Television Nigerian

The terrible incident that occurred in the Tudun Biri community in Kaduna state and resulted in the deaths of innocent individuals has been deeply regretted by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.

In order to determine the true cause of what he called a “operational error,” the President further demanded a “thorough investigation” into the situation.
The President was represented by Dr. Bello Matawalle, the Minister of State for Defense, according to a statement released by Brigadier General Tukur Gusau, Director of Defense Information.
The statement claims that the team met with religious leaders, Kaduna State security committee members, and Deputy Governor Dr. Hadiza Balarabe to show support and understanding during this trying time.

Read Also: Tinubu back to Abuja from COP28 summit in Dubai

“Honorable Bola Ahmed Tinubu, President and Commander in Chief of the Armed Forces of Nigeria, has swiftly dispatched a high-level delegation to convey heartfelt condolences to the government and people of Tudun Biri community in Kaduna state,” the statement states in response to the unfortunate incident at Tudun Biri community.

“A thorough investigation is necessary to determine the facts surrounding the incident,” the President stressed.

He gave the public the assurance that the “results would be communicated transparently, reaffirming the federal government’s commitment to preventing future occurrences.”

The President made an appeal for composure, collaboration, and unwavering support for Nigeria’s armed forces.

Along with wishing the wounded a quick recovery, Tinubu also offered prayers for the deceased’s souls.

At the same time, he called on religious leaders to educate their followers, stating that the Armed Forces of Nigeria, which are steadfast in their mission to secure the whole nation, sincerely grieved the occurrence.
President Tinubu was thanked by Dr. Hadiza Sabuwa Balarabe, the Deputy Governor of Kaduna, for the timely delegation visit.

In order to preserve harmony and reduce tensions, she emphasized the state government’s ongoing interactions with the impacted community and religious authorities.

In order to offer the injured people best wishes, the party also went to the Kaduna Nursing Home. Distinguished members of the group included Lieutenant General Taoreed Lagbaja, Chief of Army Staff; General Christopher Gwabin Musa, Chief of Defense Staff; and Dr. Ibrahim Abubakar Kana, Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Defense.

President Bola Tinubu and his vice, Kashim Shettima, are estimated to spend N10.13 billion on meals and travels in the 2024 Nigerian budget plan.

The National Assembly is currently reviewing the N27.5 trillion budget plan.

The proposed budget states that Tinubu will spend N7.6 billion on travel—N638.5 million for domestic travel and N6.9 billion for international travel.

Shettima’s travel expenses would total N1.8 billion, of which N1.2 billion will be spent abroad and N618.4 million on local travel.

The N660.5 million feeding budget was designated for “refreshment & meal and foodstuff for the offices of Tinubu and Shettima.” Of this sum, N372.6 million is allocated to the vice president’s office and N287.8 million to the president’s office.

A closer look at the budget proposal reveals that N33.6 million will go into the president’s meals and refreshments, and another N254.2 million will go toward supplies for food and catering.

The vice president plans to spend N35 million on meals and refreshments and N337.5 million on food and supplies for catering.

The budget document also reveals that N201.4 million will be spent on animal feeding at the Aso Rock zoo, which is classified as “wildlife conservation.”

N800 million will be spent on renovating the president and vice president’s quarters at the State House: N300 million for Shettima and N500 million for Tinubu.

The President voted N13.5 billion to repair President Bola Tinubu and Vice President Kassim Shettima’s official houses in Lagos and Abuja as part of the 2023 supplemental budget that was approved last month.

The approved expense came from the N2.176 trillion supplemental budget’s N28 billion allocation for the State House.

The breakdown indicated that N4 billion would be used to renovate the President’s residential quarters; N2.5 billion would be used to renovate Aguda House; N4 billion would be spent renovating Dodan Barracks, the President’s official residence in Lagos; and N3 billion would be spent renovating the Vice President’s official quarters in Lagos, for a total of N13.5 billion.

The honorarium and sitting allowance for the president and vice were estimated in the 2024 budget proposal to be N152.3 million and N67.3 million, respectively.

