Connect with us

Uncategorized

Tinubu, Wike laud Julius Berger for Abuja City Gate transformation

Published

on

. We build spaces that inspire communities – Lubasch

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Barr Nyesom Wike, Thursday night commended Julius Berger Nigeria Plc for the successful transformation of the iconic Abuja City Gate, describing the project as a symbol of national renewal, unity and urban modernisation.

The newly remodelled monument was inaugurated in Abuja, Thursday at a ceremony attended by top government officials, with President Tinubu represented by the First Lady, Senator Oluremi Tinubu as part of activities marking the third anniversary of the Tinubu administration and the 50th anniversary of the Federal Capital Territory.

Speaking at the commissioning, the President described the Abuja City Gate as one of Nigeria’s most recognisable landmarks and a vital symbol of the nation’s identity. He stated that the remodelling project reflects the administration’s commitment to building a capital city that matches Nigeria’s status and aspirations.

According to him, the upgraded City Gate provides visitors with a befitting first impression of Abuja and showcases the nation’s commitment to excellence in public infrastructure. He noted that the redesigned facility, complete with a striking water fountain representing the 36 states and the Federal Capital Territory, now stands alongside notable landmarks in major cities around the world

For his part, Wike applauded Julius Berger for delivering a project that has significantly enhanced the appearance and prestige of the nation’s capital. He disclosed that the City Gate had suffered years of neglect before the intervention, adding that its transformation was inspired in part by the First Lady’s concern about the state of the iconic structure.

According to FCT Minister, after First Lady Oluremi Tinubu proposed the need to upgrade the City Gate, Julius Berger developed the design and carried out the construction work, transforming the long-standing monument into a modern landmark.

Specific contributions attributed to Julius Berger according to the Minister include: designing the remodelling concept for the gateway after receiving the project brief from the FCT Administration, executing the reconstruction and beautification works, including the upgraded architectural features and landscaping, installing the iconic water fountain system, which symbolises Nigeria’s 36 states and the Federal Capital Territory, delivering ancillary infrastructure, such as surrounding public spaces, parking areas, and other visitor-friendly amenities incorporated into the upgraded site and completing the project within the timeline set by the FCT Administration, enabling its commissioning during activities marking the third anniversary of the Tinubu administration and the FCT’s 50th anniversary.

To preserve the facility’s new outlook, Wike announced that the FCT Administration would sign a Memorandum of Understanding with Julius Berger for the maintenance of the monument. He explained that the arrangement would ensure the infrastructure remains in excellent condition and does not fall back into neglect.

Beyond the physical upgrade, Wike said plans are underway to further develop the surrounding area with support facilities, including car parks, restaurant spaces and public conveniences. He added that the site is expected to become a recreational and tourism destination where residents and visitors can relax, take photographs and host social events.

Others who spoke in the same vein were; the Minister of State for the FCT, Dr Mariya Mahmoud who described the remodelled City Gate as a powerful symbol of the transformation taking place in the nation’s capital, adding that, the project represents a new era of infrastructural renewal, urban rebirth and national pride; and the Acting Executive Secretary of the Federal Capital Development Authority (FCDA), Richard Dauda, who noted that the Abuja City Gate remains the city’s most iconic landmark and a recognizable symbol of Abuja both within Nigeria and internationally, adding that, the monument continues to reflect the hospitality, unity and aspirations of the nation.

In his speech, the Managing Director of Julius Berger Nigeria PLC, Engr. Dr. Peer Lubasch, reaffirmed the company’s commitment to national development, saying that Julius Berger has remained a trusted partner in Nigeria’s growth journey for more than six decades.

For over 60 years, Julius Berger has been a proud partner in Nigeria’s growth. We do not just build structures; we build spaces that inspire communities, he stated.

Reflecting on the significance of the landmark, Lubsch described the Abuja City Gate as much more than a concrete structure, recalling that it was originally erected in 1991 during the administration of former military president, General Ibrahim Babangida, to mark the historic relocation of Nigeria’s capital from Lagos to Abuja.

Noting that the monument has since become one of the most recognisable symbols of the nation’s capital, welcoming residents, visitors and dignitaries arriving in Abuja, the Managing Director added that passing beneath the iconic arches, alongside the display of the Nigerian flag and the national Coat of Arms, remains a powerful reminder of the country’s strength, diversity and shared heritage.

He further revealed that the company played a key role in the construction of the original monument decades ago and considered it a privilege to return and undertake its modern transformation, explaining that the objective of the project was to preserve the historical identity of the City Gate while upgrading it into a contemporary public space capable of serving future generations.

Our goal was simple: preserve its proud history while upgrading it into a modern space for the future, he said.

The successful completion of the project further reinforces Julius Berger’s reputation as one of Nigeria’s leading engineering and construction companies. The remodelling of the Abuja City Gate not only restores a historic national monument but also strengthens Abuja’s image as a modern capital city capable of rivalling major global destinations.

Continue Reading
Click to comment

You must be logged in to post a comment Login

Leave a Reply

Uncategorized

Ronaldo Says 2026 Will ‘Probably’ Be His Final Year in Football

Published

on

By

Cristiano Ronaldo has revealed that 2026 will “probably” be his final year as a professional footballer.

The 41-year-old Portuguese superstar made the disclosure in an interview with Vogue, saying he wants to end his illustrious career by leaving a “spectacular legacy.”

