Osun Assembly passes 2024 budget of N273.90bn

Osun Assembly passes 2024 budget of N273.90bn

The Osun State House of Assembly, on Thursday, passed the  state’s N273,908,997,410 budget for 2024.

The motion for the passage of budget was moved at plenary by the Majority Leader, Mr Babajide Kofoworola and which was supported by other members.

Earlier on Wednesday, the Chairman of the House Committee on Finance and Appropriation, Mr Olumide Fatunmise, had presented the report of the committee to the legislature for passage after the third reading.

The Speaker, Prince Adewale Egbedun, said the final copy of the Bill would be produced and forwarded to the Governor, Sen. Ademola Adeleke, for assent.

Osun communal clash: Crisis extends to Oyo state as Ilobu farmers seek intervention

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that Gov. Ademola Adeleke of Osun had presented the 2024 budget of N273,908,997,410 before the legislature on Nov. 9 for consideration and approval.

 (NAN)

First Lady splashes N950m Christmas largesse on elderly citizens.

First Lady splashes N950m Christmas largesse on elderly citizens.

Two hundred and fifty vulnerable elders in Lagos State have benefitted from the Renewed Hope Initiative Elderly Support Scheme (RHIESS) of the First Lady, Oluremi Tinubu. 

The beneficiaries got N100, 000 each. 

The initiave was launched simultaneously across the 36 states of the country, and Abuja. 

The total money disbursed amounts to N950 million as approved by the Governing Board of the Renewed Hope Initiative and each state got N25 million. 

Beneficiaries also got free one-year health insurance under the Lagos State Health Insurance Scheme (LASHMA), courtesy Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu.

The governor’s wife, Mrs. Ibijoke Sanwo-Olu, promised that the state would replicate the initiative, saying that by February 2024, more elderly persons would benefit. 

Beneficiaries, aged 65 years and above, were nominated from the five ibile divisions of the state – Ikeja, Lagos, Epe, Ikorodu and Badagry. 

Mrs. Sanwo-Olu, who also doubles as the state coordinator, read Mrs. Tinubu’s speech. 

The speech read: “This Renewed Hope Initiative Elderly Support Scheme (RHIESS), with the theme ‘Better Days Ahead’, is and economic empowerment programme borne out of a steadfast commitment to the well-being of our elderly citizens. It marks a significant stride in our collective pursuit of a more inclusive and compassionate society.

“This scheme is to support 250 vulnerable elderly citizens aged 65 and above in all 36 states of the federation, the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), and veterans from the Defence and Police Officers’ Wives Association (DEPOWA).

“These selected beneficiaries will receive N100,000 each. This is to cushion the effects of the economic situation and alleviate the burdens of our esteemed elders during this festive period.

“The total sum to be disbursed is N950 million as approved by the Governing Board of the Renewed Hope Initiative. Each state will receive N25 million. We are committed to ensuring that each state receives this gesture, without discrimination.

“As we approach the festive season, it becomes very important to emphasise the significance of prioritising our elderly citizens in our initiatives. By reaching out to the eljderly this festive period, we not only honour their contributions, but also acknowledge the unique encounters they face. 

“To our senior citizens, I urge you to embrace life to the fullest, prioritise your health, nurture your minds, and strengthen your bonds with loved ones and with God. These are the keys to a rich and fulfilling life in your golden years.

“I equally extend my heartfelt appreciation to all your excellencies, state coordinators of RHI, and partners who have supported with free medical screening and the distribution of other sundry items to beneficiaries, in ensuring the success of this programme. 

“This period should be a time of joy and comfort for all, even as we hope for a greater Nigeria, in security, education, health, employment and business opportunities for all. We seek your continued support and prayers for the administration of President Bola Tinubu, as we look forward to better days ahead.”

Transport fare slash: Presidency names Chisco, others as participating companies.

Transport fare slash: Presidency names Chisco, others as participating companies.

The Presidency has revealed the companies that will be participating in the 50 per cent slash of inter-state transport fares approved by President Bola Tinubu.

