Happy New Year! In today’s trending news stories;
1. President Bola Tinubu has signed the N28.78 trillion 2024 budget, which prioritizes defense, job creation, macro-economic stability, and judiciary reforms. He emphasized efficient implementation and increased judiciary funding. In his New Year address, Tinubu acknowledged Nigerians’ struggles and promised economic revival and security restoration. He defended controversial decisions like fuel subsidy removal and outlined initiatives, including Siemens Energy project and a new national living wage. Tinubu urged citizens to trust in the nation’s potential and outlined administration priorities: defense, security, job creation, and human capital development.
2. The Minister of Interior, Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo has confirmed that the automated passport application process in Nigeria will commence on January 8, 2024. The system, declared “99% done,” allows online application and document upload without human contact. Training has begun, aiming to enhance security, detect fake applications, and minimize passport acquisition hassles, aligning with the President’s vision for a streamlined process.
3. Abia State Governor Alex Otti has apologized for not fulfilling his promise to clear pension arrears by the end of 2023, citing unexpected figures discovered during digital verification. He assured payment before the end of Q1 2024, even if seeking approval from the Abia House of Assembly is necessary. Otti also pledged to review workers’ salaries and highlighted plans for technology-driven reforms, including digitizing public institutions and establishing an international advisory board for economic development.
4. South Korea’s opposition leader, Lee Jae-myung, was stabbed in the neck during a news conference in Busan. The attacker, a man in his 60s to 70s, approached for an autograph before stabbing. Lee sustained a 1cm laceration, was treated in the hospital, and his wound is not life-threatening. Though there are videos showing the attack, the assailant’s identity and motive remain unknown.
5. Lagos State Commissioner for Information and Strategy, Gbenga Omotoso, has stated that the focus in the new year will be on completing ongoing projects in the state by utilizing Governor Sanwo-Olu’s ambitious N2.2tn budget for infrastructure development. Priority projects include the Mercy Seat Hospital, set to become the largest pediatric hospital in Africa, the Mental Health Centre in Ketu Ejinrin, and the Ojo General Hospital. Additionally, the new Lekki airport and various other significant projects aim to contribute to the development of Lagos into a mega city.
6. Afrobeats star Rema and American singer Justine Skye attended a church crossover service in Lagos on New Year’s Eve, sparking dating rumors. A video showed them leaving the church together. This isn’t the first time they’ve been linked romantically as in August 2023, they celebrated Justine’s birthday together, and previously collaborated on a musical project. However, Justine Skye faced backlash for her church outfit, with criticism about the perceived contradiction with church norms. Online reactions ranged from discussing church rules to questioning the focus on their attire rather than the religious event.
7. A visually impaired mother Agnes Forte has appealled to the Lagos State Commissioner of Police, Fayoade Adegoke, to seek intervention in the search for her missing one-year-old baby, Excel. The baby went missing on November 28 in Akowonjo, Lagos. Agnes expressed distress and mentioned the police’s lack of active involvement in the case, urging the Commissioner to take it seriously.
