Category: News

The House of Representatives on Wednesday, asked the federal government to construct pedestrian bridges at strategic places on the Lagos-Ibadan expressway.

The resolution followed a motion moved by the representative of Oluyole Federal Constituency, Tolulope Akande-Sadipe during plenary.

She said this is in response to the critical safety concerns posed by the absence of pedestrian bridges along the Lagos-Ibadan Expressway, Hon. Tolulope Akande-Sadipe.

Akande-Sadipe urged the Federal Ministry of Works to prioritize the construction of pedestrian bridges in strategic locations along this vital route.

The motion highlighted the unprecedented growth of Ibadan, Oyo State, which is now the third-largest city globally according to United Nations data.

She said: “The Lagos-Ibadan Expressway, traversing highly populated sections of the city, has become an essential corridor for daily activities”.

“However, the absence of pedestrian bridges has undervalued the safety of both pedestrians and drivers. Alarming rates of fatal accidents are recorded daily as people attempt to cross the highway to access schools, homes, workplaces, and markets”.

Expressing deep concern, Hon. Akande-Sadipe emphasized that despite ongoing advocacy and the safety implications involved, pedestrian bridges have been neglected during the construction of the Lagos-Ibadan expressway. The highway has sadly transformed into what she terms a ‘Death Trap.’

The motion recognized the importance of constructing pedestrian bridges at specific locations, including the Technical University, Toll Gate in Ibadan, Félele, Sóka, Sanyo, Bólúwaji, Academy, Eléruku, and several others along the expressway.

Akande-Sadipe said these bridges are crucial to saving lives, reducing the sufferings of commuters, especially school children, and maintaining the economic viability of these highly populated areas.

In light of this, Hon. Tolulope Akande-Sadipe urgently called on the Federal Ministry of Works to allocate funds for the construction of pedestrian bridges in the mentioned locations in the 2024 budget estimates.

Additionally, she mandated the Committee on Works and Appropriation to ensure strict compliance with this imperative safety measure.

The House of Representatives on Wednesday, asked the federal government to construct pedestrian bridges at strategic places on the Lagos-Ibadan expressway.

The resolution followed a motion moved by the representative of Oluyole Federal Constituency, Tolulope Akande-Sadipe during plenary.

She said this is in response to the critical safety concerns posed by the absence of pedestrian bridges along the Lagos-Ibadan Expressway, Hon. Tolulope Akande-Sadipe.

Akande-Sadipe urged the Federal Ministry of Works to prioritize the construction of pedestrian bridges in strategic locations along this vital route.

The motion highlighted the unprecedented growth of Ibadan, Oyo State, which is now the third-largest city globally according to United Nations data.

She said: “The Lagos-Ibadan Expressway, traversing highly populated sections of the city, has become an essential corridor for daily activities”.

“However, the absence of pedestrian bridges has undervalued the safety of both pedestrians and drivers. Alarming rates of fatal accidents are recorded daily as people attempt to cross the highway to access schools, homes, workplaces, and markets”.

Expressing deep concern, Hon. Akande-Sadipe emphasized that despite ongoing advocacy and the safety implications involved, pedestrian bridges have been neglected during the construction of the Lagos-Ibadan expressway. The highway has sadly transformed into what she terms a ‘Death Trap.’

The motion recognized the importance of constructing pedestrian bridges at specific locations, including the Technical University, Toll Gate in Ibadan, Félele, Sóka, Sanyo, Bólúwaji, Academy, Eléruku, and several others along the expressway.

Akande-Sadipe said these bridges are crucial to saving lives, reducing the sufferings of commuters, especially school children, and maintaining the economic viability of these highly populated areas.

In light of this, Hon. Tolulope Akande-Sadipe urgently called on the Federal Ministry of Works to allocate funds for the construction of pedestrian bridges in the mentioned locations in the 2024 budget estimates.

Additionally, she mandated the Committee on Works and Appropriation to ensure strict compliance with this imperative safety measure.

…says House’ll raise revenue target for MDAs in 2024

The Speaker of the House of Representatives Rt. Hon. Abbas Tajudeen, Ph.D, on Wednesday inaugurated a Special Ad Hoc Committee on Oil Theft to investigate the growing spate of pipeline vandalisation, illegal petroleum bunkering and theft.

