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BREAKING: N’Assembly To Extend 2024 Budget Cycle

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  The National Assembly is set to extend the 2024 budget cycle It was also learned that the 2025 budget will be passed at the end of the year. President Bola Tinubu is scheduled to present the N47.9tn 2025 budget to a joint session of the National Assembly at 12 pm. The Chairman of the Senate Committee on Capital Markets and Institutions, Osita Izunaso (APC, Imo West), noted that the late submission of the budget makes its passage within the year unfeasible. Isunazo said, “The budget is coming late. Today is December 18, so we will lose that culture of beginning a new year with a new budget. Nevertheless, the budget has a lifespan of 12 months. “So whenever we pass it, it will have a lifespan of 12 months. Even after 12 months, we still have the liberty to extend it. In fact, we are extending the 2024 budget today. “But that culture of starting on the 1st of January, we have lost it. The executive ought to have brought this budget way before now. But I believe that maybe they are putting things together. “They wouldn’t want to delay deliberately bringing the budget to the National Assembly. So I’m saying that that is not a problem, but we have lost that culture.” The 9th National Assembly in 2020 introduced the January-December budget cycle during the administration of former President Muhammadu Buhari as a strategy to enhance budget performance. This marked a departure from the June-May cycle, which persisted until the 2019 appropriation. During the transition, the then-Senate President and Chairman of the National Assembly, Senator Ahmad Lawan, noted that the June-May cycle posed challenges for planning and effectively implementing Nigeria’s macroeconomic framework. “We believe that if we can do that, our budget will go back to that regular cycle, that desirable cycle of January to December, and that will enhance the budget performance of this country,” Lawan has stated. Although the Senate and the House of Representatives passed the 2025-2027 Medium Term Expenditure Framework and Fiscal Strategy Paper last week, uncertainty lingers about when President Tinubu will present the 2027 budget estimates to a joint session of the legislature Tinubu presented the 2024 budget before a joint session of the National Assembly on November 29, 2023, and it was subsequently passed on December 30—approximately one month later. At the presentation, Tinubu emphasised the importance of maintaining the January-December cycle, urging lawmakers to ensure the 2024 budget’s timely passage. “I am confident that the National Assembly will continue to work closely with us to ensure that deliberations on the 2024 budget are thorough and concluded with reasonable dispatch. Our goal is for the Appropriation Act to take effect on the 1st of January 2024,” he had stated. Both chambers are in separate closed-door sessions. Our correspondent reports that the Minister of Finance, Wale Edun and Group Managing Director of Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited, Mele Kyari, among other executives, are already at the National Assembly.

Edo Assembly Suspends 18 LG Chairmen, Deputies Over Alleged Insubordination

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  The Edo State House of Assembly, on Tuesday, passed a resolution suspending chairmen and vice chairmen of the 18 local government councils for two months. The House also mandated the leaders of the legislative arms to take over leadership of their respective councils. The suspension of the council chairmen and their deputies was sequel to a motion moved by the member representing Esan North East 1, Isibor Adeh and seconded by the member representing Akoko-Edo 2, Mr Donald Okogbe. The state governor, Monday Okpebholo, had earlier written a petition to the House over the refusal of the chairmen to submit financial records of their local government to the state government. In the letter, Okpebholo, who described their action as an act of insubordination and gross misconduct, requested the House to look into the matter. When the matter came up for debate, 14 members supported the motion for their suspension, six of them were opposed to the motion while three members refused to either support or oppose the motion. The speaker of the House, Blessing Agbebaku, told the members that all of them must speak on the matter. Agbebaku said, “I will implore that all members of the house speak on this matter before a decision is taken.” Punch

Yuletide: Over 12,000 Vulnerable People Benefit From OYCSDA Psychosocial Support Programme

