News
Akwa Ibom budgets N845.63bn for 2024 fiscal year
Published
1 year agoon
By
Lanre
Akwa Ibom State Governor, Umo Eno, on Tuesday, presented a total budget proposal of N845.63 billion for the 2024 Financial Year to the state House of Assembly for consideration.
The budget is against the revised provision of ₦850.00 billion for the 2023 fiscal year.
The Governor said the budget comprised of recurrent expenditure of N352.92 billion and capital expenditure of N492.72 billion.
He also said that the total projected recurrent revenue for 2024 is estimated at ₦561.00 billion as against the approved revised provision of ₦540.850 billion representing a 3.7 per cent increase in revenue projection for the year 2024.
Christened “ARISE Budget for Growth and Expansion”, Eno said the budget is predicated on an oil benchmark of $73.96 per barrel at a production rate of 1.78 million barrels per day with an estimated exchange rate of N700 /US$.
He said the total capital receipts and expenditure for 2024 is estimated at N492.715 billion as against the approved revised provision of N455.685 billion for 2023, adding that total projected capital receipts show that N208.083 billion will be transferred from the Consolidated Revenue Fund
Eno said, “To realise the 2024 Budget objectives, the following strategies shall be adopted by the state government; partner with foreign investors to invest in the relevant and key sectors of the state economy and undertake robust human capital development.
“Widen the industrial base of the state through rapid industrialisation and investment activities by providing an enabling environment for the private sector to thrive.
“This is to enhance the availability of goods and services for domestic use as well as for export.
“Achieving at least 10 per cent increase in IGR by eliminating evasion in payment, wastages and leakages in collection and expenditure and developing tourism potentials.”
Eno added that the 2024 budget would stimulate the agricultural and agro-allied industries to boost the production of local farmers to ensure food sufficiency for local consumption, exports and the provision of raw materials for the industries.
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News
Uzodimma inaugurates IMSUTH, IMSUBEB boards, pledges N20bn for education, healthcare
Published
1 day agoon
February 10, 2025By
Lanre
Governor Hope Uzodimma has inaugurated the IMSUTH and IMSUBEB boards, pledging N20bn for healthcare and education reforms in Imo State
Imo State Governor, **Senator Hope Uzodimma**, has reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to revitalising the **health and education sectors**, describing them as crucial to the well-being and development of the people.
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Speaking at the **inauguration of the boards** of the **Imo State University Teaching Hospital (IMSUTH)** and the **Imo State Universal Basic Education Board (IMSUBEB)** in Owerri, the governor outlined the significant strides his government has made in these sectors since assuming office in 2020.
Governor Uzodimma revealed that his administration had invested over **₦4 billion** in rehabilitating IMSUTH, **procuring modern medical equipment** and attracting professionals with **local and international medical experience**.
“IMSUTH was in a **comatose state**, but today, it stands among the top teaching hospitals in Nigeria,” he stated.
The governor expressed concerns over Nigeria’s **preventable death rate**, attributing about **70% of fatalities** to poor healthcare infrastructure.
He urged the **newly inaugurated board**, led by **Dr Emmanuel Ogueri**, to leverage their expertise to transform IMSUTH into a centre for **medical excellence**, discouraging **medical tourism abroad**.
“This is your own. **Help stop medical tourism in Imo**. Bring back your knowledge and experience. Without health, there can be no development,” Uzodimma emphasised.
The newly appointed IMSUTH board members include:
– **Dr Emmanuel Ogueri** – Chairman
– **Prof Kelechi Uwakwe** – Chief Medical Director (CMD)
– **Rev. Fr. Dr Emeka Emekaraoha**
– **Anyaehie Okameme**
– **Dr Osita Kingsley Uzoma**
The governor assured the board of **government support** while encouraging collaboration with IMSUTH management.
Uzodimma also inaugurated the **Imo State Universal Basic Education Board (IMSUBEB)**, tasking the members with **accountability** and **prudent management of funds**.
He pledged that their **monthly financial reports** would be published for transparency.
“Your failure is our collective failure; your success is our collective success. **This is not your turn—it is the turn of Imo people**. Change the story, rebuild the schools, and serve as dedicated public servants,” he advised.
The governor announced that his administration had **cleared all outstanding counterpart funding** obligations, securing **₦20 billion** for **school renovations, teacher recruitment, and improved learning materials**.
New IMSUBEB Board Members
– **Hon Chidiebere Egbo** – Chairman
– **Arc. Mrs Amaka Onu**
– **Hon Chuks Metu** – Secretary
– **Hon Vitalis Obioma**
– **Hon Edward Obinna**
– **Mrs Nzeoma Lucy Nkeiru**
– **Mrs Leticia Amandianeze**
In their acceptance speeches, **Dr Emmanuel Ogueri** and **Hon Chidiebere Egbo** pledged to align with the governor’s vision, ensuring **high-quality healthcare** and **basic education** for Imo residents.
The event was attended by **Speaker of the Imo State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Chike Olemgbe**, **Secretary to the State Government, Chief Cosmos Iwu**, **Chief of Staff Barr. Nnamdi Anyaehie**, and other top government officials and stakeholders.
