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Reps express satisfaction with Tinubu’s N47.9 trn 2025 budget

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Some members of the House of Representatives have expressed satisfaction with the 2025 Appropriation Bill of N47.9 trillion presented to the joint session of the National Assembly by President Bola Tinubu on Wednesday.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that in the 2025 budget, the sum of N4.90 trillion was allocated to Defence, N4.06 trillion to infrastructure, N2.48 trillion to health and N3.52 trillion to education, among others.

The lawmakers, in their separate reactions after the presentation of the budget, described the budget as a ‘huge improvement’ on the 2024 budget.

The Chairman, House of Representatives Committee on Defence, Rep. Benson Babajimi (APC-Lagos), said that if well-implemented, the budget would meet the expectations of Nigerians.

“It very ambitious, a huge improvement from last year’s budget. It shows the president is bold and a reformist.

“He wants to connect Nigeria with rail and roads; the Sokoto-Badagry expressway project is a game changer; that of Lagos-Calabar is a game changer as well.

“There is a huge improvement in security, budget, health and education. That shows somebody who has a mission and a vision. The renewed hope infrastructure fund he spoke about also will take us to the next level.

“So we believe that it is a good budget, and he has prayed for cooperation from the national assembly.

“To ensure that, the Senate President, Godswill Akpabio, has emphatically said that we will ensure that the budget is ruthlessly implemented; so we are hoping for a renewal of hope in 2025,” he said.

Rep. Abubakar Fulata (APC-Jigawa) also said that all the assumptions in the budget were very satisfactory, except a few areas.

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Fulata said that the over 15 trillion set aside for debt servicing out of the entire sum was not very impressive.

He stated that the current price of crude oil was hovering between $73 and $74 per barrel, with the budget predicated on $15 dollars per barrel

“Already, we have a deficit of about $1.5 in each barrel. So I hope that we will be able to raise the money we are expecting to realise.

“We also hope that there will be peace in the Niger Delta so that we will be able to get the 2.06 million barrels per day,” he said.

On his part, Rep. Idem Unyime (PDP-Akwa Ibom) said that the January to December budget circle would not be realised.

He said that though the budget was presented within the stipulated time, the assembly could only consider it after the Christmas holidays.

Unyime said that the assembly would work on the budget and ensure its passage before the end of January 2025. (NAN)

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Palm Sunday: CAN Urges Peace, Condemns Plateau Killings

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As Christians around the world mark Palm Sunday, the beginning of Holy Week, the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) has called for peace and unity in the country.

Extending warm greetings to all the faithful and people of goodwill across the nation on Palm Sunday, CAN said the sacred occasion invites citizens to reflect deeply on the life and mission of Jesus Christ, whose message of peace, humility, and sacrificial love remains as urgent today as it was over two thousand years ago.

This was contained in a statement released by the Christian body on Sunday, and signed by its President, Archbishop Daniel Okoh.

The umbrella body for Christians in Nigeria also strongly condemned the recent wave of brutal killings in Plateau State, particularly the April 4, 2025 attacks that claimed dozens of innocent lives in Bokkos and Mangu Local Government Areas.

It added that the acts of violence represent not only a gross violation of human dignity and the sanctity of life but also a serious threat to our national unity and peace.

CAN called on the security agencies to act swiftly and decisively in bringing the perpetrators to justice.

The statement read in part, “Palm Sunday commemorates the triumphal entry of Jesus Christ into Jerusalem, where He was welcomed with palm branches and shouts of “Hosanna!”—a powerful symbol of peace, humility, and hope.

“This moment, recorded in the Gospels (Matthew 21:1–11, Mark 11:1–11, Luke 19:28–44, and John 12:12–19), offers enduring lessons for our nation as we navigate these uncertain and challenging times. These lessons are especially pertinent as we are once again confronted with a painful reminder of the fragility of peace in our land.

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“With deep sorrow, CAN strongly condemns the recent wave of brutal killings in Plateau State, particularly the attacks of 4 April 2025, which claimed the lives of dozens of innocent citizens in Bokkos and Mangu Local Government Areas. These senseless acts of violence represent not only a gross violation of human dignity and the sanctity of life but also a serious threat to our national unity and peace.

“We call on the security agencies to act swiftly and decisively in bringing the perpetrators to justice. We also urge the government—at all levels—to intensify its efforts to secure all communities and prevent further bloodshed. The continued loss of lives in such tragic circumstances is simply unacceptable.

“We stand in solidarity with the bereaved families and the people of Plateau State. May God grant comfort to the grieving, healing to the wounded, and peace to every troubled heart. In times like these, we are reminded that true leadership is most vital when lives are at risk and communities are in distress.

