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My govt’ll not relent investing in road infrastructure, Gov Oyebanji assures transport unions

Ekiti State Governor, Mr Biodun Oyebanji has assured transport unions in the state that his administration would continue to invest in road infrastructure across the state with a view to repositioning transportation system for improved service delivery and stimulate economic development.
Governor Oyebanji, who stated this on Wednesday while inaugurating a new office complex built by the Ekiti state Chapter of the National Union of Road Transport Workers (NURTW) in Ado Ekiti, expressed appreciation to members of the unions for supporting his administration and maintaining decorum within their rank and file.
The Governor stated that his government would partner with members of the unions to explore ways they could enjoy enduring dividends of democracy like others in the public service of the state with the plan to purchase vehicles for them provided they will be ready to pay for such vehicles.
“What we are doing for over one year now, is to first ensure the welfare of public servants, we have achieved that to the level that they are happy, it now remains those in the informal sector, market women, youth, artisans and the unions. We have gotten to that stage now, what can bring fear to government is when the drivers refuse to pay for the vehicles and government will be forced to pay. But, with what you have demonstrated for me today, I know that cannot happen. I will sit with the advisory board and see what to do.
“I heard the highlight of all you said government has achieved, what has helped us more is the power of God as well as the principle of continuity because I was part and parcel of the last administration, so, I know governance inside out. Society gains a lot when there is continuity of vision, but this has never happened in Ekiti. That is the secret of Lagos from Tinubu, Lagos has not departed from that tradition of one political party, of one ideology, of one vision and of one development plan.
“I decided to liaise with the federal ministry of works to come and rehabilitate their roads, but we in Ekiti have to create alternative routes for our people pending the time the issue of those roads would be addressed. All the roads we rehabilitated were strategic.
The Speaker, Ekiti state House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Adeoye Aribasoye, who called for unity of among drivers and their unions in the state used the opportunity to canvass for Governor Oyebanji to consider contesting for second term to enable him continue the good works he had started.
The Speaker commended the visions and the good aspiration of the Governor to improve state economy through tourism and agric business as he called on residents of the state to embrace agriculture adding that the future of the nation lies in agric. economy.
While berating those describing the state House of Assembly as a rubber stamp assembly, said he would continue to rubber stand development programmes, policies and projects that are in tandem with with the developmental agenda of the founding fathers of the state.
In his remarks, Commissioner for transportation, Mr Kehinde Ajobiewe noted that the achievement of NURTW was a testament to the unity among drivers in the state as he call on them to continue to support Governor Oyebanji’s programmes and policies aimed at lifting all facets of the economy, especially, transport sector.
Ajobiewe, who was represented by the Permanent Secretary in his ministry, Mr Bayo Abulola affirmed that Governor Oyebanji was a driver-friendly Governor as he had committed huge resources into road infrastructure, thereby easing attendant problems being faced by commercial drivers in the state.
In his welcome speech, the Chairman, NURTW in the state, Mr Joseph Falope expressed his appreciation to the Governor for helping to maintain decorum among the drivers unions in the state as well as supporting drivers to achieve the long desired unity.
Mr Falope, who also thanked the drivers for their support, which according to him was the impetus he needed to have achieved success in that enabled him achieve success in completing the project noted that the advisory board set up by Mr Governor has helped in no small measure to keep drivers’ unions together in the state.
He used the opportunity to urge drivers to continue to support the Governor by returning him for second term adding that government rehabilitation of roads have helped in putting their vehicles in good condition.
The Chairman also implored the State governor to assist them with purchase of vehicles with the assurance drivers would fail to pay back.
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2025 Budget: N4.5trn additional revenue will support economic diversification – Minister