The Speaker noted that oil theft and other oil related criminalities remain the greatest economic sabotage that has left the country with dwindling revenue.

In his address at the inauguration ceremony, the Speaker stated the resolve of the 10th House to “tackle one of the largest threats to Nigeria’s economy.”
Speaker Abbas decried that Nigeria loses over 300,000 barrels of crude oil per day due to theft, vandalism, and other criminal activities.

“Some of the severe consequences of this include revenue loss, environmental disaster, threats to regional peace and security, proliferation of arms, and a poor investment climate,” he warned.

The Speaker also said the nation was reported to have incurred losses of oil revenues estimated at N1.29 trillion annually due to industrial-scale theft.

He stated that the Committee’s primary objective was to determine the proximate and remote causes of oil theft and recommend remedial measures to the House.

Speaker Abbas said: “Nigeria is facing significant financial challenges due to a combination of rising expenditures and falling revenues. You may recall that the proposed revenue and expenditure for 2023 stand at N9.73 trillion and N20.51 trillion, respectively. This means a fiscal deficit of N10.78 trillion, which is about 4.78% of the Gross Domestic Products (GDP). This deficit is the largest in Nigeria’s history, and with a budget more than double the proposed revenue, we are faced with the challenge of borrowing to cover the gap.”

“It is for this reason that the House will significantly raise the targets for all government revenue-generating agencies. I am convinced these agencies can generate much more than they currently do. In our recent engagement with MDAs on the 2024-2026 MTEF, we have made it clear that a lot more will be required of our key revenue-generating agencies in 2024. We expect them to double their total annual revenue profile. However, to achieve this, these agencies must reduce wastage and improve efficiency, especially in collection.”

In addition to this, the Speaker said revenue-generating agencies must ensure transparency in the management of generated revenues. “Let me state clearly that the House will not tolerate low performance by agencies or failure to show evidence of required remittances to the Federation Account. We shall also closely monitor and undertake strict oversight of the activities of all revenue-generating agencies to ensure compliance,” he declared.

Speaker Abbas noted that the House set up the Special Committee to underscore the chamber’s unwavering commitment to protecting the nation’s resources for the good of all citizens and to punish the perpetrators of these dreadful crimes.

He said: “I charge you, therefore, to investigate all dimensions of oil theft, focusing on the actions of all actors, including criminal gangs, militia groups, the local populace, company employees and security agencies.

“I urge the members of this committee to approach your mandate with diligence, objectivity, a sense of urgency and patriotism. The findings and recommendations from your work will serve as a foundation for sustainable solutions rather than ad-hoc measures. I also expect your efforts to contribute significantly to enhancing the integrity of our oil sector and promoting sustainable development.”

The Speaker called on all stakeholders, including government agencies, industry players, security agencies, civil society organisations, and the general public to extend their “full cooperation” to the Special Committee for it to deliver on its mandate. He noted that “by effectively addressing this challenge, we can enhance revenue, investment and overall socio-economic progress for Nigeria.”

Earlier in his opening remarks, Chairman of the House Special Committee on Oil Theft, Hon. Alhassan Ado Doguwa, described oil theft as an issue of national importance, while the House had “taken an important and bold step” to check the crime.

“The issues of oil theft and pipeline vandalisation are not new to us, nor are they exclusive to Nigeria as a nation. However, they remain persistent threats to our economy, ecology and national security,” Doguwa stated.

…urges support for Assent of Trust Fund Bill

A rights group, Save Nigeria Movement (SNM) in collaboration with the College of Bishops, Imams, and Clergy Council of Nigeria (CBICCON) have expressed confidence in the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) for its role in promoting national Unity and Cohesion as well as preparing young graduates for job opportunities in the country.

The groups while addressing a joint press conference in Abuja explained that their position is in line with their mandates of serving as watchdogs in reforming and creating a better society for all.

Rev Solomon Semaka and Bishop Abel Kings, Convener of Save Nigeria Movement SNM, and National Coordinator of CBICCON while speaking poured encomiums on the current management team of the NYSC headed by the Director General (DG), Brig Gen Yu’Shau Ahmed for its avid dedication and commitment to the welfare and empowerment of Nigerian corp members as well as in keeping with the objectives, vision and mission of the Scheme.

