Connect with us

News

2024 BUDGET: LAGOS TO INVEST N550.689 BILLION ON INFRASTRUCTURE

The Lagos State government has said it will invest N550.689 billion to develop and maintain its infrastructure in 2024.

Published

on

…Establishes a Capital to Recurrent ratio of 58:42

The Lagos State government has said it will invest N550.689 billion to develop and maintain its infrastructure in 2024.

Commissioner of Economic Planning and Budget, Ope George disclosed on Wednesday during the State 2024 Budget Analysis at the Bagauda Kaltho Press Centre, in Alausa-Ikeja.

George said the amount N550.689bn on Infrastructure represents 24.28percent of the entire budget is part of the ₦1.315trillion capital budget for the year.

While highlighting some of the infrastructure targeting the Budget, he said there would be the continuation of ongoing transportation projects, such as the expansion of the rail network, road construction, completion of the Blue and Red Lines, and other metro projects within the State.

The Commissioner said the Budget would also address development of affordable housing schemes and urban renewal projects in addressing the housing deficit in the State by injecting a total of N55.924billion representing 2.5percent of the entire Budget. Some of the social housing projects include Completion of 444 units of building Projects at Sangotedo Phase ll; Completion of 420 units of building Projects at Ajara, Badagry; Phase Two Construction of 136 units of building Projects at Ibeshe ll, among others.

He added that there would be focus on some “Special Projects: Continuous progress on major infrastructure projects like the Lekki-Epe International Airport, the Omu Creek, Blue and Red lines etc. It should be noted that most of these projects will be prioritized.”

L-R: Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Economic Planning and Budget, Mr. Ibrahim Obajomo; Commissioners – Mr. Abayomi Oluyomi (Finance); Ms. Abisola Olusanya (Agriculture); Mr. Ope George (Economic Planning and Budget) and the Special Adviser to the Governor on Economic Planning and Budget, Mr. Lekan Balogun during the Lagos State govt 2024 Budget Breakdown at the Bagauda Kaltho Press Centre, the Secretariat, Alausa-Ikeja, on Wednesday, January 31, 2024

Meanwhile, this year budget according to the Commissioner intends to complete the front-loaded and ongoing infrastructure (such as the new Massey Children’s hospital, Omu Creek, Opebi-Mende-Ojota Link Bridge, Stadia, Rehabilitation of Public Schools, Lekki-Epe and Lagos-Badagry Expressways etc.) and commence the awaiting Fourth Mainland Bridge that will connect Ikorodu to the Island.

George said, “The State’s commitment and continuous support to agriculture will include increased funding for projects and programmes, comprehensive training programs, and incentives tailored for farmers. Simultaneously, ongoing aid for Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) remains a priority to stimulate economic growth and foster job creation.

“The State’s 5-year Agric roadmap stands as a testament to this commitment aiming to bolster support for farmers and enhance our overall food systems. This initiative prompted the State to allocate a total sum of N44.33 billion towards Central Food Security, fostering projects such as the Cattle Feedlot Project, Fish Processing Hub programs, and Wholesale Produce Hub & Market. These endeavors aim to elevate food quality, reduce prices, and optimize the Agricultural sector in the long run.”

In order to boost Human Capital Development through Education and Healthcare, which is of deep interest to the State due to the administration’s belief that a population that is healthy, skilled, and safe, can only convert the opportunities in the State to value. The State has allocated 13.35percent of the total budget to personnel cost in Y2024, an increase of 33percent compared to Y2023. The N180.693 billion in the Education Sector will allow continuous Investment in educational infrastructure, digital skills initiatives, and vocational education, thus enhancing learning opportunities for every child in the State.

George has said that the total budget size of ₦2.267 trillion will be funded from a total revenue estimate of ₦1.880 trillion, comprises of Internally Generated Revenue (IGR): 1.189 trillion; Capital Receipts 94.605 billion and Federal Transfer 596.629 billion, adding that LIRS is expected to contribute 63% (N750 billon) of the projected TIGR, and about 23% (N283.567bn) is expected to be generated by other MDAs of government.

“We shall achieve this by deepening the revenue and increasing the tax net through the deployment of technology, economic intelligence, data gathering and analysis amongst other initiatives. There are huge revenue generating opportunities in the informal sector, including real estates, transportation, and trade, he said.”

He also noted, “The deficit of ₦387.125bn is projected to be funded by a combination of Internal, External Loans and Bond Issuance.”

News

Delta NMA Declares Blessing CEO’s Cancer Report Fraudulent

Published

on

By

The Nigerian Medical Association (NMA), Delta State branch, has officially debunked the cancer claims made by relationship influencer Blessing Okoro, popularly known as Blessing CEO.

In a statement on Tuesday, the association revealed that the document is an altered version of an original medical report belonging to a different patient diagnosed with breast cancer.

