NEWS
2024 Budget Expected To Elevate Lives – Idris-Malagi
Mohammed Idris-Malagi, the Minister of Information and National Orientation, shared his positive expectations, foreseeing the N27.5 trillion 2024 budget’s passage by the National Assembly as a pivotal moment for transformative change in the country.
He disclosed this while inaugurating the Kaduna State chapter of the Nigerian Institute of Public Relations 2023 Annual Public Lecture/AGM/Awards & Election on Saturday.
The minister highlighted that the budget marked a significant stride in advancing Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda.
Emphasizing its alignment with development priorities, he also underscored the budget’s reflection of a strong dedication to fiscal responsibility.
He emphasized that Tinubu’s administration places high value on astute financial administration as the bedrock for sustained economic stability.
Highlighting this, he stated, “Just this week, he presented the 2024 Appropriation Bill of N27.5 trillion to the National Assembly, the first full-year budget of his administration.
“The budget as presented signifies a pivotal step towards the realisation of his Renewed Hope Agenda, by aligning fiscal strategies and priorities with broader national development objectives.
“As the 2024 Appropriation Bill moves through the legislative process, we are very optimistic that its passage will mark the beginning of a transformative era, bringing tangible improvements to the lives of Nigerians.
“Before this week’s budget presentation, President Tinubu had assented to an equally important supplementary budget, signed some landmark Bills and Executive Orders into law, and inaugurated special presidential initiatives on fiscal policy reform, Compressed Natural Gas, Food Security, MSME support, and other critical areas of the economy.
“The goal has been to deliver relief to the Nigerian people, and lay the groundwork for true and lasting prosperity.”
Idris-Malagi continued, “At this juncture, let me remind us that one of the pillars of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s eight-point agenda is “Inclusivity,” which means inclusive policies and programmes for all segments of the population, especially youth and women.
“You can see manifestations of this even in the array of appointments made by the President so far, and the prominence given to young people and women. This is not to say we have done enough, and can therefore rest on our oars. No!”
“We can still do better, and I can assure you that President Tinubu will continue to push the envelope in this regard,” he noted.
Apart from appointments and representation, the Tinubu administration has been actively implementing policies aimed at fostering an environment conducive for Nigerians to flourish across diverse demographic groups.
The Minister additionally affirmed his preparedness to aid in the advancement of the NIPR, of which he is a member, supporting its developmental initiatives.
He said, “Let me address a most germane issue that I am very familiar with, which has to do with the need for a permanent secretariat for the Kaduna Chapter of the NIPR. I am committed to supporting the effort to ensure that this is realised in a timely fashion.
“As the Minister of Information and National Orientation, I reaffirm the commitment of my Ministry, and the entire administration to fostering robust and transparent public communication, that empowers citizens with accurate, timely and useful information. In this mission, the NIPR is a much-valued partner, and I expect you to continue to live up to this responsibility.” he added.
International News
Lebanon Must Not Become The Next Gaza – Australia’s Foreign Minister Repeats Ceasefire Call
Australian Foreign Minister, Penny Wong has called for an immediate ceasefire in the Middle East, warning that Lebanon risks suffering the same humanitarian catastrophe as Gaza if violence continues to escalate.
Speaking at the United Nations, Wong condemned the ongoing airstrikes in Beirut’s southern suburbs and urged global leaders to take urgent action.
“This attack cannot and should not be justified,” Wong said, emphasizing the toll the conflict has taken on civilians.
Read Also: Hezbollah Commanders Killed In Beirut Airstrike – Israeli Military
She highlighted Australia’s firm stance against Hamas, with sanctions already in place on the group’s leaders and financial backers.
However, Wong expressed deep concern over the heavy civilian casualties resulting from Israel’s response to Hamas.
Wong stated, “More than 40,000 Palestinians have been killed, including over 11,000 children. Nearly two million Gazans have been displaced, many multiple times, and over two million are facing severe food insecurity. This must end. Palestinian civilians cannot be made to pay the price for defeating Hamas. All lives have equal value.”
