News
Full Speech as Gov. Diri Present 2025 Budget
By Admin
The Governor of Bayelsa State, Sen. Douye Diri has presented the 2025 appropriation bill to the Bayelsa State House Assembly. Read the full text of Gov. Diri’s speech below:
“AN ADDRESS BY HIS EXCELLENCY, SENATOR DOUYE DIRI, GOVERNOR OF BAYELSA STATE ON THE OCCASION OF THE PRESENTATION OF THE 2025 BUDGET TO THE BAYELSA STATE HOUSE OF ASSEMBLY ON THURSDAY, 31ST OF OCTOBER, 2024.
“Mr. Speaker, Honourable members, once again, I am delighted to be in this hallowed chamber for the presentation of the 2025 Budget Estimates of our income projections and the associated expenditures, based on our development priorities and aspirations.
“Mr. Speaker, as you are aware, this presentation is in fulfillment of section 121 of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria 1999 as amended.
“Let me therefore use this opportunity to commend you and Honourable members, for your mature disposition to duty, and unalloyed support to our government in the discharge of your duties. It is an expression of the spirit of team work, which we should abide with in our efforts to build the State of our dream.
“Mr. Speaker, on assumption of office in our first term, we christened our administration ‘The Prosperity Government’, which had been the guiding principle of the economic policies, programmes and development priorities.
“Undoubtedly, these initiatives and the resultant projects yielded good success, which explains the emphatic endorsement of our government for second term by people of the state.
“Following the gains and experiences of our First Tenure, we are committed to advancing the socio-economic and infrastructure development of our State.
Consequently, we have instituted a new mantra tagged the “ASSURED Agenda” with seven pillars to serve as beacon to enhance our economic growth, social development, infrastructure advancement, environmental sustainability, cultural preservation and good governance.
“As a responsive, transparent and inclusive government, we have continued to encourage citizens’ participation in our budgeting process through stakeholder engagement and public interactive sessions to fashion out our development priorities.
“I therefore wish to review some our activities in the outgoing year.
“OVERVIEW OF THE YEAR 2024 BUDGET IMPLEMENTATION
Mr. Speaker, in reviewing the year 2024 budget implementation, I wish to state that a total of ₦489,443,632,374.00 (Four Hundred and Eighty-Nine Billion, Four Hundred and Forty-Three Million, Six Hundred and Thirty-Two Thousand, Three Hundred and Seventy-Four Naira) and a supplementary budget of ₦270,800,000,000.00 (Two Hundred and Seventy Billion, Eight Hundred Million Naira) was approved for the 2024 fiscal year.
“Let me state that in the course of the implementation of the 2024 budget, there were some extraneous moments triggered by global and national challenges on the economy. However, our performance is over 70% as at the third quarter of 2024. We have made significant strides in almost every sector of our economy.
“Permit me Mr. Speaker to highlight some very critical programmes and projects that we have executed
“Works and Infrastructure:
Our government has continued to demonstrate faithful devotion to roads and other critical infrastructure in the State. In tandem with our promise to connect all the LGA headquarters by road, we have continued with the construction of the Senatorial Roads.
“The 21km first phase of the Nembe-Brass Road with 10 bridges is progressing as planned and has reached an advanced stage. I am pleased to report that the 620m Angiama-Oporoma Bridge is over 50% completed. While waiting for the engineering timelines for the bridge, we have gone ahead with the construction work to Otuan and Oporoma across the River Nun.
“We have also started the Glory Drive Phase III that will link Imgbi Road with a bridge crossing the Epie Creek.
“Similarly, the Commissioners’ and Legislators’ quarters and connecting roads within the New Yenagoa City is near completion.
“Other ongoing roads and infrastructure projects include the Ogu–Ayama– Okodi Road; the Sabagreia – Polaku Road; Toru-Orua-Bolu-Orua-Kabeama- Ebeni Road among others.
“Furthermore, in this 2024 fiscal year, we have completed a number of internal roads in Yenagoa and its environs as part of our deliberate policy to give a facelift to our State capital. We are also constructing internal roads in our communities. There is at least one road in each of the State’s constituencies and several wards.
“Education
In the education sector, our government has consistently invested in infrastructure and human development. We have continued the building of technical colleges in the LGAs, and improved the facilities and amenities in the existing ones. Our goal is to increase students’ intake into technical, vocational and science-based schools, and reduce the over-reliance on paper qualification.
“In the year under review, we have completed and remodeled a number of new school buildings.
