During the presentation of the N605 billion budget for the 2025 fiscal year at the Edo State House of Assembly, Governor Monday Okpebholo experienced a moment of hesitation that caught the attention of those in attendance.

As he began to outline the figures, he appeared to struggle with articulating the exact numbers, stammering and stumbling over the amounts allocated for various sectors. This brief but noticeable lapse seemed to momentarily disrupt the flow of his speech.

Despite the well-prepared nature of the presentation, the Governor’s difficulty in confidently calling out the figures raised murmurs among some lawmakers and attendees, who exchanged glances while others maintained a composed demeanor.

His hesitation was most evident when he addressed the significant capital expenditure of N381 billion and the recurrent expenditure of N223 billion, both critical components of the budget.

READ MORE: Okpebholo Tables N605bn 2025 Budget Before Assembly

It took him a few seconds to regain his footing, during which he paused, cleared his throat, and continued with a somewhat cautious tone.

Observers speculated whether it was the weight of the figures or the enormity of the budget’s implications that caused the Governor to falter briefly.

However, as the speech progressed, he regained his confidence, delving into the detailed allocations for road infrastructure, healthcare, education, and agriculture with renewed composure.

In a room where every word and gesture is scrutinized, the Governor’s brief struggle served as a reminder that even the most experienced leaders can have moments of nervousness under the spotlight.

Nonetheless, the focus soon returned to the substance of the budget, with its ambitious plans to transform Edo State’s infrastructure, education system, and healthcare sector.

Nine-time Nigerian league champions, Enyimba International FC of Aba, has signed former Super Eagles’ striker and 2013 AFCON winner Brown Ideye.

Biztellers reports that Ideye signed till the end of the 2024/25 season.

The Sporting Director of the ‘Nzogbu-Nzogbu Boys’ and ex-international, Ifeanyi Ekwueme, made the disclosure on Tuesday.

Ekwueme said, “The talks have been going on for a while and we completed it yesterday.

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“He will be with us until the end of the season and we believe he will bolster our team’s attack as we compete in the league and the continent.”

It was gathered that Ideye, 36, has been without a club since leaving Kuwaiti side Al Yarmouk in 2022 but he is now set to stage a return to Nigeria’s top flight, taking after former international teammates Ahmed Musa and Abdullahi Shehu who are currently playing for Kano Pillars.

The move will also mark the return of Ideye to the domestic scene 17 years after he left Ocean Boys in 2006.

Ideye was on the verge of joining former league champions Rivers United in October but the move collapsed.
Enyimba have two matches crucial to their domestic and continental aspirations in the next five days as they play Sunshine Stars on Wednesday in a rescheduled NPFL game before travelling to Maputo, Mozambique for their third group game in the CAF Confederation Cup against Black Bulls.

Nigeria’s President, Bola Ahmed Tinubu has appointed Shamseldeen Babatunde Ogunjimi as the Acting Accountant General of the Federation (AGF).

This was revealed in a statehouse statement in Abuja, on Tuesday by the Special Adviser to the President (Information & Strategy), Bayo Onanuga.

Biztellers reports that Ogunjimi’s appointment, which is effective immediately, follows the pre-retirement leave of the incumbent AGF, Dr. Oluwatoyin Sakirat Madein.

ALSO READ: Okpebholo Tables N605bn 2025 Budget Before Assembly

The statement reads in part, “In announcing Madein’s successor, President Tinubu ensures a seamless transition in the administration of Nigeria’s treasury and consolidates the implementation of the present administration’s treasury policy reforms.

“As a career civil servant and the most senior director in the Office of the Accountant General of the Federation (OAGF), Mr Ogunjimi brings over 30 years of extensive experience in financial management across the public and private sectors.

“He has held significant positions, including Director of Funds at the OAGF and Director of Finance and Accounts at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.”

Ogunjimi’s profile shows that he is a chartered accountant, certified fraud examiner, chartered stockbroker, and chartered security and investment specialist.

His academic qualifications include a Bachelor of Science (BSc) in Accountancy and a Master’s in Finance and Accounting.

On the appointment, President Tinubu expressed confidence in Ogunjimi.

President Tinubu said, “The Office of the Accountant General of the Federation is pivotal to our nation’s treasury management operations. Mr Ogunjimi’s wealth of experience and notable competence will ensure the continued effectiveness of this vital institution as we advance our economic reform agenda.”

In a related development, President Tinubu has words of commendation for the outgoing AGF, Dr. Madein, for her dedication and selfless service to the nation.

Biztellers reports that Dr Madein is retiring effective March 7, 2025, upon attaining the civil service’s statutory retirement age.