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Bagudu: Tinubu’s reforms not designed to favour any part

Budget and Economic Planning Minister Abubakar Bagudu has dismissed claims in some quarters that the Federal Government’s spending under President Bola Ahmed Tinubu favours particular regions of the country.

Bagudu said federal expenditure on security, infrastructure and support for livelihoods is driven by national priorities and aimed at addressing the needs of Nigerians irrespective of their location.

He stated this while delivering a keynote address at the Federal Appointees Strategic Summit on the presentation and review of ministerial and Ministries, Departments and Agencies (MDAs) budget implementation.

The minister said security expenditure, for instance, is targeted at protecting communities affected by insecurity, while investments in roads and other infrastructure are intended to improve movement, connectivity and economic activities across the country.

Bagudu urged federal appointees to have a proper understanding of the policies and economic reforms of the Tinubu administration and to explain their impact more effectively to Nigerians, especially people at the grassroots.

According to him, better communication of government policies was necessary to enable citizens to understand both the difficulties created by the reforms and the objectives behind them.

Bagudu said the Tinubu administration inherited a difficult economic situation and decided to remove the petrol subsidy and reform the foreign exchange market as part of measures to address deep-rooted economic imbalances.

He acknowledged that the reforms had contributed to the cost-of-living pressures experienced by Nigerians, particularly when combined with developments in the global economy.

The minister said the government did not anticipate the extent of the economic turbulence that would follow the reforms and the international pressures that subsequently affected economies around the world.

Despite the difficulties, he said the administration remained focused on creating a stronger and more sustainable economy capable of delivering growth that benefits a wider section of the population.

Bagudu said one of the major outcomes of the reforms is an improvement in government revenues and greater financial allocations to the federal, state and local governments to perform their constitutional responsibilities.

Bagudu said the stronger financial position of states in the current period has created greater room for them to spend on infrastructure, education, security and other responsibilities assigned to them by the constitution.

He added the improvement in public finances is also reflected in some broader economic indicators, including the country’s revenue-to-Gross Domestic Product (GDP) ratio.

On taxation, the minister said the ongoing reforms are intended to make the tax system more efficient and improve compliance, rather than impose unnecessary hardship on citizens.

He, however, acknowledged that Nigerians are still facing significant economic pressures as the government pursues the reforms.

Summit opens investment, trade pathways for Thais

Hong Kong: Thailand’s participation in the 11th Belt and Road Summit (BRI Summit) in Hong Kong has opened new avenues for trade and investment, says Kirida Bhaopichitr, Vice Minister for Commerce, who represented the country in a panel discussion and bilateral meetings.

Speaking on the sidelines of the Sept 9-10 event, Ms Kirida said the summit, designed as a platform for informal cooperation among Belt and Road countries, focused on infrastructure development including roads, rail and ports and increasingly on digital connectivity.

“The objectives are twofold: to bring countries together for dialogue, and to facilitate business matching, primarily with Chinese enterprises,” she said.

Thai officials engaged with counterparts from Qatar, Sri Lanka, and Hong Kong. “Thailand used the opportunity to push forward a pending free trade agreement (FTA) with Sri Lanka, already ratified in Bangkok but awaiting approval in Colombo. Thai companies also showcased products at exhibition booths, aiming to attract Chinese investors and expand exports,” she said.

Ms Kirida said Hong Kong acts as a global connector and financial and trading hub, but it lacks strong manufacturing and agriculture.

Thailand’s EEC, by contrast, is designed to upgrade the country’s industrial base into advanced, high-tech sectors. She said Hong Kong could serve as a bridge to the EEC, facilitating negotiations and trade flows.

“Hong Kong is not a competitor but a partner. They are the middleman, we are the producers. Together we can reinforce each other,” she said. As for the issue of cheap Chinese imports, she acknowledged the pressure on domestic producers but highlighted the benefits for consumers and Thai businesses. “Chinese products are cheaper at the same quality level, which disadvantages local manufacturers. But at the same time, Thai farmers and SMEs benefit from lower-cost machinery and inputs from China,” she said.

She urged Thai SMEs to focus on creativity and innovation rather than protectionism. “We should not rely on high tariffs or import bans. Instead, SMEs must differentiate, create products China cannot easily replicate.”

