APPRECIATING TINUBU’S PENCHANT FOR EXCELLENCE IN BUDGETING

 

By Okanga Agila 

The Budget Office of the Federal Republic of Nigeria operates under the guidance of the Federal Ministry of Finance and Economic Planning. Over the years, the Office has witnessed numerous leadership transitions—often abrupt and inconsistent—leading to underperformance, infrastructural decay, and an erosion of professionalism. Leadership struggles and industrial unrest were further compounded by partisanship and blatant disregard for established procedures. Staff postings were dictated more by personal preferences than institutional needs, resulting in a disoriented system that drifted far from its mandate.

At its lowest point, the Budget Office had deviated from being a cornerstone of national development to a platform marred by inefficiency and weakened leadership. It became symbolic of bureaucratic lethargy and a conduit for underwhelming outcomes.

This dismal trajectory began to reverse when President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, known for his knack for spotting talent and assigning responsibilities to the most capable hands, appointed Tanimu Yakubu as Director-General of the Budget Office of the Federation. A respected economist and former Chief Economic Adviser to President Umaru Musa Yar’Adua, Yakubu brought to the role the intellectual depth and administrative acumen needed to drive transformational change.

Under his leadership, the country has witnessed a marked turnaround in budgetary performance. Sound economic reforms and a focus on sustainable growth have contributed to stabilizing an ailing economy. A significant part of this transformation is attributable to a restructured and inclusive budgetary process that emphasizes team spirit, delivery, and responsiveness to the needs of citizens.

Yakubu has streamlined the budget planning and allocation system, ensuring that national resources are channelled toward addressing real economic gaps. His approach is both focused and people-centred, leading to strategic outcomes such as a reduction in inflation—from 34% to 15% in 2025—and a steady improvement in economic indicators.

Among his most notable innovations is the enhanced monitoring of projects, supported by the engagement of consultants to ensure cost-effective and durable implementation. These measures have built investor confidence and encouraged both local and foreign investments.

His reform agenda also includes a redefinition of agricultural investment. By opening up previously untapped opportunities and portfolios, food security has been bolstered through widespread bumper harvests, contributing to the reduction of food-related inflation.

The Budget Office, under Yakubu’s direction, has adopted policies that prioritize poverty alleviation and disaster response. Strategic reallocations—such as N120 billion earmarked for flood mitigation and support to public hospitals—have ensured that underserved populations gain access to life-saving medicines, including for conditions like tuberculosis and HIV.

Furthermore, Yakubu’s organizational restructuring of the Budget Office has significantly improved staff performance and internal coordination. His strategic foresight in identifying inflationary triggers and implementing countermeasures has helped stabilize the economy. Today, Nigeria not only enjoys steady revenue growth and increased foreign reserves (now exceeding $42 billion) but has also surpassed its oil production targets—reaching over 2.6 million barrels per day, with an initial boost of 130,000 barrels per day.

A distinguished alumnus of Wagner College, Yakubu anchors his policy direction on promoting fiscal sustainability, transparency, and accountability in public finance management. He is widely recognized for his results-driven, inclusive leadership style that inspires and empowers staff across the Office’s six operational departments and seven units. This collaborative environment has led to impressive improvements in the functions of departments such as Revenue/Fiscal Policy, Social and Economic Expenditure, Budget Monitoring and Evaluation, Human Resource Management, and Finance and Accounts.

By fostering interdepartmental synergy, Yakubu has achieved a high-performance culture. His strong communication skills and motivational leadership have unified the workforce, enhancing productivity and accountability at all levels.

Yakubu’s crowning achievements include the development of a forward-looking economic blueprint aligned with the government’s development priorities and the establishment of a state-of-the-art ICT Centre at the Budget Office. His commitment to staff welfare, transparent monitoring systems, and project tracking has ensured a more efficient and impactful budget performance across Ministries, Departments, and Agencies.

Indeed, Tanimu Yakubu stands as a clear testament to President Tinubu’s commitment to excellence and meritocracy. His appointment has brought about a necessary transformation in the Budget Office, catalyzing economic stabilization and laying a firm foundation for national development and prosperity.