“In this critical moment, we call on our leaders to rise to the occasion with humility and a clear sense of purpose. Jesus’ choice to enter Jerusalem on a donkey—symbolising peace and servanthood—remains a timeless example. Our leaders must embrace the principles of servant leadership, placing the welfare of the people above personal or political interests. Amidst insecurity, economic hardship, and displacement, let their actions be marked by compassion, justice, and a steadfast commitment to national healing.

“In the same spirit, we appeal to all Nigerians—regardless of ethnicity, religion, or political affiliation—to rise above division and embrace our shared identity as one people under God. Just as the diverse crowds in Jerusalem were united in hope, so too must we come together with a common purpose: to heal our land and build a future grounded in mutual respect, compassion, and solidarity.

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“Palm Sunday reminds us that even in times of trial, there is hope. The journey to national renewal begins with each of us. Let us be mindful of our words and actions, choosing to be peacemakers in our homes, communities, and workplaces. Through a shared commitment to truth and justice, we can overcome the pain of the present and help shape a Nigeria where every citizen has the opportunity to thrive.

“As we lift our palm branches today, let them serve not only as symbols of worship but as signs of our collective resolve to work for a peaceful and united Nigeria. May God grant us wisdom, courage, and grace in these trying times. We pray for our leaders, that they may be guided by divine insight; for our people, that they may draw strength from unity; and for our nation, that peace may reign in every corner.

“God bless you all, and God bless the Federal Republic of Nigeria.”

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‘An Enduring Legacy’, Otedola Pays Tribute To Christian Chukwu

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Billionaire businessman, Femi Otedola, has joined other prominent Nigerians in paying tribute to late Super Eagles legendary former captain and coach, Christian Chukwu, who died on Saturday.

The Nigerian football icon, nicknamed ‘Chairman’ for his imposing presence and the authority he exuded just in defence, died at 74, throwing family, friends, and the entire nation into mourning.

In a tribute to the former centre defender posted on his social media pages on Sunday, Otedola said that Chukwu creatively used the game of football as a unifying force for us as individuals and the nation in general.

“The sudden passing of the legendary Christian Chukwu, former captain and head coach of the Super Eagles, has come as a rude shock to me. As one of Nigeria’s Patriots, Christian Chukwu creatively used the game of football as a unifying force for us as individuals and the nation in general.

“His footballing career as the captain and subsequently coach of the national team remains legendary and fully etched in the annals of our national history,” the statement said.

The former national team and Enugu Rangers captain was diagnosed with prostate cancer in 2019, and Otedola stepped in to offer financial support for his medical treatment in the United Kingdom.

The Executive Chairman of Geregu Power PLC recalled that his intervention in 2019 saw Chukwu saw through a very challenging time and gave him a new lease of life.

He condoled the family of the late legendary footballer and his fans all over the world.

“Back in 2019, when he was diagnosed with prostate cancer that affected his legs, I stepped in with the necessary support so as to enable him receive comprehensive care and medical treatment in the United Kingdom.

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“Thankfully, that intervention and opportunity saw him through a very challenging time and gave him a new lease of life. My condolences go out to his entire family and to his fans all over the world. May you all find comfort during this difficult time. May his soul rest in peace.”

Chukwu captained Nigeria to their first Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) trophy in 1980 and was also a former coach of the side between 2002 and 2005. He led the Super Eagles to a third-place finish at the 2004 edition of the continental competition in Tunisia.

He devoted his club career to Enugu Rangers, where he won multiple national titles and led the club to continental glory with their 1977 African Cup Winners’ Cup triumph.

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Nothing ntew in FBI’s Reports On Tinubu – Presidency

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The Presidency has reacted to the directive to US law enforcement agencies to release confidential information generated on President Bola Tinubu.

Elanza News had reported how a United States District Court ordered the FBI to release the information on Nigeria’s number one citizen.

Reacting, Bayo Onanuga, Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy, said the information being sought did not indict President Bola Tinubu.

He also hinted that there is nothing new, in the report by Agent Moss of the FBI and the DEA report, saying the report has been in the public space for more than 30 years.

According to Onanuga, “Journalists have sought the Presidency’s reaction to the ruling last Tuesday by a Washington DC judge ordering the US FBI and DEA to release reports connected with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.

“There is nothing new to be revealed. The report by Agent Moss of the FBI and the DEA report have been in the public space for more than 30 years. The reports did not indict the Nigerian leader. The lawyers are examining the ruling.”

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