President Bola Tinubu on Friday led the nation in a solemn farewell to the late Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Lieutenant General Taoreed Lagbaja, who was interred at the National Military Cemetery, Abuja.
The ceremony was attended by Vice President Kashim Shettima, Senate President Godswill Akpabio, Speaker of the House of Representatives Tajudeen Abbas, service chiefs, Minister of Defence Badaru Abubakar, Governor Abdulrahman Abdulrazaq, and members of the diplomatic corps.
In his tribute, President Tinubu praised the late General as a dedicated soldier and patriot, saying:
“Today is a solemn day for the nation and for me as Commander-in-Chief, for on this day, at this place, we lay to rest a soldier’s soldier. A General and Officer who symbolised the best of his profession and whose commitment to the nation he loved was singular and undiluted.
“For me, he was a trusted advisor whose formidable intellect and breadth of knowledge served this nation well. More than that, he was also a man of prudent action who cared more for his nation and for those who served under him than he ever did for himself.
“Yet, the hand of God works in its own sovereign way. The plans of God we cannot fully discern. At a time when his service to the nation could mean so much, God took him home to serve in His celestial army.
“His departure could cause us great dismay. However, Lieutenant General Lagbaja would not want sorrow to overtake us.
“It has been said that ‘the brave never die. Their courage serves a thousand living men.’ So be it then; may the courage by which Lieutenant General Lagbaja served and now shines forth live in each of us,” Tinubu said.
The President announced the posthumous conferment of the Commander of the Federal Republic (CFR) on the late General, which was received by his widow, Mariya Lagbaja.
“You shared your beloved husband, father, and brother with an entire nation, allowing him to serve with honour. His sacrifices will never be forgotten. His life’s work will continue to inspire all who serve in our armed forces,” Tinubu said.
President Tinubu described Lagbaja as one of his best appointees, whose tenure marked a turning point in Nigeria’s fight against terrorism and insurgency.
He highlighted the late General’s dedication to military welfare, saying: “I remember the passion with which he championed payment of outstanding Group Life Assurance benefits to families of deceased personnel. Owing to his passion for his soldiers, we gave some needed financial relief to distressed families, clearing a backlog that had been growing since 2011.”
The President urged members of the Armed Forces to uphold Lagbaja’s memory by recommitting themselves to patriotism and service to Nigeria.
“While we are saddened by his passing, we still celebrate his life. For his courage, sacrifice, and leadership, Lieutenant General Taoreed Lagbaja will forever reside in the pantheon of military greats,” Tinubu added.
The funeral, which included full military honours, observed a 19-gun salute in Lagbaja’s memory.
Top government officials, service chiefs, and members of the diplomatic corps joined his family in laying wreaths to honour his service.
Lagbaja, who passed away on November 5, 2024, began his distinguished military career at the Nigerian Defence Academy in 1987. He was appointed Chief of Army Staff by President Tinubu on June 19, 2023.
Despite his brief tenure, his legacy as a patriot, leader, and advocate for soldiers’ welfare remains a beacon of inspiration.
The Senior Special Assistant on Public Communications and New Media to the Federal Capital Territory Minister, Lere Olayinka, has defended his principal, Nyesome Wike against Femi Falana’s criticism regarding the construction of housing for judges.
Falana labelled the initiative unconstitutional and an embarrassment to the judiciary, asserting that the National Judicial Council should manage such provisions.
Olayinka countered that Falana’s remarks were misguided and emotionally charged, emphasising that Wike’s actions are legitimate and necessary for judicial support.
The controversy follows Wike’s recent launch of 40 housing units for judges in Abuja.
Olayinka, in a statement in Abuja on Friday, insisted that there was nothing wrong in the federal government providing accommodations for judges, as well as officials of other arms of government.
According to him, “even though there is separation of powers in a democracy, there is also what is known as checks and balances, meaning that there can be no absolute separation of powers among the three arms of government.”
The minister’s aide said there is nowhere in the world where one arm of government is completely independent of the others.
He recalled that in September, the Federal Executive Council (FEC) approved the construction of 40 housing units for judges and justices in the FCT. Of the 40 units being constructed in the Katampe District, 20 will be allocated to the FCT High Court, 10 to the Federal High Court, and 10 to the Court of Appeal.
