Author: Safiu Kehinde

By Halimah Olamide “As a result, the government continues to drift away from fiscal responsibility by borrowing more than it earns, resulting in a deficit of N13.50tn.” Budgit concluded. Nigerian civic organization, BudgIT has accused the Federal government of drifting away from its fiscal responsibility. This was contained in its latest released report on Monday via X. Budgit noted that the 2023 Fiscal Accounts Report of the Accountant General of the Federation, Nigeria’s Federal Government made a revenue of N5.99tn, spent N19.50tn, and recorded a deficit of N13.50tn, which represents 225% of the total revenue. Furthering the breakdown, BudgIT stated…

Agency Report Israel has said it carried out a wave of pre-emptive strikes across southern Lebanon to thwart a large-scale rocket and drone attack by Hezbollah. Jets destroyed thousands of the Iran-backed armed group’s rocket launchers on Sunday morning, Israel’s military said. Hezbollah and its Amal allies said three fighters had been killed. Hezbollah said it had still managed to fire 320 rockets and drones at Israel in retaliation for the assassination of a senior commander. According to Israel’s military, one Israeli navy soldier was killed. The US says it is working to avoid any further escalation after 10 months…

Safiu Kehinde  The Minister for Education, Tahir Mamman, has reaffirmed 18 years eligibility requirement for the Joint Admission and Matriculation Board (JAMB) examination starting from 2025. Mamman declared this at an interview session broadcasted yesterday. Speaking on the minimum age for candidates applying for admission, the education minister harped on the need for candidates to fulfill the standard system for basic education before being legible to apply for JAMB. “For the avoidance of doubt, this is not a new policy. This is a policy that has been there for a long time. Basically, if you compute the number of years…

Agency Report  The Inspector-General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun, has said that a notorious kidnap kingpin was killed, and two abductors were arrested during an operation to rescue the 20 abducted medical students. Speaking while handing over the students to their Vice Chancellors in Abuja on Sunday, Egbetokun added that the arrested suspects were in custody. The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) recalls that the 20 medical students were on Aug. 15 abducted in Benue while on transit to Enugu by the criminal gang. Egbetokun said the students, five other passengers and two other victims who were already in the captivity…

Safiu Kehinde The National Assembly South East caucus has urged tertiary institutions in the zone against self-marginalization and comply with the verification request of the Nigerian Education Loan Fund (NELFUND) for disbursement of loan to students. This was disclosed in a statement issued by the caucus leaders, Sen. Enyinnaya Abaribe and Rep. Igariwey Iduma Enwo in Abuja yesterday. The caucus charged tertiary institutions within the South East region to do needful necessary to be part of the beneficiaries of the NELFUND Scheme. According to the statement, the verification would allow students from institutions in the South East zone to benefit…

Safiu Kehinde  Remo Stars’ hope of CAF Champions League campaign has been dashed as they crashed out of the preliminary stage after 2-0 defeat to Asfar tonight. The Nigerian side failed to advance to the second round of the Champions League qualifier as they lost 3-2 on aggregate to their Moroccan opponent. Following their 2-1 home win against Asfar at Ikenne last week, the Sky Blues travelled to Casablanca for the return leg. Remo Stars held the host in the first half with both teams failing to score before the end of the first 45 minutes. The host would, however,…

Safiu Kehinde  Popular Nigerian skitmaker, Chukweuebuka Emmanuel Amuzie (Brain Jotter), has signed out of the University of Lagos following the completion of his academic programme. As seen in a now viral video on X, Brain Jotter had join his colleagues in celebrating with heavily signed white shirt. The visibly elated skitmaker climbed on a vehicle as he vibed to the viral gwogwogwo song chanted by his colleagues. Several reactions has, however, trailed his completion of his study at the University with some netizens congratulating the skitmaker while some questioned his attendance of classes. See reactions below; “Congratulations to him, now…

Safiu Kehinde  Nigerian Nollywood industry has been thrown in another state of mourning following the death of actress, Sharon Okpamen, just one month after childbirth. The tragic incident was announced by popular movie producer, Stanley Ontop, via his verified Instagram page on Sunday, stating that Sharon tragically passed on after spending days in a coma following childbirth. “Nollywood Actor and Producer, Sharon Okpamen has unfortunately passed on. It’s a sad day for Nollywood & the Edo entertainment industry. “Sharon, who was a filmmaker, actress, entrepreneur & humanitarian, has left a significant void in the industry. “May her soul rest in…

Agency Report One person has been confirmed dead as a speed boat carrying 15 passengers capsized at Okubie River in Southern Ijaw Local Government of Bayelsa. The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the tragic incident occurred barely two weeks after a wooden cargo boat exploded and sank at Ezetu in the same LGA, leading to fatality of 20 persons. The Bayelsa government subsequently reinforced safety protocols, including compulsory use of life jackets on all passenger boats. The Chairman of Maritime Workers Union, Mr Ipgansi Ogoniba, who confirmed the incident, said it occurred on Saturday afternoon at the river…

Safiu Kehinde  It was goal galore at the Molineux Stadium as Noni Madueke scores first career hat trick in Chelsea’s 6-2 over Wolves today. The Blues earned their first win of the season and under new manager, Enzo Maresca, with a stellar performance against Wolves. After suffering 2-0 defeat to Manchester City in last week’s league opener, Chelsea travelled to Molineux Stadium in their first away game of the season. The West London club were fired to an early lead as Nicholas Jackson’s two minutes header went past Wolves goalkeeper, José Sá. Wolves managed to bring the game on level…