Aiyedatiwa Hails Engineer's Contributions To Nation-building.

Aiyedatiwa Hails Engineer's Contributions To Nation-building.

....As NSE Installs First Female President.

Ondo State Governor, Hon Lucky Aiyedatiwa, at the weekend hailed the historic emergence of Engr. Margaret Aina Oguntala as the first female President of the Nigerian Society of Engineers, NSE.

The Governor made the remark as the Guest Speaker at the inauguration ceremony of Engr. Oguntala as the 34th President of the NSE at the International Conference Centre in Abuja on Saturday. 

He described Oguntala as a distinguished woman of substance, saying that her emergence "is a testimony to that fact that our great country is again recognising the invaluable contributions of the female gender and the need to encourage and support the emergence of women in leadership roles and in healthy competitive elections. This indeed is a very rare feat that needs to be recognized as well as celebrated."

The Governor added: "Engr. Mrs. Oguntala is known to be a woman of sterling qualities and substantial substance, and coupled with her vast experience, knowledge and exposure, I have no doubt that this woman of substance would move the umbrella body to great heights. Kudos to you madam for this rare feat, and you make us proud in Ondo State."

While commending engineers for the crucial roles they play in the development of any society, the Governor stressed that "a major part of the responsibilities of building the nation of our dream lies mainly upon the shoulders of engineers and technologists."

"However, I must challenge you that it behoves on the engineers and technologists to complement the efforts of government by formulating and producing state-of-the-art solutions to the hydra-headed developmental challenges of our great nation. 

"We must begin to build roads, bridges and other infrastructure that will stand the test of time, and even outlive their design-life. We must begin to look at and introduce technology that will conserve energy and preserve our environment that is already being degraded from the dangerous gaseous emissions from gasoline and diesel engines of our automobiles and industries. The way to go, therefore, is to introduce electronic solutions, work smartly and to green energy."

Mrs. Oguntala, speaking shortly after her investiture, urged the Federal Government to implement fully the presidential order 5 which promotes the consumption of made-in-Nigeria goods and services. 

She called on the government to amongst other things “implement the GL 09 entry point for engineers in some of the states that are yet to effect the enhanced entry point for engineers in civil service. Formulate a policy to compel employers of labour to pay commensurate welfare packages/hazard allowances for engineers.

“Implement Executive Order 5 with sincerity of purpose. Promote Nigerian-made goods and services. Have the Presidency invite the NSE to nominate engineers for inclusion in the newly formed “Policy Coordination, Evaluation, Monitoring, and Delivery Unit” as announced by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu in his 2024 New Year broadcast. We praise the President for this initiative.

“Encourage entrepreneurship by providing incentives and support for engineers in small businesses and startups in the extractive industry. Promote STEM education to encourage more students to pursue engineering careers and contribute to nation-building."

Earlier in his Keynote Address, Senator President Godswill Akpabio praised the society for electing its first first female president. 

Represented by Deputy Senate President, Barau Jubrin, Akpabio said: “Oguntala’s appointment serves as a powerful testament to the fact that talent, dedication, and expertise know no gender boundaries. It is a clear indication that the Nigerian Society of Engineers recognizes and values the invaluable contributions of women in shaping the future of engineering."

NANS Announces Safe Release of Abducted Lecturer, Dr. MS Argungu.

NANS Announces Safe Release of Abducted Lecturer, Dr. MS Argungu.

In a significant update from the National Association of Nigerian Students (NANS), the office of the National Director of Research and Innovation, Comr Sadiq SK Zango, joyfully confirms the safe release of Dr. MS Argungu, the abducted lecturer from Kebbi State University of Science and Technology Aliero.

Dr. MS Argungu, who was kidnapped in Aliero town on 14th January 2024, has been successfully reunited with his family after days of intensive efforts and collaborative work with relevant authorities.

NANS extends sincere gratitude to the security agencies, the university management, and all stakeholders involved in ensuring the safe return of Dr. MS Argungu. This positive outcome underscores the effectiveness of collective efforts in addressing security challenges within our academic institutions.

