TheNewsGuru

Tag: Bagudu

  • Senate invites Tinubu’s minister, Bagudu over low budgetary allocation to Creative Economy ministry

    Senate invites Tinubu’s minister, Bagudu over low budgetary allocation to Creative Economy ministry

    Senate invites Tinubu’s minister, Bagudu over low budgetary allocation to Creative Economy ministry

    The Senate, on Thursday invited the Minister of Budget and Economy Planning, Abubakar Atiku Bagudu over the budgetary allocations to the Ministry of Art, Culture and Creative Economy.

    It ordered Bagudu to appear before it on Friday 24th January, 2025 by 10am.

    The Senate committee on Art, Culture and Creative Economy issued the invitation when the Minister of Art, Culture and Creative Economy, Hannatu Musa Musawa appeared before it to defend the ministry’s 2025 budget proposal.

    Irked by the low budgetary allocations of N4bn for a ministry with the potential to rake in billions of naira into the nation’s coffer, a resolution to invite the Minister of Budget and Economy Planning was reached.

    Senator Osita Izunaso moved the motion to invite Bagudu, saying it’s appalling for only four billion naira to be allocated to the nation’s creative economy ministry.

    Senator Izunaso stressed that a ministry with the second largest entertainment industry in the world must be given support and proper funding for it to contribute immensely to the nation’s revenue.

    Seconding the motion, Senator Aniekan Etim Bassey questioned why the budget of the Ministry was six billion naira in 2024, but four billion naira in 2025 even when the ministry is now two ministries put together?

    Musa Musawa had earlier told the committee that the ministry is looking forward to contributing over 100 billion naira to the nation’s coffer by 2030. But she noted that this can only be achieved if the right infrastructures are put in place for art, culture and entertainment to thrive in the country.

    The motion received an overwhelming support from the lawmakers as the chairman of the committee, Senator Mohammed Onawo Ogoshi, declared;

    “A motion has been moved and seconded, therefore this Senate committee hereby invite the Minister of Budget and Economy Planning for further interaction on the budget of the Ministry of Art, Culture and Creative Economy, on Friday 24th January, 2025 by 10:00 am”.

  • N6.2trn supplementary budget for minimum wage, infrastructure – Minister

    N6.2trn supplementary budget for minimum wage, infrastructure – Minister

    The Federal Government says the proposed N6.2 trillion supplementary budgetary will be used to pay the minimum wage.

    Mr Atiku Bagudu, the Minister of Budget and National Planning, gave the assurance while addressing the House of Representatives’ Committee on Appropriation in Abuja.

    He said that the funds would be spent on stimulating the economy through the implementation of various infrastructural projects.

    These projects include road, rail, water, irrigation, and dam projects in the 2024 fiscal year with prudent utilisation of the funds.

    He said that the N3 trillion would cater for the newly proposed national minimum wage, for which President Bola Tinubu said the bill would soon be sent to the National Assembly.

    He said that the proposed budget was also aimed at providing counterpart funding for rail projects that had literally stopped for a while, including the longest among them.

    These, according to him, are the Port Harcourt Main Bridge, which would traverse the rivers Imo, Enugu, Ebonyi, Anambra, Benue, Nasarawa, Plateau, Katsina, Bauchi, Gombe, Yobe, and other parts of the country.

    The minister said the second project is Badagry-Tin Can Port, Lekki Port, while the third one is Lagos-IIbadan Standard Gauge, adding that the fourth one is Kano-Marada Standard Gauge.

    He said that there would be funding for rolling stock that is required, adding that this would gulp the sum of N530 billion as requested for the five rail projects.

    Bagudu said that the sum of N522 billion was also provided for water, irrigation, and dam projects, adding that the proposed N3.2 trillion renewed hope infrastructural fund was “intended to provide equity contributions.

    Bagudu assured that the projects encapsulated in the amendment to the 2024 Appropriation Bill would not limit the revenue available for the implementation of the 2024 Appropriation Act.

