Metro

Foundation Constructs 30 Beds Capacity Hospital Worth N500m For NCS

Published

2 years ago

July 8, 2024

The Abdul Samad Rabiu Initiative (ASR Africa) has commenced the construction of a 30 beds capacity ultra modern hospital for the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) in Bauchi state under its security sector support grant.

Speaking during the inauguration of the construction in Bauchi on Monday, the Managing Director ASR initiative for Africa, Dr Ubon Udoh, said that the state-of-the-art medical edifice is valued at N500 million with all the equipment to be brought in.

He explained that the partnership between the Nigeria Custom service and ASR Africa was an example of strategic partnership which would be for the benefit of Nigeria moving forward.

Udoh, who is also the Chief Executive Officer of ASR, reiterated the commitment of the Chairman, ASR Africa and the BUA Group, Abdul Samad Rabiu, in fulfilling the pledges made to the security agencies across Nigeria.

According to him, ASR Africa had engaged all the beneficiaries of the security grant and was on track to ensure the implementation of all projects selected by the armed forces and security agencies in the country.

He appreciated the leadership of the Nigerian Customs Service for partnering with ASR Africa on this project.

“It will be recalled that the Chairman of ASR Africa, Abdul Samad Rabiu on his visit to the immediate past President of Nigeria in December 2022, announced a grant of N10 billion to the Nigerian armed forces and security agencies.

“This grant, part of the Security Sector Support grant, is aimed at providing support for security agencies in the country and the armed forces to effectively and efficiently fulfill their mandate to the Nigerian people.

“Other beneficiaries include the Nigerian Navy, Nigerian Air Force, Nigerian Army, Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), Nigeria Immigration Service, Department of Secret Services (DSS), Nigeria Police, National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) and the Nigerian Correctional Service,” he said.

Also speaking, the Comptroller-General of Customs, Bashir Adeniyi, appreciated ASR and expressed delight to have been the recipient of the project which he said, would enhance the capacity and welfare of the personnel and those of the community they serve.

“We are happy that we have found a reputable partner that has chosen to work with us to deliver a world class 30 beds hospital here in Zone D, Bauchi.

“On behalf of all of us, on behalf of all officers and men, we want to say a very big thank you to ASR initiative for finding us worthy to benefit from the benevolence of the ASR initiative.

“This facility will not only cater for the interest of custom officers and their families, indeed, we are going to dedicate the service of this hospital to all members of the community of Yelwa and Bauchi in general,” he said.

Metro

JUST IN: Fire Guts Ogun Guangdong Free Trade Zone In Igbesa

Published

5 hours ago

January 11, 2026

Editor

A fire broke out on Sunday at the Ogun State Guangdong Free Trade Zone in Igbesa.

As of this report, there has been no official statement on what caused the incident. However, a resident said the fire was triggered by a gas explosion from a foam-producing company in the industrial park.

The source added that the fire spread quickly, affecting nearby houses before emergency responders arrived.

Details later…

Metro

AAU Postpones Resumption Date

Published

23 hours ago

January 10, 2026

Editor

The management of Ambrose Alli University, Ekpoma, Edo State, has approved, on behalf of the university’s Senate, the postponement of students’ resumption and commencement of academic activities.

In a statement,
Otunba Mike Aladenika,
Head, Information, Public Relations & Protocol, AAU, said the decision became necessary to enable the university to complete ongoing renovation works on student structures and facilities, aimed at enhancing the overall teaching and learning experience.

“According to him, the management is committed to providing a conducive environment for academic excellence and believes that this temporary adjustment will ultimately benefit our students.

“While the university management intends to announce a new resumption date, any student(s) still in our hostels are advised to vacate with immediate effect to allow for effective ongoing renovation works

“In light of this development, the university regrets to announce that the 140th Inaugural Lecture, originally scheduled for Thursday, 15th January 2026, and ongoing examinations have been postponed.

“A new date for the lecture and the completion of the examinations will be communicated to all stakeholders in due course.

“The university appreciates the understanding and cooperation of students, parents, and guardians on this matter.

“We urge all students to adhere to the new resumption date and prepare for a productive academic session.

“Parents and guardians are kindly requested to ensure their children/wards are aware of and comply with the revised resumption schedule.”

Metro

Protest Rocks Ekpoma Over Incessant Kidnapping

Published

1 day ago

January 10, 2026

Editor

Residents of Ekpoma, Esan West Local Government Area of Edo State on Saturday protested against incessant kidnappings in the area.

Ekpoma, in recent times has been under attack by kidnappers who snatched residents from their homes.

The protest grounded commercial activities as students of the Ambrose Alli University, Ekpoma, also joined in the protest.

The protesters, in anger, also pulled down campaign billboards for the 2027 general elections mounted in the university hosting town.

Speaking on the protest, Principal Security Officer to Governor Monday Okpebholo, Austin Eigbiremolen, assured that adequate security would be deployed to Ekpoma.

According to him, the kidnappers would be chased away from the area in no distance time.

Also reacting to the protest, Edo State Police Command Public Relations Officer, Eno Ikoedem, dismissed was top of the security situation in Ekpoma, adding the state Commissioner of Police, Monday Agbonika, was already in Ekpoma.

Ikoedem said nine persons who were kidnapped on Friday were rescued unhurt after the Eagle Combat Drone Unit was deployed to the forest alongside local hunters.

“In the heat of the rescue operation, the kidnappers’ camp was located through real-time aerial intelligence.

“The ground troops stormed the camp, forcing the kidnappers to flee and abandon two locally fabricated AK-49 rifles.

“The victims, including five children were rescued unhurt. This landmark deployment underscores the transformative role of technology in modern policing and sets a new benchmark for operational enhancement in Edo State,” she said.