ADAMAWA RECORD – Page 10

AVIATION: PRESIDENT BUHARI DIRECTS FINANCE MINISTER TO LOOK FOR SPECIAL FUNDING FOR ABUJA AIRPORT SECOND RUNWAY, INAUGURATES NEW TERMINAL BUILDING AT MMIA

PRESS RELEASE

BUHARI INAUGURATES NEW INTERNATIONAL TERMINAL AT LAGOS AIRPORT, 43 YEARS AFTER ESTABLISHMENT

…Aviation project complements, redefines Lagos’ infrastructure narrative – Sanwo-Olu

…Lagos Government, FAAN seal partnership to develop new access roads to airport

Lagos State, Nigeria’s hub of commerce, is set to witness a rapid economic growth, as a major remodelling project undertaken by the Federal Government at the Murtala Mohammed International Airport (MMIA) in Ikeja comes to fruition.

President Muhammadu Buhari, on Tuesday, commissioned the newly built international terminal at the international airport, creating a new travel experience for air passengers passing through the Lagos international airspace.

Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu joined the president to unveil the new MMIA Terminal 2, designed and built under the ambitious rehabilitation programme of the Federal Ministry of Aviation in which 22 federal airports were marked for upgrade and remodelling.

At the occasion, Lagos State Government signed Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Federal Airport Authority of Nigeria (FAAN) to construct ancillary road infrastructure that will create seamless vehicular connectivity to the airport through Alimosho axis.

The agreement gives legal backing and concession of right-of-way for the construction of a new perimeter expressway to link Shasha Road to the Airport Complex. The development is expected to decongest the existing Lagos-Abeokuta corridor, and reduce journey time in commuting to the airport.

Gov. Sanwo-Olu and Minister of State for Aviation, Sen. Hadi Sirika, jointly supervised the signing of the agreement by the Lagos Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice, Mr. Moyosore Onigbanjo, SAN, and the FAAN Managing Director, Captain Rabiu Yadudu.

Other Lagos cabinet members at the MoU signing ceremony included the Deputy Governor, Dr. Obafemi Hamzat, Special Adviser on Works and Infrastructure, Engr. Aramide Adeyoye, and Special Adviser on Public Private Partnership (PPP), Mr. Ope George.

Buhari said his administration fully understood the importance of airport infrastructure as a catalyst for economic growth, Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) and socio-economic development, which informed the Federal Government’s decision to prioritise the completion and delivery of five brand new international terminals, which were at 11 per cent progress level when he assumed office in 2015.

The president stressed that the construction of the new terminal aligned with his Government’s aviation roadmap developed in 2016 for the purposes of establishing critical infrastructure, including a national carrier, Maintenance, Repairs and Overhaul Centre and improved airport terminals through concession, to boost aviation practice in line with global standards.

He said: “I am confident that the new terminal, with 66 check-in counters, 16 Immigration desks at arrival, 28 Immigration desks at departure, and eight security screening points, among others, will go a long way in contributing to the socio-political and economic prosperity of our great nation.

“This improvement will increase airport operations and management services to about 14 million passengers per annum, with the attendant positive multiplier effects, by creating about 3,000 direct and indirect employment opportunities for our youths, increase inflow of Foreign Direct Investments and exponential growth in the Gross Domestic Product.”

Sanwo-Olu, who described the delivery of the new air terminal as “long-overdue upgrade” to the nation’s flagship International airport, said President Buhari, by the achievement, had re-written the infrastructure narrative of Lagos, Southwest region, as well as the nation.

The Governor said the construction of Lagos-Ibadan Standard Gauge Rail Line, upgrade of Apapa-Oshodi-Oworonshoki Expressway, full rehabilitation Lagos-Ibadan Expressway, and development of a world-class Creative Industries Park in Iganmu were a few of the landmark infrastructure brought to Lagos by the Buhari administration.

He said: “We are very grateful to the Federal Government, under President Buhari’s leadership, for seeing to the completion and commissioning of this brand new international terminal building, almost 43 years to the day the old terminal was built. Finally, our dear Lagos has an international airport terminal that is befitting, and that has the capacity to cope with the fast-growing flow of passenger traffic.

“The new terminal is a worthy complement to the various transportation and road infrastructure projects of the Lagos State Government, such as the Airport Road and flyover which you were delivered three years ago, and the Red and Blue Lines of our Light Rail network, which we are working very hard to deliver on as soon as possible.”

Speaking on the infrastructure MoU, Sanwo-Olu said the partnership with FAAN further testified to a new era of productive collaboration between Lagos and the Federal Government, which was not the case between 1999 and 2015.

The Governor said by President Buhari’s commitment, fairness and respectful leadership, Lagos infrastructure story had changed for the better, with the benefits emerging in terms of improved quality of life for the residents.

Sirika said the development of the new terminal was to achieve an efficient and rapid transportation network, which would make Nigeria to remain a key player in the global logistical ecosystem.

Aside facilitating international trade, commerce and tourism, the Aviation minister said improved air services that would be achieved would lead to creation of jobs and boost economy.

In the coming months, Sirika said there would be a partnership with the Lagos State Government on development of rail project to connect the nearby local airport to the new international terminal.

The new terminal is designed as a world-class aviation route, with the capacity to handle 18 million air passengers yearly. Offering best convenience for travellers, the facility was developed on an architectural acreage of 50,887 square metre.

It has 10 Extra-Low Voltage systems, three-dimensional multi-layer baggage sorting system, five arrival and six departure gates, seven boarding bridges, and over 2,000 seat spaces for passengers.

The perimeter expressway will be constructed in four phases across six local councils, with the first phase spanning a 9-km toll road from Shasha to the airport. There will be a toll-free alternative route from Shasha towards Agege Motor Road en route airport.

The second phase of the Lagos-FAAN road project will open the airport to northern connection on Lagos-Abeokuta Expressway. Other phases include linkage to Egbe, Isolo, Mushin and Okota roads.

Earlier, President Buhari commissioned Dangote Fertilizer Plant in Lekki Free Trade Zone (LFTZ), and inspected the ongoing construction of Dangote Refinery and Petrochemical Complex, and the Lekki Deep Sea Port.

SIGNED

GBOYEGA AKOSILE

CHIEF PRESS SECRETARY

22 MARCH 2022

AVIATION: PRESIDENT BUHARI DIRECTS FINANCE MINISTER TO LOOK FOR SPECIAL FUNDING FOR ABUJA AIRPORT SECOND RUNWAY, INAUGURATES NEW TERMINAL BUILDING AT MMIA

President Muhammadu Buhari on Tuesday directed the Minister of Finance, Budget and National Planning to look for special funding for the second runway of the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport, Abuja.

Speaking at the inauguration of the new Terminal Building, Murtala Muhammed International Airport, Lagos, the President also directed the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory to conclude the documentation of the approved 12,000 hectares of land to accommodate the runway and other developmental projects.

Further, the President tasked the Minister of Aviation to fast-track the airport concession programme, to boost aviation practice in the country and make the aviation industry reflect global standards.

The President noted that the completion and delivery of five brand new international airport terminals since 2015, which were at 11% completion level then, aligns perfectly with the Aviation Roadmap, developed in 2016, for the purposes of establishing critical infrastructure, including a National Carrier as well as maintenance, repairs and overhaul centre, and improved Airports Terminals through concession.

The President, who described the administration’s investments in inter-state rail connectivity, road networks, agriculture, power and telecommunications, despite limitations in resources, as unprecedented noted that robust initiatives have been complemented with specific fiscal policies to drive aviation infrastructure renaissance.

‘‘These include the designation of 4 airports, namely Lagos, Abuja, Kano and Port Harcourt as Free Trade Zones, in which customs duty is not applicable; removal of VAT on all forms of shared transportation, including air transportation; and exemption of commercial aircraft and spare parts from VAT payment.

‘‘Similar projects at both the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport and Port Harcourt International Airport were completed and commissioned by this administration and our people have since been benefiting from the positive economic impacts of those magnificent terminals.

‘‘The one in Kano has also been completed, and will be commissioned soon, while work continues apace to complete that of Enugu shortly,’’ he said.

The President expressed confidence that the new terminal in Lagos with sixty-six check-in-counters, sixteen Immigration desks at arrival, twenty-eight Immigration desks at departure, and eight security screening points, among others, would go a long way in contributing to the socio-political and economic prosperity of the country,

He added that the improvement would increase airport operations and management services to about 14 million passengers per annum, create 3,000 direct and indirect jobs, increase inflow of Foreign Direct Investments (FDI) and exponential growth in the Gross Domestic Product (GDP).

He thanked the Government and People of the Republic of China, through the China Export-Import Bank and CCECC Nigeria Limited, (FAAN), for their commitment and support towards the completion of the project.

The President also commended the Federal Ministry of Aviation and its agencies, particularly, the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria, for working assiduously towards the realization of the project.

‘‘With the delivery of this project, a new era of safety, security, and comfort has been ushered into the Nigerian aviation industry, and I am persuaded that it will get better with the passage of time,’’ he said.

The Governor of Lagos State Babajide Sanwo-Olu said it was instructive that Lagos State in one day had witnessed the evolution of three major infrastructure development projects that will change the Nigerian landscape while commending President Buhari for the infrastructural renewal and redevelopment necessary for a city like Lagos.

He lauded the private sector in the aviation industry for their continued contributions to the growth of the country despite the challenges.

The Governor informed the gathering that Lagos State Government was forming a partnership with FAAN towards ensuring that the new international terminal enjoys easy access which would be achieved by creating a bypass, the Airport – Alimosho Bypass Project, to create an alternative route to the airport.

The signing of the agreement for the partnership was later done by the officials of the Lagos State Government and FAAN.

In his remarks, Minister of Aviation, Senator Hadi Sirika said aviation is the worldwide rapid transportation network that facilitates international trade, commerce and tourism, the only medium for achieving continental integration and interaction towards achieving the AU Agenda 2063.

He commended the administration of President Buhari for efforts towards resolving the problems inherited in the aviation industry in 2015 such as lack of professionalism, scarcity of foreign exchange, obsolete equipment, poor facilities, blocked funds for airlines among others, adding that more still needed to be done.

The Minister said the airport concession project including the new terminals has reached an advanced stage with the Ministry issuing requests for shortlisted firms before the end of March.

According to the Minister, a study by the International Air Transport Association (IATA) on Nigeria in 2020, “showed that the sector created 241,000 jobs, direct and indirect, and contributed $1.7billion to the economy,” with a hope to grow the contribution of the sector from the current 0.68% to 5% or approximately $14.16billion.

Senator Sirika gave assurances that the new terminal will be linked to the railway system.

Garba Shehu

Senior Special Assistant to the President

(Media & Publicity)

March 22, 2022

DESTABILIZATION: PDP GIVES ITSELF AWAY

The People’s Democratic Party (PDP) has given itself away as being interested only in the destabilization of the country, peradventure it could then sneak its way back to power.

Less than 24 hours after the Department of State Services (DSS) raised alarm about sinister plots by some elements to cause disorder in the land, using the energy crisis as a smokescreen, the PDP issued a statement, saying; “Our party fears that the situation is getting to a boiling point and can trigger a nationwide agitation that might be worse than the October 2020 EndSARS if not addressed immediately.”

Which patriotic political party or organization ever threatens its country with anarchy, social upheaval and disorderliness, except one still smarting from its snout being yanked from the honeypot, as happened to PDP in 2015?

