Politics
2024 Budget Of N2.24Trn Should Improve Lives Of Lagosians, Obasa Tells Sanwo-Olu
2024 Budget Of N2.24Trn Should Improve Lives Of Lagosians, Obasa Tells Sanwo-Olu
– says palliatives to residents should be more impactful
– Urges more focus on youth engagement through sports, employment
– House to closely monitor implementation of budget
The 2024 budget proposal of N2.246 trillion presented by Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu on Wednesday faces the realities of daunting economic challenges and must be tailored towards improving the lives of residents, the Speaker of the Lagos State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Mudashiru Obasa, has said.
Speaking at the Assembly chamber immediately after the presentation of the budget by the Governor, Dr. Obasa said the government must begin to look at better ways to alleviate poverty beyond giving out packaged foodstuff.
A breakdown of the budget shows a capital expenditure of N1.224 trillion and a recurrent expenditure of N1.02 trillion.
While calling for the employment of more people for the effective implementation of government policies, Obasa further urged effective youth engagement through sports and related activities.
“It is highly important for us to apply the right indices towards ensuring a performing and functioning budget that would lift our people out of poverty and reposition the state towards infrastructural growth and renewal.
“Palliatives should move from just giving people garri, rice, beans or even money. We should have a direction that is focused, impactful and deeply backed up by effective policy implementations.
“For instance, in the name of palliative care, let there be provision of drugs at all public hospitals in the state at subsidised rates. At the same time, focus should be on a downward review of treatment costs in these hospitals.
“Also, provision of subsidised school materials should be encouraged. In like manner, raw food merchants who bring food items from the hinterlands should be put into consideration. The Government can help subsidise their transportation system too. This will in turn lead to a crash in the cost of food prices and make them affordable,” he said.
Read his full remarks below:
Distinguished Ladies and Gentlemen, esteemed colleagues, I give praise to the Almighty Allah who in His infinite mercy kept us all till this day to witness another budget presentation to this House.
2. I would like to extend appreciation to Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu for his diligent efforts in presenting the year 2024 budget themed Budget of Renewal with total estimates of over 2 trillion Naira for the prosperous state of Lagos. This budget indicates his commitment to the growth and development of our dear state.
3. It is worth noting that this budget is the first one for Mr. Governor since the renewal of his mandate earlier this year. This translates to new expectations, new requests and new aspirations from the people of Lagos.
4. Mr. Governor, it may interest you that this House has an obligation to the people and with the pursuit of its constitutional roles and duties, it has assiduously worked on your previous requests and has its findings especially on provision of palliatives, zero tolerance of potholes, completion of various projects, which include the Lekki- Epe Road, Phase VI and others stated in the requests.
5. Today, you have presented the Y2024 budget estimates of over 2 Trillion Naira to Lagosians. The euphoria that accompanied past budget presentations is gone as this budget would face the realities of daunting economic challenges.
6. According to the Federal Bureau of Statistics, the national inflation rate is now 27.3 percent. The country is also faced with multifaceted issues of rising prices of goods and services, high forex and other societal problems, which require urgent attention and drastic solutions.
7. In this regard, it is highly important for us to apply the right indices towards ensuring a performing and functioning budget that would lift our people out of poverty and reposition the state towards infrastructural growth and renewal. The Lagos State House of Assembly is committed to this and would use all constitutional instruments to achieve it.
8. Mr. Governor, while we talk of giving palliatives to the people to ameliorate the present economic situation, I believe it is time for a paradigm shift. We must now move from intangible things to concrete things. Palliatives should move from just giving people garri, rice, beans or even money. We should have a direction that is focused, impactful and deeply backed up by effective policy implementations.
9. For instance, in the name of palliative care, let there be provision of drugs at all public hospitals in the state at subsidised rates. At the same time, focus should be on a downward review of treatment costs in these hospitals.
