Tinubu committed to road infrastructure revolution, safety – Umahi.

Tinubu committed to road infrastructure revolution, safety – Umahi.

The Minister of Works, David Umahi, has reaffirmed President Bola Tinubu’s dedication to the nation’s road infrastructure advancement, aiming to establish safe and well-maintained roads that promote economic growth.

To realize this objective, Umahi expressed support for collaboration between the Ministry and the Federal Road Safety Commission (FRSC).

He announced that contractors handling federal government road projects would be directed to procure signage from the FRSC production plant.

The remarks were made on Monday, February 12, during a courtesy call by the management team of FRSC, led by Corps Marshal Dauda Aliu Biu, to the Minister in Abuja.

Represented by Permanent Secretary Yakubu Kofamata, the minister underscored the Ministry’s commitment to ensuring that contractors responsible for constructing and rehabilitating roads nationwide deliver high-quality infrastructure to bolster the country’s economic development.

According to a statement by the Ministry’s Director of Information, Olusola Abiola, the FRSC boss while emphasising the importance of the partnership disclosed that previous collaboration with the Ministry in 2023 had resulted in a reduction in road accidents by 22% and number of deaths by 25%.

The statement reads: “Sen. Umahi called on all the stakeholders in the road sector to join hands together to ensure that the mandate of the Ministry under the Renewed Hope Agenda of Tinubu administration is achieved for the wellbeing of the people.

“While expressing the readiness of the Ministry to collaborate with FRSC, the Minister assured the delegation of adequate patronage of the Commission’s signage plant, stressing that henceforth, contractors handling the Ministry of Works’ road projects would be directed to patronise the Federal Road Safety Commission (FRSC) signage production plant.

“This he said would be in line with the commitment to bequeath quality and motorable road network to the citizens. Earlier, in his brief remarks, the Corps Marshal, Federal Road Safety Commission, Dauda Aliu Biu disclosed that the collaboration with the Federal Ministry of Works in 2023 led to a reduction in road accidents by 22% and a number of deaths by 25%.

“He appealed for a strong collaboration with the Honourable Minister stressing the Commission will always welcome robust engagements with the Ministry, especially on issues of road signages, overhead bridges, adequate signs diversion, and other road amenities.

“The FRSC boss also requested the construction of trailer packs along Federal Highways and called for contractors to patronise the FRSC signage plant for the purchase of signages.

“He added that “this will improve the safety of our highways and easy travelling for economic development.”

Blame Buhari for current economic crisis – Oshiomhole.

Blame Buhari for current economic crisis – Oshiomhole.

The biting economic hardship facing Nigerians is due to the ”reckless policies” of former President Muhammadu Buhari, Senator Adams Oshiomhole (Edo North) has argued. 

He recalled he opposed several of the policies, claiming they were intended to dehumanise the already suffering populace.

He spoke on Channels Television Politics Today at the weekend.

The former All Progressives National National Chairman said: “My first loyalty is to Nigeria. At some point, before the last President left office, I lamented loudly what I saw as reckless policies that were designed to dehumanise the population that was already in pain.

“I felt that it was not what the then-president promised. I dissociated myself from those policies and I’m happy that I was not the only one.

“There were Governors who approached the court to denounce some of those policies. It is the long-term consequences of those policies that we are still grappling with now.”

The former Edo Governor stated President Bola Tinubu shouldn’t be held accountable for the actions taken by the outgoing administration.

“Yes, it is our party platform. Like Tinubu also said, he was not a minister or adviser. He never took a contract in that government and he cannot be held responsible for what the government did right or wrong,” he said.

Prioritise fight against drug abuse, Remi Tinubu urges Govs.

Prioritise fight against drug abuse, Remi Tinubu urges Govs.

First Lady Oluremi Tinubu, the Attorney General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Lateef Fagbemi, SAN, and the Chairman of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency, Brig. Gen. Buba Marwa (retd.), have charged state governments to prioritise the fight against drug abuse to ensure a safe and secure society.

The charge was given on Monday in Abuja, at the opening ceremony of a two-day training on Drug Prevention Treatment and Care, organised by the NDLEA for spouses of state governors.

In her keynote address at the event, Senator Tinubu who was represented by the wife of the Inspector General of Police, Elizabeth Egbetokun, commended Marwa and the Nigerian Governors’ Spouses Forum for the initiative.

She said, “I commend the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency, under the leadership of His Excellency, Brigadier General Buba Marwa (retd.), for organizing this vital training and for your ongoing efforts in combatting drug abuse in Nigeria.

