Hon. Jafaru Yakubu, Member of the House of Representatives and Chairman, House Committee on Nigeria–China Friendship Group, has commended President Bola Ahmed Tinubu GCFR for granting approval for the urgent rehabilitation and total reconstruction of the Mutum Biyu–Garba Chede Road, a 48km stretch in Taraba State.

Yakubu, who sponsored the motion in the House of Representatives calling for immediate intervention on the road, said the President’s approval is a bold and strategic response to the plight of commuters and communities along the corridor. He explained that the motion, which was debated and adopted by the House, underscored the dangers of continued neglect, including accidents, economic disruption, and the risk of total collapse.

He further acknowledged the National Security Adviser (NSA) Mallam Nuhu Ribadu for adopting a non-kinetic approach in addressing the crisis. According to Yakubu, the NSA’s intervention elevated the urgency of the project, treating infrastructure development as a vital instrument of peace, security, and stability. By drawing national attention to the road’s deterioration, the NSA highlighted the grave risks posed to lives, trade, agriculture, and access to healthcare.

The Mutum Biyu–Garba Chede Road, constructed in the early 1980s, has deteriorated severely due to age and lack of maintenance. With the collapse of the Namnai Bridge along the Jalingo–Wukari highway, the road became the sole alternative route for heavy-duty trucks, worsening its condition and exposing communities to untold hardship.

Hon. Yakubu assured his constituents that he will continue to work closely with the Federal Ministry of Works, FERMA, and the North East Development Commission to ensure the project’s swift execution. He emphasized that the House Committee on Works has already been mandated to conduct oversight and report back within four weeks, a step he believes will guarantee transparency and accountability in the delivery of the project.

“As Chairman of the Nigeria–China Friendship Group, I am deeply conscious of the importance of strategic partnerships in advancing national development. This reconstruction is not merely about infrastructure—it is about saving lives, strengthening commerce, and reaffirming government’s duty to serve its people. On behalf of my constituency, I extend profound gratitude to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu GCFR and the NSA for their steadfast commitment,” Yakubu declared.

The approval of this project, following Yakubu’s sponsored motion, is widely seen as a demonstration of leadership that listens and acts decisively. For communities in Mutum Biyu, Garba Chede, and adjoining areas, the reconstruction represents hope for safer travel, renewed economic activity, and restored dignity after years of neglect.

Analysts note that the development is not just about fixing a road but about reconnecting people, boosting agriculture, and reinforcing national cohesion at a time when infrastructure remains central to Nigeria’s growth agenda.

By Abigail David

The Kaduna State University chapter of the Academic Staff Union of Universities says it is ready for immediate negotiations with the Kaduna State Government to resolve the lingering issues threatening industrial harmony at the institution.

The Chairman of ASUU-KASU, Dr Abubakar Abdullahi, said this at a press conference on Thursday at the ASUU secretariat in Kaduna, stressing that the union was prepared to meet with the government at any time.

He said its priority was to find lasting solutions to the problems confronting the university.

He said, “Even if government calls us now, we are ready to move. Anything that will bring peace and stability to the system is what we want. Even if it is 3am, wherever we are, we are ready to go and engage and find solutions to the problems.”

Abdullahi explained that the two-week ultimatum issued by the union followed a directive from its national leadership, but expressed optimism that dialogue with the state government would yield concrete solutions before the expiration of the ultimatum.

He said the union was not interested in shutting down the university, noting that industrial action would negatively affect lecturers, students and the institution.

According to him, “We don’t want to go on strike. We don’t want to shut down the university because we know the implications. We want peace and stability in the university.”

The chairman identified the implementation and domestication of the 2025 Federal Government-ASUU agreement as the union’s major demand, saying the agreement was designed to address issues of staff welfare and conditions of service in Nigerian universities.

He said, “Our major concern is the implementation of the 2025 agreement. If the agreement is implemented, it will go a long way in addressing the welfare of our members and some of the challenges facing the university.”

Abdullahi recalled that the union had previously embarked on industrial action over 10 issues, adding that three had since been addressed by the authorities

He commended the authorities for resolving the three issues but said seven others remained outstanding, noting that the union had continued to pursue them through dialogue for nearly two years.

He said, “We have 10 issues that we raised before. Three have been addressed and we appreciate the government for that. But seven are still outstanding and we have been engaging for almost two years.”