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FG unveils motherland 2025 to position Nigeria as global cultural, investment hub
Published
1 day agoon
February 10, 2025By
Lanre
The Federal Government, in collaboration with Discover Motherland Africa, has launched *Motherland 2025*, a movement to reconnect the African diaspora while boosting Nigeria’s economic and cultural resurgence
The **Federal Ministry of Art, Culture, Tourism, and Creative Economy**, in collaboration with **Discover Motherland Africa**, has launched *Motherland 2025*, a transformative initiative aimed at positioning **Nigeria as a global hub for African culture, investment, and tourism**.
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Speaking at the unveiling event in **Abuja Continental Hotel**, Minister **Hannatu Musa Musawa** described *Motherland 2025* as more than a festival—**a movement designed to reconnect the African diaspora while driving Nigeria’s economic and cultural resurgence**.
“Motherland 2025 is more than a festival—it’s a homecoming. This initiative cements Nigeria’s role as a powerhouse of Black and African identity, commerce, and innovation.”
>“It is an opportunity for global stakeholders, from investors and policymakers to cultural leaders and travelers, to experience and invest in Nigeria’s resurgence as a cultural and economic powerhouse,” Musawa stated.
As part of the initiative, the Minister announced the *“See Motherland Through Your Eyes”* competition, inviting **participants to visually capture Nigeria’s landscapes, traditions, and vibrant communities**.
“This competition celebrates Nigeria’s diversity and spirit. From the **Kelangu drumbeats of the North to the Bata rhythms of the Southwest and the Ogene echoes of the East**, our culture moves like a dance—alive in every moment.”
The Minister further called on **government agencies, private sector stakeholders, and cultural institutions** to support *Motherland 2025* in making it a **long-term driver of Nigeria’s tourism, creative economy, and investment landscape**.
“The success of this initiative relies on strong partnerships. We invite policymakers, investors, and development organizations to join us in shaping Nigeria’s tourism, creative economy, and investment landscape.”
The *Motherland 2025* initiative consists of several major components designed to boost Nigeria’s cultural, tourism, and economic appeal:
– **Motherland Expo and Festival** – A platform for **cultural exchange, business engagement, and entertainment**, featuring **State Pavilions and Business Exhibitions** showcasing Nigeria’s **36 states and the FCT**.
– **Closing Concert** – A grand musical event featuring **top Nigerian and international artists**.
– **Motherland Travel Hub** – A **centralized travel logistics platform** to make exploring Nigeria easier for visitors.
– **Citizenship by Investment Program** – A unique initiative allowing **diaspora members and foreign investors** to contribute to Nigeria’s development while gaining residency benefits.
– **Diaspora City** – A **dedicated hub for diasporans to settle and invest in Nigeria**.
– **Motherland Ambassador Awards** – An **award program recognizing diaspora leaders** making significant contributions in various fields.
**Chidinma Nwankwo**, Managing Director of **Discover Motherland Africa**, emphasized that *Motherland 2025* is **not just a festival, but a landmark movement reconnecting Nigerians abroad while unlocking cultural pride and investment opportunities**.
“Motherland is a homecoming, a journey, and a commitment. This December, we invite the global diaspora to experience Nigeria like never before—not just as visitors, but as participants in a redefined vision of tourism.”
“Whether you are part of the diaspora, a first-generation Nigerian, or someone who has never set foot in Nigeria, this is your invitation to engage, contribute, and become part of something bigger.”
With *Motherland 2025*, Nigeria aims to **strengthen its identity as the centre of global Black and African culture** while **unlocking investment opportunities and fostering economic development**.
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Dees Travels Chairman advocates stronger tourism policies to unlock Nigeria’s potential
Published
6 days agoon
February 6, 2025By
Lanre
Professor Sunday Adebisi, Chairman of Dees Travels, urges the Nigerian government to implement stronger tourism policies to boost economic growth, highlighting the sector’s potential to surpass Dubai as a premier travel destination
The **Chairman of Dees Travels**, **Professor Sunday Adebisi**, has called for **robust tourism policies** to help Nigeria realise its full potential as a **global travel destination**.
Speaking at the company’s **get-together party** in **Lagos**, Adebisi noted that **Nigeria has all it takes to compete with top destinations like Dubai** if the right policies are put in place.
Highlighting the economic impact of the **“Dirty December”** festivities, which reportedly generated **over $100 million** in revenue, Adebisi stressed that Nigeria could attract **global tourists year-round** if the sector is well-structured.
> *“If we get our tourism sector right, the potential is limitless. Nigeria could surpass Dubai and become the premier destination in Africa. With 365 days of summer, there’s no reason tourists can’t flock to Nigeria all year,”* he stated.
While acknowledging the efforts of the **current administration**, Adebisi urged **more government investment** in tourism and aviation to maximise their economic benefits.
Similarly, **Group Managing Director Daisi Olotu** echoed these sentiments, arguing that **aviation and tourism require greater attention** to boost Nigeria’s **economic growth**.
*“The current government is trying its best, but if aviation gets the attention it deserves, it will generate more money for operators, agents, and the economy at large.
Tourism has the potential to generate vast amounts of income, and if Nigeria wants to compete globally, it must prioritise these sectors,”* Olotu noted.
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