“In our efforts to improve on the standard of education in the state, we have strengthened the application of technology for our education delivery through the BayelsaPRIME project and also employed more staff (both teaching and non-teaching) to cover our manpower gaps in our primary and secondary schools.
“We have ensured that all programmes in our tertiary institutions are fully accredited. We have also increased grants to our tertiary institutions to meet with the existing realities.
“Mr. Speaker, it is worthy of note that the contractor for the NDU 10,000-seater convocation arena has been mobilized to site.
“Civil Service
We have continued to place the welfare of workers as top priority. In this outgoing year, we have also met the welfare obligation for serving and retired civil servants, and we shall not relent on it. A new minimum wage of N80,000 has been approved, effective November 1, 2024. We have also provided the sum of Seven Billion Naira for the payment of outstanding gratuities and also increased the monthly pensions forthwith.
“Agriculture
Our efforts at developing the agricultural sector of our economy is also worth mentioning here. Mr. Speaker, in the outgoing year, our government provided support in different dimensions to ensure that the agriculture potential of the State are harnessed, and benefits derived from it.
Consequently, we have continued the training of youths in various agricultural techniques and value chain activities within and outside the country.
“Furthermore, the State is in collaboration with the World Bank for the construction of 80km rural roads under the Rural Access and Mobility Project (RAMP) across the State. The designs for these projects have been completed by the State Government. The roads when completed will boost agricultural production/activities and enhance food security.
“Social and Economic Programmes
As part of our socio-economic development activities, our government in conjunction with development partners supported over 400,000 poor and vulnerable households through monthly cash transfers and grants in agriculture, micro, small and medium scale enterprises. We have also embarked on intervention projects in over 300 communities across the 105 wards of the State.
“Sports Development
Mr. Speaker, this government recognizes that our youths are full of energy, which should be put to proper use. Therefore, we have invested heavily in sports development. These investments have also been yielding the desired results.
“Mr. Speaker, as recounted above, our achievements in the outgoing year is an open book, which well-meaning Bayelsans have continued to applaud.
“The 2025 Budget Estimates
Mr. Speaker, Hon Members, permit me at this point to present to you the 2025 budget estimates christened: “Budget of ASSURED Prosperity.
“Let me begin by saying that implementing the 2025 budget will require some level of efficiency and synergy in government activities across Ministries, Departments, and Agencies (MDAs). Importantly, the overall outcome of the 2025 budget will significantly depend on the level of fiscal and monetary policy coordination. Therefore, our team, particularly the Ministry of Budget and Economic Planning is charged to ensure fiscal discipline, transparency, accountability and proper coordination in our implementation processes.
“To kick start a properly coordinated development drive, the three-year Medium-Term rolling plan of the MDAs as expressed in the Medium-Term Sector Strategies are consistent with the philosophy and objectives of our ASSURED Agenda.
“Owing to our desire to pursue a robust development, as enunciated in the ASSURED Agenda, we have consciously crafted this 2025 budget in such a manner that we are mobilizing funds for human capital and infrastructural development initiatives, covering the seven broad areas of the ASSURED Agenda, which are: Agricultural Revolution and Blue Economy, Sports and Youth Development, Security and Peace, Urban Renewal and Rural Development, Robust Healthcare Delivery, Energy Generation, Economic Growth and Tourism, and Diversifying Education Towards Innovation and Technology, by ensuring that our recurrent expenditure is kept within limits.
“However, we have taken care to ensure that the personnel cost, by way of salaries, pensions and gratuity are met timely and fully.
“Following the Executive Retreat earlier this year, government has drawn up a comprehensive development Roadmap for the State, which will be a guide to all our socio-economic and infrastructural development activities.
“Details of the 2025 Budget Estimates
Mr. Speaker, Hon Members, I now wish to present to you a total Budget size of Six Hundred and Eighty-Nine Billion, Four Hundred and Forty Million, Three Hundred and Forty-Eight Thousand, Nine Hundred and Sixteen Naira, Thirty Kobo (₦689,440,348,916.30) only for the 2025 fiscal year.