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  Over 12,000 people across Oyo State are to benefit from the 2024 Psychosocial Support Programme, organized by the Oyo State Community and Social Development Agency (OYCSDA). The programme, which was designed by the World Bank and Oyo State government under the Nigeria Community Action for Resilience and Economic Stimulus (NG-CARES), was another way to give succor to the less privileged like widows, orphans and people with special needs, was flagged off at Alegongo Community Hall, Akobo, Lagelu Local Government, Ibadan on Tuesday. In his keynote address, the OYCSDA Chairman, Hon. Abideen Adetokunbo Adeaga said like the 251 micro-projects that have benefited over 355,000 beneficiaries in healthcare, education, water and sanitation and erosion control sectors, the psychosocial support programme was targeted at over 12,000 inhabitants across the State. He said the programme encapsulated provision of welfare items like foodstuffs, funds and counseling sessions for the wellbeing of indigent and vulnerable people, which would give them the capacity to deal with the demands and challenges of everyday life, as well as boosting their confidence and energy to partake in the implementation and sustainability of micro-projects in their communities. “These supports are granted to over 12,000 among the most vulnerable in our communities to enhance their ability to deal with demands and challenges of everyday life as well as boosting their confidence and energy to participate in the implementation of micro-projects in their communities. “It is pertinent to appreciate God and the amiable Governor of Oyo State, Engr. Seyi Makinde for making these efforts become successful through funding and encouragement, under the NG-CARES programme, the Agency has facilitated the implementation of 251 micro-projects in 114 communities across the 33 local government areas of Oyo State, while over 355,000 beneficiaries have being recorded for these micro-projects,” he added. The General Manager, OYCSDA, Mr Salau Jelili reiterated the commitment of the agency to care for the ‘poorest of the poor’ category in the State through interventions in critical sectors of life with micro-projects, while the psychosocial support programme was meant to add a welfare fillip to the households, to enhance social, economic, physical and psychological well-being of the vulnerable population. He charged the beneficiaries to continue to give needed support to the Seyi Makinde-led administration, so as to keep benefiting from dividends of democracy. Present at the event was a strong ally of the State Governor, Hon. Babatunde Tijani (Double-T), the Executive Chairman, Lagelu Local Government, Hon. Mudashiru Kamorudeen, the State Woman Leader of the People’s Democratic Party (PDP), Alhaja Wulemot Ibitoye and a member of Oyo State’s Pilgrims’ Board, Alhaja Fatimoh Oluwa, among others.

Nigeria Ranks Sixth Globally In Suicide Rates – Don

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  A Professor and Consultant Psychiatrist at Obafemi Awolowo University and the Obafemi Awolowo University Teaching Hospital, Ile-Ife, Prof. Adesanmi Akinsulore, has revealed that Nigeria ranks sixth globally among countries with the highest suicide rates. He disclosed that men account for 79% of suicides, while women are more prone to suicidal thoughts, emphasising the urgent need for collaborative efforts to address the issue, especially among students. Akinsulore made these remarks on Monday during a lecture at an event organised by The Still Waters Mental Health Foundation, held at Ladoke Akintola University of Technology Ogbomoso, Oyo State. The event, themed, “Navigating the Storm: Unraveling the Intricacies of Suicides Amongst Students,” focused on understanding and preventing suicide in educational institutions. He described suicide as a major public health concern, noting that it was the third leading cause of death globally among individuals aged 15 to 29 in 2021. According to him, while suicide is a personal tragedy, it has devastating social, emotional, and economic consequences. The psychiatrist attributed school-related risk factors for suicide to various challenges, including difficulties in accessing psychological care, stigma associated with seeking help, discrimination due to disabilities or physical differences, academic failure, and a lack of supportive school environments. He described suicide as a major public health concern, noting that it was the third leading cause of death globally among individuals aged 15 to 29 in 2021. According to him, while suicide is a personal tragedy, it has devastating social, emotional, and economic consequences. The psychiatrist attributed school-related risk factors for suicide to various challenges, including difficulties in accessing psychological care, stigma associated with seeking help, discrimination due to disabilities or physical differences, academic failure, and a lack of supportive school environments. He also highlighted broader risk factors such as depression, anxiety, substance abuse, previous suicide attempts, self-injury, loneliness, isolation, and chronic illnesses. Additionally, interpersonal difficulties, exposure to stigma, and access to lethal means were identified as contributors to suicidal behaviour. Akinsulore pointed out protective factors that could mitigate suicide risks, including strong parental support, social involvement, mentorship, and accessible student support services. “There is one suicide for every 25 attempts. In 2021, suicide was the third leading cause of death among 15 to 29-year-olds globally,” he said. He called for collective responsibility in tackling suicide, urging schools, communities, and stakeholders to prioritise mental health, combat stigma, and ensure access to resources for student well-being. “Navigating the storm is a collective responsibility. We must work together to create a supportive and inclusive environment that promotes student well-being and resilience,” he said. In his remarks, the Founder of The Still Waters Mental Health Foundation, Dr. Oyewole A. Olutunmise, reiterated the need for unity in addressing suicide and mental health challenges. “This gathering reminds us of the power of unity in addressing one of the most critical issues of our time—suicide and mental health challenges. The Still Waters Mental Health Foundation was borne from the belief that no one should face their struggles alone,” Dr. Olutunmise said. He expressed gratitude to the programme sponsors, organising committee, and other stakeholders for their support, stressing the importance of replacing silence with open conversations and fostering hope for the future. Punch

