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Work resumes at Abuja-Kaduna-Zaria-Kano Road Project

Work resumes at Abuja-Kaduna-Zaria-Kano Road Project

 

. We remobilised to site since June – Julius Berger

 

 

 

Nigeria’s leading engineering construction company, Julius Berger Nigeria Plc remobilised to its Abuja-Kaduna – Zaria-Kano Road project on June 19, 2024. The company has since recommenced asphalt installation works on  site.

 

 

 

Julius Berger had shut down last year following a force majeure it issued for reasons stated hereunder.

 

 

 

Speaking Thursday at the site where the laying of asphalt on the KM 163 of Section 1 of the Abuja – Kaduna highway, Goringora, the Site Manager, Mike Andrae confirmed that, “we remobilised to the site since mid-June.” Reassuring Nigerians of the determination of the company to deliver the federal infrastructure as early as possible, he declared that, we remain partners in progress with our client, the federal government and the operational communities, and indeed the country as a whole.

 

In the reconstruction of the ever-busy road, the Site Manager said there will be no lowering of standard adding that the globally acclaimed Julius Berger professional work will still be done here just as in everywhere we work.

 

On the process of remobilising to site, Andrae said it was completed since June 19, 2024 with the mobilisation of staff and equipment as well as heating up of bitumen. As for the Asphalt Binder Course, he disclosed that it started in CW26 on June 28, 2024.

 

 

 

On Thursday, it was observed that workers on site were engaged in their various roles to further the overall work specifications on the Iron Rollers machines, tyre Roller Machines and the Paver Machine all on KM 163. The laying of Asphalt went on smoothly even as the workers went about it professionally.

 

 

 

At the Km 130 Site Office, the same scenario played out as Workers were seen going about their respective duties. In the Bitumen and Asphalt Testing and Clearing Laboratories, activities went on as assigned staff were observed testing samples of Asphalt and Bitumen.

 

 

 

But in all these, there was palpable apprehension among the workers as they recalled the July 2, 2024 incident at Chainage 134, around Alheri Prayer Camp Village, along Kaduna-Abuja Express Road, Kaduna State, approximately 1.3 KM away from the express road, by the western part, close to OLAM Farms by 5 KM.

 

According to a security operative in the area, on that day, there was an incident of heavy exchange of gunshots, between some suspected bandits and the Nigerian Army. The incident happened when the army of soldiers were carrying out their normal routine check/excavation of trench around the said area. Having gotten information about a possible bandit’s attack, hence the excavation, and the soldiers  were ambushed by the suspected bandits. As a result of the incident, five soldiers lost their lives, one gun truck was burnt, and their weapons carted away.

 

The security operative was quick to say that the first thing the government needs for a thorough and successful job on the Abuja-Kaduna Road is to ensure the safety of the contractor as only with the completion of the road with no more portholes that require the people to slow down that the safety and security of travellers on the road will increase, and banditry will be drastically reduced.

 

 

 

When a force majeure was first declared by Julius Berger, insecurity considerations alongside other existential reasons including inadequate funding informed the decision.

 

A community leader in the Goringora axis of the road, Mallam Isa Birnin-Kudu, who was obviously a cheer leader in a group of excited residents of the area loudly spoke through an interpreter saying, we lost hope when there was no work going on this road. But we knew there must have been something wrong. We thank God that the mighty Julius Berger is back.

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Okpebholo is the next governor of Edo State – Esan Youths

Okpebholo is the next governor of Edo State – Esan Youths

 

  • Call Asue Ighodalo Stranger
  • Lament failure, broken hopes
  • Praise PDP defectors

Youths in Edo State on Saturday explained that the issue of the All Progressives Congress (APC) candidate, Monday Okpebholo, winning the September 21 governorship election was a forgone conclusion.

‘’There is no alternative to Monday Okpebholo in the September 21 governorship election’’

They said Okpebholo’s governorship was an idea whose time had come.

‘’Monday Okpebholo will usher in change and accountability’’

Reading from a prepared text on behalf of Esan youths, community leaders and women on Saturday in Igueben, the Chairman of Esan Youths Movement, Pastor Jonathan Omozokpia, said Okpebholo’s governorship ambition was practically signed, sealed and delivered.

