Oyo Govt Denies Borrowing N300 Billion

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August 30, 2025

The Oyo State Government has firmly rejected allegations made by the All Progressives Congress (APC) in the state that Governor Seyi Makinde’s administration has taken a new loan of N300 billion.

The accusation was raised by Ibrahim Shittu, a lawmaker representing Saki West State Constituency, who expressed concerns over an emergency plenary session on August 19 and claimed that he had not been informed or involved in the House’s approval of the purported loan.

However, the Oyo State House of Assembly has dismissed the claim, asserting that the emergency plenary was duly announced and the approval process was legitimate.

In response, the state government issued a statement on August 28, signed by the Special Adviser (Media) to Governor Makinde, Dr. Sulaimon Olanrewaju, calling the accusation “mischievous” and “reckless,” and categorically stating that no such loan has been taken.

The statement further clarified the situation, explaining that the Oyo State House of Assembly had actually approved two financial arrangements, not a new loan.

The government outlined the approval as follows:

N149 billion for refinancing: This involves replacing a previous, high-interest loan with a more favorable financial arrangement, aimed at reducing the state’s debt burden.

N151 billion for infrastructure investment and contractor financing: This funding will ensure that critical infrastructure projects are completed on time without placing undue pressure on the state’s cash flow.

The government emphasized that refinancing is not new borrowing, but rather a prudent financial management strategy that seeks to manage existing debt more efficiently.

The contractor financing mechanism, on the other hand, ensures that ongoing and new projects are financed in a way that does not strangle the state’s finances.

“The government also took issue with Shittu’s claims, accusing him of being “notorious for not attending plenaries” and for attempting to mislead the public.”

It pointed out that his statement about a supposed 500% increase in FAAC allocations to Oyo State was also inaccurate, explaining that the actual increase was closer to 75%.”

“The government mockingly noted, “Basic arithmetic would have shown him that the actual increase is about 75%, not 500%, and this miscalculation confirms his lack of understanding of figures and governance.”

Additionally, the government compared its current achievements under Governor Makinde to the past administration, criticizing the APC for leaving Oyo State in a financially precarious state, with a poor economy, unpaid salaries, and numerous abandoned projects.

The Makinde administration, by contrast, has made tough financial decisions that have moved Oyo State out of economic distress.

Internally Generated Revenue (IGR) in the state has also increased significantly, from approximately N20 billion annually in 2018 under the APC to over N70 billion in 2025, without introducing new taxes on citizens.

The statement further noted that the funds will be used to support major infrastructure projects, including:

Phase 2 of the 110 km Rashidi Ladoja Circular Road: Opening up new economic corridors.

Upgrade of the Samuel Ladoke Akintola Airport: Aiming to position Oyo State as a hub for international investment.

Construction of more feeder roads: Connecting various regions of the state to improve local access and boost economic activity.

The government reiterated its commitment to transparent financial management, emphasizing that Governor Seyi Makinde remains dedicated to ensuring that the state becomes self-sustaining, competitive, and prosperous.

The government also made it clear that no amount of APC propaganda could alter the reality of Oyo State’s progress, stating, “Oyo State is working, Oyo State is growing, and Oyo State will not return to the dark days of APC misrule.”

BREAKING: Houthi Prime Minister Killed In Israeli Airstrike, Rebels Confirm

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Dailygazettenig

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August 30, 2025

The Prime Minister of Yemen’s Houthi-led government, Ahmed Ghaleb Nasser Al-Rahawi, has been killed in an Israeli airstrike, along with several other senior officials, the Iran-backed rebels announced on Saturday, August 30, 2025.

This is the latest in a series of Israeli strikes during the ongoing conflict in Gaza.

The Houthi movement described Al-Rahawi’s death as a martyrdom, condemning the attack as an act of “treachery” by the Israeli military.

A statement from the group confirmed that Al-Rahawi, appointed prime minister in 2024, died in the airstrike along with several of his ministerial colleagues.

The statement also reported that others who were with them sustained moderate to serious injuries and are receiving medical treatment following the strike on Thursday afternoon.

The Israeli military had confirmed a targeted strike in the area of Sanaa, the Houthi-controlled capital, claiming it hit a “Houthi terrorist regime military target.”