But we wish to remind the now tepid opposition party that it was Nigerians that gave it the boot 7 years ago, and those same Nigerians have not forgotten the travails they experienced, at a time the country was awash with money: no power, no infrastructure, insurgents ran riot round the nation, and our collective patrimony was looted blind. Those same Nigerians are not ready for another PDP misrule, not now, and perhaps not for a long time to come.

Rather than plot and encourage “agitation worse than October 2020 EndSARS,” which it may well be conceiving, the PDP should work for harmony and cohesion in the country, if it ever understands such concept.

EndSARS signified murder, mayhem, mass destruction, even cannibalism. PDP now wishes Nigeria something worse.

A presidential aspirant of the PDP has warned that the party would die by 2023, unless it wins the Number One position in the country. And die it would, if the party wishes the country nothing except something worse than EndSARS.

Femi Adesina

Special Adviser to the President

(Media and Publicity)

March 22, 2022

PRESIDENT DIRECTS TIMELY COMPLETION OF LEKKI DEEP SEA PORT, WANTS RAILWAY LINK TO THE HARBOR

President Muhammadu Buhari on Tuesday in Lagos praised the efforts of the Minister of Transportation, Rotimi Amaechi, towards making the Lekki Deep Sea Port a reality, and directed him to consult and bring up a memorandum to the Federal Executive Council (FEC) to link the facility with the railway network.

As part of his engagements in Lagos, the President inspected the rate of work done at the first Deep Sea Port in Nigeria located in Lagos Free Zone, 65Km east of Lagos.

In the course of the inspection, the President received firm assurances that the port, which has a concession period of 45 years and sits in a land area of 90 hectares, will be completed on schedule by September.

Garba Shehu

Senior Special Assistant to the President

(Media & Publicity)

March 22, 2022

NIGERIA’S DEPENDENCE ON IMPORTED PRODUCTS TO END SOON, PRESIDENT BUHARI SAYS AT INAUGURATION OF DANGOTE’S 3M METRIC TONNES FERTILIZER PLANT

President Muhammadu Buhari Tuesday declared that Nigeria’s dependence on imported products in the agriculture sector will soon be a thing of the past with the inauguration of Dangote Fertilizer Plant, which has an installed capacity of 3.0 million metric tonnes of Urea per annum.

Speaking at the commissioning of the plant in Ibeju Lekki, Lagos State, the President said the plant will further advance Nigeria’s drive towards achieving self-sufficiency in food production, create jobs, increase the inflow of foreign exchange and accelerate economic growth.

He commended the Chairman, Board and Management of Dangote Industries Limited for their business initiative in conceptualizing and building this plant, which is the second largest in the world.

The President expressed confidence that the investment in this plant will replicate the Group’s earlier exploits in the cement sector, where Dangote Cement holds the enviable record as our continent’s largest cement producer, with footprints in ten other African countries.

‘‘This new plant is a renewed testament to the widely acknowledged patriotism of Alhaji Aliko Dangote and the leadership of Dangote Industries Limited. It also demonstrates their commitment to the socio-economic development of our country and the well-being of our people.

‘‘The Group’s investment in integrated cement plants, spanning the value chain from quarry to ‘bagging, has effectively ended Nigeria’s dependence on imported cement products.

‘‘Along with the several other subsidiaries, Dangote Industries Limited has created thousands of jobs across Nigeria. It is the second biggest employer of labour in this country, after the Federal Government.

‘‘This is very pleasing because job creation by private sector operators is vital to security as it takes thousands of youths off the street,’’ he said.

On other benefits of the plant, the President expressed delight that with the commencement of exports to other countries including the United States, India, and Brazil, Nigeria is already gaining extensively in earnings of foreign exchange from the excess production of, and export from, the plant.

He noted that coming on stream of the plant had created huge opportunities in the areas of job creation, trade, warehousing, transport, and logistics, which would, in turn, create significant wealth, reduce poverty, and help in securing the future of the nation.

‘‘In the agricultural sector, another focal point of our economic policy, we expect a boom as fertilizer is now readily available in greater quantities and better quality.

‘‘Many Nigerians who hitherto practiced subsistence farming because of nonavailability of necessary inputs can now take up agriculture as a business.

‘‘We expect the rise of a new breed of agropreneurs who will add value to farming and make the nation self-sufficient in food production,’’ he said.

President Buhari used the occasion to reassure Nigerians that his government is focused on providing an enabling environment for the private sector to thrive, pledging continuity in improving infrastructure, power and security as well as enacting relevant laws and regulations to drive investments in the economy.

‘‘We are partnering with the private sector, through a tax credit scheme, in the rehabilitation of roads across Nigeria under Presidential Order No. 7.

‘‘As we know, good roads contribute to easy movement of goods and services across the nation, thus reducing the cost of doing business and improving productivity.

‘‘We are also rehabilitating our railway lines and building new ones to lessen the burden on our roads and create more effective multi-modal transportation networks,’’ he said.

‘‘I look forward to coming back to inaugurate the Refinery and petrochemical plant later in the year.

‘‘Projects of this magnitude and complexity require the support and collaboration of many persons and organisations. I am grateful to all of them.

‘‘In particular, I would like to commend the Central Bank of Nigeria, the Development Finance Institutions and the Local and Foreign Commercial Banks that have supported the investor to make these projects a reality,’’ the President declared.

Lauding Dangote for helping to rebrand Nigeria through his mega investments across Africa, President Buhari said:

‘‘He has fueled job-led growth and transformation of several African economies. I am proud of his contribution to affirming Nigeria’s leadership status in the continent, and I wish him many more successes in the future.’’

After the historic inauguration, President Buhari inspected the Group’s 650,000 barrels per day Petroleum Refinery and 900,000 tonnes per annum Polypropylene Plant sited within the Dangote Free Trade Zone Complex.

In his remarks, Dangote said the fertiliser complex, which occupies 500 hectares and built at a cost of $2.5 billion will drastically reduce the level of unemployment and youth restiveness in the country, through generation of direct and indirect employment.

”Agriculture accounts for over 20 per cent of Nigeria’s GDP, and the country is a leading producer of various agricultural commodities. The sector has the potential of becoming the biggest source of income for our Nation, providing employment and raw materials for industries.

”However, low fertilizer usage has been a major reason for low productivity in the sector. It is common knowledge that non availability of the product, in quantity and quality, rather than affordability, is the primary constraint to the use of fertilizer.

”Our goal is to make fertiliser available in sufficient quantities and quality for our teeming farmers assuring greater agricultural output,” he said.

The Chief Executive of Dangote Industries expressed immense gratitude to President Buhari, for his sustained support and encouragement, and for honoring the invitation to come, in person, and inaugurate the plant.

He also commended the leaders of the host communities and their people for providing a peaceful and conducive environment for the project to thrive, recognizing the many years of enthusiastic teamwork, labour, toil and sweat of the Management and Staff of Dangote Group for their commitment to high performance, perseverance and resilience.

The governor of Lagos State, Babajide Sanwo-Olu, recounted the role played by a former governor of the State, Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu, in the establishment of the fertiliser plant and the refinery.

”The idea of having a free zone in the Ibeju Lekki was conceived by our leader Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu.

”I was with him in 2003, when we took a trip to China and we were trying to conceive a free zone and this is where we are.

”The free zone is not only home to the largest fertilizer plant in Africa but will certainly be home to the largest refinery,” Sanwo-Olu said.

He thanked the President for coming to Lagos, adding that he looked forward to receiving him in a few months’ time to commission more projects.

Garba Shehu

Senior Special Assistant to the President

(Media & Publicity)

March 22, 2022

March 23, 2022

admin

PRESIDENT BUHARI SUMMONS IMO GOVERNOR, POWER MINISTER, ECONOMIC ADVISER

President Muhammadu Buhari has summoned Governor Hope Uzodinma of Imo State, the Minister of Power, Abubakar Aliyu, and the Chief Economic Adviser, Prof Doyin Salami, to a meeting at the Presidential Villa on Monday afternoon.

The President is scheduled to meet separately with them and he would be apprised of the latest developments in Imo State, the power sector and the state of the economy.

It would be recalled that the President while condemning the spate of violence in Imo State in the aftermath of the destruction of buildings and assets of the Police and the home of Prof. George Obiozor, President-General of Ohaneze Ndigbo, pledged to review the security situation in southeast Nigeria.

President Buhari has also voiced his concern over the frequent power outages, apologising to Nigerians and assuring a quick relief to the situation.

Garba Shehu

Senior Special Assistant to the President

(Media & Publicity)

March 21, 2022

Press Statement

Ebonyi: Issue Certificates of Return to Igariwe, Udogwu Now, PDP Charges INEC

The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) charges the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to immediately and without any further delay, issue Certificates of Return to Hon. Iduma Igariwe and Fred Udogwu as Governor and Deputy Governor of Ebonyi State respectively.

This is in furtherance of the Order of the Federal High Court issued in Abuja today, Monday, March 21, 2022 refusing to grant Stay of Execution to the former Governor of Ebonyi State, Engr. David Nweze Umahi and his Deputy, Kelechi Igwe over their removal from office by the Court.

INEC, pursuant to the provision of Section 287(3) of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria 1999 (as amended) which provides that “the decisions of the Federal High Court, National Industrial Court, a High Court and of all other courts established by this Constitution shall be enforced in any part of the Federation by all authorities and persons, and by other courts of law with subordinate jurisdiction to that of the Federal High Court, National Industrial Court, a High Court and those other courts, respectively” is bound to issue Certificates of Return immediately to Hon. Iduma Igariwe and Fred Udogwu as Governor and Deputy Governor of Ebonyi State respectively.

In this regard, the PDP also demands that the Chief Judge of Ebonyi State, upon the issuance of Certificates of Return by INEC proceed to swear in Hon. Iduma Igariwe and Fred Udogwu as Governor and Deputy Governor of Ebonyi State respectively.

This is absolutely necessary to prevent the existence of vacuum in the government and governance of Ebonyi State as Messers Umahi and Igwe can no longer exercise the functions of the office of Governor and Deputy Governor of Ebonyi State pursuant to the Order of the Federal High Court which removed them from office on March 8, 2022 and the subsequent Order of the Federal High Court today, which refused their application for Stay of Execution.

The PDP commends the judiciary for its courage in defending the Constitution as well as the will of the people of Ebonyi State as expressed in their votes for the PDP in the 2019 governorship election.

Our Party also congratulates the people of Ebonyi State for the restoration of their mandate and urged them to remain united under the PDP as we forge ahead in our mission to Rescue and Rebuild our country from the rudderless APC administration.

Signed:

Hon. Debo Ologunagba

National Publicity Secretary

LAGOS STATE GOVERNMENT

OFFICE OF THE CHIEF PRESS SECRETARY TO THE GOVERNOR

PRESS RELEASE

SANWO-OLU SWEARS IN THREE PERMANENT SECRETARIES, CHARGES THEM TO REMAIN COMMITTED PUBLIC SERVANTS

The Governor of Lagos State, Mr. Babajide Sanwo-Olu, on Monday swore in three new permanent secretaries, urging them to continue to remain committed and serve the citizens diligently and competently.

Speaking during the swearing-in ceremony held at the Executive Chamber, Lagos House, Ikeja, Governor Sanwo-Olu said his administration has appointed close to 50 permanent Secretaries in Public Service in less than three years, noting that almost 70 per cent of the current crop of permanent secretaries were appointed by the incumbent government to strengthen the civil service.