Lookman Wins CAF Player Of The Year Award

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  Super Eagles forward Ademola Lookman was crowned African Player of The Year, while the Super Falcons retained their Women’s National Team of The Year award, and goalkeeper Chiamaka Nnadozie successfully defended her Goalkeeper of The Year title at the 2024 CAF Awards in Marrakech, Morocco, on Monday. Lookman’s triumph made him the seventh Nigerian to win the prestigious award and maintained Nigeria’s impressive record in the category following Victor Osimhen’s victory last year. The Atalanta striker’s remarkable year included three goals and two assists as Nigeria reached their eighth Africa Cup of Nations final in February, while his hat-trick secured the UEFA Europa Cup for Atalanta against Bayer Leverkusen in May. The 26-year-old has continued his fine form this season, scoring 11 goals and providing five assists in 18 appearances across all competitions, including a notable strike against Real Madrid in the UEFA Champions League. His closest challengers included Ivory Coast’s Simon Adingra, whose second-half performance helped the Elephants overcome Nigeria in the AFCON final, Guinea’s Serhou Guirassy, South African goalkeeper Ronwen Williams, and Morocco’s Achraf Hakimi. The victory sees Nigeria move clear of Ivory Coast with seven Player of The Year awards, with previous winners being Rashidi Yekini (1993), Emmanuel Amuneke (1994), Nwankwo Kanu (1996 and 1999), Victor Ikpeba (1997) and Osimhen (2023). Only Cameroon, with 11 titles, have more. Meanwhile, Nnadozie’s exceptional year was rewarded with a second consecutive Goalkeeper of The Year award, though she missed out on the Women’s Player of The Year prize to Zambian captain Barbara Banda, who ended Asisat Oshoala’s reign after the Nigerian won a record sixth title last year. The Paris FC goalkeeper, who helped Nigeria qualify for the Women’s Olympic Football Tournament after a 16-year absence, beat South Africa’s Andile Dlamini and Morocco’s Khadija Er-Rmichi to retain her crown. The Super Falcons’ recognition as Africa’s best women’s team capped a successful year that saw them maintain their position as the continent’s top-ranked side on FIFA’s rankings. Nigeria Football Federation President Ibrahim Gusau, who received the award, dedicated it to First Lady Oluremi Tinubu. However, the Super Eagles missed out on the Men’s Team of The Year award to AFCON champions Ivory Coast, with South Africa’s Bafana Bafana also nominated. In other categories, Egypt’s Al Ahly were named Men’s Club of The Year, while TP Mazembe of DR Congo claimed the women’s crown ahead of Nigeria’s Edo Queens. Senegal’s Lamine Camara retained the Men’s Young Player of The Year award, with Egypt’s Doha El Madani winning the women’s category despite competition from Nigeria’s Chiamaka Okwuchukwu. South Africa’s Ronwen Williams completed a double by adding the Men’s Goalkeeper of The Year to his Interclub Player of The Year award, while Morocco’s Sanaa Mssoudy won the women’s interclub honour.

OYRTMA Cracks Down On Illegal Street Trading In Ibadan

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  The Oyo State Road Traffic Management Authority (OYRTMA), over the weekend launched a series of raids against illegal street traders within Ibadan metropolis. The operation, led by the agency’s Chairman, Major Adekoya Adesagba (rtd), spanned a day and targeted Oritamerin, Gege, Agbeni and Ogunpa areas of the state. According to Adesagba, who was accompanied by the General Manager, Commander Ayoade Adekola, the move aims to tackle the issues of blocked roads and slow traffic regulation in the area. He said the areas had been converted into makeshift markets, leading to severe traffic congestion and environmental pollution. Adesagba highlighted that the activities violate environmental laws, contributing to indiscriminate waste disposal and drainage systems, thereby worsening flooding in parts of the city. The Chairman expressed disappointment at the marketers’ failure to comply with government regulations, seizing their market stalls and imposing fines on those caught. Additionally 12 individuals operating an illegal motor park in the market were also apprehended, with fines imposed on the offenders. He warned marketers to desist from selling on the roads, emphasizing that the government’s efforts are geared towards ensuring their safety and protecting their property. “The OYRTMA’s enforcement operation is part of the Oyo State Government’s broader efforts to reduce accidents and improve road safety”, he said. “This government’s initiatives have led to a significant reduction in accidents, making the roads safer for marketers and road users alike”, he added. According to him, OYRTMA’s actions have been commended for promoting a conducive environment for business and transportation in Oyo state.  

