FG releases N17bn for Abuja-Kano highway.

FG releases N17bn for Abuja-Kano highway.

The Federal Government has released N17bn to the contractor handling the Abuja-Kaduna-Kano highway to hasten completion of the project.

The FG also stated that all sections of the Abuja-Kaduna-Kano highway will be completed in 24 months.

The Minister of Works, David Umahi, disclosed this during an inspection of the Abuja-Kaduna section of the highway on Friday.

Umahi, who was accompanied by the Minister of Finance and Coordinating Economy, Wale Edun, said the government made the new timeline after reaching an agreement with the contractor of the road, Julius Berger Construction Company.

A week ago, the minister had promised to complete the road this year, reminiscent of numerous assurances on several occasions to complete the project since December 20, 2018, when the contract was awarded.

In October 2022, the former minister of State, Works and Housing, Umar El-Yakub, said work on the Kaduna-Abuja highway, and Zaria-Kano road would be completed in early 2023 to reduce negative effects on road users.

Similarly, the former Minister of Works and Housing, Babatunde Fashola, in April 2023 stated that the past administration could not fulfill its promise due to security challenges experienced in 2022 and the relocation of some communities on the Zaria section of the 265km road project.

The road which would have been completed, according to design, dragged on till the end of Fashola’s tenure with only the Kaduna to Zaria section completed from the three sections.

Speaking during the inspection, Umahi blamed the delay on a paucity of funds but assured of the government’s commitment to end the road on time, adding that payment of N17bn has been approved and other finances would be endorsed in due course.

“This is the second time I have inspected this road since we came in and it shows you how much Mr President is in touch with happenings all over the country. He directed us to move in and provide lasting solutions here.”

“And I can inform you that The Nigerian Sovereign Investment Authority has been informed to pay the contractor the outstanding certificate of N17bn. then another certificate of N23bn is already being processed and so we assure you that funding will no longer be a problem.”

Explaining reasons for the new date, the former Ebonyi governor disclosed that the new date was set because Julius Berger agreed to complete 15 kilometers every month.

“We are looking at 24 months to finish the project, it can only be Berger that will finish in 24 months. So with an assured financing model by the Minister of Finance, it will be completed. The total section of 290km dual way is uncompleted but if we look at the total four sections, we are looking at 15km completion every month, which is very serious and a tall order.”

“The total road length is 375km, which is equivalent to 750km of dual lane. Now, Kaduna to Zaria is completed. We have only 20km left between Zaria and Kano. We are looking at redesigning it, with concrete pavement. Already the contractor is aware. I know we have the issue differences in terms of reviewing the contract price but we’ve sorted all that out and I’m happy we have progressed. We’ve sent the geotechnical team to re-examine the strength of the subgrade,” he added.

On his part, Edun stressed that the timely completion of the road remains a top priority for President Bola Tinubu, who views road infrastructure as a key element in revitalising and stabilising the nation’s economy.

He added that infrastructure is a critical priority of this administration and a source of getting food prices down through good transportation, and easy transportation of agricultural products.

Edun said, “As the Coordinating Minister of the economy in line with the mandate of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, we are here to get commitment from the contractor and encourage them.”

“We are headed for a dry season and eventually the harvest season so we want the goods to move freely across the country. That will bring down food prices; that will bring down inflation and then stabilize the economy and then we’ll be doing more.”

Ekiti LG Boss, Ogungbemi Salutes Tinubu for Being Apolitical, Unbiased with Anti-Graft Wars.

Ekiti LG Boss, Ogungbemi Salutes Tinubu for Being Apolitical, Unbiased with Anti-Graft Wars.

.....Lauds Oyebanji's selfless, sacrificial leadership style.

The Chairman of Ajoni Local Council Development Area of Ekiti State, Hon. Prince (Amb) Michael Ogungbemi who also doubles as the Ekiti State Publicity Secretary of the Afenifere Renewal Group (ARG), a socio-political group has commended President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for being terrific and non-partisan in prosecuting the wars against graft and pilfering of public funds.

