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We’ve Saved N1.4trn By Not Paying Subsidy On Fuel – Osinbajo

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The Vice President, Professor Yemi Osinbajo, has disclosed that the federal government has so far saved the sum of N1.4 trillion for not paying oil subsidy.

He also assured Nigerians that very soon, the foreign exchange market would stabilise going by some radical policies already introduced by the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN).

The vice president who spoke in Kano yesterday during the third day of the 15th Joint Planning Board and National Council on Development meeting, urged Nigerians to restore confidence in President Muhammadu Buhari’s administration, insisting that soonest, the current economic problems would become a thing of the past.

“With the deregulation of the downstream petroleum sector, there has been a significant increase in the availability of petrol throughout the country for the savings of N1.4 trillion on subsidy payments alone,” he said.

“Also, a more flexible exchange rate regime, we will have to decrease the pressure on the external reserve. In the short run of course, there should be consequences for inflation. We expect that with greater priority we have seen in the implementation of the policy by the CBN, the foreign exchange market will stabilise and confidence will be restored.

“The adoption of Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) in September 2015 was intended to place our world on the part of sustainable development by the year 2030. The 17 SDGs, which combined economic, social and environmental objectives, are intended to be universal, unlike the Millennium Development Goals (MDGs) which were made solely for developing countries.”

“The universal application of the SDGs and their 169 targets show that they are a menu of options, this allows the implementation to take count of different national realities, capacities, policies and priorities.

“In the Nigerian context, some of the issues that must engage our minds will lead to economic diversification, sustained economic growth, eradication of extreme poverty, promoting social inclusion, creating jobs, sparring environmental degradation, including climate change.

“The empirical evidence from across the globe has shown that national strategic planning is very critical for attaining structural transformation and sustainable development. The countries of East Asia have proved this convincingly, even though their development was private-sector driven.

“Strategic plans largely provide direction, coherence and coordination and they are a veritable framework for guiding the activities of all stakeholders towards achieving a common goal, planning specifics such as goals, target and indicators which embodies the SDGs, also enables tracking, monitoring and evaluation.

“The successful implementation of strategic plans and attainment of the SDGs entails partnership, as encapsulated in the 17 objectives which is about the need to create labour partnership in order to attain sustainable development.

“Accordingly, just as the federal government seeks international partnership at the global level with regards to rules and resources, we also seek partnership at the national level. Such domestic partnerships entails working closely with the states which is one of the main reasons for the establishment of the NCPP.

“Other essential partnerships are also built with other sectors of society, especially, the private sector, which is the indisputable engine for growth in successful economies.

“Let me speak briefly about some of the things that the Buhari administration is doing with regard to strengthening short and medium term planning. We have strengthened the link between budgeting and strategic planning by merging the National Planning Commission with the Budget office of the federation.

“We have adopted zero base budgeting, which compels the interrogation of public expenditure at micro levels and allows effective deployment of limited financial resources to areas and sectors with the greatest need.

“We have used the short term strategic implementation plan to guide the 2016 budget; and just yesterday (Wednesday), the Federal Executive Council approved the medium plan expenditure framework and the fiscal strategy paper which are fully consistent with the SDGs and the African unions agenda 2063. These are the priorities of the federal government in the areas of tackling insecurity, combating corruption and growing the economy which would undoubtedly find expression in any medium term plan.

“The same is true for the policy interventions in the strategic implementation plan, notably, with regard to the policy, security and governance, diversification of the economy, power, rail and roads, oil and gas performance, ease of doing business, and social investment. The commitment of the Buhari administration to promote broader micro economic and structural reform; and this is made in our push to mitigate supply-side constraint.”

In his remarks, the Minister of Budget and National Planning, Senator Udoma Udo Udoma, urged the states to complement the federal government’s effort in the area of agriculture and solid minerals development.
He said this was necessary in view of the fact that the country is endowed with arable land for massive production of food.

“The states may wish to target some selected crops for massive production of such commodities.
“They can boost production through the formation of farmers cooperatives for easy access to loan facilities,” he said.

He said the state could also undertake infrastructural development such as roads to ease evacuation of farm produce.

“This will promote economic growth through the creation of job opportunities for the teeming number of unemployed youths in the country,” he said.
He added that the federal government is committed to restructuring of the Bank of Agriculture (BoA) to enable it land a single digit interest rate.

Also speaking, the Kano State Governor, Dr. Abdullahi Ganduje, represented by his Deputy, Professor Hafiz Abubakar, said the state government would collaborate with all the relevant stakeholders for the implementation of the recommendations of the meetings.

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Victor Osimhen Ends Year in Style with 2022 Lamborghini Urus Purchase

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Victor Osimhen Ends Year in Style with 2022 Lamborghini Urus Purchase

Victor Osimhen Ends Year in Style with 2022 Lamborghini Urus Purchase

 

Nigerian football sensation Victor Osimhen has made headlines once again, capping off an impressive year with the acquisition of a 2022 Lamborghini Urus, a luxurious high-performance SUV. This latest addition to his collection reflects Osimhen’s penchant for the finer things in life, solidifying his status as one of football’s most flamboyant stars.

