Category: Auto Guid

The respective tenures of the late Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of both the National Coordinating Office (NAC) of the African Continental Free Trade Area Agreement (AfCFTA) and the Nigerian Export Promotion Council (NEPC), Mr. Olusegun Awolowo Jr., stood out as beacons of ultimate professionalism and patriotic duty, contributing significantly to Nigeria’s export architecture and development.

The Nigerian Association of Chambers of Commerce, Industry, Mines and Agriculture (NACCIMA), which made this known over the weekend, said the contributions of Awolowo Jr., a distinguished public servant and technocrat, strengthened the bridge between enterprise and national growth.

Awolowo Jr., who was a grandson of late foremost nationalist and statesman, Chief Obafemi Awolowo, died at the age of 62, with NACCIMA President Jani Ibrahim expressing deep regret and sorrow at his demise.

The NACCIMA President, in a statement, stated that within the broader ecosystem of Nigeria’s private sector, policy institutions and development frameworks, his work echoed a legacy rooted in disciplined leadership and strategic foresight.

‘His voice, often calm, yet compelling, added depth to conversations that helped shaped our national economic outlook,’ he added.

According to Ibrahim, ‘NACCIMA extends heartfelt condolences to the entire Awolowo clan, his wife, children, grandchildren, staff of both NAC and NEPC and many other colleagues and compatriots who cherished his professionalism, wisdom and personal warmth.

‘His passage is a reminder of the beauty of stewardship and the enduring power of a fulfilled life lived purposefully.’

The Nigeria Table Tennis Federation (NTTF) has lodged a formal petition with the International Table Tennis Federation (ITTF) after its players were denied entry visas to compete at the on-going 2025 World Youth Championships in Romania.

The development has sparked concern within Nigeria’s table tennis community, as the setback threatens the country’s participation in one of the sport’s most prestigious youth tournaments.

In a letter signed by NTTF President Adesoji Tayo, the federation condemned the decision, describing it as a violation of the principles of international sportsmanship, inclusivity, and fair participation that ITTF and its partners uphold.

‘As an official representative of Nigeria and Africa in this prestigious global event, I firmly believe that the reasons provided for the visa refusal are unjust, discriminatory, and contrary to the spirit of unity which international sports is designed to foster,’ Tayo stated.

Despite weeks of intensive training by players and coaches, the visa denial has dampened the spirit of the contingent and resulted in financial losses for the federation. Nigeria was set to represent Africa in the boys’ U-19 and U-15 team events, having qualified as continental champions at the African Youth Championships in Lagos.

The NTTF further noted: ‘Since our inability to participate is not a fault of NTTF, we hereby formally notify the ITTF and the host federation, Romania Table Tennis Federation, that NTTF will not be liable for any penalties or financial obligations arising from accommodation or hospitality reservations made in relation to this event.’

Tayo urged ITTF to urgently intervene to prevent similar occurrences in the future, stressing that the visa refusal has disrupted Nigeria’s ambition of grooming another generation of world-class players.

Renowned historian and academic, Prof. Toyin Falola has praised Babcock University, Ilishan-Remo, Ogun State for its unstinting commitment to society’s moral reformation.

The Professor of African Studies described the university as ‘an articulation of conviction, discipline and divine leading’, adding from his research, public perception of the school is positive. Falola,on Tuesday, delivered a valedictory lecture on the institution’s campus in honour of outgoing Vice Chancellor Prof. Ademola Tayo.

The lecture was entitled: ‘The transformation of Babcock’. The event also culminated in the presentation of a book on the university, ‘Babcock University: A history of success’ written by the don.

Falola noted that Babcock is a fusion of morality and academic modernity,adding that it represents a fusion of faith and learning.

While urging the university to tap from its rich Alumni base world wide, the don charged the incoming Vice Chancellor Prof.Afolarin Olutunde Ojewole to intensify efforts to address high energy costs, economic volatility, saying fees can’t keep increasing. Falola, therefore, called for the establishment of a $200 million endowment fund.

He said: ‘The new VC has to build an endowment of $200m,build a digital ecosystem,and a strong alumni network; build a think tank of ethics and innovation. ‘The school should embark on cultural diplomacy; create a wide range of programmes around cultural diplomacy, align with nollywood,music.

‘It should also create a faith and science dialogue for the country, and explore possibilities of a global college. It must remain a university where values will light the path of science.’

Falola said teaching style must change from being authoritarian to being friendly, saying the former has become old.

