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2025 Budget Defense: Reps Commend President Tinubu For Jerking Sports Budget To N94bn

Published

3 months ago

January 15, 2025

Gloria Ikibah

…charge NSC, NFF to utilise fund prudently

By Gloria Ikibah

The House of Representatives has commended President Bola Tinubu for remarkably jerking the 2025 budget for sports sector, from ₦29 billion in 2024 to over ₦94 billion in 2025.

Chairman House Committee on Sports, Rep. Kabiru Amadu, stated this during the budget defense session of the National Sports Commission (NSC), Nigeria Football Federation (NFF), and National Institute for Sports (NIS) on Tuesday in Abuja.

Rep Amadu described the increase in budgetary allocation as a turning point for sports in Nigeria.

He said: “The President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria has tripled the sports budget from ₦29,082,369,979 in 2024 to ₦94,947,006,325 in 2025. This represents a 227% increase in the expenditure framework. President Bola Ahmed Tinubu is hereby commended for this giant stride in budgetary allocation to the sports sector. We hope this increment will mark a significant turning point in the development, administration, and management of sports activities in Nigeria.”

He expressed optimism that the increased budgetary allocation would address several challenges in the sports sector.

The Chairman further noted that these include the decay of sports infrastructure, particularly the national stadiums, insufficient funding for over 40 sports federations, the lack of sustainable development plans, and inadequate manpower and training.

He therefore pledged the committee’s commitment to support the NSC, NFF, and NIS to ensure the timely release and effective utilization of the allocated funds.

“The House Committee on Sports assures the NSC, NFF, and NIS of total support to facilitate the release of funds from the federal government. This support will drive sports development, particularly at the grassroots level,” he said.

Rep. Amadu also assured that the committee would perform its legislative oversight functions diligently to ensure that funds allocated are utilized effectively after the budget is passed into law.

In his presentation, the Chairman National Sports Commission, Shehu Dikko, highlighted key projects the commission plans to implement, which include upgrading the Abuja National Stadium and other stadiums nationwide.

Dikko also revealed plans to rebrand and commercialize 200 hostels within the NFF building, a move expected to contribute to the nation’s economic growth, he also disclosed that the commission intends to construct 100 mini-stadiums across the country as part of efforts to boost sports development at the community level.

“The commission is committed to revitalizing Nigeria’s sports sector in line with global best practices,” Dikko said.

Related Topics:chairman community Nigeria president Tinubu

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Igbo Traditional Rulers Pledge Support for President Tinubu’s Re-Election In 2027

Published

16 minutes ago

April 29, 2025

Gloria Ikibah

By Gloria Ikibah

Ahead of the 2027 Presidential election, traditional rulers in South-East Nigeria have pledged to deliver at least, 70 percent of the region’s vote to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.

The traditional Rulers Council, under the aegis of Ndi Igbo Progressive led by His Royal Majesty, Eze Nnamdi Oforegbu during a courtesy visit to the Deputy Speaker House of Representatives, Rep. Benjamin Kalu in Umuahia, the Abia State capital said that Tinubu has impacted the South East economy.

Oforegbu said their mission was to express profound gratitude to President Tinubu for the establishment of the South East Development Commission (SEDC), believing it will accelerate the infrastructure development of the region.

The monarchs also commended the Deputy Speaker for his legislative ingenuity, particularly his effort in sponsoring the bill that led to the creation of the Commission, and offered royal blessings and special prayer to God for more wisdom and political growth.

He said: “We are here to thank you. You’re doing more than we expected. That has never happened before. We’ve not seen this kind of good works before.

“You sponsored a bill that enabled us to get South East Development Commission (SEDC). We’ve never seen anything like it. We are praying to the Almighty God to bless you.

“We are grateful to President Bola Tinubu for appointing our sons and brothers, as the pioneer heads of the SEDC. As you promoted our brothers, God will also raise you above your imagination.

“We are here to thank you for all you’ve done and show our support to Mr President. Continue the good work. It shall be well with you. You’ve shown capacity, that’s why I said there must be continuity from this ladder to the next.

“We want to meet the President to also thank him. He made our own a Deputy Speaker, gave us SEDC and so many other developments and appointments given to Ndi Igbo.

“We assure him our votes, 70 percent of our votes in the next election. We are promising you we are behind you, keep succeeding. If there’s anywhere you need us to speak, let us know and we will be there. We see all you’re doing. We are with you. May God bless you”.

In his response, the Deputy Speaker commended the traditional rulers for their decision to support the President in 2027.

He emphasised that the President’s actions towards the South East region, including the appointment of Igbo sons to key positions, warranted their loyalty.

He said: “The President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria is an example of loyalty and a rewarder of loyalty. He doesn’t forget anything you do for him. If you give him a cup of water, 10 years after, he will remember that you gave him that a cup of water. And he will reward you. You saw how he fought during the election and how we stood for him.

“For eight years before him, Igbos did not occupy any position in the leadership succession ladder of the country. We have not been anywhere for 8 years. They kept telling us that we don’t have votes. Yet he remembered us and gave us Deputy Speaker; gave us Chief of Naval Staff that is controlling the water ways including oil and gas that Nigeria depends on; gave us the Minister of Works.

“And I know with your promise as traditional rulers, we will give him nothing less than 70% of our vote. We will no longer waste our vote, we will invest it not waste it and I’m sure that Mr President will be very happy”.

Kalu also reassured the traditional rulers of the parliament’s commitment to giving them a constitutional role, recognizing their crucial contributions to national unity, peace, and security.

“Let me also inform you that we are fighting and we will give you a place in the constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria. We will give you voice in the constitution because you’re doing a lot. Traditional rulers, you’re doing a lot for national unity and national cohesion, for the peace and security of our rural communities. The President also respects traditional rulers so much”, the Deputy Speaker added.

