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Inflation dragged many people into poverty in 2024 — Gov Makinde
Governor Seyi Makinde of Oyo State has disclosed that inflation rates reduced spending power and dragged many Nigerians into poverty in 2024.
Makinde made this declaration in his New Year message aired on the Broadcasting Corporation of Oyo State (BCOS) on Wednesday.
The governor, while addressing residents of the state, disclosed that Nigeria struggled with economic challenges throughout the just-concluded year.
He maintained that inflation rates reduced the people’s spending power and dragged more people into poverty.
Makinde, while speaking further, said that his government will do more for the people of the state in 2025.
He added that his administration would embark on decisive actions that would increase residents’ spending power and ease the economic strains they are currently facing.
The governor also stated that his administration would enforce the rule of law across different sectors.
He warned that more stringent measures would be taken against traffic offences in the state.
Makinde, while speaking further, maintained that the year 2024 tested the resilience of the people of the state.
He said: “What a year 2024 was! Our resilience as a people has been tested almost to the limit. We have faced economic challenges and social tragedies that have been the direct or indirect result of these challenges.
“We were shocked by the January 16, 2024, Bodija incident. We reacted by signing Executive Order 001, 2024, on the safe handling and storage of harmful substances in Oyo State. We also took steps to give support to those who were primarily affected by this incident. We will give them even more support in 2025.
“In December 2024, disaster again struck in our dear state as we lost 35 children to a stampede at Islamic High School, Basorun. We are still mourning this great loss.
“Throughout the year, we struggled with economic challenges as a nation. Inflation rates reduced our spending power and dragged more people into poverty than we were able to help escape poverty. Our hearts are heavy. Still, we are thankful. These tragedies have forced us as a government to go back to the drawing board and take a second look at our strategies, policies, and programmes.
“For example, following the Bodija incident, we took actions that further secured the lives of our people. We are more determined to put further measures in place to ensure that incidents like these never occur again.”
United States president, Donald Trump, has congratulated cardinal Robert Prevost on his election as the new Pope, Leo XIV.
In a post on his Facebook page, Trump expressed excitement over the development and described the election as an honour to the American people.
“Congratulations to Cardinal Robert Francis Prevost, who was just named Pope. It is such an honor to realize that he is the first American Pope.
“What excitement, and what a Great Honor for our Country. I look forward to meeting Pope Leo XIV. It will be a very meaningful moment,” he stated.
White smoke rose from the chimney above the Sistine Chapel in Vatican City, indicating the election of a new pope.
Robert Prevost is to be addressed as Pope Leo XIV.
Senate President Godswill Akpabio has petitioned the Federal High Court in Abuja to compel suspended Kogi Central Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan to delete a satirical apology she posted on her social media pages.
On 27 April, Akpoti-Uduaghan shared a short video in which she mockingly apologised to Akpabio, claiming it was for not allowing him to have his way with her.
Akpoti-Uduaghan stated she was ‘sorry for the crime of maintaining dignity and self-respect’ and for rejecting the advances of the Senate President, whom she implied believed no one could refuse him.
The dispute between the two senators stems from an altercation in the Senate chamber over seating arrangements.
This led to Akpoti-Uduaghan initiating a suit that sought to stop the Senate from investigating her for alleged misconduct.
In particular, the senator asked the court to prevent the Senate Committee on Ethics, Privileges and Public Petitions, chaired by Senator Neda Imasuen, from taking any disciplinary action against her.
Akpoti-Uduaghan was later suspended following her accusations against the Senate President, accusing him of sexual harassment.
The presiding judge, Justice Binta Nyako, on 4 April 2025, restrained all parties involved in the suit from making public comments about the ongoing case.
Meanwhile, Akpabio’s legal team, led by Kehinde Ogunwumiju, has filed a fresh application asking the court to direct Akpoti-Uduaghan to delete the video, arguing it violated a judge’s directive.
In his application, Akpabio’s lawyer also requested the court to order Akpoti-Uduaghan to remove the post from all her social media accounts.
Additionally, Ogunwumiju urged the court to mandate Akpoti-Uduaghan to publish a written apology in at least two national newspapers and file an affidavit confirming her compliance.
Governor Charles Soludo of Anambra on Thursday announced that the All Progressives Grand Alliance, APGA, has officially adopted President Bola Tinubu as its candidate for the 2027 presidential election.
Mr Soludo made the announcement at Alex Ekwueme Square in Awka during the President’s working visit to the state.
According Mr Soludo, APGA and the All Progressives Congress, APC, will work together, as both parties share a common belief in progressivism.
Mr Soludo said: “Progressives are working together.”
Earlier, the President described Mr Soludo as a competent governor.
While inaugurating several major projects executed by the Soludo administration, the President described Mr Soludo as a friend and a visionary leader.
He said: “I am honoured to be here. I commend my friend, Governor Chukwuma Soludo, who is a visionary and competent leader for the work he has been doing in Anambra State.”
The projects set to be commissioned by the President include Emeka Anyaoku Center at Nnamdi Azikiwe University, the new Government House, the Solution Fun City, and the 8-lane Aroma–Government House Boulevard in Awka.
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