The Supreme Court on Friday dismissed the suit instituted by 16 states of the federation against the Attorney-General of the Federation, challenging the constitutionality of the acts establishing the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission and two other anti-graft agencies.
In the dismissed suit, the plaintiff states had through their Attorneys General argued that Section 12 of the 1999 Constitution, as amended, was not complied with before the EFCC began its operations.
They noted that the Supreme Court, in Dr Joseph Nwobike Vs Federal Republic of Nigeria, had held that it was a UN Convention against corruption that was reduced into the EFCC Establishment Act and that in enacting this law in 2004, the provision of Section 12 of the 1999 Constitution, as amended, was not followed.
However, in a unanimous judgment, a seven-member panel of the apex court led by Justice Uwani Abba-Aji, held that the EFCC Establishment Act did not require any form of ratification by the Houses of Assembly of the 36 states of the federation since it was not a treaty but a convention.
“A convention would have been ratified by member states, and the National Assembly can make laws from it, which will be binding on all the states in Nigeria as it is in the case of EFCC Establishment Act.
“In a country like Nigeria, the federating units do not have absolute power. The NFIU guideline is to present a benchmark and not to control the funds.
“Where an act of law is made by NASS like the NFIU and its guidelines, it is binding on all. Any act that has been competently enacted by the NASS cannot be said to be inconsistent.
“Where the NASS has enacted several laws on corruption, money laundering, etc., no state has the right to make law to compete with them. The investigative power of the EFCC cannot be said to be in conflict with legislative powers of the state assembly.
“I must agree with the AGF that the plaintiffs’ argument, that is, the Houses of Assembly of the plaintiffs’ states, is not tenable in law,” the Supreme Court added.
By Juliana Taiwo-Obalonye Abuja and Aniekan Aniekan, Calabar
The Federal Executive Council (FEC) has approved a proposed national budget of ₦47.9 trillion for the 2025 fiscal year.
The Minister of Budget and Economic Planning, Atiku Bagudu, disclosed this after the Council meeting chaired by President Bola Tinubu at the Presidential Villa, yesterday.
This is part of the Medium-Term Expenditures Framework (MTEF) for 2025 to 2027 and in line with the Fiscal Responsibility Act of 2007.
According to the minister, FEC pegged the price of crude oil at $75 per barrel and proposed N1,400 as exchange rate to a dollar with oil production put at 2.06 million barrels per day.
Bagudu said the budget proposal include new borrowings of N13. 8 trillion to finance the budget deficit in 2025.
The minister added that with the growth rate of 3.19 per cent as at the second quarter of 2024, the Federal Government would continue to tackle inflation, strengthen economic resilience and provide more support for the economy
“We need to sustain the market deregulation, commendable market deregulation of petroleum prices and exchange rate, and to compel the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation Limited to lower its oil and gas production cost significantly, and even to consider the need to amend the relevant sections of the petroleum industry act 2021 to address the significant risk to Federation.
“The Federal Executive Council approved the Medium Term Expenditure Framework and the physical strategy paper, and it will be submitted to the This, in addition to bills that are already at the National Assembly, the economic stabilisation bills and tax reform bills, which we believe will have a very, very strong growth in 2025.”
He also said the government would continue to support high employment generation sectors, improve the business environment and effective implementation of youths development and social investment programmes.
Bagudu also disclosed that FEC reviewed the 2024 Budget implementation and acknowledged that the review revealed promise in revenue collection and expenditure management.
”Despite lack of a prorated target, the overall trajectory shows that fiscal efforts are on track with key non-oil streams performing better than anticipated.
He added that the Federal Government was working to ensure a January-December budget circle.
The proposed budget will be forwarded to the National Assembly by Monday, November 18.
Similarly, the minister said FEC approved the medium term expenditure framework and the fiscal strategy paper to be submitted to the NASS.
“This is in addition to the bills that are already at the National Assembly, the Economic Stabilisation Bill and Tax Reforms Bill , which we believe will have a very strong growth in 2025,” he said.
Meanwhile, the Federal Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security has outlined a number of initiatives and priorities aimed at enhancing food production in the country.
