Governor Bala Mohammed of Bauchi State has flagged off the construction of 203.47-kilometre rural roads in the state.

Speaking during the flagging off of the roads in Gamawa Local Government Area of the state on Monday, Mohammed said the road construction would be carried out with the Federal Government intervention under its Rural Access and Agricultural Marketing Programme (RAAMP).

According to him, the roads represented more than physical infrastructure but symbolises his administration’s vision of Bauchi state where no community was left behind, where development was fair and balanced and driven by the needs of the people with equity and justice.

“We are grateful to the federal government, we are grateful to the World Bank and all the development partners.

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“Roads are the architect of opportunities. They connect farmers to markets, women to healthcare, children to schools, security agencies to vulnerable communities and rural economy to national prosperity.

“For decades, many rural communities in Bauchi have suffered neglect. Roads became impassable during rainy seasons, farmers lost produce, students struggled to reach schools and sick people were unable to get timely medical attention,” he said.

Mohammed, who said that the days of neglect of the rural communities were over, added that RAAMP remained a key pillar for his transformative agenda and aligned with his Bauchi project 1&2.

He said RAAMP also aligned with the Bauchi Agricultural modernisation, inclusive development, improved governance, youth empowerment, poverty reduction and sustainable infrastructure.

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According to him, RAAMP was not just about roads, it’s about connecting communities, boosting the rural economy and laying the foundation of lasting prosperity.

He highlighted the roads to include 26.8 kilometers Mararaba Liman Katagum-Boli-Kafinmawa-Mararaba Dajin roads, 14.75km Dargazu- Gambaki-Chinade-Gangai road, 28km Gamawa – Sakwa road.

Others included; 14.45km Misau- Beti- Maladunba roads, 6.6km Giade – Tagwaye road, 6.68km Yana-Fago road, 6.71km Mararraban Dajin- Dajin road, 36.65km Dott-Dado- Baraza road, 24km Lanzai-Papa road.

He further explained that the road construction also included 4.91km Gadar Maiwa- Zakara road, 25km Dagu-Ningi road, 8.86km Nabordo – Gadan Doka.

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The governor called on traditional rulers to support contractors and remained vigilant and provide intelligence on security and safety.

Also speaking, Engr. Aminu Mohammed, the National Coordinator (RAAMP)
Coordinator said that the state has disbursed over N6 billion in counterpart funding to RAAMP, making it one of the top performing states.

“These roads will open critical agricultural corridors, reduce travel time and post harvest losses, improve access to markets, schools and healthcare.

“It will also enhance rural productivity and inclusion, stimulate economic activities across all the three senatorial zones in the state,” he said.

He called on the contractors to deliver the project with the highest standard of engineering professionalism and compliance with environmental and social safeguard.

The Coordinator also called on the communities to take ownership of the roads and take care of and protect them.

Jimmy Cliff, the Jamaican singer and actor whose music helped bring reggae to a global audience, has died at the age of 81.

His wife, Latifa Chambers, shared the news on Instagram, saying: “It’s with profound sadness that I share that my husband, Jimmy Cliff, has crossed over due to a seizure followed by pneumonia. I am thankful for his family, friends, fellow artists and coworkers who have shared his journey with him.

“To all his fans around the world, please know that your support was his strength throughout his whole career … Jimmy, my darling, may you rest in peace.” The message was also signed by their children, Lilty and Aken.

Cliff rose to international fame with hits including You Can Get It If You Really Want, I Can See Clearly Now, and Wonderful World, Beautiful People. His lead role in the 1972 film The Harder They Come further cemented his place in Jamaican cultural history and introduced reggae to wider audiences, particularly in the United States.

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He was one of only a few musicians, alongside Bob Marley, to receive the Jamaican Order of Merit.

Jamaican Prime Minister Andrew Holness paid tribute, calling him “a true cultural giant whose music carried the heart of our nation to the world … Jimmy Cliff told our story with honesty and soul. His music lifted people through hard times, inspired generations, and helped to shape the global respect that Jamaican culture enjoys today.”

Born in Saint James, Jamaica, in 1944, Cliff began his career in the early 1960s in Kingston, working with producer Leslie Kong. After early local success, he gained international attention through Island Records and by performing to diverse audiences in London. Cliff’s music often blended upbeat rhythms with socially conscious lyrics, addressing topics from war to social justice.

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In addition to his music, Cliff acted in several films, toured widely, and collaborated with artists including the Rolling Stones, Sting, and Wyclef Jean. His most recent album, Refugees (2022), won a Grammy for best reggae album, marking one of two wins from seven nominations over his career.

Jimmy Cliff, Jamaican reggae legend, cultural icon, leaves behind a legacy of music, film, and cultural influence that shaped both Jamaica and the world.

(The Guardian UK)

Governors of the South-West are meeting in Ibadan, the Oyo State capital, over the security situation in the region.

The governors in attendance are Seyi Makinde, Oyo, Dapo Abiodun, Ogun, Babajide Sanwo-Olu, Lagos, Lucky Aiyedatiwa, Ondo and Biodun Oyebanji, Ekiti.

Governor Ademola Adeleke of Osun State is represented by his deputy, Kola Adeusi.

According to reports, that the meeting was summoned to review the security situation in the South-West.

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Special Adviser on Media to Governor Seyi Makinde, Dr Sulaimon Olanrewaju, confirmed the development to DAILY POST on Monday afternoon.

Olanrewaju, in a brief telephone conversation with DAILY POST, noted that all the governors except Adeleke who sent his deputy are currently in the meeting.

He said, “The meeting has started. All the governors are present except Governor Adeleke who was represented by his deputy.”