Wong also pointed out that nearly 300 days have passed since Australia and 152 other countries voted for a ceasefire, yet the violence continues.
“Today, I repeat that call,” she said, urging both sides to halt hostilities.
The foreign minister also stressed the importance of averting further conflict in Lebanon, where tensions are rising amid ongoing air raids.
She called for the full implementation of UN Resolution 1701, which calls for peace between Lebanon and Israel.
“Lebanon cannot become the next Gaza,” Wong warned, calling for immediate international efforts to prevent further bloodshed.
A tragic helicopter crash involving a Pakistan oil company has left six people dead and eight others injured.
The incident occurred during takeoff on Saturday when the aircraft, operated by Mari Petroleum Company (MPC), suffered a technical fault.
The helicopter was carrying fourteen individuals, including three Russian pilots and crew members, when it went down in North Waziristan, a region in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa near the Afghan border.
Read Also: I’ve Dated More Than 100 Women – Singer Skales
In a statement, MPC confirmed that the crash resulted from engine failure, ruling out any signs of sabotage.
“The accident has claimed the lives of six individuals, while eight others have been injured,” the company reported.
The injured have been promptly transported to a military hospital for medical treatment.
The team was reportedly on a visit to a nearby oil field at the time of the accident.
Mari Petroleum Company is recognized as one of Pakistan’s largest petroleum exploration and production firms, which continues to strive towards fully unlocking the country’s resource potential.
Further investigations are underway to understand the circumstances surrounding the crash.
In a tragic incident, South African police announced on Saturday that they are initiating a manhunt following a mass shooting that left 17 people dead in the town of Lusikisiki, located in the Eastern Cape province.
The violence erupted late Friday night, with reports indicating that 13 victims — 12 women and one man — were discovered dead in one residence, while four others were killed in a second location.
An additional victim remains in critical condition at a nearby hospital.
Read Also: BREAKING: EFCC Arrests Former Taraba Gov, Ishaku (UPDATED)
National police chief Fannie Masemola addressed the media, stating, “We do not know the motive” behind the killings and emphasized the uncertainty regarding whether there are one or multiple suspects still at large.
This shooting marks the latest in a series of violent attacks in the region.
Earlier this month, seven family members, including three children, were shot dead in their home in KwaZulu-Natal, with no arrests made in that case.
Additionally, in April, ten family members—including seven women and a 13-year-old boy—were killed in a separate mass shooting in KwaZulu-Natal.
South Africa continues to struggle with a high homicide rate, estimated at approximately 45 per 100,000 people, a stark contrast to the 6.3 per 100,000 in the United States and around 1 per 100,000 in most European nations.
Over the past year, the country recorded more than 27,000 homicides, averaging over 70 killings daily in a population of 62 million.
BBNaija’s Vee Dismisses VDM’s Supporters
Lebanon Must Not Become The Next Gaza – Australia’s Foreign Minister Repeats Ceasefire Call
Helicopter Crash In Pakistan Claims Six Lives, Injures Eight
South African Police Launch Manhunt After 17 Killed In Mass Shooting
Witness Reveals How $15.8m Was Delivered To Ex-Benue Governor In ₦3.1bn Fraud Case
FIFA Slams 2-Match Ban On Argentina’s Martinez
Sahara’s Tonye Cole resigns from GPHCDA
Oando opens ultra-modern petrol station in Lagos
Niger Delta Avengers: President Buhari Reads riot Act …considers the carrot and stick option
Adeosun: We are investing in infrastructure to grow the private sector
Shell launches Nigeria campaign on energy efficiency
Kenneth Butler
December 2, 2023 at 11:38 pm
Simply wish to say your article is as amazing. The clearness in your post is just nice and i could assume you’re an expert on this subject. Well with your permission let me to grab your feed to keep updated with forthcoming post. Thanks a million and please carry on the gratifying work.