10. Also, provision of subsidised school materials should be encouraged. In like manner, raw food merchants who bring food items from the hinterlands should be put into consideration. The Government can help subsidise their transportation system too. This will in turn lead to a crash in the cost of food prices and make them affordable.
11. While we appreciate the increment in salary, it is expedient to note that it has always led to inflation. In that case, it has never been helpful. Right from time immemorial, we have had cases of salary being increased. But it has usually been counterproductive as it has never really solved the economic challenges of the masses. In providing more viable alternatives, the State Government should engage labour as well as knowledgeable consultants in poverty alleviation and economics so that a well-defined programme can be initiated to improve the standard of living.
12. Concerning this need to improve living standards, I make bold to say here that sports stands out as an avenue to create jobs. It is an industry that is huge enough to accommodate thousands of people. Aside the fact that it is a major strategy for youth engagement, it has its economic chain that cuts across different vendors such as water, food and all sorts of sellers around where any sports activity takes place. Even adverts of various sorts speak to the number of people that get engaged directly or indirectly in the name of sports be it football, boxing, table tennis, athletics, and the likes. Government should pay good attention to this.
13. May I use this avenue too to reiterate my stand on the need to improve the enforcement and implementation of State polices, which is highly necessary. It is on record that most people flout the laws of the land with impunity. We hear of people’s total disregard to traffic laws every now and then. There is the need for us as a State to employ more hands. If Kaduna, for instance, can employ up to 7000 security personnel, there is nothing stopping us in Lagos from engaging up to 10,000 for enforcement and implementation considering the population of our State. Though it is necessary for our officials to put human faces in their activities, imagine hearing of LASTMA officials being lynched by touts or miscreants on the road. It has reached a stage where officials have to leave the road sometimes for their safety. This requires immediate intervention.
14. Distinguished guests, it is evident enough that the people of Lagos have high expectations and dreams for a better future, and it is our duty as their Representatives to effectively address their needs and aspirations. We understand the pressing challenges our residents face in the critical sectors such as infrastructural development, healthcare, education, job and wealth creation and others. Therefore, we hold the responsibility of meticulously scrutinising this budget to ensure that it adequately meets the demands and desires of our constituents. We shall equip ourselves with the principles of Transparency, Accountability, Probity, and Fairness.
15. To my colleagues, I urge you to be steadfast, courageous and determined as you perform your constitutional duties. Remember you represent the interest of your various constituencies. We must ensure that developments cut across all the 40 constituencies. The legislature Is empowered and protected by the constitution. So, as legislators, and to all the standing Committee Chairmen and their members, be bold enough to ask questions, and seek clarifications.
16. May I reiterate that we shall monitor the performance, execution, and compliance of the provision of this budget. We shall hold State officials that would drive the lofty initiatives of Mr. Governor, as stated in this budget, accountable in line with their ministerial responsibilities. We are partners in progress, but we will not compromise on our duties of Oversight. Hence, Commissioners, Permanent Secretaries, Directors and Heads of Parastatals are advised to up their game, and this process starts with the budget defence. We will do a painstaking and thorough scrutiny.
17. We, as lawmakers, and by the virtue of constitutional power reposed in the legislature, are poised to make the Lagos of our dream a reality. We are determined to put smiles on the faces of our people. No doubt, times are harder than before. The only opportunity we have is to take our people more seriously while they also consciously perform their civic obligations by paying their taxes regularly.
18. Notwithstanding, we pledge our support to Mr. Governor and will join hands with him to achieve that greatness for our dear State. We will work tirelessly to bring about positive changes and progress in every nook and cranny of the State, together with Mr. Governor and his team.
19. At this juncture, I wish to congratulate, yet again, Mr. President, His Excellency, Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR and the Vice President, Alhaji Kashim Shettima, our Party: the All Progressives Congress (APC), the party leaders both nationally and in the States and all our party flag bearers in the last general elections for the party’s success and victories. The nationwide victory of our party at the last general elections is an attestation that the people believe in us; and we can’t afford to let them down.
