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Ebonyi State House of Assembly Approves N444.98 Billion Budget for 2025.
The Ebonyi State House of Assembly has officially approved a budget of N444.98 billion for the 2025 fiscal year, as presented by Governor Francis Nwifuru. This appropriation bill, titled “Budget of Economic and Social Development,” was passed following a comprehensive review by the House Committee on Appropriation and Finance within the state legislative complex.
A statement released by the assembly’s Public Relations Officer, Sylvester Egede, detailed that the bill underwent meticulous examination by the Committee of the Whole. Each page was scrutinized, with corrections made to ensure clarity and precision in language.
Speaker Moses Odunwa commended the committee for their diligence and timely completion of the review process. He noted that their efforts exemplify the commitment of the Seventh State Assembly to the welfare of Ebonyi residents and the administration of Governor Nwifuru. The Speaker expressed confidence that the 2025 budget would facilitate significant development for the state’s populace.
In his remarks, Kingsley Ikoro, the chairman of the committee and Leader of the House, highlighted the involvement of heads of ministries, departments, agencies, and parastatals in the budget’s scrutiny process. Ikoro expressed satisfaction with the collaboration among stakeholders, which he credited for the efficient completion of the committee’s work. He emphasized that the budget aims to drive the state’s developmental agenda through industrialization, enhancing internally generated revenue, and addressing the People’s Charter of Needs in Ebonyi State.
The approved budget is structured into three primary sections: personnel, overhead, and capital expenditure, reflecting a comprehensive approach to the state’s financial planning and development objectives.
Nollywood actress Ekene Umenwa recently revealed experiencing pressure early in her career to compromise her Christian faith in exchange for professional advancement. In a Wednesday Instagram post, the “Black Choir” star recounted being advised by unnamed individuals to abandon her religious beliefs for success within the industry.
Umenwa affirmed her resolute refusal to yield to these pressures, choosing instead to find strength and guidance in her faith. She shared a video set to the gospel song “No Turning Back,” emphasizing her unwavering commitment to her beliefs despite the challenges.
Umenwa’s disclosure highlights potential ethical dilemmas faced by individuals navigating the complexities of the Nigerian film industry. Her story resonates with themes of integrity and the importance of adhering to personal values amidst external pressures.
American R&B artist Chris Brown has been released on bail in the UK, pending a future court appearance related to an alleged assault. The Southwark Crown Court granted Mr. Brown bail upon the condition of a £5 million guarantee.
Under the terms stipulated by Judge Tony Baumgartner, Mr. Brown is permitted to continue his scheduled international tour, commencing June 8 in Amsterdam. However, the bail conditions require his return to the UK for a series of concerts beginning June 15, failing which the £5 million will be forfeited. Additionally, he must surrender his passport when not traveling, reside at a court-approved address, and refrain from visiting the location of the alleged incident or contacting the alleged victim, Abraham Diah.
Mr. Brown and a co-defendant, Omololu Akinlolu, face charges of grievous bodily harm with intent. They are scheduled to appear in court again on June 20.
Jennifer Lopez is once again embroiled in a legal battle over alleged copyright infringement. Photographer Edwin Blanco, and his agency Backgrid, have filed a $300,000 lawsuit against the actress and musician for unauthorized use of two photographs. The photos, reportedly taken at the 2025 Golden Globe Awards, were allegedly shared by Lopez on her social media platforms without proper licensing.
The lawsuit claims Lopez utilized the images to promote her brand, specifically tagging associated clothing and jewellery designers. Backgrid is seeking $150,000 in damages per photo. This is not the first instance of such a legal challenge for Lopez, as she previously faced similar lawsuits in 2019 and 2020 for analogous actions involving professionally captured images. The current case underscores the ongoing importance of understanding and respecting copyright law in the digital age, particularly regarding the use of professional photography.
Actress Ekene Umenwa Details Pressure to Abandon Faith for Success in Nollywood.
Chris Brown Granted Bail in UK Assault Case.
Jennifer Lopez faces a $300,000 lawsuit over unauthorized use of her own photos.
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