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Gov Bago Presents Over ₦1.03trn 2026 Budget To Niger Assembly

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Niger State Governor, Umaru Bago, has presented a 2026 Appropriation Bill of more than 1.031 trillion to the State House of Assembly, describing it as a “Budget of Consolidation” aimed at sustaining development gains and addressing emerging socio-economic challenges.

Presenting the budget at the Assembly Chamber in Minna, Governor Bago disclosed that the fiscal proposal comprises over ₦270 billion for recurrent expenditure, representing 26.19%, while above ₦761 billion, or 73.81%, is earmarked for capital expenditure.

He said the funding will come from statutory allocations, value-added tax (VAT), internally generated revenue (IGR), FAAC receipts, capital receipts, grants, and loans.

Governor Bago emphasised that the 2026 budget is strategically designed to build on past achievements while meeting the state’s current developmental needs, particularly in a time of global economic shifts.

According to him, the economic sector received the highest allocation of more than ₦510 billion, reflecting the administration’s focus on job creation, agricultural transformation, and sustainable economic expansion.

The transportation sector received the lowest allocation, slightly above ₦1 billion.

Highlighting the key priority areas for the 2026 fiscal year, the governor listed: Wealth and job creation, Agricultural transformation, Strengthening healthcare delivery, and Consolidation of road infrastructure.

Completion of inherited water and electricity projects, Improvement in education, enhanced internal revenue generation, Digital transformation of state-owned media, Peace and security consolidation, and Strategic partnerships for development.

He noted that the budget is anchored on fiscal discipline, strategic investment, and targeted interventions, all aimed at expanding economic opportunities and improving citizens’ quality of life.

He also reviewed the achievements of the 2025 financial year, reaffirming his administration’s commitment to transparency and accountability.

READ ALSO: Bayelsa Govt Confirms Dep Gov’s Death, Declares Three Days Mourning

Governor Bago appreciated the Speaker and members of the 10th State House of Assembly for their cooperation and patriotism, which he said has continued to strengthen governance and boost public confidence in democracy.

He appealed for the timely consideration and passage of the 2026 budget to accelerate development across the state.

The governor further called on Nigerlites to support his efforts to build a secure, green, and prosperous New Niger, assuring that his administration will continue to work tirelessly to overcome challenges and harness opportunities for the benefit of future generations.

In his remarks, the Speaker of the House, AbdulMalik Sarkin-Daji, commended the cordial relationship between the executive and legislative arms.

He praised the governor’s respect for due process, open consultations, and adherence to constitutional principles, noting that these have created an environment where development thrives.

BREAKING: Pulp Fiction star dies after being found unresponsive in their home

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Pulp Fiction star, Peter Greene, has sadly died after being found unresponsive in his home in New York City.

The actor, 60, who played Zed in Pulp Fiction and who starred in a whole host of films, including The Mask and Training Day, was found unresponsive in his apartment on Friday, and pronounced dead at the scene. Greene’s cause of death has not been announced.

Fans of the star flocked to social media to pay their tribute to the actor from New Jersey, who was slated to begin filming with Mickey Rourke in January on an independent production called Mascots.





Peter Greene


Peter Greene played Zed in Pulp Fiction

Praising Greene after news of his death was announced, one fan wrote on X, “Rest in Peace Peter Greene. One of Hollywood’s most memorable actors,” as another shared, “I. used to be so scared of him when I was little watching the Mask… RIP King.”

Meanwhile, the actor’s apartment manager, Gregg Edwards, who confirmed his death, told the New York Post that Greene was a “terrific guy,” adding, that he “truly one of the great actors of our generation. His heart was as big as there was. I’m going to miss him. He was a great friend.”

Revealing that he broke the news of the Greene’s death to Mascots writer-director Kerry Mondragón, Edwards explained, “They were very upset.”






Peter Greene


Fans flocked to social media to pay tribute to the star
(
WireImage)

The apartment building manager also claimed that Greene was a perfectionist when it came to his work, adding that he always wanted his performances to be “right” each time.

“[Peter] worked with so many amazing actors and directors,” Edwards noted, claiming that his role as ruthless mobster Dorian Tyrell opposite Jim Carrey and Cameron Diaz in The Mask is “arguably his best role” and added that his friend also “fought his demons but overcame them.”

Greene had a tough life before he found fame. Originally from Montclair, New Jersey, he ran away from home at 15, and ended up living on the streets of New York, where he began using drugs and then eventually dealing, according to his interview with Premier magazine in 1996.





Peter Greene


Greene had a tough life before he found fame

The outlet reported that it wasn’t until star attempted suicide in March 1996 that he got treatment for his addictions.

