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  • Delta Govt approves N275bn for 76 projects across the state

    Delta Govt approves N275bn for 76 projects across the state

    State Commissioner of Works (Rural Roads) and Public Information, Mr. Charles Aniagwu describes the approvals as record-breaking, outstanding and deafening to critics.

    Delta  Government has approved over N275 billion for the execution of 76 projects spanning different sectors across the three senatorial districts of the state.

    The State Commissioner for Works (Rural Roads) and Public Information, Mr. Charles Aniagwu, who disclosed this to newsmen, said it was among the approvals given at the maiden Executive Council (EXCO) meeting for 2025 on Thursday in Asaba.

    Aniagwu, was in company of his counterparts in Works (Highways and Urban Roads), Mr. Reuben Izeze; Economic Planning, Mr. Sonny Ekedayen; Health, Dr. Joseph Onojaeme;

    Others are the Director-General, Delta State Capital Territory Development Agency, Chief Patrick Ukah; his counterpart in Warri Uvwie and environs, Prince Godwin Ejinyere, and the Chief Press Secretary to the Governor, Sir Festus Ahon.

    Aniagwu said the governor was determined to ensure the people of Delta get value for every money spent on projects in the state.

    “Not long ago, we informed you that Gov. Oborevwori is not interested in joining issues with critics but will be responding to them with projects.

    READ ALSO: Shake up: Kano judiciary sacks corrupt officials

    “But little did we know that his response is going to be so outstanding and deafening that even those who have some audio challenge will hear the sound.

    “Today, Gov. Oborevwori led us to make history since the 34 years existence of Delta State where, in one Exco meeting over N275 billion worth of projects were approved for the good people of Delta cutting across the three senatorial districts.

    “These projects span different sectors targeted at giving value to our people; improving connectivity by way of roads, advancing their health by way of efforts in the health sector and, of course, urban renewal by making our cities much more liveable.

    “Virtually all the projects we approved today are coming with 40 per cent mobilisation without our government having to go and borrow, and that tells you how solvent we are as a state, thanks to the very accountable and transparent governance philosophy of Gov. Oborevwori.”

    He said the council also approved the remodeling of the Warri City Stadium, describing it as a bold step to ensure that legacy projects were not in short supply in the state.

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    Aniagwu listed some of the approved projects to include: construction of Uruagbesa Oria-Abraka Road, phase 1; construction of Egodo-Ogbeinbene Road, and the construction of Faculty B at the Southern Delta University, Orerokpe campus.

    Others are: the construction of Amai-Aragba road; construction of Inam-Abbi access road; construction of internal roads at Ugbolu Hilltop Government layout (Phase 1); the construction of Umuoshimi Road with spurs to Ogbe-Aku and market road in Onicha-Ugbo;

    Also the construction of Okerenkoko – Pepeama – Kokodiagbene road with a spur to Teiteipur in Warri South-West, and the construction of Benikrukru Township Roads (Phase II), the rehabilitation of Bomadi-Gbaregolor road, the construction of Okwetolor – Okobia – Aragba Road;

    The construction of Ogbe-Isogban Road in Abavo; Owa-Ewere Road in Owa-Oyibu; approval for upward review of Ayakoromo bridge; the rehabilitation and asphalt overlay of Okpanam Road from Post Office Junction to Catholic Church Roundabout to Okpanam Bypass Junction.

    The council equally approved the construction of Iwride-Iyede internal roads (Phase 1); the construction of Ogbe-Ijoh/Aladja Road phase 2, and the construction of Okwighele – Amuokpokpor Road, among others.

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    On his part, the Commissioner for Works (Highways and Urban Roads), Mr. Reuben Izeze, commended Gov. Oborevwori for the massive provision of 40 per cent mobilisation for all the approved projects.

    He said that no government in the state had shown more commitment to the sustained funding of projects than the Oborevwori administration.

    Izeze added that the governor had cleared outstanding certificates owed contractors, including N8 billion previously owed on the Trans-Warri Road and bridges, as well as putting the project on the Irrevocable Standing Payment Order (ISPO) module.

    He said additional storm drainage work was approved to take care of Koka Junction and Achalla-Ibusa area, in addition to what CCECC construction company was doing around Winners’ Chapel on Ibusa Road.