    Rep. Abubakar Bichi, the Chairman of the House Committee on Appropriation, had earlier urged the Minister to give details on the Appropriation Bill, including the N3.2 trillion capital expenditure increase.

    This also includes the N3 trillion recurrent expenditure for the newly proposed national minimum wage transmitted by Mr. President for accelerated consideration.

    Bichi observed that there was a need for Nigerians to be adequately informed of the details of the proposed N6.2 trillion budget.

    This, he says, was in addition to the N28.7 trillion appropriation Act approved for the 2024 fiscal year.

    The Committee urged the Federal Government to address the infrastructural deficit and also address issues of security.

    Responding, Bagudu said that various efforts were being made to address issues concerning the security of lives across the country.

    NAN reports that some of the projects proposed in the supplementary budget include: Lagos-Calabar, a 1,000-kilometer road project for which a sum of N150 billion is required

    Sokoto-Badagry road projects, as well as the rail project, for which the Chinese government has provided 85 percent funding while the Federal Government is yet to provide the 15 percent counterpart finance.

    According to Bagudu, the Lagos-Calabar, which is expected to start in three different sections, has commenced in Lagos, the Calabar end, and one additional section, Sokoto-Calabar.

    He added that the Lagos-Calabar also covered the five Southeast States as well as Port Harcourt and Maiduguri rail lines.

  • APC remains only option for Nigerians – Bagudu

    APC remains only option for Nigerians – Bagudu

    Gov. Abubakar Bagudu of Kebbi says the All Progressives Congress (APC) remains the only option for Nigerians.

    This is contained in a statement in Abuja on Friday by Badugu’s Special Adviser on Media, Mr Yahaya Sarki.

    The governor made the remark at the inauguration of the zonal campaign rally in Yauri, Kebbi south.

    He said that his conviction was premised on the fair manner the party’s candidates emerged sequel to transparent and open processes.

    Badugu, who is also APC Governors’ Forum Chairman, said this is particularly based on the manner APC’s presidential candidate and his running mate, as well as the state governorship candidate and his running mate emerged .

    He said that APC and its leaders were always just and open-minded unlike some of the egocentric and unpatriotic former members who left the party and imposed themselves as candidates and intimidated their perceived weaker party members.

    Bagudu said that the APC-led Federal Government under President Muhammadu Buhari and the Kebbi State Government had performed creditably well in the last seven years.

    He said that this was evident in the array of infrastructural development dotting the entire landscape of the zone and the state in general.

    The governor appealed to the people of the state to vote for APC candidates at all levels to ensure continuity.

    Bagudu assured the people of the state that the APC gubernatorial candidate, Dr Nasir Idris and his running mate, Sen. Umar Abubakar in the state would build upon the legacy of the ruling APC if elected.

    He acknowledged the sustained support of the people of the state to the federal government and his administration,urging them not to relent in doing so.

    Earlier, Alhaji Yusuf Yauri, Chairman of APC, Yauri Local Government expressed delight with the mammoth crowd of APC members and supporters that attended the Zonal Kebbi South campaign rally in Yauri local Government.

    He appreciated President Muhammadu Buhari and the state governor for the massive infrastructural development in the entire Yauri Emirate particularly the road construction and electricity supply which has eluded the Emirate for many years.

    The State APC Chairman, Alhaji Abubakar Kana told the mammoth crowd that APC in Kebbi remained one united strong family.

    Kana assured APC members that good tidings would come their way soon that would put smile on their faces.

    He said the incumbent administration of gov. Bagudu has recorded significant development in all the 21 Local Government Areas of the state.

  • Bagudu lauds Zuggu community for routing bandits

    Bagudu lauds Zuggu community for routing bandits

    Gov. Atiku Bagudu of Kebbi has hailed the bravery of Zuggu residents in Maiyama Local Government Area, for routing some bandits who attacked the community.

    This is contained in a statement issued on Saturday in Birnin Kebbi by Bagudu’s Special Adviser on Media, Malam Yahaya Sarki.

    The governor who visited the community on on Friday, commended residents for standing up to the bandits and defending themselves.

