21
 Ondo State Governor, Lucky Aiyedatiwa of the All Progressives Congress, APC, has been declared as the winner of Saturday’s governorship election in Ondo State, by the the Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC. Aiyedatiwa was declared winner after polling the highest number of votes in the election. The incumbent governor battled Ajayi Agboola of the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, Olorunfemi Festus of the Labour Party, LP, and Abbas Mimiko of Zenith Labour Party, ZLP, among others, in Saturday’s poll. Announcing the result in Akure, the state capital, INEC’s Returning Officer and Vice Chancellor of Federal University, Lokoja, Prof. Akinwumi Olayemi Durotimi, said Aiyedatiwa polled a total of 366781 while Ajayi got 117845 while LP had 1162.
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 A middle-aged woman and two of her daughters have been crushed to death in Ogbomosho, Oyo State. DAILY POST gathered on Friday that the incident occurred on Wednesday night. The incident occurred at Apake area of Ogbomosho. It was learned that the mother, identified as Kudirat, and her two daughters, Mariam (13 years) and Azeezat (10 years), were said to be returning from their shop when the incident occurred. It was learned that the deceased left their shop at Takie at about 11 p.m. They were going back to their residence at Nana River/Atenda area on a commercial motorcycle when the accident occurred. Our correspondent reports that the bodies of the victims have been deposited at a morgue. A source within the town explained that the motorcyclist and the driver of the trailer escaped unhurt. “The three were crushed brutally. However, the motorcyclist escaped unhurt while the trailer driver also sped off; he was pursued but made his escape.” All efforts made by DAILY POST to get a reaction from the Sector Commander, Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC) in the state, Rosemary Alo, proved abortive at the time of filing this report on Friday.
23
 Boxing legend, Mike Tyson's highly debated return to boxing ended in a lopsided defeat on Friday, as YouTuber-turned-boxer Jake Paul secured a unanimous decision victory over the heavyweight legend in Texas. Tyson, 58, barely landed a punch during the eight-round bout at the AT&T Stadium in Arlington, with Paul winning by big margins on all three cards — 80-72, 79-73 and 79-73. Paul, 27, used his superior speed and movement to dominate the ageing Tyson with ease, and had the former undisputed heavyweight champion in trouble after landing a flurry of punches in the third round. Yet the younger fighter was unable to land the knockout blow he had promised to deliver during Thursday’s ill-tempered weigh-in, where Tyson slapped him across the face. Tyson, however, looked every bit of his 58 years, managing to land only a handful of meaningful punches during the fight. Final statistics showed Tyson connected with just 18 of 97 punches thrown while Paul threw some 278 punches and landed 78 of them. As the final seconds of the eighth round counted down, Paul could even afford to bow in respect to Tyson before the bell sounded.
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 On Friday, the Edo State Police Command, paraded 23 suspects for alleged involvement in various crimes across the state. According to Daily Post, the Commissioner in charge of the Command, Umoru Ozigi who paraded the suspects said they were arrested for alleged cultism and kidnapping Ozigi said of the 23 suspects, 19 were arrested for cult-related activities while four were for alleged child abduction. He said the press briefing was to keep members of the public abreast of the command’s activities aimed at taming the ugly incidences of cult-related killings and criminal activities in Edo State. The Commissioner said the suspects were arrested in Benin, Jattu/Ibie road in Etsako West Local Government Area, Benin-Agbor Road bypass, Benin-Lagos Expressway, and Comprehensive road off Warrake road in Auchi among others. He said the arrested suspects are members of the Eiye Confraternity, Vikings secret cult, Aye Confraternity, also known as BLACK AXE and Buccaneer Confraternity. Ozigi alleged that the suspects have been terrorising the state. He listed items recovered from the suspects to include, nine Pump Action Guns, three single Barrel Guns, two fabricated Beretta Pistol, and three fabricated cut-to-size guns. Others are 82 live cartridges, 14 expended cartridges, one battle axe, one gun muffler and one Lexus ES 330 Vehicle. The Commissioner said the suspects would be charged in court at the completion of investigations. He, however, thanked the people and residents of the State for cooperating with the Police by volunteering useful information to help in curbing the menace of criminal activities. He assured that the command would continue to count on the people’s support and cooperation to achieve a peaceful state. In an interview, some of the suspects who confessed to the crimes narrated their level of involvement.
