News
Speaker Abba Names President Tinubu First Among Mentors
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…Says President Tinubu is determined to tackle insecurity, create economic prosperity
The Speaker of the House of Representatives Rt. Hon. Abbas Tajudeen, PhD, has stated that the administration of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, in collaboration with the 10th National Assembly, is more determined than ever before to tackle insecurity and foster economic prosperity for Nigeria.
This is just as the Speaker named President Tinubu as his role model due to his ability to network across the country and maintain relationships for over four decades.
Speaker Abbas made this known in Abuja on Sunday at ‘An Evening with 004’, an informal engagement between the Speaker and Nigerian youths, organised by the Office of the National Youth Leader of the All Progressives Congress (APC).
The Speaker was accompanied by his wife, Hajia Fatima Abbas Tajudeen, and his children who witnessed as the APC Youth Wing honoured him with the ‘Legislator of the Year (National Category)’ award.
The event, which was to commemorate Nigeria’s 65th Independence Anniversary, saw the Speaker inspiring the youth with his life as a teacher, accountant, and politician.
Led by the National Youth Leader of the APC, Mr Dayo Israel, the youths freely asked Speaker Abbas various questions about his background, politics, health, security, economy, entrepreneurship, women’s inclusion, and the House under his leadership.
The Speaker stated that the Tinubu-led administration is working hard to ensure the security of lives and property, as well as creating an enabling environment that will make crime and criminality unattractive to the youth.
He stated: “There’s no country in the world that can achieve any meaningful progress without adequate security. The President and the National Assembly, I’m sure if you observe, have worked very hard to put non-kinetic measures in place to ensure that security around the country is improved. Like my own state, Kaduna) Just two weeks ago, the UK Ambassador to Nigeria gave my Governor (Senator Uba Sani) an award for the improved security within the state.
“I believe within the next two years, and certainly the next four years of this administration – God willing, we will no longer be talking about insecurity, because the government will do whatever is necessary to ensure that we create more than any other thing the enabling environment that will mitigate and prevent insecurity.”
The Speaker emphasised the inadequacy of Nigeria’s annual budgets. He, however, expressed optimism that the tax reform initiatives of President Tinubu will substantially raise the revenue profile of the country.
Speaker Abbas said: “I want to assure you that this present administration is doing its best. If you look at the historical figures in budgetary provisions particularly for education and for health, you will see that there has been a reasonable appreciation of the figures that we have recorded in the last two budgets.
“One thing I want you to go home with is that Mr President and the National Assembly have been able to cross a major hurdle that has been bedevilling our budgets. And what is that? Paucity of revenue. If you remember the 2025 budget was increased significantly. But even with that, we are not where we ought to be.”
He noted: “But the good news today is that both the National Assembly and Mr President have come up with a revolutionary initiative that within the next one to two years, we will substantially increase the revenue profile of Nigeria several-fold. And that is the tax reform initiative brought by Mr President. Once it comes into effect, I sincerely believe that Nigeria’s budget will improve at a minimum by five times what we have today. And that will be the time when we will say we can look at sector by sector, agency by agency, to give them what they require.
“But as of now, the revenue we have is simply inadequate to satisfy any agency. And that’s why we have what is called the Envelope System… ‘just make do with whatever that’s given to you.’ But I assure you that, with Mr President in the driver’s seat, that era will soon come to pass. That will be the time we can provide for each agency what they actually require, and that will be the time we can start talking about what the international standard is, what they are supposed to get as against what they are getting today?”
The Speaker also used the occasion to speak on efforts by the parliament to address national sundry issues.
He also attributed the unity and peace in the House to the overwhelming support from members, noting that they are according their due rights and benefits irrespective of political, religious, and ethnic differences.
Speaking on the lessons he had learnt on his journey, which he will pass to his children, the Speaker advised youths in Nigeria to be honest and transparent in their dealings, saying these virtues attract public trust and success.
Speaker Abbas said: “Be open and honest in whatever you do. Once you are open and honest, you can never get it wrong. Even when you make mistakes, people will understand that it is a mistake.”
He added: “I believe that the youth of Nigeria need to really learn this little – little – that when they imbibe this in whatever they do in their life, not necessarily politics or leadership in any way, even in their daily life, they will see tremendous results, they will get the support of the people. That is my message to the youth.”
Speaker Abbas also explained why President Tinubu is first among his mentors.
He said: “I have so many role models. Asiwaju is one of them, definitely because of his antecedents in being able to support people right from the time he was a senator to governor. And I have seen him with a set of people over a journey of 40 years, and he is still with them. Not too many Nigerians – not too many – will be able to sustain relationships for such a very long time. So, he is my role model as far as that is concerned.”