    He said that their courageous response to the attack by the bandits was worthy of commendation and emulation by others.

    Bagudu said that even though some members of the community had sadly lost their lives, the fact that they routed the bandits and killed some of them was heartwarming.

    He urged them and other communities in the state to remain courageous and resilient in ensuring peace and security in their area.

    The governor said those who lost their lives in defending the community did not die in vain, but died as martyrs.

    “We are here to sympathise with you over the unfortunate incident and also to commend your extraordinary effort of defending yourselves.

    “People of Zuggu, I commend you for displaying courage to defend yourselves,” he added.

    Bagudu said there has been a spill into the state of bandits displaced by recent military onslaught in neighbouring states.

    He warned that government would deal decisively with those spreading false information capable of scaring people away from their homes.

    “We should be our brothers keepers in period of despair, not to pass false information that could instill fear,” he added.

    He commended security agents for their efforts in sustaining peace across the state.
    Special prayers were offered for the repose of those who lost their lives during the attack.

    The village head of Zuggu, Alhaji Hamisu Magaji, appreciated the governor for the visit and provision of relief materials to the community.

    Meanwhile, Bagudu was also at Yar Besse village in Shanga Local Government Area, to assess the level of damage caused by flooding.

    He sympathised with those who lost their farms and houses, and urged them to regard the disaster as destined by God.

    He said that the government would offer more assistance to the victims and prayed Allah to guard against a recurrence of the disaster.

    Responding, the District Head of Shanga, Alhaji Nasiru Jafaru expressed gratitude to the governor for the visit.

    Also The Vice Chairman of the local government, Alhaji Adamu Ladan thanked the governor for his compassion and provision of relief materials to the victims.

  • Bagudu dissolves state executive council

    Bagudu dissolves state executive council

    The Kebbi Governor, Alhaji Atiku Bagudu, has approved the dissolution of the State Executive Council with immediate effect.

    The dissolution is contained in a statement signed by the Secretary to the State Government, Babale Umar-Yauri and made available to newsmen in Birnin Kebbi on Wednesday.

    “The governor is sincerely appreciative of the individual contributions of each member of the cabinet.

    “He thanked them for their dedication to duty and ensuring peace and steady development of the state during their tenure in office,” it said.

    The statement said Bagudu commended all the members of the dissolved council for their performance.

    “A reconstituted state executive council would be announced soon.

    ” Some of the members of the dissolved council may be reappointed as well as others from outside,” the statement said.

  • How Tinubu got 1, 271 votes to emerge winner of the APC presidential primaries

    Former governor of Lagos State and national leader of the All Progressives Congress (APC) Asiwaju Bola Tinubu, has accomplished a major feat towards realizing his ambition to become Nigeria’s next president, by emerging first among 23 contenders for the All Progressives Congress presidential ticket.

    Tinubu scored 1, 271 from the total 2, 102 votes cast by delegates in the APC’s keenly contested primaries, as announced by the chairman and returning officer of the election committee Abubakar Bagudu, during a special convention held in Abuja on Wednesday June 8. Thirteen votes from the election were void.

    Other leading contenders are: Rotimi Amaechi (316 votes), Yemi Osinbajo (235 votes), Ahmed Lawan (152 votes), Yahaya Bello (47 votes), David Umahi (38) and Ben Ayade (37 votes).

    Despite Tinubu’s seeming track record of relentless commitment to democracy and his mentorship of new generation and future leaders, the party found it extremely difficult projecting him as a consensus candidate and eventually opted for the ballot.

    Presenting himself to delegates prior to the commencement of voting, the former governor insisted he was the most qualified person to succeed incumbent President Muhammadu Buhari.

    Justifying his claim, Tinubu noted how he transformed of Lagos “from a dangerous, unwelcoming” place in 1999 to “a clean, safe and vibrant place” and the sixth-largest economy in Africa today.

    “I’m a unifying leader. I have constructed a formidable political structure, one that has delivered electoral victory after electoral victory. I do not put myself forward because I think this is a nomination; I step forward because I believe I can lead our party toward the brightest future.

