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Jigawa approves N75bn supplementary budget

 

 

The Jigawa State Government has approved a supplementary budget of N75 billion for the 2025 fiscal year, for onward submission to the state assembly.

 

The Commissioner for Information, Youth, Sport and Culture, Mr Sagir Musa, made this known in an interview on Wednesday in Dutse, shortly after the State Executive Council meeting.

 

He said that the budget appropriation arose from additional revenue generated.

 

“The reason for the supplementary budget is to address emerging financial needs and strengthen priority sectors for sustainable development across the state.

“The approved figures are ₦58 billion for the State Government, and ₦17 billion for the 27 Local Government Councils, covering both recurrent and capital expenditure components,” he said.

 

The supplementary budget, he said, also seeks to enhance ongoing projects and programmes across critical sectors such as education, healthcare, infrastructure, agriculture, and other developmental projects.

 

He said it will also provide fiscal support for new and unforeseen expenditure requirements, align public spending with current socio-economic realities and development targets.

 

The commissioner said the supplementary budget proposal will be formally submitted to the Jigawa House of Assembly for legislative consideration and approval, in accordance with constitutional procedures.

Musa said that the move reflects the administration’s commitment to transparent governance, responsible fiscal management and effective service delivery to all citizens of Jigawa.

 

NAN reports that Governor Umar Namadi signed the state’s 2025 appropriation bill of N698.3 billion into law on Jan. 1, being the highest in the state’s history

 

In his remarks, Namadi described the budget as transformative and essential for the state’s long-term development.

 

“This year’s budget of N698.3 billion is the highest in the history of Jigawa State. It is designed to restructure the state into a greater one,” he stated.

 

A substantial 76 per cent of the budget has been allocated to capital projects, underscoring the administration’s emphasis on infrastructure and development.

 

Namadi highlighted that these investments will lay the groundwork for sustainable economic growth and improve living standards across the state.

 

Police clear Pastor Adefarasin of wrongdoing over viral gun video

 

The Lagos State Police Command said it has cleared the Senior Pastor of House on the Rock Church, Paul Adefarasin, of wrongdoing after a viral video showed him holding what appeared to be a firearm.

 

The command, in a statement released Wednesday by its spokesperson, Abimbola Adebisi, confirmed that Adefarasin voluntarily reported to its headquarters in Ikeja for questioning over the incident.

 

According to the police, investigations revealed that the object seen in the viral clip was a stun gun and not a lethal weapon.

 

“After a thorough investigation, including interrogation and a cautionary statement from Pastor Adefarasin, it was established that the object in question was a stun gun and not a lethal weapon or firearm.

“Consequent to our findings, the Lagos State Police Command has determined that there are no sufficient grounds to proceed with the matter. The case is hereby discontinued,” the statement read.

 

The command added that it remains committed to transparency in its operations while upholding the rule of law and ensuring public safety.

This marks a turn from June, when the state Commissioner of Police, Olohundare Jimoh, had stated that pointing a stun gun at someone constituted a criminal offence under Nigerian law.

 

Speaking on Channels Television at the time, Jimoh noted that stun guns fall under prohibited riot control equipment and warned that using them to instil fear could amount to an offence.

 

He added that both Adefarasin and the individual allegedly threatened in the clip would be questioned.

 

The video, which circulated widely in June, showed the pastor seated in a Range Rover while holding the device during an exchange with another individual.

 

Adefarasin had denied ever brandishing a firearm, insisting it was a non-lethal object.

Ondo PDP candidate withdraws Supreme Court appeal against Aiyedatiwa

 

 

The candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party in the November 16, 2024, governorship election in Ondo State, Mr Agboola Ajayi, has announced his withdrawal from the appeal filed at the Supreme Court against the winner of the election, Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa.

 

It can be recalled that PUNCH Online reported on December 11 2024, that Ajayi said he had filed a petition at the Ondo State Election Petition Tribunal against the victory of Aiyedatiwa. This development came 24 days after the governorship poll.

 

Ajayi had disclosed that his legal team had filed the petition at the election tribunal with the hope of getting justice from the court.

 

Ajayi of the PDP, according to the announcement by the Independent National Electoral Commission, lost the election to the candidate of the ruling All Progressives Congress, Governor Aiyedatiwa, having scored a total of 117,845 votes behind the governor, who polled 366,781 votes.

He moved forward to challenge the results of the election but lost at both the Election Petition Tribunal and the Court of Appeal , and later proceeded to the Supreme Court to challenge the verdicts of the lower court.