Ronaldo, who has scored more than 950 goals for club and country, has previously suggested that his retirement could come “soon” or within “one or two years.”

“This is probably my last year of football, and I want to leave a spectacular legacy,” he told Vogue, adding that his life after football was already “all mapped out.”

“I have so many things to keep me busy that to tell you just one thing is hard,” Ronaldo said, listing travel and padel among his favourite activities.

The former Manchester United, Real Madrid and Juventus forward acknowledged that retirement could leave a significant void in his life, stressing the need to stay active after football.

“Because football could leave a big hole, you have to fill your time in various ways, not just one,” he said.

Ronaldo recently married his longtime partner, Georgina Rodriguez, in an intimate ceremony in the Portuguese resort town of Cascais.

Reflecting on life after football, Ronaldo said he looked forward to enjoying the rewards of his remarkable career.

“I want to continue to enjoy what I’ve earned — what we’ve earned. Because after all it’s been 25 years with a lot of sacrifice,” he said.

Following Portugal’s run to the last 16 of the World Cup this summer, Ronaldo is expected to return to his club, Al Nassr, for the new Saudi Pro League season.

Continue Reading

Uncategorized

Why I Married Cristiano Ronaldo in Our Living Room – Georgina Rodriguez

Published

on

By

Cristiano Ronaldo’s partner, Georgina Rodriguez, has explained why they chose to have a private wedding at home instead of hosting an extravagant ceremony.

Ronaldo and Rodriguez recently announced their marriage in a joint Instagram post, revealing that the ceremony was a modest affair held in the living room of their mansion in Cascais, Portugal.

The decision surprised many, particularly those who expected the high-profile couple to celebrate their union with a lavish wedding.

In an interview with Vogue, Rodriguez explained that her views about marriage and weddings had changed over the years. She said that although she once dreamed of a fairy-tale wedding as a child, she eventually came to prefer a more intimate celebration with her family.

“As a little girl, I envisioned the grandest castle, the most magnificent carriage, the longest gown and a crown adorned with diamonds,” she said.

“Now, I find myself saying: no. I desire something intimate, shared with my partner and our children, in the comfort of our home. We have access to castles, houses, islands, horses, and cars every day.

“However, an intimate gathering is something more unique for us,” she added.

Rodriguez also explained that holding the ceremony in their living room carried special emotional significance because it is where the family spends much of its everyday life.

“We chose to hold the ceremony in our living room, the place where we share breakfast, lunch, and dinner, and where we experience our daily lives,” she said.

“In 30 years, I want our children to remember that something wonderful occurred at this table, the wedding vows of their parents,” Rodriguez added.

Continue Reading

News

Another First For DSSAs Court Backs State Trial of Terror Suspects

Published

on

A High Court of Plateau State, on Tuesday, ruled that State High Courts have the jurisdiction to try persons accused of terrorism and terrorism-related charges under the Terrorism (Prevention and Prohibition) Act (TPPA) 2022,
The ruling could significantly alter Nigeria’s war on terrorism, especially the trial of terrorism suspects heretofore believed to be the exclusive responsibility of the Federal government through the Federal High Courts.

Ruling on an motion on jurisdiction by four suspects arrested by the Department of State Services (DSS) for allegedly partaking in the Easter 2026 Angwa Rukuba massacre in the state, Justice Gedeliah Fwomyon of the State High Court,
said the TPPA did not bar State High Courts from trying terrorism suspects.
The judge also held that there was nothing in the Constitution barring State Houses of Assembly from legislating on terrorism, saying the issue is not on the exclusive legislative list.
In the wake of the massacre, the DSS arrested the quartet of Isa Umar Ibrahim, Adamu Isa Alhassan, Auwalu Abubakar aka Auwalu Dogo, and Musa Abubakar Ibrahim aka Yaroro. Thereafter, the state government filed terrorism charges against the men.
However, in the course of trial, counsel to the defendants raised objections on the issue of jurisdiction, arguing that, under the TPPA, a State High Court lacked the jurisdiction to try the accused persons. They argued that, since the charges against the men are terrorism, the state high Court lacked the jurisdiction to entertain the matter.
Ruling on the objection on the issue of jurisdiction raised by counsel to the defendants, the trial judge,
The judge held that, even though the TPPA, 2022, is a federal legislation, the law, however, didn’t prohibit a State High Court from prosecuting matters contained in the Act.
On whether the suspects could also be tried under the Plateau State Penal Code, the trial judge held that State penal code is not inconsistent with the TPPA, and that both the National and State Assemblies can validly legislate on terrorism which the judge stressed is not in the exclusive legislative list.
The court also
rejected a motion by the third defendant, Auwalu Abubakar,
for transfer from the custody of the DSS to seek medical attention at the Jos University Teaching Hospital (JUTH).
The judge held that, upon the suspects’ arrest by the DSS, a medical examination was conducted, and that the result declared them all medically fit for detention.
In rejecting the motion seeking the third defendant’s transfer to JUTH, he judge also held the court cannot grant a relief upon documents that are not placed before it. The defendant applicant, he stated, failed to furnish the court with the report upon which he sought the relief.
“Motion of the defendant is hereby refused and dismissed for failure to establish sufficient factual foundation upon which the relief is sought,” said the judge, even as he adjourned the matter to 15 and 21 October 2026.

Continue Reading

Trending

Copyright © 2017 Zox News Theme. Theme by MVP Themes, powered by WordPress.