutes APC National Chairman, Ganduje, @ 75
-
News10 hours ago
Doctors demand 70-year retirement age in new FEC memo