 

However, he announced his withdrawal from the litigation in a letter addressed to the Chief Registrar of the Supreme Court in Abuja and dated September 16, 2025. The letter was made available to our correspondent on Wednesday.

 

In the letter, the former PDP governorship candidate did not mention the main reason for his action but stated that he had consulted the stakeholders who had consented to the move.

The letter was titled, ‘RE: SC/CV/757/2025 – Mr Ajayi Alfred Agboola & Anor V. Independent National Electoral Commission & 3ORS.’

 

It read, “I am the ‘Appellant’ in the above appeal, and I write to inform you that I am aware of the appeal that has been filed on my behalf concerning the recent gubernatorial election in Ondo State.

 

“As the gubernatorial candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party, I have engaged in thoughtful discussions with my family, party members, associates, and legal advisors. After careful deliberation, we have reached a consensus that the appeal should be withdrawn, and I’m signing this letter to do so.

 

“Having served as the former Deputy Governor and as a representative of my constituents at the national level, my foremost commitment is to the principles of good governance and the promotion of peaceful coexistence in Ondo State and across Nigeria.

 

“In this spirit, I extend my heartfelt wishes to His Excellency Lucky Orimisan Alyedatiwa as he leads our state, and I remain dedicated to contributing positively to the State and National development.

 

“Thank you for your understanding and attention to this matter. I trust that my position will be respectfully acknowledged.”

 

Two Ebola survivors discharged in DR Congo

 

Health officials in the Democratic Republic of Congo have announced that the first two patients treated for Ebola in the Bulape health zone, Kasai Province, have fully recovered and been discharged from the local treatment centre.

 

This was disclosed by the World Health Organisation Regional Office for Africa on its X handle on Tuesday.

 

The milestone marks a significant step forward in the country’s ongoing fight against the virus, which re-emerged in the region earlier this month.

 

The recoveries were made possible through strengthened clinical care and rapid response measures introduced over the past week.

 

These efforts were supported by the Ministry of Health in DR Congo, with assistance from the WHO, Médecins Sans Frontières, ALIMA, and other humanitarian partners working on the ground.

 

“@MinSanteRDC—with support from @WHO, @MSF, @ALIMA_ORG and other partners—has accelerated response actions to improve the quality of clinical care over the past week.

 

“Appropriate control measures are being rolled out to curb the spread of the virus, save lives, and end the outbreak as quickly as possible,” WHO posted.

 

On September 4, health authorities in the DR Congo declared an outbreak of Ebola virus disease in Kasai Province.

The Ebola outbreak in DR Congo comes at a time when much of Central and West Africa continues to grapple with overlapping health and humanitarian crises, including cholera outbreaks, malnutrition, and displacement.

 

The DR Congo’s last outbreak of Ebola virus disease affected the north-western Equateur Province in April 2022.

 

It was brought under control within three months, thanks to robust efforts by the health authorities. In Kasai Province, previous outbreaks of Ebola virus disease were reported in 2007 and 2008. In the country overall, there have been 15 outbreaks since the disease was first identified in 1976.

 

Ebola virus disease is a rare but severe and often fatal illness in humans. It is transmitted to people through close contact with the blood, secretions, organs, or other bodily fluids of infected animals such as fruit bats (thought to be the natural hosts).

 

Human-to-human transmission occurs through direct contact with the blood or body fluids of a person who is sick with, or has died from, Ebola; through objects contaminated with body fluids from an infected person; or through the body of a person who died from the disease.

As of September 4, 2025, the WHO said 28 suspected cases, including 15 deaths (case fatality ratio: 54 per cent), had been reported from three areas of the Bulape health zone (Bulape, Bulape Com, and Dikolo) and the Mweka health zone. Among the deaths, four were healthcare workers. About 80 per cent of the suspected cases are aged 15 years and older.

Meanwhile, the global health body said an initial 400 doses of the Ervebo Ebola vaccine—from the country’s stockpile of 2,000 doses pre-positioned in the capital, Kinshasa—have been delivered to Bulape, one of the current hotspots of the outbreak.

 

It said additional doses will be delivered to the affected localities in the coming days.

 

Private sector key to future of Carnival Calabar, says festival chairman

 

The Chairman of Carnival Calabar, Gabe Onah, has called for stronger private sector investment to sustain the popular street party.

 

Onah made the call on the sidelines of the 21st Akwaaba African Travel Market on Tuesday in Lagos.

 

The chairman said the annual carnival, which would turn 20 this year, was originally designed as a strategy for community participation and economic development.

