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BOSG urges accounting officers on strict compliance to 2024 budget, increases Target of Internally Generated Revenue in the state
BOSG urges accounting officers on strict compliance to 2024 budget, increases Target of Internally Generated Revenue in the state
By Babagana Wakil
The Borno State government has urged all accounting officers and Director finance in the state to operate within the funds approved in the 2924 budget as assented to by Governor Babagana Zulum.
The state commissioner for Budget and Planning, Professor Mustapha Malumbe who made the call Monday at a press briefing with journalists on 2024 approved budget held at the international conference hall of Usman Musa state secretariat Maiduguri said,”this budget is not just about numbers; it embodies a vision for a more prosperous, secure, and equitable future for all. Consolidation underscores Government’s commitment to building upon the successes of the past year,” .
The Commissioner said “the success or otherwise of this policy will largely depend on each and every one of us. I therefore, crave your indulgence to operate strictly within the bounds of the budget so as to achieve the set objectives”
He said the Borno State government has targeted N27.7 billion Internally Generated Revenues (IGR) with a budget performance of between 80 and 90 percent in 2024 fiscal year, stressing that thee improved budget implementation, was attributed to statutory allocation revenue from the Federal Government and payments of ground rents that raised IGR by 25 per cent.
“This budget is not just about numbers; it embodies a vision for a more prosperous, secure, and equitable future for all. Consolidation underscores Government’s commitment to building upon the successes of the past year,” Malumbe said
He also advised the accounting and finance officers to note that the budget document is a set of policy guide which will enable MDAs operate during the 2024 fiscal year, pointing out that, no request for funds not funded in the budget will be entertained.”
Malumbe said the 2024 Budget is saddled with Government’s commitment in Building on the foundation laid in the previous years; this year’s budget tagged “Budget of Consolidation and Progress marks a significant step forward in the shared journey towards achieving long-term goals.”
The commissioner further explained that the State Government will continue to strengthen fiscal discipline, invest in key infrastructure projects, and implement reforms that create a more enabling environment for businesses and individuals to thrive..
” This budget also embodies progress. Government will be making strategic investments in areas critical for sustained growth and development, such as Education, Healthcare, Works and Reconstruction to also champion initiatives that empower vulnerable communities, return of IDPs and bridge the gap between opportunity and disadvantage,” he added.
“”The expenditure proposals for the fiscal year 2024, aims to strengthen the accomplishments achieved so far and further ensure the delivery of democratic dividends, especially in the realms of socio-economic and political development of the State,” the commissioner said.lb
He further explained also that the 2024 Approved Budget was also in line with the ‘State Government’s Medium Term Expenditure Framework’ wq (MTEF 2024 – 2026) approved by the Borno State House of Assembly, the ‘Strategic Transformation Initiative’ (STI) for 2024 and 25-year State Development Plan in an effort of building Borno Back and Better.
He also emphasized on the key objectives and priorities outlined in the MTEF for the current budgeót yea which include amongst others the complete return and resettlement of all IDPs to their ancestral homes, completion of all on-going projects in the State and
He noted that the aim was to ensure food security and also mitigate some of the negative impacts of climate change, thus providing livelihoods for our rural population and to reduce over-dependence on Federal transfers through improved independent revenue generation achievable via a technological-driven and independent Board of Internal Revenue;
Professor Mustapha Babagana revealed that thhis would involve implementation of programmes that generate employment and create wealth and ensure adequate security while comparing the 2023 budget size which was N235,331,950,000.00 and made up of capital expenditures, based on the fiscal forecast and guidelines provided in the Medium-Term Expenditure Framework (MTEF 2023 – 2025) and aligned to the Budget Estimates.
He said the overall 2023 Budget Performance stood at 74.4% and during the 2024 fiscal year government is going to establishment specialized hospitals and schools of Nursing in the three senatorial district of the state. Construction of ICT centers, Government Lodges, teachers and health workers quarters. Procurement of equipment to the State University Teaching Hospital and completion, provision of scholarships to indigenous people to study nursing and midwifery courses and sponsor students in various fields of study, especially Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) courses, languages, and training of pilots
He said the 2023 budget is not without challenges, however because of the doggedness of His Excellency and the resilience of the people there was a huge success in implementation of the budget such as challenges security situation of ongoing Boko Haram .insurgency,, economic recovery and Internally displaced persons (IDPs): The large number of IDPs in the state informed additional resources require to alddress the challenges among others.
BOSG urges accounting officers on strict compliance to 2024 budget, increases Target of Internally Generated Revenue in the state
News
ECOWAS@50: Liberian Students Honoured for Essays on Youth Entrepreneurship and Regional Integration
ECOWAS@50: Liberian Students Honoured for Essays on Youth Entrepreneurship and Regional Integration
By: Michael Mike
Students in Monrovia, Liberia, have been honoured for their contributions to a regional essay competition organised to commemorate the 50th anniversary of the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS).
The awards ceremony, organised by the Office of the ECOWAS Resident Representative in Liberia, celebrated outstanding undergraduate essays examining the role of young people in driving development and strengthening regional cooperation across West Africa.