‘AI is reshaping how knowledge is accessed,’ he said. ‘More than 90 percent of what you want to teach is already available through AI, and the shorter attention spans of Gen Z and Gen Alpha demand a new, proactive, friendship-driven approach to teaching rather than the old authoritarian model.’

The don presented  Tayo with the Thabo Mbeki Award for Leadership Excellence, on behalf of the University of Texas at Austin and with the approval of former South African President Thabo Mbeki.

The award recognises a leader ‘committed to the renaissance of Africa and an unblemished record of excellence in leadership.’

Tayo thanked Falola for the book on the university, saying it would be treasured for ever. He also thanked the historian for delivering the valedictory lecture, among other things.

The event also featured a cultural performance to entertain guests.

They came together with a shared vision to provide first-class education, combined with excellent moral and spiritual upbringing. Today, 30 years down the line, a group of Christian professionals from diverse fields consisting of captains of industry, bankers, teachers, doctors, accountants, architects, pharmacists, retired military officers and education enthusiasts, who initiated what is now known as Trinity Group and Trinity International College sure has a story to tell.

Accordingly, the Board of Governors of Trinity Group, last Thursday, visitedThe Vintage Press, the head office of The Nation Newspapers to tell their inspiring story of how they nurtured the group after its formation 30 years after. The delegation, which was led by Chairman, Board of Trustees, Trinity Group, Pastor Samuel Olatunji, included Chairman, Board of Trustees, Trinity University, Deacon Adebowale Tade; and Chairman, Board of Governors, Trinity International College, Engr. Bayo Kolade.

Others included Director of Education, Trinity International College, Mrs. Oluponle Rebecca Adeyemo; Principal, Junior School, Trinity International College, Mr. Nelson Omomo; Head, Corporate Affairs, Trinity University, Mr. Michael Bamigbola; and Human Resource Manager, Trinity International College, Mr. Smith Mukoro.

The school: Journey so far

Head, Corporate Affairs, Trinity University, Mr. Michael Bamigbola, who narrated the delegation’s mission to the Vintage Press editors, said in 1995, Trinity International College opened its doors to eight pioneering students at its temporary site in the Government Reserved Area (GRA), Ikeja, Lagos.

He also narrated that three years later, the college moved to its permanent site at Trinity Hills, Ofada, where it has since grown into a thriving community of faith, learning and excellence.

According to him, through the years, this mission has become a living legacy, carried forward by a dedicated community of administrators, teachers, parents, alumni, and board members – all working in one accord to build an enduring educational institution.

Bamigbola said the anniversary commemorates three decades of dedication to academic excellence, moral discipline, and holistic development of young people. He titled the theme of their celebration as, A Legacy of Excellence: 30 Years of Learning, Leadership, and Lifelong.

Welcoming the visitor

The Editor of The Nation, Mr. Adeniyi Adesina, who represented the newspaper’s managing director, Mr. Victor Ifijeh, said he was not around because he had an appointment.

Adeniyi, who was joined by the Managing Editor (Editorial Services), Mr. Lawal Ogienagbon, said: ‘We were to receive you together, but our managing director just called in this morning to say that he had to go to Abuja, which he didn’t plan earlier. So, then he delegated that we should receive you.

‘We are honoured to have you. Well, we didn’t know you have this large number of people coming. So, you are welcome. Briefly, I will just say one or two things about our organisation. This is the headquarters of the Vintage Press, publishers of The Nation newspaper.

‘We have bureaus in Abuja, Enugu, Abuja, Ibadan, and Port Harcourt. We also have correspondents in all the states of the federation. We cover the entire country.

‘This newspaper was founded on July 31, 2006. When it came into life, those who founded it felt that they wanted to cover this country simultaneously in real time. At that time, newspapers were doing what they called first and second editions. So, the publishers felt that we had reached a stage that this country would be reading the same stories.

‘So, they decided that it was time for Nigeria to be in that mood. To do that, they had to buy three presses – one in Lagos, one in Port Harcourt, and another one in Abuja.

‘That way, we were printing simultaneously in three places. We produced paper in Lagos, but printed simultaneously in those two other places. That way, we were able to cover the whole country.’

With that decision and within six months of publication, the editor said the newspaper became among the top three in the country. He added that the organisation also publishes Sporting Life and Gbelegbo, a Yoruba Language newspaper.

