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Governor Alex Otti Proposes ₦750 Billion Budget for 2025 Fiscal Year.
Governor Alex Otti of Abia State has submitted a proposed budget of ₦750 billion for the 2025 fiscal year to the state House of Assembly for review and approval. This budget reflects a notable increase of approximately 30% from the previous year’s budget of ₦523 billion.
In his presentation, titled “Budget of Sustained Momentum,” Otti allocated ₦611.7 billion, or 82% of the total budget, for capital expenditures, while ₦138.6 billion, representing 18%, is earmarked for recurrent expenditures. The governor acknowledged the significant economic challenges facing the state, including inflation and fluctuating exchange rates, which have impacted fiscal strategies.
Otti highlighted several key initiatives within the proposed budget. Notably, ₦13 billion is designated for the establishment of agro-industrial processing zones in the local government areas of Bende, Ukwa, and Umunneochi. Additionally, ₦55 billion is allocated for ongoing and new road projects, with plans to construct 170 kilometers of rural roads across all 17 local government areas. Furthermore, ₦4 billion is set aside for the refurbishment and reticulation of a 47-kilometer pipeline for the Umuahia Regional Water Scheme.
The health and education sectors are prioritized, with a combined total of 35% of the budget allocated—15% for health and 20% for education. Otti emphasized that the budget was developed with significant input from the citizens of Abia State, who participated in various engagement sessions.
In terms of revenue projections, the governor anticipates a 213% increase in the state’s internally generated revenue (IGR), alongside substantial rises in statutory allocations, grants, and Value Added Tax (VAT). To finance the remaining ₦364.1 billion, which constitutes about 51% of the budget, the administration plans to utilize borrowing from domestic and multilateral channels, ensuring that all borrowing is strictly for project execution.
Governor Otti reassured the assembly that no funds had been borrowed to date and that his administration remains committed to fiscal discipline. He reiterated that borrowing would only occur when necessary and exclusively for projects that would generate returns.
In response, the Speaker of the Abia State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Emmanuel Emeruwa, commended the governor’s budget proposal, affirming the House’s support in achieving the outlined goals for the 2025 fiscal year. The proposed budget signifies a strategic approach to addressing the developmental needs of Abia State while ensuring financial prudence.
The Ohanaeze Ndigbo Youth wing has voiced strong condemnation regarding the reported summoning of Mr. Chijioke Ezugwu, the Uzo-Uwani local government chairman, by the Enugu State police command. This follows recent violence in Uzo-Uwani, where suspected herdsmen have allegedly killed numerous residents, prompting local security efforts.
According to reports, Mr. Ezugwu was questioned regarding alleged killings of herdsmen. Ohanaeze Ndigbo Youth Council Worldwide President, Mazi Okwu Nnabuike, has called the summon unacceptable, lamenting the perceived lack of police action against the alleged perpetrators of the Uzo-Uwani attacks while criticizing the swiftness in summoning the council chairman.
Mr. Okwu stated that the situation in Uzo-Uwani is underreported and severe, marked by frequent abductions and attacks. He criticized the police for allegedly failing to apprehend those responsible for violence, including the murder of an elderly couple. He further asserted that the police’s actions may be perceived as emboldening criminals. The group has urged the Enugu State Police Command to address these allegations. They warn that continued “harassment” of the council chairman could result in widespread protests by Igbo youths.
In a significant operation against crude oil theft, the Nigerian Navy has successfully discovered and disconnected a wellhead linked to pipelines utilized for illicit siphoning of crude oil. The announcement, made via the Nigerian Navy’s verified Facebook page, detailed the operation conducted by Nigerian Navy Ship (NNS) Pathfinder on Wednesday, June 4, 2025.
The NNS Pathfinder patrol team also uncovered and deactivated eight illegal refinery sites in Egbema, Rivers State. The operation resulted in the dismantling of 26 refining ovens, 30 reservoirs, and 32 dugout pits containing substantial quantities of illegally acquired crude oil and illegally refined Automotive Gas Oil (AGO).
Furthermore, on Tuesday, June 3, 2025, Nigerian Navy Ship Delta discovered and deactivated 16 dug-out pits and numerous sacks filled with large volumes of stolen crude oil in the Obodo Omadino community, Warri South-West Local Government Area, Delta State.
These operations highlight the Nigerian Navy’s ongoing commitment to combating crude oil theft and illegal refining activities, which have significant detrimental effects on the nation’s economy and environment. The dismantling of these illegal infrastructures represents a crucial step in curbing these illicit activities and safeguarding Nigeria’s resources.
Nigerian skitmaker and musician Lawal Nasiru, known professionally as Nasboi, was involved in a car accident on Wednesday. According to reports, Nasboi’s vehicle collided with a parked trailer.
The accident occurred shortly after Nasboi embarked on a nationwide tour, which he playfully described as a campaign to secure a collaboration with singer Davido.
Following the incident, Nasboi addressed his followers via social media, assuring them of his safety and recovery. In a live video, he remained composed, expressing gratitude that no one was injured. “We thank God nobody got harmed. No injuries at all,” he stated.
Nasboi reflected on the experience in an Instagram post, captioning it: “Thank God for life. Few hours ago!! No injuries sustained, No single scratch. Now I’m thinking if I should stop or to continue.” The skitmaker’s post leaves his fans wondering if he will continue his tour.
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