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Amosun’s Three Yrs, Better Than OGD’s 8yrs In Office –Dr Tunde Ipaye, World Bank Consultant….

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10 years ago

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Dr Babatunde Ipaye could be tipped as one of the few Nigerians often referred to as professional in politics. Ipaye who consults for the World Bank in Nigeria is a workaholic dude with humane traits that has paid his dues in grassroot politics.
Perhaps for the first time, Ipaye speaks exclusively on how Gov Ibikunle Amosun rebuilding mission in Ogun state has influenced his likes to join active politics in order to better the lot of the people the more.

 

For the sake of those who don’t know, who is Dr Tunde Ipaye?

My name is Dr. Babatude Ipaye. I’m a Public health Specialist; my people call me ‘Idunnu’ which is the hospital I established in 1995. Anytime I walk round the street, people call me ‘Idunu’. I consult for the World Bank in Nigeria; I supervised the World bank projects in 35states. I have been a specialist to the United Kingdom department for International Development; I also oversee their HIV projects. I was once a technical specialist to National Malaria Control Programme in Nigeria. I was a lecturer in the Obafemi Awolowo College of Health Sciences of Olabisi Onabanjo University several years back before I resigned. I was a Students Union activist. I was the President of Resident doctors at the teaching hospital in Sagamu. I had a private hospital which I ran for fifteen years from 1995-2010. I am a family man.

Let’s go to your background?
It’s something I love to talk about because it is interesting and educative. I came from a poor background, extremely humble. I was born in a local community in Ijebu-igbo, Oke-agbo. I had my primary education in a local primary school, I had my secondary education in Beje High School which is unknown to many people.But in 1986, I came out top from Beje High School, I had the second best result in WAEC, so my school was noticed . Without that, I wouldn’t have gotten the opportunity to reach where I am today. Everybody started looking for that unknown school and the attention of everyone was on that school. I received a lot of scholarships that year.

How has your background affect your character?
My background is tailored with the lessons I learnt from my mother. My mother as a poor, local woman can actually give an eye of herself to save another eye. Despite her poverty, she is cheerful. When we were growing up, she taught us what I call extended family orientation, that what you need in your life is not your wealth but the people around you and that is, if you are good to people, people will be naturally be good to you.

Why did you go into that line?
When I was in Secondary school, the dream of every young boy is to become a doctor or lawyer, which was the orientation especially when you are brilliant, people would advise you to study Medicine. When I wrote JAMB which was paid for by my school principal, she affirmed that this boy must write Jamb, I never planned to go to University. The first three children of my father didn’t go any further after their secondary education. I actually told my father that I wanted to be a shoe maker and we registered but somebody paid for my Jamb, I had a good score but I didn’t check my result. I wrote my WAEC, someone came and told me I had 8 distinctions which I didn’t know. I was playing football in front of my father’s house when a bike man came and brought my admission letter to study medicine.

Can we have an insight into your family?
I got married to a girlfriend of mine which I dated in the university for six years in 1996 and we have been blessed with many children. I want to keep my family private.

You actually said you are a doctor and yet, you go into politics. How has that emerged with you being a doctor and aspiration for Political office?
One way or the other, when I was in the university, I was in union activism. I was a treasurer for Ogun State Medical Students Association in 1990 which was my intro into participating in democracy. When I was doing my post-graduate in Medicine Residency, because of the qualities my people saw in me, they said I must come and lead them, so I was voted as their President in 2004. Before then, I’ve been actively involved in Politics, I joined the NADECO Movement, Abraham Adesanya resided behind my hospital in Ijebu-Igbo in which I supported him and his cause. When AD was formed, I was part of the state officers of AD, I was initially the deputy treasurer and later became the state internal auditor till 2005, and in 2005 when AD splitted, we went to the DPA arm of AD. I was the campaign manager for the governorship candidate of DPA, now Senator Adegbenga Kaka and of course in the ACN, I was his campaign manager, the chief strategist, and returning officer in which I’ve been supporting participatory democracy especially on the progressive tendencies.

