The Federal Government has commenced work on the dualisation of the 375.9-km Abuja-Kaduna-Zaria-Kano Highway in the North-West geopolitical zone of the country.
Minister of Works David Umahi stated this during the flag-off of work and the site handover of the 38-km dual carriageway section of the road to Dangote Group of Companies on July 27, 2024.
Speaking during the flag-off and handover ceremony, Umahi charged the three companies handling the three sections of the project to show absolute devotion to the completion of the project.
He noted that the ministry would look at the need for a project rate review to cushion the effects of the increase in material costs, given that the last review was done about nine months ago.
This was contained in a statement issued on Saturday by the minister’s Special Adviser on Media, Uchenna Orji.
In the statement made available to TVN, he said: “The first section is 38 kilometres by two, which is 76 kilometres. The work is starting today, with palliatives and earthworks, and then they will now start to put in reinforced concrete pavement.”
The minister used the opportunity to launch the federal government’s ‘Operation Free Our Roads,’ which is aimed at making sure that all the federal roads under rehabilitation are made motorable starting this rainy season.
He said: “We are using this as a point of contact to flag off ‘Free our Roads’ all over the country. They will use a stone base to fill and free all the potholes. In failed portions or where we have potholes, they will all be filled, both carriageways.
“They will continue to maintain one carriageway for vehicles to follow while they consistently work on one carriageway.”
He emphasised the need for the ministry’s engineers to take the task seriously, including those of FERMA.
According to him: “Operation ‘Free Our Roads,’ is not only for the Ministry of Works, but also for FERMA. We’re going to put our eyes; all the directors and all the Zonal engineers of FERMA must take this thing very seriously.”
At the section handled by Julius Berger, the minister commended the contractor for already starting work and doing a good job and maintained that the federal government expected the entire project to be completed and delivered by May 2025.
“What we will be discussing with Berger is what we can do to finish this job by May 29. This is very important because we don’t want to stay here beyond May 29, 2025. What Berger cannot finish, we would also have to take it over and give it to Dangote under tax credit for reinforced concrete pavement,” he said.
FG flags-off work on Abuja-Kaduna-Zaria-Kano Highway
FG flags-off work on Abuja-Kaduna-Zaria-Kano Highway
Foreign mercenaries involved in planned protest – AIG alleges
The Assistant Inspector General of Police, Zone Six, Jonathan Towuru, has alleged foreign mercenaries’ involvement in the planned public protest scheduled to hold August 1–10, 2024.
The zonal PRO, Nelson Okpabi, disclosed this in a statement he signed on behalf of the AIG on Saturday evening.
The AIG said they have taken cognizance of those who have spoken out against any form of protest and expressed fear that enemies of the country may be manipulating the process.
Towuru said: “It is confirmed that these fears are genuine based on credible intelligence on foreign mercenaries’ involvement in the planned protest.”
He added: “The police commend patriots who have withdrawn from the protest due to the apparent sinister motives and ignorance of those calling for violence.”
Towuru called on all Akwa Ibom and Cross River state residents to exercise caution and think twice before joining any protest group, stressing that even a peaceful protest at this time is ill-timed.
“The Zone is therefore issuing a stern warning to clandestine groups plotting to destabilise the country and hoodlums seeking to exploit protests for their criminal intentions that the police and other security agencies will not tolerate the killing of innocent citizens, destruction of public infrastructure and private property, or looting of private businesses,” he warned.
He advised all groups planning to protest to provide necessary details to the Commissioners of Police in the states where the protest is intended to facilitate a successful and incident-free protest.
He urged them to identify the routes and assembly points where the protest is to hold, the duration, names and contact details of protest leaders and organisers, amongst other necessary information.
Foreign mercenaries involved in planned protest – AIG alleges
HOSTCOM backs Dangote refinery, slams govt on fuel import
The Host Communities of Nigeria Producing Oil and Gas has thrown its support behind the Dangote Petroleum Refinery & Petrochemicals and other domestic refineries in a bid to end Nigeria’s reliance on imported petroleum products.
During a visit to the 650,000 barrels per day Dangote Petroleum Refinery in Ibeju Lekki, HOSTCOM’s National President, Dr. Benjamin Tamaramiebi, emphasised the need for Nigeria to refine its crude locally.
“We HOSTCOM have come today to drum up support for Dangote Refinery. We will stand with Dangote to put an end to continuous importation of less quality and costly refined Petroleum Products into Nigeria,” he was quoted as saying in a statement made available to According Online on Saturday.
