Beauty Queen “Beauty Tukura” indeed looks good in just about anything. But when it comes to posing for a photoshoot, the reality star proves time and again that you can be comfortable, fun, or even tell a beautiful story without uttering words.

See more photos below

 

View this post on Instagram

 

A post shared by 𝐁𝐄𝐀𝐔𝐓𝐘 𝐄𝐓𝐒𝐀N𝐘𝐈 𝐓𝐔𝐊𝐔𝐑𝐀 (@beautytukura)

Menu
Search
Subscribe
Home Blog Page 86

The Obidient Movement is Not Tied to Any Political Party” – Peter Obi 

Ranks-Staff
-
0
The Obidient Movement is Not Tied to Any Political Party” – Peter Obi 

In a recent post on his official X handle, Peter Obi, the 2023 presidential candidate of the Labour Party, clarified the independent nature of the Obidient Movement, which is composed of his supporters. This announcement has led analysts to speculate that Obi may be hinting at a possible departure from the Labour Party.

 

“I like to categorically state that the Obidient Movement is not the directorate of any particular political party. Any individual or individuals claiming to be leaders of this non-existent directorate are simply not members of the broader Obidient Movement,” Obi stated.

 

Obi emphasized that while political parties may have youth mobilization directorates, the Obidient Movement transcends any single political entity. He described the Movement as a diverse and inclusive collective that goes beyond traditional political, religious, and ethnic affiliations, attracting members from across Africa and the globe.

 

“It is not domiciled within any particular party or headquartered in any particular part of the country. Its membership spans across Africa and the globe, comprising individuals from various backgrounds, including rural communities, and public, private, and corporate entities, united by a shared vision for a New and better Nigeria,” Obi continued.

 

He further articulated that the Obidient Movement is guided by principles of adaptive and transformative change, progress, discipline, and democratic values. Advocating for fairness, equity, inclusivity, and justice, the Movement is committed to accountability and responsible governance.

 

“We serve as a beacon of hope for a reimagined Nigeria, where leadership is grounded in character, capacity, competence, compassion, and the well-being of all citizens,” the statement read.

 

This clarification underscores that the Movement operates independently of any political party and maintains a focus on driving positive change and promoting a New Nigeria for all.

 

With this declaration, political analysts are now considering the potential implications. Many see it as a strategic move to keep options open for future political alliances, suggesting that Obi might be hinting at a departure from the Labour Party.

LEAKED DOCUMENTS ON FISCAL POLICY PROPOSALS NOT OFFICIAL

Ranks-Staff
-
0
LEAKED DOCUMENTS ON FISCAL POLICY PROPOSALS NOT OFFICIAL

STATE HOUSE PRESS STATEMENT

 

LEAKED DOCUMENTS ON FISCAL POLICY PROPOSALS NOT OFFICIAL

 

The attention of the Presidency has been drawn to two fiscal policy documents in circulation that are being given wide coverage by the mainstream media and social media platforms.

 

One of the documents titled Inflation Reduction and Price Stability (Fiscal Policy Measure etc) Order 2024 is being shared as if it were an executive order signed by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.

 

The other is a 65-page draft document with the title “Accelerated Stabilisation and Advancement Plan (ASAP), which contains suggestions on how to improve the Nigerian economy. President Tinubu received a copy of the draft on Tuesday.

 

We urge the public and the media to disregard the two documents and cease further discussions on them. None is an approved official document of the Federal Government of Nigeria. They are all policy proposals that are still subject to reviews at the highest level of government. Indeed, one has ‘draft’ clearly written on it.

 

According to the Coordinating Minister of the Economy, Mr. Wale Edun, “It is important to understand that policymaking is an iterative process involving multiple drafts and discussions before any document is finalised.

 

“We assure the public that the official position on the documents will be made available after comprehensive reviews and approvals are completed.”

 

Emanating from the two documents have been reports second-guessing government’s policy on customs tariffs, fuel subsidy and other economic matters.

 

“The government wants to restate that its position on fuel subsidy has not changed from what President Bola Ahmed Tinubu declared on 29 May 2023. The fuel subsidy regime has ended. There is no N5.4 trillion being provisioned for it in 2024, as being widely speculated and discussed,” Edun stated.