 

Can you tell us the position you are vying for and why you chose it and not something else?
Let me tell you that, I’ve never thought I will reach the stage where I would make this decision. When I joined Politics, I’ve always been on the thought of me supporting good people to get to government because I have thought that the decay in our politics is because we have allowed any sort of character to lead us. In the last 12-13years, I’ve supported people that are of good character to contest election and some of them have won while some lost. From my poor background, I have the belief that with the little that God has provided for me, I’ve served humanity and I’ve always thought I could even get enough to serve everybody but sometimes I realized that even if you get the desire to serve everybody, you cannot do as much as you desire to do. And in the engagement of the public sector through my work as a public health specialist, I’ve seen public resources been wasted and people have simply lost their voice because they are not able to speak for the masses. I thought strategically, you need to reposition yourself where you can also help in a situation where public resources can be made available for the greater good of the greater number of people and I thought the best way to do that is to come out at the policy and law level where you ensure that if you are able to influence decisions at levels where resources are computed, where policies are formulated, where laws are made, common Nigerians would be the first consideration of people to serve, that has been my major consideration for making myself available for service. I want to serve people; people must accept me to serve them. If people said that I shouldn’t serve them, I will simply continue to serve myself.

 

Do you think this is the right time for you to come out, why not come out in 2011? Why 2015?
I’ve told you earlier that I’ve always supported people to get into position. The first question I expect you to ask is that ‘have they done our heart desire?’ which is ‘Yes’ and some ‘No’. Why have people changed? Why have they lost their voice? I don’t have an answer but I can postulate that people just get into the system possibly because they don’t have any other life out of that system but for some of us who independently have life out of the system, I can always dust my certificate and do something else. For those that extremely have another life out of the system, we can actually stand up to tell the authority the truth. If people is the center, then we must focus on the people.

People have been coming promising and it has always been the same every year. What are your promises?
I don’t make promises; promises are meant to be broken. I’ve got antecedents; I’ve got a past in which people are connected to the fact simply know that Babatunde Ipaye does not have a fixed deposit in any account in Nigeria, I’ve never fixed money and I don’t intend to fix money because I think it is stupid for anybody to try and acquire resources you don’t own and keep it somewhere. I do not aspire to buy a private jet because it is stupidity, it is better to fly in first class than to have a private jet. I do not aspire to build houses with 20+ rooms because I know it is stupid to sleep in a room with more than 14*14 room, it is completely stupid. What I do is connect to people; I know that what you give to people is what they need. How can you promise what people have not stated as what they need. I think in democracy, one should go to the people and ask how they can be served. Why will I say I want to build school, I want to build house when they have not said that is what they want. All I can say is that I have lived a life among my people, I grew up among them, I live among them, what God has given to me; I share among them. I have produced 2 first class graduates in the last four years, one of them is going abroad, so for me; it is just service to humanity in the best way that God has made me to do. Let me also tell you that as a parliament, I know that my rule is catalytic, I will continue to use some of my personal resources to assist people individually but I told you that the catalytic one is to change the mindset and the concept of governance in Nigeria.

 

I believe you are a card carrying member of a party, what is your connectivity to your party?
My party is All Progressives Congress of Nigeria (APC), it is a merger of a party I belong to before now which is ACN, I’ve always belonged to the progressive end. I know that you can say what is the ideology behind that? I’ve told you the history, as a history, it was the only progressive party even when it was not qualified to be registered. I told you about DPA, we moved to ACN and now APC. APC is the only credible opposition that we have to the party in the central for 14years and you know what the party has done to Nigeria in the issue of security, no light, no water and I think we can’t continue to do this the old same way or else we won’t have different result.

 

What is your assessment of the Amosun led government?
I’ve told many people that Amosun is not a perfect person like many of us. You can’t solve all problems in 3years but let me tell you the comparison because in development, you must do comparative analysis. I was telling someone that Amount, compared to the immediate past of bank robberies. Ogun state is a state where bank robbery was constant; my town lost two banks to armed robbery, Ogbere lost first bank to armed robbery, Ijebu-Ode’s GTB was robbed almost every fortnight and suddenly that has disappeared. The fundamental essence of governance is the security of lives and properties, if you could rate the Amosun government, it should be rated over 50% pass mark for even managing security alone. In Sagamu, nobody banks in the day in Sagamu, people take their cheques to Lagos cash. Abeokuta bankers will never open their banks three years ago until they see army along the street. We have forgotten that 3years ago, all these were happening and some of us now are asking of what Amosun has done because now we have comfort. For me, if the fundamental reason for governance is security, he has done credibly well because lives and properties, business bond everybody. Three years ago, a road will be constructed, rain will fall and the road will be washed away, that’s why Amosun has done the best construction which can last for the next 20-25years. Compare a government that comes to you and say ‘I cannot do this, I cannot do that’ and people say ‘why can’t you do it?’ to a government that says ‘I will pay salary and he wouldn’t pay’. If you look at the Amosun among the options that we have, I think he is the best option we can have and we need to support. In development, we say resources are not unlimited because we cannot have the resources to go round everybody at every time but people also say the human need is their basic, I agree and we can always address that as it comes but fundamentally if a government has taken the IGR of a state from 700million to about 4billiion, I think we need to give credit to that government. If a government has given so much to infrastructural development, we need to give credit to that government. If a government has managed the issue of security, I think we need to give a lot of credit to that government. Like he said ‘People will always ask for more’, we just need to tell him the area in which he needs to improve, and we support the government.