The new Permanent Secretaries are Mrs. Adetutu Ososanya (Commerce, Industry and Cooperative), Mrs. Oyinade Nathan-Marsh (Tourism, Arts and Culture) and Dr. Olufemi Oke-Osanyintolu (Lagos State Emergency Management Agency, LASEMA).

Governor Sanwo-Olu noted that the appointment of the permanent secretaries was strictly based on the track records of performance in their previous offices held and therefore charged them to see their new appointments as call to service and be committed to the assignments given to them.

“We are happy that you are joining that enviable list of permanent secretaries that we have. Being Permanent Secretary is a call to service and that you need to reflect within all hierarchy of staff that are behind you; to lead and show real leadership. You must be able to lead, encourage and give them everything they require to succeed. We wish you all the best,” the governor said.

The Lagos State Head of Service, Mr. Hakeem Muri-Okunola said the appointment of the three permanent secretaries was in fulfilment of Governor Sanwo-Olu’s THEMES developmental agenda and commitment to elevate the state’s public service to a greater height.

Speaking on behalf of the appointees, in her votes of assurance, Ososanya thanked Governor Sanwo-Olu, his deputy, Dr. Obafemi Hamzat, and State Executive Council for the confidence reposed in them and promised that they would work in line with the THEMES agenda and add value to the State Public Service.

She also promised that the appointees would be loyal and will not disappoint Sanwo-Olu and the Lagos State Government.

“We do not take for granted the great privilege given to us as Permanent Secretary in the Lagos State Civil Service. We appreciate the trust you have reposed in us and we promise to justify the trust. We will ensure that we are loyal to this administration. We promise to support the THEMES developmental agenda.

“We will support the policies, programmes and projects of this administration. We will do our best to add value to the vibrant public service sector. We will be assets to the good work that is ongoing in Lagos State. We will not fail this administration,” Mrs. Ososanya promised.

SIGNED

GBOYEGA AKOSILE

CHIEF PRESS SECRETARY

21 MARCH 2022

PRESS RELEASE

TINUBU AT 70: SANWO-OLU, DARE, HAMZAT, DIGNITARIES GRACE NOVELTY MATCH IN LAGOS

As ex-Super Eagles players defeat Team Lagos 2:0

Lagos State Governor, Mr. Babajide Sanwo-Olu; his deputy, Dr. Obafemi Hamzat; Minister of Youth and Sports, Mr. Sunday Dare; Nigerian Ambassador to Spain, Demola Seriki; Speaker of the Lagos State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Mudashiru Obasa, public office holders at federal and state levels on Sunday converge on Lagos to honour the National Leader of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Asiwaju Bola Tinubu, with a novelty match in celebration of his 70th birthday.

The novelty match between ex-Super Eagles players and Team Lagos, which took place at the Mobolaji Johnson Arena in Onikan, Lagos was attended by former and present members of the National Assembly, Lagos State Executive Council, Lagos State House of Assembly and local government chairmen, as well as members of the Governance Advisory Council (GAC), Lagos State APC executive members, among others.

The match, which was attended by Tinubu, who kicked off the ball, is part of the programmes organised by the Tinubu Support Group in conjunction with the Lagos State Government, to celebrate the APC National Leader’s 70th birthday, which comes up on Tuesday, March 29.

Former Super Eagles Striker, Victor Agali scored two goals for the ex-international team led by Austin Jay Jay Okocha to defeat the Team Lagos, which is made up of former players of Stationery Scores and other clubs in Lagos State.

Agali scored the first goal 10 minutes into the second half from a brilliant pass from Julius Aghahowa. Agali netted the second goal 12 minutes later through his head from a cross by Austin Okocha, who displayed brilliant dribbling skills during the match.

The ex-internationals team also included; Nwankwo Kanu, Peter Rufai, Ike Shorunmu, Taribo West, Garba Lawal, Mutiu Adepoju, Victor Ikpeba and Abiodun Obafemi, among others.

Team Lagos was captained by the Speaker of Lagos State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon Mudashiri Obasa. Other members of the team are Waidi Akanni, Godwin Okpara, Friday Ekpo, Sanni Doherty, Akeem Ogunlade, Wasiu Ipaye, Taiwo Oloyede, Yusuf Ayinla and Alhaji Gafar, among others.

Prior to the novelty match between the ex-international and Team Lagos, there was a football match between Team Abuja comprising members of the National Assembly and Team B, made up of members of the Lagos State Executive Council, House of Assembly and council chairmen.

The Team Manager for Team Abuja was a member of the House of Representatives, representing Ikeja Federal Constituency, Hon. James Faleke, while Team Lagos was led by the Chief of Staff to Lagos State Governor, Mr. Tayo Ayinde.

SIGNED

GBOYEGA AKOSILE

CHIEF PRESS SECRETARY

20 MARCH 2022

Press Release

Sunday, 20^th March 2022.

OBA ELEGUSHI TO LEAD PRAYERS FOR NIGERIA, AS ELEGBA FESTIVAL HOLDS IN IKATE KINGDOM

Oba Saheed Ademola Elegushi, the king of Ikate-Elegushi kingdom will lead other prominent monarchs and Lagosians in offering prayers for the country, to seek divine intervention in the affairs of the nation.

The prayers will be part of activities at the Year 2022 Ejiwa Elegba Festival, an annual cultural and spiritual celebration of coastal communities in Lagos, holding at Ikate-Elegushi from 22^nd – 28^th March 2022.

In a release signed by the monarch’s spokesperson, Temitope Oyefeso, he quoted the monarch as saying the challenges confronting Nigerians in recent times requires divine intervention, even as the government at various levels continue to proffer solutions to theses socio-economic issues.

He said Oba Elegushi would be joined by other prominent monarchs from Lagos and other states, to offer special prayers for the country, her leaders and the citizens at the festival.

The Ejiwa Elegba Festival, which is an annual event of coastal communities, is held in five areas of the state. This year’s celebration, which started from Iddo and later Iru kingdom, will move to Ikate-Elegushi from the 22^nd of March 2022, while the celebration will also be held in Ijora and Ilashe at later dates.

Signed:

Temitope Oyefeso

Special Assistant, Public Affairs to His Majesty

—

‘Tope Oyefeso (Mr.)

Special Assistant, Public Affairs

Office of The Elegushi of Ikateland

08023839100

March 20, 2022

Press Statement

PDP Celebrates Ugwuanyi at 58

…Says He is a Forthright, Consummate Administrator

The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) celebrates the Executive Governor of Enugu State, His Excellency, Rt. Hon. Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi, as he marks his 58th birthday.

Gburugburu, as Governor Ugwuanyi is fondly called, is an outstanding statesman, consummate legislator and excellent administrator, who continues to make innumerable contributions towards the unity, stability and development of our dear nation.

Through the years, Rt. Hon. Ugwuanyi has distinguished himself as a very courageous leader, an exceptionally humble, honest, forthright and humane administrator, whose commitment to the welfare and development of the people is unparalleled.

As a seasoned technocrat, former member of the House of Representatives and now a two-term governor of Enugu State, Governor Ugwuanyi remains a shining example of commitment to duty and patriotism to our dear fatherland.

Our Party is extremely proud of Governor Ugwuanyi’s outstanding achievements in human capital and infrastructural developments in all critical sectors of life, with which he has transformed Enugu State in the last seven years.

With Governor Ugwuanyi, Enugu State is indeed in the hands of God. This is evident in the peaceful disposition of Governor Ugwuanyi who ensures the harmonious co-existence of the peoples of Enugu State by guaranteeing even development across the State.

Futhermore, the PDP appreciates Governor Ugwuanyi’s roles with other leaders towards the stability, successes and development of our great Party.

The PDP deeply appreciates Governor Ugwuanyi’s roles towards the success of the 2021 National Convention of our Party as well as his unwavering dedication toward PDP’s mission to Rescue and Rebuild our nation from the misrule of the All Progressives Congress (APC)

The PDP family heartily congratulates Governor Ugwuanyi on this auspicious occasion and pray to God to Grant him many more years to His Glory and service to humanity.

Signed:

Hon. Debo Ologunagba

National Publicity Secretary

March 20, 2022

Press Statement

Fuel Crisis: APC is Kneeling on the Necks of Nigerians- PDP

…Slams Buhari for Abdication of Duties

The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) cautions the All Progressives Congress (APC) administration to note that its unrelenting culture of arrogance, impunity and criminal pillaging of our national resources is akin to kneeling on the necks of Nigerians.

The PDP warns that there is a limit to what the people can bear under an administration that remains arrogant, inhumane, unconcerned and insensitive to their plights occasioned by its misrule.

Is it not an unpardonable dereliction of duty that while the nation is in turmoil and agonizing under a collapsed national grid, protracted fuel crisis, distressed aviation sector, plummeting currency, crippled production and commercial activities, President Muhammadu Buhari remains aloof and “absent” as always?

The failure by President Buhari, who also doubles as the Minister of Petroleum Resources to take immediate action, other than the snobbish stance by his Presidency that “heavens will not fall” because of fuel scarcity amounts to daring Nigerians to do their worse.

It is often said that when a government abdicates its responsibility to the citizens at whose pleasure it should serve, then that government is complicit in the suffering of its people and a beneficiary of their woes.

Sadly today, thousands of Small and Medium Scale Enterprises; the drivers of the economy are folding up daily, industries are relocating to neighboring countries, universities are on strike, the aviation sector is on the brink of collapse, our Railway is tottering to a halt due to lack of diesel, police are threatening to go on strike, insecurity is on the rise due to the collapse of the informal economic sector, yet Mr. President had time to holiday in England!

If President Buhari could personally communicate on issues that concern his fizzling party, the APC, while in England, it is inconceivable that he failed and neglected, as always, to attend to life discounting experiences and pains encountered by Nigerians daily by the thoughtless and inhumane policies of his government.

President Buhari needs to be reminded of his duty to Nigerians, to in the least, show some empathy, competence and concern as our country rapidly drifts towards a looming precipice. The frustration in the country is already degenerating into a nationwide restiveness that may result to the breakdown of Law and Order if allowed to fester.

With petrol now selling between N400 to N500 per liter, diesel at over N800 per liter, kerosine at over N750 and aviation fuel at N670 per liter, millions of businesses, employments and sources of livelihood have collapsed in both urban and rural areas resulting in acute hardship and widespread social tension across the country.

Our Party fears that the situation is getting to a boiling point and can trigger a nationwide agitation that might be worse than the October 2020 EndSARS if not addressed immediately.

President Buhari must take responsibility for the criminal racketeering in his government by APC leaders which has led to the crippling of the economy under his watch. He should stop abdicating his duties by sending his aides to issue wild claims, fake promises and noncommittal apologies on the abysmal failures of his administration.

Signed:

Hon. Debo Ologunagba

National Publicity Secretary

PRESIDENT BUHARI GREETS GOV IFEANYI UGWUANYI OF ENUGU STATE AT 58

President Muhammadu Buhari joins the Government and indigenes of Enugu State in celebrating with Governor Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi, who turns 58, March 20, 2022.

President Buhari felicitates the former lawmaker, who served in the House of Representatives for 12 years, before his election as Governor in 2015, for providing visionary leadership, making Enugu an attraction for tourists and investors by promoting peace, stability and unity.

The President notes the foresight, wisdom and balance the governor brings to national debates and policies, elevating love for the nation above personal ambition, and diligently pursuing the greater good of his people and entire South East region.