Some of these initiatives include the delivery of agro inputs to farmers, the repositioning of agricultural institutions and the deepening engagement amongst farmers, herders and communities.
The minister, Abubakar Kyari, disclosed the measures in a speech he delivered during the opening ceremony of the 46th meeting of the National Council on Agriculture and Food Security meeting in Calabar.
“As priority actions, ongoing tasks include the delivery of agro inputs to farmers, the repositioning of agricultural institutions and the deepening engagement amongst farmers, herders and communities. Others are collaboration on water resources irrigation schemes, soil fertility and information systems,
laboratories establishment in research institutes, and relevant universities, faculties and colleges repositioning.”
The minister emphasised that the meeting is a platform for appraising existing policies, programmes and projects at the national and sub-national levels, in order to entrench synergy, best practices, entrepreneurship, livelihood and growth in the sector.
He charged participants to uphold the principle of inclusiveness, transparency, prioritization and partnership for collective agribusiness undertakings in the country.
Also speaking, Aliyu Abdullahi, minister of state for agriculture and food security, said the government aims to use infrastructure, technology and entrepreneurship as the fundamental elements of exploring agricultural potential, sectoral linkages and social inclusion for food security in the country.
In another development, the Federal Government has officially launched the Humanitarian Supply Chain Management – Partnership for Localisation Project to enhance the country’s humanitarian response capabilities.
The initiative launched by Vice President Kashim Shettima in Abuja, aims to empower local actors and utilize domestic resources to address escalating humanitarian needs exacerbated by climate change and global economic challenges.
Shettima, represented by Deputy Chief of Staff Ibrahim Hassan Hadejia, stated, “Inaction is simply not an option, and the cost of failing to address these crises at their roots will be devastating.” He emphasized that localization is crucial for creating a more inclusive and resilient future for Nigeria.
The project aligns with the Nigeria Localisation Framework, established in 2019, which prioritizes national and local institutions in humanitarian decision-making.
A key component of the initiative is the establishment of a Disaster Relief Fund, approved by President Bola Tinubu, intended to provide immediate assistance to disaster victims across the nation.
“Local communities understand their challenges best, and by empowering them, we provide them with the tools to shape their own futures,” Shettima said.
The project is implemented by the Office of the Special Assistant to the President on Special Duties, Emergency, and Logistics, in collaboration with the Federal Ministry of Budget and Economic Planning and the USA-based Fritz Institute. Mitsuko Mizushima, Project Director at Fritz Institute, highlighted the initiative’s focus on local engagement: “This project is designed to give local people a seat at the table,” she said. The training provided through this initiative has already reached over 25,000 individuals, making it accessible and free.
Chief Adviser to the Government of Borno State on Sustainable Development and Humanitarian Support, Mairo Mandara, emphasised that localisation means responding directly to community needs. “As long as we remain focused on our transition plans, we cannot go wrong.”
In addition, the United States Agency for International Development (USAID) announced its commitment to directing approximately 27 percent of its funding toward Nigerian-led organizations. Alexis Taylor-Granados, USAID’s Acting Deputy Mission Director, noted that “lasting change in Nigeria requires partnership and collaboration,” underscoring the importance of empowering local humanitarian groups.
The initiative represents a significant step toward transforming Nigeria’s humanitarian landscape by fostering local leadership and ensuring that aid is more responsive to community needs.
Mr Lere Olayinka, Senior Special Assistant on Public Communications and New Media to FCT minister Nyesom Wike, has exonerated the minister from the protracted political crisis in oil-rich Rivers.
Olayinka, in a statement in Abuja, blamed the crisis on Gov. Siminalayi Fubara, Wike’s successor.
The News Agency of Nigeria(NAN), reports that Olayinka was reacting to a statement attributed to Afenifere Chieftain, Dr Femi Okurounmu, which accused Wike of being “the architect and masterminder of Rivers’ crisis”.
Okurounmu had argued that even if Fubara was his godson, Wike should realise that a sitting governor with full powers wouldn’t be a surrogate to anyone.
But Olayinka, in the statement, said that Wike had never asked Fubara to be his surrogate.
Wike, he added, has never asked Fubara not to function as the Governor of Rivers.
He advised Okurounmu, as an elder, to be honest enough to enquire of the role Wike played in making Fubara governor.