Oyo Govt Vows To Prosecute Killer Of OYRTMA Officer

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  The Oyo State Government, on Monday vowed to prosecute a reckless driver found culpable in the death of an officer of the state’s traffic agency, Fabunmi Kehinde, in the Agbowo area. Mr. Fabunmi, a Level 4 officer of the Oyo State Traffic Management Authority, OYRTMA, was killed on Saturday, by a driver of a Black 4matic Benz with Registration number LSD 862 JS, who disobeyed traffic light and was apprehended by OYRTMA officers. Speaking in Ibadan, the Chairman, OYRTMA, Major Adekoya Adesagba (rtd) condemned Mr. Fabunmi’s brutal killing, adding that the victim died while performing his lawful duties of making Agbowo safe for motorists and commuters. He emphasized that OYRTMA officers are working tirelessly to ensure the safety and security of lives and property, and that anyone who assaults or disrespects them will face the full wrath of the law. Major Adesagba commended the swift response of the police and OYRTMA officers in apprehending the suspect and expressed his condolences to the family of the deceased officer. He also praised the Oyo State Government for its unwavering support in ensuring the safety and security of the state’s roads. “No one who disrespects or assaults our officers will go unpunished,’ Adesagba stated, affirming that the suspect will be prosecuted. “The incident serves as a stark reminder of the dangers faced by traffic officers and the need for drivers to exercise caution and respect for the law”, Adekoya said. “The suspect has been arraigned at the Magistrate Court, Iyaganku, today, but since the court was on a weekday break, the case was adjourned to Thursday. The suspect remains in police custody.” According to an eyewitness, the driver, trying to escape after being apprehended by OYRTMA officers, reversed his vehicle and in an attempt to zoom out, killed Fabunmi Kehinde, who had approached the vehicle at the front. Officer Fabunmi Kehinde sustained severe head injuries and was rushed to a hospital in Orogun, where he received treatment. He was later transferred to another hospital within Ibadan metropolis where he unfortunately passed away. The driver attempted to flee the scene but was apprehended by OYRTMA officers and police personnel at the University of Ibadan area. The suspect was subsequently dragged to Sango Police Station.

(PHOTOS): Oyo Police Command Parades Suspected Cultists, Recovers Vehicles, Firearms•••As CP Sonubi Promises Adequate Security During Yuletide

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  No fewer than 15 suspected criminals were on Monday paraded at the Oyo State Police Command Headquarters, Eleyele Ibadan for their involvements in various anti-society activities such as cultism, unlawful possession of firearms and other illicit substances. The state Police Commissioner, CP Sonubi Ayodele while addressing journalists at the command over the development maintained that the Oyo State Police Command is committed to maintaining law and order in accordance with the dictates of the constitution and other guiding instruments of the law. CP Sonubi noted that lately, the Command has received disturbing reports of cult related activities in some parts of the Metropolis particularly around Apete, Abayomi (Iwo-road axis), Ijokodo, Moniya, Monathan, Ojoo, Samonda and Sango areas of the State. He further said that “in response to the yearnings of the good people of the State regarding cult related activities, even as we navigate through the yuletide period, the Command is parading (15) Fifteen Male Suspects for offences ranging from; cultism, unlawful possession of firearms and other illicit banned substances. Items were also recovered during the intelligence led raids; (5) Five inscribed cultism jackets, (3) Three Dane Guns, (1) locally made Pistol (1) One Locally Made Cut-To-Size Gun, (1) One Long Barrel Gun, (1) One Red Toyota Camry with Reg NO. KTU 41 JH, (1) One Red Cloth (1) One Powder Blue Beret with Inscription and (3) Three Cutlasses, one black Honda with registration number GGE 64 FM Lagos. Among the suspects paraded at the command are, Ajayi Toheeb (Male), aged 26, Agbolahan Afeez (Male) aged 19, Amoo Ifeoluwa 25, Ajimude Mathew 26, Tomiwa Adeniyi 24. While Atoyebi Temitope, Ismail Lamidi, Rasheed Salawudeen, Babatola Adetunji Ajibade were paraded for cultism,conspiracy, unlawful possession of firearms and illegal substance. Others are Adeosun Jamiu, aged 31, Musedeen Lamidi 44, Quyum Adesokan 22, Adigun Samad, Kamorudeen Rasheed, Toheed Abass.