If you are voted into power, what will be your legacy?
I will remain the Babatunde Ipaye that everybody knows, a man that would eat amala by the roadside along with his people, not artificial popcorn. A man that will go to grassroot , his hometown and centre development on his people. A man that would reasonably see to what comes to his people rather than what comes to himself, a man that would live a life of humility, a man that would continue to be a responsible family man, a man that wants to live and die among his people.

You are out to represent the people of Ijebu-Waterside, Ijebu-East and Ijebu-North in the Federal House of Representatives. What is your message to this people?
My message is that, we should reflect what we’ve done in the past and connect it with our future; we should take decisions based on what we know of people that represents us. We should vote wisely void of sentiment. We should disallow distractions and we should put the best person forward because representation is taking your needs to the central and bringing back to you what you truly deserve and I think I’ve shown from the life I’ve lived that I can do that for my people. Thank you.

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Former banker, Femi Olushakin, others arraigned for alleged armed robbery

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7 hours ago

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December 21, 2024

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A former banker turned businessman, Olufemi Olalekan Olushakin alongside two others on Thursday were arraigned before the Chief Magistrate’s Court in Ibadan, Oyo State for alleged robbery.

 

Olushakin —now at large— and the two suspects — Ayomide Akanbi and David Adewale— were alleged to have conspired to commit felony to-wit armed robbery and thereby committed an offence contrary to and punishable under Section 6 (B) of the Robbery and Firearms (Special Provision) Act Cap RII Vol. 14 Laws of the Federal Republic of Nigeria 2004.

 

In the case with Charge number: MI/1672C (Commissioner of Police, Oyo State Vs. Ayomide Akanbi, M, 32 and David Adewole, M, 47): “Count 1: That you (1) Ayomide Akanbi ‘M’ (2) David Adewole ‘M’ and one Olusakin Olufemi Olalekan ‘M’ now at large on 13th December, 2024 at about 5:00pm at Global Signature Hotel, New Gbagi Road, Ibadan in the Ibadan Magisterial District did conspire together to commit felony to-wit Armed Robbery and thereby committed an offence contrary to and punishable under section 6 (B) of the Robbery and Firearms (Special Provision) Act Cap R II Vol. 14 Laws of the Federal Republic of Nigeria 2004.

 

“Count 11: That you (1) Ayomide Akanbi ‘M’ (2) David Adewole ‘M’ and one Olusakin Olufemi Olalekan ‘M’ now at large on the same date, time and place in the above Magisterial District while armed yourselves with guns and some other dangerous weapons did attack one Akinola Dare ‘M’ and also dispossessed him of cash sum of Two Million, One Hundred and Forty Thousand Naira (N2,140,000.00) only, property of Global Signature Hotel Limited and thereby committed an offence contrary to and punishable under Section 1 (2) of the Robbery and Firearms (Special Provision) Act Cap R II Vol. 14 laws of the Federal Republic of Nigeria 2004.”

 

The Police Prosecutor, Inspector Kefas Usman told court that Olushakin —a former branch manager with a second generation bank and now Chairman of LAC Autos & Spare Ltd.— alongside Akanbi, Adewale and others on the night of Friday, December 13, allegedly forcefully gained entrance into Global Signature Hotel in Ibadan by disarming the security men at the gate.

 

Usman stated that the suspects made forceful and unlawful entry into the hotel, went straight to the control room, destroyed the CCTV memory and cut off the CCTV machine.

 

“After vandalizing it, they went to the POS machine, took the machines of the company, went to the manager of the hotel, one Dare Akinola, at gunpoint took him to the cash registry to collect all the sales of the week including room sales, lodgment, bar & hall payment totalling over N2,140,000 (Two million, One hundred and forty thousand Naira).

 

“They went to all the rooms, rounded up all the customers, and forcefully asked them to transfer money into Olushakin’s personal account during the robbery.