‘’Monday Okpebholo has succeeded in building a network of friends across Nigeria and abroad. He is a darling of the grassroots and will definitely win the September 21 governorship election in Edo State’’

The youths stressed that Okpebholo’s governorship ambition was an answer to the clarion call by well-meaning individuals, including traditional rulers, frontline politicians and Edo professionals in Nigeria and abroad.

‘’’We want a governor who can launch a rebirth and lead Edo away from backwardness to true greatness’’

They dismissed the governorship ambition of Asue Ighodalo, describing him as a complete disadvantage and stranger in Esanland.

‘’Monday Okpebholo shares our values. Many people are tired of incompetent and inept leaders, people who are unable to dream great dreams for Edo State. They are tired of mediocrity and selfishness’’

Particularly, the youths criticised Governor Godwin Obaseki for disappointing the good people of Edo State.

‘’We need to ‘break from the past, save Edo State from ruins. There has been too much noise but far less action in Edo State. There is a lot of retrogression in several areas’’.

They also praised PDP members who recently announced their defection to the All Progressives Congress (APC).

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Omo-Agege salutes James Manager at 64

Omo-Agege salutes James Manager at 64

Immediate past Deputy President of the Senate, Senator Ovie Omo-Agege, has felicitated Senator James Manager on his 64th birthday, describing him as a true patriot committed to the service of humanity.

In a congratulatory message he personally signed, Senator Omo-Agege described the former ranking Senator as a true patriot and reliable individual who has served Delta State and Nigeria with diligence and courage.

He said: “Your life of public service is without blemish, your courage and tenacity of purpose and your firm commitment to the service of humanity are worthy traits of a true patriot.

“I cannot fail to recall your selfless services when you served in the Senate Committees on Works, Niger Delta, Power, Judiciary, Human Rights and Legal Matters, Constitution Review among others, where you served with distinction and for the benefit of Nigeria.

“While I congratulate you on your 64th birthday and thank you for your selfless service to humanity, I pray for your good health, strength and continued service to God and mankind,” Omo-Agege stated.

Signed:

Sunny Areh

Media Adviser to Senator Ovie Omo-Agege

July 7, 2024

 

President Tinubu unanimously re-elected as ECOWAS chairman, reiterates call for regional force

President Bola Tinubu has called on Heads of State and Government of ECOWAS to work towards the establishment and sustenance of a regional standby force for the security and economic advancement of the community.

Speaking during the opening of the 65th Ordinary Session of the Authority of ECOWAS Heads of State and Government on Sunday, in Abuja, President Tinubu, who was unanimously re-elected the Chairman of the regional bloc, highlighted the expediency of a standby force in the face of growing security threats.

“The Regional Action Plan against Terrorism has enhanced cooperation on training, intelligence sharing, and humanitarian interventions. In addition to this, the Ministers of Finance and Defence met recently in Abuja to raise funds for activating the ECOWAS Standby Force to boost counter-terrorism efforts.

“Member countries are also displaying their commitment to combating insecurity by individually increasing their defence budgets in order to acquire necessary equipment and ensure preparedness,’’ the President said.

President Tinubu urged member states to commit more to providing the needed resources for securing the region.

“Let me underscore that a peaceful and secure society is essential for achieving our potential. As we move to operationalize the ECOWAS Standby Force (ESF) in combating terrorism, I must emphasize that the success of this plan requires not only strong political will but also substantial financial resources.

“We must, therefore, ensure that we meet the expectations and recommendations set forth by our Ministers of Defence and Finance, in order to counter insecurity and stabilize our region,’’ the President added.

President Tinubu advised ECOWAS leaders to leverage the capabilities of Nigeria’s National Counter-Terrorism Centre (NCTC), which has been widely acknowledged as one of the best on the continent.

 

July 7, 2024

Press Statement

Edo: Smear Campaigns Against Asue Ighodalo, Effort in Futility-PDP

…Says Candidate Coasting to Victory in September

The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) affirms that smear campaigns and frivolous litigations aimed to distract its candidate in the September 21, 2024 Edo State Governorship election, Dr. Asue Ighodalo are all efforts in futility as he is the undisputed choice of the majority of the people of Edo State.

The PDP alerts that it is aware of a well-oiled plot by certain egocentric and overtly ambitious individuals to orchestrate a series of coordinated smear campaigns against Dr. Asue Ighodalo being frustrated by his emergence as candidate, his overwhelming popularity across the State and the fact that he is already coasting to victory in the election.

