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Rivers 2025 budget: Ibas attribute plans for Fubara’s return

The Sole Administrator of Rivers State, retired Vice Admiral Ibok-Ete Ibas, has revealed that the proposed N1.48tn 2025 budget anticipates the return of suspended Governor Siminalayi Fubara and other affected political officeholders.
Ibas made this known in Abuja on Wednesday while defending the budget before the House of Representatives Ad-Hoc Committee on Rivers State Oversight.
According to him, the proposed budget aligns with the strategic objectives of the River State Development Plan 2017-2027.
He also noted that the proposal presents a strategic and integrated framework designed to raise revenues and accelerate infrastructure development, enhance human capital, and promote inclusive economic growth across all sectors.
He said, “In anticipation of the eventual return to constitutional order, the draft budget prudently retains provisions for the offices and functions of suspended political actors, some of whom have already drawn on allocated resources in the first quarter and are expected to resume their duties at the expiration of the emergency period.
”He, however, accused some suspected Rivers State officials of failure to provide the administration with useful information required to prepare the budget proposal.
Ibas added, “Regrettably, some state officials withheld critical information required to ensure a more complete capture of those expenditures at the time of submission of the budget estimates.
“However, recognising the exigencies under the state of emergency and the need to ensure fiscal credibility, the budget framework integrates expenditure information made available before the submission of the budget proposal to ratify the first quarter expenditures in a lawful and transparent structure.
“This ensures alignment with statutory appropriation protocols while safeguarding the integrity of public finance management.
”The budget, totalling ₦1.48tn in expenditure with a projected ₦1.4tn in revenue, was transmitted to the National Assembly following presidential approval after the Supreme Court ruled on the legality of the Rivers State 2025 appropriation process.
In his opening remarks, Ibas thanked the committee for its dedication.
“We in Rivers State are most grateful for your commitment. Despite your tight schedules, you have shown unwavering resolve to fulfil your constitutional duties,” he said.
Ibas highlighted several major allocations including ₦324.50bn for infrastructure and transportation projects; ₦55bn to relocate and expand Rivers State University Teaching Hospital; ₦50bn for zonal hospital upgrades; ₦38.85bn for shoreline protection and erosion control; ₦30bn for zonal secondary schools and ₦5.75bn for primary school rehabilitation.
Others are ₦2.5bn for women’s economic empowerment and ₦3bn for youth resource centres; ₦20bn to recapitalise Rivers State Microfinance Bank for Medium and Small Scale Enterprises support, and ₦117bn in pension, gratuities, and employee benefits.
Responding, the Chairman of the House of Representatives Committee on Rivers State oversight, Prof Julius Ihonvbere, commended Ibas for the detailed presentation and affirmed the committee’s readiness to partner with the administrator in restoring peace and development to Rivers State.
He also pledged the committee’s readiness to scrutinise the budget estimate in the interest of the oil-rich state and its people.
Ihonvbere said, “I want to especially thank you and let you know that this committee is committed to working with you to restore stability, peace, growth, and development in Rivers State.
“Rivers has always been a shining example of what is possible with good leadership, and that is why this commitment is here.
“We will scrutinise the budget. We will invite you to send your relevant officials for a proper defence of the budget. In as much as we are committed to joining hands with you to get Rivers State back on track, we are not going to cut corners.
”Ihonvbere, who doubles as the House Majority Leader, also highlighted key social welfare components in the budget, such as women’s empowerment and pensions for retirees, describing them as necessary and people-centred interventions.
“These are areas that touch people’s lives, and we know the plight of their families. We appreciate you for making these bold commitments,” he added.
News
Masobe Books to Publish Groundbreaking Essay Collection by Dr. Dakuku Peterside on Nigeria