Cosmetics, skincare, snacks, and jewellery “are examples where Thai brands enjoy global trust and craftsmanship that China cannot match,” she said.

She said Thailand’s approach is to leverage every available channel — Hong Kong as a connector, China as a major market, and other global partners — while upgrading domestic industries to remain competitive in a rapidly changing world.

Chinese ambassador reportedly gifts Pashinyan a sailboat

Chinese Ambassador to Armenia Li Xinwei reportedly presented Armenian Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan with a model sailboat as a gift on August 7, according to Armenian daily Hraparak.

The gift was transferred through the protocol department of the Prime Minister’s Office, Hraparak reported, citing information from Armenia’s Corruption Prevention Commission (CPC).

According to the CPC, the model sailboat was valued at 563,133 Armenian drams, equivalent to approximately $1,547 at an exchange rate of around 364 drams per US dollar.

The reported gift was made by Li Xinwei, China’s ambassador extraordinary and plenipotentiary to Armenia

Rs. 12 b in hospital projects launched in a single day

President Anura Kumara Dissanayake presided over the launch of four hospital construction projects worth Rs. 7.1 billion across the country yesterday, with facilities valued at Rs. 12 billion once equipment is included.

President Dissanayake attended the commencement of construction of a new Cardiology Unit at the District General Hospital, Trincomalee, funded by the Government of Japan through the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA). The project is valued at Rs. 4.19 billion in total, comprising Rs. 2.4 billion for construction and Rs. 1.78 billion for equipment.

He also attended the groundbreaking of a new Accident and Emergency Unit at the District General Hospital, Mannar, financed through a Rs. 600 million grant from the Government of India.

A four-storeyed medical ward complex at Mullaitivu Hospital, costing Rs. 600 million, also funded by India and a Cardiology Unit at Anuradhapura Teaching Hospital, valued at over Rs. 3 billion, were also launched under the President’s patronage on the day.

Actor Oteele’s Wife Forgives Him, Plans To Return Home

Gifty Afriyie, wife of Ghanaian actor and comedian Oteele, has announced plans to return to their home after forgiving her husband following a leaked video involving him and another woman.

Speaking during a TikTok Live session with Oteele on September 15, 2026, Gifty said she still loves her husband and believes the controversy has been a difficult experience for him.

She acknowledged that mistakes had been made but said Oteele had endured enough over the incident.

‘You’ve gone through a lot. I still love you. I understand we’re human and we make mistakes,’ she said.

Gifty also prayed that the experience would lead to a positive change in Oteele’s life, saying she could not stand by and watch him continue to struggle over the controversy.

‘I’m pleading with God that with the things you’ve gone through over this issue, may He use that to change you,’ she stated.

Describing Oteele as her soulmate, Gifty said she had made the decision to forgive him and reunite with him.

‘You’re my soulmate, and I can’t watch you get wasted. I’ve forgiven you, and I will return home this week,’ she said.

Marcos cites benefits, need for food production technologies upgrade

There is a need to further study and improve technologies that can accelerate the production of common food products with added nutritional value, President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. said on Thursday.

He made the remarks after inspecting the Nutridense Food Manufacturing Corporation in Sta. Barbara, Pangasinan.

‘Now, ang isa sa pinakamalaking problema na lagi natin hinaharap, marami tayong mga magagaling na scientist, marami tayong mga researchers, pero mula sa laboratoryo hanggang sa manufacturing, ‘yung pag-scale up ng production, ‘yun ang kailangan talagang pag-aralan,’ the President said in a brief media statement.

(Now, one of the biggest challenges we consistently face is that while we have many talented scientists and researchers, the transition from the laboratory to manufacturing-specifically scaling up production-is what really needs to be studied.)

Nutridense adopted modern technologies with the assistance of the Department of Science and Technology (DOST) Small Enterprises Technology Upgrading Program (SETUP) and the DOST-Food and Nutrition Research Institute.

It has expanded its production of complementary food products, fortified rice and rice-based products, biscuits, cookies, and other food items suitable for feeding programs and disaster response.

Under SETUP, micro, small, and medium enterprises gain access to technology, equipment, training, and product development assistance to enhance their production capacity and product quality.