 

Victor Osimhen Ends Year in Style with 2022 Lamborghini Urus Purchase

A Taste for Luxury

The announcement of Osimhen’s new car was made by Polanaco Exotic Cars, a prominent automobile company, through its official Instagram account. The post featured a sleek video showcasing the vehicle’s modernized and opulent exterior, highlighting its cutting-edge features and eye-catching design. The accompanying caption read: “Sold, congratulations Victor Osimhen 9.”

The Lamborghini Urus, renowned for its blend of luxury and performance, boasts a 4.0-liter twin-turbocharged V8 engine, delivering a staggering 641 horsepower. With a top speed of 190 mph and the ability to accelerate from 0 to 60 mph in just 3.6 seconds, the Urus is one of the fastest SUVs in the world.

 

Private Jet Rumors

This news comes amid reports that Osimhen has also recently acquired a private jet, further cementing his image as a football star who spares no expense in enjoying the rewards of his hard work. While details about the private jet remain unconfirmed, the buzz around these acquisitions has captivated fans and followers alike.

Rising Star and Role Model

Victor Osimhen has had a stellar year both on and off the pitch. The Napoli striker’s exceptional performances have earned him recognition as one of Europe’s top forwards, with numerous accolades and record-breaking achievements to his name. Off the field, his lifestyle choices and philanthropic efforts have made him a role model for many young football enthusiasts.

Social Media Frenzy

Fans and admirers have taken to social media to celebrate Osimhen’s success, praising his achievements and sharing their excitement over his latest purchase. The Instagram post by Polanaco Exotic Cars quickly went viral, with thousands of likes and comments congratulating the football star.

Conclusion

Victor Osimhen’s acquisition of a 2022 Lamborghini Urus is a testament to his hard work, talent, and success. As he continues to shine on the football stage, his growing collection of luxury assets reflects a life well-lived and a career on the rise. Football fans around the world eagerly await what the new year holds for this extraordinary athlete.

 

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 Court Orders Remand of Ex-Wife of Ooni of Ife, Radio CEO, and Principal Over Ibadan Tragedy

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 Court Orders Remand of Ex-Wife of Ooni of Ife, Radio CEO, and Principal Over Ibadan Tragedy

 Court Orders Remand of Ex-Wife of Ooni of Ife, Radio CEO, and Principal Over Ibadan Tragedy

A Chief Magistrate’s Court 1 sitting in Iyaganku, Ibadan, Oyo State, on Tuesday ordered the remand of the ex-wife of the Ooni of Ife, Naomi Silekunola; Chief Executive Officer of Agidigbo FM, Oriyomi Hamzat; and the Principal of Islamic High School, Basorun, Abdullahi Fasasi, at the Agodi Correctional Centre. This decision came after the trio appeared in court over a tragic stampede that occurred during a children’s Christmas funfair in Ibadan, which claimed the lives of 35 children.

A Safer Tomorrow: Lessons from a Tragic Event

The presiding Chief Magistrate, Olabisi Ogunkanmi, adjourned the case until January 13, 2025, implying that the defendants will spend the Christmas and New Year period in custody. The court proceedings followed the arrest of the three individuals last week in connection with the tragic incident at Islamic High School, Basorun, Ibadan, where six other individuals also sustained varying degrees of injuries.

The police presented the case file, marked as C/2024: Commissioner of Police Versus Naomi Silekunola (31 years), Oriyomi Hamzat (51 years), and Abdullahi Fasasi (56 years), to the court. The presiding magistrate ordered that the defendants remain in custody pending legal advice from the Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP) of the Oyo State Ministry of Justice.

The police initially detained several suspects in connection with the stampede. However, five individuals—Genesisi Christopher (24 years), Tanimowo Moruf (52 years), Anisoloja Olabode (42 years), Idowu Ibrahim (35 years), and Abiola Oluwatimileyin (25 years)—were released on Monday night from the state Criminal Investigations Department, Iyaganku, Ibadan.

The charges against Silekunola, Hamzat, and Fasasi include conspiracy, acceleration of death, negligent acts causing harm, and failure to provide adequate security and medical facilities. The trio appeared in court in person during the Tuesday proceedings.

Counsel for the school principal, Waheed Olajide, raised the issue of jurisdiction, arguing that the magistrate’s court lacked the authority to adjudicate the offences. He requested that the defendants not be arraigned in the court. Olajide stated that there was no evidence before the court to prove the alleged offences and urged the magistrate to return the suspects to police custody rather than sending them to a correctional facility.

Hamzat’s lawyer, Ridwan Adekunle, highlighted a previous agreement with the Officer-in-Charge Legal that Hamzat would remain in police custody due to his health condition. Reports indicated that Hamzat had been arrested on his hospital bed, where he was receiving treatment following the tragic incident.