Okanga writes from Agila, Benue State.

We will Continue to Provide Safe, Clean Water - Water Drilling Expert Michael Ale

The President, Safe Water Africa Community Initiative, Engineer, Micheal Ale has said that borehole drillers in the State would continue to provide clean and safe water for the use of the masses. 

He stated this while answering questions on a popular radio programme tagged "inside Oyo" in Ibadan, the Oyo State Capital. 

Engineer Ale pointed out that borehole drillers in the State are ready to support and partner with the Government at all levels to put an end to danger attached to the borehole drilling. 

He tasked the Government of Oyo State to regulate borehole drilling in the State by providing mini-water-works to prevent art-tumor and other natural disaster attached to the water drilling across the State.

He commended the present administration in the State under the leadership of Engineer Seyi Makinde for purchasing water drilling-rig for the use of the general public through one of the Government agencies.

Ale, who is the current President of Safe Water Africa Community Initiative pledged the association readiness to partner with the government to put an end to the danger attached to borehole drilling, hinting that, there should be synergy between government and the relevant water drilling association.

He said "there is no danger attached to the borehole drilling so far it was handled by the registered and the professional water drilling expert".

Ale then assured the residents of the State that he would not rest on his oars in ensuring sustainability of the tempo in provision of clean, safe potable water to the people of Oyo State and Nigeria.

Engineer Micheal Ale acknowledged the vital role of water in public health, environmental sustainability, and economic development, pointing out that the Governor Seyi Makinde’s administration has prioritized investments in water infrastructure and resource management since assuming office in 2019.

Ends ....

Jehovah's Witnesses open doors to public for commemoration of Jesus death April 12

 

Millions of people will be gathering this weekend to celebrate the most important event in world history,  the memorial of Jesus death across the globe .

Jehovah's Witnesses have embarked on extensive global  campaign inviting people to join in the celebration of the Lord's evening otherwise known as the last supper.  

Speaking on an Ibadan based Success FM Radio programme recently, the Regional Spokesperson for Jehovah’s Witnesses,  Professor Gill Adekannbi described the campaign for the upcoming event as a global phenomenon. 

According to him, the memorial of Christ’s death is an annual event ,and we are having a month-long campaign to invite friends, neighbours and family members to two special events we are going to have in the month of April.

 He explained that in the previous years, Jehovah’s witnesses  had more than 20 million people gathering together to commemorate the death of Jesus Christ. 

Professor Adekannbi who fielded questions from the programme anchor on various aspects of the event, noted that the memorial of Christ’s death would be coming up on Saturday April 12, 2025.

 Just last weekend of April 5 and 6, millions of people listened to A special talk titled " Can truth be found ", delivered in various local halls around the world.

" Jesus commanded that this should be commemorated in remembrance of Him. This is an event to show that we are obeying Jesus Christ. Again, we always seize the opportunity to express our appreciation for the greatest expression of love by God, sending His only begotten son to die for us. 

" This makes it possible for us to enjoy peace with God. The occasion is also a time when we see hope that life will not continue to be as it is now. People face a lot of economic challenges, crises,  violence and so on.

" What will be the permanent solution to these problems? It is God’s kingdom by means of Christ Jesus. On the occasion of the memorial of Christ, we reflect on this hope that is made possible through the ransom of Jesus Christ", Professor Adekannbi said.

When responding to question on whether the attendees will have to make monetary offerings at the event, Professor Adekannbi said " No! They don’t need to come with any money. Everything is free! No collection at all! It is just to come to learn how we can show appreciation for God's precious gift of His only begotten son for us to enjoy the real life, the eternal life. Language isn’t a barrier, this programme is going to be held in different Nigerian languages. "

We Will Continue to Provide Enabling Environment for Civil Servants - Oyo Govt.

The Oyo State Head of Service, Mrs Olubunmi Oni mni, has said that the present administration in the State under the leadership of Engr Seyi Makinde would continue to provide an enabling environment for Civil Servants in the State.

