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JULIUS BERGER REMAINS MATCHLESS IN ENGINEERING CONSTRUCTION QUALITY AND PROJECT DELIVERY SPEED

JULIUS BERGER REMAINS MATCHLESS IN ENGINEERING CONSTRUCTION QUALITY AND PROJECT DELIVERY SPEED

  • Hon. Minister of Works, His Excellency, Engr. David Umahi

The Federal Government has described Julius Berger Nigeria Plc, the country’s leading engineering construction company as unbeatable in technical quality, and also matchless in project delivery speed.

The remarks were made by the Honourable Minister of Works, a meritorious, seasoned and reputable engineer by vocation. The Minister who was also the immediate past Executive Governor of Ebonyi State is worthily, substantively reputed to be a consummate developmentalist whose interventionist infrastructural works in Ebonyi State stand visibly strong and functional as a lasting testimony to his qualitative engineering professionalism.

Speaking during his inspection visit to the ongoing Abuja-Kano Road works, Engr. Umahi both at the project site in Kaduna, as well as at the Kaduna State Government House (Kashim Ibrahim House) said: “No one can beat Julius Berger on engineering construction quality, and no one can also beat Julius Berger on the speed of project delivery when funding is available for a project. Let us give that to them. From what I have seen, the contractors (Julius Berger) are doing a great job on the project.“

The Honourable Minister, amongst others, was accompanied on the visit by Distinguished Senator Lawal of Kaduna State and senior officials of the Federal Ministry of Works. The Ministry officials included the Director of Highways construction and Rehabilitation, Engr. Folorunsho Esan; the Director, Highways, North West, Engr. Taiwo W.A; the Director, Highways, North Central, Engr. Aganaba; the Deputy Director, North West Zone, Engr. Goni Mohammed; Federal Controller of Works, Kaduna State, Engr. Ibrahim Nmadu; and Federal Controller of Works and ER, Engr. Yakubu Usman.

Briefing the Minister on the progress of works on site, all relevant officials of the Federal Ministry of Works ascribed the delay of works, particularly within Section 1 of the project between Kaduna and Abuja to, amongst other compelling factors, earlier serious security challenges, Right of Way issues as well as the onset of the rains. The security challenges, however, have been significantly mitigated by Government‘ intervention as the contractors are now fully back on site and working progressively on the project.

Speaking on behalf of the Managing Director of Julius Berger Nigeria Plc, who was out of the country during the Minister’s visit, the MD’s representative, the Project Manager of the Abuja-Kano Road works, Engr. Finn Drosdowski thanked the Honourable Minister and his entourage for coming on the inspection visit. While thanking the Federal Government for the project awarded to Julius Berger, Drosdowski assured the Minister that all things being equal, Julius Berger’s usual reliability to deliver the road project is a foregone conclusion. “The works are progressing and the project will be accomplished,“ he said. Engr. Drosdowski also thanked the Honourable Minister for his kind words regarding Julius Berger’s attested premium technical quality, operational effectiveness and project delivery speed. “These historical corporate values remain the driving force behind the company’s engineering work on the Abuja-Kano Road project, as indeed in all of the company’s projects, he said.

Minister Umahi who expressed his satisfaction at the excellent quality of work being executed by Julius Berger on the project, however expressed his concern about the pace. He promised to look into any factors that may be impeding the pace of the works. The Minister added that he would speak with the Nigerian Sovereign Investment Authority (NSIA) which is the funding agency for the project to see how funding can be improved for the project. According to the Honourable Minister, “…We will look into all issues affecting the pace of the works, including funding. No contractor can work at a requested pace on a project without commensurate or properly structured funding.

Engr. Umahi said he was instructed by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, to physically tour and inspect the the ongoing works to factually see and report on the progress and status of the project. The Minister emphasized that “President Tinubu seriously wants this project accomplished for the beneficial use of the Nigerian people.“ Engr. Umahi added that the Tinubu Government is determined to work with the contractors to get the project completed and delivered even in 2024, and with some portions to be implemented with concrete paved with asphalt. “We (the Federal Government) will will work with the contractors and that goal will be achieved,“ he said. Umahi also said he will continue to visit the project until it is successfully completed and delivered for the beneficial use of the people.

The Julius Berger team that received the Honourable Minister of Works and his delegation to the Abuja-Kano Road site comprised of the Project Manager, Engr. Finn Drosdowski, the Commercial Manager, Fabian Schneider and the company’s Head of Media Relations Office, Prince Moses Duku, Fnipr.