Chief Magistrate Ogunkanmi, in her ruling, emphasized her discretion to remand the suspects at the correctional centre. She noted that the police should have considered the defendants’ health conditions before presenting them in court. The magistrate stated, “The police, who brought the suspects to the court, ought to have factored in their health conditions and the circumstances that informed the case itself before bringing them to court and having brought them, I have the responsibility of putting them in a correctional centre, pending the time legal advice would come out from the DPP.”

Ogunkanmi further urged the DPP to expedite the legal advice process to determine whether the suspects would face formal charges. The next court date was set for January 13, 2025.

The court premises witnessed a heavy security presence to manage supporters of Hamzat, who had gathered to express their dissatisfaction with the proceedings. The supporters protested visibly as the police escorted the defendants from the court premises.

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“Chaos in Lokoja: Etsu Monarch Jumps Fence to Escape Deadly Hoodlum Raid on Palace”

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"Chaos in Lokoja: Etsu Monarch Jumps Fence to Escape Deadly Hoodlum Raid on Palace"

“Chaos in Lokoja: Etsu Monarch Jumps Fence to Escape Deadly Hoodlum Raid on Palace”

 

In a shocking turn of events, the Etsu Lokoja, HRH Emmanuel Akamisoko Dauda-Shelika, Nyamkpa IV, narrowly escaped death when his palace was attacked by suspected hoodlums in the early hours of Saturday, around 1:00 am. The attackers set fire to his vehicle and other properties within the palace, forcing the monarch to jump over the palace fence to save his life.

 

The attack occurred just hours before the commencement of the “Lokoja ‘24 Nupe Cultural Fiesta,” a highly anticipated event organized by the Nupe natives of Lokoja Development Union. Many attendees had already arrived in preparation for the event, which was meant to celebrate the cultural heritage of the Nupe people. Unfortunately, the incident led to the cancellation of the event, which was supposed to take place on Saturday.

A Harrowing Escape

Narrating his terrifying experience to our correspondent on Monday, the Etsu Lokoja described the harrowing moments that followed the attack.

“It was around 1:00 am when I heard a loud bang on my door,” he recalled. “I woke up to check through the window, wondering what could have happened. Suddenly, I saw a wildfire coming out of my car, as it had been set ablaze by attackers.”

Realizing the palace was under siege, the monarch decided to act swiftly. “I knew it was an attack on the palace, and I couldn’t come out because of the fear of being attacked. So, I managed to exit through the back door and scaled the fence to save my life,” Dauda-Shelika said.

Once outside, the Etsu saw his neighbors attempting to extinguish the fire, but it was too late to save the vehicle, which was completely burned along with other valuables inside.

The Aborted Cultural Fiesta

The Etsu Lokoja expressed disappointment over the cancellation of the “Lokoja ‘24 Nupe Cultural Fiesta,” which was meant to be a significant celebration for the community. He explained that members of the event’s planning committee had met late into Friday night, until around 11:30 pm, and were heading home when the attack occurred.

“It is unfortunate that such an important cultural event had to be aborted due to this attack,” he lamented. “The Nupe people were looking forward to this celebration, and it’s very disheartening that it didn’t take place as planned.”

Appeals for Justice and Peace

Following the attack, the Etsu Lokoja made an emotional appeal to the government and security agencies, urging them to investigate the cause of the attack and bring the perpetrators to justice. He also asked the Nupe natives of Lokoja to remain calm and avoid any acts of retaliation.

“We are appealing to His Excellency, Alhaji Ahmed Usman Ododo, and the relevant security agencies to use their offices to thoroughly investigate this unfortunate incident and bring those responsible to justice—whether directly or indirectly involved,” Dauda-Shelika said.

Furthermore, the monarch urged the government to officially recognize and grade the stool of Etsu Lokoja, which has existed long before colonization, as this would bring closure to the longstanding issues surrounding the title.

“We believe that by officially recognizing the stool of Etsu Lokoja, many of the issues surrounding our community will be laid to rest,” he added.

Authorities Tight-lipped on the Attack

As of Monday, the police and state security officials have remained tight-lipped about the incident. A police officer at the scene declined to comment, claiming he had not been authorized to speak on the matter. Efforts to reach the State Police Command’s Public Relations Officer, SP William Aya, were unsuccessful, as he did not respond to repeated calls or text messages. Additionally, attempts to contact the state governor’s Security Adviser were also unsuccessful.

Conclusion

The attack on the Etsu Lokoja’s palace has left the community in shock, with many wondering about the motive behind such a brazen act. While investigations continue, the Etsu’s escape and the cancellation of the cultural event have cast a shadow over what was meant to be a joyous occasion for the Nupe people.

The public awaits answers from the authorities as the community hopes for justice and peace in the wake of this disturbing incident.

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