GANUX, Author at SocietyGazette.com

BudgIT ranks Gombe second in fiscal transparency

Gombe State has once again been recognised as a top-tier performer in fiscal transparency and accountability, ranking second nationwide with an impressive 99 out of 100 points, according to BudgIT’s latest Subnational Transparency Assessment.

The ranking, which evaluated fiscal transparency across the 36 states and the FCT in the second quarter of 2025, placed Gombe among the “Progressive Performers,” second only to Ekiti State, which led with a single point higher.

The report attributed this remarkable performance to Gombe State’s “strong commitment to openness and accountability” in the implementation of projects and policies under the leadership of Governor Muhammadu Yahaya.

This was contained in a press statement sent by Director General Press Affairs Ismaila Misilli, obtained on Wednesday by our correspondent.

Gombe excelled particularly in the timely publication of critical fiscal documents, including its Approved Budget, Medium-Term Expenditure Framework (MTEF), Citizens’ Budget, and Quarterly Budget Implementation Reports (BIRs).

“The state also stood out for maintaining an updated e-procurement portal and a functional website with fiscal data, ensuring easy public access to financial information,” the report noted.

This unprecedented achievement reflects the sustained efforts of Governor Inuwa Yahaya, who has made open governance and transparency in policy and project implementation a cornerstone of his leadership.

The governor’s commitment to transparency and accountability is instilling fiscal discipline and giving citizens clear insight into how their resources are being managed and spent.

Misilli’s statement added, “In a country where fiscal secrecy often hinders progress, Gombe State’s strides have positioned it as a model of transparency and smart resource management. Its commitment to good governance is winning the trust of citizens, attracting investors and drawing in support from development partners.”

With Gombe already excelling in most of the indices, the state is on course to maintain its leadership in fiscal transparency and continue to be a benchmark for governance reforms across Nigeria.

On August 21, 2025, PUNCH Online reported that BudgIT had accused the Federal Ministry of Finance and the Budget Office of the Federation of flouting the Fiscal Responsibility Act, 2007, by failing to publish Quarterly Budget Implementation Reports.

In a release by BudgIT’s Group Senior Communications Associate, Nancy Odimegwu, and made available to PUNCH Online, the group described the omission as a breach of law, a departure from established practice, and a setback to transparency reforms championed by previous administrations.

FCT CJ frees 35 inmates to decongest Nasarawa custodial centre

The Chief Judge of the Federal Capital Territory, Justice Husseini Baba-Yusuf, has discharged no fewer than 35 inmates awaiting trial across the two custodial centres in the Keffi Local Government Area of Nasarawa State.

Our correspondent reports that Baba-Yusuf discharged the inmates during a visit to the Medium Security Custodial Centre, Keffi on Tuesday.

The intervention facilitated by the Public and Private Development Centre, a Non-Governmental Organisation, saw to the release of the 35 inmates, who included 33 males and two females.

One of the males, Mohammed Abdullahi, was discharged after being incarcerated for a year without a single appearance in any court in Nigeria.

In an interview with newsmen shortly after the exercise, the Chief Judge said the essence of the prison visit was to ensure that those who are not supposed to be in the facility are allowed to go free.

“Today, we have been able to set free 35 people who have no business being here, and that is a huge boost,” he said.

He explained that the exercise would be a routine one to ensure that people are not allowed to suffer unnecessarily in custody when they should not be there.

Baba-Yusuf said, “Some of those we have set free are those who are not well, people who have been here unnecessarily for a long time and people who have not been cited for any genuine offence.

“This will continue to be a routine thing to ensure that the rights of our citizens are guaranteed and well catered for.”

He also noted that all other inmates facing one delay or the other in the conclusion of their cases have been assured that their cases will be attended to, and new dates given to them to appear in court.

“We have rectified all that, and dates have been given to all those who are involved in that category. I have also given directive to the Director in charge of the magistrates to do oversight functions on some of these courts whenever the matters come to the courts so that we ensure that the proceedings of the courts runs smoothly.

“Magistrates handling cases in the FCT courts have also been chastised to improve on case management strategy so that trials of the cases run expeditiously and inmates are able to know their fate,” the Chief Judge added.