 

The Coordinating Minister of the Economy further clarified: “As previously stated by government officials, including myself, President Tinubu announced the end of the fuel subsidy program last year, and this policy remains firmly in place.

 

“The Federal Government is committed to mitigating the effects of this removal and easing the cost of living pressures on Nigerians.

 

“Our strategy focuses on addressing key factors such as food inflation, which is significantly impacted by transport costs. With the implementation of our CNG initiative, which aims to displace high PMS and AGO costs, we expect to further reduce these costs.

 

“Our commitment to ending unproductive subsidies is steadfast, as is our dedication to supporting our most vulnerable populations”.

 

We call on the media to always exercise necessary checks and restraints in the use of documents that do not emanate from official channels so that the members of the public are properly informed, guided and educated on government policies and programmes.

 

Bayo Onanuga

Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy

 

June 6, 2024

Top 5 active musicians who have spent over five decades in entertainment industry

Ranks-Staff
-
0
Top 5 active musicians who have spent over five decades in entertainment industry

It is quite impressive to know that after many decades of being in the music industry, some artists are still active, performing just like any other young artist. Here are musicians who have spent over five decades in the entertainment industry and are still performing:

 

1. King Sunny Ade

Juju maestro Chief Sunday Adeniyi Adegeye, popularly known as King Sunny Ade (KSA), was born on 22 September 1946 in Osogbo. He is from Ondo State.

 

This man has been active since the 1960s and is still waxing stronger. He is not just a singer but also a songwriter and instrumentalist. His style of music is very well appreciated and recognised beyond the borders of this country.

 

Sunny Ade is among the first African musicians to gain international recognition and success. Young Sunny decided to join Moses Olaiya Federal Rhythm Dandies to learn about music. In 1967, after leaving the aforementioned band, he formed a musical group called “The Green Spots.”

 

KSA’s journey in entertainment has been remarkable; the New York Times described him as one of the world’s great band leaders. His style of juju music is a combination of formidable beats that’s quite appealing to the ear, including his mastery of guitar and dance steps, which distinguishes his performance from any other—which has become an identity.

 

Adegeye is a Grammy award nominee; his album Syncro System in 1983 earned him this recognition. The nomination solidified him on the global stage. King Sunny Ade received many awards, both at home and abroad. In 2016, he was inducted into the Rock Cafe Hall of Fame, including the Headies Hall of Fame 2020. He was awarded Member of the Federal Republic of Nigeria (MFR).

 

2. Chief Ebenezer Obey

 

Ebenezer Obey-Fabiyi is a Nigerian juju musician born on 3 April 1942 in Idogo, Ogun state. Ethnically, he is from Owu, a sub-group of Egba.

 

Chief Commander, as he’s popularly known, started his music career in the 1950s. He trained under Fatai Rolling Dollar and formed a band called “The International Brothers” in 1964. It was later changed to “Inter-Reformers” in the 1970s.

 

Obey’s unique voice and sonorous songs stand him out among his peers. His style is a fusion of gospel, Yoruba adage, praise-singing and somewhat cultural. But in the early 1990s, he prioritised gospel music ministry. Chief Ebenezer Obey is a highly respected musician who has been given numerous awards. He is a Member of the Federal Republic of Nigeria (MFR).

 

3. Wasiu Ayinde Marshal

 

Wasiu Ayinde Marshal is another musician who has spent over five decades in the entertainment industry.

 

Wasiu Ayinde Adewale Marshal, known as K1 De Ultimate, was born on March 3, 1957, in Ijebu-Ode, Ogun state. His passion for music started when he was eight years old, and at fifteen, he had won many local musical competitions.

 

From 1975 to 1978, he became a member of Supreme Fuji Commanders (owned by Sikiru Ayinde Barrister) after serving as an instrument packer. He adopted the name “Ayinde” after seeking the blessing and permission of his master.

 

His first album, “Iba,” was released in 1980. Ayinde would later popularise a brand of Fuji he called “Talazo Fuji.” He has been rewarded for his excellence in music with chieftaincy titles and awards.