Tinubu, on Wednesday, approved the reduction as well as free train rides for Nigerians starting Thursday, December 21, 2023, to January 4, 2024.

The Minister of Solid Minerals Development, Dele Alake, while announcing this gesture to State House Correspondents at the Aso Rock Villa on Wednesday said Nigerians willing to travel can board public transport via mini buses, luxury buses at 50 per cent discount of current cost.

Meanwhile, the Special Adviser to President Bola Tinubu on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, has

revealed the five participating transport companies in the scheme.

In a post on X on Thurday, Onanuga named, GIG (God is Good), Chisco Transport, Young Shall Grow, God Bless Ezenwata, and Area Motor.

He wrote, “Participating companies in the FG’s plan to reduce the transport burden of travelling five million Nigerians:

1. GIG ( God is Good)

2. Chisco Transport

3. Young Shall Grow

4. God Bless Ezenwata

5. Area Motor.”

The Presidency also posted a document showing 28 routes the buses will run. They include Lagos- Kano, Lagos-Abuja, Lagos-Kaduna-Zaria, Lagos-Jos, Lagos-Enugu, Lagos-Onitsha, Lagos-Owerri, Lagos-Aba, Lagos-Abakaliki, Lagos-Nsukka, Lagos-Uyo, Lagos-Port-Harcourt, Onitsha- Kano, Onitsha-Lagos.

Others are, Onitsha-Jos, Onitsha-Abuja, Onitsha-Sokoto, Onitsha-Gombe, Onitsha-Zakibam, PH-Owerri-Aba-Kano, Aba-Owerri-Abuja, Aba-Lagos, Abuja-Sokoto, Abuja – Lagos, Abuja-Onitsha-Owerri-Port-Harcourt, Abuja-Enugu-Abakaliki, Abuja-Gombe and Abuja-Kano.

Sanwo-Olu pledges more funding for artisans.

Sanwo-Olu pledges more funding for artisans.

The Lagos State Governor, Mr Babajide Sanwo-Olu, on Wednesday, assured artisans/tradesmen in the state of his administration’s commitment to scale up funding for the sector.

Speaking at the 14th Tradesmen and Artisans Day celebration held  at the Blue Roof, Lagos Television, Agidingbi, the governor, who was represented by the Commissioner for Establishment and Training, Mr Afolabi Ayantayo, said his administration had put in place a series of empowerment programmes to prepare artisans in the state “to think global and provide local solutions.”

Acknowledging the artisans as key contributors to economic growth, employment generation and wealth creation in the state, Sanwo-Olu said his government would continue to develop “innovative solutions that address the challenges” of the sector and create the enabling environment for improved productivity.

“As a government that is responsive to the needs of the people, we will continue to explore ways to make sure we cushion the effects of these policies; we will do everything within our power to support you at this time and ensure that you feel the impact of our good governance.

“We will continue to improve the capacity of the relevant government agencies and institutions, including the Lagos State Employment Trust Fund, and continue to support small-scale businesses with access to funds.

“Our passion to enhance the growth of this sector and prosperity of all stakeholders has been demonstrated by the implementation of various programmes through the Ministry of Wealth Creation and Employment and collaboration with other government agencies and the private sector,” the governor said.

Earlier in his address, the Commissioner for Wealth Creation and Employment, Mr Akinyemi Ajigbotafe, appealed for the upward review of the annual subvention from N6m to N12m.

Minister unveils dry season farming in Benue.

Minister unveils dry season farming in Benue.

The Minister of Water Resources and Sanitation, Prof. Joseph Utsev, on Wednesday flagged off the 2023/24 dry season farming in Benue State.

The minister, who performed the ceremony at Mbaku, Makurdi, said the Federal Government targeted 500,000 hectares irrigable land in 2024.

Utsev said that President Bola Tinubu had directed the ministry to ensure that 500,000 hectares irrigable land was maximally put to use in 2024.

According to the minister, all the 12 River Basins in the country will be fully utilised in 2024 in line with the renowned hope agenda of the president.

