News
Benue State House of Assembly Passes 2025 Appropriation Bill.
In a significant legislative development, the Benue State House of Assembly has officially passed the 2025 appropriation bill, amounting to N550.1 billion. This pivotal decision was made during a plenary session presided over by Speaker Hyacinth Aondona Dajoh on Monday, following the successful completion of the bill’s third reading.
The appropriation bill, which has been termed the “Budget of Human Capital Development, Food Security and Digital Economy,” was presented to the Assembly by Governor Hyacinth Alia. The House Committee on Appropriation, led by Chairman Cephas Dyako, presented a comprehensive report that facilitated the bill’s passage. The bill was meticulously reviewed and adopted clause by clause before being read for the third time by the clerk of the House, John Hwande.
In addition to the appropriation bill, the Assembly addressed pressing issues concerning the recruitment of primary school teachers by the State Universal Basic Education Board (SUBEB). Following an investigation by an Ad Hoc Committee, the House approved six recommendations aimed at ensuring fairness and compliance in the recruitment process. These recommendations emphasize the importance of local government representation in hiring practices and the establishment of a compliance committee to oversee the implementation of the House’s resolutions.
The plenary session also witnessed the passage of two significant bills: the Rev Fr Moses Orshio Adasu University Bill and the Benue State University of Agriculture Science and Technology Ihugh Bill.
Speaker Dajoh highlighted the Assembly’s productivity during the second sitting, noting the receipt of 16 bills—nine of which were passed, while four remain in committee and five are pending. The Assembly also deliberated on 17 substantive motions and adopted 31 major resolutions, alongside receiving seven major communications, including requests for revisions to the 2024 Supplementary Budget.
With the conclusion of this plenary session, the Benue State House of Assembly has officially entered recess, marking the end of the Second Sitting of the Second Legislative Session of the Tenth Assembly.
Entertainment
Social Media Critic VeryDarkMan Condemns Lavish Car Purchases by Nigerian Music Stars.
Controversial social media personality VeryDarkMan has publicly criticized prominent Nigerian musicians Burna Boy, Davido, and Wizkid for their recent acquisitions of expensive vehicles. This censure comes amidst growing economic hardship in Nigeria, raising questions about the musicians’ sensitivity to the struggles of their fanbase and the broader community.
The controversy erupted following Burna Boy’s purchase of a N3.5 billion McLaren Sienna, making him the first owner of this model in Africa. Shortly after, reports surfaced of Davido acquiring a 2026 Mercedes Maybach SL 680 for N1.2 billion. These purchases follow Wizkid’s reported acquisition of a N1.7 billion car a few months prior.
In a viral Instagram video, VeryDarkMan, known for his critical commentary, questioned the timing and optics of these purchases. He specifically challenged Davido, with whom he claims a personal connection, to demonstrate tangible contributions to his home state of Osun and to Nigeria as a whole. VeryDarkMan argued that these artists, having benefited significantly from Nigeria and their fans, have a responsibility to contribute to the nation’s growth and the well-being of their supporters. The critic’s remarks have ignited a debate about wealth display and social responsibility among Nigeria’s elite.
Nollywood actress Biola Bayo has clarified the circumstances surrounding her recent announcement of separation from her husband, Oluseyi. The announcement, made on Oluseyi’s birthday, drew criticism online, with some accusing Bayo of insensitivity.
In response, Bayo explained that her decision to make the announcement stemmed from a desire to control the narrative. “I don’t want people to say my story for me,” she stated, emphasizing her preference to address the situation directly rather than allow rumors to circulate. She further clarified that the announcement was made with her husband’s consent, preempting speculation arising from her lack of recent social media posts featuring him.
Bayo, known for her openness, previously revealed that she and Oluseyi welcomed their son via surrogacy in 2023. Despite the backlash, she maintains that her actions were driven by a desire for transparency and to avoid misrepresentation of her personal life.
Nigerian Afropop artist Mayorkun has publicly acknowledged the instrumental role played by Davido, his former record label head, in securing his deal with Sony Music Africa. This revelation puts to rest speculations of animosity following Mayorkun’s departure from Davido Music Worldwide (DMW) in 2021.
Mayorkun joined DMW in 2016 and enjoyed considerable success under the label. His subsequent move to Sony Music West Africa triggered rumors of a potential rift with Davido. However, in a recent interview with 3Music TV, Mayorkun clarified the situation, stating, “Aside from having my label, right now I am also with Sony Africa. Shout out to Davido for that as well, he facilitated the deal.”
This statement confirms that Davido actively supported Mayorkun’s career progression even after his departure from DMW. It highlights a continued professional relationship and demonstrates Davido’s commitment to fostering talent within the Nigerian music industry, even beyond the confines of his own record label. The disclosure provides valuable insight into the circumstances surrounding Mayorkun’s career trajectory and dispels any lingering doubts regarding the nature of his relationship with Davido.