The strike was part of the ongoing conflict between Israel and the Houthi rebels, who have shown strong support for Palestinians in the Gaza war and have frequently launched missiles and drones towards Israeli territory in solidarity with Hamas.

The Huthis, who have controlled significant parts of Yemen since 2014, are part of an anti-Israel alliance led by Iran, which includes several militant groups across the Middle East.

The group has also been involved in maritime attacks on shipping in the Red Sea and Gulf of Aden, targeting vessels they claim are linked to Israel.

Maurice Akueme Foundation Awards Bursaries, Honors Peace Advocates At Annual Convention In Ukana

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Dailygazettenig

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August 30, 2025

The Maurice Akueme Foundation (MAF) on Saturday hosted its highly anticipated Annual Convention and Bursary Awards Ceremony in Ukana, Udi local government area of Enugu state where several deserving students and community leaders were recognized for their contributions to education, leadership and the promotion of peace.

The event attracted a diverse group of attendees from across the country, including students, dignitaries and community leaders.

The ceremony marked another significant chapter in the Foundation’s commitment to fostering peace, unity and the development of future leaders.

The event kicked off with an inspiring opening speech by Chief Maurice Emeka Akueme, President and Founder of the Maurice Akueme Foundation.

Akueme, who was honored with the Chieftaincy title of Njikokamma by Ohanaeze Ndi Igbo for his efforts in promoting unity through charity, emphasized the importance of peace in society.

He discussed the Foundation’s role in bringing people together through charitable acts and community development.

“Peace through leadership and peace through charity are central to the work we do here at MAF,” Akueme stated.

“This ceremony is part of our yearly sacrifice to recognize and empower students, support the needy, and honor those who have contributed to the growth and peace of their communities.”

Akueme also highlighted the Foundation’s annual commitment to supporting the education of Nigerian students, stating, “this is not just a ceremony but a tradition that reflects our belief in the power of education to change lives and shape the future.”

Barr. Sunny Odenigbo, the event’s keynote speaker, addressed the theme of the convention, “Peace: The Foundation of Community Development and Progress.”

Odenigbo stressed that peace is a cornerstone of any thriving society and is essential for sustainable development.

He defined peace not only as the absence of conflict but as the presence of justice, equity, and harmony.

“Peace is universally recognized as the bedrock upon which community development and progress are built,” Odenigbo said.

“Without peace, no nation can truly flourish and no community can achieve its full potential.”

Odenigbo also called on the people of Ukana and beyond to actively embrace peace, both in their homes and in their communities and to work towards maintaining it for the betterment of society.

The highlight of the event was the presentation of bursaries to deserving students.

A total of 50,000 Naira each was awarded to several students from different parts of Nigeria, including Ubenyi Onyinyechi Gift, Ozougwu Ifunanya Loretta and Mmayie Chinaza Nnenna, among others.

The bursary awards aimed to ease the financial burden on students and encourage academic excellence.

In addition to the bursary awards, the Foundation recognized outstanding youth leaders with the Outstanding Leadership Award.

Elijah Ejike Onyema and Ebuka Ogbaji received 50,000 Naira each for their exceptional leadership qualities and dedication to their community.

The Most Valuable Player (MVP) Award was presented in two categories.

Purity Alaiga (Ada Ukana) and Obinna Akubue were both awarded 100,000 Naira each for their impressive contributions to community development, based on votes from a public Google poll.

The prestigious MAF Icon of Peace Award was presented to Rev. Barr. Sunny Charles Odenigbo for his continuous advocacy of peace, unity and justice within Nigeria.

Attendees Injured, Property Damaged As Thugs Disrupt El-Rufai’s ADC Coalition Meeting In Kaduna

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Dailygazettenig

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August 30, 2025

A violent attack by government-backed thugs disrupted a coalition meeting between the Social Democratic Party (SDP) and African Democratic Congress (ADC) in Kaduna on Saturday, August 30, 2025.

The event, held at the Conference Hall of NUT Endwell in Magadishu Layout, was convened under the leadership of former Governor Malam Nasir El-Rufai.

Sources confirm that the assailants, allegedly hired by the state government, stormed the venue, injuring several attendees and causing substantial damage to vehicles, including that of El-Rufai.

The thugs also shattered windows of the conference hall, creating chaos during the meeting.