 

“At gunpoint, they gathered everybody to the reception, laid them down at gunpoint and in fear of their lives, the customers made cash transfers to Olushakin’s accounts, they vandalized some other things, took the lodgment book, computers, and other equipment.”

 

The Chief Magistrate, Mrs. Giwa Babalola, ordered that the suspects should be remanded at the Agodi Correctional Center in Ibadan.

 

She adjourned the case till January 29, 2025 for further mention.

 

However, with Olushakin’s absence during the arraignment, the Oyo State Police Command has launched a manhunt for him with a bounty of N5 million placed on him to the public for anybody with useful information leading to arrest.

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Oyo Stampede: Ooni’s ex-wife Naomi Silekunola, others arrested as police confirm 35 minors dead.

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2 days ago

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December 19, 2024

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Oyo State Police Command has confirmed the arrest of organisers of the children’s funfair at Islamic High School, Basorun, Ibadan on Wednesday which resulted in a tragic stampede claiming the lives of 35 children.

 

In a statement released on Thursday, the command’s spokesperson, Osifeso Adewale, disclosed that Prophetess Naomi Silekunola, the main sponsor of the event and former wife of the Ooni of Ife, Oba Adeyeye Ogunwusi, has also been taken into custody.

 

 

Sequel to the Stampede incident recorded on Wednesday 18/12/2024 at the Islamic High School, Basorun, Ibadan venue of the family event Organized by Wings Foundation and Media partners Agidigbo Fm, the Oyo State Police Command wishes to inform the good people of the State that (8) Persons have since been arrested for their various involvements,” the statement said.

 

“These persons include the main event sponsor, Prophetess Naomi Silekunola ’f’ age 31yrs, Fasasi Abdulahi, ’m’ age 56yrs (School Principal Islamic High School, Ibadan), Genesis Christopher, ’m’ age 24yrs, Tanimowo Moruf,’m’ age 52yrs, Anisolaja Olabode, ‘m’ age 42yrs, Idowu Ibrahim, ‘m’ age 35yrs and Abiola Oluwatimilehin, ’m’ age 25yrs.

 

 

“So far (35) Thirty-Five Minors have been documented Dead while (6) Six others are critically injured and on various Medical Interventions.

 

 

In furtherance of the above, the case has since been transferred to the Homicide Section of the State Criminal Investigation Department, Iyaganku with the Deputy Commissioner of Police in charge leading the investigations.

 

 

“So also, residents around the axis are advised not to panic as they would witness high-level patrols and visible Police presence to prevent hoodlums from taking advantage of the unfortunate situation.”

 

The command said it sympathised with all the families of those affected by the tragedy and assured that justice would be served accordingly.

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Tinubu presents 2025 budget to National Assembly

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3 days ago

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December 18, 2024

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… PRESENTATION BY HIS EXCELLENCY, PRESIDENT BOLA AHMED TINUBU, GCFR   OF   THE 2025

BUDGET OF RESTORATION: SECURING PEACE, REBUILDING PROSPERITY   TO   A JOINT SESSION OF THE NATIONAL ASSEMBLY ON WEDNESDAY 18TH DECEMBER, 2024

 

PROTOCOLS: — The Vice President, Senator Kashim Shettima — Senate President, Distinguished Senator Godswill Akpabio — Right Honourable Speaker, Tajudeen Abbas — National Chairman of our great party, Excellency, Abdullahi Umar Ganduje — State Governors here present — Distinguished Leaders and Members of the National Assembly — Senior Government Officials here present — Gentlemen of the press,   My Fellow Nigerians,

1. In fulfilment of one of my constitutional duties and with unyielding commitment to rebuilding Nigeria towards ensuring that we remain steadfast on the journey to a prosperous future, I hereby present the 2025 Budget to the Joint Session of the 10th National Assembly.

2. On this day, before this hallowed chamber, I present to you the 2025 Budget at a time when our country is at a crucial point in its development trajectory.

3. The 2025 Budget Proposal again reinforces our administration’s roadmap to secure peace, prosperity, and hope for a greater future for our beloved nation. This budget christened, “Budget of Restoration: Securing Peace, Rebuilding Prosperity,” strikes at the very core of our Renewed Hope Agenda and demonstrates our commitment to stabilizing the economy, improving lives, and repositioning our country for greater performance.

4. The journey of economic renewal and institutional development, which we began 18 months ago as a nation, is very much underway. It is not a journey of our choosing but one we had to embark on for Nigeria to have a real chance at greatness. I thank every Nigerian for embarking on this journey of REFORMS and TRANSFORMATION with us.

