Nelson Ugwuagbo

The First Lady of Nigeria, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, has provided a N50 million grant to the First Lady of Kaduna State, Hajiya Hafsat Uba Sani, to support 1,000 women petty traders in the state.

The grant, issued under the Renewed Hope Initiative (RHI), was presented in a symbolic cheque at the Umaru Yar’Adua Conference Centre on Monday. Senator Tinubu directed that each beneficiary receive N50,000 to help recapitalize their businesses.

In addition to the grant, the First Lady launched the distribution of 10,000 professional kits for midwives across the North-West states, including Jigawa, Kaduna, Kano, Katsina, Kebbi, Sokoto, and Zamfara. The kits, consisting of 10,000 scrubs and 10,000 pairs of Crocs, were donated by an anonymous global donor and handed over to the National Primary Health Care Development Agency for distribution.

Senator Tinubu emphasized that the initiative complements the Federal Government’s ongoing retraining exercise for 120,000 frontline health workers nationwide. She assured that all six geopolitical zones would benefit from similar distributions, noting that the North-Central zone received its allocation in January, while the South-South would be next.

“The Renewed Hope Initiative (RHI) recognizes the essential role of midwives and the need to provide them with proper tools to enhance their work,” she stated.

Kaduna State Governor, Uba Sani, commended the First Lady for her support, describing the distribution of professional kits as a demonstration of her commitment to the welfare of Nigerian women, particularly in underserved communities.

He highlighted maternal mortality as a pressing challenge, especially in rural areas with limited healthcare access, and stressed the importance of equipping midwives with proper gear to ensure hygiene and infection control.

Governor Sani also reaffirmed Kaduna State’s commitment to improving healthcare services, disclosing that the government had recruited 100 ad-hoc midwives and was upgrading 290 Primary Healthcare Centers (PHCs) with state-of-the-art equipment. An additional 255 PHCs are set for upgrades this year, with construction ongoing for 143 facilities.

The First Lady’s initiatives, he noted, would further strengthen healthcare delivery and improve maternal and child health outcomes in the region.

Lucky Aiyedatiwa has been inaugurated as the governor of Ondo State, marking the start of his first full four-year term following the passing of his predecessor, Governor Rotimi Akeredolu, in 2023.

The swearing-in ceremony took place on Monday at the Ondo State Sports Complex in Akure, the state capital, two months after Aiyedatiwa secured victory in the governorship election under the banner of the All Progressives Congress (APC).

Aiyedatiwa took the oath of office at 12:59 p.m., shortly after his deputy, Olayide Adelami. Following the ceremony, the governor toured the venue in an open van, acknowledging cheers from supporters.

In his inaugural address, Aiyedatiwa reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to governance and development, pledging to prioritize the welfare of residents, particularly vulnerable groups.

“We like to assure you that the overwhelming renewed mandate you have freely given to us has further placed on us a huge burden of leadership, and we promise never to rest on our oars,” he said.

“I and my deputy make a solemn pledge this day that we shall lead and govern with the fear of God and utmost dedication to the progress of the state. We will prioritize the welfare of our people, particularly the most vulnerable among us—the poor, the sick, and the marginalized.”

Aiyedatiwa also outlined economic development plans for the state, emphasizing efforts to attract investment.

“In the next four years, we will work with interested investors and our development partners in ensuring that our Port Ondo becomes a reality,” he said.

“We will also facilitate investors to explore our large deposit of bitumen for local use and export purposes, thereby generating huge revenue for the state.”

The event was attended by notable dignitaries, including APC National Chairman Abdullahi Ganduje, Lagos State Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu, former Osun State Governor Bisi Akande, former Ogun State Governor Olusegun Osoba, Minister of Youth Ayodele Olawande, and Minister of Interior Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, among others.

Renowned Islamic scholar, Shaikh Ahmad Mahmoud Gumi, has stated that Nigeria remains in need of visionary leaders who prioritize the welfare of citizens over personal wealth accumulation.

Gumi made the remarks during an award presentation organized by the Sultan Bello Primary School Old Pupils Association (SUBOPA) in honor of two members, Major General Abdulmalik Jibrin (Rtd) and Brigadier General Abdulkadir Gumi (Rtd), who recently received government appointments.

Major General Jibrin was appointed Secretary of the Civil Defence, Fire Service, and Immigration Board (CDCFIB) by the Federal Government, while Brigadier General Gumi was named Chairman of the Zamfara State Security Trust Fund Board.

Speaking at the event, Gumi described Jibrin as a hardworking and disciplined officer, emphasizing the need for leaders with commitment and patriotism.

“Nigeria is still searching for great leaders to move this country forward. We need well-trained and well-mannered individuals who genuinely want to assist others, not just themselves. Leadership should be entrusted to those with good character and selflessness, not those who only think of themselves and their families,” he said.

He also expressed concerns over the impact of insecurity on states like Zamfara, citing its effects on education and community stability.

Gumi commended the Zamfara State Government for appointing Brigadier General Gumi to the Security Trust Fund Board, urging Nigerians to contribute to national development.

Speaking on behalf of the awardees, General Jibrin dedicated the recognition to all members of SUBOPA, expressing gratitude for their support.

SUBOPA President Mohammad Babayo Hassan described the appointments as a reflection of the values and excellence instilled in their alma mater, emphasizing that the achievements of their members serve as an inspiration to others.

The Independent Petroleum Marketers Association of Nigeria (IPMAN) has issued a seven-day ultimatum to the Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority (NMDPRA) to settle outstanding bridging claims amounting to N100 billion.