Despite a police presence at the scene, which was deployed earlier by the government to prevent the meeting, the thugs were able to carry out their attack with relative ease.

Multiple sources within the coalition reported that local event centers were pressured by the state government to cancel bookings for opposition meetings, further escalating tensions.

“This attack marks the beginning of a fierce political battle between El-Rufai and his former ally-turned-rival, Governor Uba Sani,” said one insider.

“The thugs were reportedly mobilized by government officials, including an SSA on Special Duties known as Hon. Babaji, to disrupt the opposition’s event.”

The incident has further fueled concerns over the rising political violence in the state as factions within the government and opposition continue to clash.

Images of the wounded and a video capturing the moment the thugs stormed the venue have been circulated.

Enugu Disco Announces Two-Day Power Outage In Enugu, Anambra

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Dailygazettenig

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August 30, 2025

The Enugu Electricity Distribution Company (EEDC) has announced a scheduled two-day power outage in parts of Anambra and Enugu states, set to take place on Sunday and Monday, August 31 and September 1, 2025.

In a statement issued on Saturday, Emeka Ezeh, the Group Head of Corporate Communications at EEDC, explained that the outage is necessary for maintenance work by the Transmission Company of Nigeria (TCN).

The TCN maintenance crew will be replacing faulty overhead porcelain insulators at the 330kV switchyard in Awada, Anambra State.

The planned power disruption will affect customers in Anambra State and parts of Enugu State, specifically those in Oji River and surrounding communities.

The outage will occur daily between 9:00 am and 6:00 pm, from August 31 to September 1.

Ezeh expressed regret for any inconvenience caused and requested customers’ understanding, emphasizing that the maintenance is aimed at improving the overall quality of service for the affected regions.

JUST IN: Former Ukrainian Parliament Speaker Shot Dead In Lviv, Zelensky Confirms

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August 30, 2025

Former Ukrainian parliament speaker Andriy Parubiy, a prominent figure in the country’s pro-European protest movements, was shot dead on Saturday in the western city of Lviv, officials confirmed.

Parubiy, 54, who had also served as secretary of Ukraine’s National Security and Defence Council, was gunned down by an unknown assailant.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky denounced the assassination as a “horrific murder” and vowed that “all necessary forces and means” would be mobilized in the investigation.

He added that the crime appeared to be meticulously planned.

Police are still searching for the gunman, who reportedly fired several shots at Parubiy, killing him instantly.

The prosecutor general’s office has opened a murder investigation but has not yet revealed any possible motives.

Early reports indicate that the shooter, dressed as a delivery rider and riding an electric bike, fled the scene shortly after the attack.

Ukrainian media published photos from the scene, showing a bloodied figure lying on the street, though their authenticity remains unverified.

Since the start of Russia’s invasion of Ukraine in 2022, both Russian and Ukrainian officials have accused each other of targeting key political and military figures.

Russian state media indicated that Parubiy had been a wanted man since 2023, fueling suspicions of Russian involvement in his killing.

Parubiy, an outspoken advocate for Ukrainian independence, had been an influential figure since his youth, campaigning for the country’s sovereignty during the Soviet era and championing the Ukrainian language over Russian.

During the 2014 Maidan protests, he led opposition self-defense forces and narrowly survived a grenade attack.

Ex-President Petro Poroshenko, who succeeded Viktor Yanukovych, expressed grief, calling Parubiy a “brother-in-arms” and saying his death was “a shot at the heart of Ukraine.” Ukrainian intelligence chief Kyrylo Budanov also paid tribute, stating that Parubiy had been “killed by enemy bullets.”

Polish Foreign Minister Radoslaw Sikorski remembered Parubiy’s role in evacuating Poland’s consulate in Sevastopol during Russia’s 2014 annexation of Crimea, calling the news of his assassination “shocking.”

Parubiy is remembered by many as a patriot and uncompromising fighter for Ukraine’s independence, and his death has left the nation mourning the loss of a key founding figure of modern Ukraine.

Lagos Alone Receives N3.9 Trillion In Federal Projects

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Dailygazettenig

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August 30, 2025

Works Minister, Dave Umahi

Lagos State has benefited from N3.9 trillion worth of major infrastructure projects approved by the Federal Executive Council (FEC).