The release read in part, “as a civil society organisation (CSO) and religious leaders, we feel obliged to promote social order and excellence in public service. “NYSC under Brig Gen Yu’Shau Ahmed has exceeded all expectations and driven the Scheme to enviable heights within a short on the saddle and we are pleased with his stewardship. As active stakeholders in the civil space, we shall continue to partner, mobilise and garner support for the Scheme with the confidence that the current management is well poised to deliver on the mandate of the Scheme for the benefit of Nigerian youths and Nigerians at large”.

They also took out time to eulogize the DG and his team for their unwavering commitment to upholding the founding ideals of the Scheme especially in the areas of promoting national unity, employment generation and skill acquisition for youth empowerment and self reliance.

According to the release, “the NYSC scheme was an honest effort to unite Nigerians through a deliberate policy of posting graduate Nigerians across different cultures and backgrounds to different locations so as to break the stereotypes and tribal misconceptions as well as suspicions that existed before and after the Nigerian civil war. This has been achieved with outstanding success. The scheme has also become the largest employer of labour with millions of young graduate Nigerians participating from almost every family and community”.

Other pivotal achievements of the Scheme under the astute leadership of Brig Gen Yu’Shau Ahmed according to the release is “the provision of essential services through strategic partnerships with government ministries, agencies, parastatals and the private sector, as most health facilities and schools in the rural areas all over the country would have collapsed for lack of manpower if not for the intervening role of NYSC Corp members. In fact, medical Corps members and teachers have been made to head some of those institutions with outstanding results so far especially in the rural areas where most government workers dread to work”.

On election duty and other essential services offered by Corps members, the groups hailed the current management “for not only sustaining the partnership that has seen Corps members actively participating in the recent elections in Kogi, Imo and Bayelsa but also ensuring the safety of Corps members on these assignments. With the involvement of Corps members, electoral fraud has been minimal. Their anticipated participation in the forthcoming Census will also be a game changer for Nigerians first digital Census because of Corp members advanced technological skills”.

While commending the current DG for his foresight to continue with the policies of his predecessors and even take it a notch further with his wealth of experience and personal commitment to Corp members development in the country, the release urged Nigerians “to support and encourage Mr. President to assent to the NYSC Trust Fund Bill already passed by the National Assembly to enable the Scheme deliver on its set objectives and the vast skill acquisition empowerment programs embarked by the scheme. It is our conviction that as soon as the Bill is assented to by the President, youth unemployment will be a thing of the past with the kind strategies already on ground”

The CSOs also called on the public to support the Scheme with useful intelligence, cooperation to help secure Corps members across the country as security is a collective responsibility of everybody, adding that, “Brig Gen Yu’Shau Ahmed and his team have done so much to drive the renewed hope agenda of Mr. President especially in the area of welfare and security of Corps members and they need our support. A situation where Corps members are subjects of attack by criminal elements is discouraging and will only dampen their moral to serve”.

SNM and CBICCON finally passed an overwhelming vote of confidence on the DG of NYSC, Brig Gen Yu’Shau Ahmed and his competent team “who have served transparently as well as shown true patriotism in the face of challenges and scarce resources”. They further pledged their “steadfast support to the Scheme, calling on Nigerians as well as other CSOs to join forces in promoting the policies and programmes of the NYSC scheme under the current leadership”.

President Bola Tinubu has arrived back in Abuja after a four-day engagement in Berlin, Germany, where he participated in the G20 Compact With Africa Conference.

Tinubu’s return was marked by his landing at the Presidential Wing of the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport in Abuja. He was welcomed by notable figures, including the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, Chairman of the All Progressives Congress, Abdullahi Ganduje, and his Chief of Staff, Femi Gbajabiamila.

Amgbare Ekaunkumo, Yenagoa

The remains of a successful business, women mobilizer, socialite and Leader, Mrs. Dora Thompson Demi Ejegi has been laid to rest in her home town at Avenue Street, Kokori in Ethiope East Local Government Area of Delta State amidst tributes and eulogies.

At the funeral mass which held at St.James Catholic Church, Kokori on Saturday, 18th November, 2023, the Officiating Priest, Reverend Father Happy Amure stated that life is like a plant that start at birth.

