The Akwa Ibom State Governor, Umo Eno, on Tuesday, presented the 2025 budget proposal of N955 billion to the state House of Assembly for approval. The governor, who christened the appropriation bill “Budget of Consolidation and Expansion,” said the sum of N300 billion was earmarked as recurrent expenditure of N300bn and N655 billion for capital expenditure in the budget. He said the budget is predicated on an oil benchmark of $75.00 per barrel, production quota of 2.12 million barrels per day, and exchange rate of ₦1,400/$. READ ALSO: Governor Eno clarifies LG autonomy to newly elected chairmen Eno said: “The government has proposed a total budgetary outlay of N955bn for the 2025 financial year as against the proposed revised provision of N923.462 of 2024, representing an increase of 3% from the 2024 revised budget. “This is made up of recurrent expenditure of N300bn and capital expenditure of N655 billion. “2025 is predicated on an oil benchmark of $75.00 per barrel at a production rate of 2.12 million barrels per day with an estimated exchange rate of ₦1,400/US$, in line with the National Budget benchmark projections.” Opinions Balanced, fearless journalism driven by data comes at huge financial costs. As a media platform, we hold leadership accountable and will not trade the right to press freedom and free speech for a piece of cake. If you like what we do, and are ready to uphold solutions journalism, kindly donate to the Ripples Nigeria cause. Your support would help to ensure that citizens and institutions continue to have free access to credible and reliable information for societal development. Donate Now
Aquarius – (20th January to 18th February) Weekly Horoscope Prediction says, let your dreams fly Minor friction may be there in the love affair. However, settle them amicably. Overcome professional challenges through commitment. Prosperity exists. Do not let tremors impact the love life. Be sensible while making crucial professional decisions. Both health and wealth will be at your side. Aquarius Love Horoscope This Week Minor tremors may be there in the existing love life and you need to take the steps to settle it without chaos. Some females will be happy sharing emotions. Be expressive and this can do surprises in the relationship. You may also call for a holiday where the future can be discussed. Avoid office romance, especially with married coworkers. Some single natives are lucky to fall in love this week. Some females will have the backing of parents and this will help in deciding the marriage. Aquarius Career Horoscope This Week You will be required to be patient as some controversies will point at you. A freelancing opportunity can be a good option to display your talent and when such an option knocks you, pick it. Avoid ego clashes at the workplace and stick to your principles even when they cause you trouble. Minor hiccups will be there at office meetings but your commitment will help you overcome them. Entrepreneurs may be successful in signing new business deals that may prosper your business. Aquarius Money Horoscope This Week You may be successful this week in clearing all pending dues. The stock market, shares, and speculative business will bring in good revenue. Consider taking the help of an expert for better money management. Traders dealing with computer accessories, textiles, footwear, and furniture will have a good return. This week is also good to buy a new property. A celebration or event will come up and you will need to contribute. Aquarius Health Horoscope This Week Keep control of your emotions as this would reduce mental stress. Some females who are pregnant may have pain in their joints and should also avoid riding a bike or boarding a train. Ensure you take a walk in the morning or evening which will keep you physically fit. You should also be careful about your diet. Skip both alcohol and tobacco. Seniors who have minor sleep-related issues must opt for traditional methods. Aquarius Sign Attributes Strength: Tolerant, Ideal, Friendly, Charitable, Independent, Logical Weakness: Disobedient, Liberalistic, Rebel Symbol: Water carrier Element: Air Body Part: Ankles & Legs Sign Ruler: Uranus Lucky Day: Saturday Lucky Color: Navy Blue Lucky Number: 22 Lucky Stone: Blue Sapphire Aquarius Sign Compatibility Chart Natural affinity: Aries, Gemini, Libra, Sagittarius Good compatibility: Leo, Aquarius Fair compatibility: Cancer, Virgo, Capricorn, Pisces Less compatibility: Taurus, Scorpio By: Dr. J. N. Pandey Vedic Astrology & Vastu Expert Website: www.astrologerjnpandey.com E-mail: djnpandey@gmail.com Phone: 91-9811107060 (WhatsApp Only)Big Ten could place four teams in playoff, thanks to IU's rise