As Governor Ugwuanyi, better known as “Gburugburu” turns 58, the President prays for long life, good health and more opportunities to keep serving the country.

Femi Adesina

Special Adviser to the President

(Media & Publicity)

March 20, 2022

PRESIDENT BUHARI FELICITATES AGUMA BASSA, BENIN, BAKO EBIREDELU DOGWO AT 57

President Muhammadu Buhari congratulates His Royal Highness (HRH), Alhaji Bako Ebiredelu Dogwo, Aguma Bassa, Benin, on his 57th birthday, March 20, 2022, rejoicing with the royal father for service to his people and nation.

President Buhari notes the worthy contributions of the traditional ruler, who is the Coordinator General, Bassa Traditional Rulers and Elites, to peace, development and prosperity of his domain, particularly the attention to civic responsibilities, education and entrepreneurship.

As the Aguma Bassa turns 57, the President salutes his dedication, commitment and resolve of pursuing the larger dream of a united and peaceful country by sharing his wise counsels with leaders and followers.

President Buhari prays for the wellbeing of the royal father.

Femi Adesina

Special Adviser to the President

(Media & Publicity)

March 19, 2022

March 22, 2022March 22, 2022

admin

TINUBU AT 70: SANWO-OLU, DARE, HAMZAT, DIGNITARIES GRACE NOVELTY MATCH IN LAGOS

PRESS RELEASE

As ex-Super Eagles players defeat Team Lagos 2:0

The ex-internationals team also included; Nwankwo Kanu, Peter Rufai, Ike Shorunmu, Taribo West, Garba Lawal, Mutiu Adepoju, Victor Ikpeba and Abiodun Obafemi, among others.

SIGNED

GBOYEGA AKOSILE

CHIEF PRESS SECRETARY

20 MARCH 2022

Press Release

Sunday, 20^th March 2022.

OBA ELEGUSHI TO LEAD PRAYERS FOR NIGERIA, AS ELEGBA FESTIVAL HOLDS IN IKATE KINGDOM

He said Oba Elegushi would be joined by other prominent monarchs from Lagos and other states, to offer special prayers for the country, her leaders and the citizens at the festival.

Signed:

Temitope Oyefeso

Special Assistant, Public Affairs to His Majesty

—

‘Tope Oyefeso (Mr.)

Special Assistant, Public Affairs

Office of The Elegushi of Ikateland

08023839100

March 20, 2022

Press Statement

PDP Celebrates Ugwuanyi at 58

…Says He is a Forthright, Consummate Administrator

The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) celebrates the Executive Governor of Enugu State, His Excellency, Rt. Hon. Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi, as he marks his 58th birthday.

Futhermore, the PDP appreciates Governor Ugwuanyi’s roles with other leaders towards the stability, successes and development of our great Party.

The PDP family heartily congratulates Governor Ugwuanyi on this auspicious occasion and pray to God to Grant him many more years to His Glory and service to humanity.

Signed:

Hon. Debo Ologunagba

National Publicity Secretary

March 20, 2022

Press Statement

Fuel Crisis: APC is Kneeling on the Necks of Nigerians- PDP

…Slams Buhari for Abdication of Duties

The PDP warns that there is a limit to what the people can bear under an administration that remains arrogant, inhumane, unconcerned and insensitive to their plights occasioned by its misrule.

Our Party fears that the situation is getting to a boiling point and can trigger a nationwide agitation that might be worse than the October 2020 EndSARS if not addressed immediately.

Signed:

Hon. Debo Ologunagba

National Publicity Secretary

PRESIDENT BUHARI GREETS GOV IFEANYI UGWUANYI OF ENUGU STATE AT 58

President Muhammadu Buhari joins the Government and indigenes of Enugu State in celebrating with Governor Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi, who turns 58, March 20, 2022.

As Governor Ugwuanyi, better known as “Gburugburu” turns 58, the President prays for long life, good health and more opportunities to keep serving the country.

Femi Adesina

Special Adviser to the President

(Media & Publicity)

March 20, 2022

PRESIDENT BUHARI FELICITATES AGUMA BASSA, BENIN, BAKO EBIREDELU DOGWO AT 57

President Buhari prays for the wellbeing of the royal father.

Femi Adesina

Special Adviser to the President

(Media & Publicity)

March 19, 2022

March 21, 2022

admin

ABAVO CHRONICLE ABEJUKOKO VANGUARD ABIA REPORTERS ABIA SUN ABIGBORODO SUN ABRAKA STATESMAN ABUJA ABUJA CHRONICLE ABUJA GAZETTES ABUJA GUIDE ABUJA MORNING NEWS ABUJA NEWS ABUJA NEWSPAPERS ABUJA NOW ABUJA STAR ABUJA TELEGRAM ADAMAWA RECORD ADAVI CHRONICLE ADEJE DAILY ADEJE FACTS ADVERTISING AGBARHO NEWS AGBOR ADVERTISER AGHALOKPE JOURNAL AGHALOKPE MIRROR AGRICULTURE NEWS AJAKA NEWS AJAMIKARAWA SUN AJAOKUTA VOICE AJIMELE NEWS AKPATA DIGEST AKWA IBOM DAILY NEWS ALAUSA NEWS ALAUSA TODAY AMERICA MAIL AMUOKPE DAILY AMUOKPE DAILY REVIEW ANAMBRA ANAMBRA TIMES ANIOCHA MAIL ANIOCHA NEWS ANIOMA RECORD ANKPA NEWS ARHAGBA CHAMPION ARHAGBA HERALD ASABA ASABA CHRONICLE ASABA DAILY NEWS ASABA FLASH POLINT ASABA MAIL ASABA MIRROR ASABA NEWS ASABA NEWS HERALD ASABA NOW ASABA PERISCOPE ASABA TIMES ASABA TODAY ASO ROCK AVIATION AWKA COURIER BASSA DAILY BAUCHI DISPATCH BAYELSA NEWS BENDEL DAILY BENIN CITY TODAY BENUE SUN BINI PEOPLE BOMADI NEWS BORNO VOICE BURUTU STAR BUSINESS BUSINESS NEWS CALABAR BEAT CALABAR NEWS CALABAR TRIBUNE CHOBA LEADER COMMONWEALTH REPORTERS COMPANY NEWS CRIME CONTROL CRIME PREVENTION CROSS RIVER TIMES DEKINA GUARDIAN DELTA CENTRAL DELTA CHRONICLE DELTA DAILY DELTA DAILY NEWS DELTA DEMOCRAT DELTA NORTH DELTA POINTER DELTA PROVINCE NEWS DELTA SOUTH DELTA WEEKLY East EBIRERI FESTUS OMAJEMITE EBIRERI HENRY MEDIA EBIRERI HENRY NEWSPAPERS EBIRERI HENRY OVIE EBIRERI HENRY OVIE MEDIAGATE EBIRERI HENRY PF SERVICES EBIRERI HENRY PRESS EBIRERI HENRY RADIO EBIRERI HENRY TELEVISION EBIRERI LAMONDE MONDAY KERWE EBIRERI OKPAKO VICTOR EBIRERI OVIE HENRY EBIRERI VICTOR UNUBREME EBONYI GAZETTE EBONYI HERALD ECONOMY EDO EXPRESS EDO MORNING NEWS EDO POLITICS EDO TIMES EFFURUN BULLETIN EKITI TIMES EKU NEWS ELELE BANNER ELUME COURIER ELUME DAILY ELUME NEWS ELUME RECORD ELUME SUNRAY ELUME TIMES EMMANUEL UDUAGHAN Entertainment ENUGU PRESS ETHIOPE EAST GAZZETTE ETHIOPE WEST PUNCH EUROPE NEWS EUROPE TODAY FELIX IBRU FESTUS EBIRERI FOREIGN NEWS GOVERNMENT GOVERNOR Health IBAJI SUN IBUSA ENTERPRISE IDAH LEADERSHIP IDAH TOWN TRUST IFEANYI OKOWA IGBALEMELA ODOLU VOICE IGBO DAILY NEWS IGBO JOURNAL IGUN NEWS IJAW NEWS IJAW VOICE IJUMU RADIO IKA NEWS IKA PEOPLE IKA SUN IMO INQUIRER IMO TIMES INDUSTRY NEWS INTERNATIONAL BUSINESS MAN INTERNATIONAL POLITICS ISANLU TIMES ISOKO DISPATCH ISOKO NEWS ISOKO STANDARD ISOKO VOICE ITSEKIRI ADVERTISER ITSEKIRI DIGEST ITSEKIRI NEWS ITSEKIRI PRESS IYARA TELEVISION JAMES IBORI JEREMI TIMES JESSE VANGUARD JIGAWA SUN JOURNALISM KABBA BUNU EXPRESS KABBA MONITOR Kaduna KADUNA WEEKLY Kano KANO NEWS KATSINA DAILY TIMES KOGI DAILY KOGI NEWS KOGI NEWSPAPERS KOKO NEWS KOKO SUN KOKORI ECHO KONTO KARFE MAIL KWALE NEWS KWARA BUSINESS JOURNAL KWARA HERALD LAGOS GOVERNMENT HOUSE LAGOS NEWS LAGOS NOW LAMONDE EBIRERI LOKOJA MONITOR LONDON DIGEST MARITIME MARKETING MEDIAGATE MEREJE NEWS MEREJE PRESS MIDWEST NEWS MOPA MURO VOICE MOPA TELEGRAPH MOSOGAR JOURNAL MOSOGAR OBSERVER NDOKWA CITIZEN NDOKWA DAILY NDOKWA TIMES News NEWSPAPER OWNER NIGER DELTA BUSINESS NEWS NIGER DELTA NEWS NIGER VANGUARD NNPC North OBANGEDE POINTER OBIARUKU BUSINESS JOURNAL OBIARUKU JOURNAL ODO-IRE PUNCH OFU DIARY OGAMINANA MONITOR OGHARA ECHO OGHARA MAIL OGHARA POINTER OGORI MAGONGO VOICE OGUMA DIGEST OGWASHI UKU HERALD OGWOAWO BUSINESS DAILY OIL AND GAS OKEHI OBSERVER OKENE TIDE OKPANAM NEWS OKPARA WARER SIDE JOURNAL OKPARA WATERSIDE DAILY OKPARA WATERSIDE NEWS OKPE BULLETIN OKPE KINGDOM OKPE LEADER OKPE LEADER NEWS OKPE NEWS OKPE PILOT OKPE SUN OKPE WORLDWIDE OKPO TOWN DAILY OLAMABORO NEWS OLD BENDEL MAIL OLEH COURIER OLONA REGISTER OMALA VOICE ONDO MIRROR ONDO TRIBUNE ONITSHA CHRONICLE ONYEDEGA MIRROR OREROKPE NEWS OREROKPE PILOT ORITSEJOLOMI UDUAGHAN OROGUN NEWSPAPER OSHIMILI HERALD OSHIMILI NEWS OSHIMILI SUN OSUN HERALD OZORO HEADLIGHT OZORO NEWS PATANI NEWS PDP NEWS PETROLEUM PLATEAU EAGLE POLITICAL COMMUNICATION POLITICIAN Politics PORT HARCOURT MESSENGER PRESIDENT BUHARI PROFILE PUBLIC RELATIONS RECLAMATION TIMES RIVERS STATE POLITICS RIVERS STATESMAN SAGBAMA TRIBUNE SAPELE BEACON SAPELE BRAND SAPELE COMMUNITY NEWS SAPELE GAZETTE SAPELE LIGHT SAPELE PEOPLE SAPELE PIONEER SAPELE TELEGRAM SECURITY SECURITY CHIEFS South SOUTH-SOUTH TODAY TARABA HERALD TODAY NEWS TRANSPORTATION UGBEKU STAR UGBIMIDAKA TODAY UGBIMIDAKA VANGUARD UGBORHEN OIL UGHELLI EAGLE UGHELLI MONITOR UGHELLI WEEKLY UGHOTON NEWS UKWUANI NEWS UKWUANI REPORTERS UKWUANI TIMES UMUNEDE OBSERVER Uncategorized UNITED KINGDOM NEWS UNIVERSITY NEWS URHOBO ADVOCATE URHOBO GAZETTE URHOBO HERALD URHOBO INDEX URHOBO LEADER URHOBO NATION URHOBO NEWS URHOBO PIONEER URHOBO RECORD URHOBO RECORDER URHOBO REVIEW URHOBO SENTINEL URHOBO STATESMAN URHOBO TIMES UYO MIRROR UYO REPORTERS VERONICA IKPERA EBIRERI WARRI HIGHLANDER WARRI NATION WARRI NEWS WARRI REPORTERS World News YAGBA EAST DAILY YAGBA WEST MONITOR yoruba news ZAMFARA DAILY PROGRESS

SDP suffers defection as Akpoti-Uduaghan, supporters join PDP

SDP suffers defection as Akpoti-Uduaghan, supporters join PDP

It is a turning point for Kogi PDP – North Central Leaders

Key players in the politics of North Central on Saturday described Kogi State Social Democratic Party (SDP) candidate in the 2019 governorship election, Chief Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan, as an astute consensus builder, a great mobilizer and prudent manager of human and material resources.

