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Highlights of decisions at Federal Executive Council meeting in Abuja
Highlights of decisions at Federal Executive Council meeting in Abuja
By Tobouke JEMINE
Key Decisions from the Federal Executive Council Meeting in Abuja
The Federal Executive Council (FEC) reviewed the recent flooding in several parts of the country, with particular concern for Maiduguri, where nearly 50% of the city was destroyed. The Council supported the President’s proposal to establish a Disaster Relief Fund, to be financed by a portion of revenue from the Federation account and supplemented by private sector contributions.
A technical committee will be set up to conduct integrity tests on Alau Dam and other dams across the country.
The Council also approved the Economic Stabilisation Bills, based on recommendations from the Presidential Committee on Tax and Fiscal Policy Reforms. These bills seek to amend income tax laws, encourage exports, reform the exchange rate system, and improve foreign exchange liquidity. One bill provides tax relief to companies that generate jobs, while another increases personal income tax relief for workers from N200,000 to N400,000. Another bill calls for cooperation between federal and state governments to suspend specific taxes for small businesses and vulnerable populations, including road haulage levies and market taxes. The bills will be forwarded to the National Assembly for consideration.
Several infrastructure projects were also approved, including:
A contract for a 258 km 3-lane highway in Kebbi and Sokoto states, part of the Illela-Badagry superhighway.
An increase in the cost of the Bodo-Bonny Road project in Rivers State to N280 billion, with a 12-month extension for completion.
A revision and reduction in the contract for the Abuja-Kaduna-Zaria-Kano road project to N740.79 billion, with a completion period of 14 months.
New road and bridge projects in Kogi and Cross River states, valued at N133.4 billion.
A contract to repair the Gamboru Bridge in Borno State for N3.2 billion, expected to be completed in 24 months.
Repairs on the Third Mainland Bridge and Adeniji-Falomo Roads in Lagos, awarded to CCECC Nigeria for N42 billion, with a completion period of six months.
A N158 billion contract for service lanes on the Lekki Deep Sea Port route, awarded to Dangote Industries.
Additionally, the Council approved contracts for the dualisation of the Afikpo-Uturu-Okigwe Road and repairs on 14 bridges, roads, and flood-affected areas across the country.
The FEC also approved various projects in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), including the construction of Judges Quarters in Katampe, access roads in the FCT, and road upgrades in several satellite towns.
In the area of national symbols and values, the Council approved:
The standardisation of national symbols such as the flag, coat of arms, anthem, and pledge.
The first stanza of the National Anthem to be used at official functions, while all three stanzas will be reserved for special occasions like Independence Day and Democracy Day.
The adoption of the third stanza of the anthem as the new National Prayer.
The unveiling of a national values charter.
Credit: Dailytimes
By: Divine Perezide
The Imo State Government has introduced a new education policy prohibiting graduation ceremonies for Kindergarten, Nursery, and JSS3 students, alongside a ban on the yearly replacement of textbooks.
According to a memo dated August 15, 2025, and signed by the Commissioner for Education, Prof. Bernard Ikegwuoha, only Primary 6 and Senior Secondary School 3 (SSS3) learners will now be allowed to hold graduation events-reflecting the structure of Nigeria’s 6-3-3-4 education model.
“The Ministry of Primary and Secondary Education is committed to providing quality and functional education to all students. Henceforth, graduation ceremonies and parties for Kindergarten, Nursery, and JSS3 students are hereby abolished,” the memo stated.
In a further move to ease the financial burden on parents and streamline academic consistency, the policy also mandates that approved textbooks must now be used for at least four years. This change is expected to allow siblings to reuse educational materials and prevent yearly replacement costs.
Violations-including frequent textbook changes or deviation from the approved list-are strongly discourage, The Guardian Nigeria reported in a related news.
Prof. Ikegwuoha emphasized in the directive that these reforms aim to reduce exploitative practices, foster learning continuity, and ensure focus remains on academic achievement rather than celebratory
By: Divine Perezide
Senate President Godswill Akpabio has arrived back in Nigeria following his participation at the Sixth World Conference of Speakers of Parliament in Geneva, Switzerland, and a short vacation in London. He touched down at the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport, Abuja, in the early hours of today, around 4 a.m.
In a statement upon arrival, Akpabio explained: “At about 4 a.m. this morning, I landed at the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport from London. While abroad, I attended the Sixth World Conference of Speakers of Parliament in Geneva from July 29 to 31, before proceeding to London for a brief vacation.”
Reaffirming his commitment to the Nigerian people, the Senate President assured that the legislature would resume with renewed energy. “Nigerians can expect vibrant legislative activities when we reconvene. Our delegation made a strong impression at the global parliamentary forum in Geneva. Together with the Speaker of the House of Representatives, Rt. Hon. Tajudeen Abbas, we ensured Nigeria’s voice was well represented,” he said.
Akpabio further pledged that the National Assembly would continue to pursue meaningful collaboration with the executive and judiciary to advance the collective interest of citizens.
News
Great Loss As Family Announces The Painful Passing Iduwini-borne Billionaire Prince, Presley Gere Iyalahga
By: Miracle Palakia
Odimodi, Delta State – The Iyalahga and Diepregha families, Odimodi, Aghoro, and the entire Iduwini Kingdom in Delta and Bayelsa States, breaks silence on the painful loss of their son, Prince Presley Isele Gere Iyalahga, Billionaire businessman and Chief Executive Officer of Preslyn Group of Companies, who passed away on Wednesday, July 30, 2025, at the age of 48.
Prince Presley was an illustrious son of two distinguished families: His Royal Majesty Gere J. Iyalagha, (Igbedikuru-II), the late Ibenanawei of Iduwini Kingdom, Burutu Local Government Area of Delta State, and the late Regent of Iduwini Kingdom (Delta & Bayelsa States), High Chief Diepregha Akpotelemor of Gberigberi-Idumu Quarters, Aghoro-I Community, Ekeremor Local Government Area of Bayelsa State.
The former President of the Iduwini National Youth Council for Peace and Development was a respected businessman and community leader, who’s untimely demise has thrown his family, friends, associates, community, and Kingdom into deep shock and sorrow. He’s survived by his beloved wife, Princess Preye Presley Iyalagha, and six children.
The families made known the development to newsmen on Saturday, August 16th, in a statement jointly signed by Mr. Oroupade Oweibe and George Diepregha for the families and his son, Prince Peremobowei Presley Iyalagha, for the children.
According to the statement, funeral rites will take place on Friday, August 29th, 2025. At 10 a.m., the body will depart Warri via Millar Jetty to his compound in Odimodi for a brief Funeral Service, lying in state, interment.
IduwiniVoice can report that Prince Presley Iyalagha’s passing marks not only the loss of a vibrant Royal entrepreneur but that of a leader in Iduwini Kingdom and Ijaw nation. His memory remains deeply cherished by the lives he touched and all who knew him.