The group criticised the long-standing issues with government-owned refineries, which have been inactive for over two decades despite billions spent on maintenance.
HOSTCOM warned of monumental corruption in Nigeria’s oil and gas industry, threatening to expose those responsible if necessary.
Furthermore, HOSTCOM called for the immediate dismissal of the Chief Executive of the Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority, Farouk Ahmed.
The group accused Ahmed of being conflicted and incapable of performing the duties of a regulator for the downstream sector due to his past associations with downstream companies.
The group stated, “We therefore unequivocally call for the immediate sack of Farouk Ahmed. It is now clear that he as the CEO of NMDPRA is responsible for issuing import licenses to his cronies outside the government to continue to import Sub-standards Refined Petroleum Products into the Country.
“In hindsight, this is not surprising given that he has served on the boards of some downstream companies in the past. He is therefore obviously conflicted and incapable of performing the duties of a regulator for the downstream sector. It is important to immediately replace him with an individual who is not encumbered by such conflict.”
HOSTCOM also urged President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to support the Dangote Refinery project, highlighting its potential to enhance the economy, create jobs, and ensure product sustainability and affordability.
“We called on President Bola Tinubu to support and sustain this refinery which is in his own state. He must do away with the cabals holding the oil sector to ransom,” the group added.
The organisation further criticised International Oil Companies for their reluctance to sell crude oil to local refineries, describing it as economic sabotage.
HOSTCOM warned of potential agitation for greater Autonomy and control of our resources if the situation persists.
“We call on Mr President to direct NNPC OR NNPCL to compel the IOCs operating in our communities to sell and supply Crude Oil to Dangote Refinery and other Local Refineries in line with section 109 of the Petroleum Industry Act PIA 2021 particularly section 109(4)(b) “the supply of crude oil shall be commercially negotiated between the lessee and the crude oil refining licensee, having regard to the prevailing international market price for similar grades of crude oil,” it added.
Meanwhile, the VP of Gas and Oil at Dangote Industries Limited, Devakumar Edwin, explained that the refinery was designed to process various crude types due to insufficient Nigerian crude supplies.
He emphasised the refinery’s commitment to producing high-quality products that meet international standards and its dedication to environmental protection and local content development.
Police arrest five for selling two-month-old baby
The Police Command in Lagos State has arrested five persons, including a couple, over their alleged involvement in selling a two-month-old baby.
The Command’s spokesperson, SP Benjamin Hundeyin, confirmed the arrests on Saturday in a statement in Lagos.
Hundeyin said that detectives from the Oko-oba Police Division arrested the suspects following a report from the mother of the baby boy.
According to him, the mother of the child reported that one of the suspects absconded with her son to an unknown destination on July 11.
”Detectives swung into action, which led to the arrest of one Gloria, who during interrogation confessed to selling the baby for ₦500,000 to one Pastor Peter.
”Pastor Peter, who was subsequently arrested in Ikene Town, Ogun, admitted reselling the child for N1.4 million to one Loretta.
”Loretta was then also arrested in Festac Town, Lagos. She confessed to selling the baby for N2.3 million,” he said.
The image maker said that further investigations led to the arrest of the final buyers of the baby, one couple, simply identified as Mr and Mrs James, during the naming ceremony of the stolen child.
”All suspects will be arraigned in court after investigation,” he said.
(NAN)
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Djokovic eyes Nadal Olympic clash as Alcaraz, Swiatek cruise
Novak Djokovic set up a potential Olympic Games blockbuster with Rafael Nadal on Saturday as French Open champions Carlos Alcaraz and Iga Swiatek made winning returns to a rain-swept Roland Garros.
Djokovic, chasing a first Olympic gold to add to his 24 Grand Slams, brushed aside Australia’s Matthew Ebden 6-0, 6-1 in just 53 minutes under the roof of Court Philippe Chatrier.
Alcaraz, fresh from defeating Djokovic in the Wimbledon final, eased past Hady Habib of Lebanon while Swiatek enjoyed a straight-sets win against Irina-Camelia Begu.
Nadal, who has been carrying a thigh strain, will take on Djokovic for the 60th time if he gets past Marton Fucsovics of Hungary on Sunday.
He warmed up for that clash by partnering Alcaraz to a 7-6 (7/4), 6-4 win over Maximo Gonzalez and Andres Molteni of Argentina.
It was the players’ first match as a pair as Nadal, with his right thigh bandaged, started his bid for a second doubles gold after Rio in 2016, having also captured singles gold in Beijing in 2008.