    He said the council also approved the upward review of Ayakoromo bridge with provision for ISPO, adding that review of the design of cloverleaf on Effurun Roundabout to ensure property owners around the area were not encumbered was also approved.

    Also, the Commissioner for Health, Dr. Joseph Onojaeme, said the council  approved N1.6bn for the Contributory Health Scheme and a monthly release of N100m to ensure sustainability of the health coverage for the people of the state.

  • Shake-up: Kano Judiciary sacks corrupt officials 

    Shake-up: Kano Judiciary sacks corrupt officials 

    The Kano State Judicial Service Commission (JSC) has dismissed one official and forced another into retirement for taking bribes.

     The decision was made during the commission’s 79th meeting on February 6, chaired by Chief Judge Dije Aboki.  

    According to the judiciary’s spokesperson, Baba Jibo, the disciplinary action followed an investigation by the Judiciary Public Complaints Committee (JPCC). 

    The probe was triggered by a complaint from Alhaji Sani Bozo Rimin Gado against Hudu Idris, a registrar at the Upper Sharia Court in Gwarzo, and Abba Bala Gwarzo, a watchman at the same court. 

    The two were accused of extortion and illegal monetary demands. After appearing before the JPCC, they admitted to collecting a total of ₦214,000 in bribes.  

    As a result, Hudu Idris was demoted and placed on immediate compulsory retirement, while Abba Bala Gwarzo’s contract was terminated.  

    The JSC also reinstated three officials—Bilya Abdullahi, Auwalu Khalil, and Ismaila Garba—who had been suspended over allegations of forging a court reversal order. 

    An investigation by the JPCC and a police inquiry found no sufficient evidence to prosecute them. Consequently, their suspensions were lifted, though Bilya Abdullahi received a warning to avoid unethical conduct.  

    The commission also approved several new appointments in the judiciary. Chief Magistrate Hajara Ahmad was named acting chief registrar of the High Court of Justice, while Musa Umar became acting deputy chief registrar for administration and general services. Other appointments included:  

    – Usman Adam as acting deputy chief registrar (Magistracy)  

    – Fatima Yakasai as acting deputy chief registrar (Legal)  

    – Chief Magistrate Hadiza Bello as acting director of the Judicial Service Commission  

    – Chief Magistrate Zuhura Madaki as acting director of the Training Department  

    – Senior Magistrate Malikatu Nuraini as acting assistant director of the Training Department  

  • Rivers governor drops appeal on 2024 budget case

    Rivers governor drops appeal on 2024 budget case

    Rivers State Governor, Siminalayi Fubara, has decided to drop his appeal against the court ruling that declared the state’s 2024 budget illegal.

    The announcement came from Lere Olayinka, media aide to the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, on Monday.

    Governor Fubara had initially submitted the budget to the House of Assembly led by Edison Ehie in December 2023.

    However, on October 10, 2024, the Appeal Court in Abuja upheld a Federal High Court ruling from January 22, 2024, which nullified the budget’s passage.

    The budget dispute started when lawmakers loyal to Wike, led by Martins Amaewhule, challenged the process in court, arguing that it was not properly passed.

    This legal battle is part of the ongoing political conflict between Wike and his former ally, Fubara, over control of the state’s political structure.

    In a social media statement on Monday, Olayinka stated that the governor’s decision to withdraw the appeal confirms the court’s position on the matter.

    Fubara’s team has not yet responded to the development.

  • Nasarawa ex-attorney-general appointed as SSG 

    Nasarawa ex-attorney-general appointed as SSG 

    Gov. Abdullahi Sule of Nasarawa State on Friday, swore in Labaran Magaji, immediate-past Attorney-General and Commissioner for Justice as the new Secretary to the State Government (SSG).

    The appointment of Magaji follows the sack of the former SSG, Muhammad Ubandoma-Aliyu, alongside all Commissioners by the governor on Jan. 3, 2025.

    Speaking at the ceremony in Lafia, the governor expressed confidence that the new SSG would serve the administration well, given his antecedents, loyalty, and proven performance in all positions he held in the past.

    READ ALSO: Tinubu sacks Prof Maikudi as UNIABJA VC, others

    Sule thanked God Almighty for having another privilege to rejig his administration for optimal service delivery to the people of the state.

    “This was done to bring in new hands that will infuse new perspective into the system to enhance our capacity in the delivery of service for the progress and development of our dear state.