Ogungbemi, who was sworn in recently for his second term tenure, praised President Tinubu for his zealous and dispassionate postures in the way he handled the reported alleged graft related cases in the Ministry of Humanitarian Affairs.

The President recently suspended the Minister of Humanitarian Affairs, Betta Edu over alleged misappropriation of a sum of N543m, while also removed the 

Chief Executive Officer of the National Social Investment Programme Agency (NSIPA), Hajia Halima Shehu, from office due to alleged financial impropriety.

In the same fashion, the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, had begun an extensive probe into alleged diversion of a staggering sum of N37 billion under the leadership of the former Minister in the Ministry, Hajia Sadiya Umar Farouq .

Reacting to the alleged scams, Ogungbemi, in a statement released from Ayedun Ekiti, headquarters of the LCDA, on Friday, posited that President Tinubu, had further gained the trust of Nigerians by these recent actions.

Ogungbemi stated that the fact that the President rose above the primordial sentiment of partisanship to carry out the actions in line with the thinking and wishes of Nigerians showed that the era of sacred cows in the wars against sleaze in the country was over.

The council boss commended the EFCC Chairman, Mr. Olanipekun Olukoyede, for exhibiting high level of professionalism, urging him to keep the tempo to help the current government combat highly possessive ill-gotten wealth spirit among public servants.

He added further that Nigeria would find it herculean to develop and join the comity of advanced nations if the egregiously pervasive and endemic corruption in the system is not cleansed. 

The council boss urged the anti graft agencies to extend their tentacles and beam their searchlights across all the layers of government, so that monies appropriated for Nigerians are not diverted into private purses.

Ogungbemi stated that "with the recent gale of sacks and suspensions blowing in the Humanitarian Affairs Ministry, it was obvious that the fight against graft has gained tremendous traction and acceptability under President Tinubu.

"I was particularly dazzled that President Tinubu started the war from within by sacking and suspending his appointees to show to Nigerians that it is no longer business as usual. 

"By the time the war will be extended across, no opposition will cry of victimisation or vindictiveness. This was the signal Mr President was sending across.

"Time has come for all public servants to see the public funds as a Commonwealth and collective patrimony that must be used for the citizens judiciously, so that we can overcome the challenges of poverty, unemployment, inequality and social disorders in the system".

At the homefront, Ogungbemi praised Governor Biodun Oyebanji for being selfless, simple, and sacrificial in his service to Ekiti, saying these the governor displayed by running a government that is spartan and financially disciplined for the citizens to reap democracy dividends.

"By actions, deeds and dispositions, Governor Oyebanji remains one of the most prudent and financially disciplined governors in Nigeria. He runs a government in such a way that would conserve public funds and that was why he told his appointees that no luxury of official cars and payment of some special allowances for now. 

"This connotes that the APC government of Ekiti has keyed into the Anti-graft war being prosecuted by President Tinubu at the federal level and we are gradually feeling the gains by the quantum of Infrastructures and other social intervention programmes being enjoyed under Governor Oyebanji's government".

Hon Ogunsanya Engages Retired Military Veterans in Solemn Armistice Remembrance Jumat Service.

Hon Ogunsanya Engages Retired Military Veterans in Solemn Armistice Remembrance Jumat Service.

By Olamide Akinwumi J.

In a poignant observance of the Armistice 2024 Armed Forces Remembrance Day, Hon Ogunsanya Lawrence Sunday, the Executive Chairman of Ifedara LCDA, participated in the Jumat service organized at the Central Mosque in Igbemo-Ekiti. The solemn occasion was dedicated to honoring retired military men who have served the nation with dedication and sacrifice.

During the Jumat service, Hon Ogunsanya addressed the gathering of retired military veterans, urging them to lend their support to both his administration and the overarching government of Governor Biodun Abayomi Oyebanji. The Chairman emphasized the importance of collaboration, recognizing the valuable contributions that the fallen Soldiers and Heroes have made in Nigeria.

