Stocks surge after US inflation eases
Asian markets extended a global rally Thursday after below-forecast US inflation provided a much-needed shot of relief to investors and revived hopes for interest rate cuts this year. Strong earnings from Wall Street banking titans and a ceasefire deal between Israel and Hamas added to the optimistic mood on trading floors. Still, there
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Asian markets extended a global rally Thursday after below-forecast US inflation provided a much-needed shot of relief to investors and revived hopes for interest rate cuts this year. Strong earnings from Wall Street banking titans and a ceasefire deal between Israel and Hamas added to the optimistic mood on trading floors. Still, there
2025 Budget: Proposed N40bn loan deduction dangerous to water sustainability – Senate
The Nigerian Senate has stated that the proposed multilateral and bilateral N40 billion deduction as contained in the 2025 budget document of the Federal Ministry of Water Resources and Sanitation will clearly leave activities of the Ministry unfulfilled in the provision of water to deserving Nigerians. This position was highlighted by the Senate Committee on
2025 Budget: Proposed N40bn loan deduction dangerous to water sustainability – Senate
The Nigerian Senate has stated that the proposed multilateral and bilateral N40 billion deduction as contained in the 2025 budget document of the Federal Ministry of Water Resources and Sanitation will clearly leave activities of the Ministry unfulfilled in the provision of water to deserving Nigerians.
This position was highlighted by the Senate Committee on Water Resources and Sanitation, when the Minister of Water Resources, Prof. Joseph Utsev and the ministry management appeared before it for the 2025 budget defence on Wednesday in Abuja.
Chairman of the Committee, Senator Kenneth Chukwuemeka Eze, expressing deep concern, wondered how a critical government ministry charged with the responsibility of water provision to Nigerians will be left with inadequate funds and other challenges in 2025 only to concentrate on loan repayment, insisting that it was not the best way to.
“What happened to the projections for 2025 when loan repayments have consumed a significant portion of the budget?” He queried.
The Committee Chairman and other members of the Committee lamented the devastating effect of erosion across the country, describing the menace as economic and social catastrophes that should be addressed through the budgetary provision in 2025.
Earlier in his presentation of the previous year’s budget performance, the Minister of Water Resources and Sanitation, Prof. Joseph Utsev, elaborated on the ministry’s challenges.
He stated that the allocation for loan repayments deducted at source had left the ministry with only N57.7 billion for its activities.
He said: “In the 2025 budget proposal, priority is given to completing ongoing dam and irrigation projects to enhance agricultural productivity and food security.”
The minister outlined plans for collaboration with the private sector under Public-Private Partnership, PPP, arrangements for dam and hydropower projects, as well as partnerships with international organizations to scale up interventions in sustainable water management and sanitation.
He added, “The Ministry believes that with adequate monetary allocations, we can complete viable projects that contribute to job creation, poverty reduction, and overall economic growth.
“However, the ministry faces a limited expenditure ceiling for capital projects and insufficient overhead allocation to cover day-to-day operations.”
2025 Budget: Proposed N40bn loan deduction dangerous to water sustainability – Senate
Armed Forces Remembrances Day: Gov Lawal promises enhanced welfare for fallen heroes’ families
Zamfara State Governor, Dauda Lawal has restated his administration’s commitment to improving the welfare of the families of brave officers who lost their lives in the line of duty. The Governor participated in the Armed Forces Remembrance Day celebration on Wednesday at the trade fair complex in Gusau, the State capital. A statement by the
Armed Forces Remembrances Day: Gov Lawal promises enhanced welfare for fallen heroes’ families
Zamfara State Governor, Dauda Lawal has restated his administration’s commitment to improving the welfare of the families of brave officers who lost their lives in the line of duty.
The Governor participated in the Armed Forces Remembrance Day celebration on Wednesday at the trade fair complex in Gusau, the State capital.
A statement by the governor’s spokesperson, Sulaiman Bala Idris, revealed that Governor Dauda Lawal donated N20 million to the Zamfara State Chapter of the Nigeria Legion while launching the 2025 remembrance emblem a day before the celebration.
The statement added that the Governor inspected a guard of honor mounted by the Armed Forces and members of the Nigerian Legion.
“Governor Lawal also led the wreath laying and ordered a one-minute silence in honor of the fallen heroes,” he said.
Governor Lawal emphasized that Remembrance Day is a tribute to fallen heroes and a call to action for all the people of Zamfara State and the entire country.
“The Armed Forces Remembrance Day is celebrated nationwide on the 15th day of January every year to commemorate and salute the selfless souls of our veterans who fought gallantly to protect Nigeria’s territorial integrity and sovereignty, who laid down their lives in sacrifice, so that we may live in peace.
“We appreciate and value their commitment and sacrifice, which have made a difference in our lives today.
