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Umahi Commends Obaseki On His Committment In Constructing Durable Concrete Roads

Published

2 months ago

March 11, 2024

Editor

The Minister for Works and Housing, Engr. David Umahi has commended the state governor, Mr. Godwin Obaseki for his commitment to constructing durable concrete roads, underscoring the importance of collaborative efforts towards national progress.

Engr. Umahi made this commendation when he paid a courtesy call on the Governor during his two-day tour of on-going construction work on federal roads in the state.

He added that collaborative efforts and strategic planning are paving the way for a smoother and safer transit experience in the region.

He emphasized on the importance of concrete reinforcement in deteriorated sections and highlighted government’s focus on long-lasting solutions for road construction.

The Minister, who was accompanied by Edo State Commissioner for Roads and Bridges, Hon. Ethan Uzamere, inspected the Benin-Ekpoma-Auchi road.

On the Benin-Ehor-Ekpoma corridor, Engr. Umahi revoked 10km of the road project from Dantata and Sawoe Nig. Ltd due to concerns that were raised, prompting collaborative efforts with the state government and relevant stakeholders to address road blockages to ensure seamless transit.

The Minister also inspected failed portions of the Auchi Road where he assured that work on the major artery road linking Edo State with neighbouring states will commence in due course.

Engr. Umahi addressed protesters at Jattu junction assuring that work will resume within the next two weeks.

The minister who promised accelerated work on the road , added he would be on ground every two weeks to supervise and ensure the contractors handling the project sticks to design and quality, including the pedestrian bridge at Jattu junction.

While commending the protesters for the peaceful manner deployed to vent their frustrations, Engr Umahi noted that this was one factor that made Mr. President to give directive that the four construction companies handling the project should return to site next week

Meanwhile, the state Commissioner for Roads and Bridges, Engr Ethan Uzamere in an interview revealed the state government’s proactive approach to enhancing road infrastructure for the benefit of the people.

He noted that the Minister’s visit was a great opportunity to showcase the state of dilapidated federal roads and suggest possible ways to address the problem.

Engr. Uzamere commended the minister for his proactive steps ahead of the rainy season and pledged the state government’s collaboration to tackle Agbede-Ekpoma-Irrua motorability issues.

He reiterated that immediate remedial actions are set for Benin-Auchi road with Dangote and BUA Cement. Additionally, Long-term plans involve road concessioning for sustainable infrastructure beyond the current administration.

In response to the pressing issues on Ekpoma Road, Engr Uzamere said a comprehensive plan has been proposed to alleviate the ongoing challenges.

He added that a phased approach will be implemented, with one session dedicated to essential palliative measures, including the application of durable materials such as concrete.

He promised to contribute an official land for the development project, noting that efforts will be directed towards engaging relevant authorities and community stakeholders to ensure a smooth and uninterrupted execution of the proposed improvements.

According to him, this collaborative approach aims to address the long-standing issues on Ekpoma Road and enhance the overall infrastructure for the benefit of the community.

The minister earlier inspected on-going construction work on Warri-Benin road where he threatened to revoke contracts of underperforming construct companies.

News

JUST IN: Tinubu Appoints Spokesperson, Ngelale, As Special Envoy On Climate Action

Published

38 mins ago

May 19, 2024

Editor

President Bola Tinubu has appointed his Special Adviser on Media and Publicity, Mr. Ajuri Ngelale, as Nigeria’s Special Presidential Envoy on Climate Action.

This was as he established a 25-person committee to oversee the country’s green economic initiatives.

“Ngelale will serve in this role as part of a larger Presidential Committee, to be chaired by the President,” the office of the secretary to the government of the federation revealed in a statement signed Sunday by its Director of Information and Public Relations, Segun Imohiosen.

“Ngelale will retain his role as the Official Spokesperson of the President and Special Adviser to the President on Media & Publicity while serving on the committee,” it added.

The statement is titled, ‘President Tinubu establishes a committee to oversee green economic initiatives, appoints Chief Ajuri Ngelale as special envoy on climate action.’

Imohsien said the Presidential Committee on Climate Action and Green Economic Solutions will “coordinate and oversee all policies and programmes on climate action and green economic development.”

“This is to remove the constraints to coordination, foster a whole-of-government approach to climate-action programmes, provide an efficient governance architecture, and ensure that all relevant institutions in the sector are plugged into the President’s vision and are collectively implementing the Renewed Hope Agenda on climate action,” it further explained.

The new committee which has the President as its Chairman also includes the Minister of Environment, Mr. Balarabe Lawal as its Vice-Chairman, and Mr. Ajuri Ngelale as its Secretary/Special Presidential Envoy.