After this, Greene’s career began to take off as he later landed roles in several other major hit works including, Laws of Gravity, Clean, Shaven, Blue Streak, and Training Day.

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Dick Van Dyke fans discover his secrets to staying healthy as actor turns 100

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US actor Dick Van Dyke is celebrating his 100th birthday, and to mark the occasion, we take a look at some of the Mary Poppins star’s secrets to staying so healthy

Legendary actor Dick Van Dyke is marking an incredible milestone today (December 13) as he turns 100. The beloved American entertainer, celebrated for his iconic roles in Mary Poppins and Chitty Chitty Bang Bang, is commemorating this extraordinary achievement with intimate family celebrations, charitable functions, a fresh book launch, and tributes across film and television.

While fans remain amazed by Van Dyke’s incredible fitness and energy at such an advanced age, the Missouri-born legend revealed his formula for staying young last year. In a June 2024 interview with Forbes, joined by his wife Arlene Silver, 53, whom he married 12 years ago, Van Dyke discussed his passion for performing and the workout routine that keeps him nimble and robust well into his nineties.

“[Fitness] is getting more important,” he confessed. “I’m only about five months from 99, so I find it the legs I would tell everybody who’s getting old get your legs together. If you’re going to get around, you’re alright, and that’s what I’m working on.”

Van Dyke credits his enduring energy and long-lasting career to ‘keeping moving’, highlighting the importance of physical exercise and maintaining an active lifestyle.

“My mother lived within months of 96 everyone else went in their sixties and seventies,” he remembered. “I put a book out years ago called Keep Moving, so I still exercise everyday. We try to go to the gym and do a little bit of light weight training and everything. I believe that’s it keeping moving.”

He continued by expressing his profound appreciation for his wife, attributing his health and wellbeing to her care. “Oh my God! I don’t think I’d even be here, to tell you that truth,” he said when considering what life would be like without her.

“She keeps me in shape, feeds me and I love her more everyday. We’re just getting closer and close.”

Silver also discussed how Van Dyke has transformed her own existence, observing: “I was very cynical, I think, when I first met him. He’s such a great human being and he’s so pure in his thoughts and his heart, that it’s rubbed off on me. Just all the wholesome things of life that’s what he has and he’s just made me a better person.”

The story recently fascinated Reddit users, sparking discussions about the cherished performer. One user observed: “This actor is not just a legend. He shows us why it is important to stay fit and healthy into our golden years.”

Another replied: “A big part of it is getting in shape while you’re young(er) and to maintain it. Easier to keep things maintained than to fix problems.”

One more heartfelt admirer confessed: “He reminds me a lot of my late father who was a very smiley, friendly kind of guy, so I have a very special place in my heart for Dick Van Dyke.”

The accolades kept flowing, with another admirer adding: “Such a talented man.”

In a heartwarming story, one person revealed their personal experience, saying: “My friends worked at a deli in Cave Creek Az and they said he came in all the time. They said he was super cool.”

Van Dyke also discussed his wellbeing this year, revealing he makes certain to steer clear of two particular things – cigarettes and alcohol.

The star explained he smoked and drank more during his younger years, but recognised he needed to stop if he wanted to boost his health.

According to Unilad, he said: “I smoked a lot, actually! I think I was probably in my 50s before it dawned on me that I had an addictive personality.

“If I liked something, I was going to overdo it.

“So I got rid of booze and cigarettes and all that stuff, which is probably why I’m still here.”

Van Dyke entered hospital for alcoholism back in 1972, but quickly managed to become sober. He also succeeded in giving up smoking, though he admitted that kicking the cigarette habit proved far more challenging than abandoning alcohol.

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The actor has urged supporters who wish to mark his birthday to make a contribution to the charity he backs, The Midnight Mission. This is a non-profit human services organisation situated in the centre of the Skid Row area in downtown Los Angeles.

North Korea’s Kim bestows ‘hero’ titles on soldiers killed in Ukraine war

North Korea’s leader Kim Jong Un has hugged injured soldiers in wheelchairs at a ceremony in the capital, Pyongyang, to welcome home troops who served with Russian forces in the war against Ukraine.

State-run Korean Central News Agency said on Saturday that Kim praised the “mass heroism” of the returning 528th Regiment of Engineers of the Korean People’s Army, which had served in Russia’s Kursk region.

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Kim hailed the regiment’s conduct during its 120-day overseas deployment, which commenced in early August and involved combat and engineering duties, including mine clearing in the Kursk region of Russia, where Ukrainian forces had infiltrated and occupied for months before withdrawing.

“You could work a miracle of turning a vast area of danger zone into a safe and secure one in a matter of less than three months, the task which was believed to be impossible to be carried out even in several years,” Kim said, according to South Korea’s Yonhap news agency.