Launched as part of the ECOWAS@50 anniversary activities, the competition invited university and college students to reflect on the theme, “Youth Entrepreneurship as a Catalyst for National Development and Regional Integration.” Organisers said the initiative was designed to stimulate intellectual engagement among young people and encourage them to think critically about their role in shaping the future of the region.
In total, 40 essays were submitted by students from tertiary institutions across Liberia, offering diverse perspectives on how youth-led enterprise could contribute to economic growth, job creation and deeper integration among West African nations.
At the ceremony, Samuel R. Watkins of the University of Liberia emerged as the overall winner, receiving a $1,000 prize for his submission. The second-place award went to Daniel Isaac-Sie Jr. of African Methodist Episcopal University, who received $700. Organisers announced that the two winning essays will also be published in national newspapers with online platforms to broaden public engagement with the ideas presented.
The event attracted a distinguished audience that included ambassadors of ECOWAS member states accredited to Liberia, university presidents, and representatives from the Ministry of Education of Liberia, the Ministry of Youth and Sports of Liberia, and the National Commission on Higher Education of Liberia.
Speaking at the ceremony, Josephine Nkrumah, ECOWAS Resident Representative in Liberia, commended the students for the depth of thought reflected in their essays and encouraged them to continue using writing as a platform for civic engagement and policy influence.
She emphasised that empowering young people to participate actively in national and regional development remains a key priority for ECOWAS, noting that youth voices are essential in shaping policies that drive economic transformation and social progress.
Nkrumah also urged participants who did not win to remain committed to intellectual pursuits, describing the competition as a learning experience that should inspire greater academic and creative efforts in the future.
The competition forms part of broader activities marking 50 years since the establishment of ECOWAS in 1975, as the regional bloc continues to promote economic cooperation, integration and shared prosperity among its member states. Organisers say initiatives that engage young people are critical to sustaining the vision of a more integrated and economically vibrant West Africa.
ECOWAS@50: Liberian Students Honoured for Essays on Youth Entrepreneurship and Regional Integration
Russia Hosts Classical Music Concert in Abuja to Revive Cultural Ties with Nigeria
By: Michael Mike
The Embassy of the Russian Federation in Nigeria has hosted a special classical music concert in Abuja, describing the event as a significant step toward strengthening cultural dialogue and people-to-people relations between Nigeria and Russia.
The event, which drew diplomats, cultural enthusiasts, academics and members of the public, featured performances by three talented young Russian musicians from the Tchaikovsky Moscow State Conservatory, one of Russia’s most prestigious music institutions.
Speaking at the event, the Russian Ambassador to Nigeria, Andrey Podelyshev noted that the concert was organized with the support of the Russkiy Mir Foundation and the Department for Multilateral Humanitarian Cooperation and Cultural Relations of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Russian Federation.
According to him, the concert represents the first cultural event of its kind organized by the Russian Embassy in Nigeria in several years and marks an important effort to revive cultural engagement between the two nations.
“This evening is not simply a concert,” the envoy said. “It is an important step toward strengthening cultural dialogue between the Federal Republic of Nigeria and the Russian Federation. We hope it will mark the beginning of a new tradition that brings our peoples closer through the universal language of music.”
He expressed appreciation to several Nigerian institutions for supporting the initiative, including the National Universities Commission for providing the venue, as well as the Federal Ministry of Art, Culture, Tourism and Creative Economy and the Nigeria Immigration Service for their cooperation.
Special recognition was also given to Abba Music School for its role in coordinating the event and facilitating the participation of the visiting musicians.
The envoy said Russia also hopes to deepen cultural exchange by creating opportunities for Nigerian artists and creative groups to perform in Russia in the future, allowing Russian audiences to experience Nigeria’s rich cultural heritage.
“We look forward to the day when Nigerian creative groups will visit Russia, enabling our audiences to appreciate the depth, diversity and richness of Nigeria’s culture,” he said.
Guests at the concert were treated to a carefully curated repertoire of classical masterpieces drawn from Russian and global musical traditions, showcasing the technical brilliance and artistry of the visiting performers.
The evening also provided an opportunity for cultural interaction among diplomats, academics, students and music lovers, reinforcing the role of arts and culture in fostering international understanding.
The Russian envoy concluded his remarks by congratulating Muslims on the occasion of Eid al-Fitr and thanking guests for attending the event.
Observers noted that the concert reflects a renewed effort by Russia to use cultural diplomacy to deepen engagement with Nigeria, particularly in the areas of education, arts and cultural exchange.
Russia Hosts Classical Music Concert in Abuja to Revive Cultural Ties with Nigeria
Fire destroys 10 shops in Gusau shopping complex
By: Zagazola Makama
A fire outbreak has destroyed ten shops at a shopping complex in Garejin Mai Lena area of Gusau Local Government Area, Zamfara State.
Sources said the incident occurred at about 2:00 a.m. on Thursday, causing extensive property losses valued at millions of naira.
The blaze was brought under control through a joint effort by security operatives and local residents who assisted in putting out the fire.
Authorities confirmed that no lives were lost and no injuries were reported during the incident.
The cause of the fire is currently under investigation as efforts continue to assess the full extent of the damage.
Fire destroys 10 shops in Gusau shopping complex
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