News

5-Year-Old Sets Kwara Duplex on Fire

Published

1 week ago

February 4, 2025

By Emmanuel Ogbodo

A five-year-old boy playing with matches accidentally set a duplex on fire in Ilorin, Kwara State, on Monday, causing significant damage before firefighters contained the blaze.

The incident occurred at Abiodun Adebiyi Close, off Yidi Road in the Irewole area, destroying one room and damaging properties. Eyewitnesses reported seeing thick smoke before raising the alarm.

According to the Kwara State Fire Service, the child dropped a lit matchstick on combustible materials, sparking the fire.

Firefighters responded to a distress call at 5:32 p.m. and successfully prevented the flames from spreading to other parts of the five-bedroom building.

Fire Service Director, Prince Falade John, commended the swift response of his team and urged parents to keep matches and flammable items away from children, warning that “a single matchstick could destroy an entire building.”

News

Reps Approve ₦54.99tn 2025 Budget

Published

1 hour ago

February 13, 2025

Samson Adeyanju

By Ifeoluwa Odunayo

The House of Representatives has approved Nigeria’s ₦54.99 trillion 2025 budget, marking a pivotal step in addressing economic challenges and public services.

The revised budget, up from the initial ₦49.7 trillion proposal, includes ₦3.645 trillion for statutory transfers, ₦14.317 trillion for debt servicing, ₦13.64 trillion for recurrent expenses, and ₦23.963 trillion for capital projects.

Lawmakers expect the increased spending to stimulate economic recovery, stabilize key sectors, and reduce borrowing reliance.

News

Nigeria Moves to Repatriate 400,000 Refugees from Chad, Niger, Cameroon

Published

4 hours ago

February 13, 2025

Samson Adeyanju

By Nike Lawal

The Nigerian federal government has revealed that over 400,000 Nigerian refugees remain in Chad, Niger, and Cameroon, with efforts underway to facilitate their safe return.

Speaking at a Technical Working Group meeting in Abuja, Tijani Ahmed, Federal Commissioner of NCFRMI, stressed the need to assess past repatriation efforts and strengthen partnerships for a smoother process.

A tripartite agreement between Nigeria, Chad, and UNHCR has already enabled the return of 3,000 refugees, with more repatriations planned, especially from Cameroon.

UNHCR Deputy Representative Bernadette Muteshi reaffirmed the agency’s commitment to supporting Nigeria’s leadership in ensuring a safe and sustainable return for displaced citizens.

News

FG Orders Strict Compliance with Treasury Single Account Policy

Published

4 hours ago

February 13, 2025

Samson Adeyanju

By Adenike Lawal

The federal government has directed Federal Pay Officers (FPOs) nationwide to enforce strict adherence to the Treasury Single Account (TSA) policy by all Ministries, Departments, and Agencies (MDAs) at the state level.

During a visit to the Federal Pay Office in Benin, Accountant General of the Federation (AGF), Dr. Oluwatoyin Madein, warned that MDAs must not bypass TSA rules or maintain unauthorized accounts with commercial banks. Any exceptions require presidential approval through the AGF.

She urged FPOs to uphold transparency, professionalism, and ethical standards in managing federal funds, adding that routine inspections will ensure compliance.

Dr. Madein also acknowledged operational challenges and announced plans to build new office structures to improve working conditions for FPO staff.