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PRESIDENT TINUBU SEEKS EXPEDITED PACE OF PROGRESS IN DIALOGUE AS ISLAMIC ULAMAS PREPARE TO CONTINUE TALKS WITH MILITARY JUNTA

PRESIDENT TINUBU SEEKS EXPEDITED PACE OF PROGRESS IN DIALOGUE AS ISLAMIC ULAMAS PREPARE TO CONTINUE TALKS WITH MILITARY JUNTA

 

 

 

STATE HOUSE PRESS RELEASE

PRESIDENT TINUBU SEEKS EXPEDITED PACE OF PROGRESS IN DIALOGUE AS ISLAMIC ULAMAS PREPARE TO CONTINUE TALKS WITH MILITARY JUNTA

The Chairman of the ECOWAS Authority of Heads of State and Government, President Bola Tinubu has implored a delegation of Islamic scholars (Ulamas), who were previously engaged in discussions to facilitate the restoration of constitutional democratic governance in Niger Republic, to expedite progress in their ongoing dialogue with the military junta.

The President received a comprehensive briefing on Thursday at the State House in Abuja, from the Ulamas, who were led into the meeting by Sheikh Bala Lau. The briefing followed the Ulamas’ two most recent visits to Niger Republic.

The Islamic leaders had informed the President that the military junta was open to deepening dialogue with ECOWAS as more steps are being taken to forestall armed conflict with a more detailed acceptance of the ECOWAS position by Niger military council officials.

Responding to the delegation of Ulamas, against the backdrop of ethnic rumors peddled by domestic political figures inside and outside of the country, President Tinubu emphasized that he is at the forefront of a peaceful resolution of the crisis, even in the midst of more hawkish individuals urging swifter intervention.

“I am managing a very serious situation. If you take ECOWAS aside, other people will react, those who are outside of our control. I am the one holding those sides back. I am the one holding back ECOWAS,” he disclosed.

Addressing the urgency of the situation, the president added:

”Even as at this morning, I have been inundated with phone calls on the readiness of countries with their military force and contributions. However, I told them to wait. I am meeting with the Ulamas and I will get back to you.”

President Tinubu told the Islamic delegation that the military junta must be held accountable for putting the entire people of Niger Republic in jeopardy.

”They cannot use the gun given to them to protect the sovereignty of the country and turn it against the people of the country,” he said.

President Tinubu pledged that ECOWAS will remain steadfast in its commitment to diplomatically engage with all stakeholders and seek a peaceful resolution to the impasse in Niger Republic.

“I will draw a line in the sand and ask you to make arrangements to go back to Niger Republic,” he stated.

On the request by the Islamic scholars for the Federal Government to monitor the distribution of palliatives to States, the President promised that more palliatives are coming for Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) nationwide.

He also appealed to State governments to ensure transparency and accountability in the distribution and management of these palliatives.

“The people reside in the States. Even if I set up a panel, I will have to go through the governors and the local governments. We will continue to talk to the governors. Nigerians must hold them accountable,” he continued.

“It’s unheard of that in a constitutional democracy, a president will sit here and give orders to States. I can only appeal to them to implement. The people reside in the states, and if the Governor is not doing well, the people must vote them out,” he concluded.

Ajuri Ngelale

Special Adviser to the President

(Media & Publicity)

August 24, 2023

 

 

PRESS RELEASE 

 

SANWO-OLU CELEBRATES CHIEF OF STAFF, TAYO AYINDE AT 59

The Lagos State Governor Mr. Babajide Sanwo-Olu on Thursday joined other well-wishers to celebrate his Chief of Staff, Mr Tayo Ayinde on the occasion of his 59th birthday.

Tayo Ayinde clocks 59 years today, Thursday, August 24.

Governor Sanwo-Olu in a congratulatory message issued on Thursday by his Chief Press Secretary, Mr. Gboyega Akosile, described Mr. Tayo Ayinde as a worthy and trusted partner in the Greater Lagos agenda.

The Governor also described his Chief of Staff as a loyal, dependable, selfless, hardworking and God-fearing man, who has contributed immensely to the growth and development of Lagos State.

Governor Sanwo-Olu said Ayinde has displayed high capacity in service, noting that the decision to return him in the same capacity, is a testament to his high level of performance, competence, hard work and loyalty.

“Happy Birthday to my Chief of Staff, Mr. Tayo Ayinde. You are indeed a ‘Buffalo’ as you are usually called by your friends and associates because you depict the true strength and survival instincts of a buffalo.

“On behalf of my adorable wife, Ibijoke, the government and the good people of Lagos State, I join family, friends, political associates, leaders and members of the All Progressives Congress in Lagos State, to congratulate Mr. Tayo Ayinde on his 59th birthday.

“As you clock 59 years today, I pray that the blessings of God will be with you. You will continue to enjoy God’s favour and grace. God will strengthen you to offer more services to humanity, our dear Lagos State and Nigeria.”

SIGNED

GBOYEGA AKOSILE

CHIEF PRESS SECRETARY

24 AUGUST 2023

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