“We must recognise that drug abuse is not just a law enforcement issue but a public health crisis that requires a compassionate and multi-faceted response. We must challenge the stigma and discrimination associated with addiction, and foster a culture of empathy, understanding and solidarity towards those struggling with substance use disorders.

“As mothers, we understand the profound impact that drug abuse can have on our children’s lives. Therefore, it is incumbent upon us to protect, nurture, and guide them toward a future free from the shackles of addiction. As leaders in your respective states, you wield a unique platform to drive meaningful change.

“The role of Governors’ spouses in combating drug abuse cannot be overstated. Through advocacy, we can ensure access to prevention, treatment, and rehabilitation services for those affected by addiction

“However, our efforts must not end with this training. We must translate knowledge into action, collaborating with stakeholders such as the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency, other government agencies, civil society organizations, healthcare providers, educators, and

students. Together, we can implement evidence-based strategies for prevention, early intervention, and holistic treatment approaches.”

The AGF, Fagbemi, SAN in his remarks, commended the resourcefulness of the NDLEA leadership in utilising the Nigerian Governors’ Spouses Forum to cascade the drug war into the grassroots and the community level.

Fagbemi noted, “The issue of drug use is not confined to any region or social strata, but affects every corner of our nation, and propagates crime and other criminalities across the world. The critical role of the attendees in shaping policies and practices in the communities is therefore recognized.

“The NDLEA boss in his remarks said the devastating effects of substance abuse on public health, the environment and its nexus with the spate of insecurity faced across the country has made it mandatory for a whole-of-society approach to curb the scourge. He said this has been the focus of the War Against Drug Abuse, WADA, advocacy campaign emplaced by the NDLEA since 2021.”

Meanwhile, Marwa urged the governors’ wives to take advantage of their positions to mobilise support for drug prevention and treatment in their states.

Marwa said, “Our commanders and officers in your states are always available to work with you and the governors; please create the needed access for them so that they can serve you and the society better. Together, we can effect meaningful change and create healthier, safer communities for all. Your collective effort can become the biggest catalyst for the nation to triumph over the illicit drug challenge.”

He noted that as part of efforts to curb the cultivation and production of illicit drugs in Nigeria, the agency is adopting an alternative development plan that will encourage cannabis farmers to switch to other licit crops.

He added, “I’d also like to draw your attention to the devastating impact activities of drug cartels involved in illicit drug cultivation are causing humanity; that is deforestation, which results in environmental degradation. In search of a lasting solution, we are working to implement an alternative development plan.

“This will provide cannabis farmers with better options, like switching to other crops. I have recently set up an Alternative Development Unit in my office. We need you to make this reality and our alternative development plan one of your takeaways for the immediate consideration and support of our governors. We will keep you posted as we flesh out the plan on this, this year.”

Also, the Minister of Education, Prof. Tahir Mamman, SAN, who was represented by the Permanent Secretary in the Federal Ministry of Education, Mrs Didi Walson-Jack, stressed the pivotal role of first ladies in the fight against the scourge of substance abuse.

The minister assured of collaboration between his ministry and NDLEA in combatting substance abuse among students.

“The curriculum in schools has been updated to include the added spice of drug issues with the necessary knowledge to avoid drug use. Drug-free clubs in federal unity colleges enable children to make healthier choices,” she noted.

Other speakers at the opening ceremony were the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime Country Representative Dr Oliver Stolpe; a representative of the European Union, Letizia Torretta, and the Director General, National Agency for the Control of AIDS, Dr. Gambo Aliyu.

Economic hardship: Kano traders slash prices of essential goods.

Economic hardship: Kano traders slash prices of essential goods.

Traders of essential commodities in Kano State on Monday disclosed their resolve to reduce prices of their commodities.

Chairman of the marketers, Ibrahim Danyaro, disclosed the resolution of the marketers while addressing newsmen shortly after a meeting with the Chairman, Kano State Public Compliant and Anti-Corruption Commission. reports The Vanguard.

This development followed the confiscation of 10 warehouses with hoarded assorted foodstuffs in the state by the Kano State Public Complaints and Anti-corruption Commission.

The commission’s chairman, Muhyi Magaji, said owners of the warehouses were nowhere to be found during the operation but those opened were stacked full of commodities, including spaghetti, rice, pasta, sugar, and other food items.

But Danyaro said the traders were currently selling their commodities in the market at a price less than the company prices.

He said the decision by the traders followed the public outcry over the soaring prices of essential commodities and the high cost of living in the country.