‘So, this is the kind of operation that we need. So that not only are we able to supply – not only are we able to secure our food supply, but also we are providing our children especially with proper nutrition. And that is in the formulation of these products that they have,’ Marcos said.

‘Although they look like ordinary, ito parang biskwit lang na may kaunting palaman, pero dinagdagan nila ng nutrients. Ito pa, this is another one. Imbis na ‘yung mga junk food, ito, ang tingin niyo junk food, pero it’s not junk food because it’s very healthy for you, it’s good for the children,’ he added, referring to one of Nutridense’s products.

(They might look ordinary-like a simple biscuit with a bit of filling-but they’ve been fortified with nutrients. Here’s another thing: instead of junk food-well, you might mistake this for junk food, but it isn’t; it’s actually very healthy and good for children.)

Feeding program, YAKAP

After the facility inspection, Marcos visited Sta. Barbara Central School to oversee the implementation of the Department of Education’s School-Based Feeding Program, as well as the ‘Yaman ng Kalusugan’ (YAKAP) and Kalinga Caravan initiatives.

Under the feeding program, students needing additional nutrition receive healthy meals; this included 50 severely wasted or undernourished learners who were provided with hot meals and nutrition packs produced by Nutridense.

Meanwhile, approximately 200 students, parents, and teachers benefited from free consultations, medical and dental check-ups, medicines, and PhilHealth registration and updating services provided by the YAKAP and Kalinga Caravan.

Saudi Arabia said to seek 2-week ceasefire with Houthis

Saudi Arabia has requested that Oman mediate a two-week ceasefire with Yemen’s Houthis, seeking to discuss all “humanitarian” demands and potentially announce an agreement at the end of that period, Lebanese media outlet Al-Akhbar reported on Thursday.

According to previous reports, officials from the United States met with Houthi representatives in Oman over the weekend, with the meeting reportedly ending in Washington’s decision not to intervene to support Saudi Arabia in its conflict against the Yemeni rebel group and with Houthis promising not to attack US vessels in the Red Sea.

National chess teams enter Olympiad second round

The second-round games of the 46th World Chess Olympiad, being held in Samarkand, Uzbekistan, will take place on September 17.

Azerbaijan’s men’s national team will face the Philippines in this round. The team consists of Shakhriyar Mamedyarov, Rauf Mamedov, Aydin Suleymanli, Mahammad Muradli and Eltaj Safarli.

The women’s national team will take on Denmark. The Azerbaijani lineup includes Ulviyya Fataliyeva, Gunay Mammadzada, Govhar Beydullayeva, Khanim Balajayeva and Gulnar Mammadova.

In the first round, Azerbaijan’s men’s team defeated Morocco 4-0, while the women’s team beat Guatemala 4-0.

The World Chess Olympiad, held under the Swiss system over 11 rounds, will conclude on September 27.

A total of 1,032 chess players representing 208 teams are taking part in the Olympiad.

Jigawa opens Abuja air link to boost investment, business activity

The Jigawa State Government has entered into an Air Route Development Partnership Agreement with Rano Air Limited to launch scheduled commercial flights between Abuja and Dutse, in a move aimed at improving connectivity and supporting the state’s growing economic activities.

Under the agreement, Rano Air will operate the Abuja-Dutse-Abuja route three times a week, on Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays, with a 50-passenger aircraft.

The partnership is expected to reduce the time and logistical difficulties associated with travelling between the state capital and the Federal Capital Territory, while providing businesses, investors, government agencies and development partners with more convenient access to Jigawa.

The state government will provide initial support for the route and facilitate conditions intended to make the service commercially sustainable over the long term.

Speaking at the signing ceremony in Dutse, Aminu Usman, deputy governor of Jigawa State, who represented Governor Umar Namadi, said the agreement marked an important step towards expanding the state’s transportation infrastructure and creating an enabling environment for investment.

Usman said reliable air connectivity would facilitate the movement of investors, businesspeople, government officials, professionals, development partners and visitors, thereby strengthening Jigawa’s attractiveness as a destination for business and investment.

‘The commencement of regular commercial flights between Dutse and Abuja is more than simply introducing an airline route. It is about opening a new chapter of economic opportunities for our state,’ he said.