 

He was crowned as the Mayegun of Yoruba land in 2020, The Oluomo of Lagos in 1999, King of Fuji in 1993, and Headies All of Fame in 2013. He became a Member of Niger (MON) in 2020.

 

4. Sir Shina Peters

 

Oluwashina Akanbi Peters, popularly known as Sir Shina Peters, was born on 30 May 1958. He is a Juju musician who calls his style “Afro Juju.”

 

Peters started at a very young age with his friends. He named the band “Olushina and His Twelve Fantastic Brothers.” Shina later joined Ebenezer Obey’s band and thereafter joined Prince Adekunle’s band as a guitar player. After a while, he left Adekunle and formed a band called “Shina Adewale” with Segun Adewale.

 

After releasing many albums together, Shina eventually created his own group, “Sir Shina Peters and His International Stars.” His style of music mixes saxophone, guitar, keyboards, and fast beats. He produced many hit songs that earned him many awards. Sir Shina Peters is one of the few musicians who started their music career many decades ago and is still active.

 

5. Salawa Abeni

 

Salawa Abeni was born on 5 May 1961 in Epe, Lagos state. She is from Ijebu, Ogun state. She started her music career at the age of 13 in 1974 and this gives her a place on this list of musicians who spent over five decades in entertainment. Abeni was inspired by Ebenezer Obey, Sunny Ade, and many others to do music. This helped shape her thinking about becoming a star someday.

 

Her debut album, Late General Murtala Ramat Muhammed, was released in 1976. This album broke records—it was the first by a female artist in Nigeria to sell over one million copies.

 

Late Alaafin of Oyo crowned her “Queen of Waka Music in 1992.” Waka is a traditional music of the Yorubas. Salawa has produced over 40 albums. Currently, she is one of the few, if not only, female Yoruba musicians of her time still performing. She is also an actor with several awards for her contribution to Waka music.

The “Buffalo Soldiers

Ranks-Staff
-
0
The “Buffalo Soldiers

The “Buffalo Soldiers” were African American soldiers who served in the United States Army in the late 1800s.

 

The nickname “Buffalo Soldiers” was given to them by Native American tribes, particularly the Cheyenne, who admired their fighting skills and bravery in battle.

 

The nickname was a reference to their dark, curly hair, which was said to resemble the fur of the buffalo, and to their fierce fighting ability, which was likened to that of the buffalo.

 

The 10th Cavalry Regiment was the first all-African American regiment in the U.S. Army, formed in 1866 after the Civil War.

 

They were sent to the western frontier to help protect settlers, miners, and stagecoaches from hostile Native American tribes.

 

Despite facing discrimination and segregation within the army and in society, the Buffalo Soldiers proved themselves to be skilled and effective soldiers, earning a reputation for their bravery and endurance in harsh and dangerous conditions.

 

They inspired Bob Marley’s Reggae Classic Buffalo Soldier.

Wole Soyinka’s arguments against the Recognition of Chinua Achebe as the “Father of African literature”- An Independent Ellis Ferdinand Perspective

Ranks-Staff
-
0
Wole Soyinka’s arguments against the Recognition of Chinua Achebe as the “Father of African literature”- An Independent Ellis Ferdinand Perspective

Wole Soyinka’s arguments against the Recognition of Chinua Achebe as the “Father of African literature”- An Independent Ellis Ferdinand Perspective

 

Chinua Achebe is often celebrated as the “father of African literature,” a title reflecting his monumental impact on the global perception of African narratives. This acclaim is due not just to his literary prowess but also to his role in championing and nurturing African voices in literature. However, this title is not without its detractors and complexities.

 

Achebe’s Influence and Achievements:

 

Pioneering Work: Achebe’s novel “Things Fall Apart” (1958) is a cornerstone of African literature. Its portrayal of Igbo society and the impact of colonialism was groundbreaking, bringing African stories to a global audience in a way that was deeply human and accessible. Ferdinand Ellis compares Achebe’s influence on African literature to that of Shakespeare on English literature, indicating the profound and far-reaching impact of Achebe’s work.