The market leader also vowed to assist the commission in fishing out bad eggs among those who are arbitrarily increasing prices of commodities and hoarding.

He said, “We are here to disassociate ourselves from hoarding. We have come forward to the commission with our pieces of evidence and the commission is convinced that we are not involved in hoarding.

“The rising prices of commodities which are recorded in the market was not arbitrarily done by our members. This development is brought about by the companies. And we suggested measures to address the situation at hand.

“One of them is for the commission to hold similar meetings with the manufacturers of these commodities to find out why the inflation of prices.

“We have expressed our resolve to cooperate with the commission to bring down prices of commodities to bring succour to the people. However, this, we can only do with the stocks we have at hand now. The prices we sold our stock in the market is not up to the current company prices.”

Another market leader, Hamisu Rabi’u, assured the residents of maintaining the old prices of the stocks at hand against the skyrocketing prices being experienced at various markets across the state.

“Take for instance, spaghetti that we sold at N11,500 or N11,700 in the market is now sold for N12,800 in companies. Sugar in the company is sold for N72,000 but we sold it N70,000. Rice is sold at N65,700 now but we sold it at 57,000 to 60,000.

“We will ensure that our stock at hand won’t go beyond the company prices for the sake of our people. We agree to run at a loss than to throw our people into difficulties”.

Exploring Trade and Investment Opportunities: Gov. Oyebanji Meets Austrian Ambassador.

Exploring Trade and Investment Opportunities: Gov. Oyebanji Meets Austrian Ambassador.

By Olamide Akinwumi.

Governor Biodun Oyebanji of Ekiti State convened a significant meeting on Monday, February 12th, with His Excellency Thomas Schlesinger, the Ambassador of the Republic of Austria to Nigeria, in Abuja. The primary agenda of the meeting was to explore potential areas of collaboration in trade and investment opportunities between Ekiti State and Austria.

In attendance at the meeting was Mrs. Tola Adeola, the state Commissioner for Investment, Trade, and Industry. Under Governor Oyebanji's leadership, the administration is keen on fostering partnerships with various stakeholders, including institutions, development partners, and private sector entities. The overarching aim is to bolster economic growth and development in Ekiti State through strategic collaborations.

Governor Oyebanji reiterated the state's commitment to creating an enabling environment for investment and trade activities. Collaborating with international partners like Austria presents an opportunity to leverage expertise, resources, and networks for mutual benefit. Discussions during the meeting focused on identifying areas of mutual interest and potential projects that could drive economic development and prosperity in Ekiti State.

The meeting underscored the administration's proactive approach to seeking partnerships that align with its vision for sustainable growth and prosperity. Further details on specific areas of collaboration and actionable outcomes from the meeting are expected to emerge in the coming days

Stay tuned for updates as Ekiti State continues to engage with international partners to unlock new opportunities for economic advancement.

Rescued Ekiti kidnap victims discharged from hospital, rejoins families.

Rescued Ekiti kidnap victims discharged from hospital, rejoins families.

Following  a week- long medical treatment at the Ekiti State University Teaching Hospital, Ado- Ekiti, the eight kidnap victims were on Sunday discharged having fully certified to have stabilised. 

They comprised five schoolchildren and three staff of The Apostolic Faith Group of Schools, Emure Ekiti.

They were kidnapped along Emure-Eporo Road on their way home from school and spent six days in the kidnappers’ den before they were released in the early hours of Sunday last week.

The Commissioner for Health, Dr Oyebanji Filani, said it was a moment of joy, happiness and excitement having the people rescued from the kidnappers and treated by the government.

Dr Filani, who spoke at the premises of EKSUTH while discharging them, said, “As a government, having had them, including the children released, and having had them properly treated by various teams from management here in the teaching hospital, we would be returning them to their community.”

The Government also provided transportation and security for the victims and their family on their journey back to Emure where they were returned safely to the Elemure palace. 

EKSUTH Chief Medical Director, Prof. Kayode Olabanji, had assured when the eight persons were brought in last Sunday, that they would be given necessary medical attention before they would be discharged.

Prof Olabanji  had said, “They were in various conditions when they were brought in, some of them were so dehydrated, we don’t know when last they had taken water or even food. Many of the pupils were in a panic state, you could see that they were very terrified. However, immediately after we brought them in, they were attended to by doctors, nurses and the various specialties.

“We brought in clinical psychologists who could work on them to allay their fears. They were given the initial resuscitations, including rehydration; they were given fluids and some who needed oxygen were given oxygen.