Also speaking, Programs Officer at the Public and Private Development Centre, Cynthia Onyeka, appreciated the Chief Judge for taking out time to visit the custodial centres so as to set free those who are not supposed to be there and also decongest the centres.

She added, “This is because in Nigeria, we have a high rate of anti trial detentions and this has led to overcrowded custodial centres across Nigeria. So, this activity presents an opportunity for the Chief Judge to come to the custodial centres in an effort to decongest the system.”

She further explained that the PPDC supported the exercise because it wants the Nigeria’s justice system to be fair and transparent, and for all Nigerians to have access to justice including the vulnerable who cannot afford legal representation.

“For activities like this, when we come, we support the Chief Judge by paying fines and today, we were able to pay fines amounting to N1.5 Million to support the releases of some persons just to ensure that the numbers in the custodial centres reduce,” she said.

In another interview, the Chairperson of International Federation of Women Lawyers, Abuja Branch, Chioma Onyenucheya-Uko, while expressing gratitude to the Chief Judge for showing mercy to the released inmates, thanked the PPDC and other Non-governmental Organisations for regularly paying fines for the release of inmates especially the female inmates who for one reason or the other cannot pay the fines and compensatory orders sanctioned by the courts.

Earlier in his remarks, the Officer in Charge of the Keffi Medium Security Custodial Centre, Sumaila Bulus, thanked the FCT Chief Judge for the visit and the release of some inmates which according to him will help decongest the facility which is currently occupied by 667 inmates.

He further pleaded for logistics support, most especially in transporting inmates from the custodial centres to courts in the FCT, adding that the two working vehicles available in the facility were no longer enough to transport the inmates for their courts appearances.

On August 12, 2025, PUNCH Online reported that sixteen inmates escaped from the Medium Security Custodial Centre in Keffi, Nasarawa State after breaching the facility’s security.

In a statement issued by the spokesperson for the Nigerian Correctional Service, Umar Abubakar, the inmates reportedly overpowered personnel on duty during the breakout.

Five officers were injured in the incident, with two currently (as of the time of this report) in serious condition and receiving treatment at a government hospital.

Seven of the escaped inmates have since been recaptured, while efforts are ongoing to locate and apprehend the remaining nine.

Priscilla Ojo, Rakeem, reunite with Juma Jux in Tanzania

Priscilla Ojo, daughter of Nollywood actress Iyabo Ojo, has returned to Tanzania with her newborn son, Rakeem Mkambala, where her husband, Tanzanian singer Juma Jux, gave them a grand welcome. The homecoming coincided with the day Rakeem turned one month old.

In a series of videos shared on Wednesday by a popular fan page, the_prisjuxsourcee, Juma Jux was seen warmly receiving his wife and son at the airport with fresh flowers and gifts.

Upon their arrival home, Priscilla was surprised with an elaborate blue-themed welcome party featuring balloons, framed photos, and a banner reading “Welcome Home Mommy and Rakeem.” A large standee spelling “RAKEEM” completed the décor.

Iyabo joined the celebration and playfully teased her son-in-law.

“Juma, you are so extra. What happened? Rakeem is actually one month old,” she said.

Juma proudly replied, “My son. Yes. My first son.”

Iyabo admired the gesture, responding, “This is so beautiful.” Even Priscilla was moved, exclaiming, “Oh my God, Papa Rakeem is extra.”

The family had earlier faced a challenge when Juma Jux was denied a Canadian visa and could not be in Canada during his son’s birth due to what reports linked to strict immigration scrutiny. Despite his absence, he marked the reunion with a lavish celebration in Tanzania.

Rakeem, born in August in Canada, recently received his Canadian passport, confirming his citizenship, a development Iyabo Ojo proudly shared on social media.

Priscilla and Juma Jux, who got married in Tanzania in February, shared clips of the homecoming on their Instagram story.

Priscilla posted a photo captioned “Home,” while Juma uploaded a short video featuring baby Rakeem and Iyabo Ojo, adding to the outpouring of congratulations online.

The celebration has been widely praised on social media, highlighting the couple’s joy and commitment as they embrace parenthood.

Only the best for my lady, Davido gifts wife Chioma 2025 G-Wagon

Nigerian Afrobeats superstar, David Adeleke, popularly known as Davido, has spoiled his wife, Chioma, with a brand-new 2025 Mercedes-Benz G-Wagon.