He also said that most of the basins were partly commercialised for the purpose of boosting the country’s food production and economy.

The minister said that the 1,500 hectares of land at the Lower Benue River Basin Development Authority Makurdi farm located at Mbaku community would not be enough for irrigation farming in 2024.

He reiterated the ministry’s commitment to deliver on its mandate and called on investors to invest into the country’s water sector.

“We have put all the machineries in place to ensure that there is no excuse for us not to boost agriculture in this country.

“We have gone into partial commercialisation of the 12 River Basins in the country. We are now inviting investors to come in and partner with us.

“We are going to offer some incentives to farmers today such as water pumps to boost their cultivation and also encourage them.

“As we do symbolic planting of the crops today, I want to assure the famers that we are ready to support them, work with them and help them to overcome their challenges so that food would be available to all Nigerians.”he said

The minister said that government would also provide improved seedlings and technical support to the farmers.

Earlier, Engr. Mohammed Addra, the Managing Director, Lower Benue River Basin Development Authority, Makurdi, commended the host community for their cooperation and promised to continue to work with them.

The News Agency of Nigeria reports that the minister during the visit, inaugurated the Soil and Geographic Information System laboratories of the basin, Lessel Dam.

He also presented certificates and distributed starter packs to the 5th Batch of graduands under the Graduates/Youths Empowerment Programme of the Federal Government.

The minister also inspected the rice mill, Songhai Model Farm, and distributed water pumps to some farmers and other inputs to the graduands.

NAN

Spotify names Olamide most influential street pop artiste.

Spotify names Olamide most influential street pop artiste.

Spotify, an online streaming platform, has rated Nigerian rapper, singer, songwriter and record executive, Olamide Adedeji, popularly known as “Olamide”, as the ‘most influential street pop artiste of his generation’.

Spotify’s Editor, West Africa, Benewaah Boateng, announced this in a statement on Thursday, in Lagos.

Boateng said lately, the undeniable rise of the sub-genre “Street Pop” in Nigeria had been both remarkable and thrilling to observe and this had slowly made its way to mainstream music.

“Olamide is the most influential street pop artiste of his generation, consistently praised for his role in elevating Street Pop to mainstream recognition as a distinct music genre.

“Since the debut of his hit single, “Eni Duro,” he has been a constant cultural force, popularising dance styles like “Shakiti Bobo” and street lingos such as “Baddo Sneh” and “Pepper Dem”.

“Through his record label YBNL, Olamide has also played a pivotal role in discovering and nurturing Nigeria’s brightest street pop talents.

“The influence of Street Pop on the Nigerian music landscape in 2023 is clearly and undeniably significant.

“This is just the beginning of Street Pop going mainstream and we cannot wait to see how it continues to grow,” she said.

Boateng maintained that street pop which originated from a fusion of Afrobeats, Highlife, Hip-hop, Fuji, Apala, indigenous sounds, and contemporary elements, boasts of an engaging rhythm, pulsating fast-paced beats and lyrics that mirror the everyday lives of Nigerians navigating the challenges of the streets.

She explained that notable attribute of Street Pop as a music genre lies in its profound connection to the harsh realities of everyday life in Nigeria.

She added that Olamide occupied the ninth spot in the list of top 10 artistes in Nigeria.

“His most recent project, “Unruly” garnered widespread acclaim from fans who describe it as a brilliant body of work.

“One particular track that has resonated exceptionally well with audiences is “Gaza”, which has received significant admiration for its appeal and musical craftsmanship.

“Also, Seyi Vibez has emerged as an undeniable force in the Nigerian street pop scene, particularly in 2023, after finding mainstream success in 2022.

“He has ingrained himself in the hearts of Gen-Zs and millennials, with phrases like “na ham, na ham” echoing from his popular song, “Chance.”

“His success in 2023 is evident, from selling out his concert at the O2 Indigo Hall in the UK to securing features on hit songs like Gwagwalada, the second most streamed song in Nigeria on Spotify.

“Additionally, earning a spot among the top five most streamed artists in Nigeria further underscores Seyi Vibez’s ability to transcend Street Pop and strike a chord with all music lovers,” she said.