Vintage Press hailed for its remarkable feat

The leader of the delegation, Pastor Olatunji, congratulated the Vintage Press for the remarkable feat it has achieved in a short time.

‘It is remarkable in many respects and of course no great surprise, the antecedents of the brains and the persons behind this great media organisation, who deliver nothing less than what we are seeing and witnessing today.

‘So, on behalf of our group, we will like to commend this great initiative and the great accomplishment in the few years you have been in existence. And the innovation, the change and the impact you have made in different sectors, both in your industry and outside your industry and especially in the Nigerian community – East, West, North and South – and also in our mother language, with a newspaper like Gbelegbo. We are assured that our mother language, which is dear to many of us, will remain preserved ad infinitum.

The college’s mission

The college, according to leader of the delegation, was established as a co-educational and full boarding institution that would nurture students into godly, competent, and responsible leaders, with a mission to provide a world-class education that develops the intellectual, moral, and spiritual capacities of each learner, while nurturing leadership and responsibility towards the society.

On how the Trinity Group started, the leader of the delegation recalled that people of their ages had good education, even though not with popular access.

‘It was not so affordable. Our parents were agrarian and they were poor. So, even in the same family, from the same mother, some would go to school, some would not go to school. Others would go to the farm, and all that. And that high-quality delivery waned in the course of time.

‘It got watered down. Missionaries lost out. They were taken out at one time. And increasingly, professionals were declining, country was declining, curriculum was stale, character was disappearing, discipline collapsed, and it was becoming increasingly worrisome to any normal parent.

‘And for us, coming from the generation of the 60s and 70s and early 80s, that had tested good world-class education, we reminded ourselves what we received, and what we believed we owed our children and generations coming behind and to make a difference, to make an impact? We came together. That was 30 years ago, in 1995.

‘So, that started this experiment. We started with the secondary school. And that tiny dream, but very passionate, had flourished exceedingly so well beyond our imagination.’

He said to the glory of God, committed members of the earlier group stayed together, and remain together over these 30 years.

‘Seven years ago, we got a university licence, by the grace of God, and we have three locations today. The Ofada, our dominant location, where we have three of our schools, the college, the high school, and the primary school.

‘We have a permanent site, a main site for our university, a few kilometres away from that same Ofada. But the university is operating what we call the city campus, just next door to Queens College. We have those three locations to confirm that we are Trinity in truth and in deed, by the grace of God.

‘Our deliverables are solid, and we have continued to defend the values that we stand for, like the missionaries of old did, to ensure that pupils are not just clever intellectually, but also good in character and in values.

‘This is the news I brought to you. And we are doing what we can to ensure the vision is preserved for every generation by the grace of God. So, that is the story we are celebrating.’

Others members of delegation like Deacon Tade and Engr. Kolade also spoke on why they kept low in the past and then decided to tell their story while celebrating the anniversary.

Mrs. Adeyemo said the Trinity’s journey has been a journey of faith, excellence, consistency and growth. She also reeled the editors with the landmark laurels and awards won by the school locally and internationally.

‘We are making an impact. And of course, to the glory of God, we satisfy parents with our legacy of excellence,’ she said.

The Nation’s counsel

Mr. Adeniyi and Mr. Ogienagbon lauded the delegation for their tenacity and commitments.

They asked them to keep telling their stories for others to learn from them. They pledged the support of the newspaper’s management to the group.

The Federal Government has taken a major step towards ending preventable blindness across te country.

It has signed a new national eye-care Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Peek Vision, a global eye-health technology organisation.

The partnership is aimed at transforming how millions of Nigerians with vision impairment are identified, tracked, and connected to care.

The agreement, signed in Abuja on Tuesday, is expected to address longstanding gaps in access to eye care, especially in rural and underserved communities, where many people live with avoidable blindness but are never screened or linked to treatment.

The Minister of State for Health and Social Welfare, Dr. Adekunle Salako, who endorsed it on behalf of the Federal Government, said the partnership would significantly expand Nigeria’s capacity to reach people at the last mile.

The minister noted that the country has a history of innovative eye-care programmes, recalling the popular JigiBola initiative of the early 1990s in Lagos State, which provided glasses to thousands of residents.

He said the new digital platform introduced through the MoU builds on that legacy by enabling health workers to identify people who need help and connect them directly to services.

Emphasising that misinformation and fear prevent many patients from seeking care early, the Ministry expressed optimism that the partnership will help solve this challenge by improving communication, screening, and referral systems nationwide.

