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The Kwara State Governor, Dr. Abdulfatah Ahmed, has reassured the citizenry of his determination to complete the ongoing transformation of The Herald, Radio Kwara, Midland FM and Kwara State Television (KWTV) into ultramodern media houses that every Kwaran will be proud of.

The Senior Special Assistant to the Governor on Media and Communication, Dr Muyideen Akorede, said on Wednesday that Dr. Ahmed remains totally committed to the promise to bequeath ultramodern state-owned media houses before the expiration of his tenure.

“It is the only non-infrastructure project accommodated under the Kwara State Infrastructure Development Fund (IF-K), the funding window under which funds are released for projects on quarterly basis.

“Based on Governor Ahmed’s determination to bring these projects to a quick completion, he has directed that the projects should be given priority under IF-K funding, to ensure that the projects are completed before the June deadline,” the governor’s aide disclosed.

While explaining that the repositioning of KWTV has been completed, Akorede disclosed that digital signals of the station will be switched on as soon as testing is completed in days.

He added that the government had also purchased and delivered digital cameras, lights, digital consoles, switchers  and other modern equipment to the station to ensure its capacity to compete favourably.

Besides, he continued, Dr. Ahmed had ensured the complete renovation and extension of KWTV’s premises in order to make the environment more convenient for the station’s employees.

He explained that relevant trainings were also conducted for all staff of the station so that they can perform their duties optimally.

Dwelling further on the next phases of the repositioning projects, Akorede informed that it would include the following:

•       The purchase of a new 10KW digital transmitter for Midland FM;
•       Renovation of Midland FM premises;
•       Completion of the renovation of Broadcasting House in GRA;
•       The purchase of new digital live and recording studios for Radio Kwara AM;
•       And a complete overhaul of the AM station’s transmitters to ensure that the signals are received across the whole of the State.

“Already, Midland FM has a new website and it will commence the online streaming of its signals in the next two weeks or so.

“Kwarans can rest assured that Governor Ahmed remains determined to ensure that Midland FM and Radio Kwara’s signals are received in all parts of the state,” he said.

Akorede also disclosed good news for staff, readers and other stakeholders of The Herald newspapers.

“On The Herald newspapers, I can assure you that plans are afoot to completely renovate the buildings from where the newspaper will operate, revamp the website, and purchase new printers.

“With the approval of the Governor, The Herald has already been repositioned as a regional newspaper with its news hole covering the critical North Central market and the contiguous centres.

“Consequently, Governor Ahmed is also set to complete the activation of The Herald’s Bureau Offices beginning with Abuja, Kogi, Niger, Benue, Oyo, Osun, Lagos, and Ado-Ekiti.”

Akorede said Dr. Ahmed continues to work towards ensuring that the equipment of the media houses are not only upgraded but that their operational efficiency will remain guaranteed.

Akorede implored members of the public and especially, the loyal listeners of Radio Kwara, to ignore rumours being peddled on some social media platforms to the effect that the government is planning to dispose of the station.

Rather, he assured,the Kwara State Government is determined to strengthen all the three media houses to perform their statutory functions effectively.

BIG STORY

Federal Government Earmarks N827bn For Education Infrastructure In 2025 Budget

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Nigeria’s President, Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu, has announced that the Federal Government has disbursed a total of N34bn in loans to students studying at tertiary institutions across the country through the “Nigeria Education Loan Fund.”

The President made this statement on Wednesday while presenting the N49.7tn 2025 budget estimates to a joint session of the National Assembly. He also highlighted that the government has allocated N826bn for infrastructure development in the education sector for the 2025 fiscal year.

He stated, “Our administration has so far disbursed N34bn to over 300,000 students via the Nigeria Education Loan Fund.”

“In the 2025 budget, we have made provision for N826.90bn for infrastructure development in the educational sector. This provision also includes those for the Universal Basic Education and the nine new higher educational institutions.”

He continued, “We are convinced that Universal Health Coverage initiatives will strengthen primary healthcare systems across Nigeria. In this way, we have allocated N402bn for infrastructure investments in the health sector in the 2025 budget and another N282.65bn 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.”

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BIG STORY

President Tinubu Targets N1,500 Per Dollar Rate In 2025 Budget Goals

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Nigeria’s President, Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu, on Wednesday, stated that the Federal Government aims to stabilise the exchange rate at N1,500 to the dollar to ensure the smooth implementation of the 2025 budget.

This marks a reduction of about N200 from the current rate of N1,700 to a dollar.

President Tinubu made this known while presenting the 2025 Appropriation Bill to a joint session of the 11th National Assembly in Abuja.

“The budget projects that inflation will decline from the current rate of 34.6% to 15% next year, while the exchange rate will improve from approximately N1,700 per dollar to N1,500. The base crude oil production assumption is set at 2.06 million barrels per day”, he said.

“The projections are based on the following observations: reducing the importation of petroleum products, increasing exports of refined petroleum”. He added.

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BIG STORY

JUST IN: 32 Reportedly Die In Ibadan Children Programme Stampede

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At least 32 people have tragically lost their lives during a stampede at a children’s carnival in Ibadan, the Oyo State capital, in the early hours of Wednesday.

A statement from the Commissioner for Information and Orientation, Prince Dotun Oyelade, revealed that the stampede occurred at a private children’s funfair at Islamic High School, Basorun, resulting in the deaths of 32 people, mostly children, with some others sustaining injuries.

He mentioned that the state government promptly deployed a rapid response team to the site following the incident.

The commissioner confirmed that the victims have been transported to various hospitals across Ibadan for medical treatment.

While thanking the Commissioner for Health, Dr. Oluwaserimi Ajetunmobi, for quickly activating all available response teams to assist at the scene, Oyelade emphasized that the state government will do everything possible to support the victims of the stampede during this difficult time.

He noted that the sate government was not involved in the planning of the carnival, adding that the Ministry of Health was also not carried along in the organisation of the private end of the year children funfair.

Oyelade emphasised the importance of proper coordination when organising events of such magnitude, especially those involving children and elders.

“We are currently awaiting a detailed report from the Commissioner of Police to clarify the total number of victims involved in this unfortunate incident,” he said.

The commissioner urged parents who are concerned about the whereabouts of their children to check the following medical facilities in Ibadan where affected children were taken for proper medical attention, with a valid means of identification:

  • Patnas Hospital, Basorun
  • Western Hospital, Basorun
  • Ringroad State Hospital
  • Molly Specialist Hospital
  • University College Hospital (UCH)

“Oyo State Government extends its deepest sympathies to the families affected by this tragedy while also urging the public to remain calm and cooperative as relevant pieces of information are gathered and necessary supports arranged for the victims,” he added.

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