 

“Carnival Calabar must breathe beyond the stranglehold of government.

“For sustainability, the private sector has to take more than a passing interest,” he said.

 

Onah credited the continuity of the festival to successive governors of Cross River, such as Donald Duke, Liyel Imoke, Ben Ayade, and the present governor, Bassey Otu.

 

He, however, emphasised that the community buy-in and the welcoming spirit of Calabar’s people were just as significant.

 

“The smiles of our people, the restfulness of the city and our natural blessings – vegetation, mountains, waterfronts and greenery – are what make Calabar stand out,” he said.

 

Speaking on Akwaaba’s role in regional tourism, Onah described the event as the melting point for the travel and trade industry.

 

“In tourism, we will keep saying partners must collaborate, not compete.

 

“Akwaaba has successfully done this for Nigeria,” he said.

Highlighting emerging trends, he said today’s tourists are digital, unique and global.

 

Onah emphasised the need to embrace artificial intelligence in tourism promotion.

 

The chairman added that families were becoming more central to travel decisions, which he said informed the upgrade of the children’s carnival to a junior carnival in Calabar.

Onah also noted that there was a growing demand for takeaways and memorabilia, as visitors seek lasting connections to cultural experiences.

 

It can be recalled that PUNCH Online reports on January 11, 2025, that the Cross River Tourism Bureau reported that the 2024 Calabar Carnival drew over 300,000 tourists between November 1 and December 31, marking a 42 per cent increase from 2023.

 

The month-long festival also attracted an estimated 450,000 onsite spectators for signature events such as the Cultural Carnival, Children’s Carnival, and Bikers Carnival, while more than 1.2 billion viewers tuned in globally via DSTV and over 100 million through live online streaming.

 

Most visitors came from Abuja, Lagos, and Akwa Ibom, which boosted Calabar’s hotel occupancy rate to 68 per cent, with more than 90 per cent of hotels fully booked during the peak period in December.

 

According to the bureau’s Managing Director, Ekpenyong Ojoi, the festival generated significant economic impact, with hotel bookings valued at N2.79 billion and food sales estimated at N900 million.

Major events such as Funfest and the Calabar Fashion Show brought in N100 million, while nightclubs generated N400 million. Ancillary activities, including online streaming, car rentals, and food and drinks, added another N1 billion, while visitor transportation costs reached N8.87 billion, underscoring the carnival’s growing role as a key driver of tourism and revenue for Cross River State.

 

Carnival Calabar has shown its strength as both a cultural celebration and an economic driver for Cross River State. But as Chairman Gabe Onah noted, its long-term success will rely on greater private sector involvement to ensure the festival continues to thrive beyond government support.

Yahoo boys worsening visa restrictions for Nigerians – EFCC

 

 

The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission has warned that the rising cases of internet fraud are worsening visa restrictions for innocent Nigerians abroad.

 

The EFCC Chairman, Ola Olukoyede, said fraudulent practices not only destroy the future of those involved but also tarnish Nigeria’s international image, resulting in stricter travel conditions for law-abiding citizens.

 

Olukoyede, who was represented by the Chief Superintendent of the EFCC, CSE Coker Oyegunle, gave the charge on Monday at an event in Port Harcourt, Rivers State, organised by the Coalition of Nigerian Youth on Security and Safety Affairs.

 

His statement was contained in a release issued by the commission on Tuesday.

“The EFCC boss highlighted that internet fraud, money laundering, and economic sabotage cost Nigeria billions of naira annually, undermining national growth and depriving citizens of infrastructure, jobs, and opportunities.

 

“Beyond the economic damage, he pointed out that the crimes erode Nigeria’s international image and subject innocent Nigerians to stricter visa restrictions abroad,” the statement read.

 

He urged young people in the South-South and across the country to channel their energy into productive ventures such as digital innovation, entrepreneurship, agriculture, and the creative industry.

 

He was quoted as saying, “Fraud is not success; it is a trap. Easy come, easy go. Many who follow the path of ‘yahoo-yahoo’ always end up losing their freedom, reputation, and future. The law is catching up with them and digital footprints never disappear. Don’t destroy your tomorrow with shortcuts today.”

Olukoyede reaffirmed the commission’s readiness to intensify sensitisation, enforcement and collaboration with communities to combat fraud and related crimes.

 

Also speaking at the event, a representative of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency, Mathew Ewah, warned that drug abuse remained one of the most dangerous threats facing Nigerian youths, while the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps cautioned against pipeline vandalism in the South-South.