25
 A gas cylinder explosion at a filling station in Jibia Local Government Area of Katsina State has damaged six vehicles, according to the state police command. The police spokesman in the state, Abubakar Sadiq-Aliyu, disclosed this in a statement issued in Katsina on Friday. He explained that on Friday, a loud explosion was heard by police operatives attached to Jibia Divisional Police Headquarters prompting the Divisional Police Officer to lead a team to the scene in collaboration with military personnel. “Upon arrival, operatives found a truck loaded with gas cylinders engulfed in flames at Tamal filling station, along Kagadama-Magamar Jibia Road. “The joint team swiftly deployed preventive measures to protect lives and minimise property damage, successfully quenching the fire. “Six motor vehicles were significantly affected by the fire incident, but fortunately, no life was lost,” he said. According to him, the state Commissioner of Police, Aliyu Abubakar-Musa, has directed a thorough investigation to determine the cause of the explosion. Sadiq-Aliyu explained that further developments will be communicated as the investigation proceeds.
26
 At least 13 trafficked girls have reportedly been rescued from Ghana by the Nigerians in Diaspora Commission (NIDCOM) in collaboration with other stakeholders. The new development brings the total repatriated back to the country within five months to 163, according to Abdur-Rahman Balogun, Director of Media, Public Relations and Protocols, NIDCOM, on Friday. The rescued operation was said to be as a result of the combined and coordinated efforts of the Ghanaian Anti-Human Trafficking Police, The Rescue live foundation International, and NIDO Ghana working in collaboration with NIDCOM. Abdur-Rahman Balogun stated that the rescued young girls, ages 19 to 30 years, are from Ebonyi, Benue, Kaduna and Rivers states. "They were lured to Ghana under the false promises of employment but were instead forced into exploitative situations and bound by an oath of secrecy, while the traffickers are making money off the dastardly act. "NiDCOM representative, Mr Akinboye Akinsola, who accompanied the ladies back to Nigeria, where they were handed over to the National Agency for the Prohibition of Trafficking in Persons (NAPTIP) for rehabilitation and reintegration said these set of ladies surrendered themselves willingly, having heard of the ealier operation conducted in Kpone Katamanso and Tema. "Chief Callistus Elozieuwa said with Rescue live Foundation International/NIDO Ghana’s assistance, the ladies were provided shelter for some days after they all willingly indicated their interest to come back home. The Senior Special Assistant to Governor of Ebonyi State, Mr Valentine Okike Uzo, thanked the Governor for his willingness to bring the ladies back home which in line with his efforts to care for all Ebonyi indigenes both home and in the Diaspora. He assured that all efforts are in place to ensure a proper rehabilitation for the victims from Ebonyi State.
27
 The Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps, NSCDC, Osun State Command, has revealed that a lone motorcycle accident has claimed the life of the rider in Osun. According to Adeleke Kehinde, the spokesperson of the command, in a statement on Thursday in Osogbo, the accident, which claimed the unidentified motorcyclist, occured at Okuku town along the Offa Expressway. She added that the lone crash occurred around 10:30pm on Wednesday and that the body of the rider was also recovered from the scene of the accident. She said, “On Wednesday, at about 2230HRS, there was a lone fatal accident, which claimed the life of one unknown person while travelling on his motorcycle at Oke Anu Area in Okuku along the Offa Expressway. “Information gathered revealed that the deceased was from the Gari-Alimi Area of Ilorin in Kwara State. “A TVS unregistered motorcycle and the corpse recovered has been deposited in a mortuary for further investigation. “The corps, NPF and other security agents were at the accident scene and we reached out to the family of the deceased.” She added that the relatives of the deceased had been identified and contacted, while his remains had been deposited in a mortuary for further investigation.
28
 A man identified as Hussaini Ibrahim has been arrested by the Enugu Zonal Directorate of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC for alleged currency racketeering of N460, 000. 00 (Four Hundred and Sixty Thousand Naira). Ibrahim was arrested by the Special Task Force of the Commission, Enugu Zonal Directorate on Wednesday, November 13, 2024, following intelligence received by the Commission linking him with suspected currency racketeering. The suspect was arrested around Emenite area of Enugu metropolis with N200 (Two Hundred Naira) denomination totaling N460, 000. 00. He will be charged to court as soon as investigations are concluded.