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ECOWAS Parliament Meets in Banjul to Tackle Impact of Sahel States’ Withdrawal

Published

35 minutes ago

April 29, 2025

Gloria Ikibah

By Gloria Ikibah

The ECOWAS Parliament has commenced a critical series of meetings in Banjul, The Gambia, to address the political, security, socio-economic and humanitarian consequences of the recent withdrawal of Burkina Faso, Mali, and Niger from the regional body.

Speaking at the opening ceremony of the Delocalised Meeting, 4th Deputy Speaker of the ECOWAS Parliament, Hon. Billy Tunkara, said that two key meetings were underway: the Committee of Administration, Finance and Budget, reviewing the Parliament’s 2024 End-Year Budget Performance Report, and the Joint Committee on Political Affairs, Security, African Peer Review Mechanism, Legal Affairs and Human Rights, Trade, Customs and Free Movement, Social Affairs, Gender, Women Empowerment and Persons with Disabilities, focusing on the impact of the Sahel states’ withdrawal.

He said: “Given the evolving challenges in the region, including economic fluctuations, health crises, and social instability, it is essential for the Parliament’s financial strategies to align with the core principles of sustainability, accountability, and transparency”.

Tunkara lauded the leadership of President Adama Barrow of The Gambia for his commitment to regional integration and thanked the Right Honourable Speaker of the Gambian National Assembly and the Gambian delegation to the ECOWAS Parliament for their support.

“The Gambian people have always taken pleasure in welcoming their brothers and sisters from the Community, an attribution of my homeland that I take great pride in,” he added.

Reflecting on ECOWAS’ history, Tunkara however, he warned that this legacy is now under serious threat.

“ECOWAS, born in 1975 from the Lagos Treaty, has for five decades embodied the shared aspiration for a common destiny.

“The withdrawal of Burkina Faso, the Republic of Mali, and the Republic of Niger marks an unprecedented fracture. These countries, strategic and demographic pillars, have chosen to leave the common ship. This choice, effective since January, threatens not only our achievements but also the future of 400 million citizens,” he said.

The 4th Deputy Speaker outlined the far-reaching impacts of the withdrawal.

Politically, ECOWAS has lost 20% of its members, weakening its voice on the international stage.

Security-wise, the withdrawal of key players from the fight against terrorism in the Sahel poses serious risks.

Socioeconomically, the reinstatement of strict border controls threatens trade, cross-border projects, and humanitarian aid.

Humanitarian-wise, the isolation could worsen the plight of vulnerable populations.

“Our meeting goes beyond a mere diagnostic exercise,. It aims to rigorously assess the multidimensional impacts, imagine bridges where others see walls, and strengthen our resilience by identifying reforms”, Tunkara emphasized.

He therefore Parliament to produce concrete proposals including bold recommendations for maintaining dialogue with the Sahel states and reforms to consolidate ECOWAS.

The Deputy Speaker stressed the need for introspection and called for a renewed approach based on inclusion, transparent governance, and projects that improve citizens’ lives.

“The simultaneous withdrawal of three Member States is a wake-up call. It compels us to ask: why did the Member States choose to leave? Have we listened enough to their concerns? Have we been able to adapt our model to their realities?

“Let our debates be frank, but always guided by the spirit of fraternity that founded our Community.

“Today, it is up to us to write the next chapter. Despite the challenges, I remain convinced that ECOWAS remains the best bulwark against fragmentation. Although ECOWAS may now be fifteen minus three, nevertheless, our vision remains whole.”

Hon. Tunkara reminded the lawmakers of the founding spirit of ECOWAS in 1975, even as he expressed hope that the meeting in Banjul would mark the beginning of a renaissance.

“A renaissance where each state, each citizen, recognizes themselves in this common project. A renaissance where cooperation triumphs over selfishness, and where hope prevails over pessimism”, he asserted.

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Olorogun Olori hails Wike’s political sagacity in South South

Published

8 hours ago

April 28, 2025

ADMIN

Elder statesman, Olorogun Morrison Olori, has hailed the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Chief Nyesom Wike, for his outstanding political leadership in the South-South region and his strategic role in advancing President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda.

Olori, an octogenarian and chieftain of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Delta State, particularly praised Wike for his transformative work as Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT).

In a statement made during a public policy dialogue in Abuja, Olorogun Olori hailed Chief Wike as “a tireless bridge-builder and result-oriented leader who has brought stability and strategic political direction to the South-South and beyond.”

Chief Wike has not only strengthened the political base of the South-South region but has also become a key player in driving the Renewed Hope Agenda of President Tinubu through inclusive governance and infrastructural transformation,” Olori said.

Highlighting Wike’s impact as FCT Minister, Olori pointed to the minister’s record-setting performance in the signing of over 5,000 Certificates of Occupancy, as well as his aggressive infrastructure renewal across the city, including road expansions, urban beautification, and housing developments. He described Wike’s efforts as “a masterclass in leadership and vision.”

“His work in Abuja has demonstrated that the Renewed Hope Agenda is not just a slogan—it is being implemented in concrete ways. He is delivering real, visible change,” Olori noted.

Olorogun Olori also emphasized Wike’s political courage in rallying support for national unity and economic revival, particularly in the South-South geopolitical zone, where he continues to serve as a stabilizing force and a voice of progress.

“Wike has used his influence not for personal gain, but to elevate the South-South and to help President Tinubu consolidate the gains of this administration,” Olori added. “This kind of partnership between the presidency and regional leaders is exactly what Nigeria needs right now.”

Olori, however, urged other political leaders to emulate Wike’s commitment to excellence and patriotism, emphasizing that Nigeria needs more leaders who “serve with sincerity and deliver with impact.”