 

Editorial Contributions: As the founding editor of Heinemann’s African Writers Series, Achebe played a crucial role in publishing and promoting African writers. This series became a pivotal platform for African literary expression, ensuring that the voices of numerous African authors reached an international readership.

 

Cultural Representation: Achebe’s work shifted the global perspective on African literature. Before him, African narratives were often dismissed as folklore or anthropological curiosities. Achebe’s success helped elevate African stories to the status of literature, reviewed and respected on the same level as Western classics.

 

Soyinka’s Perspective:

 

There is a report that Prof. Soyinka just repeated his stance about Achebe not being “the father of Africa literature.”

Well, we all could remember that just few weeks after Achebe’s demise, Soyinka had this to say; “Chinua himself repudiated such a tag—he did study literature after all, bagged a degree in the subject…Those who seriously believe or promote this must be asked: have you the sheerest acquaintance with the literatures of other African nations, in both indigenous and adopted colonial languages? What must the francophone, lusophone, Zulu, Xhosa, Ewe literary scholars and consumers think of those who persist in such a historic absurdity?”

 

Wole Soyinka, another literary giant and Nobel laureate, has a more critical view of the label “father of African literature” for Achebe. Soyinka points out that African literature is vast and varied, with rich traditions across the continent’s many languages and cultures. He argues that attributing the birth of African literature to Achebe alone is historically and culturally reductive . This perspective emphasizes the diversity and long-standing traditions of African storytelling that predate Achebe.

 

Metaphorical Understanding:

 

Ainehi Edoro suggests that Achebe is the “father of African literature” in a metaphorical sense, representing a transformative figure who helped the world see African narratives as legitimate literature. This metaphorical fatherhood acknowledges Achebe’s role in changing perceptions and creating pathways for African writers on the global stage, without implying he was the originator of African literary traditions .

 

Broader Recognition:

 

It’s not just for his great books that Achebe is called by many all over the world “The father of African Literature” but also for his person and his overall contribution to the development of African Literature.

 

Perhaps that was why while writing in The New Yorker, Philip Gourevitch, an American author and journalist and a longtime staff writer for The New Yorker has this to say; “the fact that [Achebe] must be remembered as not only the father but the godfather of modern African literature owed at least as much to the decades he spent as the editor of Heinemann’s African Writers Series.”

 

Ngugi wa Thiong’o and other contemporaries also recognize Achebe’s significant influence. Ngugi acknowledges that many African writers, including himself, have been influenced by Achebe, who became synonymous with African literature to many global readers . Nelson Mandela’s admiration for Achebe, expressing how his novels helped the prison walls fall, further underscores Achebe’s profound impact on African and global readers alike .

 

In summary, while Achebe may not be the literal “father” of African literature, his contributions have undeniably shaped its modern form and global reception. His work, both as an author and an editor, has been instrumental in elevating African narratives and ensuring their place in the global literary canon.

 

By: Ferdinand Ellis | Education Blogger| Curriculum Specialist | Researcher| Pedagogist | AI Expert in Academia | Lagos Nigeria|

Police quiz MohBad’s father over alleged defamation

Ranks-Staff
-
0
Police quiz MohBad’s father over alleged defamation

Joseph Aloba, the father of late singer Ilerioluwa Aloba, also known as Mohbad, was questioned on Monday by officers of the Force Criminal Investigation Department at Alagbon, Ikoyi, Lagos, over a petition by Oba Saheed Elegushi.

 

According to a statement released on Tuesday by Monisola Odumosu, head of the Aloba legal team, the petition involves allegations of cyberbullying, cyberstalking, and criminal defamation. Odumosu noted that these allegations stem from a recent interview Joseph Aloba gave.

 

The statement revealed, “Mr. Aloba was invited to the police station, accompanied by legal representatives Teri Wellington and Monisola Odumosu. Oba Saheed Elegushi’s petition alleges that during an interview with a London-based blogger, Mr. Aloba defamed him. Allegedly, Mr. Aloba claimed that his son was bullied and killed on the instruction of Oba Elegushi, with Sam Larry being the executor.”

 

Aloba clarified in the statement that his intent was not to defame or cyberbully the monarch but to seek justice for his deceased son. He admitted lacking concrete evidence to support the allegations apart from a petition written by his late son and phone conversations with him.

