It’s that glorious time of the month—salary week. We all know the bank alert will soon hit, and we’re constantly checking our phones in anticipation. But do you have a plan for how you want to spend your salary already?

Or do you just want to treat yourself to an all-time high? There’s nothing wrong with giving yourself a needed treat, but you must be careful to stop your whole salary from disappearing.

But what should you do? Budget wisely and spend money on the things that truly matter, depending on your salary.

Here are some proven budgeting hacks that will make your money last and work for you.

ALSO READ: How to eat healthy on a budget in Nigeria

Use the 50/30/20 rule

Although old, this method still works wonders for salary earners and business people. It allows you to ration your salary into useful portions. The first 50% goes to needs, including rent, food, and transport. The next 30% goes to wants. This is where frivolities like cable subscriptions, outings, Netflix and Showmax come into play.

You know the size of your salary, and of course, that should guide you in making the right choice. The last 20% should be exclusively for savings and debt repayments. Be disciplined with these formulas, and you’ll see how far your finances go.

Name every naira 

One of the biggest money mistakes many people make is spontaneously spending without planning for it. This leaves you wondering where your money went. What you should do instead is to use a zero-based budget. Use a zero-based budget where every naira is assigned a job – whether it’s groceries, data plans, or your emergency fund. There are even apps these days dedicated to helping you budget efficiently.

Plan for your meals 

The cost of meals may seem insignificant, but if you add them up for the month, you’ll see that you’ve spent a lot of money. So, one of the best ways to save money and stay healthy is to plan your meals. Spend time on Sunday to plan easy, budget-friendly meals for the week.

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Instead of buying food outside, learn to cook and package your food in a flask before going to work. You’ll soon see that the little cash you spend here and there buying extra plates of food will be better used.

Budget for fun – yes, really

ALSO READ: How to plan a budget-friendly trip with friends

A budget isn’t a punishment. It’s a plan. Set aside money specifically for guilt-free enjoyment. You’re less likely to overspend if you know you already permitted yourself to splurge (responsibly). So, while you’re making all your plans, remember it’s not a crime to have a little fun.

Track. Review. Adjust. Repeat

Budgeting isn’t one-size-fits-all. What worked last month might not work this month. Track your spending weekly. Be honest. And tweak where necessary.

Nigeria has vast natural resources and potential for growth but it continues to grapple with high poverty rates, particularly in certain regions.

Most of the poorest states are concentrated in the northern region, where insecurity, infrastructural decay, weak institutions, and low human development indices persist. While various government interventions and programs have been introduced to tackle poverty, progress has been slow due to corruption, mismanagement, and lack of sustainable planning.

Here are the 10 poorest states in Nigeria, highlighting the unique socio-economic and structural challenges that each state faces.

ALSO READ: Here’s the poorest country in the world (2024)

1. Sokoto State

• Poverty Rate: 87.73%

• Region: North West

• Capital: Sokoto

• Population (2023): 5.52 million

Sokoto tops the list as the poorest state in Nigeria. Its economy is heavily reliant on agriculture, but extreme temperatures and poor irrigation limit productivity. Security challenges, including bandit attacks, have displaced farmers and worsened food shortages. Sokoto has poor infrastructure, high unemployment, and limited access to healthcare and education. The state struggles to provide basic needs for its residents.

2. Taraba State

• Poverty Rate: 87.72%

• Region: North East

• Capital: Jalingo

• Population (2023): 3.27 million

Despite being rich in natural resources and agricultural potential, Taraba suffers from underdeveloped infrastructure and security issues caused by communal clashes. These challenges have crippled its economy and left many residents dependent on low-yield subsistence farming. Inadequate access to education and healthcare has also contributed to its high poverty rate.

3. Jigawa State

• Poverty Rate: 87.02%

• Region: North West

• Capital: Dutse

• Population (2023): 5.83 million

Created in 1991, Jigawa depends heavily on agriculture. However, outdated farming methods, low rainfall, and poor access to education and healthcare continue to plague the state. Corruption and mismanagement of government support programs have hindered progress, leaving the majority of the population in poverty.

4. Ebonyi State

• Poverty Rate: 79.76%

• Region: South East

• Capital: Abakaliki

• Population (2023): 3.32 million

Ebonyi is the only southern state on this list, reflecting that poverty is not solely a regional issue. With most of the population engaged in small-scale farming, poor soil quality and environmental degradation further limit productivity. Poor infrastructure and limited social services worsen the living conditions, and despite government initiatives, little progress has been made in reducing poverty.

ALSO READ: The 10 poorest countries in the world are all in Africa

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5. Adamawa State

• Poverty Rate: 75.41%

• Region: North East

• Capital: Yola

• Population (2023): 4.25 million

Adamawa’s agricultural economy has been destabilized by years of insurgency, particularly from Boko Haram. Displacement and insecurity have disrupted farming and access to essential services. Poor infrastructure and limited investment in education and health continue to push the majority of its residents deeper into poverty.

6. Zamfara State

• Poverty Rate: 73.98%

• Region: North West

• Capital: Gusau

• Population (2023): 4.52 million

Zamfara’s economic and social challenges are deeply rooted in insecurity, high debt levels, and poor educational access. Banditry and communal conflicts have paralyzed agricultural activity, and with a growing number of out-of-school children, the future prospects for development remain grim.

7. Yobe State

• Poverty Rate: 72.34%

• Region: North East

• Capital: Damaturu

• Population (2023): 3.29 million

Yobe suffers from chronic insecurity due to insurgency, poor infrastructure, and limited access to healthcare and education. These challenges have led to widespread displacement, making it difficult for residents to lead stable, productive lives.