Salako explained that the agreement aligns with the government’s Renewable Health Connect initiative, which focuses on school-based screening, cataract services, and the provision of corrective lenses.

He said the ministry was committed to driving full implementation, adding that the programme would ensure that technology reaches communities that have historically been left behind.

Speaking after the signing of the MoU, the Founder and CEO of Peek Vision, Prof. Andrew Bastawrous, said the initiative was driven by the urgent need to reach millions of Nigerians who live with avoidable vision loss but lack access to treatment.

Most people with vision loss, particularly those in rural areas with low income, don’t know that they can be treated, don’t know where to go to get treatment, if they are aware, and can’t access those services, he said.

The partnership, the CEO said, brings together the ministry and leading international NGOs, including Sightsavers, CBM, and Hands.

Under the arrangement, trained personnel will use smartphones and tablets to deliver accurate vision screening directly in homes, workplaces, and schools.

Bastawrous said this eliminates reliance on health facilities, adding: ‘Because if you find them and they don’t receive treatment, you’ve solved nothing.’

According to him, Peek Vision has developed a data platform that monitors every screened individual, tracks referrals, and identifies reasons why people fail to attend appointments

Bastawrous explained how data-driven insights have solved similar challenges in Kenya, where fears, myths, and cost barriers were identified and addressed through targeted interventions.

The power of data is to point to where the problem is. The power of compassion is to respond, the CEO said.

He confirmed that the Nigerian rollout begins immediately and involves no direct financial commitment from the Federal Government.

Peek Vision will be supported by its international partners, while the ministry retains full ownership of all data generated.

Bastawrous said a new programme, supported by Sightsavers, has begun with the screening of 5,000 people and targeting 1.2 million schoolchildren over the next two years.

The CEO added that the broader impact of improved vision goes beyond health.

‘Something as simple as a pair of magnifying glasses, which many people aren’t aware of, can increase learning potential by 20 to 50 percent. Yet remain inaccessible to people of all ages,’ he said.

Bastawrous noted that cataracts remain the most common cause of blindness but is fully treatable.

The CEO warned that most Nigerians with cataracts today may die without ever receiving care unless the system changes.

To date, he said, technology deployed through Peek Vision and its partners has screened 17 million people globally and connected more than 1.5 million to sight-restoring treatment.

Today marks the beginning of that journey to change that story, Bastawrous added.

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has given the green light for the establishment of a N50-billion Presidential Catalytic Seed Fund, an intervention aimed at revitalising Nigeria’s seed industry, improving food security, and driving private-sector-led growth across the seed value chain.

Vice President Kashim Shettima announced the approval yesterday in Abuja at the opening of the eighth SeedConnect Africa Conference and Exhibition, which also coincided with the 50th anniversary celebration of the National Agricultural Seeds Council (NASC).

The Vice President also unveiled the Seeds for Renewed Hope Programme (S-RHP), which will serve as the engine room for the country’s new seed transformation agenda.

Shettima, who was represented by his Senior Special Adviser on Food Security, Dr. Kingsley Uzoma, said the fund would deliver significant socio-economic and environmental benefits while addressing long-standing structural challenges within the seed subsector.

The Vice President described seed as the first technology, the original data packet that determines the success or failure of the agricultural value chain.

As part of the programme’s rollout, government and private sector partners distributed improved varieties of rice, maize, and vegetable seeds to farmers.

The Nation learnt that the Federal Government aims to boost annual seed availability for key crops by 10 per cent from 2025 to 2027, in a bid to close the existing gap between seed demand and supply.

The N50 billion fund, which activates Section 45 of the NASC Act 2019, will support private-sector-led seed production, expand farmers’ access to certified seeds, and remove barriers slowing down the development of the seed industry.

Shettima also announced government’s plans to upgrade seed testing laboratories, intensify the crackdown on adulterated seeds, and increase youth and women participation in seed entrepreneurship.

The Minister of Agriculture and Food Security, Senator Abubakar Kyari, described the seed sector’s 50-year history as a testament to Nigeria’s resilience and commitment to strengthening its agricultural foundation.

Reaffirming that quality seeds remain central to President Tinubu’s food security priorities, the minister said agriculture is the measure of Nigeria’s national resilience and a pillar of stability.

