General News
SANWO-OLU PRESENTS N2.2 TRILLION ‘BUDGET OF RENEWAL’ TO ASSEMBLY
•Economy affairs, education, environment top Lagos’ priorities in 2024
•Expect more better times, Governor tells Lagosians
Lagos State, in 2024, will sustain its investment momentum towards expanding the growth of the economy.
Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu, on Wednesday, presented an estimate of N2.2 trillion expenditures to the House of Assembly for next year, proposing increased capital spending across key priority areas in the Economic Affairs sector.
There will be renewed focus on Works and Infrastructure next year, Sanwo-Olu said, noting that the proposed intervention would enable the State Government bridge infrastructure deficit in economic viable sectors, including transportation, agriculture, tourism, waterfront infrastructure development, energy and mineral resources.
Improvement expected from the investment, the Governor said, would boost productivity and drive commercial activities across the State. He added that the impact would be felt by the residents.
In the proposed 2024 expenditure christened “Budget of Renewal”, the Governor also prioritised education and technology, earmarking N199 billion to the sector. Public safety got N84 billion, representing a significant increment in security spending.
Environment will be another priority area for the Government next year. Sanwo-Olu said there would be comprehensive drainage-clearing and promised not to leave any stone unturned in his administration’s effort to stop violations of the State’s urban masterplan.
The Governor said the cost of food had raised fresh concerns, stressing that his Government, in 2024, would key into the targeted Food Security initiatives of the Federal Government.
He proposed additional funding to raise capacity in solid waste management, just as the Governor earmarked billions for health, food security and social protection.
He said: “Our 2024 Budget, going by its given title, aligns with the objectives of the Federal Government and is designed to further propel Lagos towards prosperity. It will not only ensure that we contribute significantly to our national economy, but also safeguard the welfare and aspirations of every Lagosian.
“We understand this period is a challenging economic time, but therein lies immense accompanying opportunities. The Year 2024 Appropriation Bill, which will be the first full year budget since the inception of this administration for our second four-year tenure in office, is designed to make Lagos remain attractive to huge investments that will create jobs, improve the economy and transform local communities.”
Of the proposed 2024 budget, N1.224 trillion, representing the capital expenditure, would accrue from Internally Generated Revenues (IGRs) and federal transfers, while deficit financing of N398.283 billion would be sourced from external and domestic loans, and bonds projected to be within the State’s fiscal sustainability parameters.
Sanwo-Olu proposed recurrent expenditure of N1.021 trillion, covering overhead, subventions, dedicated funds, total personnel cost, and debt service. The capital to recurrent expenditure ration is 55:45 per cent.
The Governor disclosed the current year budget had performed at 80 per cent as of the end of September.
Sanwo-Olu commended members of the Assembly and the Speaker, Rt. Hon. Mudashiru Obasa, for their “unwavering commitment” to the collective aspiration for Lagosians, urging continued cooperation and collaboration towards meeting the yearnings of the people.
The Governor said: “To the good people of Lagos, I remain eternally grateful for the opportunity and privilege to serve once again. I assure that we will intensify the pace of our work in the days ahead to add lasting value to your lives. Better times are coming. We have gone through some very difficult times, but while the pain is temporary, the dividends of the necessary investments we are making will be here to stay.”
Obasa promised thorough scrutiny of the proposed budget, stressing that the legislature would perform its constitutional duties and ensure the budget repositioned the State towards infrastructural growth and lifting people out of poverty.
The Speaker called for a shift in implementation of palliatives being given to the people to ameliorate the present economic situation. He said the Government must move away from sharing staple foods towards giving intangible benefits.
He said: “This House holds the responsibility of scrutinising this budget to ensure that it adequately meets the demands and desires of the people. We shall equip ourselves with the principles of transparency, accountability, probity, and fairness.
“We shall monitor the performance, execution, and compliance of the provision of this budget. We will hold officials that would drive the good initiatives of Mr. Governor as stated in this budget accountable in line with their ministerial responsibilities.”
…Church leaders accuse Welsh counterparts of “spiritual decadence” and “abandonment of faith”
The Church of Nigeria (Anglican Communion) has issued a forceful condemnation of the election of Rt. Rev. Cherry Vann, an openly lesbian cleric, as the Archbishop of Wales. The move is the latest in a series of developments that have deepened divisions within the global Anglican Communion over sexuality and doctrine.
In a statement from Primate The Most Rev’d Henry Ndukuba, the church denounced the election as a “serious departure from biblical teaching” and a sign of “spiritual decadence” and “an outright abandonment of the faith once delivered to the saints.”
Archbishop Ndukuba warned that Bishop Vann’s elevation compromises the Anglican Church’s global mission and could obstruct evangelism. He compared the situation to the controversial tenure of Most Rev. Katherine Jefferts Schori, former Presiding Bishop of the U.S. Episcopal Church, who also faced intense criticism from conservative Anglicans for her progressive views.
The Primate accused Bishop Vann of being complicit in the “ongoing crisis” around same-sex issues, stating that the election is a “clear revelation that many who claim to be members of the body of Christ cannot endure sound doctrine” (2 Timothy 4:3–4).
The Church of Nigeria called on Anglicans worldwide to reject “rebels” and “apostates” and to instead support conservative bodies like the Global Anglican Future Conference (GAFCON).
“The Church of Nigeria (Anglican Communion) condemns, unequivocally rejects, and will not recognize the election of Rt. Rev. Cherry Vann as Archbishop of Wales,” Ndukuba declared. He concluded with a solemn warning that without repentance, the Church in Wales risks losing “complete relevance” and its leaders will face judgment.
The Primate of the Church of Nigeria Anglican Communion, Most Reverend Henry Ndukuba, has called on political leaders to prioritize the welfare of citizens.
During a recent church service in Abuja, Ndukuba noted that many Nigerians are struggling with challenges brought on by the global economic downturn. He urged state and local governments to implement new initiatives to lessen the impact on their communities.
The Primate also stressed that the federal government must effectively monitor its programs to ensure that Nigerians fully benefit from the nation’s democratic gains. He argued that if the current administration can effectively tackle corruption, the country would significantly benefit from the economic policies of President Tinubu’s government.
Ndukuba concluded by asking the congregation to continue praying for those in authority, remain committed to national unity, and show love and support for the less privileged. He also tasked the newly inducted members of the Church Mothers’ Guild with aggressively spreading the gospel.
Senior Pastor of Dunamis International Gospel Centre, Dr. Paul Enenche, has expressed deep concern about the current situation in Nigeria.
Enenche stated that the nation is under an evil spell due to the economic hardship affecting the country. He described Nigeria as being covered by a “blanket of sorcery and darkness,” leading many citizens to endure poverty and hardship in silence.
“There’s a blanket of sorcery and darkness over this nation—an evil spell making people tolerate what should provoke outrage,” he wrote.
In a post on his official X account on Thursday, the cleric highlighted the economic struggles faced by many Nigerians, noting that an increasing number of church members now line up after services not for spiritual counselling or prayer, but to help with basic needs such as rent, school fees, food, and medical bills.
“People are suffering. Pastors are exhausted. Members now queue after service not for prayer, but for assistance,” he lamented.
He also criticised political leaders for their insensitivity and failure to address the dire situation across the country.
“Yet, the leaders act as though nothing is wrong. This is not normal—it is witchcraft. It is a spell of patience in captivity, leading to a demonic tolerance of suffering.”
Calling for divine intervention, Enenche declared, “Let every evil spell over this land be broken! Let those misruling with arrogance and mocking the people’s pain face divine judgment. They shall not see the celebration of their wickedness.”
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