The Party has been made aware of how these angry and bitter individuals have been going around the courts and reportedly attempting to induce certain judicial officers to procure damaging rulings against our candidate.

It has also come to the knowledge of our Party that these unscrupulous elements have been attempting to compromise the media to publish fabrications against our candidate and campaign.

Our Party have it on good authority that the intent of these individuals who have been holding clandestine meetings in locations in Abuja and Benin City is to cause crisis and derail the democratic process leading to the Edo State governorship election.

Information available shows that these politicians are behind the erroneous report that our Party’s Governorship Primary in Edo State was nullified by the Court when the Court indeed did not issue any Order to that effect.

These individuals have been going about brazenly boasting that they have the connection and capacity to compromise the courts.

Such barefaced boast is a direct assault on the sensibility and pride of the majority of the people of Edo State as well as the institutions of democracy where the Will of the majority of the people must prevail.

Our Party alerts the Institution of the Judiciary, the Media and Security Agencies to be wary of the antics and activities of these elements and take steps to resist their shenanigans which is a clear and present danger to the sustenance of democracy in our country.

In any case, the PDP is not deterred by the mischiefs of these failed individuals as their schemes against Dr. Asue Ighodalo and the people of Edo State have come to naught having already been exposed.

Our Candidate, Dr. Asue Ighodalo continues to enjoy the solidarity and support of the overwhelming majority of the people of Edo State; he remains focused on his issue-based campaign and will not be distracted from his vision and agenda of moving Edo State to another level of prosperity and development on the platform the PDP.

The PDP calls on the people of Edo State to remain at alert and resolute in their determination to ensure continued development by voting enmasse for the PDP and Dr. Asue Ighodalo in the September 21, 2024 Governorship election in the State.

Signed:

Hon. Debo Ologunagba

National Publicity Secretary

STATE HOUSE PRESS RELEASE

ECOWAS 65TH SESSION: PRESIDENT TINUBU CALLS FOR COMMITMENT AND FUNDING TOWARDS REGIONAL STANDBY FORCE, SAYS THE COMMUNITY NEEDS SECURITY AND STABILITY TO ACHIEVE POTENTIAL

President Bola Tinubu has called on Heads of State and Government of ECOWAS to work towards the establishment and sustenance of a regional standby force for the security and economic advancement of the community.

Speaking during the opening of the 65th Ordinary Session of the Authority of ECOWAS Heads of State and Government on Sunday, in Abuja, President Tinubu, who is the Chairman of the regional bloc, highlighted the expediency of a standby force in the face of growing security threats.

“The Regional Action Plan against Terrorism has enhanced cooperation on training, intelligence sharing, and humanitarian interventions. In addition to this, the Ministers of Finance and Defence met recently in Abuja to raise funds for activating the ECOWAS Standby Force to boost counter-terrorism efforts.

“Member countries are also displaying their commitment to combating insecurity by individually increasing their defence budgets in order to acquire necessary equipment and ensure preparedness,’’ the President said.

President Tinubu urged member states to commit more to providing the needed resources for securing the region.

“Let me underscore that a peaceful and secure society is essential for achieving our potential. As we move to operationalize the ECOWAS Standby Force (ESF) in combating terrorism, I must emphasize that the success of this plan requires not only strong political will but also substantial financial resources.

“We must, therefore, ensure that we meet the expectations and recommendations set forth by our Ministers of Defence and Finance, in order to counter insecurity and stabilize our region,’’ the President added.

President Tinubu advised ECOWAS leaders to leverage the capabilities of Nigeria’s National Counter-Terrorism Centre (NCTC), which has been widely acknowledged as one of the best on the continent.

The President said his government has decided to make the NCTC a regional centre to enable all ECOWAS member states to benefit from capacity building and other related opportunities it offers.

President Tinubu also advised the management of ECOWAS to re-align and reposition its priorities by reducing overheads and setting up in-country steering committees.

“Difficult economic conditions and inconsistent payment of financial commitments to ECOWAS have contributed to the current plight. To ensure ECOWAS has adequate resources for its programmes and activities, I urge all member states to ensure full compliance with the Protocol on the Community Levy.