29
 Budget Presentation: Our Government Delivers on Critical Sectors - Governor Adeleke Governor Ademola Adeleke has described his administration as an agent of development that has positively touched all sectors of Osun society within just two years in Office. He made the pronouncement while presenting Budget 2025 tagged "Budget of Sustainable Growth and Transformation" to the State House of Assembly in the presence of lawmakers and members of the State Executive Council in an annual event hosted by the House Speaker, Right Honourable Adewale Egbedun. The Governor noted that “the total size of the Budget 2025 is Three Hundred and Ninety Billion, Twenty Eight Million, Two Hundred and Seventy Seven Thousand, Seven Hundred and Forty Naira Only (390,028,277,740.00). “The expenditure comprises Capital Expenditure of One Hundred and Forty-Four Billion, Two Hundred and Thirty-One Million, One Hundred and Eighty-Three Thousand, Eight Hundred Naira (N144,231,183,800.00), Recurrent Expenditure of Two Hundred and Forty Five Billion, Seven Hundred and Ninety Seven Million, Ninety Three Thousand, Nine Hundred and Forty Naira Only (N245,797,093,940.00). “Recurrent Expenditure is divided into Personnel cost, which is made up of salaries and allowances, as well as Pensions and Gratuities and stands at One Hundred and Two Billion, Eight Hundred and Ninety Five Million, Eight Hundred and Twenty One Thousand, Ten Naira Only( ₦102,895,821,010.00). The balance of One Hundred and Forty Two Billion, Nine Hundred and One Million, Two Hundred and Seventy Two Thousand, Nine Hundred and Thirty Naira Only( ₦142,901,272,930.00 ) is set aside. “Our Revenue consists of Recurrent Revenue, where Government share of FAAC is One Hundred and Ninety Six billion, Seven Hundred and Seventy Eight Million, Nine Hundred and Seventy Five Thousand, One Hundred and Eight Naira Only (₦ 196,778,975,180.00 and Independent Revenue is One Hundred and Nine Billion, Eight Hundred and Seventy Million, Nine Hundred and Thirty Two Thousand, Eight Hundred and Thirty Naira Only (₦109,870,932,830.00). Other receipts from development partners are Fifty Three Billion, Three Hundred and Seventy Seven Million, Two Hundred and Forty Four Thousand, Six Hundred and Ten Naira Only (₦53,377,244,610.00)”, the Governor noted in his speech. Governor Adeleke affirmed that his administration has recorded unprecedented progress across the sectors which will be unveiled in details during the midterm anniversary holding for a week later this month, submitting a synopsis to the Assembly. According to the Governor, “our administration has reduced rural Health Access gap by 40% through rehabilitation of over two hundred Primary healthcare centers; We have increased health care access to all pensioners from less than 10% to 90% within 2 years; “We closed road infrastructure gap and deficit by 50% from 80%; We took agric mechanization from 0% to 35%; We built digital economy policy structures from 0% to 55%; We built public service integrity from 25% to almost 70%; “We expanded local content from 0% to 75%; We built climate agenda from 0% to over 70%; We raised state financial support for cooperative societies from 0% to 66%; We expanded financial support to ward cooperative societies from 0% to over 60%; “We built Ilesa University from 15% to over 90%; We redeveloped Odeomu Cooperative College to HND institution; We increased Osun Google coverage from 20% to 65%; We launched phased bursary award from 0% to 40%; We liquidated 40% of inherited salary debt; “We paid up over 35% of inherited pension debt; We improved School infrastructure by over 40 percent; We enhanced rural Infrastructure by over 40 percent with over 300 completed rural projects”, the Governor affirmed, adding that “Osun State has not taken any loan (External or Domestic). “We rely solely on the prudent management of available resources to meet the yearnings and aspirations of the good people of Osun State. This is our goal and with God on our side we will not derail”, the Governor told the lawmakers. Osun Executive Council Approves Budget 2025, Appoints Two New Kings Osun state executive council had earlier approved a total budget of Three Hundred and Ninety Billion, Twenty Eight Million, Two Hundred and Seventy Seven Thousand, Seven Hundred and Forty Naira Only (390,028,277,740.00) for onward presentation to the House of Assembly. The council deliberations chaired by Governor Ademola Adeleke reviewed the performance of the 2024 budget and discussed the details of the proposed 2025 budget estimates. Governor Adeleke told the Council that the increase in the size of the budget from that of last year was meant to consolidate on the gains already recorded in the implementation of the 2024 Appropriation Act. According to the State Governor, the administration is determined to expand the state economy, increase the state internally generated revenue and block leakages in the state financial system to cope with the increase in the budget size. The Council further approved the appointment of Prince Omolola Adekunle as the new Oniran of Ile-Iran at Ayedire South Local Council Development Area. The king was a former member of the Osun State House of Assembly. Also appointed as the new Awara of Iwara, was Prince Adekunle Taiwo Adeola. Iwara is located at Atakumosa East Central Local Development Council of Osun state.
