Headline
BudgIT Demands Breakdown Of N896bn NPC Budget
Published
2 years agoon
By
Editor
BudgIT, a leading public data organisation has asked the National Population Commission (NPC) to publish the breakdown of the N896 billion 2023 National Population Census budget.
The organisation which is aimed at raising active citizens’ participation in nation-building and government-citizen communication for good governance and accountability, made this call in a press release on Monday.
In a statement signed by its Communications Associate, Nancy Odimegwu, BudgIT said it is important for the population agency to inform the public on how it wants to spend the fund.
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The statement read, “Recall that earlier in March, the Minister of State for Budget and National Planning, Clem Agba, had said a total of N869 billion ($1.88 billion) would be required for the exercise. This figure includes post-census activities.
“According to him, N626 billion ($1.36 billion) will be used for the census at $6 per citizen, and N243 billion ($527 million) will be used for post-census activities up to 2025.
“While the census exercise is crucial for planning a progressive and sustainable development—which is not limited to knowing the revenue estimation, economic needs, unemployment level, living standard, and policies—there is a need for the commission to provide details of its budget, to ensure public transparency and accountability.
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“It is also mandatory for NPC to let Nigerians know the states and local governments that will be beneficiaries of the fund and the amount allotted to them.
“To this end, we have requested the complete breakdown of the 896 billion for the National Population Census exercise—the amount released, utilized, and the cashback—following the Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) of 2011. We have also requested that the commission make available the list of states and local government areas that would receive these allocations,” BudgIT said.
It also said, “The country’s resources are scarce at this time, and we do not believe this is the best use of N896bn at these difficult times considering Nigeria’s current debt profile, which stands at N44trn.
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“The 2023 elections have just ended, and Nigeria could draw some wisdom from it to help save costs during this critical period. The Nigerian government should work on reducing the multidimensional poverty of over 133 million people, and investments that will significantly reduce these numbers should be prioritized and not wasted on frivolities.”
“Therefore, we call on the National Population Commission, Federal Ministry of Finance, Budget and National Planning, and the Minister of State for Finance, Budget and Planning to make this information available on its website for easy accessibility for the citizens and stakeholders,” It added.
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Headline
26-year-old Nigerian Fatally Stabbed In London
Published
7 hours agoon
August 5, 2025By
Editor
Two individuals have been charged in connection with the fatal stabbing of a 26-year-old Nigerian, Ayowale Aladejana, in New Cross, southeast London.
The Metropolitan Police reports that detectives investigating the fatal stabbing of Ayowale charged a man and woman with murder.
“Ben Wazabanga, 23 (24.10.2001) of Fairfax Road, Bedford was charged with murder and possession of a knife on Monday, 4 August. He was remanded in custody and will appear at Croydon Magistrates’ Court on Monday, 4 August.
“Ronique Belfon, 23 (10.05.2002) of Morinsbury Road, Bedford was charged with murder on Monday, 4 August. She was remanded to appear at Westminster Magistrates’ Court on Monday, 4 August,” the report read.
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Speaking on the incident, Detective Chief Inspector Lucie Card, who is leading the investigation, was quoted as saying, “Our thoughts are with Ayowale’s family and friends at this difficult time.
“I understand this incident will be concerning and we are carrying out a fast-paced and thorough investigation to establish the circumstances. I would encourage anyone who has not yet spoken to us.”
The investigation was reportedly launched after officers were called to reports of a man with stab wounds at a residential address in Monson Road, New Cross, at 19:26hrs on Saturday, August 2.
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The officers were said to have responded alongside the London Ambulance Service and medics from London’s Air Ambulance, however, Ayowale died at the scene despite efforts to save him.
The report added that a post-mortem examination conducted on Sunday gave a preliminary cause of death as stab wound to the chest.
Ayowale’s family are also reportedly being supported by specially trained officers.
Headline
Trump Threatens 250% Tariffs On Foreign Pharmaceuticals
Published
8 hours agoon
August 5, 2025By
Editor
US President Donald Trump said Tuesday that upcoming tariffs on imported pharmaceuticals could reach 250 percent, after starting at a lower level, while adding he plans to also unveil fresh duties on foreign semiconductors.
“We’ll be putting (an) initially small tariff on pharmaceuticals, but in one year, one-and-a-half years, maximum, it’s going to go to 150 percent,” Trump said in an interview on CNBC.
“And then it’s going to go to 250 percent because we want pharmaceuticals made in our country,” he added.
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In the same interview, Trump said he expects to raise the US tariff on Indian imports “very substantially over the next 24 hours” due to the country’s purchases of Russian oil.
While Trump has aimed at products from different countries with varying tariff rates after imposing a 10-percent levy on almost all trading partners in April, these have excluded certain products he planned to target separately.
These sector-specific tariffs have generally come after government investigations that look into the national security concerns surrounding certain imports.
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After earlier embarking on probes on imported semiconductors and pharmaceuticals, the Trump administration has signaled plans to wrap up these studies, which could lead to new tariffs.
Already, Trump has slapped steep tariffs of 50 percent on imported steel and aluminum, and also rolled out a separate but lower duty on autos and parts.
AFP
Headline
UK Opens Application For Chevening Scholarships
Published
12 hours agoon
August 5, 2025By
Editor
The United Kingdom on Tuesday announced that applications for its Chevening Scholarships are officially open, with prospective scholars encouraged to apply between August 5 and October 7, 2025.
The Chevening programme offers fully funded one-year master’s degrees at UK universities to individuals with demonstrated leadership potential and a strong commitment to driving positive change in their home countries and globally.
In a statement released by the British High Commission in Abuja, the Head of the Scholarships Unit at the UK Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office, Emma Hennessey, described the programme as highly competitive, selecting only the most outstanding candidates from across the world.
“Chevening’s highly competitive selection process ensures that those chosen to become Chevening Scholars or Fellows represent the brightest and most driven individuals from around the world.
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“Chevening Alumni use their world-class education, global networks, and confidence gained in the UK to create meaningful, lasting change when they return home, whether by tackling global challenges or making a tangible impact in their own communities.
“If you can clearly demonstrate the skills needed to join them — outstanding leadership, influence, and networking skills — I strongly encourage you to apply.
“If you’re not quite there yet, I encourage you to take the time to build the experience that will make your application competitive,” Hennessey noted.
According to the statement, the British High Commissioner to Nigeria, Richard Montgomery, urged Nigerians with leadership potential to take advantage of the opportunity.
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“Chevening is more than a scholarship — it is a gateway to a global network of leaders, innovators, and changemakers,” he said.
“Whether your aspirations lie in shaping public policy, launching a business, or addressing the world’s most pressing challenges, the Chevening Scholarship offers a unique opportunity to pursue a fully funded master’s degree in the United Kingdom to advance your knowledge and skills.
“While there is no ‘typical’ scholar, we seek individuals with the passion, ideas, and influence to drive meaningful change in Nigeria and beyond.
“Our alumni network includes dynamic professionals across diverse sectors who are making significant contributions in their fields.
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“If you have the potential to lead positive change in your community, Nigeria, or globally, I encourage you to submit your application before the 7 October 2025 deadline.
“Apply today and take the first step toward this life-changing experience,” he said.
Applications must be submitted online via chevening.org/apply.
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Interested applicants are also encouraged to review available guidance at chevening.org/guidance to determine their readiness for the competitive application process.
Since its launch in 1983, the Chevening programme has supported over 60,000 professionals from over 160 countries and territories.
The scholarship is funded by the UK Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office and partner organisations.
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