The torrential rain which swamped the opening ceremony on Friday also brought havoc to Roland Garros, where play on the outside courts was wiped out.
Only a handful of the day’s matches were completed on the covered Chatrier and Suzanne Lenglen arenas.
“Playing him is like finals for me. His record at Roland Garros speaks for itself,” said Djokovic of potentially facing Nadal, who has won the French Open 14 times.
“If we face each other, it’s possibly going to be for the last time on the big stage.”
On Saturday, Djokovic was barely pushed by 36-year-old Ebden, who only made the tournament as an alternate after a series of injury pullouts.
Without a singles ranking, doubles specialist Ebden had not played a singles match for two years before he got an unexpected Olympics call.
Djokovic needed just 24 minutes to wrap up the first set and was 4-0 up in the second before the Australian won a game.
Ebden, playing to a sympathetic crowd, celebrated by pulling his shirt over his head.
But that was as good as it got for the Australian Open doubles champion, who was broken six times and hit just seven winners to the 24 of Djokovic.
“The only goal I had was not to get injured. I was never going to win. I got one game at least and I said to Novak I was sorry I couldn’t give him more of a hit,” said Ebden.
Alcaraz enjoyed a winning start to his Olympic Games career when he swept aside Lebanon’s Hady Habib, the world number 275, in just 70 minutes winning 6-3, 6-1.
• ’Incredible experience’ –
“It was an incredible experience, the energy of the crowd was crazy,” said third-ranked Alcaraz.
Also going through on a curtailed day was fourth seeded Daniil Medvedev, the Russian former world number one playing as a neutral, who defeated Rinky Hijikata in straight sets.
Women’s world number one Swiatek battled to a 6-2, 7-5 victory over Begu as the 23-year-old Pole returned to the court where she captured a fourth French Open title last month.
“I’m happy to get through. The atmosphere was a little bit different so I was a little more nervous,” she said.
“But I have the chance to work on a few things tomorrow so my level can be higher in the second round.”
Swiatek, who only made the second round on her Olympics debut in Tokyo three years ago, will face either Diane Parry of France or Argentina’s Nadia Podoroska for a place in the last 16.
Italy’s Jasmine Paolini, easily defeated by Swiatek in the French Open final, also made the second round with a 7-5, 6-3 win over Romania’s Ana Bogdan.
“It’s great to come back here, it’s a different kind of tournament when it’s the Olympics,” said Paolini.
“I really love to play for my country but I feel a little more pressure.”
Saturday’s night session will close with Naomi Osaka, a four-time major winner, taking on fellow former world number one Angelique Kerber, the 36-year-old German, who will retire from tennis at the Olympics.
AFP
Lagos revokes building permits, orders revalidation
The Lagos State Government has revoked all existing building permits and ordered builders to reapply for validation to continue construction.
The Special Adviser to Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu on e-GIS and Urban Development, Dr Olajide Babatunde, announced this during a visit to the collapsed building site in Maryland, Ikeja, on Saturday.
Babatunde was accompanied by Mr Gbolahun Oki, the General Manager of the Lagos State Building Control Agency, and some executive members.
The News Agency of Nigeria reports that a building under construction collapsed on Thursday at 13 Wilson Mba Street, Arowojobe Estate, Maryland, Lagos, killing five workers.
He said, “All commencement certificates in Lagos are revoked effective immediately. This applies to everyone with a construction site, including those in the big five category.
“Return to the LASBCA office to revalidate that document. If you decide not to go for the revalidation of that documentation, we are going to seal that site.”
He expressed deep sorrow over the incident and emphasised that such occurrences should not happen.
Babatunde, who acknowledged the government’s responsibility in preventing building collapses, blamed property owners and developers for negligence and for violating building regulations.
He stressed the importance of obtaining a Certificate of Completion or Fitness for Habitation before occupying a building.
Babatunde added that the government would prosecute anyone found violating this rule.
He noted that the government had strict regulations regarding building construction and occupancy.
Babatunde said that buildings must be certified by LASBCA before habitation and that failure to comply is a criminal offence.
He disclosed that LASBCA would increase enforcement, including using private consultants to inspect buildings.
Babatunde said that the agency had taken steps to enforce building regulations, including issuing stop-work orders and sealing buildings.
He stated that the agency was still faced with some challenges due to limited resources and hostile developers.
He called on private professionals to collaborate with the government to strengthen building regulation enforcement in the state.
