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12 States Vote N102bn For Official Lodge Upgrade, SUVs

Published

10 months ago

July 27, 2025

At least 12 states have earmarked about N102bn in their 2025 budgets for upgrading official lodges and offices as well as acquisition of new Sport Utility Vehicles and other automobiles, according to findings by The PUNCH

The funds cover modernisation and tech upgrades of government lodges and VIP suites, alongside acquisition of vehicle fleets dominated by Toyota Prado SUVs, Jeep models, Hilux pickups, Camry, Corolla sedans, and other brands.

These allocations are captured under the capital expenditure details in the first-quarter budget performance reports of the states, accessed via their websites.

The affected states are Lagos, Adamawa, Borno, Cross River, Delta, Ekiti, Imo, Jigawa, Kebbi, Ondo, Taraba, and Yobe.

Lagos topped the list, setting aside about N33bn for vehicle procurement and lodge upgrades.

Of this, N20.67bn went into acquiring backup vehicles for the state’s lawmakers.

Another N11.04bn was earmarked for rehabilitating the Assembly Complex, N150m for renovating the speaker’s residence and guest house, while N1.15bn covered upgrades of the state’s lodges in Alausa and Abuja.

Delta followed with a total of N14.91bn for vehicles and lodge-related projects.

A sum of N11.23bn went into procuring 50 Toyota SUVs, and 210 other vehicles for the Government House.

Additional vehicle votes included N451.91m for 10 official cars (assembly staff), N100m for vehicles under the SSG/ad-hoc bodies, N200m for 10 SUVs and five corollas for former governors and a former deputy, and N200m for five Hilux pickups.

The N2.73bn earmarked for lodge-renovation works was distributed across various locations.

In Asaba, N1.5bn was set aside for government quarters, N250m for Government House maintenance, N250m for office rehabilitation, N100m for the deputy governor’s lodge, and N100m for the former Speaker’s quarters.

A total of N205m was allocated for renovating the governor and deputy governor’s lodge and guest houses in Abuja.

This is as N100m was also budgeted for the state’s lodges in Warri and Lagos, while VIP guest house upkeep across unspecified locations received N220.18m.

Taraba allocated N9.57bn for executive lodge upgrade. In Jalingo, N2.4bn went into renovating the Government House and lodges, N700m for Twin Hall Lodge, and N100m for the Presidential Lodge Annex.

The deputy governor’s office and guest house got N1.17bn for construction and furnishing, while N3bn was set aside for the state’s lodges in Kakara, Wukari, Gembu, Serti, Takum, and Donga areas of the state.

Additional provisions included N800m for lodge 77 in Yola, N300m for the Taraba Motel VIP lodge, N400m for general upgrades, and N650m for renovating and furnishing the head of service’s guest house.

Similarly, Borno State budgeted N7.75bn, with N6.92bn going to vehicle procurement in which N5.4bn went to the Ministry of Finance for 50 vehicles, including Volkswagen wagons.

Other allocations included N1bn for two golf cars (Internal Security), N200m for one hilux and two corollas (Local Government), N100m for three hilux (health), N80m for five hilux (community development), N100m for five vans (information), and N35m for five hilux under the Ministry of Reconstruction, Rehabilitation and Resettlement.

Lodge-related works totaled N830.5m: N30.5m for constructing two new lodges, N200m for repairs on 20 office buildings, N100m for the assembly guest house, and N500m for 60 staff quarters within the Government House.

In Ondo State, N7.51bn, including N3.95bn for lawmakers’ vehicles was budgeted. Of this, N245m covered three jeeps for the speaker, deputy speaker, and majority leader; N2.16bn for 27 Toyota Fortuner SUVs; N1.04bn for 13 corollas; N425m for five hilux pickups; and N80m for a Tacoma hilux.

For the executive, N2bn was earmarked for an armoured vehicle, a prado, and a GAC, while a Prado SUV for the commissioner for finance got N230m.

Lodge-related projects took N1.33bn, comprising N480m for lawmakers’ quarters, N600m for office and lodge renovations, and N253m for fumigation and pest control.