The association expresses unwavering support for Dr. MS Argungu, his family, colleagues, and the entire academic community during this recovery period. NANS strongly condemns acts of violence against educators and emphasizes the urgent need for heightened security measures to safeguard our academic institutions.

Comr Sadiq SK Zango, the NANS National Director of Research and Innovation, reaffirms the commitment to advocating for the safety and well-being of our academic community. The association vows to continue collaborating with relevant authorities to address security concerns and create a conducive environment for learning and research.

Oyebanji meets contractors, reviews progress, urges compliance with quality, deadline.

Oyebanji meets contractors, reviews progress, urges compliance with quality, deadline. 

Ekitit State Governor, Mr Biodun  Oyebanji on Friday met with all contractors handling different road projects in the State, directing  them to speed up work on their respective projects within the next two months, before the advent of the rainy season. 

The Governor who insisted that his administration would not owe any of them, said payment would be made once the supervisory ministry gives approval for payment, based on satisfactory work. 

Stating that the state government intends to embark on many projects this year, the Governor said only contractors that deliver quality jobs and timely too, would be considered for other engagements. 

The Governor, together with the  the Commissioner for Works, Mr Sola Adebayo and the ministry’s engineers as well as the Special Adviser, office of Project Monitoring, Hon Femi Ajayi and other top officials undertook critical  appraisals of all the projects as well as the  performances of the contractors at the meeting. 

“It is important we take advantage of the two to three months we have before the rainy season sets in  to complete many of the projects”, Governor Oyebanji told the contractors who also  presented updates on their projects. 

The contractors and contracting firms at the meeting include China Civii Engineering Company (CCECC), Immobiliare Construction Company, STEP Development Limited, Craneburg Construction, and Peculiar Ultimate Concerns Limited.

Others are: Kouris Construction Nigeria Limited, Dromo International Limited, Leadgate Global Construction Company Limited, RUDY Construction Nigeria Limited, Dortmund and Co Limited, and Delko Hildings Nigeria Limited. 

Projects that were appraised included: Atlas- Ajebandele- Deeper Life- Alasia- Omisanjana Road; Ado- Iworoko- Ifaki Road; Ikere - Igbara Odo Road; Ijigbo- Ajilosun Flyover Bridge; Ado- Ekiti City Ring Road (Phase 1); Ikere-Ilawe Road; and Agric Olope- Moferere- Odo Ado Road. 

Others are Ikole-Ara- Isinbode Road; Ado- Ilawe Road; Ikere- Ise- Emure Road; Ilawe- Erijiyan Road; Igede- Ilawe Road; GRA 3rd Extension Road; Dualisation of GRA 3rd Extension Road; Igbara Odo- Ikogosi Road; Hospitak Management Board Road; and Itapa- Ijelu Road and additional works on River Ele Bridge. 

The Governor promised to do an on-  the- spot assessment of all the projects within the next two weeks to further ascertain the  level of compliance.

The Governor also urged the citizens of the state, especially community leaders to take ownership of the various projects in their areas, in order to ensure timely and quality delivery.

AIYETORO: Ondo Moves To Find Lasting Solution To Ocean Surge.

AIYETORO: Ondo Moves To Find Lasting Solution To Ocean Surge.

.....EXCO approves pilot project for solar-powered streetlights for major cities.

.....Govt to engage stakeholders over LG caretaker committees.

Ondo State Governor, Hon. Lucky Aiyedatiwa, on Wednesday presided over the State Executive Council meeting, during which critical issues of development were discussed and a wide range of actions approved for implementation.

Top among those is the approval of an action plan on finding lasting and sustainable solution to the incessant ocean surge in Aiyetoro community in Ilaje local government area of the State. 

This was revealed at a press briefing after the EXCO meeting by the Commissioner for Information and Orientation, Mrs. Bamidele Ademola-Olateju. 

While addressing Government House correspondents, Olateju disclosed that the Governor expressed deep concern over the challenges faced by the community over several years, santioning government's commitment to finding lasting solutions to the sea-related problems. 

The government, she assured, is actively working towards implementing measures that will not only mitigate the immediate impacts but also provide a permanent and sustainable solution in order to safeguard the affected coastal areas.