The Kogi State politician and lawyer recently joined the People’s Democratic Party (PDP).

‘’Politics is all about service. We believe, very fervently, that you have so much to offer to Nigeria, particularly Kogi State in the years ahead’’

The leaders applauded the Kogi State politician for making the hardest and wisest political decision.

They urged Akpoti-Uduaghan, party supporters and well-wishers to squarely face the 2023 elections and ensure the PDP records victory in Kogi State.

‘’Akpoti-Uduaghan must join forces with other PDP chieftains to consume the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Kogi State’’.

In a press statement issued on Saturday in Lokoja and signed by the Chairman of North-Central Assembly, Alhaji Yinusa Suleiman, the leaders described Akpoti-Uduaghan’s entry into the PDP as a turning point for the opposition in Kogi State.

‘’It is indeed a step in the right direction’’

The statement emphasized Akpoti-Uduaghan’s contributions to Nigeria, her humanitarian values and superlative drive for service to fatherland.

Particularly, the leaders praised the PDP for making Nigeria a significant voice in the international community, improving the nation’s foreign reserves, paying off debts and exiting from the London and Paris Clubs of creditors.

They also commended the nation’s leading opposition party for the country’s telecommunication revolution, massive inflow of foreign investments, re-invigoration of the middle-class and massive improvement in the area of education, infrastructure, security, health, tourism and finance.

‘’We welcome Chief Natasha Hadiza Akpoti-Uduaghan to PDP’’

Akpoti-Uduaghan is expected to contribute to PDP’s victory and also bring her vision for the rapid development of Kogi State to fruition.

March 19, 2022March 19, 2022

admin

ABAVO CHRONICLE ABEJUKOKO VANGUARD ABIA REPORTERS ABIA SUN ABIGBORODO SUN ABRAKA STATESMAN ABUJA ABUJA CHRONICLE ABUJA GAZETTES ABUJA GUIDE ABUJA MORNING NEWS ABUJA NEWS ABUJA NEWSPAPERS ABUJA NOW ABUJA STAR ABUJA TELEGRAM ADAMAWA RECORD ADAVI CHRONICLE ADEJE DAILY ADEJE FACTS ADVERTISING AGBARHO NEWS AGBOR ADVERTISER AGHALOKPE JOURNAL AGHALOKPE MIRROR AGRICULTURE NEWS AJAKA NEWS AJAMIKARAWA SUN AJAOKUTA VOICE AJIMELE NEWS AKPATA DIGEST AKWA IBOM DAILY NEWS ALAUSA NEWS ALAUSA TODAY AMERICA MAIL AMUOKPE DAILY AMUOKPE DAILY REVIEW ANAMBRA ANAMBRA TIMES ANIOCHA MAIL ANIOCHA NEWS ANIOMA RECORD ANKPA NEWS ARHAGBA CHAMPION ARHAGBA HERALD ASABA ASABA CHRONICLE ASABA DAILY NEWS ASABA FLASH POLINT ASABA MAIL ASABA MIRROR ASABA NEWS ASABA NEWS HERALD ASABA NOW ASABA PERISCOPE ASABA TIMES ASABA TODAY ASO ROCK AVIATION AWKA COURIER BASSA DAILY BAUCHI DISPATCH BAYELSA NEWS BENDEL DAILY BENIN CITY TODAY BENUE SUN BINI PEOPLE BOMADI NEWS BORNO VOICE BURUTU STAR BUSINESS BUSINESS NEWS CALABAR BEAT CALABAR NEWS CALABAR TRIBUNE CHOBA LEADER COMMONWEALTH REPORTERS COMPANY NEWS CROSS RIVER TIMES DEKINA GUARDIAN DELTA CENTRAL DELTA CHRONICLE DELTA DAILY DELTA DAILY NEWS DELTA DEMOCRAT DELTA NORTH DELTA POINTER DELTA PROVINCE NEWS DELTA SOUTH DELTA WEEKLY East EBIRERI FESTUS OMAJEMITE EBIRERI HENRY MEDIA EBIRERI HENRY NEWSPAPERS EBIRERI HENRY OVIE EBIRERI HENRY OVIE MEDIAGATE EBIRERI HENRY PF SERVICES EBIRERI HENRY PRESS EBIRERI HENRY RADIO EBIRERI HENRY TELEVISION EBIRERI LAMONDE MONDAY KERWE EBIRERI OKPAKO VICTOR EBIRERI OVIE HENRY EBIRERI VICTOR UNUBREME EBONYI GAZETTE EBONYI HERALD ECONOMY EDO EXPRESS EDO MORNING NEWS EDO POLITICS EDO TIMES EFFURUN BULLETIN EKITI TIMES EKU NEWS ELELE BANNER ELUME COURIER ELUME DAILY ELUME NEWS ELUME RECORD ELUME SUNRAY ELUME TIMES EMMANUEL UDUAGHAN Entertainment ENUGU PRESS ETHIOPE EAST GAZZETTE ETHIOPE WEST PUNCH EUROPE NEWS EUROPE TODAY FELIX IBRU FESTUS EBIRERI FOREIGN NEWS GOVERNMENT GOVERNOR Health IBAJI SUN IBUSA ENTERPRISE IDAH LEADERSHIP IDAH TOWN TRUST IFEANYI OKOWA IGBALEMELA ODOLU VOICE IGBO DAILY NEWS IGBO JOURNAL IGUN NEWS IJAW NEWS IJAW VOICE IJUMU RADIO IKA NEWS IKA PEOPLE IKA SUN IMO INQUIRER IMO TIMES INDUSTRY NEWS INTERNATIONAL BUSINESS MAN INTERNATIONAL POLITICS ISANLU TIMES ISOKO DISPATCH ISOKO NEWS ISOKO STANDARD ISOKO VOICE ITSEKIRI ADVERTISER ITSEKIRI DIGEST ITSEKIRI NEWS ITSEKIRI PRESS IYARA TELEVISION JAMES IBORI JEREMI TIMES JESSE VANGUARD JIGAWA SUN JOURNALISM KABBA BUNU EXPRESS KABBA MONITOR Kaduna KADUNA WEEKLY Kano KANO NEWS KATSINA DAILY TIMES KOGI DAILY KOGI NEWS KOGI NEWSPAPERS KOKO NEWS KOKO SUN KOKORI ECHO KONTO KARFE MAIL KWALE NEWS KWARA BUSINESS JOURNAL KWARA HERALD LAGOS GOVERNMENT HOUSE LAGOS NEWS LAGOS NOW LAMONDE EBIRERI LOKOJA MONITOR LONDON DIGEST MARITIME MARKETING MEDIAGATE MEREJE NEWS MEREJE PRESS MIDWEST NEWS MOPA MURO VOICE MOPA TELEGRAPH MOSOGAR JOURNAL MOSOGAR OBSERVER NDOKWA CITIZEN NDOKWA DAILY NDOKWA TIMES News NEWSPAPER OWNER NIGER DELTA BUSINESS NEWS NIGER DELTA NEWS NIGER VANGUARD NNPC North OBANGEDE POINTER OBIARUKU BUSINESS JOURNAL OBIARUKU JOURNAL ODO-IRE PUNCH OFU DIARY OGAMINANA MONITOR OGHARA ECHO OGHARA MAIL OGHARA POINTER OGORI MAGONGO VOICE OGUMA DIGEST OGWASHI UKU HERALD OGWOAWO BUSINESS DAILY OIL AND GAS OKEHI OBSERVER OKENE TIDE OKPANAM NEWS OKPARA WARER SIDE JOURNAL OKPARA WATERSIDE DAILY OKPARA WATERSIDE NEWS OKPE BULLETIN OKPE KINGDOM OKPE LEADER OKPE LEADER NEWS OKPE NEWS OKPE PILOT OKPE SUN OKPE WORLDWIDE OKPO TOWN DAILY OLAMABORO NEWS OLD BENDEL MAIL OLEH COURIER OLONA REGISTER OMALA VOICE ONDO MIRROR ONDO TRIBUNE ONITSHA CHRONICLE ONYEDEGA MIRROR OREROKPE NEWS OREROKPE PILOT ORITSEJOLOMI UDUAGHAN OROGUN NEWSPAPER OSHIMILI HERALD OSHIMILI NEWS OSHIMILI SUN OSUN HERALD OZORO HEADLIGHT OZORO NEWS PATANI NEWS PDP NEWS PETROLEUM PLATEAU EAGLE POLITICAL COMMUNICATION POLITICIAN Politics PORT HARCOURT MESSENGER PRESIDENT BUHARI PROFILE PUBLIC RELATIONS RECLAMATION TIMES RIVERS STATE POLITICS RIVERS STATESMAN SAGBAMA TRIBUNE SAPELE BEACON SAPELE BRAND SAPELE COMMUNITY NEWS SAPELE GAZETTE SAPELE LIGHT SAPELE PEOPLE SAPELE PIONEER SAPELE TELEGRAM SECURITY SECURITY CHIEFS South SOUTH-SOUTH TODAY TARABA HERALD TODAY NEWS TRANSPORTATION UGBEKU STAR UGBIMIDAKA TODAY UGBIMIDAKA VANGUARD UGBORHEN OIL UGHELLI EAGLE UGHELLI MONITOR UGHELLI WEEKLY UGHOTON NEWS UKWUANI NEWS UKWUANI REPORTERS UKWUANI TIMES UMUNEDE OBSERVER Uncategorized UNITED KINGDOM NEWS UNIVERSITY NEWS URHOBO ADVOCATE URHOBO GAZETTE URHOBO HERALD URHOBO INDEX URHOBO LEADER URHOBO NATION URHOBO NEWS URHOBO PIONEER URHOBO RECORD URHOBO RECORDER URHOBO REVIEW URHOBO SENTINEL URHOBO STATESMAN URHOBO TIMES UYO MIRROR UYO REPORTERS VERONICA IKPERA EBIRERI WARRI HIGHLANDER WARRI NATION WARRI NEWS WARRI REPORTERS World News YAGBA EAST DAILY YAGBA WEST MONITOR yoruba news ZAMFARA DAILY PROGRESS

South-South Women laud Akpabio for playing credible role in Nigeria’s development agenda

South-South Women laud Akpabio for playing credible role in Nigeria’s development agenda

Women in the South-South geo-political zone on Sunday praised Daily Independent Newspaper for taking interest in larger goals, holding a strong view regarding the Niger Delta region and promoting truth.