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 Osun 2025 Budget: Knowing the reasons behind the numbers - Sarafa Ibrahim On Wednesday, Governor Ademola Adeleke presented the 2025 budget estimates to the Osun State House of Assembly. The fiscal bill themed 'Budget of Sustainable Growth and Transformation' is totalled N390 billion, out of which N245 billion is earmarked for recurrent expenditure while N144 billion will service capital expenditure. Of the N245 billion proposed for recurrent expenditure, N102 billion will fund salaries and allowances, as well as Pensions and Gratuities, while the balance of N145 billion is set aside. Here is where I think many are confused, and have expectedly, raised concerns. N145 billion is a whole lot of money and not clearly stating the purpose for which it was set aside can truly be concerning. The very reason why government, especially in a democracy is required to present a budget for legislature scrutiny and approval, is to give citizens an idea of how their fund will be expended. And, looking at the interest that the 2025 budget presented by Governor Adeleke has attracted among Osun people, it is clear that the people are paying more attention to finances. That is a good thing. Now, to the N145bn estimate, which seems to be the basis of concerns. Nothing is happening to that provision and I will try as much as possible to show this. I'm sure many will recall that in July this year, President Bola Tinubu announced the agreement of a new minimum wage and forwarded a bill to the National Assembly to pass it to law. By the new law, the minimum wage in the country is N70,000 and no longer N30,000 it was before. Although, many states have adopted between N70,000 and N85,000 as minimum wage in their respective states, but utilisation will mostly be next year. In Osun, in particular, announcement of a new minimum wage is imminent as the committee tasked to firm up template is almost done. The significant change that comes with the new minimum wage, which could be as high as 113%, is one of the expenses that the N145bn set aside would fund. Let us, for a moment, assume that Osun settled for the N70,000 in the law as minimum wage, that will mean at least, N40,000 addition to the existing wage bill per workers, and spreading this to the size of Osun civil servant population will turn out huge. An increase in minimum wage will also reflect bonuses and allowances that will go to civil servants in the 2025 fiscal year. Take, for instance, leave bonus which every workers are entitled to in a year. If a worker on the old minimum wage of N30,000 receive N15,000 as leave bonus, he or she will get nothing less than N35,000 as leave bonus with a new minimum wage, representing at least N20,000 increase and this will also be taken care of by the N145bn recurrent spending estimate set aside. Another spending that will benefit from the N145bn is the adjustment in the take-home of pensioners. Just like workers, the implementation of a new minimum wage will reflect on pensioners benefit and this was contemplated for in the proposal for next year's funding. Away from this, is the scheduled recruitment of teachers in public schools. Although, the process for the recruitment has been concluded, the decision on minimum wage appear to have stalled the issuance of employment letters to successful candidates. Notwithstanding this development, the government factored their salary and allowances in the 2025 budget, which will be drawn from the N145bn recurrent expenditure set aside. Even more, is the engagement of the Imole Corp, a youth volunteering scheme, which will most likely take off next year. The scheme will engage tens of thousand youths in series of community works, which spread across education, health and transportation sector. Benefits of volunteers among other needs are factored in the N145bn recurrent expenditure set aside in the 2025 budget presented by Governor Adeleke. And lastly, the provision for debt servicing is factored in the N145bn recurrent expenditure set aside. Last year, debt servicing was estimated to gulp N27 billion, and with the prevailing exchange rate and the attendant implication on foreign debt repayment, it could go as high as N30 billion in the 2025 fiscal year. This will be funded from the N145 billion recurrent expenditure set aside. Half salary payment for active workers and pensioners owed by the previous APC administration will also be funded from the N145bn. In all, we must understand that budget proposal is basically an expectation, not that the money is on ground to spend. The N145bn, as well as the entire budget vote of N390bn, is an estimate of what the government believes could handle the highlighted expenses so that things could run seamlessly. This is quite straightforward and does not give a basis for the usual political pandering that some have obviously shown on the issue. Since assuming office, Governor Adeleke has been transparent in handling public fund, ensuring judicious use of accruals for the good of the people as manifest in the remarkable strides recorded in the last 23 months. Nothing has changed or will change. ● Sarafa Ibrahim is a Special Assistant to the Osun State Governor on Print Media and writes from Osogbo, Osun State.
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