Rivers command ready to handle any situation — CP
Ahead of the planned hunger protest across the country, the Rivers State Police Command has said its men are prepared to contain any situation that may arise in the state.
The command said it had withdrawn all its men on essential duties to strengthen its base.
The state Commissioner of Police, Olatunji Disu, stated this while answering questions from newsmen in Port Harcourt, the state capital, on Saturday.
Disu said the planned protest is of concern to the command and many other Nigerians, but said operatives have been told what to do.
He, however, said the command has held meetings with various stakeholder groups to ensure that the peace in the state is sustained.
He said, “That is of concern to us. It is information that is everywhere for everybody to see. We have been having meetings with a lot of our stakeholders, very important stakeholders in the communities.
“More meetings have been slated for tomorrow and then Monday. On the side of the police, our men are prepared. We have talked to them. Most importantly, we don’t want it to be a situation of we versus them. We are all in this together.
“We have been having wonderful partnerships with a lot of people, a lot of groups in the state. So, we don’t expect it to be different now.
“The officers have been told what to do. We have withdrawn our men from essential duties and have talked to them. They have been trained again and again. We are ready to hold any situation that presents itself to us in the state.”
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Protest: Tinubu needs support in this ‘transformative period’ — Minister Tunji-Ojo appeals to Nigerians
Ahead of the planned nationwide #EndBadGovernance protest scheduled to commence on August 1, Minister of Interior Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo has appealed to Nigerians to support President Bola Tinubu to lead the country through what he described as a ‘transformative period’.
Tunji-Ojo made the appeal in a statement he personally signed, which was made available to journalists on Saturday evening.
Tinubu had earlier urged organisers of the protest, who are largely unknown, to shelve the exercise, noting that his government is working towards addressing the concerns of Nigerians.
Many other prominent Nigerians, including political and opinion leaders, have also echoed the President’s appeal to the protesters, advising that the protest be called off.
However, all indications suggest that the faceless organisers are bent on going ahead with the protest, despite thinly veiled threats and warnings issued by agents of the government and the security agencies.
Amid the tension that has enveloped the country as the August 1 date for commencement of the strike draws closer, Tunji-Ojo urged Nigerians to support Tinubu to pull Nigeria through a difficult period.
Describing Tinubu as a bold, audacious and tenacious leader, he noted that the President is working hard to address longstanding issues confronting the nation.
The minister stressed that the support of Nigerians is essential for Tinubu to succeed in the quest to solve the country’s problems.
“Sixty-four years after attaining sovereign status, our beloved nation has consciously strived toward the realization of a better Nigeria. We stand at a pivotal moment in our history, where acknowledging our achievements and recognizing the surmountable challenges ahead is essential,” Tunji-Ojo said.
“It is in this spirit of reflection and resolve that I find solace-and consider it a profound blessing-that we have a president who is BOLD, AUDACIOUS, and TENACIOUS enough to face these difficulties.
“President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has demonstrated unparalleled boldness and tenacity in confronting and addressing the longstanding issues that plague our nation. His unwavering commitment to overcoming these challenges is evident in every action he takes. President Tinubu is acutely aware of the current plights of Nigerians, and he is working tirelessly and meticulously to resolve them.
“In these times of both challenge and opportunity, it is imperative that we, the people of Nigeria, come together with renewed vigor and unwavering support for President Tinubu’s administration. Our nation’s journey has never been easy, but it is through our collective resilience and patriotism that we have made significant strides.
“We call upon every Nigerian to stand united, embracing a strong sense of patriotism and national pride. Our support and commitment are crucial as President Tinubu leads us through this transformative period. He is not just a leader; he is a symbol of our collective aspirations for a prosperous and equitable Nigeria.”
Emphasizing the need for Nigerians to rally behind the President, the Interior minister added, “Now, more than ever, we must rally behind President Tinubu’s vision for our country. His administration is dedicated to creating lasting solutions that will uplift every Nigerian, ensuring that our future is one of hope, opportunity, and justice. Let us renew our commitment to this noble cause, knowing that together, we can overcome any obstacle and achieve the Nigeria of our dreams.
“As we embark on this journey, let us remember that the strength of our nation lies in our unity and our unwavering belief in a brighter future.
“President Tinubu is leading us with courage and determination, and with our support, there is no challenge we cannot surmount.
“Let us stand together, Nigeria, and renew our pledge to support President Bola Ahmed Tinubu as he works diligently to build a better, stronger, and more prosperous Nigeria for all.”