“With gratitude and a sense of duty, we pledge to continue to remember them and support the loved ones they left behind.
“This day is a tribute to our fallen heroes and a call to action for all people of Zamfara State and the entire country.
“It is an opportunity to reflect on the sacrifices made by those brave individuals and to reaffirm our commitment to upholding the values and principles they fought and died for.
“The legacy of our veterans should inspire us to cherish the relative peace that we enjoy today and to strive for a better tomorrow.
“We must not forget the importance of supporting the families of these fallen heroes and the veterans who fought so that we can go to sleep and who still bear the scars of their service to the nation,” he quoted the governor as saying.
Armed Forces Remembrances Day: Gov Lawal promises enhanced welfare for fallen heroes’ families
Osun govt backs FG’s livestock reforms
Osun State Governor, Ademola Adeleke, has expressed commitment to supporting the Federal Government’s livestock reform initiative aimed at boosting food production across Nigeria. The reforms, championed by the recently established Presidential Livestock Reforms Implementation Committee, were highlighted during an advocacy visit to Adeleke’s office in Osogbo, the state capital. The governor reaffirmed in a statement
Osun govt backs FG’s livestock reforms
Osun State Governor, Ademola Adeleke, has expressed commitment to supporting the Federal Government’s livestock reform initiative aimed at boosting food production across Nigeria.
The reforms, championed by the recently established Presidential Livestock Reforms Implementation Committee, were highlighted during an advocacy visit to Adeleke’s office in Osogbo, the state capital.
The governor reaffirmed in a statement by Kolapo Alimi, the Commissioner for Information and Public Enlightenment, that his administration’s readiness to align with the initiative.
During the meeting with the committee, led by Prof Attahiru Jega on Wednesday, Adeleke detailed ongoing efforts by the Osun State Government to position the state as a major contributor to Nigeria’s food security.
The governor outlined measures being implemented to enhance agricultural productivity in Osun, underscoring the importance of integrating the federal livestock reforms into the state’s broader agricultural agenda.
He described the advocacy visit as a platform to strengthen collaboration between the state and federal authorities, with a shared vision of transforming the agricultural sector and ensuring food abundance.
Adeleke in the statement said, “My administration is irrevocably committed to any initiative by the Federal Government that will put more food on the tables of the people of Nigeria.
“While I welcome your team to my dear Osun, the State of the Living Spring, it will interest you to hear that my administration is not leaving any stone unturned to buy this idea.
“One of the efforts of my administration in this regard, among others, was the recent procurement of 31 tractors given to the farmers in the state, aimed at boosting food sufficiency.
“In addition to this, seedlings and other incentives are being given to farmers at will by my administration using a well-structured implementation drive being organized ceaselessly by the Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security in my state.
“To this end, I want to earnestly declare my interest in this FG’s initiative to boost food production, and very soon, I will put in place a strong committee of egg heads in the field of Agriculture to design a good template for Osun on the best way to reform the livestock sector.”
Earlier, the Co-Chairman of the Presidential Livestock Initiative Reforms Committee and former Chairman of INEC, Jega, said his team was in Osun State to sell the idea of the Committee and its overall objectives, which, if bought into, would go a long way in making Osun benefit maximally.
“I appeal to Governor Adeleke to set up a Ministry of Livestock in Osun State or any agency in that regard that will see to the realisation of the dream of the FG to make livestock available in large quantities throughout Nigeria,” he advised.
Osun govt backs FG’s livestock reforms
Zamfara: NAF admits impact of mistaken airstrikes
The Nigerian Air Force, the component of Operation Fasan Yamma has admitted that the operation carried out by the Air component of Operation Fansan Yamma had affected the Tungar Kara community in Maradun Local Government Area of Zamfara State. This was revealed during an on-the-spot assessment carried out by the Fact-Finding Team. The leader of
Zamfara: NAF admits impact of mistaken airstrikes
The Nigerian Air Force, the component of Operation Fasan Yamma has admitted that the operation carried out by the Air component of Operation Fansan Yamma had affected the Tungar Kara community in Maradun Local Government Area of Zamfara State.
This was revealed during an on-the-spot assessment carried out by the Fact-Finding Team.
The leader of the Fact-Finding Team, Air Vice Marshall Edward Gabkwet, who led other members of the team to the affected community, Tungar Kara, explained that they had noted the point of impact of the bullet on the wall and ground within the community.
Gabkwet said this underscored the sincerity, transparency, and accountability of purpose, which the Chief of Air Force, Air Marshal Hassan Abubakar had exhibited, and that he had been troubled since he got news of the unfortunate incident.
“At least 16 community members were reportedly killed in a Military Air raid in Tungar Kara, after a pilot mistook local self-defence forces for criminal gangs”, he said.
