NEWS
Enugu: Teachers, NGO, Economist Laud Mbah on 2024 Budget

Sylvia Udegbunam, Enugu
The 2024 budget proposal of the Enugu State Government is receiving positive reviews from the Labour, civil society groups, and economists, who have lauded it as pro-masses and capable of turning the fortunes of the state around.
Recall that the governor, Dr.
Peter Mbah, on Tuesday, laid N521. 5bn 2024 Appropriation Bill at the Enugu State House of Assembly. The budget, which he entitled “Budget of Disruptive Economic Growth”, comprises N414.3 Capital Expenditure Representing about 79 per cent of the budget and N107.2bn Recurrent Expenditure, representing about 21 per cent of the budget.Whereas the economic sector and infrastructure came tops on sectoral allocation basis with N207.
8bn and N182.9bn in the Capital Expenditure distribution, education got 73.6 per cent of the social sector provision, and 33 per cent of the entire budget.Reacting to the budget estimates, Chairman of the Enugu State Wing of the NUT, Comrade Theophilus Odo, said: “The governor has shown in every way that he has great interest in education. Honestly, when he said during the last convocation at ESUT that education would get over 30 per cent of the budget, we hardly believed him because it had never been like that before anywhere in Nigeria, including at the Federal level. But with this, we are very happy and relieved that a leader is now giving this all-important sector the deserved attention.
“As the governor rightly pointed out in his budget speech, education is one of the surest ways of ensuring sustainable eradication of poverty. By implication, this budget is for the benefit of our children, the teachers and the entire society.
“So, on behalf of the entire teachers of Enugu State, I say a big ‘thank you’ to the governor for his great vision for education in the State.”
Meanwhile, according to a development economist, Chibuzo Aniekwe, the budget is a testimony to the overarching vision of the Mbah administration.
“The budget estimates for the 2024 fiscal year tilts heavily to inclusive growth as it is inclined toward 78 to 79 per cent Capital Expenditure and 21 per cent Recurrent Expenditure. The Capital Expenditure shows massive growth in infrastructure in sectors like Smart Early Education and functional Tier One Health Services.
“It is instructive to highlight the underpinning far left reduction in Recurrent Cost, which explains disruptive innovation, as most government transactions shall move from Labour Intensive method to Technology Intensive deliveries.
“The huge infrastructure shall accentuate circular flow of cash and income redistribution, which puts the government back to its fundamental duty as agent of economic distributive justice.
“This budget will reduce inflation as it shall cause efficiency of resource use and resource optimization”, Aniekwe stated.
Also, the Director of Communications and Public Enlightenment, The Centre for Humanity, Peter Ugwu, said the “enormous allocations to the social sector and economy shows a good intention to lift the people out of poverty and avail them of quality social services.
“The intended massive investments in education, infrastructure, health, water, among others, is a signpost of a government that is people-oriented. On our own, we will monitor implementation and hold the government accountable when it is eventually passed and signed into law”, The Centre for Humanity stated.
NEWS
Police Officer Commits Suicide in Ogun

The Police Command in Ogun State has confirmed a police officer, Insp Ajele Oloyede, allegedly shot himself in the Igbesa area of the state.
The command’s spokesperson, CSP Omolola Odutola, confirmed this in a statement issued to journalists in Ota, Ogun state, on Sunday.He said before who the tragic incident at about 1:20 p.
m. on Friday, the deceased officer was on special duty at Goodwill Ceramic Company,“According to preliminary reports, Tolorunloju Stephen, an officer attached to the Force Headquarters Annex, Lagos,who was also on special duty at the company.
“He had just returned from Ikeja when he entered the security office.
“He found Oloyede resting his head on a table.
After exchanging pleasantries and briefly inquiring about his well-being, Oloyede responded positively.“Shortly after, Stephen proceeded to the restroom but moments later heard a gunshot.
“Rushing back, he found Inspector Oloyede lying in a pool of blood.”
Odutola said that with the assistance of private security personnel, the injured officer was immediately rushed to Ota General Hospital, where he was confirmed dead by the attending doctor.
She added that the firearm used in the incident had been recovered, and the officer’s body had been deposited at the hospital for an autopsy.
“The Ogun state police command has launched an investigation into the tragic death of Inspector Oloyede, who was reported to have shot himself while on special duty at Goodwill Ceramic Company, Igbesa,” Odutola said.
She noted that the Commissioner of Police had ordered a full-scale investigation to determine the circumstances surrounding the incident, including the possibility of foul play or mental health concerns.
Odutola assured that the police swiftly contacted the deceased officer’s family.
According to her, the case will be transferred to the State Criminal Investigation Department (SCID), Eleweran, for a thorough investigation.
She extended the Nigeria Police Force’s deepest condolences to the officer’s family, colleagues, and loved ones.
“The command remains committed to the well-being of its officers and will ensure all necessary support is provided during this difficult time,” she added.
NEWS
We Didn’t Borrow to Accomplish Achievements in 3 Years – Gov Soludo