 

The EFCC has recently intensified its clampdown on cybercrime across the country.

 

In August, operatives of the commission’s Lagos Zonal Directorate 1 arrested 38 suspected internet fraudsters at Mambillah Hotel, Ikorodu, Lagos, following days of surveillance.

 

Items recovered from the suspects included vehicles, mobile phones, and substances suspected to be narcotics.

 

Similarly, the Benin Zonal Directorate of the EFCC secured the conviction of 12 persons, including two brothers, for fraud-related offences.

They were sentenced by Justice M. Itsueli of Edo State High Court after pleading guilty to charges bordering on advance fee fraud, possession of fraudulent documents, and retention of proceeds of crime.

VIDEO: Ajaokuta Steel Industry May Never Work, Says Dangote

 

The President of Dangote Petroleum Refinery, Alhaji Aliko Dangote, has said that the moribund Ajaokuta Steel Complex may never work, insisting that global technological advancements have overtaken the project.

 

Dangote, who spoke on Tuesday in an interview with journalists, stressed that while no nation can thrive without a functional steel industry, Ajaokuta’s prospects remain dim.

 

The business mogul said, “The steel we are talking about, we will definitely look at the opportunities of doing that. There is no nation that you can build without a steel industry. And honestly, between us here, Ajaokuta will not work. We can keep deceiving ourselves. We can keep being passionate about this. It’s not possible.”

 

Conceived in 1979, the Ajaokuta Integrated Steel Complex was designed to host a Metallurgical Process Plant, an Engineering Complex and auxiliary facilities. However, more than 45 years later, the multi-billion-dollar project has failed to take off, dogged by mismanagement and corruption.

In January 2024, PUNCH Online reported that President Bola Tinubu approved the restart of the light steel section of the plant after discussions with India’s Jindal Steel Group, which pledged $5bn investment in a new steel project in Nigeria during the G20 summit in New Delhi in September 2023.

 

Speaking further, Dangote, warned that Africa must avoid becoming a dumping ground for outdated industrial plans and imports that undermine job creation.

“But really, you know, come to think of it, we should be very careful, not only in Nigeria, but in the entire African continent. Because people are importing poverty into our nations and exporting our jobs out. And we have the most, you know, growing population in the world, the continent.”” he cautioned.

 

 

Cross River gov appoints new Head of Service

 

Cross River State Governor Bassey Otu has approved the appointment of Orok Okon as the new Head of the State Civil Service.

 

Okon’s appointment, which takes effect from September 19, 2025, follows the retirement of Dr. Innocent Eteng.

 

In a statement signed by his Chief Press Secretary and Special Adviser on Media and Publicity, Linus Obogo on Tuesday, the governor commended Dr. Eteng for his decades of dedication and service, describing his career as a beacon of excellence and commitment.

 

Governor Otu charged the new Head of Service to bring vision, integrity, and reform-driven zeal to the role, stressing that his administration remains committed to enthroning competent leadership across the state’s public institutions.

“The new Head of Service is expected to foster efficiency, professionalism, and accountability across the public service. This appointment underscores the administration’s steadfast resolve to strengthen the machinery of governance for optimal service delivery to the people of Cross River State,” the statement read.

 

Upon assumption of office in May 2023, the governor appointed Dr Eteng in September.

Otu’s administration has repeatedly emphasised civil service reform, focusing on professionalism, merit-based promotions, welfare improvements for workers, and stronger governance structures.

 

During his tenure, Dr. Eteng implemented several measures, including the regularisation of casual workers, many of whom had reportedly served for years without formal recognition.

 

He also initiated plans to recruit new civil servants to fill vacancies created by mass retirements, while working to align the workforce with merit-driven standards and best practices.

 

On his part, Okon, before his new appointment, served as a Permanent Secretary in the Cross River State Civil Service, including at the Ministry of Justice.

 

With years of administrative and legal experience, he is expected to consolidate ongoing reforms and steer the civil service towards greater efficiency.

 

The transition marks a continuation of Governor Otu’s pledge to reposition the civil service as the engine room of governance, with Okon now tasked with sustaining momentum and deepening reforms that affect thousands of workers across the state.

 

Gunmen on motorbikes kill 22 at baptism ceremony in Niger

 

Gunmen on motorbikes shot dead 22 villagers in western Niger, most attending a baptism ceremony, local media and other sources said Tuesday.

 

The shootings happened on Monday in the Tillaberi region, near Burkina Faso and Mali, where jihadist groups linked to Al-Qaeda and the Islamic State group (IS) are active.