5. The road of reforms is now clearly upon us, and as the President of this blessed nation, I know this less-travelled road has not been easy. That there have been difficulties and sacrifices. They will not be in vain. And we must keep faith with the process to arrive at our collectively desired destination.

6. We must build on the progress we have made in the past eighteen months in restructuring our economy and ensuring it is strong enough to withstand the headwinds of any future shocks of the global downturn.

7. The 2025 budget that I present today is one of restoration. It seeks to consolidate the key policies we have instituted to restructure our economy, boost human capital development, increase the volume of trade and investments, bolster oil and gas production, get our manufacturing sector humming again and ultimately increase the competitiveness of our economy.

8. We do not intend to depart from this critical path to strengthen the Nigerian economy. Just as I believe in the resilience of our economy to withstand the current challenges, I also strongly believe in the resilience of the Nigerian people. Again, I summon the unstoppable Nigerian spirit to lead us on as we work to rebuild the fabric of our economy and existence.

9. The improvements we witnessed in the 2024 budget have led us into the 2025 budget. The goals of advancing national security, creating economic opportunities, investing in our youthful population, infrastructure development, and national re-orientation form the core of the 2025 budget. But more than that, this will lay a solid foundation for Nigeria’s future growth trajectory.

CURRENT ECONOMIC REALITIES AND PROGRESS

10. Distinguished Senate President, Right Honourable Speaker of the House of Representatives, leaders and members of both Chambers of the National Assembly, I report today that our economy is responding positively to stimulus. Our objective is to further stimulate the economy through the implementation of targeted fiscal stimulus packages through public expenditures and specific non-inflationary spending.

11. The reforms we have instituted are beginning to yield results. Nigerians will soon experience a better and more functional economy.

