The Kano State Government has officially opposed the proposed tax reform bills currently under consideration by the National Assembly.

Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf, through his Deputy, Aminu Abdussalam Gwarzo, made the government’s stance clear during the 2025 New Year celebration at Filin Mahaha, Kofar Naisa open theatre.

The position was conveyed in a statement issued by the Deputy Governor’s Chief Press Secretary, Ibrahim Garba Shu’aibu.

Governor Yusuf expressed concerns that the proposed tax reform would not address the state’s economic issues.

He stated, “This tax reform bill is not the solution to our economic challenges. Kano State stands firmly against any policy that negatively impacts the welfare of our people.” He further criticized the timing of the tax hike, calling it “ill-timed, lopsided, and harmful to the unity of the country.”

Yusuf highlighted the economic hardships faced by Nigerians, especially those in the northern region, who are grappling with hyperinflation and widespread insecurity.

He called on the federal government to prioritize addressing extreme poverty and hunger in the northern states.

In his speech, the governor also pointed to his administration’s successes in healthcare, education, infrastructure, and international scholarship programs.

He reminded residents of the Supreme Court ruling in January 2024 that reaffirmed his election as the legitimate governor of Kano State.

The Deputy Governor, Gwarzo, also touched on the reinstatement of Emir Muhammadu Sanusi II in 2024, celebrating it as a triumph for the people’s will.

He emphasized that the power to appoint an Emir rests solely with the Governor of Kano State and urged respect for the law and peaceful coexistence, especially among those involved in the Kano Emirate’s affairs.

Deputy Governor Gwarzo concluded by encouraging the people of Kano to remain united and optimistic for the future, saying, “Let 2025 be a year of shared prosperity and progress. Together, we will build a stronger Kano.

On Wednesday, January 1, 2025, First Lady Oluremi Tinubu marked the arrival of the first baby born in Abuja at the Asokoro District Hospital.

Favour Stephen Odion, a baby girl, was born at exactly 12:27 am to Mr. Odion Oyinbo and Mrs. Chioma Odion.

The First Lady, represented by the wife of the Vice President, Hajiya Nana Shettima, also welcomed other newborns at the hospital, including the first baby boy of the year, Zimchikachim Ejiofor, born to Mr. Ejiofor Nworie and Mrs. Delight Nworie at 7:14 am.

As part of the New Year tradition, the First Lady extended her well-wishes to Favour and the other newborns, presenting them with gifts such as post-natal care products, nutritional supplies, and cash.

She also prayed for the children’s well-being, health, and prosperity, expressing hope for a bright future for the next generation.

In her remarks, the First Lady encouraged the mothers to prioritize proper care, including exclusive breastfeeding, immunization, and regular post-natal check-ups, emphasizing the quality of care available at the Asokoro General Hospital.

She also presented birth certificates to both Favour and Zimchikachim and offered congratulations to other mothers in the hospital’s maternity ward.

Dr. Rosemary Nwokorie, the acting Chief Medical Director of Asokoro District Hospital, commended the ongoing efforts of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s administration to improve Nigeria’s healthcare system, particularly in the areas of maternal and child health.

Ebonyi State Governor, Francis Nwifuru, has explained his decision to attend an event organized by Labour Party (LP) legislator Nkemkanma Kama, stating that politics should not be seen as enmity.

Nwifuru made this comment on Monday during an empowerment programme held in Ishiagu, Ivo Local Government Area, which was organized by Kama, who represents the Ohaoazara/Onicha/Ivo Federal Constituency in the House of Representatives.

The governor emphasized that politics should focus on collaboration for the betterment of the state and the country, rather than fostering division.

“Kama is supposed to be my enemy as he belongs to another party, but he has turned out to be my friend,” Nwifuru said. “After election comes governance. That is why I came with leaders of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in the state, including its chairman,” he added.

Nwifuru further stated that Kama had aligned with this philosophy by supporting his administration, reinforcing the spirit of cooperation.

Kama, for his part, expressed his gratitude to the governor and the APC leaders who attended the event, acknowledging the bond of friendship and brotherhood shared with Nwifuru.

“I also thank the leadership of the House of Representatives and stakeholders of the constituency as their selflessness and commitment testify to the communal spirit in us,” Kama remarked.

The Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ) Enugu State Council has recognized Hon. Uche Nnaji, the Minister of Innovation, Science, and Technology, with the prestigious ‘Icon of Democracy’ award for his significant contributions to the advancement of democracy in Enugu State and Nigeria as a whole.

During the award presentation, Mr. Jonathan Emmanuel, the Chairman of the 2024 Press Week and a representative of the News Agency of Nigeria, highlighted Nnaji’s pivotal role in the fight for democracy, which included his imprisonment for his advocacy.

Emmanuel described Nnaji not only as a prominent politician but also as a philanthropist who has used his resources to positively impact society.

He further praised Nnaji’s leadership at the Ministry of Innovation, Science, and Technology, noting the progress and developments the ministry had seen under his stewardship, which contributed to the decision to award him the honor.

In his speech, Chief Emma Eneukwu, the APC National Vice Chairman for the South East, called on Enugu residents to join the APC and actively participate in mainstream politics.

He emphasized that the party had rid itself of “dead wood” and “moles,” strengthening its foundation for future elections in the state.

The event was attended by several notable figures, including Chief Ugochukwu Agballa, the state chairman of the APC, and Barrister George Ogara, the APC’s deputy governorship candidate in the 2023 elections, who were present to witness the award ceremony.

Governor Similanayi Fubara has mocked the camp of Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, by declaring that he still holds “the red biro.”

The statement was made by Fubara through his Chief Press Secretary, Nelson Chukwudi, during a Crossover service held at St. Paul’s Anglican Church in Opobo Town, Opobo/Nkoro Local Government Area, early on January 1.

At the service, Fubara expressed unshakable faith in God’s power to defeat those he described as “self-styled enemies” of the state and its people.

As part of the service, Fubara led the congregation in a song of gallantry, with attendees singing along to the words: “At the mention of Your name (God), every knee shall bow. At the mention of Your name, every tongue confess. That You are Lord, You are Lord, You are King, You are King of kings.”

Fubara emphasized that the lyrics were not just meant to comfort but to inspire confidence in God as the guiding force for greater victories in the coming year.

“The Red Biro is still filled. It is still here with me. Every plan of the enemy will continue to fail,” Fubara declared.

Bishop Dr. Emmanuel Oko-Jaja of the Anglican Diocese of Niger Delta, who conducted the service, reflected on the challenges of 2024, including conspiracies, blackmail, economic hardship, and illness.

Despite these struggles, Oko-Jaja praised God for helping them persevere through it all.

He encouraged the congregation to remain hopeful, assuring them that in 2025, God would continue to uplift and bless them, leading them to victory.

The Bishop also prayed for peace, unity, and the continued development of the state in alignment with the key objectives outlined in the state’s 2025 Budget of Inclusive Growth and Development.