Examining Generative AI: Cutting Through the Chaos / False Stories Spread to Thwart Western Aid for Ukraine, Reduce Nation’s Resolve to Battle RussiaNoneQatar's prime minister said on Saturday that momentum had returned to talks aimed at securing a truce and hostage exchange deal in Gaza following Donald Trump's election as US president. The Gulf emirate, along with the United States and Egypt, had been involved in months of unsuccessful negotiations for a Gaza truce and hostage release. But in November, Doha announced it had put its mediation on hold, saying it would resume when Hamas and Israel showed "willingness and seriousness". "We have sensed, after the election, that the momentum is coming back," Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman bin Jassim Al-Thani told the Doha Forum for political dialogue. He spoke as a source close to the Hamas delegation in the talks told AFP that a new round of negotiations will "most likely" begin in the coming week. Sheikh Mohammed said that while there were "some differences" in the approach to an agreement by the outgoing and incoming US administrations, "we didn't see or recognise any disagreement on the goal itself to end the war". He said there had been "a lot of encouragement from the incoming administration in order to achieve a deal, even before the president comes to the office", adding this had affected Qatar's decision to get talks "back on track". "We hope to get things done as soon as possible. We hope that the willingness of the parties to engage in a good faith continues," he said. The source close to the Hamas delegation, speaking on condition of anonymity, told AFP: "Based on contacts with the mediators, we expect a new round of negotiations to begin in Cairo, most likely this week, to discuss ideas and proposals regarding a ceasefire and a prisoner exchange." The source added that Turkey, as well as Egypt and Qatar, had been "making commendable efforts to stop the war". In a statement later on Saturday, the group said Turkish spy chief Ibrahim Kalin met with a Hamas delegation in Doha to discuss the war in Gaza. The war in Gaza was sparked by Hamas's October 7, 2023 attack on Israel, which resulted in the deaths of 1,208 people, mostly civilians, according to an AFP tally based on official figures. During the attack, militants kidnapped 251 people, 96 of whom remain in Gaza, including 34 declared dead by the Israeli military. Israel's retaliatory military campaign in Gaza has killed at least 44,664 people, a majority civilians, according to figures from the territory's Hamas-run health ministry which the UN considers reliable. The US president-elect this week warned on social media of unspecified massive repercussions if the hostages were not released by the time he takes office next month. Trump has vowed staunch support for Israel and to dispense with outgoing President Joe Biden's occasional criticism, but has also spoken of his desire to secure deals on the world stage. On Saturday, Qatar's premier dismissed the prospect of his country facing greater pressure over the status of the Hamas political bureau, which the Gulf state has hosted since 2012 with Washington's blessing. Sheikh Mohammed called the Hamas office a "platform to convene between the different parties". Qatar was not "expected to enforce solutions" on the Palestinian militants, he added. csp/srm/dcp/it
Georgia QB Carson Beck's status for Sugar Bowl uncertain as he considers treatment options on elbowShoppers and people heading for a night out in Manchester city centre did a double-take. Two of the world's most famous rock stars wandering around the Northern Quarter . Scores of people took to social media on Friday to report that incredibly, they'd bumped into Bono and The Edge from U2 on and around Oldham Street. Iconic music shop Piccadilly Records posted on Instagram, (we now know tongue-in-cheek) saying: "Great to have Bono and The Edge in the shop earlier." Bono was even filmed singing in a bar, mobbed by revellers. READ MORE: The town where people can't agree if they live in Manchester or not But all was not as it seemed. Sadly the Irish heroes were not in town. But two people who for many were, even better than the real thing, were. The Manchester Evening News understands it was in fact Bonodouble, the world's leading U2 tribute act. Pavel Sfera has been impersonating Bono for over 20 years, making solo appearances and playing shows with his band. Legend has it, that on several occasions, he has been asked to double for Bono...by Bono himself. You can even buy personalised video messages from him. The pair turned heads as they mooched around Oldham Street (Image: Piccadilly Records (Instagram)) He often steps out with his English pal Steve Richards, who takes on the role of The Edge. Its understood they were playing a gig for a Christmas party in the city. One clip posted on Facebook showed the pair performing the U2 track Sunday Bloody Sunday at a party that was in full swing. But they certainly made an impression as they mooched around town beforehand. They were stopped in the street by people asking for pictures. One user on X, formerly Twiiter, said: "Might have just met Bono or The Edge. I didn't believe it, I still don't to be honest. It looked a lot like them.. asked about U2 in the shop, took photos with people." Another said: "Bumped in to Bono and the edge from U2 today in Manchester. Bono was super, even did a video thank you it made my day."