12. Global economic growth for the outgoing year 2024 was projected at 3.2 percent, and against predictions, our country made significant progress.   o Our economy grew by 3.46 percent in the third quarter of 2024, up from 2.54 percent in the third quarter of 2023.   o Our Foreign Reserves now stand at nearly 42 billion US dollars, providing a robust buffer against external shocks.   o Our rising exports are reflected in the current trade surplus, which now stands at 5.8 trillion naira, according to the National Bureau of Statistics.   13. These clear results of gradual recovery, among others, reflect the resilience of our economy and the impact of deliberate policy choices we made from the outset.   2024 BUDGET PERFORMANCE   14. I am happy to inform this National Assembly that our administration attained remarkable milestones in implementing the 2024 Budget. In 2024, we achieved:   o 14.55 trillion naira in revenue, meeting 75 percent of our target as of the third quarter.   o 21.60 trillion naira in expenditure, representing 85 percent of our target, also in the third quarter.   15. While challenges persist, we improved revenue collection and fulfilled key obligations. The transformational effects of this on our economy are gradually being felt.   PHILOSOPHY OF THE 2025 BUDGET   16. The 2025 Budget seeks to: o Restore macroeconomic stability.   o Enhance the business environment.   o Foster inclusive growth, employment, and poverty reduction.   o Promote equitable income distribution and human capital development.   17. Our budgetary allocations reflect the administration’s strategic priorities, especially in the implementation of the Renewed Hope Agenda and its developmental objectives.   2025 BUDGET OVERVIEW   18. The numbers for our 2025 budget proposal tell a bold and exciting story of the direction we are taking to retool and revamp the socio-economic fabric of our society.   o In 2025, we are targeting 34.82 trillion naira in revenue to fund the budget.   o Government expenditure in the same year is projected to be 47.90 trillion naira, including 15.81 trillion naira for debt servicing.   o A total of 13.08 trillion naira, or 3.89 percent of GDP, will make up the budget deficit.   19. This is an ambitious but necessary budget to secure our future.   20. The Budget projects inflation will decline from the current rate of 34.6 percent to 15 percent next year, while the exchange rate will improve from approximately 1,700 naira per US dollar to 1,500 naira, and a base crude oil production assumption of 2.06 million barrels per day (mbpd).   21. These projections are based on the following observations:   o Reduced importation of petroleum products alongside increased export of finished petroleum products.   o Bumper harvests, driven by enhanced security, reducing reliance on food imports.   o Increased foreign exchange inflows through Foreign Portfolio Investments.   o Higher crude oil output and exports, coupled with a substantial reduction in upstream oil and gas production costs.   KEY PRIORITIES: REBUILDING NIGERIA   22. Our budgetary allocations underscore this administration’s strategic priorities, particularly in advancing the Renewed Hope Agenda and achieving its developmental objectives.   23. Highlights of the 2025 Budget Allocations: • Defence and Security: N4.91 trillion • Infrastructure: N4.06 trillion • Health: N2.48 trillion • Education: N3.52 trillion   24. As we embark on implementing the 2025 Budget, our steps are deliberate, our decisions resolute, and our priorities are clear. This budget reflects a renewed commitment to strengthening the foundation of a robust economy, while addressing critical sectors essential for the growth and development we envision.   Securing Our Nation: 25. Security is the foundation of all progress. We have significantly increased funding for the military, paramilitary, and police forces to secure the nation, protect our borders, and consolidate government control over every inch of our national territory. The government will continue to provide our security forces with the modern tools and technology they need to keep us safe. Boosting the morale of our men and women in the armed forces will remain our government’s top priority.   26. The officers, men, and women of our Armed Forces and the Nigerian Police Force are the shields and protectors of our nation. Our administration will continue to empower them to defeat insurgency, banditry, and all threats to our sovereignty. Our people should never live in fear—whether on their farmlands, highways or cities. By restoring peace, we restore productivity, revive businesses, and rebuild our communities.   Infrastructure Development: 27. When we launched the Renewed Hope Infrastructure Development Fund, it was with the conviction that infrastructure remains the backbone of every thriving economy. Under this programme, we are accelerating investments in energy, transport, and public works. By leveraging private capital, we hope to complete key projects that drive growth and create jobs. We have already embarked on key legacy projects: Lagos-Calabar Coastal Highway and Sokoto-Badagry Highway, which will have a huge impact on the lives of our people and accelerate economic output.   Human Capital Development: 28. Our people are our greatest resource. That is why we are making record investments in education, healthcare, and social services:   o Our administration has so far disbursed 34 billion naira to over 300,000 students via the Nigeria Education Loan Fund (NELFUND). In the 2025 Budget, we have made provision for 826.90 billion naira for infrastructure development in the educational sector. This provision also includes those for the Universal Basic Education (UBEC) and the nine new higher educational institutions.   o We are convinced that Universal Health Coverage initiatives will strengthen primary healthcare systems across Nigeria. In this way, we have allocated 402 billion naira for infrastructure investments in the health sector in the 2025 Budget and another 282.65 billion naira for the Basic Health Care Fund. Our hospitals will be revitalised with medication and better resources, ensuring quality care for all Nigerians. This is consistent with the Federal Government’s planned procurement of essential drugs for distribution to public healthcare facilities nationwide, improving healthcare access and reducing medical import dependency.   Revitalizing Agriculture: 29. Increasing agricultural production is central to our food security agenda, but insecurity has crippled this vital sector. We are supporting our farmers with funding and inputs to reignite productivity. Food security is non-negotiable. In this regard, we are taking bold steps to ensure that every Nigerian can feed conveniently, and none of our citizens will have to go to bed hungry.   30. Distinguished Senate President, Right Honourable Speaker of the House of Representatives, leaders and members of both Chambers of the National Assembly and fellow Nigerians, our 2025 budget proposal is not just another statement on projected government revenue and expenditures. It is one that calls for action. 31. Our nation faces existential threats from corruption and insecurity and suffers from many past poor choices. These challenges are surmountable when we work collaboratively to overcome them. We must rewrite the narrative of this nation together, with every leader, institution, and citizen playing their part.   32. The time for lamentation is over. This is a time to act. A time to support and promote greater investment in the private sector. A time for our civil servants to faithfully execute our policies and programmes. It is a time for every Nigerian to look hopefully towards a brighter future because a new day has dawned for us as a nation.   33. As your President, I remain committed and resolute to continue to lead the charge.   34. This 2025 budget proposal lays the foundation for peace, prosperity, and much needed hope. It is the plan through which a Nigeria where every citizen can dream, work, and thrive in safety can be achieved.   35. It is with great pleasure, therefore, that I lay before this distinguished Joint Session of the National Assembly the 2025 Budget of the Federal Government of Nigeria titled “The Restoration Budget: Securing Peace, Rebuilding Prosperity.   36. May God bless our Armed Forces and keep them safe. May God bless the Federal Republic of Nigeria.   Thank you.     Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR President, Commander-in-Chief of The Armed Forces, Federal Republic of Nigeria

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