“In Yorubaland, when two children are fighting, what the elders do is to sit them down and listen to all sides of the conflict.
“Elders don’t just sit in their bedrooms and apportion blame as done by Okurounmu.
“Was it Wike that went to the Rivers State House of Assembly Complex and set it on fire, to prevent duly elected lawmakers from carrying out their duties?
“Is it Wike that has been illegally using three members, out of the 32 in the State House of Assembly, to carry out legislative business in Rivers State, including passing the State Budget?
“These three members have screened and confirmed commissioners when the constitution says that a budget can only be passed by two-third of the Assembly members. Was Wike responsible for that?”
He accused Fubara of ignoring court judgments meant to restore order to Rivers.
The media aide particularly recalled a Court of Appeal judgment on Oct. 10 affirming a lower court’s decision nullifying the Rivers State’s 2024 budget signed into law and currently being used by Fubara.
“Did the governor obey the judgment?
“Is it not shocking that Okurounmu has chosen to ignore the danger Fubara’s deliberate disregard for the rule of law is posing to democracy and peace in Nigeria?,” he queried.
The media aide also expressed dismay over Okurounmu’s comments accusing President Bola Tinubu of being laid-back on the Rivers political crisis.
“What exactly was Tinubu expected to have done? Overrule the various judicial pronouncements and support Fubara’s open disregard for the rule of law?,” he asked.
He advised Okurounmu to avoid getting involved in matters capable of ridiculing his status as an elder statesman, “especially matters on which he would not speak objectively”.
He wondered why Okurounmu, a former Senator, could opt to play the ostrich in view of the avalanche of disobedience to court judgments by Fubara.
According to him, such an affront on the judiciary is endangering democracy and peace.
NAN recalls that a Federal High Court in Abuja had, on Oct. 30, barred the Central Bank of Nigeria from disbursing monthly allocations to the Rivers government.
In her ruling, Justice Joyce Abdulmalik cited alleged constitutional violations by Fubara, and described his presentation of the 2024 budget to a four-member House of Assembly as “a breach on constitutional protocol”.
On his part, Fubara, on Nov. 4, blamed the current political crisis in the state on the quest to control the state’s resources, and vowed to protect everything that belong to Rivers.
A Lagos-based real estate firm, Nedcomoaks Limited, has launched its third fully solar-powered estate, Citadel Oasis, as part of its commitment to promoting sustainable and eco-friendly living.
During the official ground-breaking ceremony, Ichechi Okonkwo, chief executive officer of Victoria Crest Homes and deputy managing director of Nedcomoaks Limited, said the launch of Citadel Oasis represents a significant milestone for the company.
She said the development was a key step towards offering sustainable living solutions in Nigeria, providing families with affordable, eco-friendly housing options.
Okonkwo stressed the importance of solar energy in Nigeria, pointing to the country’s unreliable power supply as a major motivator behind the shift to solar-powered estates.
She added that the developments aim to address power challenges and offer cost-effective, sustainable living alternatives.
“With the erratic power supply in Nigeria, especially during the pandemic when power plants were shut down, leading to higher energy costs, we wanted to provide affordable solutions for families to enjoy energy-efficient homes without hefty utility bills.
“Citadel Oasis, like its predecessors, Citadel Views 1.0 and 2.0, is designed to offer a unique living experience with world-class amenities, including a fully equipped gym, swimming pools, a children’s play area, and well-planned internal roads,” she said.
Okonkwo said the estate is not just a housing project but a community designed for comfort, peace, and excellence. “We are Nigeria’s first fully solar-powered community, and we continue to infuse the same high-quality infrastructure and amenities that have defined our previous developments,” she said.
Okonkwo disclosed the estate offers a range of housing options, from 2-bedroom apartments to 4-bedroom semi-detached duplexes, with flexible payment plans ranging from six to 18 months.
She expressed the company’s optimism to complete the project within 12 months and the prospect of welcoming families into the community.
“This is a significant achievement for us. To see the land transform into a thriving community filled with families is always an incredible feeling,” she said.
After two years of teamwork, Stakeholder Democracy Network (SDN) and the Rivers State Ministry of Youth Development have unveiled a groundbreaking youth development policy.