Taking his text reading from Psalm 90:16, Reverend Father Happy Amure urged the Living to number their days while alive and bequeathe legacies that will inspire generations yet unborn.

He noted that death is a necessary end to every mortal, emphasizing that the date and manner it will come is not known.

The Man of God enjoined believers to live a holy, righteous and honest life in order to have eternal life.

He described the deceased as a hard working, discipline, loving, caring, compassionate, objective and benevolent woman who impacted positively on lives.

The man of God prayed for the family of the deceased and asked God to strengthen them to sustain the legacies of their late mother.

The Second daughter of the deceased, Ebiyon Thompson Ejegi read the first and second Bible reading taken from Lamentations 3:17-26 and Romans 14:7-9, 10-12

In their separate tributes the eldest son, Dr. Samuel Ajueshi Demi and the Eldest daughter, Mrs. Bridget Ebido, wife of the veteran Mass Communicator, Journalist and University Administrator, Mr. Ebido Lucky described their late mother as a unique, caring, loving and a disciplinarian who inculcated in them hard work, respect and tolerance. They said they will continue to remember their mother for the training that have made them great.

Speaking to Journalist at Oziegbe Primary School field, Kokori Inland, venue of the reception, Mr. Ebido Lucky, husband of the eldest daughter, Mrs.Bridget Ebido while paying glowing tribute to the deceased said late Mrs. Dora Thompson Ejegi accepted and treated him as her son from the day his wife introduced him to her in 1993 as the man she will marry.

Mr.Ebido Lucky stated that his late mother- inlaw encouraged and supported him throughout his sojourn in Warri and never put pressure on him but always advised him to do things to suit his convenience.

He said it will be difficult to find another caring and understanding mother inlaw and pray God to grant her eternal rest.
The funeral programme was rounded off with an outing service at St.James Catholic Church, Kokori on Sunday, 19th November, 2023.

The fourth son of the deceased, Mr. Oritsebemigho Thompson Demi Ejegi gave the vote of thanks.

Late Dora Thompson Demi Ejegi, nee Edohworhu, aka Katama-Washerina was born in 1951 to the Abiere family of Ewurhie in Kokori of Ethiope East LGA, Omokpara and Emetebo dynasty of Orogun in Ughelli North Local Government Area of Delta State.

Late Mrs. Dora Thompson Demi Ejegi got married to Mr.Thompson Demi Ejegi in 1973 in Warri and the marriage is blessed with wonderful children among whom is Mrs. Bridget Ebido, wife of the veteran Mass Communicator, Journalist and University Administrator, Ebido Lucky.

The burial programme featured live band performance by Ovedje Dance Band, cultural, expert riders display who escorted the Hummer Jeep Ambulance conveying the remains of the deceased from Ame Hospital Mortuary in Warri to Kokori.

Dignitaries present at the burial include members of Abiere, Demi Ejegi, Emetebo, Ebido families, Director Finance and Treasury, Sagbama LGA, Bayelsa State, Dr. Israel Apreala and dear wife, Associate Professor, Diepreye Okodoko of the Niger Delta University, Special Adviser to Governor Douye Diri On Special Duties, Hon. Moses Tari Ayah and wife Mrs. Tariladei Ayah, Peter Samuel Diri, Special Adviser to the Bayelsa State Governor On General Duties, Hon. Timi Gagede, Engr. Christian.

Others include, members of Hope Builders Christian Centre, Yenagoa led by the Lead, Pastor, Pastor Patrick, Publishers of Peoples Reflection Newspaper, Elder Steve Kroseide and his Public Eye, Jeany Meta- Angoye, and Egberi News counterparts, Eric Ineifie, members of Divine Comprehensive Schools, Captain Diepreye Ati, Mrs. Maris Akpeyi and Husband, Mr. Felix Eweta, Mama Ejega, Tina Bobmauel Yemoni, Mrs. Esther Charles, Publisher National View, Mr. Godgift Obodor, Enagonimi Niger, Sunny Whyte, Prophet Onyinkarina Ebido, Binatunumubofa Yagba, Mrs. Ondodeinyefa Innocent Lyster, Diamond Samuel, Jeffrey Youngbo among others.