“The armed villains of the West, armed with whatever latest military hardware they are, cannot match this revolutionary army with an unfathomable spiritual depth,” Kim added at the ceremony on Friday.

North Korean leader Kim Jong Un on Friday welcomed soldiers from the Korean People’s Army’s 528th Regiment of Engineers, who returned from an overseas deployment in Russia’s Kursk region [KCNA via AFP]

The North’s leader also spoke of the “heartrending loss” of nine members of the regiment and announced that the unit would be conferred with the Order of Freedom and Independence. The deceased troops would also be honoured with the title Hero of the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea, KCNA said, referring to North Korea’s official name.

Video footage of the ceremony released by North Korea showed uniformed soldiers disembarking from an aircraft and Kim embracing soldiers seated in wheelchairs, as other soldiers and officials gathered to welcome the troops.

The Russian Ministry of Defence confirmed last month that North Korean troops, who had helped Russia repel Ukraine’s incursion into Kursk, were now involved in clearing the area of mines.

Concluding a key meeting of his ruling Workers’ Party of Korea on Thursday, Kim also praised the deployment of North Korean troops in support of Russia’s war on Ukraine, saying it “demonstrated to the world the prestige of our army”.

North Korea’s “ever-victorious army” was the “genuine protector of international justice”, Kim said.

Under a mutual defence pact between Moscow and Pyongyang, an estimated 14,000 North Korean soldiers were deployed to fight for Russia, with the number of those killed or wounded ranging between 3,000 and 4,000.

The welcoming ceremony held on Friday marks the latest event to publicly honour North Korean soldiers who served in Russia’s war on Ukraine.

In October, Kim was featured embracing weeping soldiers at a ground-breaking ceremony for a planned memorial to those who fought for Russia, and in June, state media showed Kim draping coffins with the national flag in what appeared to be the repatriation of soldiers’ remains from Russia.

This picture taken on December 12, 2025 and released from North Korea's official Korean Central News Agency (KCNA) on December 13 shows North Korean leader Kim Jong Un (at podium) attending a welcoming ceremony for the Korean People's Army's 528th Regiment of Engineers, which returned from an overseas deployment in Russia's Kursk region during Moscow's war with Ukraine, in front of the April 25 House of Culture in Pyongyang. (Photo by KCNA VIA KNS / AFP) / South Korea OUT / SOUTH KOREA OUT / SOUTH KOREA OUT / ---EDITORS NOTE--- RESTRICTED TO EDITORIAL USE - MANDATORY CREDIT
The welcoming home ceremony on Friday in Pyongyang, North Korea, for the Korean People’s Army’s 528th Regiment of Engineers [KCNA via AFP]

Disgraced Huw Edwards issued stern warning over ‘comeback bid’ after bold move

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Former BBC News presenter Huw Edwards has sparked comeback speculation after posting a new photo on social media, with PR experts warning his potential TV return is ‘tone-deaf’ following his conviction for making indecent images of children

It comes as no shock that Huw Edwards has maintained an extremely low profile since being handed a six-month prison sentence, suspended for two years, after admitting to charges of creating indecent images of children. Most expected the disgraced figure to stay out of the public eye for years to come.

Yet the former BBC news presenter has unexpectedly fuelled speculation about a potential television comeback. The 64 year old turned heads when he shared a fresh, moody black and white portrait on his Facebook page. The photograph depicts Edwards in a checked blazer and shirt, displaying grey stubble and wearing a subtle smile – and people gave a mixed reaction to the image.

READ MORE: Fears disgraced BBC presenter Huw Edwards is on ‘comeback trail’ after bold moveREAD MORE: Huw Edwards’ reduced life now from shock new look to vape habit and desperate salary plea

Oddly, it prompted several supportive messages from followers, with one writing: “I hope you are keeping well Huw. Remember, you have so much talent to share.” Another supporter told him in Welsh: “Hurry back Huw, you are a big loss, all the best in the future.”

Edwards was sentenced in September 2024 after pleading guilty to three counts of creating indecent images of children. The court was told that during various WhatsApp conversations with a man subsequently convicted of sexual offences, he was offered “naughty” photographs of someone described as “yng (sic)”. Edwards responded with “go on”.

The former newsreader confessed to possessing 41 images, received via WhatsApp, some of which depicted a victim aged between seven and nine. The images were sent by Alex Williams, a 25 year old convicted sex offender. In another conversation with Williams, Edwards responded “yes” followed by three ‘X’s when asked if he wanted sexual images of an individual who appeared to be “age could be discerned as being between 14 and 16”.

He resigned from the BBC on ‘medical advice’, but now PR expert Mayah Riaz believes that he many very well be gearing up to stage a comeback. But it comes with a dire warning.