The association warned that failure to clear the debt within the stipulated timeframe would result in the withdrawal of services, a move that could trigger a nationwide fuel shortage.

The ultimatum follows the NMDPRA’s failure to fulfill its commitment to pay the claims, despite assurances given 40 days ago in the presence of the National Security Adviser, Nuhu Ribadu.

Speaking at a press conference in Abuja on Monday, Chairman of the IPMAN Depot Chairmen Forum, Yahaya Alhasan, voiced frustration over the continued delay in payments.

Reading from a communiqué, Alhasan emphasized that the unpaid claims—deducted from marketers’ payments for products as bridging allowances—had been outstanding since 2024.

“If NMDPRA doesn’t pay our money within seven days, we are going to withdraw our services across the nation,” he stated.

The looming strike raises concerns over a potential nationwide scarcity of Premium Motor Spirit (PMS), which could further strain fuel supply and distribution across the country.

At least 450 foreign service officers across 109 Nigerian missions abroad have not received their salaries for the past five to six months, leaving them in severe financial distress.

The affected officials, who serve under the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, are struggling to meet essential obligations such as rent, children’s school fees, and other family and social responsibilities.

The acting spokesperson for the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Kimiebi Ebienfa, acknowledged the financial challenges affecting the missions and assured that efforts were underway to resolve the situation.

“The ministry is aware of the difficulties faced by the missions abroad, and the leadership is working seriously to address the situation,” Ebienfa stated.

He further expressed optimism that with the recent passage of the 2025 Appropriation Act by the National Assembly, President Bola Tinubu would soon sign it into law, which would positively impact the ministry’s finances and those of the missions abroad.

Ministry Spent N251.71 Billion on Salaries in Four Years

Findings indicate that the Ministry of Foreign Affairs spent N251.71 billion on salaries over the past four years, despite facing recurrent financial shortfalls.

In 2021, the ministry was allocated N73.14 billion, with N34.38 billion designated for personnel expenditure. The 2022 budget rose to N88.09 billion, of which N55.27 billion was used for salaries. In 2023, N98.11 billion was approved, with N62.30 billion allocated for personnel costs. The 2024 budget stood at N160.06 billion, with N99.76 billion allocated for salaries.

For 2025, the ministry has proposed a budget of N353.77 billion, including N214.64 billion for personnel costs, N72.24 billion for overheads, and N66.82 billion for capital expenditure.

N53 Billion Allocated for Foreign Mission Renovations

The federal government has also proposed N53 billion for the renovation of 103 foreign missions in 2025. These funds will cover various expenses, including the refurbishment of chanceries, staff quarters, ambassadors’ residences, procurement of office furniture, and official vehicles.

Some of the key allocations include:

• N554 million for the Nigerian mission in Abidjan
• N812 million for Banjul
• N555 million for Brazzaville
• N558 million for Port of Spain
• N576 million for Caracas
• N624 million for Kingston
• N567 million for Libreville
• N409 million for Buenos Aires
• N899 million for Niamey

Despite the increased appropriation, funding remains insufficient, with many missions struggling to sustain operations and complete necessary renovations.

Delayed Ambassadorial Appointments Worsen Situation

The crisis has been exacerbated by delays in appointing new ambassadors following President Tinubu’s recall of 83 envoys in September 2023. Financial constraints have slowed down the process, with Minister of Foreign Affairs Yusuf Tuggar admitting that embassy operations require substantial funding.

“There is no point sending out ambassadors if you do not have the funds for them to even travel to their designated country and to run the missions effectively,” Tuggar stated during a ministerial briefing in May 2023. He added that the president was working on resolving the issue.

Embassies Struggling to Stay Afloat Amid Rising Debts

Sources within the ministry have attributed the financial strain to poor funding and delays in passing the 2025 budget. Officials at various embassies disclosed that some had not been paid since August or September 2024, making it difficult to cover essential expenses such as rent, staff salaries, and service provider payments.

One embassy official, speaking on condition of anonymity, revealed that several service providers had taken legal action to recover unpaid dues.

“This is mid-February, and the budget has not been approved or signed. How are the missions faring under this reality of financial neglect? The debts are piling up, and some service providers have dragged missions to court for redress. Some staff in most foreign missions have not been paid for six months,” the source lamented.

Another official highlighted that embassy staff were unable to effectively serve Nigerians abroad due to the financial crisis.

“The missions are struggling to stay afloat, and the lack of funds has a direct impact on their ability to serve Nigerians abroad,” the source stated, emphasizing the need for urgent government intervention.

The Transmission Company of Nigeria (TCN) has announced a scheduled seven-hour power outage in parts of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) due to planned maintenance work.

In a statement on Thursday, TCN’s General Manager of Public Affairs, Ndidi Mbah, said the affected areas would experience blackouts on Saturday, February 22, and Sunday, February 23, 2025, from 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. each day.

The outage, Mbah explained, is necessary for the annual preventive maintenance of the 2x100MVA TR3 and TR4 transformers at the Apo 132/33kV Transmission Substation in Abuja.

“The planned power interruptions are unavoidable, as Abuja DisCo will be unable to receive bulk power supply from the transformers during the maintenance period. Power supply will be restored to the affected areas upon completion of the maintenance exercise,” the statement read.

According to TCN, the outage on Saturday, February 22, will affect the National Hospital, G2 Injection Station, Garki, Area 1, and Asokoro. Other impacted areas include Apo Legislative Quarters, Apo Resettlement, Gudu, Apo Mechanic, and surrounding communities.

The company apologised for any inconvenience caused, assuring that power supply would be restored immediately after the maintenance work is completed.