He expressed, "Our fallen Soldiers and Heroes have made the ultimate sacrifice. They have laid down their lives so that we may enjoy the freedom they fought to secure for us. Let us keep them in our thoughts and prayers, not just on Memorial day, but every day," explaining the profound gratitude owed to the nation's defenders.

Expressing his commitment to inclusive governance, Hon Ogunsanya Lawrence promised to keep the retired military veterans informed and involved in the activities of his administration. This pledge signifies a dedication to ensuring that the experiences and insights of these esteemed individuals contribute to the decision-making processes within the LCDA.

The commitment to community support, inclusive governance, and broader development aligns with Hon Ogunsanya Lawrence's vision for a united and progressive Ifedara LCDA. The Armistice Remembrance Jumat Service provided a platform for the Chairman to underscore the importance of unity and collaboration in the pursuit of shared goals.

The preacher urged the good People of Ifedara LCDA, Ekiti, and Nigeria at large to pray for the soldiers every day, especially those who had paid the supreme sacrifice by giving their lives in defense of society. He emphasized that the soldiers' responsibilities to the nation stemmed from the tasks that Allah, in His infinite mercy and wisdom, has given to all mankind.

In attendance at the Jumat service were Vice Chairman of Ifedara LCDA, Hon Sola Olowojebutu, as well as key officials, including the Heads of Local Government Administration (HLA), Department of Agriculture (DA), Department of Finance (DF), and the Head of Department (HoD) of the community. This collective presence emphasized the LCDA's commitment to honoring and engaging with the retired military veterans.

As the last notes of the Jumat service for the fallen military servicemen echoed through the mosque, Hon Ogunsanya Lawrence and his entourage departed with a shared commitment to unity, progress, and a continued partnership with the retired military community in Ifedara LCDA.

Tinubu Suspends National Social Investment Programme.

Tinubu Suspends National Social Investment Programme.

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, has suspended all administered programmes by the National Social Investment Programme Agency (NSIPA).

This is further to the ongoing investigation of alleged malfeasance in the management of the agency and its programmes.

All four (4) Programmes administered by NSIPA, viz; N- Power Programme, Conditional Cash Transfer Programme, Government Enterprise and Empowerment Programme and Home Grown School Feeding Programme (the "Programs") have been suspended for a period of six (6) weeks in the first instance.

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has also raised significant concerns regarding operational lapses and improprieties surrounding payments to the Programs' beneficiaries.

He has therefore constituted a ministerial panel to conduct a thorough review of the Agency's operations with a view to recommending necessary reforms of the NSIPA.

During the period of this suspension, all NSIPA-related activities, including but not limited to all distributions, events, payments, collaborations and registrations are now frozen.

The President wishes to assure the stakeholders and all Nigerians that his administration remains committed to a swift and unbiased process that will ensure that, going forward, social intervention programmes will work exactly as intended, to the benefit of the most vulnerable Nigerians.

EKSG reiterates commitment to local content.

EKSG reiterates commitment to local content.

Ekiti State government has restated its avowed commitment to ensuring that local artisans and businesses are patronised to encourage them and make them partakers in the shared prosperity agenda of Governor Oyebanji. 

The Director General of Bureau of Local content, Hon. Olalekan Ijidale, who stated this in Ado Ekiti on Friday during a working visit to office of Ring Road Project Contractor of Craneburg Construction said he would try as much as possible to implement Governor Oyebanji's mandate to enhance local content utilization in ongoing projects in the state.

The Director General, who was accompanied by leaders of Artisans groups in the state, stressed the importance of incorporating a substantial percentage of local artisans in handling various projects especially Construction works in the state adding that it is the only way indigenes of the state could benefit from government largesse and make their impact felt in the state. 

Ijidale however emphasized that only artisans, local contractors, suppliers, and other professions registered with the Bureau of Local Content office will be eligible for local employment opportunities either directly with government or government contractors. 

He also hinted that government has mandated all Local Government and LCDA Chairmen to utilize local contractors for state development projects which further signified 

 commitment to bolstering local content involvement in developmental initiatives.

