***As Agric Budget Soars from ₦4bn to ₦70bn Edo State Governor, Senator Monday Okpebholo, has made a bold move to transform the state into Nigeria’s leading food hub, raising the agriculture budget from a modest ₦4 billion to an unprecedented ₦70 billion. The governor’s decision marks a major shift in Edo’s economic priorities, with a clear focus on food security, job creation, and self-sufficiency. Chief Press Secretary to the Governor, Fred Itua in a statement said since assuming office, Governor Okpebholo has rolled out large-scale agricultural projects across the three senatorial districts of the state, backed by massive investments in…
Author: National Update
The political landscape of Enugu State is set for a major shift as Governor Peter Mbah prepares to formally defect from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to the All Progressives Congress (APC) on Tuesday, October 14, 2025, in Enugu, the state capital. Governor Mbah is expected to move with a strong contingent of political allies, including elected national and state legislators, members of the state executive, and party leaders across ward and local government levels. The development marks a strategic move by the APC to deepen its influence in the South-East ahead of future elections. APC National Chairman, Prof. Nentawe…
Nigeria’s 2026 budget presentation faces uncertainty, as the Senate has suspended consideration of new fiscal proposals pending a detailed account from the executive on the performance of the 2024 and 2025 budgets. This was the clear message on Thursday from the Senate Committee on Finance, which directed top managers of the economy to submit a comprehensive performance report on the 2024 budget and projections for the 2025 fiscal year within two weeks. The directive followed a closed-door meeting lasting over an hour between the committee and key government officials, including the Minister of Finance and Coordinating Minister of the Economy,…
Edo State Governor, Senator Monday Okpebholo, has approved the payment of over ₦17 million owed to executive principals of senior secondary schools across the state by the previous administration. The refund, according to the government, represents the outstanding balance from funds deducted for school uniforms during the tenure of the former administration. The approval followed an appeal by a committee of executive principals who visited the Senior Secondary Education Board (SSEB) to seek intervention on the unpaid debt. Led by the Executive Principal of Egor Senior Secondary School, Mr. Onaifo Osemwengie, the principals explained that the issue stemmed from a…
The family of the late Major General Mamman Jiya Vatsa, who was executed in 1986 over an alleged coup plot against the regime of General Ibrahim Babangida, has commended President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for granting a posthumous state pardon to the late former Minister of the Federal Capital Territory. In a statement issued in Minna on Friday, the family described the presidential gesture as “the greatest moment of joy since General Vatsa’s execution 39 years ago.” The statement, signed by family spokesperson and former Niger State Commissioner for Information, Culture, and Tourism, Hon. Jonathan Vatsa, said the pardon has finally…
By Ahmed Ilallah Nigerians are watching this new phase of the drama between ASUU and the Federal Government, with growing expectations of yet another university closure. The fact remains that Nigeria is trapped in a solemn, elusive circle that continues to deter her progress and threaten her future. What a country! The intellectuals and democratic leaders cannot find synergy on a common issue. 2009 Agreement, Revitalization Fund, and Needs Assessment are the scandalous terms that have failed to be properly defined or implemented by the “Minds and Might” group. Intellectuals and visionary leaders foster progressive and developed societies, while negativity…
By Fatima Ndagi The Chairman, House Committee on Commerce, Hon. Ahmed Munir, has reaffirmed the determination of the 10th House of Representatives to deepen transparency, inclusiveness, and people-driven legislation as part of its broader agenda to stimulate economic growth and strengthen national institutions. Speaking at a public hearing on ten bills in Abuja on Thursday, Hon. Munir said the House is focused on passing laws that genuinely reflect the aspirations of Nigerians and align with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s economic transformation vision. “A close look at these bills shows that both the legislature and the executive share one purpose —…
The Speaker of the House of Representatives, Rt. Hon. Abbas Tajudeen, Ph.D., GCON, has mourned the passing of Dr. Christopher Kolade, describing him as “a national treasure whose life exemplified integrity, discipline, and service to humanity.” Dr. Kolade, one of Nigeria’s most revered technocrats and boardroom icons, passed away on Wednesday at the age of 92, according to a statement from his family. In a heartfelt condolence message issued through his Chief Press Secretary, Leke Olatunji Baiyewu, Speaker Abbas said Dr. Kolade was “a rare breed in Nigeria’s public and private life — a man whose moral strength was matched…
President Bola Tinubu on Thursday justified his nomination of Professor Joash Amupitan (SAN) as the new Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), citing his apolitical stance, integrity, and proven record of service. Speaking at the State House, Abuja, during the National Council of State meeting, Tinubu highlighted that Amupitan is the first person from Kogi State to be nominated for the top electoral role. The council unanimously endorsed his nomination to succeed Professor Mahmood Yakubu, whose decade-long tenure ended earlier this week. “Kogi State’s Professor Amupitan embodies impartiality and a deep commitment to national service,” Tinubu said, according…
By John Akubo Last Saturday, October 4th, 2025, the Chida International Hotel Event Centre in Utako, Abuja, became a tapestry of color, culture, and history. Sons and daughters of the Igala nation gathered in numbers that reflected pride, curiosity, and anticipation. At the heart of the gathering was a story thirty years in the making — the story of Who’s Who in Igala Land, the compendium and platform that has chronicled the lives and achievements of Igala elites for three decades. This anniversary was not just a celebration of individual brilliance. It was a reflection of a people whose achievements…