The policy is to address the needs of young people in the state, with a strong focus on inclusivity, accountability and good governance.
Christiana Ibinabo Idasefiema, SDN’s project officer under the governance pillar, called the policy a significant milestone during a recent handover ceremony in Port Harcourt.
This policy is a result of SDN’s ongoing efforts to support state governments in developing policies that benefit local communities.
She disclosed that SDN has been working closely with communities in the Niger Delta, impacted by the oil and gas industry, weak governance, and environmental issues.
According to her, the policy aims to promote inclusivity by ensuring that all young people have equal opportunities and access to resources, as well as foster accountability, through encouraging transparency and responsibility in governance.
Also, to support good governance, by establishing effective and responsive leadership.
She added that the collaborative effort demonstrates SDN’s commitment to empowering communities and promoting democratic governance.
“Today marks the culmination of hard work and series of engagements to produce a policy that speaks to the needs of young people,” she said.
She noted that the policy covers key thematic areas, including ICT, agriculture, and the creative industry, aimed at harnessing young people’s skills and promoting development and wealth creation.
She added: “SDN remains committed to ensuring the policy’s implementation, with a focus on persons with disabilities and the girl child. The organisation believes that this policy will provide opportunities for young people’s skills to be harnessed, leading to development and wealth creation.”
The Commissioner of Youth Development, Dr. Chisom Gbali, lauded the new youth development plan as a game-changer for the state.
He disclosed that the plan, developed in collaboration with SDN, marks a significant shift from “planning for” to “planning with” youths, empowering 80 percent of the state’s eight million residents.
According to Gbali, this comprehensive plan is what the state has been craving; a directional policy and programme to guide state activities.
“This is actually what we have been yearning for, this is actually what the youths of Rivers State and even other states need at this precarious time; a direct policy and programme that will guide activities and programmes of the state,” he said.
Gbali assured that the governor would receive the document and expressed confidence in its potential impact.
“The Governor of the State, Siminalayi Fubara, will be delighted to receive this document. And we will pass it expressly to him because he is the founding document and driving force of Rivers State today,” he said.
The Commissioner praised SDN for their efforts, describing their work as “the best of its kind” and a testament to the organisation’s commitment to youth development.
He emphasised that previous administrations had struggled to provide direction for youth development, but this plan marks a new beginning.
With the plan’s implementation, Gbali anticipates positive feedback and tangible results within the first tenure of Governor Fubara’s administration.
He concluded by encouraging SDN to continue their good work, emphasising that “Rivers State is ready, our doors are open.”
Meanwhile, Executive Director of Community Resource Development Foundation (CREDEF), Franklin Nelson, one of the partners of the project, emphasised the importance of policy implementation.
“We want this policy to be implemented, as it covers almost everything every youth needs to get to the next level in life,” he said.
Osun Gov. Adeleke Presents N390bn 2025 Budget To Assembly
From Lateef Dada, Osogbo
Osun State Governor, Ademola Adeleke, has presented N390 billion as 2025 appropriation bill to the state House of Assembly.
The total size of the appropriation bill was put at N390,028,277,740.00, with a capital expenditure of N144, 231,183, 800.
The governor explained that recurrent expenditure was N245,797,093,940 and “it was divided into personnel cost, which is made up of salaries and allowances, as well as pensions and gratuities and stands at N102, 895, 821,010. The balance of N142,901,272,930 is set aside.
“Our revenue consists of recurrent revenue, where the government’s share of FAAC is N196,778, 975,180 and independent revenue is N109, 870, 932, 830. Other receipts from development partners are N53,377,244,610.
“It is to be noted that we shall continue to place great emphasis on capital projects for the benefit of our people and socioeconomic development of our dear state.”
Adeleke explained that his administration had made significant progress in the implementation of the state agenda in the current fiscal year, saying, “Our government has ensured implementation of state objectives as contained in the current budget and the five point agenda.
“Our administration recorded unprecedented progress across the sectors, which will be unveiled in detail during the midterm anniversary later this month.”
• FCCPC directs EKEDC, IKEDC to halt attempts to replace meters
From Fred Ezeh, Abuja
The Federal Government says it needs $10 billion Public-Private-Partnership investment in the power sector, in the next five to 10 years, to achieve 24 hours power supply.