EPL: Jota Rescues Liverpool In Fulham Draw, Everton Frustrate Arsenal

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  Diogo Jota rescued Liverpool as the Premier League leaders recovered from Andy Robertson’s early red card to snatch a 2-2 draw with Fulham, while Arsenal’s title challenge was dented by a goalless stalemate against Everton on Saturday. With just four minutes left at Anfield, Arne Slot’s side were in danger of losing for just the second time in 15 top-flight games this season. But Jota grabbed a valuable equaliser as Liverpool extended their unbeaten run in all competitions to 19 matches since a loss to Nottingham Forest in September. With last weekend’s Merseyside derby at Everton postponed by severe weather, Liverpool have now gone two league games without a win following their 3-3 draw at Newcastle. The Reds sit five points clear of second-placed Chelsea, who can close the gap with a win against Brentford at Stamford Bridge on Sunday. Liverpool were rocked in the 11th minute as Fulham midfielder Andreas Pereira met Antonee Robinson’s cross with an agile volley that deflected in off Robertson. The Reds suffered another blow when Scotland left-back Robertson was sent off in the 17th minute for a professional foul on Harry Wilson. But Slot’s men have made a habit of coming from behind this season, and Cody Gakpo equalised in the 47th minute with a stooping header from Mohamed Salah’s cross. The Dutch forward’s ninth goal in all competitions this season was the prelude to a period of sustained Liverpool pressure. But Fulham forward Rodrigo Muniz delivered a sucker punch as he bundled over the line from Robinson’s cross in the 76th minute. That set the stage for a dramatic finale as Jota levelled in the 86th minute with a cool finish past Bernd Leno from the edge of the area. Arsenal failed to take advantage of Liverpool’s rare stumble as the Gunners were kept at bay on a frustrating afternoon at the Emirates Stadium. – Lack of firepower – The north Londoners have become a force from set-pieces, scoring 23 goals from corners since the start of last season. But their lack of firepower outside of that route has been questioned this season, and once again, they were hampered by a failure to turn pressure and possession into goals. After a second successive league draw, third-placed Arsenal remain six points behind Liverpool, who have a game in hand on last season’s runners-up. Newcastle handed Ruud van Nistelrooy his first defeat as Leicester boss with a 4-0 rout at St James’ Park. Former Manchester United striker Nistelrooy had taken four points from his first two games since replacing the sacked Steve Cooper. But Newcastle ended that encouraging start as Jacob Murphy drilled a clinical finish into the bottom corner from the edge of the area in the 30th minute. Bruno Guimaraes nodded in Newcastle’s second goal in the 47th minute after Lewis Hall headed Anthony Gordon’s free-kick toward the Brazilian. Alexander Isak bagged the Magpies’ third two minutes later with a close-range finish, and Murphy struck again on the hour to leave Leicester two points above the relegation zone. Jack Taylor’s stoppage-time goal gave Ipswich a priceless 2-1 win over relegation rivals Wolves at Molineux. Kieran McKenna’s team went ahead through Matt Doherty’s 15th-minute own goal after Wolves made a hash of clearing Liam Delap’s cross. Just as Wolves fans were calling for chairman Jeff Shi and owners Fosun to sell the club, Matheus Cunha grabbed a 72nd-minute equaliser as his shot beat Arijanet Muric’s weak attempted save. But Taylor headed home from a 94th-minute corner to seal Ipswich’s second league win since their promotion to the top tier. Third-bottom Ipswich are just one point adrift of safety, while second-bottom Wolves are three points behind them after an 11th loss in 16 league games piled further pressure on boss Gary O’Neil. Nottingham Forest host Aston Villa in a battle of top-four contenders in Saturday’s late game. AFP

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