The Press reports that the development followed the two-week ultimatum issued by ASUU-KASU amid concerns over the departure of academic staff from the university and the non-implementation of the 2025 Federal Government-ASUU agreement.

The union had warned that failure to address its demands could lead to a total and indefinite strike.

The union had also raised concerns over other unresolved matters, including university autonomy, excessive workload, promotion arrears, death benefits, group life insurance, wage awards and pension remittances.

The crisis came to the fore after ASUU-KASU alleged that more than 200 academic staff, including professors, had left the institution over poor conditions of service and failure to implement the 2025 agreement.

However, the Kaduna State Government, through the Principal Private Secretary to Governor Uba Sani, Prof Bello Ayuba, on Wednesday expressed its readiness to engage the union in dialogue to prevent a strike.

Ayuba, while addressing a press conference, urged ASUU-KASU to embrace dialogue and established channels of engagement, assuring that the government was committed to resolving the issues and avoiding disruption of academic activities.

Abdullahi urged the state government and other stakeholders to seize the opportunity for renewed engagement, assuring that the union would negotiate in good faith.

He said, “Anything that will bring peace and stability to the system, we are ready for it. We are ready to sit down with government and find solutions to these problems.”

The chairman appealed to the government to urgently address the outstanding demands, saying this would help restore confidence among academic staff and avert disruption of academic activities at KASU.

Julius Berger Nigeria Plc has reaffirmed its commitment to delivering infrastructure of enduring quality following the commissioning of the reconstructed Buguma-Abalama-Tema-Degema-Abonnema Road in Rivers State.

The landmark road project, which traverses the Asari-Toru, Degema and Akuku-Toru Local Government Areas, was formally commissioned on Monday amid jubilant celebrations by residents, traditional rulers, community leaders, government officials and other stakeholders, who turned out in large numbers to witness the historic event.

The atmosphere was reminiscent of a carnival as cultural groups dressed in colourful attire entertained guests with traditional music and dance performances. Cheers, singing and displays of gratitude echoed across the communities along the corridor as residents celebrated a project many described as transformative for the economic and social life of the area.

The commissioning was performed by the Amanyanabo and Paramount Ruler of Abonnema, His Royal Majesty King Dr. Disreal Gbobo Bob-Manuel II, marking the official opening of the vital transport link that is expected to significantly improve mobility, trade and access to economic opportunities across the region.

Speaking at the ceremony, the Director, Administration of Julius Berger Nigeria Plc, Dr. Abdulazziz Kaita, described the project as another demonstration of the company’s unwavering commitment to infrastructure development and engineering excellence.

“This project represents a significant contribution to the Rivers State Government’s infrastructure development agenda and will greatly enhance accessibility and connectivity among communities within the three local government areas,” Kaita said.

He noted that the successful completion of the road was achieved despite the exceptional circumstances surrounding the six-month period of Emergency Rule in Rivers State.

“The successful delivery of this project reflects the commitment, professionalism and efficiency of Julius Berger Nigeria Plc as a longstanding stakeholder and trusted partner in the infrastructural development of Rivers State,” he stated.

Reaffirming the company’s commitment to quality and sustainability, Kaita emphasized that Julius Berger remains focused on building infrastructure that delivers lasting value to communities.

“Over the years, Julius Berger has remained committed to delivering projects of enduring quality, applying the highest engineering standards and deploying the technical expertise and resources required to meet the expectations of our clients and the communities we serve,” he said.

Expressing confidence in the impact of the project, Kaita added: “We are confident that this road will enhance connectivity among the beneficiary communities, improve accessibility, stimulate economic activities and contribute positively to the overall development of Rivers State.”

According to him, Julius Berger remains proud to be associated with the state’s growth and development journey.

“Julius Berger Nigeria Plc remains proud to be associated with the development of Rivers State and remains committed to delivering sustainable infrastructure of the highest quality,” he said.

Governor Siminalayi Fubara, who attended the commissioning, commended Julius Berger for executing the project to the required standards and expressed appreciation to the host communities for their cooperation throughout the construction period.

Addressing the gathering, the governor highlighted the strategic importance of the road corridor and the transformative impact it will have on commerce and security in the area.

“This road is a critical gateway for the Abalama people and neighbouring communities. In the past, several challenges existed along this corridor, but today those concerns are being addressed. Goods and services can now move more freely, businesses can thrive, and our people can pursue opportunities that will improve livelihoods and positively impact their lives. I am truly delight