By Joyce Babayeju

Executive chairman, Abuja Municipal Area Council (AMAC), Hon Christopher  Zakka Maikalangu, has said the FCT Minister Nyesome Wike for reactivating projects abandoned as far back as during the regime of former military President Ibrahim Babangida.

The chairman who spoke with media men in his office also dismissed fears over multiple taxation in the nation’s capital city, saying the issue would be resolved at a  meeting with the minister and all stakeholder where such exists to harmonize tax regime in the FCT.

Maikalangu said this Wednesday at a media parley with some select journalists at the AMAC headquarters, Abuja.  

He said: “We don’t operate so much at the  centre. What we do is to go to the rural areas where government presence is much needdd. For us as an administration, our priority has been in the areas of providing basic infrastructures especially rural roads. For instance, we don’t have  billions to embark on electricity project. All we can do is to provide off grid solar generators to rural communities where the cost of connecting them to the grid would run into billions and we cannot afford it. With this the people are happy, they can power basic electronics, watch TV charge their phones among others, they are enjoying it. We ensure constant maintenance of this infrastructure. We are doing our best and we shall continue to do our best for the people on whose mandate we are here.

“On roads, like I said, this is a priority project because this brings about access to development. For instance, some of the project include the construction of roads within Kpegyi community; Damagaza village; Wumba village, and Gwagwa (by Police Station). In addition, we have fully completed the Dutsen-Garki; Jikoyi, Unguwan Sarki access road (Orozo), Mabushi ongoing access road, as well as the Iddo-Sarki access road project, Gosa, Toge ongoing road construction. The people should expect more, because this is a people focus administration”

Speaking on the tenement rate and ground rent initiative by the  FCT minister, the AMAC boss said “Hon Minister Wike is doing well. We are together on this. The minister is somebody I have known for some time and he has history of successes in whatever task he is given.

“I can assure you that the issue of multiple tax would be addressed. We are aware of that and this would be discussed during our meeting with the honourable minister. Where there are similar taxes we intend to harmonise this. FCT need money, it won’t survive without tax. I think the most important thing is what people do with money, and you can see that the minister is doing tremendously well with the tax he is collecting. So, while the minister deserves every support that can be mustered, I want to also plead with you senior journalists that are here with me to give ud necessary support so we can deliver on our mandate.”

In his remarks, AMAC Secretary Jafar Gwagwa, commended the council boss for initiating what he called people-oriented projects.

“For him(Maikalangu), he is always ready to expend the available resources on projects, especially roads.” Gwagwa said, adding that there are still six ongoing road projects across the area council and more to come.    

…Pegs completion date at May 2024

By Joyce Remi-Babayeju

The FCT Minister, Barr. Ezenwo Nyesom Wike has promised to ensure the funding for the completion of strategic projects totaling N61 billion in the Capital Territory in the shortest time.

Wike made this promise while inspecting some ongoing projects within the Federal Capital City (FCC), comprising the official residence of the Vice President, roads B12, B6, Circle Road, Abuja Central Area as well as Southern Parkway, which is nearing completion

Furthermore, the Minister assured the contractors that the necessary funds would be made available to ensure that the projects are completed by May 2024, commended the contractors for the quality and pace of work of the projects.

Speaking at the official residence of the Vice President, being constructed by Messrs Julius Berger, Wike said, “You made a promise to us that you will complete this project within 7/8 months. Even though we have not mobilized you, you have shown concern by working.”

“ It is very important and shows that you have confidence in us. Let me assure you that we will mobilize you before December. Thereafter, you have to expedite work to ensure completion before May 29, 2024.”

“I believe that you have the capacity to achieve that. I also believe there is no need to wait. If you know my antecedent, you know that I don’t make promises I cannot fulfil. As far as I have gotten the support of Mr. President and Vice President, I can tell you to go ahead and put everything in hand so that we can achieve this, so that all the stories of abandoned properties will no longer be there.

“It will be a thing of the past. The manpower shows that you are really serious, so just go ahead and we will give you the funds to be able to mobilize.”

Wike disclosed that he had the backing of the President to identify key projects that are deliverable within one year and the projects inspected fall within the category, stressing that the FCTA will continue to fund them.