    “As you are aware, the SSG is a legal luminary, a reputable technocrat with global experience, and an unassuming politician, who served the state and the country in various capacities,” the governor said.

    Speaking after the inauguration, the SSG expressed gratitude to the governor for finding him worthy to serve the state in that capacity.

    Magaji promised to discharge his duties with all sense of responsibility and loyalty to the governor.

  • Gombe Enforces Night Curfew Over Security Concerns

    Gombe Enforces Night Curfew Over Security Concerns

    The Gombe State Police Command has announced a night curfew due to growing security concerns. 

    The restriction will be in effect from 12:00 a.m. to 5:00 a.m. daily, starting Friday, February 7, 2025.  

    The police stated that the measure aims to curb rising threats in the area. 

    Security forces are ready to enforce the curfew and protect lives and property.  

    Residents have been urged to comply, while parents are advised to ensure their children do not violate the order. 

    Authorities have warned that anyone caught defying the curfew will face strict consequences.

  • FG inaugurates fashion hub in Borno, targets 48,000 jobs

    FG inaugurates fashion hub in Borno, targets 48,000 jobs

    The Federal Government has launched a massive ultramodern fashion manufacturing hub in Maiduguri, which is expected to create over 48,000 jobs in Borno.

    Vice-President Kashim Shettima inaugurated the facility on Tuesday when he also reiterated the government’s commitment to fostering innovation, upskilling the workforce, and ensuring equitable wealth distribution across the nation.

    According to him, the strength of any nation lies not in its natural resources but in the hands of its skilled and enterprising citizens.

    Shettima also said, “You are the surest means of distributing wealth equitably across the land. You are the crucial link to securing a prosperous future.”

    He disclosed unconditional grants of N300,000 for outstanding Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) at the event, as part of FG’s N75 billion support package for MSMEs.

    SEE ALSO: FCT Doctors suspend warning strike, following Wike’s intervention

    He explained that “every business empowered is a step closer to eradicating poverty, and we do not take for granted the critical role you play as the buffer of our economy, particularly at the informal level.”

    Shettima also noted that the MSME Clinics provide a unique platform for business owners, aspiring entrepreneurs, and innovators.

    He said this would enable them to interact directly with regulatory agencies, financial institutions, and business support organisations.

    “It is an avenue to receive practical, on-the-spot solutions to the challenges you face in running your businesses,” he said.

    Media reports indicate that the fashion hub is among the largest ever established by the Federal Government.

    It is furnished with state-of-the-art equipment to support the fashion manufacturing cluster in Borno.

    Shettima said, “We anticipate that this facility will be managed by a competent private sector entity, with federal and state governments providing vigilant oversight.

    “Our vision is for this hub to become a reference point for excellence, enterprise, and training — not only for Borno but for the entire nation.”

    Borno governor, Babagana Zulum, expressed optimism that the launch of the MSME Clinic will revive business activities, provide employment opportunities, and sources of income for individuals in the state.

    READ: Sokoto judicial commission winds down, Tambuwal shuns invitation

    Minister of Agriculture and Food Security, Sen. Abubakar Kyari, stated that the launch of the MSME Clinic and the Fashion and Innovation Hub marks another milestone of success in President Bola Tinubu’s administration.

    “Everything speaks to the 8-point agenda of Mr President,” the minister said.

    On his part, the Minister of State for Industry, Trade and Investment, Sen. John Eno, said the MSME Clinic was a transformational programme being led by the Vice-President.

    Eno said that the programme was responsible for unlocking a lot of economic opportunities, empowering small businesses and encouraging innovation.

    Also, Senior Special Assistant to the President on MSMEs and Job Creation, Mr. Tola Johnson, expressed appreciation for the commissioning of the Clinic in the state. 

  • Governor Sheriff Oborevwori of Delta has been awarded an honorary Doctor of Science

    Governor Sheriff Oborevwori of Delta has been awarded an honorary Doctor of Science

    Governor Sheriff Oborevwori of Delta has been awarded an honorary Doctor of Science (Honoris Causa), in Public Policy and Strategy by Novena University, Ogume.

    According to the university, the honour was conferred on the governor in recognition of his “outstanding accomplishments in the governance of the state.”