‘’Journalism is an arduous calling. Daily Independent is an important source of information’’

They also applauded the Minister of Niger Delta Affairs, Senator Godswill Akpabio for contributing constructively to the progress of the country, bringing about deep and profound changes in the Niger Delta region and placing premium on service, integrity and efficiency.

‘’Any serious student of development in the Niger Delta region must admit that there have been far-reaching changes in the last two years’’

In a statement in Port Harcourt, the South-South women commended Daily Independent Newspaper for focusing on Akpabio’s role in developing the Niger Delta region and recognizing what has been achieved by the current administration in the region.

They described the recent pronouncement of the Wailing Women of the Niger Delta (WWND) as irresponsible, vulgar, provocative, and abusive.

The women also described calls for the termination of the award as foolish, childish and irrational.

‘’The Wailing Women of the Niger Delta is off the rails’’

The statement by the spokesperson of South-South Women Front (SSWF), Dr. Doris Ogba rebuked WWND for confusing the public on the Niger Delta issue.

‘’What is needed is a fundamental change in the perception and behavior of WWND Coordinator, Odighonin Nwadighi and her co-travellers.

The women underscored the minister’s understanding of the region, tenacity of purpose, quality of character, service to humanity, sense of duty and responsibility.

They described Akpabio’s nomination as well-deserved.

The women also urged the former Akwa Ibom State governor and Senate Minority Leader not to allow the negative attitude of Nwadighi to crush his spirit.

‘’Senator Godswill Akpabio believes in the rapid development of the Niger Delta region. Since his appointment, he has been alive to his duty to the people of the Niger Delta region. He has worked assiduously to transform the region. And he has proved his genuine desire to reposition the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC)’’

Daily Independent Newspaper recently nominated Akpabio as the Minister of the Year.

March 13, 2022March 14, 2022

admin

PRESIDENT MUHAMMADU BUHARI CONDOLES WITH EZE ELDER NELSON NMERENGWA ON PASSAGE OF MUM

President Muhammadu Buhari sympathizes with the Eze Isi Ala 1 of Isieketa Ancient Kingdom, His Royal Majesty Eze Elder Nelson Nmerengwa (JP) on the passage of his mother, Chief (Mrs) Comfort Nmerengwa (Nma).

The President says at age 105, Nma can be said to have lived a glorious life, crowned with longevity, but the thing about mothers is that however old they are, “we never want to see them leave.”

“Mothers are from Heaven, and Nma has only returned home,” President Buhari added, urging Eze Nmerengwa and members of the Isieketa Ancient Kingdom to take solace in the quality of life lived by the departed, and the legacy she left behind.

The President applauds the reputation of Nma as a dedicated Christian, farmer, community leader, and loving mother to all her children, encouraging the family to keep the memory of their matriarch aglow through a continuation of her good works.

As a befitting funeral is given to Nma, President Buhari prays God to accept her soul, and give her peaceful rest.

Femi Adesina

Special Adviser to the President

(Media and Publicity)

March 10, 2022

Press Statement

Buni, Pocket-filling Black Legs In Corridors Of Power Tried To Supplant President’s Will-Akeredolu

*except a few ‘Yahoo, Yahoo Govs’ apologies to Former PGF DG, most of us are resolute behind Bello to salvage the party

*no black market judicial procurement can stop convention.

With nostalgia, one can recall the moments of our struggle as compatriots from all walks of life enunciated and berthed Nigeria’s most ingeniously successful political network. Without being immodest, APC’s birth was a novel instance. The party’s philosophical beacon woven around its ideological leaning was alluring.

Undoubtedly, the firm leadership, candour and honesty exemplified by Mr President who heads the administration that is the product of the APC deserve no less of support and complimentary responsibilities from all stakeholders.

The installation of the Caretaker and Extraordinary Convention Planning Committee (CECPC) of the APC was beyond a call to service. It was a child of necessity moulded to one, instill discipline in leadership and engender coherence among stakeholders and more importantly, to deepen the Rule of Law in our party.

However, the insidious and appalling happenings within our party in the last few months, especially under the immediate-past leadership clearly posit a huge embarrassment. Without necessarily dwelling on details that are known to critical stakeholders, the path taken lately by Governor Mai Mala Buni, the immediate past head of the CECPC and an indivisible few, is a unenviable trajectory undeserving of our dear party. It is a disdainful narrative.

Nevertheless, the courage and determination as well as shrewd sincerity of purpose demonstrated by most of the APC Governors remain a delight. Significantly, the swift response and prompt action taken by Mr President have, in no small means, salvaged our great party from internal scavengers. We indeed, survived a Civilian Coup largely inspired by mischief and incurable lust for power through artificial barricades.

Succinctly, aside feeling very delighted as a major stakeholder in the latest successful Rescue Mission, I express my confidence in the ability and capacity of Governor Sanni Bello(ABU LOLO) to take APC through. We, the Governors are for the party except for the few “Yahoo, Yahoo” Governors (apologies to Salihu, former DG of the Progressive Governors’ Forum) who were hand in glove with Buni to circumvent the Will of majority of our Party (APC) members. Progressive Governors in the true name, mostly all of us, are determined to see our Party through these patchy parts at all cost.

None of the scanty number has the guts to carry out their imaginary threats as reported in sponsored stories. We dare them to leave the party. Their short-lived antics in armtwisting Governor Buni and probably, some pocketfilling elements within the corridors of power to supplant the President’s will through fake letters, endorsements as well as ‘Black Market’ injunction (procured since November, 2021) are despicable.

Now that the clear motive aimed at frustrating our national convention as been botched, our dear party is on the track to greatness. Gov. Sanni Bello, ABU LOLO, carry on; you have the backing of the majority of us. You shall see our FULL backing come Thursday, 17th March, 2022 at the National Executive Committee meeting.

But as you know, this is ONLY for the conduct of the NATIONAL CONVENTION.

Signed

Arakunrin Oluwarotimi O. Akeredolu, SAN

Governor, Ondo State

March 10, 2022

“JULIUS BERGER IS STILL THE BEST CONSTRUCTION COMPANY IN NIGERIA IN TERMS OF CONTRACTUAL FIDELITY, ENGINEERING COMPETENCE AND TECHNICAL QUALITY”

– Former FCT Minister and Governor of Bauchi State, His Excellency, Senator Bala Mohammed, CON.

Nigeria’s turnkey engineering construction leader and iconic corporate brand, Julius Berger Nigeria Plc, widely meritoriously acclaimed as the country’s most reliable partner for infrastructural and building construction services, has again been described as “…still the best construction company in Nigeria”. This was the submission of the former honourable minister for the country’s Federal Capital Territory where Julius Berger’s technical signature of excellence and brand integrity eloquently, empirically tells the historical story of the company’s matchless strength, performance and reliability as the prime contractor of choice.

According to Governor Bala Mohammed, Julius Berger Nigeria Plc remains matchlessly in the lead in the engineering construction sector “…in terms of contractual fidelity, engineering competence and technical quality”. Bala praised and congratulated the Rivers State Government for its wisdom and prudence in subscribing to the proven and lasting Julius Berger quality in its execution of infrastructural works in the State.

The former FCT Minister, who is the current executive Governor of Bauchi State, Senator Bala Mohammed, CON, made the remarks when, as special guest of honour of the Rivers State Government, he flagged off the construction works for a tenth flyover, the Rumuokwurusi-Elimgbu Flyover in Obio-Akpor Local Government Area in Rivers State.

Earlier at the Rivers State Executive Council Chambers where the contract for the Rumuokwurusi-Elimgbu Flyover and adjoining links was signed between the Rivers State Government and Julius Berger Nigeria Plc, the Julius Berger Managing Director, Engr. Dr. Lars Richter thanked the Rivers State Government for entrusting the construction works for several key infrastructures to the company. Richter gratefully listed the Rebisi Flyover which was commission on 7^th November 2020; the Rumuokoro Flyover commissioned on 1^st March 2021; the Artillery Flyover commissioned 2^nd March 2021; Rumuola Flyover commissioned 9^th December 2021; and the New GRA Junction Flyover which was commissioned on 11^th December 2021. Engr. Dr Richter recalled that the first three flyovers were constructed in a record time of 16 months, adding that all the earlier 5 flyovers were completed within schedule as contracted to the satisfaction of the client. Richter further confidently promised and assured the Rivers State Government that flyovers nos 6, 7, 8, and 9, all of which are projects steadily currently in progress shall be delivered also as contractually scheduled.

The 10^th flyover for which its commencement contract was signed on Monday, 28^th February, 2022 in Port Harcourt, is contracted for delivery in 10 months. The Julius Berger boss, Engr. Dr. Lars Richter, with palpable professional confidence, assured Governor Wike and the people of Rivers State that, with the strong commitment of the client, and in the established contractual tradition of the company, the 10^th flyover will also be successfully delivered as scheduled and to the highest technical standard, “the Julius Berger standard.”

During his visit to Rivers State, Governor Bala was also Special Guest of honour at the commissioning of the Oro-Abali Flyover, Aba road in Port Harcourt Local Government Area. The project, also constructed by Julius Berger, was also celebrated by the Governor Bala the Guest of honour as another outstanding evidence of Julius Berger’s profound attention to details and excellence in engineering design as well as in well-scheduled and timely project execution. According to Governor Bala, Julius Berger’s long-standing, very professional and strict adherence to project delivery deadlines, as so properly funded, very economically saves a client from the problems of cost variations and eliminates the negative spectre of project abandonment.

The events in Port Harcourt were attended by His Excellency, Governor Nyesom Ezenwo Wike, CON, GSSRS, POS (Africa), and his guest of honour, the executive Governor of Bauchi State, His Excellency, Governor Bala Mohammed, CON; the Deputy Governor of Rivers State, Her Excellency, Dr. (Mrs) Ipalibo Harry Banigo, DSSRS; members of the State Executive Council; the Honourable Speaker and members of the Rivers State House of Assembly, the Chairman and members of the Rivers State Council of Chiefs; Rivers State Women, Youths and cultural organizations as well members of the Press.

The Julius Berger delegation to both ceremonies was led by the company’s Managing Director, Engr. Dr. Lars Richter. Other officials in the Managing Director’s entourage included the regional manager, South-south/South-east operations of the company, Engr. Juergen Fischer; Management Staff, South-south/South-east Chief Sam Ngbor; Project Manager Port Harcourt, Engr. Therna; Contract Manager, Barrister (Mrs) Omonigho Brown; and Head of Public Relations, Prince Moses Duku.