The statement, jointly signed by NMA Delta State Chairman, Dr. Israel Adaigho, and Secretary, Dr. Usamah Hannah, was sighted by The Nation on Tuesday.

According to the NMA, the viral report was purportedly issued by Xinus Medical Diagnostics and signed by consultant pathologist Dr. O.A. Odigwe.

However, Dr. Odigwe, who is the proprietor of the diagnostic centre, clarified that his facility never issued any report to Blessing Okoro.

The association explained that Xinus Medical Diagnostics is located in Asaba, Delta State not Enugu State as claimed in the circulating document.

The centre was contacted in May 2025 by a doctor from a private hospital in Asaba to conduct a confirmatory histology test for a patient identified as Mbara Deborah, who had a suspected case of breast cancer.

The test confirmed breast cancer, and the original result was issued to the referring doctor on May 9, 2025.

The NMA stated that the document currently being paraded online by the law firm Allen Juris Law is the original report bearing the name Mbara Deborah.

The version linked to Blessing CEO appears to be a doctored copy of this same report.

The statement read in part: “Our attention has been drawn to an online histology report purportedly issued to one Blessing Okoro, aka Blessing CEO, by Xinus Medical Diagnostics allegedly located in Enugu State. The said histology report was also alleged to have been signed by Dr. O.A. Odigwe, a consultant pathologist.

“The proprietor of Xinus Medical Diagnostics, Dr. O.A. Odigwe, who is also a member of the Nigerian Medical Association, Delta State chapter, has reached us and offered the following clarification: that Xinus Medical Diagnostics is located in Asaba, Delta State and did not at any time issue any report to Blessing Okoro.

“The centre was contacted in May 2025 by a doctor from a private hospital in Asaba to do a confirmatory test on a possible case of breast cancer for a patient, Mbara Deborah. The test was done and the result issued to the referring doctor as a case of breast cancer on May 9, 2025.

“A copy of that result is the one currently being circulated online by the law firm, Allen Juris Law, with the name Mbara Deborah as the patient. That result from the law firm is the original version issued to the patient through her hospital.”

The NMA said the clarification became necessary because of the way the altered report was allegedly being used to solicit public sympathy and financial assistance.

It urged the public to be cautious and warned against actions that could tarnish the integrity of medical professionals.

The association also called on relevant security agencies to take appropriate steps to protect unsuspecting members of the public.

“The integrity of our association and its members is very paramount and should not therefore be taken for granted.

“We call on the authorities responsible for maintaining law and order to do the needful and save unsuspecting members of the public from being unduly taken advantage of,” it added.

Recall that Blessing CEO recently solicited financial help from the public for the treatment of what she claimed was stage four cancer.

Following widespread backlash and allegations that her medical report had been edited, she made a U-turn, stating in an interview: “I don’t have stage 4 cancer. That was a miscommunication.”

Continue Reading

News

Abuja Court Jails Boko Haram Food Supplier, Hamatu Modu For 40 Years

Published

on

By

Justice Binta Fatima Nyako of the Federal High Court in Abuja has sentenced Hamatu Modu, a major food supplier for Boko Haram terrorists, to 40 years imprisonment for his involvement in terrorism activities.

Modu, who confessed in the open court to supplying food items and information to terrorists, was put on trial by the federal government through the Attorney General of the Federation and Minister of Justice.

He was slammed with 4- count charges and instantly pleaded guilty to them.

The Director of the Public Prosecution of the Federation, DPPF, Rotimi Oyedepo, SAN, led the prosecution.

In his judgment, Justice Nyako sentenced him to 10 years on each of the count but due to the plea of the defense counsel, the judge ordered that the 40 years imprisonment should run concurrently, giving the convict opportunity to spend only 10 years.

In another development, Isah Ali, another food supplier also in Borno, was jailed 10 years by Justice Nyako.

His jail term will, however, start three years ago when he was arrested and clamped into detention.

The convict confessed to committing the offence as charged.

Justice Nyako ordered that the convicts be made to undergo rehabilitation and radicalization at the end of their service of the jail terms.

The Federal Ministry of Interior was ordered to determine where the two men will serve their jail terms.

Continue Reading

News

Just In: Kebbi Assembly Speaker Muhammad Ankwai Passes Away

Published

on

By

The Speaker of the Kebbi State House of Assembly, Muhammad Usman Ankwai has passed away in the late hours of Monday, 6 April 2026.

Ankwai, who represented Zuru Constituency under the All Progressives Congress (APC), was elected Speaker at the inauguration of the 10th Assembly on June 8, 2023.

Details surrounding the circumstances of his death were not immediately disclosed at the time of filing this report.

His death has, however, triggered an outpouring of condolences from fellow lawmakers, political associates, and residents across Kebbi State, many of whom have described him as a dedicated public servant who contributed to legislative development in the state.

Further announcements regarding burial arrangements are expected to be made by his family soon.

 

Continue Reading

Trending