Protest: Tinubu needs support in this ‘transformative period’ — Minister Tunji-Ojo appeals to Nigerians
Group urges northerners to shun planned #EndBadGovernance protests
The All Progressive Congress (APC) Social Media Forum in the North-West on Saturday urged Northerners to shun the planned nationwide protests against the current economic situation in the country.
The Chairman of the Forum, Alhaji Ahmed Rufa’i-Gumel, made the call at a media briefing in Kano.
He reminded northerners that protest dismantles the peaceful co-existence of many countries.
The #EndBadGovernance protests put together by a group of Nigerians to express their displeasure with the government over the hunger and other socio-economic problems in the country will begin on August 1.
Rufai-Gumel said: “Some countries now are either under a military rule or destroyed completely as a result of such protests.
“Investigation revealed that our leaders are patiently taking measures day and night to make sure that everything is okay.
“Dear northerners, say no to protests. It is not a way out. Protests lead to violence, social unrest, starvation, arson, death, and internal war.
“Nigeria is the only place we can truly call our own. Give the government more time to fix everything.”
He urged youths to desist from engaging in acts capable of disrupting the peaceful atmosphere in the country.
Rufa’i-Gumel charged the Federal Government to fast-track the development of social infrastructure to address the current hardship in the country.
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Data, money will be lost if census is not conducted — NPC
The Nigerian Population Commission disclosed on Saturday that it can do little until President Bola Tinubu consents to the commencement of the general census.
The population and housing census, initially scheduled for 2022, was postponed by former President Muhammadu Buhari as it coincided with electioneering campaigns for the 2023 general elections.
The exercise was eventually suspended indefinitely by Buhari, a few days before leaving office, stating that he would allow Tinubu to announce new dates for the headcount.
However, one year after assuming office, the President has yet to announce a new date.
According Online reported that about ₦200 billion was expended by the NPC Chairman, Nasir Kwarra, on preparations for the aborted 2023 population and housing census.
Speaking at the award ceremony of the Urhobo Leadership Forum held in Abuja on Saturday, a Federal Commissioner of the NPC, Mrs. Blessing Brume-Ataguba, confirmed that the commission was indeed waiting for the President’s approval to commence the exercise.
She said, “If you recall, the previous administration of Muhammadu Buhari planned to have the census but had to shelve it because it fell within the same period as the general elections. He thought it wise to postpone it so as not to overload Nigerians with tasks. But as things stand today, we are primed for the census and waiting for President Bola Tinubu to make the proclamation.
“We have already constituted the security committee and our chairman, Nasir Isa-Kwarra, is a joint chairman with the NSA, Nuhu Ribadu. We are now working to constitute the security committee in the states. So we are on course.
“We are going to have the most digitalised census ever. We have already done the enumeration for every part of Nigeria. We have already categorised all the houses, areas and households. We are ready to go. We just need a little more time to do the recruitment and training for the ad hoc staff.”
According to her, they were almost 80 per cent ready for the process before the previous administration pulled the plug on the exercise.
The commissioner, who received a posthumous award in honour of her father, Senator Fred Brume, also acknowledged that arrangements have been concluded to digitalise the anticipated census exercise.
“Well, we understand there is money for it. The President is keeping everything close to his chest. But rest assured that at some point, we will have the population census. The last time we had a similar exercise was in 2006. So we are long overdue for it. This is why I am very confident it will commence soon because we are making all the right preparations.
“Before it was postponed last year, we were 80 per cent ready. Unfortunately, some of the work we did before it was cancelled will have to be repeated. If Nigeria fails to carry on with it, we might lose a lot of data because we have invested so much money in the process,” she stated.
Earlier in his speech, President of the Urhobo Leadership Forum, Peter Igho, lamented the lack of inclusion of their people in federal appointments.
Igho said that for a region that works assiduously for the peace and growth of the country, they deserve more than what they are being accorded.
He said, “While our solidarity grows and we contribute to the national experience, we must also demand equity and justice for our people and land. What we seek is our due share in the Nigerian collective. Often the loudest voices, not always the most deserving, are the ones called to the table.
“However, we the peaceful Urhobo people deserve to be heard and listened to. Our under-representation in the institutions of the state has become legendary.
“Even in parastatals located in our homelands, executive control is in the hands of non-local manpower. The unfortunate situation would not normally be allowed in other jurisdictions.
“We are concerned about the general degradation in the quality of public life over the years. We note that this not only transpires at the federal level but also at the sub-national level where a great haemorrhage of our resources continues to take place. This has been a horror story that must be stopped.”