LAGOS STATE GOVERNMENT

OFFICE OF THE CHIEF PRESS SECRETARY TO THE GOVERNOR

PRESS RELEASE

SANWO-OLU COMMISSIONS MINI STADIUM, COMPUTERISED YOUTH CENTRE IN IKORODU

Governor lists infrastructure scorecard in Ikorodu, as work commences on Ijede-Gberigbe Road

74 claimants get N500 million compensation on properties demolished for road projects

Ikorodu Division in Lagos State, on Thursday, throbbed with palpable excitement for the inauguration of twin projects built for the youth by the State Government. Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu fulfilled his pledge, delivering a state-of-the-art mini stadium and a computerised Youth Centre in Ita-Elewa area of the ancient town.

Sanwo-Olu commissioned both facilities during his working visit to Ikorodu to inspect State Government’s capital projects across the area. A large crowd thronged the Ikorodu Town Hall, where the Governor and members of cabinet met with residents to get feedbacks on how the programmes and policies of the Government are impacting lives.

Chairmen of all the six local councils that make up Ikorodu division were in attendance with their deputies and councillors. Also, members of the Governance Advisory Council (GAC) from the division attended the event.

The Youth Centre project, initiated and completed by the Sanwo-Olu administration, is aimed at providing a conducive environment for sporting and catering for education and vocational needs of youths in Ikorodu.

The mini stadium, built with a semi-standard basketball court, was developed by the State’s Ministry of Youth Development. Office of the Senior Special Assistant on Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) to the President and member representing Ikorodu in the House of Representatives, Hon. Jimi Benson, supported the stadium project by building spectators’ stands and the pitch.

The intervention, Sanwo-Olu said, are initiated to address growing social vices and create platform for young people to realise their potential in sports, education and vocational development.

The Governor said more youth centres were at various stages of completion in some areas across the State, including Badagry, Orile Agege, Isheri, Epe and Ikeja, pointing out that the objective was not to leave young people behind in development programmes of the Government.

He said: “The visit to Ikorodu today is to meet and engage with our citizens to see first-hand, how programmes and policies of our administration are touching and impacting lives. This visit comes with a package of treats for the youth, as I am pleased to deliver the newly completed Ikorodu Youth Centre here in Ita-Elewa. Also being commissioned is a mini stadium built by our Government.

“These youth-focused projects are to provide a conducive environment for sporting activities, while also catering for education needs and vocational development of our teeming youth population of Ikorodu and environs. With facilities like these ones, we hope to keep our young people off the streets and reduce social vices, such as drug abuse, prostitution and hooliganism.”

Ikorodu division has benefitted immensely from numerous infrastructure renewal projects initiated by the Sanwo-Olu administration in areas that include healthcare, housing, agriculture, education, drainage, roads and transportation. The Governor, last year, completed and commissioned Ijede Road, which opens into Ewu Elepe and Itamaga.

Ongoing projects of the State Government in Ikorodu include the construction of Agric-Isawo-Konu-Arepo Road, Ikorodu Roundabout, construction of Emuren Junction and Parafa Along on Ikorodu-Imota Road, upgrading of Bola Ahmed Tinubu-Igbogbo-Igbe Road, construction of Oba Sekumade Road, improvement project at Sulaimon Soderu Bypass and construction of Powerline Road in Akasoleri, among others.

Responding to Ikorodu residents’ feedbacks, Sanwo-Olu announced that construction work on the second phase of Ijede Road, which starts from Ewu Elepe into Gberigbe, would commence on Saturday, noting that the Government and the contractor had sorted all issues delaying the road project.

The Governor also informed the Ikorodu residents that the State Government had set aside funds for the overhaul of Odogunyan Expressway, a boundary road that connects Lagos and Ogun States. He said the only thing delaying the project was the counterpart funding from the Federal Government, promising that the rehabilitation work would commence on the road immediately the counterpart funds were made available to the contractor.

He said: “Ikorodu division offers the State a vast area of land for agricultural development. It is for this reason we chose the division as the site of the State-owned 32 Metric Tonnes per hour Imota Rice Mill, which is the largest in sub-Saharan Africa. We will be bringing Mr. President to commission the rice mill, which has annual production capacity of 2.5 million bags of 50kg rice.

“On business and investment front, our administration has facilitated the establishment of Libra Cycle, a Domestic Export Warehouse (DEW), sitting on 12 hectares of land in Ibeshe, and which serves as a bonded terminal providing depot services to eight of the world’s biggest shipping lines. We completed and delivered 480-unit homes in Babatunde Olushola Benson Estate, while also commissioning a 40 metric tonnes Liquified Petroleum Gas (LPG) Refill Plant in Igbogbo-Baiyeku Local Council Development Area (LCDA), thereby creating hundreds of jobs for young people in the supply chain.”

Sanwo-olu praised all the six council chairmen in the division for good representation which the All Progressives Congress (APC) has at the grassroots, urging them to deliver more projects that would change the lives of the residents.

Commissioner for Youth Development, Hon. Segun Dawodu, listed other facilities in the mini stadium to include volleyball court, table tennis section, 200-capacity hall, snooker and pool table, fully-equipped gymnasium, ICT Centre with Internet, counselling section for wellness and people with drug and mental challenges.

Also, there is vocational section for training of youths in different vocations. The facility is powered by 250Kva generator.

Chairman of Ikorodu Local Government Area, Hon. Wasiu Adesina, acknowledged the Governor’s transformation strides and commitment to physical development of the town, stressing that all challenges being faced by Ikorodu residents were being gradually solved.

The council boss said despite paucity of funds, all councils in the division had complemented the State Government’s efforts in road construction, strengthening of security architecture in the division, and empowerment programmes.

Adesina said: “We are delighted that you have shown exceptional courage in the manner in which you championed the course of the upgrade of Lagos State Polytechnic in Ikorodu to University of Science and Technology. On agriculture, it gives us a lot of joy that Ikorodu houses the biggest rice mill in West Africa. Your vision for Ikorodu development is becoming a reality and your policies have brought about laudable developments in the area of security, infrastructure, tourism, transportation, and job creation.”

The council boss appealed to the Governor on the upgrade of Odogunyan Industrial Estate and renovation of royal palaces in Imota, Igbogbo, Isiwu, Ipakodo, Ijede and Ibeshe.

In line with promises made to those affected by construction projects going on in Ikorodu, Governor Sanwo-Olu handed N500 million compensation to 74 claimants and worship centres whose structures were demolished to pave way for the construction of Igbe-Igbogbo-Bola Ahmed Tinubu Way.

SIGNED

GBOYEGA AKOSILE

CHIEF PRESS SECRETARY

10 MARCH 2022

JULIUS BERGER AND NLNG CSR PARTNERSHIP REBUILDS AND COMMISSIONS HISTORIC BONNY CONSULATE BUILDING

“Project conceived and accomplished to deepen company’s Corporate Social Responsibility in appreciation of the thriving relationship with the Bonny community” – Julius Berger MD, Engr. Dr. Lars Richter

Julius Berger Nigeria Plc and the Nigeria Liquefied Natural Gas (NLNG) Limited, in a unique corporate social responsibility initiative, have collaborated and rebuilt the historic Bonny Consulate Building in the ancient Bonny Kingdom.

The partnership for the project between Julius Berger and the NLNG began two years earlier when both corporations came together to sign a Memorandum of Understanding at Grand Bonny to commence the reconstruction of the historic Bonny Consulate Building.

At the project commissioning ceremony on Saturday, 5 March 2022, both Managing Directors of Julius Berger and the NLNG, Engr. Dr. Lars Richter and Dr. Philip Mshelbila respectively, celebrated the good relationship between the companies and the Bonny community.

Richter who described the project as far-reaching in significance also said it has a potential to boost the prominence of Bonny Island. He recalled that way back in the 15^th century, Bonny was a major international trading post, which in the course of time has transformed into a central hub renowned for natural gas exploration and production in Nigeria.

Richter traced the relationship between Julius Berger and the Grand Bonny Kingdom to the mid-1990’s, that is, over 20 years to date, when as a major contractor, the company was entrusted with the development of infrastructural work for NLNG’s first liquefied natural gas plant on Bonny Island. Since entering the Isnad, Julius Berger, he added, has “continuously and harmoniously working on significant projects on the Island, including most recently, the construction of the Bodo-Bonny Road, which shall soon be the first road link into Bonny Island, and which, upon completion, will serve as a catalyst for the continued success of the Island and the greater advancement of the Niger Delta.”

Speaking further, Richter said, “…partnering with NLNG for the reconstruction of the Bonny Consulate Building, has provided Julius Berger the opportunity to deepen (Julius Berger’s) CSR efforts, and to contribute towards preserving the rich history of the Island, by applying our knowhow and expertise for the development of a purposeful building infrastructure.” With brimming professional confidence, the Julius Berger Managing Director added that, “…we constructed the consulate according to our trusted standards of quality, reliability and high-value partnership”. The aim, he emphasized, is to ensure the greatest integrity in restoring the memory of the original Consulate Building while also delivering a highly functioning structure that futuristically stands to support the aspirations of His Royal Majesty, to diversify the economy of the Grand Bonny Kingdom through tourism.

Saying that Julius Berger is honoured to partner with NLNG for construction of the Bodo-Bonny Road and the Bonny Consulate Building considering the socio-economic impact of both projects, Engr. Dr. Richter on behalf of the Board and entire management of Julius Berger, thanked NLNG for their collaboration, which he said “stands strong and proud to support the continued development of Bonny Island….”

Richter also thanked the King and people of the ancient Grand of Bonny Kingdom for their continued trust and cooperation.

The Governor of Rivers State His Excellency, Chief Nyesom Wike, ably represented by the Deputy Governor, Dr (Mrs) Ipalibo Harry Banigo, His Royal Majesty King Edward Asimini William Dappa Pepple III, JP, CON, Perekule XI, the Amayanabo of Grand Bonny Kingdom, the chairman of the Bonny Council of Chiefs, Chief (Ambassador) Claude Dagogo-Wilcox, the Managing Director of the NLNG, Dr. Philip Mshelbila, and other important dignitaries at the commissioning ceremony also celebrated and praised the developmental Julius Berger-NLNG CSR partnership, which in a timely, qualitative and with exemplary professionalism and show of respect for communal values, successfully delivered the Bonny Consulate Building as desirably conceived.

The Julius Berger delegation to the event was led by the company’s Managing Director, Engr. Dr. Lars Richter. Other members of the Julius Berger entourage included Coordinator, Executive Projects, Koehler Kai-Uwe, Operations Manager, Bonny Consulate Building & Bodo-Bonny Road Project Engr. Ulrich Stahl, Technical Manager, Engr. Ingo Edinger; and Project Manager, Bodo-Bonny Road Project, Engr. Thomas Haug.

March 11, 2022

admin

JULIUS BERGER AND NLNG CSR PARTNERSHIP REBUILDS AND COMMISSIONS HISTORIC BONNY CONSULATE BUILDING

Richter also thanked the King and people of the ancient Grand of Bonny Kingdom for their continued trust and cooperation.

March 11, 2022

admin

“JULIUS BERGER IS STILL THE BEST CONSTRUCTION COMPANY IN NIGERIA IN TERMS OF CONTRACTUAL FIDELITY, ENGINEERING COMPETENCE AND TECHNICAL QUALITY”

– Former FCT Minister and Governor of Bauchi State, His Excellency, Senator Bala Mohammed, CON.