This amount surpasses the combined N3.56 trillion allocated to the South East, North West, and North East regions over the same period under President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s administration.

Projects in Lagos include a N712 billion overhaul of the Murtala Muhammed International Airport, as well as several road projects, including the Lagos-Calabar Coastal Highway, which is a major focus.

Tinubu, who hails from Lagos, has been accused of favoring the South West, prompting concerns of unequal distribution of resources.

However, Minister of Information and National Orientation Mohammed Idris has rejected these allegations, maintaining that infrastructure projects are equitably spread across the six geopolitical zones under the Renewed Hope Agenda.

Key Approvals for Lagos and the South West:

N712bn for the modernisation of International Terminal One at Murtala Muhammed International Airport.

N1.6 trillion for the construction of 55 km of the Lagos-Calabar Coastal Highway.

N359 billion for the reconstruction of Carter Bridge and N176 billion for coastal protection at Ebute‑Ero/Outer Marina.

N49.9 billion for enhanced security infrastructure at Lagos airport.

The N712 billion airport project is among the largest infrastructure investments in Nigeria’s aviation sector in recent years.

In addition to these, other parts of the South West also received substantial allocations, with road projects in Ogun, Ekiti, and Ondo States collectively receiving billions in approvals.

While some analysts argue that Lagos, as Nigeria’s economic powerhouse, deserves the bulk of these projects, others contend that other regions should not be overlooked in the pursuit of national development.

Regional Backlash Over Project Distribution Opposition figures, such as Timothy Osadolor of the PDP, argue that President Tinubu’s administration is overly focused on the South West, claiming that many projects are tailored to benefit Lagos disproportionately.

Osadolor called for a more balanced approach, urging the president to prioritize equitable distribution of resources and political patronage across Nigeria’s diverse regions.

Civil rights activist Auwal Rafsanjani also weighed in, highlighting the persistent issue of marginalisation in Nigerian governance.

Rafsanjani emphasized the need for a transparent system of resource allocation to ensure that all regions, particularly the underdeveloped North East and South East, receive fair treatment.

Ongoing Development and Reactions Despite the criticisms, the federal government continues to approve major projects across Nigeria.

For example, the North East received approvals for infrastructure projects such as the rehabilitation of dams in Borno State and the construction of electric vehicle infrastructure.

However, the lopsided distribution of funds, heavily favoring Lagos, remains a hot topic for debate.

JUST IN: Ruth Elton, Nigeria’s Oldest Missionary Who Renounced Her British Citizenship In The 70s, Dies At 91

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Dailygazettenig

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August 30, 2025

Ruth Elton, a pioneering British-born missionary who devoted her life to spreading Christianity and improving public health in Nigeria, has passed away at the age of 91.

She died on Saturday at the Sharon compound in Alafia Bamin Quarters, Ilesa, Osun State.

Born on September 7, 1933, Ruth Elton moved to Nigeria with her parents in 1937.

She became one of the most recognized and respected foreign missionaries in the country.

A daughter of Sydney Granville Elton (Pa Elton), a key figure in the rise of Pentecostalism in Nigeria, Ruth was deeply committed to her mission of faith, healing and community revival.

Elton, who became a Nigerian citizen after renouncing her British nationality in the 1970s, dedicated much of her life to serving the people across various parts of Nigeria.

Her missionary work took her to places such as Egbe, Okene, Koton Karfe, and across Kogi, Ondo, Oyo, and Osun States. She was fluent in both Ebira and Yoruba, a testament to her deep integration into the communities she served.

Beyond her religious work, Elton was particularly known for her efforts in reducing infant mortality.

She worked tirelessly to combat the high rates of newborn deaths, especially in Okene, Kogi State, which she attributed to poor healthcare practices and lack of hygiene awareness.

She once shared that force-feeding babies and inadequate care were significant contributors to these challenges and she made it her mission to educate local communities on better healthcare practices.

Though she never married, Ruth Elton saw her lifelong mission as one of generational impact, marking her legacy not only in faith but in health reforms that have saved countless lives.

In recent years, despite Nigeria’s political and social struggles, Elton held firm to her father’s prophesy that while the nation might currently be known for its challenges, a new era would dawn in which Nigeria would be recognized globally for righteousness and prosperity.