Members are the CEOs of, InfraCorp, Mr. Lazarus Angbazo; National Council on Climate Change, Mr. Salisu Dahiru; Infrastructure Council Regulatory Commission, Mr. Michael Ohiani, Nigeria Investment Promotion Council, Mrs. Aisha Rimi and National Social Investment Fund, Mr. Aminu Umar-Sadiq.

The committee also consists of the CEOs of the National Agency for the Great Green Wall, Mr Yusuf Maina-Bukar, Energy Commission of Nigeria, Mr Abdullahi Mustapha; Rural Electrification Agency, Abba Aliyu; CreditCorp, Uzoma Nwagba, the National Agency for Science and Engineering Infrastructure, Khalil Halilu Member, Solid Minerals Development Fund, Fatima Shinkafi; CBN Deputy Governor (Deputy Governor, Corporate Services Directorate) Mr Bala Bello; UN SE4ALL, Lolade Abiola; Member and an Adviser to the NCCC Adviser, Teni Majekodunmi.

Others are representatives of the Federal Ministries of FCT, Finance, Industry, Trade & Investment, Water Resources, and Agriculture & Food Security.

The committee also consists of representatives from the Federal Inland Revenue Service and the Nigeria Customs Service.

The OSGF outlined eight objectives of the Presidential Committee. They are to:

“Identify, develop, and implement innovative non-oil & non-gas climate action initiatives.

“Coordinate all activities of relevant federal institutions towards the attainment of all agreed climate action and green economic objectives and non-oil/non-gas ambitions of the federal government.

“Collaborate with all relevant government, subnational governments, non-government, and civil society entities towards the attainment of the climate action objectives and ambitions of the federal government.

“Collaborate with national governments and multilateral institutions towards the attainment of the climate action objectives and carbon market ambitions of the federal government.

“Monitor, evaluate, and guide the progress of all climate action and renewable energy projects and activities of the federal government.

“Track and guide the implementation of initiatives and developments conducted by the Energy Transition Working Group.

“Supervise the work of the Presidential Steering Committee on Project Evergreen and

“Prepare a half-yearly green ambitions update, covering all associated climate action achievements of the federal government.”

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Hilton Expands Presence in Nigeria With Two New Hotel Signings

Published

3 hours ago

May 19, 2024

Editor

By Tari Ayesinghan | Lagos

Hilton has announced the signing of two new hotels in Nigeria, Canopy by Hilton Lagos Victoria Island and Hilton Garden Inn Enugu.

The move marks a significant expansion of the global hospitality company’s presence in the country.

Canopy by Hilton Lagos Victoria Island will feature 176 guest rooms and suites, a rooftop bar, and a conference room.

The hotel is located in the heart of Victoria Island, with stunning views of the Atlantic Ocean.

Hilton Garden Inn Enugu will have 150 guest rooms and suites, a gym, and an outdoor pool.

The hotel is situated in the HELIU Health Tourism District & Residences, a new development that includes a hospital, shopping mall, and office park.

The two new hotels will join Hilton’s existing properties in Nigeria, Transcorp Hilton Abuja and Legend Hotel Lagos Airport, Curio Collection by Hilton.

The company has also announced plans to develop Koko Beach Resort Ilashe Lagos, Curio Collection by Hilton.

Carlos Khneisser, Hilton’s Vice President of Development for the Middle East and Africa, said: “We are excited to announce the signing of Canopy by Hilton Lagos Victoria Island and Hilton Garden Inn Enugu. These new signings reaffirm Hilton’s commitment to Africa’s hospitality sector and confidence in Nigeria as a dynamic and growing market.”

The new hotels are expected to provide guests with a unique and welcoming experience, with a focus on local culture and hospitality. Hilton Garden Inn Enugu is set to open in 2025, while Canopy by Hilton Lagos Victoria Island is expected to open in 2026.

News

Gunmen Kidnap A’Ibom Monarch

Published

6 hours ago

May 19, 2024

Editor

Paramount ruler in Mbo Local Government Area (LGA) of Akwa Ibom state, HRM Ogwong Okon A. Abang, has been kidnapped in his palace at Ebughu.

The abduction was said to have been carried out at about 9pm on Saturday. Recall that doctors in the state have downed tools over the kidnap of their colleague, Dr John Robbin Esu, who remains in the kidnappers den nearly three weeks after.

Like the case of Dr. Esu who was kidnapped in Oron LGA, the kidnap of the Paramount Ruler of Mbo, has raised more concern over the collapsed security architecture in Oron nation.

Only last week, the wife of Chief Asukwo Eweme Ulap Okon, aka Levile, a prominent political figure was also abducted in Oron.

Akwa Ibom State Police Command was yet to offer a word on the monarch’s abduction, but Commissioner of Police, CP Waheed Ayilara and other service Commanders were moving to the Ebughu Palace of the victim at the time of filing this report.