In his submission, Project Contractor of Craneburg Construction, Mr Dani Manssour expressed the willingness of his firm to engage as many Ekiti indigenes as possible, assuring that those who agree to the company's working terms will be absorbed as staff and accorded entitlements in line with the company's regulations.

Oyebode charges Ekiti Journalists on Developmental Journalism.

Oyebode charges Ekiti Journalists on Developmental Journalism.

…..Unveils Oyebanji’s ambitious Projects for Ekiti in 2024.

The administration of Governor Biodun Oyebanji has reaffirmed its commitment to continue to involve various stakeholders, including the citizens , unions, civil society organizations, community leaders, and critical sectors in the governance of the state.

The Special Adviser to the Governor on Media and Strategy, Mr. Yinka Oyebode made the declaration during a meeting with the leadership of the Nigerian Union of Journalists (NUJ), Ekiti State council. 

Expressing gratitude to the union for its crucial role in disseminating information about government programs and policies, Oyebode seized the opportunity to announce the administration's plans for 2024, noting that government was committed to executing projects with a direct impact on citizens, citing examples from the administration’s performance in the last fifteen months.

He said the administration is set to achieve double of what it achieved last year in the areas  of infrastructure upgrade, socio economic development,  general welfare, wellbeing and safety of the people, having successfully laid a solid foundation for its shared prosperity agenda. 

Highlighting the importance of journalism as the fourth estate of the realm, the Special Adviser urged journalists in Ekiti State to embrace developmental journalism. He called for a collective effort to maintain the integrity of the profession and urged the new NUJ executives to passionately defend the rights of their members. 

Oyebode assured the union of the government's continuous support, urging journalists not to relent in their fundamental roles of educating and enlightening the citizens as well as offering constructive criticism. 

Responding, the NUJ Chairman, Comrade Kayode Babatuyi, lauded the various initiatives and ongoing support for the union and its members from the government. 

He acknowledged the Special Adviser's significant contributions to the media industry, emphasizing his role in building, mentoring, and creating opportunities for journalists and young media professionals, hence the union’s decision to name a legacy project after Mr. Oyebode.

Commending Governor Oyebanji's efforts in ensuring the welfare of journalists, Babatuyi pledged that the union will continue projecting the activities and policies of the government while maintaining a vigilant stance to keep the administration accountable. 

The NUJ chairman assured that the union would play its part in contributing to the overall development and success of Ekiti State.

Oyebanji Appoints Dr. Tunji Olowolafe as EKSU Chancellor, Effective Immediately.

Oyebanji Appoints Dr. Tunji Olowolafe as EKSU Chancellor, Effective Immediately.                        By Olamide Akinwumi J. 

Ekiti State Governor, Mr. Biodun Oyebanji, has exercised his authority as the Governor of the state and Visitor to the University by appointing Dr. Tunji Olowolafe as the Chancellor of Ekiti State University, Ado-Ekiti.

Dr. Olowolafe, a prominent business figure hailing from Are-Ekiti, brings a wealth of experience to the position. Initially a medical doctor, he transitioned into the business realm, gaining decades of professional expertise and establishing an excellent reputation.

As the Chief Executive Officer and Managing Director of Deux Project Limited, a civil engineering, construction, consultancy, and maintenance company co-founded in 1988, Dr. Olowolafe has been at the forefront of diverse business ventures. His leadership extends to Generic Product Limited, founded in 1996, and he serves as the Chairman and Managing Director of Deux Investment Limited.

A graduate of Medicine and Surgery from the University of Ilorin, Kwara State, Dr. Olowolafe briefly practiced medicine before venturing into business. His contributions to the community also include serving as a member of the Ekiti State Covid-19 Resource Mobilization Committee.

The appointment of Dr. Tunji Olowolafe as the Chancellor of Ekiti State University is effective immediately, marking a significant development in the university's leadership.

In light of the announcement, Yinka Oyebode, the Special Adviser, Media to the Governor, Ekiti State, released the statement on January 12, 2024, outlining the Governor's decision and highlighting Dr. Olowolafe's credentials and achievements. The appointment reflects Governor Oyebanji's commitment to bringing experienced and accomplished individuals to key positions within the state.