The State House’s generators would cost N37.9 million to power, while N260.8 million is set aside for electrical costs.

President Bola Tinubu has participated in honoring Tanko Yakasai, an esteemed statesman and original member of the Arewa Consultative Forum (ACF), on his 98th birthday.

The President honors the outstanding figure along with the Yakasai family, friends, and allies, according to Ajuri Ngelale, Special Advisor to the President (Media & Publicity), who made this announcement on Tuesday. Yakasai has committed his life’s work to promoting justice, the rule of law, the voiceless masses in our nation, the formation of good governance, and openness in official government.

Read Also: 2024 Budget: Coalition lauds Speaker Abbas, Bichi’s transparent role in execution 

As a patriot and one of the most noblemen in Nigerian history, the President praised the older statesman.

He prayed that Alhaji Yakasai’s birth anniversary would bring about the significant causes for which the statesman has valiantly battled.

“May the nonagenarian be blessed with long life and happiness,” the President continued.

Following a productive journey to Dubai, United Arab Emirates (UAE), where he took part in the 28th United Nations Climate Change Conference (COP28), President Bola Tinubu has returned to Abuja.

President Tinubu held a number of bilateral discussions during COP28, including gatherings with the president of the United Arab Emirates and King Charles of England.

Read Also: 250 athletes, 70 veterans to participate in CDS Half Marathon – DHQ

In addition, President Tinubu observed the signing of an accelerated performance agreement between Germany and Nigeria with the goal of enhancing Nigeria’s electrical supply.

Although there was much admiration for President Tinubu’s presence to COP28, others questioned the size of the Nigerian delegation, which included more than 1,400 registered participants. Only 422 people were formally supported by the state, the government claimed in defense of the delegation’s size.

Tinubu left Abuja for Dubai on November 29, 2023, in preparation for the summit, which was scheduled to conclude on December 12, 2023.

Approximately 70 veterans and no fewer than 250 participants, both male and female, will take part in the Chief of Defence Staff Armed Forces and Other Security Agencies Half Marathon in Abuja in 2023.

AVM Abidemi Marquis, the Director of Sports at Defence Headquarters, announced this during a press conference on Tuesday in Abuja.

Participants from the Nigerian Armed Forces and other security agencies will fight for the prized automobile prize at the Marathon, according to Marquis.

According to Marquis, the CDS half marathon race has taken place three times in the last eight years: once, twice, and three times.

Read Also: Obi laments Kaduna bombing, calls on military to be more cautious    

He claimed that the COVID-19 and the growing military involvement in domestic security activities prevented the 4th edition from taking place until 2020.

In order to provide a forum for members of the armed forces, security services, and their staff to participate in competitive sports, the director announced that the 4th edition would now take place on December 9.

According to him, this would enhance their abilities, identify potential for the country, and foster communication among them to maintain the professional partnership.

Two events are planned for this year’s championship: a 5 km veteran’s road race and a 21.1 km male and female race.

Thus, competitions for both individuals and groups will be held simultaneously.

We anticipate finishing the road marking by Thursday, according our plans,” he stated.

According to the director, DHQ was aware of the disruptions that the athletic events would bring about for drivers using the Kubwa route.

In order to facilitate marking on Thursday and the event on Saturday, he asked drivers to cooperate.

In order to encourage sports-loving Abuja residents and those in the surrounding area to attend this year’s event, we are taking this chance to do so.

“Every strategy is fully set up to guarantee a flawless competition.

“We are ready to make sure that this marathon is successfully completed, and we have medical facilities for any unanticipated medical situations.

As a result, we are hoping that every runner is as prepared as we are to win this competition’s Star Prize.

“One brand-new automobile will be awarded as the Star Award to the best female and male marathoners, respectively.

“We have individual and group competitors who will receive a certificate of participation, in addition to cash prizes for placing second and third,” he continued.

Marquis forbade doping and other forms of cheating throughout the competition and exhorted competitors to compete aggressively but fairly.

