President Bola Tinubu on Friday signed the N54.99 trillion 2025 Budget of Restoration into law, emphasizing that discipline and diligence would guide its implementation. The signing ceremony, held in Abuja, was attended by Senate President Godswill Akpabio, Speaker of the House of Representatives Tajudeen Abbass, and Senate Committee Chairman on Appropriation Sen. Solomon Adeola.

In his address, President Tinubu expressed optimism about Nigeria’s economic future, stating, “Today, we take another bold step in our nation’s journey of economic recovery, stability, and growth with the signing of the 2025 Budget of Restoration. We reaffirm our commitment to securing our future, rebuilding prosperity, and ensuring that every Nigerian shares in the dividends of governance.”
Reflecting on the challenges faced in the past year, the President highlighted the government’s economic discipline and reforms that have yielded positive results. He pointed to a national GDP growth of 3.86% in the final quarter of 2024, marking the fastest growth in three years. Revenues also surged to N21.6 trillion from N12.37 trillion, while the fiscal deficit was reduced from 6.2% in 2023 to 4.17% in 2025.
“These achievements were made possible through economic discipline and strategic reforms,” Tinubu noted. “Forex reforms have restored investor confidence, and we are witnessing the stabilization of our markets. The minimum wage increase to ₦70,000 has also boosted the purchasing power of workers. Infrastructure development is progressing rapidly, with key projects such as the 750km Lagos-Calabar Coastal Highway and the 1,068km Sokoto-Badagry Superhighway,” he added.

The President expressed gratitude to the National Assembly for their swift passage of the budget and called for continued collaboration in its implementation. “We have no dust on our faces or tears in our eyes. We walked together as brothers and sisters. Though the initial outlook was turbulent, we can now see signs of progress,” he said.

He also outlined priority areas in the budget, such as national security, infrastructure, energy, healthcare, education, and human capital development. An increased allocation for agriculture and food security was highlighted as crucial for boosting local food production and preventing hunger across the nation. Additionally, more funds for social welfare programs are set to support vulnerable groups, including youth and women.

However, the President made it clear that the budget’s success hinges on fiscal responsibility. “We cannot spend what we do not have,” he said. He emphasized the need to ensure that every naira spent is backed by actual revenue, with a focus on expanding government earnings and fostering public-private partnerships.
Tinubu also pledged accountability from all government agencies, promising that each department would be held responsible for ensuring prudent spending and delivering value for money. He further explained that efforts would be made to redefine amendments within the Appropriations Act to ensure smooth budget implementation.

Senate President Akpabio assured Tinubu of the National Assembly’s full support, acknowledging that the President inherited a struggling economy and has successfully navigated its recovery through his leadership and expertise.

Finance Minister Wale Edun added that the successful passage of the budget was the result of continuous collaboration and analysis between the executive and legislative arms of government.
As Nigeria embarks on the implementation of the ambitious budget, all eyes will be on the government to fulfill its promise of economic restoration and growth.

As African Church Grammar School Abeokuta is set to celebrate its 70th Anniversary, former governor of Ogun state, Senator Ibikunle Amosun FCA CON, is among prominent individuals set to be honoured during the week-long activities of the establishment of the school.

Founded in 1955 by the African Church Mission, the school, which is “famous for high standard”, has produced prominent individuals who have excelled in their various field of endeavours. It is in recognition of this that National Executive Council of the Old Students Association of the school has come up with a series of engaging events, including Career Talk, Award presentation, Projects commissioning to herald its 2025 Annual General Meeting.

Located in Ita Iyalode, directly opposite the residence of the former Nigerian president – Chief Olusegun Obasanjo, the institution remains a cornerstone of academic excellence in Ogun State.

In a statement jointly signed by the Old Students Association’s National President – Dr. Babatunde Akinsola and General Secretary – Alhaji Lion Shafih Adeyemi Amusa, the celebration will start from Tuesday, 18th February 2025, to Sunday, 23rd February, 2025.

Activities marking the event will include a career talk for students, a literary and debating competition, a novelty football match between old students and teachers, and a Jumat service at Owu Central Mosque while a Church service also follows at African Church, Idi-Ape, Abeokuta.

Other highlights include suya night, presentation of a 10-year master plan, commissioning of new projects, awards ceremony, and elections of new officers.

The anniversary, which also aims to reunite past students, celebrates the school’s achievements, and set a vision for its future will see other prominent Alumni get awards from the National Executive Council of the Old Students Association. Among the Awardees are, Hon. Oyetunde Ojo – the Chairman of Federal Housing Authority, Chief Biodun Agbaje – a businessman and philanthropist, Dr. Mutiu O. Agboke Esq – Resident Electoral Commissioner (Osun State), Mr. Bayo Olujimi Ogundimu – a reputable administrator and former Registrar of D S Adegbenro ICT Polytechnic, Mr. Bola Badmus – a financial expert and consultant, and Dr. Tokunbo Sowunmi – a medical doctor based in the UK.

The Old Students Association remains committed to ensuring the continued growth and development of their alma mater.