Gov. Chukwuma Soludo of Anambra State has said that his administration achieved significant progress in infrastructure and human capital development in three years without borrowing money.
Soludo made the disclosure on Sunday during a thanksgiving Mass at St. Patrick’s Cathedral in Awka, ahead of the celebrations marking his third anniversary in office on March 17.
He said: “I express my gratitude to the Almighty God because it is a journey ordained by God.
Tomorrow, March 17, we will be three years in office.“Three years ago, we applied for this job and you employed us based on trust. Looking back on the promises we made, it is fair to say so far, so good.
“We have commissioned over 750 kilometers of roads, with more than 400km already completed. Additionally, we have recruited over 8,000 teachers and rehabilitated public schools to enhance the education sector.
“We achieved remarkable progress in youth empowerment, agriculture, security, and the health sector. Today, Anambra is leading in health in Nigeria.
“We have done all these without borrowing one kobo in three years.
The governor said his goal was to transform the state into the Dubai, Taiwan, and Silicon Valley of Africa, leveraging its abundant resources and exceptional human capital.
“We still have one more year left in this tenure, and I want to assure you that we will continue working diligently every single day to fulfill the promises we made to you.
“So far, we are on track to laying the foundations for realising the Anambra of our dreams,” he said.
Soludo thanked residents for their support and prayers.
Earlier in his sermon, Catholic Bishop of Sokoto Diocese, Bishop Matthew Kukah, said that serving as a governor, senator, or bishop is a sacred contract with both God and the electorate.
According to him, it is a form of stewardship, where one is entrusted with duties that demand accountability to the people and adherence to personal principles.
Kukah praised Gov. Soludo for his accomplishments over the past three years and for his expression of gratitude to God.
“I’m from Kaduna State, but I must admit I’m jealous of the progress in Anambra. You have consistently had governors who leave their unique mark in terms of good governance.
“Anambra is a state with great men and women like Cardinal Francis Arinze, late Chinua Achebe, Chimamanda Adichie, late Dr Alex Ekwueme and many others. And I’m happy that Gov. Soludo is consolidating on the gains.
“I have seen some of the projects by Gov. Soludo and I commend him. These are projects that will improve the quality of life of the people.
“I pray that your agenda for securing the people, for education, health, women and youth empowerment will be achieved by God’s Grace for the betterment of the people,” Kukah said.(NAN)
NEWS
6 Die as Truck Rams Into Vehicles, Pedestrians in Onitsha

The Police Command in Anambra has confirmed that six people died in a multiple-vehicle accident on Saturday at Upper Iweka axis of Onitsha, the commercial hub of the state.
The command’s Public Relations Officer(CPRO), SP Tochukwu Ikenga, said in a statement on Sunday that the police had taken over the accident scene to maintain order and facilitate investigations.
“According to eyewitness accounts, the accident occurred due to the loss of control of a truck, which rammed into pedestrians, two tricycles, and a commercial bus loaded with passengers,” he said
Ikenga noted that the crash claimed six lives, while several others sustained injuries and were currently receiving treatment at the hospital.
He added that the bodies of the deceased had been deposited in the morgue.
He added that some relatives of the victims had been contacted and informed about the incident.
Ikenga said that the command extended its condolences to the families and friends of the deceased and wished the injured a swift recovery.
He urged drivers to conduct necessary safety checks before plying the roads to prevent such tragic incidents.
The CPRO assured the public that further updates would be provided as investigations progressed (NAN)