“Therefore, the revenue breakdown is as follows:
“Opening Balance: 14,200,000,000
“Statutory Allocation: 17,000,000,000
“VAT 57,000,000,000
“13% Derivation + Refund: 138,804,511,503.72
“Refund on Excess Crude: 29,062,795,619.25
“Exchange Gains: 103,073,041,793.33
“IGR: 39,000,000,000
“Grants 39,400,000,000
“Other Capital Receipts
(Electronic Money Transfer,
Signature Bonus, Cash Calls, Loans etc): 141,400,000,000
“Total ₦689,440,348,916.30
“The Total expenditure for the year 2025 is therefore broken down as follows:
“Personnel Cost 91,961,743,951.04
“Pensions and Gratuity including Contributory Pension 19,324,076,910.66
“CRFC Transfers 3,346,460,935.00
“Total Personnel Cost 108,338,020,204.04 (13.3%)
“Overhead Cost 79,650,869,203.67 (11.55%)
“Grants, Contributions and Subsidies 9,147,130,796.33
“10% Contribution to SUBEB 2,500,000,000.00
“RDAs 4,500,000,000.00
“Public Debt Servicing 52,944,847,915.95
“Total Recurrent Expenditure 263,375,129,712.64 (38.2%)
“Capital Expenditure 404,761,958,243.47
“Planning Reserve 21,303,260,960.18
“Total Capital Expenditure 426,065,219,203.65 (61.8%)
“Mr. Speaker, in this 2025 fiscal year, we are laying the foundation of the ASSURED Agenda, and therefore pursue vigorously the Roadmaps to a prosperous Bayelsa State.
Consequently, our expenditure breakdown in some of the sectors is as follows:
“Works and Infrastructure
Construction of Nembe/Brass Road, Yenagoa-Oporoma-Ukubie Road, Ogu–Ayama–Okodi Road, Sabagreia – Polaku Road, Toru-Orua-Bolu-Orua-Kabeama- Ebeni Road, internal roads, Ultra-Modern State Secretariat, among others. The sum of 178,761,088,407.32 is allocated.
“Education
The construction of additional science, technical and vocational colleges, construction of the NDU convocation arena, provision of school infrastructure, instructional materials, subventions to tertiary institutions and others. The sum of 47,111,696,194.40 is allocated.
“Sports
The construction of an ultra-modern stadium in Yenagoa, upgrading of stadia, competitions, athletes and talent development programmes. The sum of 37,850,000,000.00 is allocated.
“Urban & Housing Development
The construction of 1000 housing units across the eight LGAs. The sum of 13,680,000,000.00 is allocated.
“Energy/Power
Investment in gas systems, upgrade of various substations, provision of transformers, extension of feeders, 1mega watts pilot off-grid solar farms to complement power supply, distribution of network extensions. The sum of 14,450,000,000.00 is allocated.
“Agriculture 16,650,000,000.00
“Security19,000,000,000.00
“Healthcare 19,194,188,466.06
“Community Development10,200,000,000.00
“Mr. Speaker, in our efforts at improving the management of funds, we carefully crafted this budget in a manner of 61.8 to 38.2 per cent ratio between the capital and recurrent expenditures. This is to enable us achieve projected dividends as encapsulated in the ASSURED Agenda.
“Once again, I hereby direct the State Ministry of Budget and Economic Planning to ensure strict adherence with the above ratio in the course of the implementation of this budget.
“Furthermore, I like to thank the good people of Bayelsa State for their peaceful disposition, which has made our State attractive to many.
The hopes and aspirations of our people rest on our prudent resource management and I urge this Honourable House to scrutinize this budget estimates with your characteristic diligence, not leaving out your statutory oversight functions.
The Governor concluded as follows; “Mr. Speaker, Hon Members, permit me now to lay before you the 2025 Budget of Assured Prosperity for your kind consideration and timely passage.”
His Excellency Gov. Douye Diri thanked the house for their time and audience.
By Favour Bibaikefie
The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has officially debunked claims spreading across social media platforms that its Chairman, Prof. Mahmood Yakubu, has been dismissed by President Bola Tinubu. A widely circulated message on WhatsApp falsely alleged that Prof. Yakubu had been replaced by Prof. Bashiru Olamilekan.
Reacting to the rumors in a statement to Vanguard, the Chief Press Secretary to the INEC Chairman, Mr. Rotimi Oyekanmi, firmly denied the claims. “Please, disregard. It is not true,” he stated.
Prof. Yakubu, currently serving the final months of his second term, is expected to step down later this year. The procedure for selecting a new chairman involves several stages: the President nominates a candidate, who is then profiled by the Department of State Services (DSS). The nominee must then be reviewed by the National Council of State before the name is submitted to the Senate for confirmation.
At this time, no official declaration has been made regarding any successor to Prof. Yakubu.