 

Odumosu also mentioned that Oba Elegushi, present at the meeting, requested a retraction of the statements. Aloba was not arrested or detained but was granted bail without complications. The legal team stressed that Aloba is still mourning his son and may have made emotionally charged statements.

 

Mohbad passed away at 27 on September 12, 2023, under controversial circumstances. Formerly signed with Marlian Music, owned by Naira Marley, Mohbad left the label in February 2022. Following his death, the Lagos State Police set up a 13-man team to investigate.

 

His death led to the arrests of Naira Marley and socialite Balogun Eletu, known as Sam Larry. Mohbad’s body was exhumed on September 21, 2023, for an autopsy, which failed to determine the cause due to decomposition.

 

Discrepancies arose over the toxicology test, with the US-based NMS Labs refuting claims that the test was conducted at their facility.

 

The case continues to unfold as authorities and the family seek answers.

Kaduna Assembly Committee Indicts El-Rufai For Money Laundering, Abuse Office

Ranks-Staff
-
0
Kaduna Assembly Committee Indicts El-Rufai For Money Laundering, Abuse Office

The ad hoc committee set up by the Kaduna State House of Assembly to investigate all finances, loans and contracts awarded under the administration of former governor, Nasir El-Rufai, has submitted its report to the House.

 

THEWILL had reported that the Kaduna State House of Assembly set up the ad hoc committee with the mandate to investigate loans, grants and project implementation from 2015 to 2023, during which El-Rufai served as governor of the state.

 

Presenting the report during plenary on Wednesday, chairman of the ad hoc committee, Henry Zachariah, said most of the loans obtained under the El-Rufai’s administration were not used for the purpose for which they were obtained, while in some cases, due process was not followed in securing the loans.

 

Receiving the report, the Speaker of the Kaduna House of Assembly, Yusuf Liman, said a total of N423 billion was siphoned by the El-Rufai administration while leaving the state with huge liabilities.

 

The committee, therefore, recommended the investigation and prosecution of El-Rufai, and some other indicted members of his cabinet by security and anti-corruption agencies for “abuse of office through the award of contracts without due process, diversion of public funds and money laundering as well as plaguing Kaduna State into heavy debt”.

 

The committee also recommended the immediate suspension of the Kaduna State Commissioner of Finance, Shizer Badda, who also served in the same capacity under El-Rufai’s administration, as well as the chairman of the state universal basic education board.

 

It also recommended a thorough investigation of some key appointees of the last administration by appropriate law enforcement and anti-corruption agencies.

Naira Abuse: Court Grants Cubana Chief Priest N10M Bail

Ranks-Staff
-
0
Naira Abuse: Court Grants Cubana Chief Priest N10M Bail

The court had granted Cubana Chief Priest bail at the sum of N10million with two sureties in like sum after he pleaded not guilty to the allegation of tampering and abusing the naira during his trial.

 

A Federal High Court in Lagos State on Wednesday, further adjourned until June 25 for mention a case against celebrity bartender, Pascal Okechukwu (Cubana Chief Priest) for alleged abuse of the Naira.

 

Cubana Chief Priest was arraigned before the Federal High Court in Lagos State over an allegation of naira abuse.

 

The court had granted Cubana Chief Priest bail at the sum of N10million with two sureties in like sum after he pleaded not guilty to the allegation of tampering and abusing the naira during his trial.

 

SaharaReporters had reported that the socialite was arraigned before Justice Kehinde Ogundare on three counts bordering on abuse of naira for allegedly spraying and tampering with the nation’s currency at a social event contrary to the provisions of the Central Bank Act of 2007.

 

The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) accused Cubana Chief Priest of spraying naira notes on February 13, 2024, at the Eko Hotel while dancing during a social event.

 

He was said to have abused N500 notes issued by the Central Bank of Nigeria by spraying the same for two hours.

 

On May 2, the defence counsel, Mr Chikaosolu Ojukwu (SAN), had informed the court that parties were exploring settlement and had applied that the matter be settled pursuant to the provisions of section 14(2) of the EFCC Act.