“Residents had mobilised from several neighbouring villages to confront gunmen who had attacked Dangebe village in Zurmi district, carting away livestock and burning homes.
“Reports say the group was returning to their villages after chasing away the bandits who attacked Dangebe when the fighter jet bombed them on reaching Tungar Kara village,” he said.
Air Vice Marshall Gabkwet also mentioned that there was the need to take responsibility for such an unfortunate incident and show empathy to the affected people in line with the international humanitarian law, as well as to build trust with the people.
He told newsmen during an interview in the affected community that the Nigerian Air Force would conduct a forensic analysis of the evidence to come up with useful information that would help the Chief of Air Staff make informed decisions about the unfortunate incident.
Zamfara: NAF admits impact of mistaken airstrikes
War: You’ve failed – Hamas slams Israel after ceasefire deal
Hamas has said that Israel has failed to achieve its goals in Gaza. This was contained in its statement formally accepting the terms of the ceasefire deal. In a statement later on Wednesday, the group’s acting chief, Khalil al-Hayya, said that “Israel failed to achieve its goals in Gaza.” “On behalf of all the victims,
War: You’ve failed – Hamas slams Israel after ceasefire deal
Hamas has said that Israel has failed to achieve its goals in Gaza.
This was contained in its statement formally accepting the terms of the ceasefire deal.
In a statement later on Wednesday, the group’s acting chief, Khalil al-Hayya, said that “Israel failed to achieve its goals in Gaza.”
“On behalf of all the victims, every drop of blood spilt and every tear of pain and oppression, we say: We will not forget, and we will not forgive,” he added.
DAILY POST reports that Hamas and Israel have agreed to a ceasefire deal to pause the war in Gaza.
The deal is designed to broker an end to the brutal 15-month conflict, the mediator Qatar has said.
The agreement is set to be officially accepted by Israel after a cabinet meeting on Thursday.
The announcement was made on Wednesday night by Qatar’s prime minister, Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman al-Thani.
The deal was reached after weeks of negotiations in the Qatari capital, Doha.
War: You’ve failed – Hamas slams Israel after ceasefire deal
Biden, Trump claim credit for Gaza deal
The outgoing U.S. President, Joe Biden and the incoming President, Donald Trump, have both claimed credit on Wednesday for a Gaza ceasefire-for-hostages deal that was months in the making but was helped across the line by a Trump envoy. While announcing the ceasefire, Biden said that the final deal largely mirrored the framework of a
Biden, Trump claim credit for Gaza deal
The outgoing U.S. President, Joe Biden and the incoming President, Donald Trump, have both claimed credit on Wednesday for a Gaza ceasefire-for-hostages deal that was months in the making but was helped across the line by a Trump envoy.
While announcing the ceasefire, Biden said that the final deal largely mirrored the framework of a proposal he made back in May.
When asked who the history books will credit for the ceasefire, Biden said it was negotiated by his team.
“Is that a joke? This plan was developed and negotiated by my team and will be largely implemented by the incoming administration. That’s why I told my team to keep the incoming administration fully informed,” Biden said.
In a post on social media, Trump was quick to claim a measure of credit for the breakthrough that came after months of stalled negotiations.
He had repeatedly warned that there would be hell to pay if a deal was not made by the time he takes office on Monday.
“This EPIC ceasefire agreement could have only happened as a result of our Historic Victory in November, as it signaled to the entire World that my Administration would seek Peace and negotiate deals to ensure the safety of all Americans, and our Allies,” he said.
Trump had dispatched his Middle East envoy, Steve Witkoff, to join the negotiations in Doha, and Witkoff was there for the last 96 hours of talks leading up to the deal.
A senior official of the Biden administration, in a briefing with reporters, credited Witkoff with helping deliver the deal, working alongside Biden’s envoy, Brett McGurk, who has been in Doha since January 5.
Meanwhile, the White House press secretary, Karine Jean-Pierre, said Biden had wanted the Trump team involved because Trump will be tasked with implementing the ceasefire deal.
“In these past few days, we have been speaking as one team,” Biden said.
Biden, Trump claim credit for Gaza deal
We don’t need external validation on our polices – Nigerian govt tackles Emir Sanusi
The Federal Government has responded to recent remarks by the 16th Emir of Kano Muhammadu Sanusi II, concerning the economic policies implemented under President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s administration. In a statement issued by the Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris on Thursday, the government reaffirmed its commitment to reforms aimed at stabilizing the
We don’t need external validation on our polices – Nigerian govt tackles Emir Sanusi
The Federal Government has responded to recent remarks by the 16th Emir of Kano Muhammadu Sanusi II, concerning the economic policies implemented under President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s administration.