    “I have expertise. My record of corporate leadership, my financial expertise, and my experience as an executive governor of Lagos makes me unique among other aspirants,” the former governor said.

    With declining security in virtually every region of the country, Tinubu also shared his plan to restore the much desired peace and stability to an extremely fragile state.

    “I cannot, on this day, talk of a brighter and prosperous future without declaring my determination to fight terrorism and insecurity to the very end. I mourn the lives already lost, vow to do everything possible to ensure justice and forever erase terror from our land,” he declared.

    Having clinched the APC’s presidential ticket, Tinubu will now prepare to slug it out with a former vice-president and flagbearer of the main opposition People’s Democratic Party, Atiku Abubakar.

  • Kebbi Gov. Bagudu vows to lead hunters, vigilates in battle against bandits

    Kebbi Gov. Bagudu vows to lead hunters, vigilates in battle against bandits

    Kebbi State Governor, Atiku Bagudu, has vowed to lead hunters and vigilantes in the battlefield against bandits ravaging the state.

    He also joined his counterpart in Ekiti, Dr. Kayode Fayemi to charged the hunters and vigilantes to be ready to defend the territories of states against frequent attacks by bandits.

    The governors stated this on Saturday in Birnin Kebbi while addressing hundreds of local hunters and vigilance groups from different parts of the state

    The groups had converged on the state capital to declare their readiness to wage war against bandits.

    Bagudu, in an emotion laden-voice, told the hunters that he and other governors were ready to be on the battle fields to defend the lives of the people, their property and territories of the nation.

    “We are not military yet and we are not police. We commend and respect what the security agencies for what they are doing and they are doing a great job; but, sometimes, remember security agents are human beings.

    “They also want the community support; they want the support from the vigilantes. So, if we can go to electioneering campaign rallies and gather 100,000 people, what has taken place in Birnin Yauri should be the last strike.

    “We should follow these bandits wherever they are and deal with them all. And I call on all my colleagues in other states too, to do same. How many are they (bandits)? How many of us can they kill?

    “So, we will discuss with the security agencies so that we don’t interfere in the commendable jobs they are doing. But we will go out there, like I promised you; on the day we move out, I will not be in office; I will join you in the field.

    “And I am sure other governors will be leading their people so that we can all meet in the fields. It is not the weapons that win the war, it is the will of the people. Bad people cannot trample upon the will of good people, and we will show them that we have the will power,” he charged.

    Bagudu also commended President Muhammadu Buhari and security agencies for doing their best with limited resources, stressing the need for the people to mobilise themselves and take on the bandits.

    “Yes, we are afraid of death; nobody wants to die. But who will not die? We are afraid not to be hurt, but who will not be hurt?

    “Which one is more tragic? To die like a coward. I think that should be the greatest fear; or to die without faith?

    “Because, as the people of faiths, we know that our Scriptures, both Christians and Muslims, especially Muslims, Islam teaches us to put our lives at risk in defending our honours, or our property or our faith.

    “In all what these bandits are doing to us, they have challenged our faiths, our property and our honours and we can’t allow them to go.

    “So, go back to your communities and mobilise your people because I will get clearance from the security and we will meet them on the field,” the governor urged.

    In his remarks, Fayemi, who is also Chairman of Nigeria Governors’ Forum (NGF), charged the hunters and people of the state to use all power within their possession to end bandits attack in the state.

    He said: “Our governor (Bagudu) has put on a good fight. That is the demonstration of his commitment to the welfare of his people.