The Minister of Power, Mr. Adebayo Adelabu, disclosed this when the Director-General, Infrastructure Concession Regulatory Commission (ICRC), Dr Jobson Ewalefoh visited him.
He said the government alone could not afford the 10 billion dollars, when there were other critical sectors in need of funding.
“Government cannot do it alone; this is why we have to look for organised private sector funding, while still retaining government interest and ownership.
“That is where ICRC comes in. We need to do this in collaboration with the private sector and the best way is through concession,’’ he said
Earlier, Ewalefoh said it had become imperative to seek private sector input through Public Private Partnership to improve the power sector.
He said in view of the importance of power to the economic development of the nation, optimising performance of existing infrastructure as well as funding new ones was imperative.
The ICRC boss said that the challenges in the sector were many and had gone beyond funding by the Federal Government alone.
According to him, with inter-agency collaboration and partnership with the private sector, the limitations could be addressed.
The D-G said that through its regulatory processes, the ICRC could midwife private sector investment to raise part of the 10 billion dollars needed in the sector to provide regular electricity.
The DG said that the commission was not relenting or compromising on its stringent regulatory function to forestall contingent liabilities or unnecessary delays by companies that lacked the requisite capacity.
•Report suspicious activities
Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Commission (FCCPC) has asked the Ikeja and Eko Electricity Distribution Companies (IKEDC and EKEDC) to, immediately, cease all activities related to the planned replacement of Unistar meters.
It reminded the DisCos of an earlier directive in that regard, and the agreements reached with all parties on the matter, particularly as it concerns the welfare and protection of consumers against unnecessary exploitation.
Director, Corporate Affairs, FCCPC, Ondaje Ijagwu, in a statement, yesterday, said the Commission has received rumours of violation of the directives, stating that the FCCPC’s position remains clear and non-compliance with the directives by Ikeja and Eko DisCos will attract stiff penalties in line with the provisions of existing consumer protection laws.
“Contrary to recent rumours, the approval of new meter prices by the Nigerian Electricity Regulatory Commission (NERC) has no connection with the proposed replacement of Unistar meters by IKEDC and EKEDC. Beside, the planned replacement has been invalidated by both the FCCPC and NERC.
“But it is essential to clarify that Ikeja and Eko DisCos cannot proceed with the withdrawal or replacement of the Unistar meters unless they fully comply with NERC’s Order on Structured Replacement of Faulty and Obsolete End-user Customer Meters in the Nigerian Electricity Supply Industry (Order No. NERC/246/2021).
“The Order mandates that meter replacements must be prompt, without disrupting service, and at no cost to the consumer; and ensuring that consumers are not subjected to estimated billing due to delayed installations.”
He thus asked consumers to contact the FCCPC on the Commission’s dedicated channel of communication on electricity issues, should they encounter any attempts by Ikeja or Eko DisCos to disobey the directive.
He said the FCCPC remains unwavering in its commitment to safeguarding the rights of Nigerian consumers against unfair practices by service providers.
Mr Joshua Ibitomi, the Area Commander of Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC), Ibeju-Lekki, Epe Division, Lagos State, has warned truck drivers against speeding and reckless driving.
He gave the warning in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Ibeju-Lekki on Tuesday.
The FRSC official, who blamed speeding on the ghastly vehicle accident that occurred at Aiyetoro market in Epe which claimed several lives and left some injured, said that with careful driving, such accident could be avoided.
He added that “the accident was as a result of speeding, reckless driving and loading of truck beyond its capacity.
“All these are factors responsible for accident when drivers are not conscious of the driving rules.
Vehicle can develop technical fault at any time, therefore, speed limit and caution need to be applied while driving.”
He said FRSC had been sensitising drivers on the need to install speed limit device and be road conscious while driving, in line with the mandate to instill decent use of road.
Ibitomi also advised passers-by and the public to be safety conscious while walking on roadsides to avoid falling victim of accidents.
He attributed major road crashes on roads to speed limit violation, urging drivers to respect the sanctity of human life by obeying traffic rules.
He added that the FRSC had evolved measures to ensure accident-free yuletide and new year festivities in 2024. (NAN)