20. However, it is worthy of mentioning that six months after inauguration, our people in power should start looking at the sides of party members who worked tirelessly for the party’s successes for further encouragement. Good arrangements should be made in this regard to appreciate their efforts.
21. I will like to appeal to Nigerians to be patient with this administration. Our President, Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR is aware of the economic challenges that bedevil us as a nation. His team is working on turning around the economic situation of the country. Let us all support them in our prayers. I believe that there is light at end of the tunnel for us as a nation.
22. As I bring my speech to a close, I wish to thank my colleagues for their unwavering support in this 10th Assembly.
23. Once again, I commend Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu for his vision and dedication to the growth and development of our State. I call upon all Lagosians to support us in this collective quest for a better Lagos. Together, let us build a future that we can all be proud of. Thank you and God bless.
Rt Hon Dr Mudashiru Obasa
Speaker, Lagos State House of Assembly
ADC Condemns Intimidation Campaign Against Ogbeni Rauf Aregbesola
The African Democratic Congress (ADC), Ogun State Chapter, strongly condemns the ongoing intimidation and smear campaign targeted at our party leader and Interim National Secretary, *Ogbeni Rauf Aregbesola*, by opposition forces in the South West region.
It is unacceptable and undemocratic that as he exercises his constitutional and political right to campaign across the region, elements of the opposition resort to harassment and attacks instead of engaging in issue based politics. Such actions are a direct assault on democracy, free expression, and the spirit of fair political competition.
The ADC calls on security agencies and all relevant authorities to guarantee the safety and freedom of movement for Ogbeni Rauf Aregbesola and all our party leaders nationwide. Democracy thrives on inclusivity, tolerance, and fairness not intimidation.
We urge our members and supporters to remain steadfast and law-abiding, as the ADC will continue to pursue its vision of a just, democratic, and prosperous Nigeria.
*Signed:*
Honourable Muhammed MJG GKAF
*Publicity Secretary, ADC National Media Frontiers, Ogun State*
Primate ELIJAH AYODELE: The Seer, And the Country That Listens
By Femi Oyewale
Ejigbo, Lagos — When Primate Babatunde Elijah Ayodele steps onto the pulpit of INRI Evangelical Spiritual Church each week, he does more than preach: he convenes a national conversation. For decades, the clergy has issued blunt, often headline-grabbing prophecies about presidents, markets, and disasters — pronouncements that are dutifully copied, debated, and digested across Nigerian newsrooms, social media, and political corridors.
Primate Ayodele is best known for two things: the regular release of New Year’s and seasonal “warnings to the nation,” and a large, loyal following that amplifies those warnings into national discourse. He publishes annual prophecy booklets, holds prayer mountain conventions where journalists are invited, and maintains active social media channels that spread his messages quickly beyond his church gates. In July 2025, he launched a compendium of his prophecies titled “Warnings to the Nations,” an event covered by national outlets, which Ayodele used to restate concerns about security, governance, and international affairs.
Ayodele’s prophecies have touched on lightning-rod topics: election outcomes, the health or fate of public figures, infrastructure failures, and international crises. Nigerian and regional press have repeatedly published lists of his “fulfilled” predictions — from political upsets to tragic accidents — and his followers point to these as proof of his accuracy. Media roundups in recent years credited him with dozens of prophecies he argued had been realised in 2023 and 2024, and his annual prophetic rollouts continue to attract wide attention.
Impact beyond prediction: politics, policy, and public mood
The practical effect of Ayodele’s ministry is not limited to whether a prophecy comes to pass. In Nigeria’s politicised and religiously engaged public sphere, a prominent seer can:
• Move conversations in electoral seasons; politicians, commentators, and voters listen when he names likely winners or warns about risks to candidates, and his claims sometimes become part of campaign narratives.
• Shape popular expectations — warnings about economic hardship, insecurity, ty or public health influence how congregations and communities prepare and react.