  • Abduction: Gov.Bagudu visits school, pledges support to security agencies

    Abduction: Gov.Bagudu visits school, pledges support to security agencies

    Gov. Atiku Bagudu of Kebbi on Friday night pledged to support security agencies in the fight against banditry across the state.
    Bagudu gave the pledge while addressing parents, staff and students of Federal Government College (FGC) Birnin Yauri, during a sympathy visit to the college.
    The governor assured that his administration would leave no stone unturned until all the abducted persons were rescued, adding that ensuring the security of life and property was paramount.
    “As a government, we shall not rest until all students and teachers abducted by bandits from the Federal Government College, Birnin Yauri, are rescued, while additional security would be provided to all institutions of learning”, he assured.
    Bagudu,on behalf of President Muhammadu Buhari,sympathised with the staff and students of the college, just as he commended security agencies in the state for their quick response that led to the rescue of some of the abducted students and teachers.
    The governor also commended parents and guardians for remaining calm and sustaining prayers to God for His intervention.
    In separate remarks, the parents and teachers of the student expressed gratitude to security agencies for their prompt response in rescuing some of the abducted staff and students.
    The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) recalls that some teachers and students of the institution were abducted by suspected kidnappers on Thursday.
    However, a statement issued by the military headquarters in Abuja on Friday, indicated that two teachers and five students had been rescued.
    Spokesperson of Kebbi State Police Command, DSP Nafiu Abubakar, said in a statement that the number of those abducted in the school,was yet to be ascertained, adding that rescue operation was still continuing.
    NAN reports that before departure from Yauri, the governor visited Yauri General Hospital to sympathise with victims of another attack by bandits.
    He also paid homage to the Emir of Yauri at his palace, and assured that the state government had increased security presence in the area.
    Responding, the Emir, Dr Muhammadu Zayyanu-Abdullahi commended the governor for placing priority on security matters..
  • Four Northern governors visit Makinde over Shasha crisis [+ Photos]

    Four Northern governors visit Makinde over Shasha crisis [+ Photos]

    Some governors from the North on Monday visited Governor Seyi Makinde, their Oyo counterpart, over the recent ethnic clash at Shasha area of Ibadan, the state capital.

    The governors, who visited Makinde, are Atiku Bagudu (Kebbi), Abdullahi Ganduje (Kano), Abubakar Bello (Niger) and Bello Matawalle (Zamfara).

    The governors arrived at Ibadan around 7:03 pm and went into a closed-door meeting.

    There has been tension in the state following the clash between Hausa and Yoruba traders at Shasa market.

    Daily Trust reports that about 20 people were buried on Sunday in the aftermath of the crisis.

    Also, about 5,000 Hausa traders, women and children displaced by the violence are still taking refuge at the residence of the Sarkin Shasa, Alhaji Haruna Maiyasin, and the International Institute of Tropical Agriculture (IITA), in Ibadan.

  • Canoe accident: Gov Bagudu pays condolence visit to families of 8 drowned victims

    Canoe accident: Gov Bagudu pays condolence visit to families of 8 drowned victims

    Gov. Atiku Bagudu of Kebbi has paid a condolence visit to the families of eight people who died in a canoe accident in Rugar Geheru village of Jaga Local Government Area.
    The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that eight people including women and children drowned in when the canoe they were travelling in capsized at Tungar-Gegero.
    Malam Yahaya Sarki, Special Adviser on Media to Gov. Bagudu, said that the governor was accompanied on the visit by his Commissioner of Finance, Ibrahim Augie and other government officials.
    “He prayed Allah to forgive the deceased, grant them Aljannat Firdaus, and give their families the fortitude to bear the irreparable loss.
    “Bagudu, who also expressed deep shock, also consoled the residents and admonished them to accept it in good faith,” he said.
    The statement also quoted the governor as promising to rebuild the dilapidated Mosque in the village while assuring them that the state government would also look into the possibility of rehabilitating the road leading to the village.
    NAN reports that Alhaji Sani Dododo, the Chairman, Kebbi State Emergency Management Agency (SEMA), said: “at about 10.30 a.m. there was an incident at Tungar-Gegero in Jega Local Government Area, where eight people lost their lives in the canoe mishap.“Women and children about 10 of them were onboard with only one operator, a middle aged man and he was trying to transport the people to a naming ceremony.“They started the journey and crossed to the other bank of the stream successfully, but on their way back the canoe capsized and all the occupants drowned in the water.”

    Dododo, however, said that the operator was able to save two women, adding that the remaining eight including children were all drowned in the water.