Also, the Executive Council approved the immediate assumption of office by the newly appointed Oloje of Igasi in Akoko North West local government and the Ibini/Lebú of Ojuala in Ese-odo local government. Additionally, two warrant chiefs were appointed to facilitate the selection of a new Olusupare of Supare Akoko, and a new Arogbo of Akotogbo was also approved.

The State government has also taken a significant step towards fostering economic development by approving the State Action Plan on Business Enabling Reforms (SABER) programs. This includes an initiative to illuminate Akure and major cities in the state through a solar-powered project. The pilot project, having received Council's approval, is set to commence immediately with sample installations underway at the front of Government House, Alagbaka, Akure.

On the issue of cleanness in the state, the Commissioner for Environment, Sunday Akinwalire, highlighted progress in clearing refuse in the metropolis and the weeding of curbs, as well as plans to improve overall sanitation standards.

Also, the State Commissioner for Justice, Sir Charles Titiloye, said the government, acknowledging pending court cases initiated by opposition parties regarding the appointment of careraker committees for Local Government councils and Local Council Development Areas (LCDAs), is committed to resolving these issues amicably through constructive dialogue with the relevant stakeholders.

In a somber note, the Council was briefed on the plans for the burial of the late former governor, Arakunrin Oluwarotimi Akeredolu.

Reps direct ministry to refund N75b COVID-19 intervention fund to Fed Govt.

Reps direct ministry to refund N75b COVID-19 intervention fund to Fed Govt.

.....Health Ministry asked to refund N10b.

The House of Representatives Committee on Public Accounts yesterday asked the Federal Ministry of Industries, Trade and Investments to refund the N75 billion allocated to it as COVID-19 intervention funds to the coffers of the government.

The committee also asked the Federal Ministry of Health to return to government coffers N10 billion meant for vaccine production, which was not utilised for that purpose.

 The committee gave the directive to the two ministries at the resumed investigative hearing on the expenditure of the COVID-19 intervention fund by MDAs.

 The committee frowned at the refusal of the Ministry of Industries to honour its invitation on three occasions without any excuse.

 Adopting a motion by Bassey Akiba (LP, Cross Rivers), the committee asked the ministry to refund the money appropriated to it during the intervention on COVID-19 pandemic in the country.

It said the money should be refunded with immediate effect to government coffers.

The committee adopted the motion after it was seconded and directed that the ministry refund the funds to the Federal Government.

Committee Chairman Bamidele Salam (PDP, Osun) had informed members that despite series of invitation extended to the ministry, its officials had failed to respond or appear before the committee.

 Salam said: “The Federal Ministry of Industries, Trade and Investments got N75 billion as COVID-19 intervention funds. The Public Account Committee has sent an invitation to the Ministry of Industries, Trade and Investments three times, and none of the invitations has been honoured.

  “The Federal Ministry of Trade was to make their appearance yesterday. That was the last opportunity given to them, but there was no such appearance. The sum of N75 billion was appropriated to them.

 “A former Permanent Secretary and the current Permanent Secretary are affected by this motion to refund N75 billion to the Federal Government as COVID-19 intervention which, as far as we are concerned, has not been expended.”

 The committee also directed the Federal Ministry of Health to return N10 billion meant for the production of COVID-19 vaccines but was not utilised to the government.

 The Permanent Secretary in the ministry, Daju Kachallom, had informed the committee that the funds were domiciled in the Office of the Accountant General of the Federation.

 The committee said the funds should be returned, adding that if the ministry needed it for anything else, they should make a fresh request to the National Assembly for proper appropriation.

 Also, the committee asked the Chief Executive Officer of the Rural Electrification Agency (REA), Salihijo Ahmed, to submit documents on the utilisation of the agency’s COVID-19 intervention funds before the close of work today.

 The Public Accounts Committee is investigating 56 Ministries Departments and Agencies (MDAs) on the utilisation of COVID-19 intervention funds after a resolution on a motion by Zakariah Dauda Nyampa (PDP, Taraba).