“After they had stabilised a bit, they were even given food. Now, they are much better, we will still carry out a few investigations to fully appraise their situation,” the CMD said.

The grandmother of three of the school children, Mrs Dorcas Ojo, said ishe woukd have committed suicide  if the kidnappers had not released her three grandchildren.

The woman, who said the eight abducted persons were saved by God Almighty through the prayers of the people of Emure Ekiti and Eporo Ekiti, said, “The abductors made the children undergo what their parents had never experienced.

“They (children) were traumatised by the kidnappers as they were forced to trek a long distance in the bush, not staying in one location and also not given food to eat for the days they were in captivity.” She added.

Oyebanji Urges Ekiti Tertiary Institutions to justify Increased Subvention.

Oyebanji Urges Ekiti Tertiary Institutions to justify Increased Subvention.

Ekiti State Governor, Mr. Biodun Oyebanji has called on the management of Ekiti State University, Ado-Ekiti and other tertiary institutions in the state to justify recent increment in government subvention to them through tangible outcomes.

The State University had its subvention increased from N260 million to N410 million monthly, while other state owned institutions also got different increments, in a move aimed at ameliorating the financial challenges confronting the institutions. 

Speaking at an event in Abuja, Sunday evening, where he was honored as one of the Distinguished Alumni of Ekiti State University (EKSU), organized by the institution's management in partnership with the alumni association, Governor Oyebanji emphasized the need for competitiveness among the state owned institutions within the national and global education landscape.

The Governor explained that his administration's decision to effect a major increase in subventions to EKSU and other institutions was to ensure significant improvement in their activities. 

Expressing dissatisfaction with the prevailing situation in the state owned institutions, particularly in EKSU, Governor Oyebanji urged the university management to introspect and rectify existing errors, and restore the institution's erstwhile dignity, values, and esteemed reputation.

Articulating his expectations, the Governor charged the university management to leverage the expertise of appointed dignitaries such as the Chancellor, Pro Chancellor, and council members to harness resources effectively, elevate the stature of the institution and ultimately make the state proud of its investments in the educational sector. 

Appreciating the award given him by EKSU management, Governor Oyebanji said genuine transformation could only be demonstrated through substantive and practical changes in the performance of both management and union leaders, whose altitude significantly influence the fate of numerous students.

Expressing fears that the increase in subvention might not bring the expected changes, Governor Oyebanji urged the management of the institutions to prove him wrong by utilizing the additional funds to improve on the lots of the institutions. This, he said would encourage his administration to do more. 

He lamented incessant strike action by teaching and non teaching staffs of the University, which he said has discouraged and frustrated many students and parents, Governor Oyebanji expressed the hope that the additional funding would be spent on those critical areas ‘

On current efforts to address electricity situation on the EKSU campus by connecting the campus to the state Independent Power Plant (IPP), Governor Oyenanji disclosed that the University should be prepared to pay for the electricity supply, stressing that the IPP is a private sector initiative supported by Government. 

“Let me make it clear here that while government is footing the bills for connecting the university to the IPP, the university should be prepared to pay for the power supply. Government is paying for electricity supply to its offices because this is a private arrangement. 

I am stating this now so that when the company requests for its payment it does not become an issue for strike action again’

Among those honored alongside the Governor were the First Lady of the state, Dr. Olayemi Oyebanji, Senate Leader Senator Opeyemi Bamidele, the Global President of the Alumni Association Engineer Dipo Bamisaiye, Speaker, Ekiti State Housenof Assembly, Rt Hon Adeoye Aribasoye, among others. 

Earlier, the Pro Chancellor of EKSU, Prof. Akin Oyebode, commended Governor Oyebanji's proactive approach towards addressing structural and infrastructural challenges within the institution. 

He highlighted the significance of the increased subvention, which is set to propel the university management towards devising innovative solutions aimed at restoring the institution's erstwhile glory. Prof. Oyebode affirmed the Governor's unwavering commitment to repositioning tertiary education in the state, assuring that such initiatives would yield tangible outcomes.

In his remarks, Vice Chancellor Prof. Edward Olanipekun explained the rationale behind honoring distinguished alumni, noting the government's strides in addressing various challenges confronting the institution, including financial constraints, provision of alternative power supply through IPP, and internal road construction.

Expressing their delight at the recognition bestowed upon them, the awardees pledged to redouble their efforts, with Senator Bamidele emphasizing a commitment of One Billion Naira towards a constituency project aimed at enhancing the university's infrastructure and overall educational facilities.