Adamawa State allocated N6.46bn for lodge upgrades and vehicle procurement, with N2.9bn going to procurement of 42 SUVs.

The state also earmarked a total of N3.56bn for the renovations and furnishings of the governor and deputy governor’s lodges, as well as SSG’s guest houses in Yola and Abuja.

Kebbi State allocated N5.66bn, with N2.36bn going to vehicles for the state house of assembly, while liaison office upgrades in Abuja, Lagos, Kaduna, and Sokoto took a total of N3.3bn.

Ekiti State earmarked N5.16bn for vehicles and executive residences with N2.36bn for renovating the government lodges and guest houses in Ado Ekiti, Oke-Ayoba and other areas.

While N25m went for the presidential lodge, N1.8bn was voted for the governor and deputy governor’s lodges in Asokoro, Abuja.

The state also set aside N3bn for vehicle procurement, including N1.5bn for eight Prado Jeeps and 20 JAC SUVs (for political appointees), and a total of N800m for 52 other vehicles for the state assembly and Permanent Secretaries.

Cross River State allocated N4.52bn for lodge projects and vehicles with N1.5bn being voted for renovating and furnishing the Governor and Deputy Governor’s lodges as well as other charlets across the state.

Other allocations include N900m for the state’s Presidential Lodge Annex in Calabar, while N1.05bn was set for upkeep of general lodges and the state liaison offices in Abuja and Lagos.

The state also earmarked N173.5m for legislative housing upgrade, and N1.39bn for procuring 28 Toyota Prado SUVs for its House of Assembly members.

Among the low spenders is Jigawa State, which budgeted N3.39bn for vehicles and lodge upgrades. Of this, N300m went for the state guest house renovations, N100m each for furnishing the Governor’s residence and office, N300m for the presidential wing, while N1bn was set aside for four Hilux pickups.

A total of N355m was also voted for renovating the Deputy Governor’s lodge, SSG’s guest house in Dutse and other liaison lodges in Kano and Kaduna.

Vehicles took N1.14bn, including N150m for two Jeeps (Accountant General and Permanent Secretary), N200m for a Prado Jeep and two cars (Speaker and the Deputy), N100m for six vehicles (Assembly leaders), and a total of N689m for other vehicles across the ministries.

Yobe State voted N2.91bn, including N2.18bn for 30 Hilux pickups and two Camry cars for judges and Khadis, and N87.5m for two Hilux vehicles for the Fiscal Responsibility Board.

Lodge upgrades included N500m for renovating the Emir’s Lodge and installing a fuel pump, and N140m for upgrading the State Hotel chalets in Damaturu.

Imo State also earmarked N1.45bn for vehicles and official residence upgrades. Renovation votes included N150m for the Governor’s Lodge (Owerri), N100m for the Deputy Governor’s lodge, N150m for his office, N50m for the Lagos lodge, N80m for Gwarimpa staff quarters, N30m for House 24 in the Government House, N100m for Heroes Square, and N20m for the Speaker and Deputy Speaker’s lodges.

Vehicles took N770m, covering N250m for 15 Prado Jeeps for judges, N300m for 43 Hilux pickups for judicial officers, N120m for the Chief Judge’s vehicle, and N100m for a car under Tertiary and Technical Education ministry.

However, the capital expenditure details of the remaining 24 states and the Federal Capital Territory could not be obtained, as they were not disclosed in their respective budget performance reports.
(PUNCH)

News

Shatta Wale Bailed Burna Boy From Ghana Prison After Arrest For Smoking Weed – Captan

Published

1 minute ago

May 28, 2026

Editor

Ghanian singer, Captan, has claimed that his former record label boss, Shatta Wale, once bailed Nigerian singer Burna Boy out of prison in Ghana after he was allegedly arrested for smoking weed.

Speaking in a recent podcast interview, Captan claimed that Shatta Wale sent him and others to free Burna Boy from police custody.

He also claimed that Shatta Wale and his group once accommodated Burna Boy when he was being hunted by some dangerous men.

Captan said, “I once bailed Burna Boy out of prison in Ghana when he was arrested for smoking weed. Shatta Wale sent me and some guys to go and free him from police custody.