News
She Defied all Roadblocks: Prof. Jimoh Slams Security Clampdown on Senator Natasha’s Homecoming
By Favour Bibaikefie
Lagos, Nigeria – A senior academic has strongly criticized the heavy-handed security measures that paralyzed an entire senatorial district in Kogi Central during Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan’s recent homecoming.
Speaking during an interview with Channels Television, Prof. Jide Jimoh, Dean of the Faculty of Communication and Media Studies at Lagos State University (LASU), condemned the security clampdown, which saw major roads across the area barricaded by operatives in what appeared to be an attempt to prevent Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan’s visit.
“How can you shut down literally a whole local government senatorial district just because somebody is trying to visit?” Prof. Jimoh questioned, expressing concern about the implications of the action for democratic engagement in the region.
Despite the heightened security and road closures, Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan outmaneuvered the obstruction by arriving via helicopter — a move that took both her supporters and opponents by surprise.
Prof. Jimoh commended the senator’s tactical ingenuity. “In terms of strategic planning, she was ahead of her adversaries,” he said. “I never expected that she would come in on a helicopter, having seen that the whole roads leading to where she was supposed to go had been barricaded by security agencies. In terms of strategy, she was quite ahead of her adversaries.”
The LASU dean emphasized that the incident raises significant concerns about political freedom and the state of democracy in Kogi State. He described Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan’s bold decision as a powerful statement against forces attempting to suppress her political outreach and reaffirmed the need for fairness in political processes.
Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan’s helicopter arrival not only circumvented the blockade but also reignited public discourse on the misuse of state security resources and the importance of safeguarding democratic rights.
News
Peretengboro Blasts Lokpobiri Over Rivers Crisis Remarks, Accuses Him of Siding with His Stomach and Insulting Ijaw Nation Further
By Divine Perezide
Warri, Nigeria — April 5, 2025: Prominent Ijaw Youth Leader and CEO of IduwiniVoice, Prince (Dr.) Peretengboro KlintinBibaikefie, has condemned the recent comments made by the Ijaw Youth Council (IYC) National President, Jonathan Lokpobiri, over the political crisis in Rivers State, describing his remarks as “reckless, disappointing, and a betrayal of Ijaw interests.”
In a statement released to press men in Warri, Dr. Peretengboro accused Lokpobiri of unfairly and shamefully blaming the Ijaw people for the state of emergency declared in Rivers State, while carefully avoiding any criticism of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Minister, Nyesom Wike, who is clearly the center of the crisis.
“Jonathan Lokpobiri is towing the same shameful path with the very weak President Bola Tinubu who either has zero knowledge of the mind games Wike’s camp has played throughout the said crisis or is the real orchestra of the entire imbroglio — exonerating Wike in the face of glaring complicity, just to protect his brother, the Minister of State for Petroleum,” Peretengboro said. “If his role as an Ijaw leader conflicts with his stomach, then he should do the honourable thing and resign. Better still, keep quiet, and allow the spokesman to speak for Ijaw people. But no, he needed to show to Wike on who’s side he stands”
The video of Lokpobiri’s controversial remarks, which has gone viral across social media platforms, shows him lambasting the Ijaw people over the situation in Rivers State. However, the IYC President made no mention of Wike’s role in the political instability and carefully crafted plot by Wike and Tinubu to remove Gov. Fubara, using the emergency declaration — a silence that has drawn sharp criticism from several Ijaw stakeholders.
Peretengboro insisted that Lokpobiri should have allowed the IYC National Spokesman to address such sensitive matters on behalf of the Council rather than acting in a way that undermines the unity and dignity of the Ijaw nation, even in the glirring face of suppression by someone from a lesser minority.
“The speech was infamous and unrepresentative of the true position of Ijaw youths. All well-meaning Ijaws must rise up and condemn this disgraceful display by Lokpobiri,” he said.
He further called on the Ijaw National Congress (INC) to urgently summon Lokpobiri and call him to order, stating that his actions threaten to erode the credibility of the IYC and diminish its capacity to defend Ijaw interests.
“We all understand the dicy fix, Mr. Jonathan finds himself in this whole situation. He has been very passive since the beginning of the crisis in Rivers State because of that, but the IYC is not a personal platform. It is a collective voice of all Ijaw people with a history of struggle. Lokpobiri has failed in his leadership by letting his stomach control his brain instead of letting the IYC do its job, and the INC must act swiftly,” he concluded.
The IduwiniVoice, which also monitored the viral video, reports that discontent is growing among Ijaw communities, with many demanding a retraction of Lokpobiri’s statement and a formal apology to the Ijaw nation, and others demanding outright impeachment of the IYC President.