 Also, the Managing Director of the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN), Mrs. Olubunmi Oluwaseun Kuku, who attended yesterday’s hearing, said the agency got N7.7 billion COVID-19 intervention fund.

Southsouth governors unite for region’s development.

Southsouth governors unite for region’s development.

Southsouth governors yesterday resolved to work with President Bola Tinubu to improve the standard of living of the people of their zone.

They also reiterated their determination to address the socio-economic challenges of the oil and gas-rich zone.

They said after a meeting in Benin, Edo State capital, that it had become very expedient for Southsouth to redefine its place and roles in the economic development of the country.  

The meeting held under the BRACED (Bayelsa, Rivers, Akwa Ibom, Cross River, Edo and Delta) Commission elected Governor Godwin Obaseki as chairman. 

Governors Douye Diri (Bayelsa), Sim Fubara (Rivers) and Umo Bassey Eno (Akwa Ibom) attended the meeting. Bassey Otu(Cross River) of Cross River State was absent.

Governor Sheriff Oborevwori of Delta State was represented by his deputy, Monday Onyeme, at the meeting that also had all the commissioners of budget and planning of the six states in attendance.

Obaseki, who read a communiqué after the parley, noted that the meeting was held at a time Nigeria was facing enormous challenges.

He said: “It is against this background that the Southsouth region must redefine its place and roles in the economic development of Nigeria and for the benefit of our people.

“The director-general of the commission made a presentation, briefing the members on the works done by the commission since it came into inception, especially in the areas of agriculture, power, education, environment and sports.

“The council members spoke of the compelling need to collectively accelerate the development of the states and affirmed their support for the imperatives of the Southsouth economic cooperation and integration, as a practical step towards the creation of a zone of economic development.

“The council resolved as follows:

· “to foster regional economic cooperation and integration, to achieve sustainable development, through the development of a strong regional economy for the collective benefits of the people of the Southsouth and invigorate the process of regional economic cooperation and integration.

“to establish and inaugurate the BRACED Business Council. This council will endeavour to forge a closer partnership with the business council and utilise it to provide an improved business climate to attract businesses and investors into the region.

“ “to collectively engage the Federal Government on the development of key infrastructure in the region, particularly roads, rail development and the decentralisation and rehabilitation of seaports in the region, as well as management of security in the country at large.”

*“ to engage the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC) to ensure its activities benefit the BRACED states.

*to direct the Commissioners of Environment and Attorneys-General of states to meet on climate issues affecting the states, particularly mangrove swamps.”

The Southsouth governors also called for a closer and more cordial relationship with other zones for the creation of economic corridors. 

They pledged to work with and support one another for the purpose of improving the well-being and welfare of the people of the zone. 

The governors directed the director-general of the BRACED commission to implement the decisions taken and report back to the council before their next meeting in March. 

Ekiti road projects excite lawmaker.

Ekiti road projects excite lawmaker.

Lawmaker representing Oye Constituency II in Ekiti State House of Assembly, Idowu Odebunmi, has praised Governor Biodun Oyebanji for road projects.

The lawmaker said the road infrastructure policy would transform the economy, create jobs and boost Internally Generated Revenue (IGR).

He lauded the diligent pace at which the Ado-Iworoko-Ifaki dual carriage way and return of contractor handling Itapa-Omu-Ijelu road were prosecuted.

Odebunmi, who took a tour of the projects, said beside the two roads, the Ring Road between Iworoko-Are-Afao- Igbemo to the Cargo Airport will expose towns in that axis to opportunities.

“The Itapa-Omu-Ijelu road, which falls within my constituency, was awarded before inception of this government, but was abandoned by the contractor. But Oyebanji has directed the contractor back to site. The road leads to agricultural zone and I know farming will be more enhanced in that axis when completed…’’ 

On the proposed 1.2km flyover between Okeyinmi and Ijigbo roundabouts in Ado-Ekiti, Odebunmi said the project would decongest the capital’s Business District of traffic logjam and add aesthetic value.

“This project is not misplaced. I think the benefit outweighs the demerit. That area is Ado Ekiti business centre. We have Erekesan Market, banks, and business centres, which often resulted in regular traffic hold up…”