 

A resident of the area told AFP that 15 people were killed first at a baptism ceremony in Takoubatt village.

 

“The attackers then went to the outskirts of Takoubatt where they killed seven other people,” said the resident, who requested anonymity for security reasons.

Local media outlet Elmaestro TV reported a “gruesome death toll of 22 innocent people cowardly killed without reason or justification”.

 

“Once again, the Tillaberi region has been struck by barbarism, plunging innocent families into mourning and despair,” Nigerien human rights campaigner Maikoul Zodi said on social media.

 

Niger’s military leaders, who came to power two years ago in a coup, have struggled to contain jihadist groups in Tillaberi, despite maintaining a large army presence there.

Around 20 soldiers were killed in the region last week.

 

Human Rights Watch has urged Niger authorities to “do more to protect” civilians against deadly attacks.

 

The rights monitoring group estimates that the Islamic State group has “summarily executed” more than 127 villagers and Muslim worshippers in Tillaberi in five attacks since March.

 

Meanwhile, the NGO ACLED, which tracks conflict victims worldwide, says around 1,800 people have been killed in attacks in Niger since October 2024 — three-quarters of them in Tillaberi.

 

Niger and its neighbours, Burkina Faso and Mali, also ruled by military coup leaders who claim to pursue a sovereignist policy, have expelled the French and American armies that were fighting alongside them against jihadism.

 

AFP

Rotary club elects Christiana as president

 

The Rotary Club of Lekki Golden, District 9112, has elected Christiana Okenla as its seventh president and third female leader during an investiture ceremony held recently in Lagos. The event, which drew over 250 Rotarians, dignitaries, and guests, took place under the theme “One World. One Community.”

 

President Okenla assumed leadership in line with Rotary International’s 2025-2026 theme, “Unite for Good”.Distinguished guests at the ceremony included Past District Governors Asiwaju Dr Michael Olawale-Cole and Omotunde Lawson and Past Assistant Governor Kayode Aderinokun.

 

A highlight of the investiture was the induction of 25 new members, described by District Governor Lanre Adedoyin as “the largest membership expansion in the club’s recent history.”

 

He commended President Okenla for a strong start, noting that “Rotary is first a membership club where friendship is built and then strengthened by service to humanity.”

The ceremony also saw the installation of three honorary Rotarians and the presentation of awards recognising outstanding service and humanitarian contributions. Deputy Chief of Staff to the Governor of Lagos State, Samuel Egube, delivered the keynote address, while Chairman of the Executive Group and Board Member of the Lagos State Security Trust Fund, Dr Ayodele Ogunsan, chaired the event.

 

In a special recognition segment, Dr Ogunsan, his wife Dr Ajoke O. Ogunsan, and Mr Egube were installed as honorary Rotarians, acknowledging their contributions to community development and humanitarian causes.

The 2025-2026 leadership team includes Rtn. Abiodun Olawale-Cole as President-Elect, Rtn. Afolabi Olufunmilayo Margaret as Secretary, and Ulari Nwaogazie as Treasurer. Several key committee chairs were also appointed to drive the club’s programmes.

 

President Okenla outlined an ambitious agenda focused on Rotary’s seven areas of focus, with particular emphasis on health, education, and community economic development. She highlighted initiatives including the Pack-to-Schoolproject for underserved students and sponsorship of ten young people to attend the Rotary Youth Leadership Academy at Sea School, Apapa, Lagos. Plans to expand health outreach programmes such as Safe Start and Dress-a-Dream were also announced.

 

Rtn. Okenla, who serves as Director of Customer Success for West Africa at Equinix (MainOne), brings more than 22 years of professional experience in banking, telecommunications, and information technology. She previously served as club treasurer during the Imagine Rotary and Create Hope in the World years.

“My leadership philosophy, Purpose, Passion, People, will guide how we embrace Rotary’s seven areas of focus,” she said. “Our purpose gives direction, our passion fuels commitment, and our people remain at the heart of every decision.”

 

Paying tribute to her late father, Chief Christopher Okhira, and her mother, Deaconess Agnes Okhira, she credited them for instilling values of service and integrity that guide her approach. “I see this Rotary year as a tapestry, each project a thread, each member a weaver, and each act of kindness a colour that makes the whole brighter,” she added.

 

The ceremony concluded with Okenla pledging to “lead with empathy, integrity, and excellence” while making the Rotary Club of Lekki Golden “a force for good” in the community.

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