He said the expansion of activities in agriculture, commerce, investment, education, tourism and public administration had increased the demand for faster and more reliable transportation links.

According to him, improved air connectivity could also strengthen interactions between Jigawa and Abuja, where many federal institutions, regulatory agencies, development organisations and corporate bodies are based.

Usman said the state government expected Rano Air to maintain high standards of safety, reliability, professionalism and customer service, while operating according to the agreed schedule and maintaining regular engagement with the government.

He said the government’s support for the route was designed to help establish a viable service that could eventually operate on a commercially sustainable basis.

Lawan Sabo Bakin Zuwo, managing director of Rano Air Limited, pledged the airline’s commitment to making the partnership successful.

‘At Rano Air, safety remains our highest priority. We are committed to maintaining the highest applicable standard of safety, reliability, operational efficiency and customer service,’ he said.

Bakin Zuwo commended the Jigawa State Government for its support and confidence in the airline, saying the new route would deliver benefits beyond passenger transportation.

He said the service would facilitate business transactions, investment activities, government operations, family connections and other forms of interaction that could contribute to the state’s wider economic development.

The Abuja-Dutse route is expected to provide an additional transportation option for residents and businesses while improving Jigawa’s connection to Nigeria’s political and administrative centre.

For a state with a predominantly agricultural economy and growing commercial activities, improved connectivity could also make it easier for investors, professionals and development partners to access projects and opportunities across the state.

The agreement therefore places air connectivity within the broader effort to improve the infrastructure needed to support economic activity, attract investment and integrate Jigawa more closely with national markets.

Bayelsa tasks RDAs on project completion to improve rural living standards

Bayelsa State Government has charged its 32 Rural Development Authorities (RDAs) to intensify efforts at completing all ongoing projects for inauguration and use to improve the living conditions of the rural populace.

Peter Akpe, deputy governor of Bayelsa State, gave the charge on Tuesday while presiding over a meeting with the chairmen and principal officers of the various RDAs in Yenagoa.

A statement by Doubara Atasi, Senior Special Assistant on Media to the Deputy Governor, said Akpe stressed the need for due diligence in documentation and procurement in line with extant regulatory policies to ensure accountability and quality in project execution.

While commending the principal officers, including treasurers and directors for supporting their chairmen, he urged the chairmen to attach a premium to project delivery for people at the grassroots to feel the impact of governance.

Akpe seized the opportunity to call on the chairmen and all staff of the RDAs to participate fully in all the activities lined up for the Bayelsa at 30 Anniversary Celebration, which is expected to commence on the 28th of this month.

According to him, some of the major activities to mark the anniversary include Ijaw Language awareness programme, sporting events, road flotilla from Igbogene to the Oxbow Lake, boat regattas, musical concert, anniversary lecture, state mega praise, and anniversary dinner among others.

He also reminded the RDA chairmen and all political office holders that Douye Diri, Governor of Bayelsa State, wields the highest political authority at the state level that must be obeyed and respected for the common good of the state.

Akpe underscored the importance of constructive criticism in governance and urged them to propagate the good works of the state government by acting as a bridge between the government and the people at the grassroots.

His words: ‘We appreciate you for your support, and for playing your roles as chairmen and principal officers of our RDAs.

‘But let me also use this opportunity to encourage you to speed up and complete all ongoing projects; follow up on your documentations and ensure that they are properly done in conformity with all procurement regulations.

‘We need a compendium of all the projects you have done from the beginning of your appointment as chairman – the projects you have done in pictures, soft and hard copies, including the titles, and communities where the projects are located.

‘Additionally, please ensure that you participate wholly in the forthcoming anniversary programme. The anniversary begins on the 28th with several activities lined up including an Ijaw Language awareness programme. Ensure that you are all part of it.

‘Finally, we must all work and contribute to the system we belong to. We should be seen showing our support for the programmes of the administration. Propagate the good works of the government. If there is something that we need to do, then constructively critique it and get it across to us to address it.

‘I always tell everybody that there is only one captain in the boat. As he directs, all of us follow. So do well to key into the administration’s ideas and ideologies.’

Some of the RDA chairmen who spoke at the meeting expressed gratitude to the Deputy Governor for his competence in handling local government and RDA affairs, and assured him of their preparedness to complete their ongoing projects in no distant time.