The luxury SUV, which recently hit the market, is priced at over $150,000 (₦240 million) depending on specifications. Known for its cutting-edge design and electric model options, the 2025 edition marks a major upgrade from earlier versions.

Davido, in a video posted on his Instagram Story on Wednesday, was seen hyping the moment as he picked up the vehicle, explaining how he traded in a previous model and added more funds to secure the latest release.

“First of all, we had to take the one I got, then obviously add more money to get the new one.”

He fawned over the moment and emphasised his motivation, declaring, “Only the best for my lady,” he said with excitement.

When he eventually presented the G-Wagon to Chioma, she was visibly excited, while Davido cheered her on, declaring, “We do 2025!”

Davido and Chioma Adeleke’s wedding was a grand and highly publicised series of ceremonies, culminating in a lavish white wedding held in Miami on August 10, 2025.

The Miami event was the final of three weddings, following a court marriage in March 2023 and a traditional wedding in Lagos in June 2024.

This star-studded white wedding reportedly cost about $3.7 million and was attended by notable personalities, including business moguls, political figures, and top entertainers from Nigeria and beyond.

Teacher in police net for tying, beating pupil in Bauchi

The Bauchi State Police Command has arrested a 28-year-old Almajiri teacher, Lawal Nasiru, for allegedly assaulting one of his pupils in the Darazo Local Government Area of the state.

The victim, identified as 11-year-old Sa’id Sani, was reportedly tied with a heavy rope and beaten with a stick and thick cable, leaving him with multiple injuries.

The state Police Public Relations Officer, Ahmed Wakil, disclosed this in a statement on Tuesday.

He explained that the incident was reported to the Divisional Police Headquarters, Darazo, on September 22, 2025, by one Idris Mohammed, 50, of Gidan Waya, Darazo, who was accompanied by the injured minor.

The statement read, “On the 21st September, 2025, one Lawal Nasiru, aged 28 years, of Unguwar Jarmai, Darazo, criminally used a heavy rope to inhumanely tie the said Sa’id, an Almajiri boy, and further assaulted him with a stick and thick cable, causing various degrees of injuries to his hands and legs.”

“Upon receipt of the complaint, the Divisional Police Officer, SP Auwalu Ilu, led a team of operatives to the scene where the suspect was arrested. The victim was immediately taken to General Hospital, Darazo, for medical examination and treatment.”

Wakil noted that during interrogation, the suspect confessed to the act, claiming that the boy had attempted to flee from the school, and he tied him to prevent him from running away before his parents arrived.

“The minor also narrated how the suspect mercilessly confined him with a thick rope for a prolonged period,” the police spokesman added.

He said the Commissioner of Police, Sani-Omolori Aliyu, has directed that the case be transferred to the State Criminal Investigation Department, Bauchi, for discreet investigation.

Wakil further assured that the suspect would be profiled and charged in court upon completion of investigations.

Actress Mercy Aigbe Loses Mother

Nollywood actress, Mercy Aigbe, on Tuesday announced the death of her mother.

The actress shared the sad news on Instagram with a candlelight image against a broken heart background, captioned: “R.I.P Mum.”

The announcement drew a wave of condolence messages from colleagues, fans, and friends in the entertainment industry.

Actress Iyabo Ojo wrote: “So sorry ore, may her gentle soul rest in perfect peace.”

Controversial crossdresser Idris Olanrewaju commented: “Sorry sis.”

Actress Dayo Amusa wrote, “My sincere condolences, Agbeke.”

Motilola also wrote: “So sorry, Momma. Accept my condolences.”

Actor Bolanle Ninalowo stated, “My condolences, sis.”

Other celebrities like Omowunmi Ajiboye and Tayo Faniran also sent in their sympathy messages, praying for the repose of her mother’s soul.

Tiwa Savage reveals 2021 leaked tape was a bet

Nigerian singer and songwriter, Tiwatope Savage, popularly known as Tiwa Savage, has revealed that her 2021 leaked sex tape was circulated as part of a bet, describing the experience as one of the most painful moments of her life. The Afrobeats star also disclosed that she has remained celibate for the past three years.