Boateng noted that Zinoleesky had reshaped and made substantial contributions to the street pop genre through his skillful melodies and compelling storytelling, landing him in the top 15 most streamed artistes in Nigeria.

She said that as the genre continues to evolve and street pop artistes continue to explore new creative frontiers, it was evident that street pop was poised for exponential growth in the years to come.

She said street pop potentially will be emerging as the next global phenomenon akin to Afrobeats.

NAN

Afuye Greets Oyebanji at 56, Brands Him Fanatical Lover of masses.

Afuye Greets Oyebanji at 56, Brands Him Fanatical Lover of masses.

The Ekiti State Deputy Governor, Chief (Mrs) Monisade Afuye, has rejoiced with her principal and Governor of the state, Biodun Abayomi Oyebanji, on the occasion of his 56th birthday. 

Rationalising the fact that her principal worths being celebrated, Mrs Afuye, described Governor Oyebanji as an outstanding democrat and rabid lover of the masses, who values humanity and places high priority on the welfare of the poor. 

Oyebanji was born on 21st December, 1967. 

In her congratulatory message to Oyebanji, which she personally signed, on Thursday, the Deputy Governor, prayed for good and sound health for her principal to be able to navigate Ekiti to the promised land.

The congratulatory message was entitled: 'I rejoice with my boss, an outstanding leader and lover of the masses at 56'. 

The message reads: " I rejoice with my principal, Governor Biodun Oyebanji on this auspicious day of his birthday. Governor BAO, as fondly called, is an outstanding democrat and lover of the masses, who has etched his name in the hearts of the masses.

"Governor Oyebanji is a politician and administrator who has ingeniously brought paradigm shift to governance by initiating processes that are steadily building a strong bridge of trust between the government and the governed, thereby bolstering the state and country's democracy. 

"Sir, your own philosophy of governance is one that aligns fully with the doctrine of People's First . By action and deeds, you are walking the talk without distraction or any touch of hypocrisy.

"Let me say loudly and clearly that I thank God for working with an unimaginably selfless and humble leader as inherent in your personality at this crucial time of Ekiti history.

"Your Excellency, sir, your life radiates positivities and this has vividly reflected in your trajectory of services to Ekiti land at all levels. I feliciate you on this auspicious occasion of your 56th Birthday, and pray for God's plentiful grace, blessing, favour and all-round successes for the rest of your life.

"I hereby wish you good and sound health, God's invincible and unquantifiable favour as you navigate the wheel of affairs of the state to the path of progress and radical development.

"Once again, accept my hearty congratulations, sir".

FULL TEXT

I REJOICE WITH MY BOSS, AN OUTSTANDING LEADER AND LOVER OF THE MASSES AT 56!

I rejoice with my principal, Governor Biodun Oyebanji on this auspicious day of his. Governor BAO, as foundly called, is an outstanding democrat and lover of the masses, who has etched his name in the hearts of the masses.

Gov. Oyebanji is a politician and administrator who has ingeniously brought paradigm shift to governance by initiating processes that are steadily building a strong bridge of trust between the government and the governed, thereby bolstering the state and country's democracy. 

Sir, your own philosophy of governance is one that aligns fully with the doctrine of People's First . By action and deeds, you are walking the talk without distraction or any touch of hypocrisy.

Let me say loudly and clearly that, I thank God for working with an

unimaginably selfless and humble leader inherent in your person at this crucial time .

Your Excellency sir, your life radiate positivities and this has vividly reflected in your trajectory of services to Ekiti land at all levels. I feliciate you on this auspicious occasion of your birthday, and pray for God's plentiful grace, blessing, favour and protection in all round successes for the rest of your life.

I hereby wish you good and sound health, God's invincible and unquantifiable favour as you navigate the wheel of affairs of the state to the path of progress and radical development.

Once again, accept my hearty congratulations, 

God is your strength.

Signed:

Chief Mrs. Monisade Christianah Afuye

Deputy Governor, Ekiti State.