In a statement issued by the Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris on Thursday, the government reaffirmed its commitment to reforms aimed at stabilizing the economy, emphasizing that it does not need external validation to continue with its policies.
The statement addressed Emir Sanusi’s comments made at a public event in Lagos on Wednesday, where he acknowledged the necessity of the reforms but said he had chosen “not to help the government” by explaining them. The government described this position as “amusing,” particularly from a leader expected to embody “forthrightness, fairness, and justice.”
“It is deeply disappointing that reforms widely recognized as essential by global experts—including by Emir Sanusi II himself—are now being subtly condemned by him because of a shift in loyalty,” the statement read. The government noted that Emir Sanusi’s background in economics placed a unique responsibility on him to support policies that he has previously advocated, rather than to “undermine reforms aimed at collective progress because he feels estranged from his ‘friends’ in government.”
Highlighting the importance of the ongoing economic measures, the government said Nigeria is at a “pivotal juncture where bold and decisive actions are necessary to tackle entrenched economic challenges.” The reforms, it argued, are not only essential but unavoidable, stating: “The temporary pains currently experienced from these inevitable decisions…are a necessary consequence of decades of irresponsible economic management.”
The administration pointed to progress already being made, including the unification of exchange rates, which has “bolstered investor confidence,” and the removal of fuel subsidies, which has “freed up significant resources, allowing for greater investment in critical sectors such as infrastructure, education, and healthcare.” The statement cited projections from institutions such as the World Bank, which forecast an “upward trajectory in Nigeria’s GDP,” as evidence that the economy is on the path to recovery.
Calling for greater unity and constructive engagement, the government said “Rebuilding Nigeria requires unity, focus, and sacrifice from all stakeholders. As a government, we urge esteemed leaders to refrain from rhetorics that undermine public trust. Instead, they owe it a duty to champion the collective goal of a prosperous Nigeria.”
The Federal Government also called on Nigerians and leaders alike to collaborate for the nation’s progress.
“Let history record this moment as a turning point—when leaders and citizens alike choose to prioritize the nation’s destiny over personal gain. Together, we will deliver on the promise of renewed hope and a better Nigeria for all.”
We don’t need external validation on our polices – Nigerian govt tackles Emir Sanusi
Borno gov warns communities against collaborating with Boko Haram
Borno State Governor, Babagana Zulum, has warned farming and fishing communities in Baga against collaborating with Boko Haram insurgents. The governor described such as a significant threat to peace and stability in the region. Zulum gave the warning during his address to residents at the palace of the district head in Baga town on Wednesday.
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Borno State Governor, Babagana Zulum, has warned farming and fishing communities in Baga against collaborating with Boko Haram insurgents. The governor described such as a significant threat to peace and stability in the region. Zulum gave the warning during his address to residents at the palace of the district head in Baga town on Wednesday.
Zamfara military airstrike a mistake – Gov Lawal
Governor of Zamfara State Dauda Lawal has said that the recent military airstrike that killed about 16 residents in the North-Western state was not intentional. He said the incident happened in the process of fighting bandits in the area. Lawal stated this during an interview on Channels Television’s Politics Today, where he commiserated with the
Zamfara military airstrike a mistake – Gov Lawal
Governor of Zamfara State Dauda Lawal has said that the recent military airstrike that killed about 16 residents in the North-Western state was not intentional.
He said the incident happened in the process of fighting bandits in the area.
Lawal stated this during an interview on Channels Television’s Politics Today, where he commiserated with the families of the victims.
“It was not intentional. It was in the process of fighting these bandits (that) they were struck,” he said.
“The Chief of Air Staff has set up a committee to commiserate with the state government as well as the people that were affected.
“They also went there yesterday to do on the spot assessment to see who was involved and what happened to guide against future occurrence,” he added.
He said he was aware of the military operation before the tragedy occurred, saying that he personally invited the Air Force to neutralise some bandits who were attacking the area.
He expressed hope that the military has all the capacity to tackle bandits activities within one month.
The governor said the days of notorious bandits leader, Bello Turji, are numbered, saying he would soon be eliminated just as other top bandits have been neutralised.
DAILY POST reported on January 11 that over 16 residents were killed after a military air strike tore through the Tungar Kara community in the Maradun Local Government Area of the State.
Several accidental air strikes have occurred in recent months, including a Christmas Day attack that killed at least 10 civilians in neighbouring Sokoto state.
Also recall that in 2023, at least 85 civilians, mostly women and children, attending a Muslim religious gathering at a village in Kaduna state were killed after they were mistaken for bandits.
Also at least 112 people were killed in January 2017 when a jet struck a camp housing 40,000 people who had been displaced by jihadist violence in a town near the Cameroonian border.
Zamfara military airstrike a mistake – Gov Lawal