The revelation was made during an interview with The Breakfast Club, released on Tuesday, where she spoke candidly about how the scandal affected her personal life, career, and mental health.

Savage said she initially coped with humour and by channelling the pain into her songs, but admitted the episode cut deeper. “

When I talked about the sex tape … that’s how I was able to kind of like, try and get through it. But in hindsight, did I really deal with it? I don’t think so. I was hurt… I was a victim,” she said.

She revealed that while her boyfriend at the time claimed the tape was leaked accidentally, she later learned it had been circulated as part of a bet.

“He said he was trying to save it, and then he pressed send by accident… I later on found out that it was a bet with his friends,” she said.

The singer added that many assumed she staged the leak for attention.

“They thought I did it for PR. A lot of people thought, ‘oh, she’s not relevant anymore, and she’s doing this.’ And I’m like, guys, trust me, if I wanted to do that, I would have had better lighting,” she said.

Attempts to pursue the case also failed because of the emotional toll.

“We tried, actually. But yeah, we couldn’t. And me trying was just, it was just too traumatic for me to keep talking about it. I just wanted to move on from it,” she explained.

Tango Brook introduces digital fuel card

Tango Brook Technologies has launched the Tango Fuel Card, a digital fuel management system designed to give individuals and corporate customers greater transparency, control and rewards in managing fuel expenditure.

In a statement on Tuesday, the company said the Tango Fuel Card provides access to physical payment cards accepted at fuel stations nationwide, alongside tools, detailed reports, analytics and devices that help households and organisations track and optimise fuel use while curbing fraud.

The system, according to the company, can reduce fuel theft by up to 95 per cent, prevent leaks before they occur, set usage limits and prevent unauthorised spending. Customers can also access real-time transaction details, including exact volumes purchased per transaction, to enhance financial management.

Managing Director of Tango Brook Technologies, Obi Wemambu, said, “The Tango Fuel Card transforms fuel management by giving businesses and individuals real-time visibility into consumption, mileage and spending at both vehicle and driver levels. With PIN protection, customisable limits and nationwide acceptance, it offers unmatched flexibility, security and convenience. Enhanced with built-in rewards, Tango delivers savings while ensuring total control.”

Chief Operating Officer of the company, Dubem Okafor, added, “With the launch of the Tango Fuel Card, we’re introducing a smarter, more secure and rewarding way for people and businesses to manage their fuelling needs. This isn’t just about payments; it’s about giving customers transparency, convenience and value every time they power their journeys. At Tango Brook, we’re committed to building solutions that make everyday essentials simpler and more rewarding.”

According to the company, users can save up to 15 per cent on fuel costs while benefiting from loyalty schemes that provide up to an eight per cent bonus on fuel budgets. The card is also positioned as a data-driven decision-making tool for businesses, offering corporate spending controls that allow employers to set budgets for drivers and ensure accountability.

To access the service, customers are required to create an account, obtain an instant wallet, and request and activate their fuel card, after which they can fuel, track, and save.

Airtel foundation targets 10 million Africans with scholarships

The Airtel Africa Foundation, in collaboration with UNICEF, has unveiled an ambitious plan to directly impact over 10 million lives across the continent by 2030 through education, digital inclusion, environmental sustainability, and financial literacy programmes.

The announcement was made on Tuesday at a press conference in Lagos State, where the foundation was formally launched.

In his opening address, Chief Executive Officer of Airtel Nigeria, Dinesh Balsingh, said the foundation was committed to improving Africa’s socio-economic landscape through education and digital empowerment.

“We gather today to officially present the Airtel Africa Foundation to the world. This foundation carries forward our tradition of social investment and multiplies its reach with a sharper focus, a stronger platform, and a groundbreaking vision.

“For the first time, the world will see in one frame the projects we are delivering across the continent. These initiatives are already catching light in classrooms, in hospitals, in rural communities, and in cities, where digital access determines the difference between stagnation and opportunity,” he said.

Balsingh explained that the foundation was equipping schools with devices, internet connectivity, and teacher training to prepare young Africans for self-reliance in the digital economy.

Also speaking at the event, Chief Executive Officer of Airtel Africa, Sunil Taldar, described the goal as both a business imperative and a guiding philosophy.