March 10, 2022

admin

ABAVO CHRONICLE ABIA REPORTERS ABIA SUN ABIGBORODO SUN ABRAKA STATESMAN ABUJA ABUJA CHRONICLE ABUJA GAZETTES ABUJA GUIDE ABUJA MORNING NEWS ABUJA NEWS ABUJA NEWSPAPERS ABUJA NOW ABUJA STAR ABUJA TELEGRAM ADAMAWA RECORD ADEJE DAILY ADEJE FACTS AGBARHO NEWS AGBOR ADVERTISER AGHALOKPE JOURNAL AGHALOKPE MIRROR

SERAP sues Buhari over ‘failure to probe alleged misuse of security votes by governors’

Socio-Economic Rights and Accountability Project (SERAP) has filed a lawsuit against President Muhammadu Buhari “over the failure to promptly and thoroughly probe allegations of systemic mismanagement of security votes by state governors since 1999, and to ensure the prosecution of those suspected to be responsible.”

The suit followed Buhari’s 2022 New Year Message in which he raised concerns about “the persistent insecurity in certain parts of the country,” and his promise in his 2015 inaugural speech to “check gross corruption and ensure that there is accountability at all levels of government in the country.”

In the suit number FHC/L/CS/189/2022 filed last week at the Federal High Court in Lagos, SERAP is seeking: “an order of mandamus to compel President Buhari to direct Mr. Abubakar Malami SAN, Attorney General of the Federation and Minister of Justice to probe allegations of systemic mismanagement of security votes by state governors since 1999.”

SERAP is also seeking “an order of mandamus to compel President Buhari to direct Mr. Abubakar Malami SAN to prosecute anyone suspected to be responsible, as appropriate; if there is sufficient admissible evidence, and to recover any mismanaged public funds.”

In the suit, SERAP is arguing that, “Compelling the Federal Government to probe the spending of security votes since 1999 would ensure accountability, and improve the ability of the government to deliver on the promises to ensure the security of Nigerians, and to keep them safe.”

SERAP is also arguing that, “It is in the interest of justice to grant this application. Ending impunity for allegations of corruption in the spending of security votes and recovering any mismanaged public funds are matters of public interest.”

SERAP is arguing that, “the responsibility to guarantee and ensure the security and welfare of the Nigerian people is interlinked with the responsibility under Section 15(5) of the Nigerian Constitution, 1999 [as amended] to ‘abolish all corrupt practices and abuse of office.’ This imposes a fundamental obligation to ensure accountability for the spending of security votes by state governors.”

According to SERAP, “The government has the primary and constitutional responsibility to protect the lives and property of the Nigerian people. Section 14(2)(b) of the Nigerian Constitution provides that ‘the security and welfare of the people shall be the primary purpose of government’.”

SERAP is further arguing that, “Pervasive tendency by public officers since 1999 to regard or treat security votes given to them for security of the state as their personal entitlement or funds is antithetical to the Nigerian Constitution and international standards.”

According to SERAP, “Security votes should be used for improving the security situation in the states or returned to the public treasury.”

Joined in the suit as Respondent is Mr Malami.

The suit filed on behalf of SERAP by its lawyers Kolawole Oluwadare and Ms Joke Fekumo, read in part: “Longstanding allegations of mismanagement of security votes have hugely contributed to the growing insecurity in the country, and the failure to ensure the security and welfare of Nigerians.”

“As revealed by a recent report by Transparency International (TI), most of the funds appropriated as security votes are spent on political activities, mismanaged or simply stolen. It is estimated that security votes add up to over N241.2 billion every year.”

“On top of appropriated security votes, state governments also receive millions of dollars yearly as international security assistance.

“Articles 5 and 9 of the UN Convention against Corruption impose legal obligations on the government to ensure proper management of public affairs and public funds, and to promote sound and transparent administration of public affairs.”

“While sitting state governors may enjoy immunity from arrest and prosecution, they do not enjoy immunity from investigation. Any allegations of mismanagement of security votes against sitting governors can and should be investigated pending the time they leave office and lose immunity.”

No date has been fixed for the hearing of the suit.

Kolawole Oluwadare

SERAP Deputy Director

27/2/2022

Lagos, Nigeria

Emails: info@serap-nigeria.org; news@serap-nigeria.org

Twitter: @SERAPNigeria

Website: www.serap-nigeria.org

For more information or to request an interview, please contact us on: +2348160537202

February 28, 2022

admin

JULIUS BERGER INUAGURATES NEW INDUSTRIAL PLANT & EQUIPMENT ACADEMY IN ABUJA

Nigeria’s pace-setting leader in the engineering construction sector, Julius Berger Nigeria Plc, has again taken a practical pioneering effort to bridge a latent skills gap in the industry in the country. The company, historically reputed for enabling remarkable technical solutions to the most daring engineering challenges, has commissioned and launched a Plant and Equipment Academy at its facility in Abuja, the nation’s capital.

The company’s Managing Director Engr. Dr Lars Richter who due to competing corporate engagements was unavoidably out of jurisdiction, was ably represented by the company’s executive director of administration, Alhaji Zubairu Ibrahim Bayi who officially inaugurated the Julius Berger Plant and Equipment academy last Friday. Alhaji Bayi however delivered the very warm felicitations of the MD and the executive management to participants at the ceremony.

Alhaji Bayi in his remarks gave context to the emergence of the new Academy when he said, “We are here gathered to launch yet another key mileage in our company’s corporate social responsibility milestones, the launch and inauguration of the Julius Berger Nigeria Plc Plant and Equipment Academy.” Bayi recalled Julius Berger’s proactive commitment to its corporate social responsibilities with due regard to the company’s operational hosts and stakeholders in general. He emphasized the fact that the company’s subsisting ‘Roll-Back-Malaria’ campaign, ‘Food for our Communities’ campaign as well as its educational, medical and other sundry Covid-19 palliative donations, remains intentionally directed to meet the company’s commitment to drive a sustainable and compassionate human interface with the Nigerian society.

According to Bayi, deriving from the same developmental approach, the idea, conceptualization, launch and implementation of the Julius Berger Plant and Equipment Academy is a proud extension of the company’s CSR strategy to further empower the country’s healthy and vibrant youth population with more employable and productive technical skills for reliable and expanded industrial development and nation-building. It is therefore the company’s apt and very hopeful vision for the Academy to be “a leader institution in technical training, Julius Berger’s funnel for dynamic, highly trained and resourceful technicians to fill the needs of the company and industry in general.

Julius Berger’s strategic partner for the Academy is the Armed Forces Electrical & Mechanical Engineering Mechatronic School (AFEME). It is a Technical Training Institute fully registered with Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET). AFEME is managed by the Nigerian Army in collaboration with the German Technical Advisory Group. The focus of the partnership is to have AFEME deliver on all theoretical aspects of the Academy’s curriculum while JBN takes care of the practical aspect of the curriculum. The collaborative effort is free of any charges to the trainees that will be attending the JBN Plant and Equipment Academy. AFEME also will have trainees from its institution partake in practical learning sessions within the JBN Workshops.

Bayi highlighted the substantive and key interventionist objectives of the JBN Plant and Equipment Academy, saying that, the institution is one of those corporate policy plugins created to meet the short and long-term human resource needs especially in the technical field. The academy, he further said, was designed to develop qualified technicians equipped with necessary technical skills set required to deliver exceptional value on their jobs. The skills covers spectrum of different engineering components (mechanical and electrical). The Academy shall be coordinated by the Julius Berger Plant and Equipment Department in collaboration with the company’s human resource department to develop technical employees who will be ready to take up the next available opportunity in their careers. The first run of the Academy will focus on combustion engines and drive trains.

In operational terms, the Armed Forces Electrical & Mechanical Engineering (AFEME) Mechatronic School shall deliver theoretical trainings to staff while the Julius Berger academy shall provide the practical laboratory classes. The first batch of the programme, which has kicked off, will run for 26 weeks (Thursday for Theory classes, and Saturdays for Practical Classes). The theoretical and practical lectures will take place at the AFEME Mechatronic School and JBN’s Plant & Equipment Repair Centre and Workshop.

At the end of the training programme, qualifying certificates will be issued to trainees who are successful in any of the areas of development. The certificates shall be in two categories, namely Master Technical Certificate, which is to be issued based on successful completion of the practical aspect of the area of development; and Certificate of Proficiency, which is to be issued based on successful completion of the theoretical aspect of the area of development. Both certificates shall be issued to trainees based on successful completion of their courses and that is to be determined by final post-learning assessment and the ability to score above the pass benchmark.

To conclude proceedings at the launch of the academy, Alhaji Bayi on behalf of the Managing Director and executive management, wished the management of the new training facility a successful implementation of the vision that founded the Julius Berger Plant and Equipment Academy.

Bayi also encouraged the pioneer set of trainees at the academy who were present at the ceremony to take full advantage of their career development programmes at the facility and make a success of the opportunity the company is affording them at zero cost to trainees. Their training at the academy, Bayi said, represents another of Julius Berger’s extended investment to contribute to the country’s practical industrial success and progress. “Achieving success in your training is therefore to be attended to as a desirable corporate as well as a patriotic calling”, Bayi added.

February 28, 2022

admin

Urhobo News

‘Account for missing N825bn, $2.5bn for refinery repairs, others, invite EFCC, ICPC’, SERAP tells NNPCL

FOUNDATION CELEBRATES LAMONDE OGHENEKEVWE EBIRERI

‘Account for missing N825bn, $2.5bn for refinery repairs, others, invite EFCC, ICPC’, SERAP tells NNPCL

FOUNDATION CELEBRATES LAMONDE OGHENEKEVWE EBIRERI

We have shared commitment to progress, development– Lubasch

PRESIDENT TINUBU APPROVES EXECUTIVE MANAGEMENT FOR RIVER BASIN DEVELOPMENT AUTHORITIES

Top politicians, business moguls, others laud Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan

Uduaghan praises Akpabio

DELTA FAMILY EXTOLS ORODJE OF OKPE’S VIRTUES

APC CHIEFTAIN, OLANREWAJU BASHIR OSHODI, BEGINS FREE MEDICAL OUTREACH IN SURULERE

OBOREVWORI LAUDED FOR HIS VISION, EXCELLENCE

LAGOS, BULGARIA TO PARTNER ON AGRICULTURE, FOOD SECURITY, COMMERCE

AVIATION: PRESIDENT BUHARI DIRECTS FINANCE MINISTER TO LOOK FOR SPECIAL FUNDING FOR ABUJA AIRPORT SECOND RUNWAY, INAUGURATES NEW TERMINAL BUILDING AT MMIA

PRESIDENT BUHARI SUMMONS IMO GOVERNOR, POWER MINISTER, ECONOMIC ADVISER

TINUBU AT 70: SANWO-OLU, DARE, HAMZAT, DIGNITARIES GRACE NOVELTY MATCH IN LAGOS

SDP suffers defection as Akpoti-Uduaghan, supporters join PDP

South-South Women laud Akpabio for playing credible role in Nigeria’s development agenda

PRESIDENT MUHAMMADU BUHARI CONDOLES WITH EZE ELDER NELSON NMERENGWA ON PASSAGE OF MUM

JULIUS BERGER AND NLNG CSR PARTNERSHIP REBUILDS AND COMMISSIONS HISTORIC BONNY CONSULATE BUILDING

“JULIUS BERGER IS STILL THE BEST CONSTRUCTION COMPANY IN NIGERIA IN TERMS OF CONTRACTUAL FIDELITY, ENGINEERING COMPETENCE AND TECHNICAL QUALITY”

SERAP sues Buhari over ‘failure to probe alleged misuse of security votes by governors’

JULIUS BERGER INUAGURATES NEW INDUSTRIAL PLANT & EQUIPMENT ACADEMY IN ABUJA