News
Ondo State House of Assembly Approves N698.66 Billion Budget for 2025 Fiscal Year.
In a significant legislative move, the Ondo State House of Assembly has approved a budget of N698.66 billion for the 2025 fiscal year. This marks an increase of N43.43 billion from the initial proposal of N655.23 billion submitted by Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa.
The approved budget allocates N433.62 billion, or 62.06 percent of the total, for capital expenditure, while N265.04 billion, representing 37.94 percent, is designated for recurrent expenditure. This allocation reflects the Assembly’s commitment to enhancing the state’s infrastructure and services.
Chairman of the House Committee on Finance and Appropriation, Oluwole Ogunmolasuyi, who also serves as the House Majority Leader, presented the budget report titled the “Budget of Recovery.” He explained that the increase was driven by extensive consultations with Ministries, Departments, and Agencies (MDAs) during the budget defense sessions. Ogunmolasuyi further noted that the prevailing hyperinflationary environment had significantly affected the cost projections in the initial budget estimates.
In his remarks, Ogunmolasuyi urged the Ondo State Ministry of Economic Planning and Budget, the Ministry of Finance, and the Ondo State Internal Revenue Service (ODIRS) to enhance efforts in boosting internally generated revenue, ensuring compliance with existing laws.
Speaker of the Ondo State House of Assembly, Olamide Oladiji, reiterated the Assembly’s dedication to supporting the governor’s vision for the state’s advancement. He also highlighted the notable achievements of the Assembly throughout 2024, underscoring a collaborative effort towards the state’s development.
As Ondo State moves forward with this budget, the focus on capital expenditure and revenue generation will be critical in addressing the challenges posed by economic fluctuations and ensuring sustainable growth.
In response to the escalating conflict between Iran and Israel, the United Kingdom is deploying fighter jets and other military assets to the Middle East. Prime Minister Keir Starmer announced the deployment, stating it is for “contingency support.”
The Prime Minister has engaged in discussions with both US President Donald Trump and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, emphasizing the need for de-escalation. Foreign Secretary David Lammy has also communicated with Iranian officials, urging restraint and emphasizing the importance of protecting civilians.
The UK’s actions reflect a commitment to regional stability and a concerted effort to prevent further escalation of the conflict. Ongoing discussions with allies aim to de-escalate the situation and promote a peaceful resolution.
Foreign
A person who attacked and killed a Nigerian schoolboy with a sword in the UK has been sentenced to life in prison.
Marcus Monzo, a 37-year-old of Spanish-Brazilian descent, has been sentenced to life imprisonment with a minimum term of 40 years for the murder of 14-year-old Daniel Anjorin in Hainault, northeast London. The sentencing follows Monzo’s conviction for the unprovoked and brutal attack on Daniel, as well as attacks on other members of the public and police officers, in April of last year.
The court heard how Monzo, under the influence of cannabis-induced psychosis, initiated a violent rampage, culminating in the near-decapitation of Daniel Anjorin as the young boy walked to school. Judge Joel Bennathan strongly condemned Monzo’s actions, acknowledging the profound grief inflicted upon Daniel’s family.
Judge Bennathan also commended the bravery of the police officers involved, highlighting their courage in confronting and disarming Monzo, thereby protecting the public. Monzo’s sentence reflects the severity of his crimes and the devastating impact on the victims and the community.
In a coordinated effort between the Nigeria Police Force and Chinese authorities, a Chinese national wanted on charges of tax fraud has been arrested in Lagos and repatriated to China. The suspect, Chen Gaochong, was apprehended on June 24 following an operation led by the INTERPOL National Central Bureau in Abuja, prompted by a formal request from the Chinese government.
Mr. Chen is accused by the Peixian Public Security Bureau in Jiangsu Province of issuing falsified Value Added Tax (VAT) invoices totaling 4.97 million renminbi (approximately N1,057,561,330). He allegedly used the names of Linhai Guangyong and Linhai Beilaisi to generate 45 fake VAT invoices issued to Xuzhou Wanfeng Plastic Industry Company between May and August 2017.
Authorities stated that Mr. Chen fled China in November 2019, moving through Hong Kong and Burkina Faso before unlawfully entering Nigeria in 2021. He reportedly avoided renewing his passport to conceal his identity. An arrest warrant was issued in July 2020.
Mr. Chen was handed over to Chinese law enforcement on July 3. Inspector-General of Police Kayode Egbetokun affirmed that Nigeria will not serve as a refuge for fugitives, emphasizing the significance of international cooperation in combating cross-border crime. The Nigeria Police Force reiterated its commitment to collaborating with international law enforcement agencies and upholding mutual legal assistance obligations.
UK Deploys Military Assets to Middle East Amidst Escalating Iran-Israel Conflict.
A person who attacked and killed a Nigerian schoolboy with a sword in the UK has been sentenced to life in prison.
Chinese Tax Fraud Suspect Apprehended in Nigeria, Repatriated to China.
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Foreign4 hours agoUK Deploys Military Assets to Middle East Amidst Escalating Iran-Israel Conflict.
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News4 hours agoChinese Tax Fraud Suspect Apprehended in Nigeria, Repatriated to China.
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Foreign4 hours agoA person who attacked and killed a Nigerian schoolboy with a sword in the UK has been sentenced to life in prison.