The Speaker noted that his proudest moment as a legislator was when President Muhammadu Buhari assented to a record 22 of his bills under the last Assembly (out of the record 74 sponsored by him).
Speaker Abbas stated that it was an “unprecedented achievement” for a lawmaker to have 22 of his bills signed into law, as law-making is the core responsibility of a legislator. “I was very proud and happy,” he said.
On the gender bills under consideration by the National Assembly in the ongoing review of the 1999 Constitution, Speaker Abbas recalled how the youth successfully pushed for the ‘Not Too Young To Run’ bill, which led to the reduction in the age qualification for elective public offices.
“If we achieve that, we are further pushing the agenda of inclusivity to all Nigerians. So many things need to be done but we need to do them one at a time. I am very optimistic that the 10th Assembly provides a golden opportunity for the women of Nigeria to actualise their dreams in the democratic and electoral processes of this country.
“I will be there to ensure that those aspirations succeed for the benefit of mankind.”
When asked to speak about her husband, Hajia Fatima described Speaker Abbas as “an extraordinary man; very kind, very honest.”
Advising young women with her three lessons in marriage, Hajia Fatima listed “prayer, a lot of patience and always stand by each other.”
On the award, the youths said it was “in recognition of your exemplary leadership, visionary stewardship, and outstanding legislative impact at the national level.”
On the certificate, they wrote: “As Speaker, you have demonstrated an unwavering commitment to deepening democracy, promoting good governance, and advancing policies that drive national development and strengthen the voice of the people.
“Your dedication, courage, and service to our nation have distinguished you as a true patriot and statesman, inspiring trust, hope, and excellence in legislative practice across Nigeria.
“With utmost respect and honour, we celebrate you as our Legislator of the Year 2025 (National Category).”
The 109 senatorial youth leaders of the APC also presented a head bust to the Speaker in recognition of his positive impact.
News
Ogun: 2026 Budget Expansion Driven by Massive Infrastructure Pipeline, Revenue Growth, Economic Reforms — Okubadejo
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The Ogun State Government has attributed the expansion of its 2026 budget to an aggressive infrastructure development pipeline, rising internally generated revenue (IGR), and sweeping economic reforms aimed at positioning the state as Nigeria’s foremost industrial and logistics hub, as the budget increased to 58%.
This was stated by the Commissioner for Finance and Chief Economic Adviser to Governor Dapo Abiodun, Hon. Dapo Okubadejo, during a media parley on the breakdown of the 2026 budget, tagged “Budget of Sustainable Legacy,” held at Oke-Mosan on Tuesday. He stated that the scale of ongoing and proposed capital projects necessitated a larger fiscal framework.
Okubadejo emphasised that a major driver of the expanded budget is the development of two dry ports currently in the pipeline. One of the ports is being funded by the Federal Government, while the second is being executed through a public-private partnership arrangement with a private sector investor.
He posited that the dry ports are expected to significantly ease the movement of goods, support exports, and reduce logistics costs for more than 80 manufacturing factories operating across the state.
Okubadejo explained that the initiative aligns with Ogun’s status as Nigeria’s industrial capital, noting that improved logistics infrastructure would further accelerate industrial productivity, attract new investments, and strengthen trade competitiveness.
He added that budget growth is also linked to renewed activities around the Olokola Free Trade Zone and the proposed Olokola Deep Sea Port.
“The developments, coupled with the recent announcement of oil discovery in the area, are expected to unlock new revenue streams for the state once commercial evaluations are concluded, potentially paving the way for Ogun to attain oil-producing status”
In the transport sector, the Commissioner for Transport, Engr. Olugbenga Dairo, disclosed plans to extend the Lagos Red Line Rail and Lagos Blue Line Rail projects into Ogun State to enhance mobility.
Dairo said the rail expansion would improve commuter movement, boost daily economic activities, and further integrate Ogun into regional and national transportation networks.
He noted that road infrastructure would feature prominently in the state’s capital expenditure drive.
According to him, the administration has reconstructed and rehabilitated several strategic corridors, including the 42-kilometre interchange road linking Lagos to Abeokuta. Since its completion, the road has reportedly triggered a surge in industrial and commercial activities along the axis.
He added that other key roads connecting border towns such as Ikorodu, Ogijo, and Sagamu have been upgraded to facilitate the smooth movement of goods, services, and people.
While further explaining Okubadejo noted that improved infrastructure has encouraged increased migration into the state, fueling demand for housing and reinforcing what he described as a growing housing and power revolution across Ogun.
Speaking on state’s debt Okubadejo stressed that debt sustainability remains strong, with careful structuring of loan tenors, interest rates, and repayment schedules.
He disclosed that as of 2025, Ogun State’s domestic debt stood at approximately ₦194 billion, compared to ₦133 billion in 2019, while foreign debt levels have been affected mainly by exchange rate depreciation.