NEW ORLEANS (AP) — Saints quarterback Derek Carr was willing to risk his health to improve New Orleans’ chances of playing meaningful football in mid-December. Now the Saints, who’ve remained mathematically alive in the playoff race by winning three of four, might have to play without Carr again — and it didn’t go well the last time. Saints interim coach Darren Rizzi declined on Monday to rule out Carr for any of New Orleans' final four games because of his injured non-throwing hand or his concussion . Both injuries occurred when he tried to leap for a first down and crashed hard to the turf during the fourth quarter of New Orleans' 14-11 victory over the reeling New York Giants on Sunday. “We’re not going to rule him out just yet,” Rizzi said. “We have to see in the next day or two what the healing process is like and see if he can function. “The good news it’s not his throwing hand,” Rizzi said. “The bad news is we’re obviously dealing with an injury here that we have to kind of play it by ear.” Rizzi noted that Carr must clear the concussion protocol first. After that, he said, the Saints can see how well Carr can operate with his hand injury. “It's been done before,” Rizzi said when asked about the prospect of an NFL QB playing with an injured non-throwing hand. “It appears at moment that it's non-surgical, which is a big aspect of it. ... That's why we're going to discuss the options.” Last season, Los Angeles Chargers QB Justin Herbert played with a fractured finger on his non-throwing hand . Buffalo Bills QB Josh Allen has played part of this season with an injured non-throwing hand . If Carr can't play, his replacement will be either second-year pro Jake Haener or rookie Spencer Rattler. Rattler started three games earlier this season when Carr had an oblique injury — all losses by New Orleans, which was in the midst of a seven-game skid. “We've just got to surround whomever it is and pick him up and get him rolling with the rest of us,” guard Lucas Patrick said. “It's just another step of adversity in this long season that we’ve had.” New Orleans' interior defensive line is coming off one of its better games. Defensive tackles Bryan Bresee and Khalen Saunders accounted for both New Orleans' sacks in New York. The Saints also held the Giants to 112 yards rushing — a lower opponent rushing total than in seven other games this season. The Saints' 92 yards rushing offensively was their fourth-lowest total all season and the lowest in any of their victories. Running back Kendre Miller's future is looking a bit brighter now. He has played in just three games this season because of hamstring injuries and his lack of readiness was criticized by since-fired coach Dennis Allen earlier this season. Miller also has yet to rush for more than 36 yards in a game. But against the Giants, he earned praise for the speed, strength and elusiveness he was able to show on a couple of clutch runs, including an 8-yard run for his first and only touchdown this season. Patrick said Miller deserved credit on his scoring run for staying upright and continuing to push forward — with the help of some teammates — after he was met at the 5-yard line by a Giants defender. Patrick said if Miller didn't give the extra effort and stay on his feet, his teammates would not have had the chance to help push him across the goal line. “Kendre's definitely a bright, young runner and he's exciting to block for,” Patrick said. Blake Grupe was 0 for 2 on field goal attempts, although both were from beyond 50 yards and one was blocked. Those were Grupe's first two failures from beyond 50 yards this season. In addition to Carr, reserve linebacker D’Marco Jackson left Sunday's game with an ankle injury. 0 — The number of games the Saints have won when Carr does not play. They've gone 5-5 in his starts this season. The Saints are back home Sunday against Washington in what could be ex-New Orleans cornerback Marshon Lattimore's first game with the Commanders. The game also marks the return to Louisiana of quarterback Jayden Daniels, who won the Heisman Troply last year at LSU. AP NFL: https://apnews.com/hub/nflSaint Bonaventure wins 65-55 over Buffalo
Crosby ‘Palace’ turns 50: Celebrating a half-century of basketball legacy
The Brazilian shot-stopper has been sidelined for several weeks, first with a thigh issue and , missing ten games in all competitions. Despite these challenges, the Reds have displayed remarkable resilience under manager Arne Slot, sitting atop the Premier League and leading their Champions League group. In Alisson’s absence, Caoimhin Kelleher has performed admirably, delivering key saves to help Liverpool maintain their strong form, to help the Reds win 2-0. However, Slot has consistently emphasised the unique qualities that make Alisson irreplaceable. Liverpool boost: Timely return of Alisson Becker Alisson’s availability comes as Liverpool grapple with a string of injuries. Defenders Ibrahima Konate, Conor Bradley, and Kostas Tsimikas are ruled out until Christmas, while Federico Chiesa is still recovering from illness. Forward Diogo Jota has returned to training but is not yet ready for match action, adding further strain to the squad. Since joining Liverpool in 2018 for a then-record fee, Alisson has been a cornerstone of the team’s success, contributing to Premier League and Champions League victories. His commanding presence, shot-stopping prowess, and ability to organise the defence have earned him a reputation as one of the best goalkeepers in the world. This season, the 32-year-old has already demonstrated his value, keeping five clean sheets in just eight appearances across all competitions despite limited game time. Liverpool face a packed fixture schedule, with domestic and European ambitions driving their campaign. Alisson’s return not only solidifies their defensive structure but also provides a morale boost for the squad. The Reds will hope to capitalize on their momentum as they take on Girona, aiming to extend their unbeaten run in Europe.