Kyari highlighted key achievements in the sector, including the expansion of the National Agricultural Growth Scheme-Agro-Pocket (NAGS-AP), increased wheat production across several states, the successful introduction of rain-fed wheat in Plateau State, the recapitalisation of the Bank of Agriculture (BoA) with N1.5 trillion, an additional N250 billion funding window, and the full activation of the National Agricultural Development Fund (NADF).

The minister noted that food prices have begun to ease in several commodity markets.

‘While we are not yet where we want to be, this positive trend confirms that we are moving in the right direction,’ he said

NASC’s Director-General, Fatuhu Muhammed, highlighted the agency’s transformation into a regional leader in seed regulation and digital seed traceability.

He cited major milestones, including the release of over 60 improved, climate-resilient seed varieties, the implementation of the Digital Seed Certification System, new guidelines on crop variety registration and third-party certification, and Nigeria’s expanding footprint in global seed bodies such as ISTA, UPOV, OECD schemes, and ECOWAS COASEM.

Muhammed announced that Nigeria exported more than 4,000 MT of certified seeds in 2023, earning over $8 million.

To celebrate NASC’s Golden Jubilee, the Council unveiled the Nigeria Seed Industry Book, the Seeds for Renewed Hope Programme, the Nigeria Seed System Strategy Document (supported by AGRA), and the official NASC 50th anniversary logo.

He added that the newly approved N50 billion fund, housed in the Bank of Industry with a 6% concessional interest rate, would significantly enhance breeding, early-generation seed supply, quality assurance, and commercial seed production over the next four years.

Galatasaray will have to cough pound 50m (about N84 billion) to prise away Nigeria International , Ademola Lookman, from Serie A outfit, Atalanta.

The Turkish giants which presently housed another Nigerian star forward, Victor Osimhen, has not hidden their interest to sign up the 2024 African Footballer of the Year in the upcoming Transfer Window in January.

But according to the famous Italian Pink Newspaper, Gazzetta dello Sport, Atalanta will only sell the Nigerian for pound 50m and won’t reduce the price.

Lookman is reportedly interested in joining his compatriot and international teammate, Osimhen in Turkey.

The 28-year-old has struggled to make much impact at Atalanta this season after pushing to leave the Bergamo club for Inter Milan in the summer.

He scored 20 goals in 41 appearances last season, establishing himself as one of Europe’s best wingers, but has scored just two goals in 12 appearances across all competitions in the on-going campaign.

Lookman has contract with the Serie A club until June 2027 but whether he would move to Turkey in January remains to be seen.

Certified parenting coach, Mrs. Bunmi Adeniran, has urged parents to monitor their children’s online activities.

She spoke at 2025 ‘I AM Bunmi Adeniran’ Parenting Conference: ‘Building generational faith, parenting eternal impact.’

Adeniran said parents must shift from passive observation to active engagement if they are to protect their children from harmful digital influences.

She noted that the fast pace of modern life leaves parents with limited time for hands-on involvement, allowing external influences to shape children’s values and behaviour.

Sharing her experience, she noted importance of parental presence on social media platforms used by their children.

‘There is no way you can do without social media. When my children joined Facebook years ago, I became their friend. My first son, asked why? I told him that as long as I pay for the phone and data, I have a right to know what goes on there. If I can’t know the password, then I can’t pay,’ she said.

Adeniran also addressed the balance between discipline and nurturing, saying love and compassion must remain central to raising well-rounded children.

She warned against punitive discipline, emphasising that its purpose should be to teach, not to instill fear.

‘The goal of discipline should be teaching,’ she said. ‘Parents should adopt correction methods that build skills, self-regulation, and problem-solving.’

She advised parents not to discipline children in moments of anger or emotional overwhelm, noting that waiting until calm allows for more constructive guidance.

According to her, effective parenting rooted in empathy, respect and healthy discipline supports the development of mentally, socially, morally and spiritually balanced adults.

She likened parenting to sowing seeds, saying children flourish when nurtured in the right environment.

Other speakers at the conference, including Pastor Oluwafemi Oyewunmi, Pastor Nifemi Olawande, Coach Femi Adisa, Rev. Tokunbo Adejuwon, and Pastor Elizabeth Olumuyiwa, echoed her message.

They emphasised the need for parents to work together, remain actively involved, and intentionally instil the right values, discipline, and emotional support in their children.

The event also featured a soul-lifting worship session by gospel singer Ernieola Olusoga.

Governors Sheriff Oborevwori (Delta) and Abdullahi Sule (Nasarawa) yesterday presented the 2026 Appropriation Bills to the Houses of Assembly for scrutiny and approval.