• Exert soft pressure on leaders — high-profile admonitions directed at governors or ministers often prompt responses from the accused or their allies, creating a feedback loop between pulpit pronouncements and political actors.
Philanthropy and institution building
Ayodele’s public profile extends into philanthropy and church development. He runs INRI Evangelical Spiritual Church from Oke-Afa, Lagos, and his ministry periodically organises humanitarian outreach, scholarships, and hospital visits — activities he frames as evidence that prophetic ministry must be accompanied by concrete acts of charity. Church events such as extended “17-day appreciation” outreaches and scholarship programmes have been widely reported and help cement his appeal among congregants who value spiritual counsel paired with material support.
What makes him unique
Several features set Ayodele apart from other public religious figures in Nigeria:
1. Productivity and documentation. He releases extensive, numbered lists of prophecies and compiles them into booklets — a tactic that makes his predictions easy to track (and for supporters to tally as “fulfilled”).
2. A blend of national and international focus. His pronouncements frequently move beyond parochial concerns to name international actors and events, which broadens his media footprint.
3. Media-savvy presentation. From staged press events to active social accounts, Ayodele understands how to turn a prophecy into a viral story that will be picked up by blogs, newspapers, and TV.
The public verdict: faith, influence, and skepticism
To millions of Nigerians — and to his core following — Primate Ayodele remains a pastor-prophet whose warnings must be taken seriously. To others, he is a media personality whose relevance depends as much on spectacle and circulatory power as on supernatural insight. What is indisputable is his role in magnifying the religious dimension of national life: when he speaks, politicians, congregants, and newsrooms listen. That attention, in turn, helps determine which social and political questions become urgent in public debate.
Looking ahead
As Nigeria heads into another cycle of elections and economic challenges, Ayodele’s annual pronouncements will almost certainly return to the front pages. Whether they are read as sober warnings, political interventions, or performative theology, they will continue to shape conversations about destiny, leadership, and the kinds of risks a deeply religious nation believes it must prepare for.
Politics
BABATUNDE OLAOGUN STORMS LAUTECH; GIFTS DEPARTMENT OF BUSINESS ADMINISTRATION WORKABLE TOOLS
BABATUNDE OLAOGUN STORMS LAUTECH; GIFTS DEPARTMENT OF BUSINESS ADMINISTRATION WORKABLE TOOLS
In a remarkable display of commitment to academic excellence and community development, Hon. Babatunde Olaogun, a distinguished alumnus of Ladoke Akintola University of Technology (LAUTECH), has gifted the Department of Business Administration with state-of-the-art workable tools such as stationery items which includes several reams of A4 papers, detachable whiteboards. permanent markers, temporary markers among others things.
Olaogun also added that as part of his commitment to ensuring that students of the department enjoys first class academic infrastructure, a contemporary projector facility would be delivered to the department in no distant time courtesy of his humble self to further enhance ease during presentation of seminar and projects.
The donation ceremony was graced by eminent personalities at the department, including Prof. (Mrs) Ojokuku, Prof. Adegoroye and Dr. (Mrs.) Akanbi who warmly received Mr. Olaogun. The trio of the reverred academics thanked Mr. Olaogun for his commitment to good causes and urged him to continue doing even more good for the university, Ogbomoso in particular, Oyo State and the entire nation at large.
In their goodwill message, Prof. Ojokuku and Prof. Adegoroye also counseled Mr. Olaogun to stay focused and not be swayed by naysayers who may seek to tarnish his reputation. They further encouraged him to carry along, students of Public Administration from LAUTECH, with a view to a availing them practical skills and knowledge essential for their success in their future endeavors.
The Department of Business Administration is thrilled to receive this donation and looks forward to leveraging these tools to improve academic outcomes and produce highly skilled graduates.
Mr. Olaogun’s gesture is a shining example of the university’s alumni community’s commitment to supporting and nurturing the next generation of leaders.
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