“There was a time we also accommodated him when some people were after his life. We helped him settle the case.”

He added that he and Burna Boy are no longer in good terms after the Nigerian artist’s fallout with his mentor, Shatta Wale.

He, however, said he and Shatta Wale are open to reconciling with Burna Boy if he asks for it.

Watch the video here

News

Children’s Day: Chaos At Ogbe Stadium As Dozens Faint

Published

16 hours ago

May 27, 2026

Editor

Chaos erupted on Wednesday during the Children’s Day celebration as dozens of students reportedly collapsed following a stampede triggered by the use of pepper spray.

The event,
organised by the Edo State Ministry of Education at the Samuel Ogbemudia Stadium was disrupted after some male students of Ihogbe College allegedly made uncompromising advances towards female students at the venue.
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‎ A parent who identified himself as Oboh Emmanuel said, “the behaviour of those uncultured students attracted the attention of bouncers stationed at the stadium as they rebuked the male students.”
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‎Oboh said the affected students later regrouped and attacked the bouncers, leading to a confrontation within the crowded arena.

READ ALSO:Children’s Day: Edo Commits To Child Protection
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It was gathered that in the ensuing confusion, the bouncers were reported to have deployed pepper spray in an area occupied by a large number of students.
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‎Several students, particularly female students, reportedly fainted after inhaling the substance, while others sustained injuries after being stepped on during the ensuing melee.
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‎The panic was said to have spread across the stadium as students, teachers and parents scampered for safety.
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‎Many of the affected students were reportedly rushed to the Edo Specialist Hospital for medical attention.

Reacting to the incident, Chief Press Secretary to Governor Monday Okpebholo, Dr Patrick Ebojele, said the security personnel that fired the tear gas had been detained.

He said all the students, except two, that were rushed to the hospital have been discharged.

Ebojele stated that doctors wanted to observe the students till tomorrow before allowing them to go home.

“The two students are not seriously injured. Doctors want to observe them overnight. Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Education is still at the hospital. The man who used pepper spray has been detained.

“The incident did not happen the way it is being exaggerated. All modalities were put in place to ensure the children enjoyed their day.”
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News

Okpebholo Salutes Edo Muslims, Seeks Continued Support, Prayers

Published

17 hours ago

May 27, 2026

Editor

Governor Monday Okpebholo of Edo State has urged Muslims and all Nigerians to continue to pray for peace, unity and progress in the country even as they celebrate the annual Eid-al-Adha

The governor, who was represented by his deputy, Dennis Idahosa, stated this during the annual Eid-al-Adha celebration with Muslim faithfuls held at Government House in Benin City.

He reiterated his administration’s commitment to fairness, inclusivity and equal opportunities for all citizens irrespective of religion and tribe.

According to him, the present administration remains determined to building a government that reflects the diversity of Edo State, noting that competent and qualified Muslims have continued to play vital roles in his government because of their capacity, integrity and commitment to service.

“As a government, we remain committed to fairness, inclusivity and equal opportunity for every Edo citizen, irrespective of religion, ethnicity or political affiliation. This is why quality and competent Muslims are serving in key positions in our administration.”

Okpebholo appreciated the Muslim community in Edo State for their unwavering support and continuous prayers for his administration, noting that such prayers and support have contributed immensely to the peace and steady development being witnessed across the state.

He then called on all Nigerians to use the occasion of Eid-al-Adha to pray for the administration of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, stressing that the country needs collective prayers, unity and cooperation to overcome its present economic and security challenges.

“I urge all Muslims and indeed all Nigerians to use this occasion to pray for our dear nation and for the administration of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu. Nigeria needs our collective prayers, unity and support as we strive to overcome our challenges and build a more prosperous future for all.”

In his remarks, the Chief Imam of Edo State, Abdulfatai Enabulele, applauded the governor for what he described as remarkable developmental strides recorded in less than two years in office.

The cleric commended the administration for ongoing infrastructural development and efforts geared towards improving governance in the state, but appealed to the government to revisit and complete some abandoned projects inherited from the previous administration for the benefit of the people.