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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
AT ARMED FORCES CELEBRATION AND REMEMBRANCE DAY
ALL IN HONOUR OF OUR NATION’S FALLEN HEROES
By: Our Reporter
Vice President Kashim Shettima today represented President Bola Ahmed Tinubu GCFR at the 2026 Armed Forces Celebration and Remembrance Day ceremony held at the National Arcade in Abuja.
Also in attendance were the President of the Senate, Senator Godswill Obot Akpabio; the Chief Justice of Nigeria, Justice Kudirat Kekere-Ekun; the Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives, Benjamin Kalu; ministers, service chiefs and other government officials.
The solemn event commemorates the courage and sacrifices of Nigeria’s fallen heroes who gave their lives in service to the nation.
AT ARMED FORCES CELEBRATION AND REMEMBRANCE DAY
Technology enhances immersive reading experience in Beijing
By Shi Fang, People’s Daily
“Mr. Lu Xun, could you recommend one of your classic works?”
“If I were to suggest one, perhaps Call to Arms would be a good starting point…”
This conversation took place at the Metaverse Experience Hall of the Beijing Library. Supported by artificial intelligence (AI) and other emerging technologies, the hall offers visitors a novel approach to immersive reading and knowledge-based social engagement.
As one of three institutions under the Capital Library of China, the Beijing Library has introduced an AI-powered digital human modeled after renowned Chinese writer Lu Xun. Historically, Lu Xun played a role in establishing the predecessor of the Capital Library of China. Today, his digital incarnation symbolizes the library’s digital transformation.
“We developed the digital Lu Xun using AI technologies to provide guided tours, recommend books, and introduce local cuisine and cultural sites,” explained Fei Jun, professor with the School of Design, the Central Academy of Fine Arts, and creative director of the Metaverse Experience Hall. His team conducted in-depth research on Lu Xun’s life and works to create a realistic and multidimensional digital persona.
In addition to the digital Lu Xun, Fei’s team created two other digital characters, “Tutu” and “2122,” each with distinct personalities: one childlike and the other futuristic. These avatars, driven by large language models, engage visitors in conversations about literature and everyday life. Since the library opened at the end of 2023, these AI characters have participated in more than 1.7 million voice interactions.
Seven-year-old reader Wang Jiayi eagerly asked “2122” questions such as, “Why did dinosaurs go extinct?” and “Why do maple leaves turn red in autumn?” Her mother commented, “The digital humans are engaging and informative. They genuinely spark children’s interest in learning.”
Entering the library feels akin to stepping into a digital universe.
Visitors can scan a QR code to verify their identity, customize their attire, and quickly generate digital avatars within the Metaverse. These avatars can navigate virtual spaces such as the Children’s Library, Ancient Books Collection, Art Literature Library, and Intangible Cultural Heritage Library, exploring venue information and upcoming events.
Readers also interact with one another via their digital avatars, sharing reading lists, exchanging book reviews, and bridging online and offline reading experiences.
Looking ahead, the library plans to introduce additional immersive features, including personalized virtual study rooms. “Our goal is to offer a multisensory experience — visual, auditory, and even tactile — so users feel as if they’ve entered a parallel world for immersive reading,” Fei said. His team is also developing an online version of the metaverse library, enabling remote access to its digital environment and vast knowledge collections.
“Beyond traditional print books, we want to create a technology-enhanced environment that sparks curiosity and encourages readers to explore knowledge in innovative ways,” said Li Nianzu, deputy director of the Capital Library of China.
Photo shows the Beijing library under the night sky. (Photo/Fan Jiashan)
Readers visit the Metaverse Experience Hall of the Beijing Library. (Photo/Fan Jiashan)
A reader interacts with the digital Lu Xun at the Metaverse Experience Hall of the Beijing Library. (Photo from Beijing Youth Daily)
Technology enhances immersive reading experience in Beijing
Rights Groups Condemn Demolition of Makoko, Call for Immediate Halt
By: Michael Mike
A coalition of national and international human rights, environmental, and social justice organisations has condemned what they describe as the “violent and unlawful” demolition of Makoko, a historic waterfront fishing community along the Lagos Lagoon.
In a joint statement released, the groups alleged that demolition activities began on January 5, 2026, and have continued despite outcry from residents and civil society actors.
According to the organisations, government-backed demolition teams have destroyed homes, schools, health facilities, and religious buildings, leaving hundreds of families without shelter.
Eyewitness accounts cited in the statement claim that security personnel accompanying the demolition teams used tear gas and excessive force against residents, including women, children, and elderly persons. Displaced families are reportedly sleeping in boats, churches, and open spaces along the lagoon as they struggle to find temporary refuge.
The coalition further noted that Makoko is not an isolated case. Over the past year, thousands of residents across several Lagos waterfront and informal communities—including Oko-Baba, Ayetoro, Otumara, Baba-Ijora, Oworonshoki, and Precious Seeds—have faced similar evictions. In many cases, demolitions were carried out without prior notice, consultation, or resettlement plans.
The groups also referenced past demolitions in Badia East, Otodo-Gbame, Maroko, Monkey Village, Ilaje-Bariga, and Ifelodun, saying the Lagos State Government has repeatedly ignored court orders restraining such actions. They alleged that several deaths have been linked to forced evictions over the years.
“The pattern reflects a systemic disregard for human rights, due process, and the rule of law,” the statement read. “These actions violate Nigeria’s constitution and international human rights obligations while deepening Lagos’s housing crisis.”
The coalition called on the Lagos State Government to immediately suspend all ongoing demolitions, respect existing court injunctions, investigate allegations of abuse, and provide fair compensation and adequate resettlement for affected residents.
They also urged authorities to adopt more inclusive, rights-based, and environmentally sustainable urban planning that protects livelihoods rather than displacing vulnerable communities.
The statement was signed by 23 organisations, including Health of Mother Earth Foundation (HOMEF), Corporate Accountability and Public Participation Africa (CAPPA), Environmental Rights Action/Friends of the Earth Nigeria (ERA/FoEN), Policy Alert, WoMin African Alliance, and Norway’s Rafto Foundation for Human Rights, among others.
As of press time, the Lagos State Government had not issued an official response to the allegations.
Rights Groups Condemn Demolition of Makoko, Call for Immediate Halt
AT ARMED FORCES CELEBRATION AND REMEMBRANCE DAY
Technology enhances immersive reading experience in Beijing
Rights Groups Condemn Demolition of Makoko, Call for Immediate Halt
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