Okubadejo also highlighted pension reforms as a key component of the state’s economic restructuring, citing improved remittance consistency and the gradual transition to a fully operational contributory pension scheme.
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Ogun State Governor, Dapo Abiodun, has approved cash rewards totalling over ₦450 million for athletes and officials of Team Ogun following the state’s outstanding performance at the just-concluded National Sports Festival.
The governor announced this on Monday during the cash award ceremony held in honour of medalists, noting that Ogun State finished second overall with 239 medals, its best performance in the history of the festival.
Abiodun described the achievement as a testament to the steady growth of sports development in the state, stressing that his administration remains committed to recognising excellence.
He disclosed that all training allowances, participation allowances and contractual fees owed athletes and officials had been fully settled.
According to him, immediate cash rewards earlier promised during his visit to the athletes’ camp were promptly fulfilled, including ₦50,000 paid to every qualified athlete and instant bonuses for medal winners before the festival’s closing ceremony.
The governor announced a historic reward package for medalists, including₦2.5 million each for 93 gold medalists; ₦1.5 million each for 61 silver medalists, and ₦1 million each for 81 bronze medalists.
He added that additional provisions were approved for athletes in team sports to acknowledge their collective contributions.
Abiodun said the gesture was aimed at motivating athletes and encouraging young people across Ogun State to embrace sports as a viable career path.
The governor also approved special financial support for technical officials, announcing ₦10 million for coaches through the Director of Coaching and ₦14.8 million for participating officials via the Director of Administration and Supply.
He commended their discipline, mentorship and professionalism, describing them as key drivers of Team Ogun’s success.
Abiodun highlighted the transformation of the sports sector in Ogun State, citing increased hosting of international competitions, improved sporting infrastructure, and greater utilisation of facilities by national teams and leagues.
He expressed appreciation to sports administrators, private sector partners and other stakeholders for supporting the growth of sports in the state.
Looking ahead to the next National Sports Festival in Enugu, the governor urged athletes to remain focused and encouraged aspiring talents to participate in open trials and development programmes.
He congratulated Team Ogun for making the state proud and reaffirmed his administration’s continued investment in sports development.
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The Ogun State Internal Revenue Service (OGIRS) has concluded a two-day capacity-building training programme aimed at deepening institutional understanding of the newly introduced tax reforms and enhancing the operational efficiency of its tax officials.
The programme, held at the Oba’s Complex, Oke-Mosan, Abeokuta, was themed “Navigating the New Tax Reforms.” It was designed to equip participants with the requisite knowledge and practical skills for effective implementation of updated tax policies, while strengthening revenue administration across the state.
Speaking at the event, the Executive Chairman of OGIRS, Mr. Olugbenga Olaleye, said the training underscored the Service’s commitment to professionalism, continuous learning, and improved service delivery in line with ongoing fiscal reforms.
According to him, the initiative was structured to help officers unlearn obsolete practices and embrace emerging standards in tax administration.
“Let us get things right and remain open to learning, training and enlightenment. Through this, we sharpen our skills. This programme is meant for us to unlearn and re-learn,” he stated.
One of the resource persons, the Executive Chairman of the Kano State Internal Revenue Service (KIRS), Dr. Zaid Abubakar, explained that the new tax reforms were designed to establish a uniform tax system in Nigeria and harmonise tax administration across all tiers of government.
He noted that the reforms were citizen-centred, aimed at reducing the tax burden on Nigerians and simplifying tax payment processes.
Dr. Abubakar added that effective communication and public sensitisation were critical to fostering public trust and understanding of the reforms, stressing that accountability remained central to the new tax framework in order to drive sustainable revenue generation.
Also speaking, the Chief Executive Officer of D&A Associates, Mrs. Stella Olaleye, emphasised that leadership is defined by mindset rather than position.
She encouraged leaders to pursue collective success by empowering their subordinates, leading by example, and demonstrating empathy. She highlighted the five levels of leadership as positional, permission, production, people development (reproduction), and pinnacle.
In her presentation, a facilitator from D&A Associates, Mrs. Oluwabunmi Olukoga, delivered a session on emotional intelligence in the workplace.
She explained that emotional intelligence involves understanding and managing one’s emotions while empathising with others. She urged participants to cultivate active listening, self-reflection, and positive responses to constructive criticism, while also stressing the importance of punctuality, appropriate dressing, courteous language, and attentive listening as core workplace etiquette.
In their separate remarks, the Coordinating Director, Mr. Taiwo Ogundimu, and the Director of Field Operations, Mrs. Oluwaseun Olajube, commended the OGIRS Chairman and organisers for the timely initiative.
They expressed confidence that the programme would better position tax officials to educate taxpayers on the new reforms and apply the knowledge gained effectively in the discharge of their duties.
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