Sen Abubakar Bagudu, the Minister of Budget and Economic Planning, has said the N4.5 trillion additional revenue in the 2025 budget would support the diversification programme of the President Bola Tinubu administration.
The minister said this while speaking to State House Correspondents on Wednesday in Abuja.
Bagudu said the N4.5 trillion additional revenue would be used to strengthen the Bank of Agriculture, Bank of Industry and support the diversification programme by putting more money in the solid minerals sector as well as infrastructure projects.
“You will recall Mr President submitted a N49 trillion budget to the National Assembly and legislative work commenced.
“The legislative work continued with interactions between the executive and the National Assembly, and the National Assembly and the Economic Management Team continued to interrogate all the figures.
“In that process, the Senate Committees on Appropriation, National Planning and Finance established that we can generate more revenue by tasking all the institutions to do more,” said the minister.
He said the Federal Inland Revenue Service confirmed that the government-owned enterprises as well as the Customs Service could contribute more revenue.
“So, additional revenue amounting to over N4.5 trillion was established, and this was taken to the President.
“He guided that this additional revenue be used to further strengthen the Bank of Agriculture, Bank of Industry, support the diversification programme by putting more money in the solid minerals sector as well as infrastructure projects,” said Bagudu.
On the Medium Term Expenditure Framework (MTEF) adjustment, he said, even when the budget was submitted, the MTEF was amended.
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Tinubu directs security and intelligence agencies to harmonize operations to combat security challenges

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has directed the Armed Forces, Security and Intelligent Agencies to harmonize their operations and adopt a whole of society approach in combating evolving Security challenges.
Mr. President underscored the critical importance of joint security operational effectiveness in tackling Nigeria’s emerging security challenges.
President Tinubu who was represented by the Minister of Defence, Mohammed Badaru Abubakar gave the charge at the opening session of the Chief of Defence Staff Joint Task Force Commanders Conference held at Defence Headquarters in Abuja.
The President commended the Armed Forces of Nigeria (AFN) for their unwavering dedication and sacrifice in safeguarding the nation. He noted that this year’s conference theme, “Enhancing Jointness across all Theatres of Operations,” aligns seamlessly with his administration’s strategic vision for a more secured Nigeria.
“This forum is expedient and timely especially at this time where the security landscape is dynamic and constantly evolving. Such a landscape undoubtedly requires us to harmonize our efforts and evolve proactive and innovative measures that can decisively address the security threats,“ he stated.
President Tinubu emphasized the necessity for enhanced collaboration among the military, police, intelligence agencies, and other security organizations to maximize operational efficiency. He reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to supporting the Armed Forces and all security agencies, and further highlighted the importance of continuous strategy re-evaluation, the integration of emerging technologies, and strengthening inter-agency cooperation.
“I therefore urge you to holistically explore,in detail,the concept of jointness, while harnessing the power of emerging technologies and innovation. I further implore you to continue to work together to ensure multi-agency synergy on all fronts as this will enable the Armed Forces of Nigeria remain an agile, adaptable and lethal force performing at its highest potential,“ he emphasized.
President Tinubu also expressed gratitude to the Chief of Defence Staff, Service Chiefs, and all officers and personnel of the Armed Forces for organizing the conference. He reiterated his administration’s full support for Nigeria’s security forces.
In conclusion, President Tinubu wished the participants fruitful deliberations, expressing confidence that the outcomes of the conference will significantly contribute to strengthening Nigeria’s national security framework.
News
Gov. Lawal mourns 17 students who died in Zamfara fire tragedy

Governor Dauda Lawal has expressed his condolences to the families of the 17 students who lost their lives in the fire tragedy at the Almajiri School in Zamfara State.
At least 17 students have tragically lost their lives due to a fire at an Almajiri school in Kaura-Namoda LGA of the state.
In a statement issued in Gusau on Wednesday, the governor’s spokesperson, Sulaiman Bala Idris, described the fire incident as highly unfortunate.
“I’m heartbroken by the tragic fire on Tuesday at Makarantar Mallam Ghali, an Almajiri School located in the Kauran Namoda local government area.
“On behalf of the Zamfara State Government, we extend our condolences to the families, the school, and the entire nation as we mourn the loss of these young souls.
“During this time of sorrow, may Almighty Allah provide strength and comfort to the grieving families as they navigate this difficult period. I extend my wishes for a speedy recovery for the injured.
“As a responsible government, we would examine the underlying causes of this fire and seek methods to prevent its recurrence in the future.
“We will provide all necessary support and assistance to the victims’ families.”
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