“When it comes to Huw Edwards potentially returning to TV, the public mood will be everything. Right now, this feels less like a comeback story and more like a reputational minefield. Audiences do have short memories, but they do not have no memory. Trust, once damaged at that level, is incredibly hard to rebuild,” she told The Mirror.

“If Huw is genuinely considering a return, it would need to be carefully handled, slower paced and rooted in accountability, not reinvention. A slick photoshoot or brooding portrait does not equal redemption.

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“In fact, it can backfire and look tone deaf if the public feels someone is trying to bypass the hard work of rebuilding trust. Right now, the optics of this scream strategy, not sincerity, and viewers are very sharp when it comes to spotting spin.”

Mayah further warned that audiences ‘will not be fooled by a moody headshot and a soft launch, explaining: “The difference between a comeback and a career misstep is timing and humility. Right now, it feels too soon and too visible. You cannot rebrand your way out of a reputational crisis. If he returns, it would likely need to be away from mainstream broadcasting at first, something lower profile and more reflective. You do not glide back onto prime time like nothing happened, the public will not buy that.

Vernon Kay says ‘that’s it’ as he shares ’emotional’ update on wife Tess Daly

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Vernon Kay has reminded his radio fans that the latest series of Strictly Come Dancing will soon comes to an end, in what he anticipates will be an “emotional” time

Vernon Kay has announced “that’s it” as he delivered an “emotional” update regarding his wife, Tess Daly, with her Strictly Come Dancing journey nearing its conclusion. During a recent edition of his BBC Radio 2 programme, Vernon reminded his audience that the current Strictly series would shortly reach its finale, describing it as what he expects will be an “emotional” period.

In a surprising revelation last October, Tess Daly and presenting partner Claudia Winkleman (who also fronts The Traitors and became part of It Takes Two back in 2004) announced their departure from the beloved BBC programme. Their farewell will be this year’s festive special, bringing Tess’s remarkable 21-year journey to a close.

Accompanying the announcement, Claudia and Tess took to Instagram to reflect on their presenting partnership, expressing that they “loved working as a duo and hosting Strictly has been an absolute dream”, revealing they were “always going to leave together” and felt it was the “right time”.

The ex-Family Fortunes presenter wed Tess at St Mary’s Church in Horwich back in 2003, and the couple are parents to daughters Phoebe and Amber. His remarks came after the broadcast of Mary J. Blige’s 2001 hitFamily Affair, which he disclosed was amongst Tess’s most cherished tracks.

He revealed: “That is Strictly Come Dancing Tess Daly’s favourite tune – I’d say at least in the top three – or soon to be Tess Daly. Only two more shows to go; oh, and the Christmas special! So, three more shows to go – semi-final, final and then the Christmas special, and then, that’s it. Yeah, it’s gonna be emotional. It’s gonna be emosh.”

Claudia and Tess have shared presenting responsibilities since 2014, when Claudia stepped in to replace the late Sir Bruce Forsyth, who had co-hosted the original series alongside Tess from 2004. As part of the announcement, Tess shared a statement on Instagram which was met with support from pals and fans.

In an emotional post reflecting on her incredible two-decade journey with the massively popular BBC dance show, she penned: “After 21 unforgettable years, the time has come to say goodbye to Strictly Come Dancing. It’s hard to put into words what this show has meant to me, so here goes..

“Strictly has been more than just a television programme. It’s felt like having a third child, a second family, and a huge part of my life since that very first show back in 2004. I knew then it was something special, but I could never have imagined the magic it would bring.

“Strictly has always been about joy, celebration, and bringing people together – and I’m so proud to have played a small part in something that continues to mean so much to so many.”

Tess revealed she wasn’t bidding farewell to “glitter, sequins, or Saturday night sparkle”, emphasising that the programme would forever hold a “special place” in her heart.

Tess was also reportedly moved to tears whilst she and Claudia filmed the Strictly Christmas special – their final appearance as the show’s presenting duo. In an exclusive Mirror report, it emerged that Tess was offered the chance to perform her favourite dance alongside Slovenian Strictly professional Aljaž Škorjanec. This represented her first personal dance floor appearance since 2008.

An audience member, speaking after the recording, disclosed to the publication: “Tess and Claudia looked pretty choked as they grabbed hold of each other’s hands and said that this was the final time they were ever going to say ‘keeeeeep dancing’.” They further alleged that the duo were “fighting hard to hold it together”.

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Providing additional insight about the recording, they continued: “Tess was wiping away tears afterwards. She managed to do it in between takes so on screen, she will look fine. But the audience knew – it all felt incredibly emotional. We were stamping and cheering and gave them a standing ovation at the end.”