“We have visited over 1,200 schools, impacted more than one million students, and trained 17,000 teachers in digital education across our 14 markets. A very large portion of the foundation’s investment will go into Nigeria,” Taldar stated.

Since its inception in July 2024, the foundation has been active in Nigeria and 13 other African countries, bridging the digital divide, equipping young people with 21st-century skills, and promoting economic resilience.

Chairman of the Airtel Africa Foundation, Dr. Segun Ogunsanya, described the initiative as a catalyst for change and a lasting legacy.

“What makes you rich is not what you have, but what you give,” he said.

Ogunsanya highlighted the foundation’s focus on creating pathways to higher learning through zero-rated educational platforms, device donations, and school refurbishment projects.

“We’ve given IT materials to teachers, installed smart TVs in classrooms, and reconstructed six schools across Nigeria — one in each region. Our target is to reach 10 schools for a geo-balanced impact,” he said.

The foundation has also introduced the Airtel Africa Fellowship, which offers full undergraduate scholarships in technology and STEM fields, mentorship opportunities, internships, and exchange programmes to groom Africa’s next generation of innovators.

“Beyond building schools, we are supporting students who cannot afford school fees through scholarships, and we are working towards building a major tech hub in Nigeria. Currently, we are sponsoring two Nigerian students in a university in India, and I am pleased to announce that 100 additional scholarships will be awarded to Nigerians,” Ogunsanya revealed.

He added that Airtel employees are central to the mission, with more than 1,100 staff volunteering their expertise for mentorship, coaching, and community projects across Africa.

Governance burden too heavy for govt alone — Abiodun

The Ogun State Governor, Dapo Abiodun, has said the fight against poverty and the pursuit of national development cannot be left to the government alone, stressing the need for collective responsibility by faith-based organisations, the private sector and individuals.

Abiodun made the call in Lagos on Tuesday while chairing the 12th Annual Public Lecture of The Foursquare Gospel Church Nigeria, themed “Poverty Alleviation, Economic Development and Stability of the Nigerian Economy,” held at The Marquee, Harbour Point, Victoria Island.

According to him, the complexity of governance makes it impossible for the government to carry the burden of development single-handedly.

“The burden of governance cannot be shouldered by government alone, and the church has effectively demonstrated this belief through its initiatives,” he said.

He commended Foursquare Gospel Church for going “beyond the pulpit” to provide social interventions through schools, hospitals, humanitarian outreaches and empowerment programmes that had impacted countless lives.

Abiodun added, “The problem of poverty requires economic stability which must be anchored on inclusive growth where opportunities are extended to all citizens, especially the vulnerable.

“Economic development and stability are two sides of the coin. Without stability, the economy is short-lived. Without development, poverty persists. As leaders, whether in the government, church or private sector, we must collaborate to break the cycle because poverty is not just an economic statistic, it is a human reality. We must care for the vulnerable.”

Earlier in his welcome address, the General Overseer of Foursquare Gospel Church Nigeria, Rev. Sam Aboyeji, said no nation could achieve development and stability without deliberately tackling poverty.

“Poverty is one of the greatest challenges confronting Nigerians today, and it can only be removed or minimised through a collective battle by government, faith-based organisations, committed parastatals, and individuals,” he said.

Aboyeji noted that with 70 years of continuous presence in Nigeria, the church considered it a “sacred duty” to contribute to national progress, hence its commitment to the annual lecture as a platform for intellectual discourse and policy engagement.

Delivering the lecture, Senior Fellow and Associate Professor at Lagos Business School, Dr Doyin Salami, lamented the volatility of the Nigerian economy, warning that the current 3.2 per cent growth rate was inadequate for poverty reduction.

According to him, Nigeria needed sustained growth of at least 6.5 per cent annually for a decade to achieve meaningful results.

“Recent data shows that increases in investment in Nigeria are not strong enough to stimulate growth. We must avoid the mistakes of the past and ensure that our investments are the kind that stimulate, support and drive development,” Salami said.

He recalled that Nigeria was ahead of China in poverty indices as far back as 1992, but by 1996 China had reversed its fortunes while Nigeria lagged behind.

He also warned that Nigeria’s reliance on services over industry was deepening its de-industrialisation and undermining prospects for sustainable growth.