 

Following the position, defence counsel had then applied for a withdrawal of the preliminary objection, and since there was no objection from the prosecution, the court granted same.

 

The court had consequently, adjourned the case until June 5, for report of settlement.

 

However on Wednesday, the News Agency of Nigeria reports that the defence had written a letter seeking an adjournment of the case.

 

Meanwhile, the case has now been fixed for June 25 for mention.

Court orders forfeiture of Properties worth N11.14 Billion linked to Emefiele

Ranks-Staff
-
0
Court orders forfeiture of Properties worth N11.14 Billion linked to Emefiele

Court orders forfeiture of Properties worth N11.14 Billion linked to Emefiele

 

A Federal High Court in Lagos, on Wednesday, granted an order for the interim forfeiture of properties valued at N11.14 billion linked to a former Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) governor, Godwin Emefiele.

 

LeadersNG gathered that Justice Chukwujekwu Aneke issued the order following a motion ex parte filed and argued by a Senior Advocate of Nigeria and counsel to the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), Rotimi Oyedepo.

 

The court’s order mandates the interim forfeiture of these properties to the Federal Government.

 

Oyedepo informed the court that Emefiele is suspected of purchasing these high-value properties, primarily located in upscale areas of the Federal Capital Territory, Abuja, by proxy, using proceeds from fraud.

 

The EFCC also implicated three CBN staff members as Emefiele’s accomplices. Makinde Olubunmi, Obayemi Teben and Adebayo Akomolafe allegedly used their positions to secure retail and special allocations of foreign exchange for various companies in exchange for kickbacks.

 

Justice Aneke has ordered the EFCC to publish the forfeiture order in a newspaper to allow any interested parties to present reasons why a final forfeiture order should not be issued.

 

The case was adjourned to June 21 for the hearing of the motion for final forfeiture.

30 govs spent N968.64bn on refreshments, others in three months – Report

Ranks-Staff
-
0
30 govs spent N968.64bn on refreshments, others in three months – Report

No fewer than 30 state governments of the federation spent N986.64bn on recurrent expenditures, including refreshments, sitting allowances, travelling, utilities, etc., in the first three months of 2024, The PUNCH reports.

 

The states’ budget implementation reports, which were obtained from Open Nigerian States, a website supported by BudgIT that acts as a repository for public budget data, were analysed.

 

For the first three quarters of the year, our correspondent examined budget implementation data from thirty states; data for six states was not available.

 

Benue, Imo, Niger, Rivers, Sokoto and Yobe States were the ones without Q 1, 2024 data.

 

A breakdown showed that the 30-state government spent N5.1bn on refreshments for guests, N4.67bn on sitting allowances to government officials, N34.63bn on local and foreign travel expenses, and N5.64bn on utility bills, amounting to N50.02bn in the first three months of 2024.

 

The general utilities include electricity, internet, telephone charges, water rates, and sewerage charges, among others.

 

The sub-nationals also paid N405.77bn as salaries to their workers.

 

Other recurrent spending items covered in the report included the amount spent on foreign and domestic travel, Internet access fees, entertainment, foodstuff, honorarium/sitting allowance, wardrobe allowances, telephone bills, electricity charges, stationery, anniversaries/special days, welfare, aircraft maintenance, and more.

 

In the first three months of 2024, Abia State spent N10.92bn on its recurrent expenditures, including N165.38m on refreshments and feeding, N39.26m on utilities, N214.57m on sitting allowances, N127.1m on local and foreign travels, among miscellaneous expenses.

 

During this period, Adamawa State expended N23.7bn on recurrent expenditures with N287.61m spent on refreshments and feeding, N109.62m on utilities, N79.57m on sitting allowances, N768.77m on local and foreign travels.

 

For Akwa Ibom State, recurrent expenditure gulped N46.85bn, which included N4.46m on refreshments and feeding, N223.32m on utilities, N6m on sitting allowances, N214.61m on local and foreign travel.

 

Anambra State disbursed N9.91bn for recurring expenses with N78.18m on refreshments and feeding, N32.52m on utilities, N42.09m on sitting allowances, N188.39m on local and foreign travel.

