Gov. Hyacinth Alia of Benue says his administration has spent $2.82 million (N4.53 billion) to service external loans between June 2023 and June 2024.

Alia made the disclosure in a statement signed by his Chief Press Secretary, Sir Tersoo Kula, and made available to the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on Monday in Makurdi.

The governor said that Benue has not borrowed funds since the inception of his administration but paid the said sum to reduce the state’s debt burden.

He further stated that the Debt Management Office (DMO) recent report confirmed that the external debt profile of Benue has experienced a sharp decrease within the period under review.

“Recall that having inherited over 350 billion in debts from the previous administration, the administration has been cautious about taking loans, despite initiating numerous projects across the state, with many already completed.

“We are changing the narrative for good governance and massively delivering dividends of democracy to the people.

“We are consistent in insisting that the future of the state comes first and has demonstrated the highest level of decision-making and resource management,” he said.

He further stated that the current Budgets release of the third quarter of 2024, States Fiscal Transparency League Table, indicated that Benue has moved to 9th position from the 35th and 36th positions it had consistently shuffled since 2015.

Sen. Ned Nwoko (PDP-Delta) says that Local Government Administration is central to democracy in Nigeria as it ensures grassroots governance and service delivery at the local level.

This is contained in a statement signed by Dr Michael Nwoko, the Chief of Staff to the lawmaker in Abuja on Monday.

Nwoko said this on the occasion of the presentation of an award “Icon of Hope” to him by the Association of Local Government Vice Chairmen of Nigeria (ALGOVC).

He was represented by his Chief of Staff.

He said that the importance of local government administration in the country could not be overemphasised, as it was the bedrock of democracy.

According to him, local governments in Nigeria play key roles in the country’s democracy by promoting participatory democracy, providing services, and representing citizens.

“Local Governments help determine local needs and how to meet them. They also act as a link between the centre, state, and local people.

“They are created to decentralise power and bring the government closer to the people. They perform both mandatory and concurrent functions.

“It is in view of this that I took it upon myself to enhance the viability of local governments through the Paris and London club loan refunds, “he said.

Dr Folashade Olabanji-Oba, ALGOVC National Chairman, while presenting the award at its 7th Annual National Conference, said the award was in recognition of the lawmaker’s significant contributions to strengthening local government administration.

She highlighted Nwoko’s critical role in ensuring the Paris and London Club loan refunds, a financial breakthrough she said enhanced the capacity of local governments nationwide.

The Dr. Yusuf John-Suberu Foundation has commended the FCT Minister, Nyesom Wike, for his transformative initiatives that have significantly improved the security, infrastructure and overall quality of life in Abuja.

The Executive Director of the Foundation, Dr Yusuf Suberu, gave the commendation while hosting newsmen at a dinner on Wednesday in Abuja.

Suberu described Wike as a key strength and a significant contributor to the success of President Bola Tinubu’s government.

He said that Wike had received nationwide acclaim from Nigerians for his diligence and commitment to duty.

This, he said, led to the successful completion of multiple road projects in the FCT, among other achievements, within his first year as Minister.

According to Suberu, Wike has engineered a transformative turnaround in the FCT’s infrastructure, with widespread road construction and rehabilitation projects underway in virtually every district.

“The massive infrastructural development in the FCT includes several key projects, such as the construction of new parks, relocation of business premises to more suitable areas.

“Another one is the highly anticipated launch of the Abuja light train services, which is expected to revolutionise transportation in the city.

“Thanks to the unwavering determination of the Wike, the former Rivers governor and current FCT Minister, Abuja is transforming from a hotspot for criminal activities into a secure and safe haven.

“Wike’s leadership has been instrumental in driving this positive change, making the nation’s capital a safer place for residents and visitors alike, “he maintained.

He praised President Tinubu for putting competence above politics when he appointed Wike to lead the FCT ministry, recognising Wike’s ability to drive meaningful change.

“The decision has proven to be beneficial for Nigeria, and we are delighted with the outcome.

“Wike has successfully restored our confidence in the nation’s capital, and his outstanding efforts are truly praiseworthy.

“We take immense pride in Wike’s achievements and extend our heartfelt appreciation to the President for having faith in him and entrusting him with the Ministerial position,” he said.

Suberu pledged to align his organisation’s goals with President Tinubu’s Renewed Hope agenda, aiming to drive Nigeria transformation forward.

“We stand firmly behind President Tinubu’s administration and his commitment to addressing Nigeria’s longstanding challenges, many of which have been carried over from previous governments.