The Speaker of the House of Representatives, Rt Hon. Tajudeen Abbas and Hon. Abubakar Bichi, the Chairman House Committee on Appropriations has been commended for their transparency and efficiency in  the handling of the 2024 Appropriation Bill.

The Coalition of Indigenous Groups for Renewed Hope in Nigeria made this known at a press conference on Tuesday in Abuja at  the first budget town hall meeting by the House of Reps.

In his address, the convener of the group, Lawrence Ngege, said Abbas and Bichi have so far been pragmatic, proactive, and open in the budgetary process, thus restoring the hope of Nigerians.

According to Ngege, the recent actions of the House under the leadership of Abbas and Bichi have given citizens renewed hope and confidence in the governance of our great nation.

The group, however, urged the other arms of government to emulate the high standards set by the House of Reps.

“First and foremost, we would like to commend Speaker Tajudeen Abass for his exceptional leadership skills and unwavering commitment to the welfare of the Nigerian people. His dedication to transparency, accountability, and inclusivity has been evident in every decision and action taken by the House of Representatives under his stewardship,” the statement said.

“Speaker Abass has demonstrated a deep understanding of the challenges facing our nation and has shown remarkable courage in tackling them head-on. His ability to unite members of the House, regardless of political affiliations, is a testament to his strong leadership qualities. We applaud his efforts in fostering a conducive environment for robust debates and discussions, which have contributed to the formulation of sound policies and legislations for the betterment of our society.

“Equally deserving of a great commendation is Chairman Abubakar Bichi, who heads the House Committee on Appropriation. His meticulous approach to budget planning and allocation has been instrumental in ensuring that the resources of our nation are utilized judiciously. Chairman Bichi’s commitment to transparency and accountability in the budgetary process has restored faith in the ability of the government to manage public funds effectively.

“Under Chairman Bichi’s leadership, the House Committee on Appropriation has diligently scrutinized the budget proposals, leaving no stone unturned in its efforts to eliminate wasteful spending and prioritize projects that will have a direct impact on the lives of the Nigerian people. His proactive approach in engaging with stakeholders and ensuring that their voices are heard has contributed to the formulation of a budget that truly reflects the needs and aspirations of our diverse nation.

“Furthermore, Abubakar Bichi’s proactive approach to budget implementation has set a new standard of excellence in governance. His meticulous attention to detail and his insistence on regular monitoring and evaluation have ensured that funds are utilized judiciously and in line with the intended purposes. This approach has not only enhanced accountability but has also fostered public trust and confidence in the legislative process.

“In great admiration, the Coalition of Indigenous Groups for Renewed Hope in Nigeria have seen overtime that the actions of Speaker Tajudeen Abass and Chairman Abubakar Bichi, both individually and collectively, have had a profound impact on the restoration of hope in Nigeria. The House of Representatives, under their leadership, has become a beacon of transparency, accountability, and good governance. The proactive measures taken by the House in handling the budget have resulted in the timely implementation of critical projects, the provision of essential services, and the empowerment of our citizens.

“The Speaker and the Chairman have demonstrated exceptional leadership in guiding the House of Representatives through the complex process of budget consideration. They have adopted a pragmatic approach that prioritizes the needs of the people and ensures that the budget is aligned with the government’s development agenda.

“By working as a perfect combo, Speaker Abass support for Chairman Bichi have set a new standard for leadership in Nigeria. Their exemplary actions have inspired confidence in the government and have reignited the hope of all Nigerians for a brighter future.

“Under their leadership, the House has engaged in thorough scrutiny of the budget proposals, ensuring that every allocation is justified and aligned with national priorities. They have also been proactive in addressing concerns raised by stakeholders, ensuring that the budget process is inclusive and transparent.

“The Speaker and the Chairman have also placed a high premium on transparency and accountability in the budget process. They have ensured that all budget documents are accessible to the public and have encouraged public participation in the budget process.

“They have also strengthened the oversight role of the House of Representatives, ensuring that MDAs are held accountable for the use of public funds. This has helped to curb corruption and ensure that public funds are used for the benefit of the people.”