 

Also, recurrent expenditures cost Bauchi State Government N35.75bn with N397.58m going to utilities, N50.8m on refreshments, N287.11m on allowances, and N413.56m on trips.

 

Bayelsa State spent N35.1bn on recurrent expenditures, comprising N28.4m on utilities, N156.14m on refreshments and N279.99m on trips.

 

Adamawa plans N55.5bn supplementary budget

Similarly, Lagos State disbursed N189.62bn for recurrent expenditures, including N1.21m for refreshments, N383.12m for utilities, sitting allowances costing N52.79m and N633.37m on travels.

 

Borno spent N18.79bn, Cross Rivers (N17.44bn), Delta (N68.68bn), Ebonyi (N14.95bn), Edo (N32.32bn), Ekiti (N32.8bn), Enugu (N7.51bn) and Gombe with N20.89bn.

 

Within the same period, Jigawa State spent N15.52bn on the recurrent expenditures, Kaduna expended N34.69bn, Kano (N34.41bn), Katsina (N21.87bn), Kebbi (N11.67bn), Kogi (N37.4bn), Kwara (N24.34bn), Nasarawa (N18.61bn), Ogun (N47.12bn), Ondo (N31.12bn), Osun (N24.39bn), Oyo (N40.12bn), Plateau (N24.70bn), Zamfara (N13.46bn), and Taraba (N20.93bn).

 

Government spending has come under increased scrutiny in recent times, particularly in light of the country’s worsening economic challenges.

 

At different fora, financial experts have also raised concerns about states’ spending on recurrent expenditure, highlighting the need to embrace financial innovations.

 

A development economist, Aliyu Ilias, said many states had yet to fully develop themselves as industrialised and marketable to attract investors.

 

Ilias urged governors to develop an area of strength they could leverage to attract foreign investments.

 

He said, “Going forward, what they could do is identify one area of strength. For instance, Bayelsa has oil and should be able to attract investments. I think it is about policy. They should give the policy a chance that would allow people to come and invest. They should also create an attraction and develop an economic summit that will make sure they showcase and attract investors.”

 

An economist and former Vice-Chancellor of the University of Uyo, Prof. Akpan Ekpo, urged the states to increase their revenue by improving service delivery.

 

On his part, a Professor of Economics at Babcock University, Segun Ajibola, stated that the enduring problem of high governance expenses had persisted at the state level, with inadequate oversight and accountability resulting in minimal economic benefits for grassroots citizens.

 

The former president of the Chartered Institute of Bankers lamented that state assemblies had also abandoned their oversight duties, leaving the state governors to operate with no iota of transparency and accountability.

 

He said, “The first issue is the perennial complaint about the high cost of governance in Nigeria and at all levels. When you look at these issues, attention is often concentrated on the Federal Government, so the searchlight is always more on the central government. Most often, nobody cares about what is happening in the states and local government, and that is where the problem is.

 

“There are so many institutional frameworks in place to look at what is happening at the federal level but who cares about the states? The cost of governance in relative terms is even much higher in states than the federal and that is why you hardly feel the impact of governance in most states.

 

“Only a few states can boost a significant presence in the lives of their people in our states. The state assemblies are expected to conduct oversight functions on the activities of the executives in their respective states, but in reality, how many states are doing that, leaving the executives to be all in all in incurring high costs.”

1...858687...445Page 86 of 445

About us

Our platform serves as a dynamic canvas that celebrates and chronicles the convergence of ideas, artistry, and industry, shaping the very landscape of modern aesthetics.

Company

The latest

Abánisété: The Ancestor — Itele DIcon’s Folklore Epic Arrives in Cinemas

Ranks Screen 0
On August 15, 2025, Nigerian cinema audiences will step...

IPMAN Urges NNPC Boss to Repair Port Harcourt Refinery or Step Down

Energy 0
The Independent Petroleum Marketers Association of Nigeria (IPMAN) has...

Tanzania Assembles First Locally Made Aircraft, Takes Bold Step in African Aviatio

Travel & Hospitality 0
In a milestone for the country’s aviation industry, Tanzania...

Subscribe

© 2023 Ranks Africa. All Rights Reserved.