8. Kebbi State

• Poverty Rate: 60.11%

• Region: North West

• Capital: Birnin Kebbi

• Population (2023): 5.56 million

Kebbi struggles with high unemployment, poor infrastructure, and rising infant mortality rates. Despite some government programs, corruption and poor resource management hinder progress. Many citizens lack access to clean water, electricity, and adequate healthcare.

9. Gombe State

• Poverty Rate: 62.31%

• Region: North East

• Capital: Gombe

• Population (2023): 3.51 million

Though rich in agricultural potential, Gombe faces massive infrastructural deficits and youth unemployment. Poor road networks limit farmers’ access to markets, while a struggling education system and unreliable power supply stifle economic growth and entrepreneurship.

10. Bauchi State

• Poverty Rate: 61.53%

• Region: North East

• Capital: Bauchi

• Population (2023): 7.16 million

Bauchi is among the most populous of the poorest states. Agricultural activity is widespread, but poor soil, inconsistent rainfall, and limited infrastructure hamper productivity. Underfunded healthcare and educational systems further deepen the cycle of poverty.

Poverty remains one of Nigeria’s most pressing challenges, affecting millions of citizens and stalling the country’s economic development. To truly address poverty in these regions, Nigeria must prioritize inclusive development, security, and investments in human capital.

ALSO READ: Top 10 richest states in Nigeria (2025)

In a world where political power is often associated with experience and age, a new wave of young leaders is challenging that narrative.

A number of politicians have risen to their country’s highest office before the age of 40. The rise of young presidents and prime ministers across the globe marks a generational shift in leadership. These under-40 leaders represent diverse political ideologies but what unites them is their ability to harness youth energy, social media savvy, and bold ideas to challenge the status quo.

ALSO READ: The youngest presidents in US history, ranked — Theodore Roosevelt is number one

These leaders bring with them fresh perspectives, bold agendas, and often, a break from traditional politics. Here’s a look at world leaders who made history by becoming presidents or heads of government before turning 40.

1. Daniel Noboa (Ecuador) – Elected at 35

In October 2023, Daniel Noboa became Ecuador‘s youngest-ever president at the age of 35. He is the heir to a banana empire and comes from a powerful political family. His father, Álvaro Noboa, ran unsuccessfully for the presidency five times. Daniel’s campaign focused on tackling the country’s escalating violence, economic instability, and youth unemployment. Despite his privileged background, he managed to connect with younger voters eager for change. His election signals a shift in Ecuadorian politics toward a new generation of leadership.

2. Gabriel Boric (Chile) – Elected at 35

Gabriel Boric made headlines around the world in December 2021 when he became Chile‘s youngest-ever president at age 35. A former student leader who rose to prominence during the 2011 protests for free education, Boric ran on a progressive platform promising to transform Chile into a greener, more equitable state. His government faced early hurdles when a draft constitution aimed at increasing Indigenous rights and enshrining social protections was rejected by voters. Nevertheless, Boric remains a symbol of political renewal in Latin America.

3. Nayib Bukele (El Salvador) – Elected at 37

Nayib Bukele came into power in February 2019 at the age of 37, breaking the traditional two-party dominance in El Salvador. A tech-savvy populist, Bukele has remained highly popular due to his aggressive crackdown on violent gangs, despite widespread concern over his authoritarian tendencies and human rights abuses. His administration has filled prisons and declared a state of emergency, actions that resonate with many Salvadorans weary of insecurity.

ALSO READ: 10 youngest billionaires in the world and how they made their money

4. Emmanuel Macron (France) – Elected at 39

In 2017, at just 39 years old, Emmanuel Macron became France’s youngest president. A former investment banker and economy minister, Macron founded his own political movement—La République En Marche. He positioned himself as a centrist alternative to traditional parties. His first term was marred by widespread “yellow vest” protests over economic inequality and fuel taxes. Still, he secured a second term in 2022 by defeating far-right leader Marine Le Pen, reaffirming his place at the center of French and European politics.

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5. Leo Varadkar (Ireland) – Appointed at 38

When Leo Varadkar became Ireland’s taoiseach (prime minister) in 2017 at 38, he broke several barriers: he was the country’s youngest-ever leader, its first openly gay head of government, and the first of Indian descent. The son of an Indian doctor and Irish nurse, Varadkar symbolized a more inclusive and progressive Ireland. He returned to the top role in 2022 in a power-sharing agreement, continuing to focus on issues like healthcare reform, housing, and the post-Brexit relationship with Northern Ireland.

6. Irakli Garibashvili (Georgia) – Elected at 31

Irakli Garibashvili became Europe’s youngest government leader in 2013 when he was appointed prime minister of Georgia at the age of 31. A close ally of billionaire and former prime minister Bidzina Ivanishvili, Garibashvili emphasized a “balanced” foreign policy, seeking EU and NATO membership while maintaining a neutral stance on the Russia-Ukraine conflict. He later returned to the role in 2021, continuing to promote political stability and economic development in the post-Soviet nation.

7. Vjosa Osmani (Kosovo) – Elected at 38

Vjosa Osmani was elected president of Kosovo in April 2021 at the age of 38. A trained lawyer and former university professor, she is Kosovo’s second female president and one of the most popular politicians in the country. Known for her reformist and pro-Western stance, Osmani has worked to strengthen Kosovo’s international recognition and EU integration. After her election, she encouraged women to pursue leadership roles, declaring, “All your dreams can come true.”

8. Jakov Milatović (Montenegro) – Elected at 36

At 36, Jakov Milatović became president of Montenegro in April 2023 after defeating longtime leader Milo Djukanovic. Though the presidency is largely ceremonial, his win signaled a political shake-up. As a former economy minister, Milatović gained popularity by doubling the minimum wage and advocating for EU integration.

ALSO READ: Meet the youngest mother in medical history – She was 5 years old