They presented N1.664 trillion, and N517.5 billion proposed budgets to the Houses of Assembly for the incoming year.

Giving a breakdown of the proposed budget, Oborevwori said N499 billion, representing 30 per cent, is for recurrent expenditure, while N1.165 trillion, representing 70 per cent of total budget, is for capital expenditure.

The governor said the proposed budget size indicated an increase of N685 billion or 70 per cent over that of the outgoing year.

He added that the proposed budget would be mainly funded from Statutory Allocation, Internally Generated Revenue (IGR), Mineral Derivation, Value Added Tax (VAT), Other Capital Receipts and Savings and Oil Revenue Recoveries.

Oborevwori said N720 billion, or 43.28 per cent of total projected revenue, is expected from statutory allocation which he said was boosted by post-subsidy FAAC inflows and improved oil production stability in the Niger Delta.

The governor said the state’s IGR is projected at N250 billion, representing an 86.5 per cent increase over that of 2025.

He stated that the projected increase in the state’s IGR was driven by ongoing reforms to plug leakages and widen the tax net.

According to him, VAT receipts are expected to rise sharply to N120 billion, buoyed by improved federal administration of the tax.

Oborevwori said: ‘Capital receipts, however, have been deliberately cut down to N25 billion, a 73 per cent reduction, as the government pushes towards a zero-borrowing fiscal strategy.

‘Savings and oil revenue recoveries are projected to contribute N489 billion. This is a testament to prudent and disciplined financial management.’

According to him, the proposed recurrent expenditure estimates for 2026 of N499 billion comprise personnel costs of N185 billion, representing 37 per cent of the proposed recurrent budget, while N204 billion, representing approximately 41 per cent, is earmarked for overheads.

Oborevwori explained that the balance of 22 per cent or N110 billion was accounted for by social contributions, benefits, and grants.

The governor emphasised that the personnel cost of N185 billion anticipated the annual increments and allowances, while the overhead cost mirrors the inflationary trend in the country.

Analysing the proposed capital expenditure estimate of N1.165 trillion, Oborevwori noted that the proposal was N535 billion or 85 per cent higher than the 2025 capital budget of N630 Billion.

‘This is largely accounted for by the larger budget size of N1.664 trillion, as against the N979.2 billion of 2025,’ he said.

Highlighting the priority sectors of the budget, Oborevwori said N450 billion was budgeted for road infrastructure, N105.086 billion for education, N50.067 billion for health, N20 billion for Delta State Capital Territory Development Agency and N20 billion for Warri, Uvwie and Environs Development Agency.

According to him, N16 billion was budgeted for Power and Energy, N10 billion for Agriculture, N20 billion for Social Protection, adding that the sum of N100 billion was budgeted for local government intervention in the 25 local government areas in the state (N4 billion per local government).

Reviewing the performance of this year’s budget, named: ‘Budget of Fiscal Consolidation,’ where N979,228,818,719 was approved for funding both capital and recurrent expenditures, the governor said the performance of the budget was encouraging.

‘From January to October 2025, the actual revenue receipts from the Federation Account Allocation Committee and Internally Generated Revenue stood at N738.640 billion, representing 90.5 per cent of the proportionate budget of N816,024,015,599.

‘The recurrent expenditure for the period under review was N340,554,006,448, as against a proportionate amount of N290,639,798,863.50, representing 117 per cent performance.

‘The sum of N509,780,336,370 was expended during the period under review, as against a proportionate amount of N525,384,216,736, representing 97 per cent performance.

‘It is pertinent to appreciate this stellar performance. It is also gladdening to note that the bold and reformist policies of the Federal Government have started to yield the desired result and the country is beginning to turn the corner,’ Oborevwori added.

Speaker Emomotimi Guwor praised the Oborevwori administration for the steady strides it had recorded under the Renewed Hope for M.O.R.E.

Also, presenting a budget proposal of N517.539,050,910.77 billion for the year 2026 to the State House of Assembly for approval, Governor Sule urged the House of Assembly to examine the details and ensure expeditious approval.

Receiving the Appropriation Bill, Speaker Danladi Jatau assured the governor of effective synergy and speedy passage.

Governor Sule said: ‘Mr. Speaker, the Fiscal Year 2026 Appropriation Bill is anchored on the theme: Budget of Strategic Consolidation. In line with our development agenda, the 2026 budget seeks to consolidate ongoing infrastructure projects to enhance connectivity and economic competitiveness.