Masobe Books, a leading publisher of Nigerian literature, today announced the upcoming release of a highly anticipated essay collection by Dr. Dakuku Peterside, a prominent figure in Nigerian public life.
The collection, which is titled: Beneath the Surface: Essays on Nigeria’s Chequered Journey, a powerful new work by renowned columnist and public policy expert, Dr. Dakuku Peterside.
Dr. Peterside, known for his contributions to policy, economics, and thought leadership, has compiled a series of essays exploring a range of critical issues facing the nation.
The collection is expected to delve into topics such as governance, economic development, social justice, national unity, security challenges, the future of democracy, and the role of youth.
“We are incredibly excited to be publishing Dr. Peterside’s work,” said [Name and Title of a Masobe Books representative, ideally the publisher].
“His deep understanding of Nigeria, combined with his clear and articulate writing style, makes this collection essential reading for anyone interested in the country’s present and future.”
Masobe Books anticipates that the collection will appeal to a broad audience, including policymakers, academics, students, and the general public.
Slated for publication in October 2025 under the publisher’s Makere imprint, the book promises to spark critical conversations about Nigeria’s past, present, and future.
Further details, including the title of the collection and planned promotional events, will be announced in the coming weeks.
Dr. Dakuku Peterside has a distinguished career, having served as a former Director-General of the Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA), a former member of the House of Representatives.
He is widely respected for his expertise and contributions to national discourse.
The essay collection offers a panoramic exploration of Nigeria’s complex landscape—its economy, governance, youth energy, leadership challenges, and international standing.
Described as a “360-degree perspective” on the country’s evolving narrative, the book digs deep into the nation’s layered experiences and contradictions.
The book has already received high praise from thought leaders. Renowned Kenyan scholar, Professor P.L.O. Lumumba, hailed it as “a manual that every conscientious person in authority should read.”
Bishop Matthew Kukah called it “a window for future exploration of the options for a new Nigeria,” while Prof. Kyari Mohammed declared it “a must read for policy makers, academics and the general reader.”
Masobe Books has announced plans for formal launch events in Lagos and Abuja to accompany the book’s international and local release.
This marks Dr. Peterside’s third major publication, following Strategic Turnaround and Leading in a Storm.
For inquiries and updates, the public is encouraged to contact Theresa Ominiabohs at Masobe Books or visit www.masobebooks.com.
The publisher can also be followed on Instagram and Twitter via @masobebooksng.
News
MTN, Airtel, IHS Towers Rev up FG’s 3MTT programme by N5bn
“This kind of collaboration is what drives our vision of building a future-ready workforce and positioning Nigeria as a net exporter of technical talent,” said Tijani.

Bosun Tijani, the Minister of Communications, Innovation and Digital Economy, said that MTN Nigeria made a cumulative N3 billion contribution to support the federal government’s 3MTT programme.
3MTT is an acronym for 3 Million Technical Talent, a bold initiative and a critical component of President Tinubu’s Renewed Hope agenda which is aimed at developing a local pool of technical talent for the country and the global tech ecosystem.
Tijani also disclosed that previously, the Airtel Africa Foundation had contributed N1 billion to support the same programme, while infrastructure service provider, IHS Tower, has entered an agreement worth another N1 billion with the Ministry to build learning communities across the nation for the 3MTT programme.
“This kind of collaboration is what drives our vision of building a future-ready workforce and positioning Nigeria as a net exporter of technical talent,” said Tijani.
He explained:” The tech talent will be trained in cohorts. The program started with 30, 000 Nigerians, which was one percent of the 3 million target, while another 270,000 were later selected for the second cohort to bring the number to 10 percent.
The 3 Million Tech Talent will be trained in areas of speciality including: Digital Marketing, Project Management Software, Cloud Platforms Navigation, Data Analysis and Visualisation, Search Engine Optimisation (SEO), CRM Management, Accounting Software, Graphics Design and UX/UI Design, among others.
News
BREAKING: Many feared dead in Lagos building collapse

A three-storey building today collapsed on Lagos Island, injuring some occupants while yet to be determined number of persons are under the rubbles.
The building located on Asesi Lane around the Adeniji Adele Road went down suddenly early today.
“Four persons have been rescued from the rubble so far. They have been taken to hospital,” Lagos State Information Commissioner Gbenga Omotoso said in a Facebook post.
Emergency responders from the Lagos State Emergency Management Agency (LASEMA), among others, have since gotten to the incident scene.
Developing story…
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