“Nigeria, under my leadership, is committed to leading by example in remitting its collected levies to the organization. Nevertheless, the ECOWAS management must also reduce its overhead expenditures and focus on programmes and activities that directly impact the lives of our citizens.

“I am aware of the progress report on the implementation of the ECOWAS Institutional Reforms. I therefore call on the President of the ECOWAS Commission to resume and expedite the conclusion of the second phase of the Institutional Reforms, aimed at reducing the organization’s operational costs,’’ the President said.

President Tinubu welcomed a new member of the Authority, Senegalese President, Bassirou Diomaye Faye.

“Allow me to further extend warm congratulations to the Government and people of the Republic of Senegal for their steadfastness in the consolidation of democratic governance.

“Their recently concluded presidential election has been widely adjudged as free, fair, transparent, and credible. This achievement is a testament to our region’s commitment to the principles of democracy, good governance, and rule of law,’’ the President stated.

President Tinubu said the 65th session will review the concerns in the region, adding: “We are aware of the enormous challenges, including terrorist activities and violent extremism threatening to spread from the Sahel region towards the coastal states. The political landscape still remains fragile in some member states, especially those that witnessed unconstitutional changes of government.”

While calling for unity within the community, the President emphasized that to elevate the people from poverty to prosperity, it is imperative for ECOWAS to develop innovative approaches to unleash the region’s vast economic potential.

“We must continue to identify and develop partnerships that promote investment in key sectors and promote regional trade. Furthermore, we must invest in our infrastructure and cultivate a conducive business environment to empower our communities to stimulate growth and build resilience against external shocks.

“Together, we can pave the way for a prosperous future for all of West Africa,’’ the President stated.

President Tinubu also called for support in re-electing Ambassador Bankole Adeoye as AU Commissioner for Political Affairs, Peace, and Security in February 2025.

In his remarks, the President of the ECOWAS Commission, Dr. Omar Alieu Touray thanked President Tinubu for his purposeful leadership, affirming that ECOWAS should not be defined by conflicts, elections, and coup d’états, but by development.

Touray said the exiting of ECOWAS by Burkina Faso, Mali, and Niger will affect citizens of the countries, and other ECOWAS countries, following the need for visas, and the review of all trade and development agreements, including ongoing ECOWAS projects in those countries.

Chief Ajuri Ngelale

Special Adviser to the President

(Media & Publicity)

July 7, 2024

 

STATE HOUSE PRESS RELEASE

PRESIDENT TINUBU RE-ELECTED AS CHAIRMAN OF THE AUTHORITY OF ECOWAS HEADS OF STATE AND GOVERNMENT

President Bola Tinubu has been re-elected as the Chairman of the Authority of ECOWAS Heads of State and Government.

The President’s mandate was extended at the 65th Ordinary Session of the Authority of ECOWAS Heads of State and Government on Sunday in Abuja, following the decision of the leaders to ensure continuity and consistency in meeting targets on security, reconciliation, and development.

President Tinubu was first elected to the position in Guinea-Bissau on July 9, 2023.

In his acceptance speech, the President said he would focus on consolidating the values of democracy and upholding the interest of the regional body, which will clock 50 years in 2025.

The Chairman of ECOWAS appointed the President of Senegal, His Excellency, Mr. Bassirou Diomaye Faye, and the President of Togo, His Excellency, Mr. Faure Essozimna Gnassingbé, as Special Envoys to Burkina Faso, Mali, and Niger Republic.

“I have appointed the President of Senegal, Bassirou Diomaye Faye, to please become our Special Envoy to Burkina Faso, Mali, and Niger Republic, along with the President of Togo, Faure Gnassingbé, to do around the clock work with our brothers in Mali, Burkina Faso, and Niger Republic, and to coordinate with me and the ECOWAS Commission, where necessary.

“I have accepted to continue the service to the great members and the great minds that are committed to democratic values and our journey in the region.

“I will continue to serve our interest and build on democratic values and the structure that we inherited. Thank you very much,’’ the President said.

President Tinubu had earlier called on Heads of State and Government of ECOWAS to work towards the establishment and sustenance of a regional standby force for the security and economic advancement of the community.

The President emphasized the expediency of a standby force in the face of growing security threats in the region.

Chief Ajuri Ngelale

Special Adviser to the President

(Media & Publicity)

July 7, 2024

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