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Ogun State House of Assembly Commences 2025 Budget Defence.
The Ogun State House of Assembly has initiated the budget defence process for the 2025 fiscal year, emphasizing the importance of thorough evaluation, transparency, and accountability in the allocation and utilization of public funds. This initiative aims to ensure that government resources create tangible value for the citizens of Ogun State.
In his opening remarks at the assembly complex in Oke-Mosan, Abeokuta, Musefiu Lamidi, the Chairman of the House Committee on Finance and Appropriation, underscored the significance of this exercise in the governance process. He articulated that the focus extends beyond mere numerical figures, highlighting the necessity to assess the impact of proposed programs and projects on the populace.
Lamidi stated, “We are here to ensure that the resources allocated translate into meaningful, measurable, and sustainable benefits for our citizens.” He encouraged representatives from various ministries to provide clear, detailed insights into their proposed budgets, while also reflecting on the progress made in the previous year and outlining their plans for the upcoming year.
The chairman reaffirmed the Ogun State Assembly’s commitment to supporting initiatives that align with the collective goal of enhancing the quality of life for all residents. He assured that the budget defence exercise would be conducted with fairness, professionalism, and adherence to the principles of good governance.
The process commenced with the Ministry of Women Affairs and Social Development, which plays a pivotal role in advancing the welfare and empowerment of vulnerable populations. Lamidi emphasized the ministry’s critical function in fostering inclusive growth and ensuring that no citizen is left behind in Ogun State’s shared vision.
During the budget defence, Commissioner Adijat Adeleye presented the ministry’s financial allocations, revealing that N1.050 billion is earmarked for recurrent expenditure and N468.4 million for capital expenditure, bringing the total projected expenditure to N1.5 billion for the next fiscal year. She assured that the ministry remains committed to investing in all demographics through gender-responsive and participatory approaches aimed at sustainable development.
The ongoing budget defence process reflects the Ogun State House of Assembly’s dedication to ensuring that public funds are utilized effectively to benefit the community, thereby reinforcing the principles of good governance in the 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.
