News
Edo State Governor Presents ₦605 Billion Budget for 2025 Fiscal Year.
In a significant move aimed at enhancing the socio-economic landscape of Edo State, Governor Monday Okpebholo has presented an estimated budget of ₦605 billion for the 2025 fiscal year to the Edo State House of Assembly. This budget, which represents a 25 percent increase from the previous year, was unveiled during a session held on Tuesday, as reported by Naija News.
The budget, aptly titled the “Budget of Renewed Hope for a Rising Edo,” allocates 37 percent, or ₦223 billion, to recurrent expenditures, while the remaining ₦381 billion, constituting 63 percent, is earmarked for capital projects. Governor Okpebholo emphasized that this appropriation is the result of extensive consultations and aims to promote accountability and transparency in governance, ultimately ensuring responsive service delivery to the citizens of Edo State.
In his address, the Governor outlined the strategic objectives of the proposed budget, which align with his administration’s five-point agenda: security, infrastructural development, healthcare, food sufficiency, and education. He highlighted the importance of road infrastructure, announcing a substantial allocation of ₦162 billion for road development to facilitate economic growth and improve connectivity across the state.
Furthermore, Governor Okpebholo reiterated his commitment to revitalizing the education sector, pledging a monthly subvention of ₦500 million to Ambrose Ali University, Ekpoma, to address the challenges faced by tertiary institutions. The budget also allocates ₦48 billion for the continuous improvement of educational facilities.
On the security front, the Governor reaffirmed his administration’s dedication to fostering peace and community development throughout the state. He expressed gratitude to the Speaker and members of the House of Assembly, underscoring the budget’s overarching goal of enhancing the quality of life for the people of Edo State.
As the 2025 fiscal year approaches, the Governor’s budget proposal sets a promising tone for the administration’s commitment to progress and development in Edo State.
The Federal Government has declared a state of emergency on the construction of the Suleja-Minna road. Minister of Works, David Umahi, announced the declaration on Saturday following an inspection of the road. He stated that the project, initially awarded to Salini Nigeria Limited, had been poorly executed or abandoned.
Umahi explained that despite repeated attempts to have Salini repair the road over the past year and a half, progress had been unsatisfactory. Niger Governor Mohammed Bago raised concerns with President Bola Tinubu, prompting the Ministry of Works to intervene. The road, described as being “in a very terrible situation delaying travel time by seven hours instead of an hour and half hours and vehicles are falling and killing people,” has been designated an emergency project.
The contract with Salini has been irrevocably terminated due to substandard work. Umahi has directed his ministry to recover funds owed by Salini, potentially involving the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC). Two contractors are now engaged in the project. CCCC International Engineering Nigeria Ltd. has been contracted to handle part of the road, with 60km already completed under the Governor’s urban renewal agenda. CCCC has been given 10 days to mobilize and commence work on a critical 7km stretch. Umahi emphasized that work will begin immediately under emergency procurement guidelines, with pricing to be verified subsequently.
The Nigerian film industry is in mourning following the death of Kayode Peters, a renowned filmmaker and producer. The news was announced by his family on his official Instagram page, stating that he passed away peacefully on the morning of Saturday, June 28, 2025, in Toronto, Canada, after a long illness.
Peters, fondly known as KP, was celebrated for his contributions as a filmmaker, actor, and producer. He was known for his role as Koko in the popular sitcoms “Twilight Zone” and “Flatmates” in the early 2000s. His work also extended to stage plays and sitcoms like “Extended Family” and “Being Farouk,” significantly impacting Nigeria’s contemporary theatre and television landscape.
He is survived by his wife, Alexander, and their children. Funeral arrangements are underway, and further details will be shared by the family in due course. The industry and fans alike will deeply miss his warmth, generosity, and contributions to Nollywood.
President Bola Tinubu arrived in Vieux Fort, Saint Lucia, on Saturday, marking the commencement of a two-nation tour encompassing the Caribbean and South America. Upon arrival at Hewanorra International Airport, he was received with full military honors by Governor-General Errol Melchiades Charles and Prime Minister Philip J. Pierre.
The President’s itinerary includes courtesy visits to the Governor-General and Prime Minister, followed by an address to a joint session of the Senate and the House of Assembly of Saint Lucia. Discussions will focus on deepening cooperation between Nigeria and the Organisation of Eastern Caribbean States (OECS), with emphasis on economic partnerships and cultural solidarity. A visit to the Sir Arthur Lewis Community College is also planned to strengthen educational ties.
Following his engagements in Saint Lucia, President Tinubu will proceed to Brazil to participate in the 2025 BRICS Summit in Rio de Janeiro, attending at the invitation of President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva of Brazil. Nigeria’s participation as a ‘partner country’ underscores its commitment to strengthening diplomatic and economic relations on a global scale.
Federal Government Declares State of Emergency on Suleja-Minna Road.
Nollywood Mourns the Loss of Kayode Peters.