She Stated this during a two-day orientation programme organized for the newly recruited officers into various cadres of the Civil Service held at the Local Government Service Training Centre, Secretariat, Ibadan.

She said Governor Seyi Makinde has recruited over 23,000 Civil/Public servants, successfully conducted promotions for eligible Civil/Public Servants from 2017 to 2024, lifted embargo on part time and other in-service training programs including conversion/transfers, sponsored over 10,000 Civil/Public Servants to local and overseas training programme,

She added that the present administration in the State is building sustainable institutions, culture of meritocracy, inclusivity and the massive recruitment of unemployed youths into various sectors of the State with unfettered promotions, advancement and conversion of eligible Civil/Public Servants alongside unprecedented manpower development in the service. 

She said. "Governor Seyi Makinde increased Car and Housing loans of Civil Servants and teachers to maximum limit of N750,000.00 and N3,000,000.00 respectively and successfully implement payment of N80,000.00 minimum wage to all workers in the State from January, 2025 to date, all these are few of numerous worker-friendly achievements of His Excellency, Governor Seyi Makinde, aside other unprecedented  achievements in the areas of Security, Agribusiness, Education and adequate Health Care Service Delivery".

She charged the newly recruited officers to Key into ethical principles of Civil Service which include political neutrality, impartiality, integrity, confidentiality, professionalism, accountability, discipline, transparency, loyalty and meritocracy, adding that. the Civil Service is the backbone of governance, It ensures continuity, implements policies, and delivers essential services to the public".

Mrs Olubunmi Oni urged the new officers to embrace teamwork and networking as no one is an island of knowledge, as she urged them to seek opportunities for capacity development, self-improvement  and embrace new ideas.

"I charge you to shun all acts of indiscipline and unethical behaviors such as bribery and corruption, absenteeism, truancy, that may abruptly end your career as you navigate the voyage of the State Civil/Public Service, you are now part of this system and it is important for you to understand your roles within the system, this is a noble calling that requires dedication, discipline, and integrity".

In his remarks, the Chairman, Civil Service Commission, Alhaji Kamorudeen Aderibigbe said the knowledge, skills and attitudes gained from the orientation training programme would shape the quality service delivery.

Alhaji Aderibigbe hinted that the training  would equip the newly recruited staff the necessary tools for efficient and effective service delivery and will instill the core values of integrity, probity, accountability and professionalism.

Abiodun Atilola 

Media Officer to the SSG/HOS 

2/4/2025.

VIDEO, OYO CPS ON MONDAY: Makinde’s merit system will take Oyo to greater heights, says Oyo PFN chairman

 

The Chairman of Oyo State chapter of the Pentecostal Fellowship of Nigeria (PFN), Reverend Samson Ajetomobi, has said that the merit system emplaced by the Seyi Makinde administration in Oyo State will improve the quality of the workforce in the state in the near future.

Speaking in an interview, the clergyman said by allowing merit to play a pivotal role in the recruitment and appointment of people into critical sectors of the state, Governor Makinde is preparing the state for a great future.

Reverend Ajetomobi said, “One of the things Governor Makinde has done even in employment procedure in Oyo State is to make room for merit. 

We were not doing that before in the state. Now, people write exams, they have cut-off points. 

It doesn’t matter what religious affiliation you belong to. The question is do you meet the cut-off point. If you meet the cut-off point, you are good to go. If you don’t meet up the cut-off point, too bad. It doesn’t matter whether you are a Christian or a Muslim.

 The implication of this principle is that in the near future, the quality of the workforce in Oyo State would have been largely improved because there are criteria that brought everyone on board.”      

According to the PFN Chairman, God has helped Governor Makinde to put in place legacy projects across the state.

He said, “His commitment to infrastructure development is obvious everywhere. If you enter Oyo State, you will feel the impact of a working governor.”

Reverend Ajetomobi lauded the governor for ensuring peaceful coexistence among the different religious groups in the state through his fairness to all.   

Watch the video.