However, he lamented the increased cost of executing projects that were awarded years ago but abandoned, adding that this hike in cost was putting a lot of strain on the finances of the FCTA and stunting growth and development of the nation’s capital.

Wike said: “Look at the Vice President’s residence that was awarded in 2010 at the cost of N7 billion. That project was abandoned. And we have called back Julius Berger and said look, can you complete this project within eight months? They said yes, but they can’t continue with it at the same cost, which is obvious.”

“A project that was awarded in 2010 at N 7 billion and was abandoned because of no funding. They said they cannot do it for less than N 15 billion, looking at the cost of building materials. We have told them that before the end of the month we will fund them so that they can finish it.”

“For me, we are happy because the promises made by Mr. President of renewed hope have come back. Residents of Abuja are now seeing that projects abandoned are presently being completed, and they are seeing a renewed hope for this country and commend Mr. President.”

Speaking on the funding of the projects, the Minister said the FCTA is not relying completely on the federation account as the Administration was working on improving its Internally Generated Revenue (IGR) to fund the projects

His said, “As I speak to you today, we have done very well in terms of IGR and these monies would be attached to specific projects. So that there is no reason to say there is no money to execute the projects. For example, what we are doing now. We have submitted some projects’ budgets for 2023, Mr. President has promised to transmit it to the national assembly.”

“We are asking they should allow us to spend N 61 billion before 2024 because we have the money, and we want to use the money to execute specific projects so that by May 29, these projects are completed, then we take new other projects for 2024. So, be assured that no project we have started will be abandoned.”

According to the minister, a project like the Millennium Towers when completed, will change not only the Abuja landscape but the economy of the territory as well.

Daybreak Abuja reports that all contractors pledged to deliver their project within the specified timeframe.

By Ogenyi Ogenyi, Uyo

Ibom Peoples Congress (IPC), an advocacy group of Akwa Ibom people in the United States has called on President Bola Tinubu to move to ensure a release of the prospective Corps members abducted in Zamfara,on their way to Sokoto for national service.

The National Assembly, Governor Umo Eno, Nigerian Army, Nigeria Police and other Nigerians in critical sectors have also been charged to deploy every means within their powers to ensure release of the young Akwa Ibomites.

The President, Ibom Peoples Congress, Prof John Okon who made the call Wednesday in a press conference in Uyo, regretted that the youths who willingly stepped forward to serve their fatherland had been left in the kidnapper’s den for over 90 days.

Okon said IPC has sent letters to Tinubu, Senate President Godswill Akpabio, Speaker House of Reps, Abbas and the National Security Adviser, to do everything within their powers to ensure freedom of the young graduates and the Akwa Ibom Transport Bus driver.

The IPC President who was flanked by Global Director of Communications of the organization, Mr Matthew Okono and a member, Mr Greg Obong, appealed to the affore-mentioned leaders to forgo political affiliations and sentiments, but to consider the traumatic effect of the captivity on the young victims and their families.

IPC which recalled that kidnap victims abducted after the prospective corps members were promptly released cautioned that “Injustice against one Akwa Ibomite is injustice to all Akwa Ibomites”

“In view of the foregoing, IPC respectfully requests Mr. President to: Note the long-term mental, emotional, and psychological damage of the hostage situation on the corps members, their parents, family members, and even their entire communities.

“Direct as appropriate for the Nigerian Armed Forces, Police, Intelligences, and other Security Agencies to facilitate immediate release and return of the abducted corps members.

“Direct as appropriate for the government agencies responsible for working collaboratively and sharing information/intelligence with the families of the abducted corps members to assuage their hurts and heightened anxieties.

“As we can no longer allow our children to be exposed to incessant abductions, killings, etc in the course of national service, we strongly recommend the review of the NYSC Scheme to make it more responsive and adaptive to current security and economic realities of the country.

“A high powered NYSC Scheme review committee should be set up with mandate to make recommendations for possible amendment of the extant Act within one month (30 days).

“Such amendments should stipulate that corp members serve within their regions and travel distance to states of postings must not exceed 4 -5 hours to avoid night travels before reaching their destinations. This, however could be and or, is subject to review in future as the security situation stabilises.” He said.

The IPC also called on Nigerians, political and religious organizations to join voices in the call for the release of the youth corps members.