‘Expand job creation through industrialization, SME support, and agricultural productivity, Improve the quality and accessibility of basic healthcare and education services.

‘Intensify urban renewal efforts and strengthen environmental management among others,’ he said.

According to the governor, the total expenditure budget for fiscal year 2026 is structured into N212,789,330,249.07 only. This represents 41.12% recurrent expenditure.

‘And a total capital expenditure of N304,749,720,661.70 representing 58.88%,’ he said.

Sule said the ratio of the recurrent to capital spending shows another improvement in his administration’s commitment to investing in capital spending.

‘Budget allocation based on main sectors is as follows: Administrative Sector: N108.70 billion, Economic Sector: N221.84 billion

Law and Justice Sector: N16.09 billionSocial Sector: N170.92 billion.

‘Further breakdown into sub-sectors shows that: Infrastructure-N 157.80 billion representing 30.49 per cent while Education sector takes N92.91 billion representing 7.95 per cent, Science, Technology and

Digital Economy was allocated N4.92 billion, representing 0.95%, as well as Governance, Security and General Administration – N142.96 billion representing 27.62%, Finance, Investment and Trade N39.19 billion representing 7.57 per cent.

Others are: Health – N37.19 billion representing 7.19 PER CENT, Agriculture and

Water Resources – N31.85 billion representing 6.15 per cent, Environment and Community Development – N28.32 billion representing 5.42 per cent, Information and Tourism – N18.65 billion representing 3.60 per cent, Legislation – N16.59 billion representing 3.21 per cent

‘Law and Justice – N16.09 billion, representing 3.11 per cent, Youth and Sport Development N10.01 billion representing 1.93, Humanitarian and Women Empowerment- N2.50 billion representing 0.48 per cent,’ he said.

The governor said that his administration remain committed to enhancing capacity to serve the people of Nasarawa State.

Also, in Katsina State, Governor Radda received and signed into law the 2026 Appropriation Bill, named: Building Your Future III, which he presented to the House of Assembly on November 4.

The lawmakers approved the Bill within a 21-day period, returning the figures the governor presented before them unaltered.

The proposed budget contains a Recurrent Expenditure of 18 per cent, and Capital Expenditure of 81 per cent.

During the signing ceremony at the Government House in Katsina, Radda said details of the budget was not compiled till the opinions of the people from the 361 wards across the 34 councils were sought through several town hall meetings.

He said: ‘More than 70,000 people attended the town hall meetings, with the attendees itemizing those things they wanted government to do for them which was incorporated into the budget.

‘The synergy between government and the lawmakers was a commendable one, we call on them to ensure the cooperation continued unabated.

‘Government had sent several bills to the house which has been passed into law, and more Bills would be coming in the months for the lawmaker’s consideration.’

Giwa Gardens Water Park, West Africa’s family entertainment destination, has announced a Detty December initiative offering 100,000 free tickets between December 13, and January 4, in partnership with Ministry of Tourism, Arts and Culture. Other partners are Access Bank, FiberOne, MTN, Zenith Bank, and Awari App (Lost in Lagos).

The initiative aims to strengthen recreational tourism for Nigerians at home and those returning from the diaspora for the festive season, while boosting Lagos’ profile as a destination for domestic and international tourism.

Giwa Gardens will also sponsor 1,000 less-privileged children on December 13, offering them free access, food, drinks, safety gear, and supervised fun experiences. The effort is being conducted in collaboration with the Ministry of Tourism, Arts and Culture.

According to the organisers, the partnership brings together government and private-sector leaders with a shared goal: expanding Lagos’ tourism economy and enhancing the festive experience for families.

Founder and Chief Executive Officer, Keji Giwa, described the initiative as a gift to families during the season.

‘Detty December is about joy, family and togetherness. By opening our doors with 100,000 free tickets, we want to give Nigerians-home and abroad-an experience to look forward to. Our partnership with Lagos State and our private-sector partners reflects our commitment to growing tourism in Lagos,’ he said.

Lauding the initiative on behalf of government, Special Adviser to Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu on Tourism, Arts and Culture, Mr Idris Aregbe, praised the project as a model for effective collaboration.

‘The pact with Giwa Gardens is a boost to Lagos tourism. Offering 100,000 free tickets ensures more families can participate in the festive spirit, and sponsoring 1,000 less-privileged reflects the values we stand for,’ Aregbe noted.