    The conferment took place on Saturday during the institution’s 5th combined convocation ceremony at Amai campus in Ukwuani Local Government Area of the state.

    Speaking at the ceremony, Governor Oborevwori thanked the university for the recognition, adding that the honour was a motivation and a challenge to press forward in his vision to advance the State through his M.O.R.E Agenda.

    READ ALSO: Breaking: Obasa stages comeback bid, says I remain Lagos Assembly speaker

    According to him, “Our administration’s MORE agenda is a policy document that embodies priorities for sustainable social and economic development.

    “We hope to achieve this through infrastructural renewal, comprehensive programmes for youth training, development, and empowerment.

    “Creation of a conducive business and investment environment for local and foreign direct investments.

    “So far, we have recorded remarkable successes in advancing urban-rural integration through massive road construction as well as micro-credit and capacity building support for SMEs.

    “Going forward, we will consolidate on the progress made and ensure sustainability of our policies and programmes”.

    He lauded the university’s Pro-Chancellor, Chuks Ochonogor, for his clear vision, industry and dedication to offering quality higher education.

    “I note with pleasure that as the first private university in Delta State, Novena University has continued to live up to expectation with increased enrolment, expanding academic curricular and infrastructure upgrades.

    “I salute your courage, determination, resourcefulness and resilience. It would have been easier to deploy your hard-earned resources to trade and commerce for faster returns on investment.

    READ ALSO: Buhari returns to Nigeria after testifying in $2.3bn corruption case

    “But you chose to invest in the youths of this country; we appreciate you for this and posterity will forever be kind to you.”

    Oborevwori commended the academic and non-academic staff of the university for their sacrifice, commitment and contributions to building the citadel of learning urging the graduands to put to work what they had learnt from the institution.

    “Today, the university has certified that you have acquired the requisite knowledge of your fields, analytical abilities, self-awareness, and the skills that the university degree implies.

    “I want to believe that you have also imbibed the values that this university represents, values of hard work, discipline, innovation, honesty, and accountability.

    “As you step out into the world today, you must be ready to embrace change, because we are living in a world of rapid changes. Change can be unsettling. It can create great tension, anxiety, and uncertainty.

    “But it can also open doors to wonderful new beginnings. So, you must be prepared for change, sometimes, changes in life may appear sudden, drastic, and dramatic.

    “But instead of deterring you, they should serve as a motivation for you to break new frontiers.”

    The Chancellor of the University, HRM King Alfred Diete-Spiff, said Novena University was a big lesson for the Nigerian state exemplified by hard work of the Pro-Chancellor.

    READ ALSO: Troops neutralise Abu Mosaje, terrorist commander, gun runner, 96 others

    He urged Nigerian leaders to work with vision, sincerity and conscience in building a better Nigeria.

    The Chairman and Pro-Chancellor of the University, Chuks Ochonogor, said the ceremony was a testament to 20 years impactful service to the people.

    “The university has enhanced the economy of the host communities by creating employments and profitable economic activities for the self-employed as well as contractors, traders and landlords.

    “The university which commenced academic activities in the 2005/2006 session with three colleges, now had seven colleges, including the Colleges of Medicine and Law,” he said.

    Welcoming guests earlier, the Vice-Chancellor of the university, Prof. Godwin Nduka, said the university ‘stands out’ as the first private university in Delta State.

    He said the university boasts of great diversity with the current Vice-Chancellor being the first Deltan to become head of the institution since inception twenty years ago.

    The Vice-Chancellor lauded Governor Sheriff Oborevwori for his numerous strides in the areas of prompt payment of salaries, including the new minimum wage, pensions, security of life and properties.

    At the ceremony, the State Deputy Governor, Sir Monday Onyeme, was among the graduands with Master of Science degree in Accounting.

  • Tinubu gets a Federal Polytechnic in Abuja

    Tinubu gets a Federal Polytechnic in Abuja

     

    The federal government has approved the creation of a new polytechnic in Abuja, to be named Bola Tinubu Polytechnic. 

    This decision was announced by the Minister of Education, Tunji Alausa, in a letter sent to Nyesom Wike, the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, on January 9.  

    The move is part of a nationwide effort to ensure each state has a federal polytechnic.

     The polytechnic will focus on vocational and technical training, aligning with the government’s plans to boost education in these fields.  

    The FCT minister has been asked to recommend locations in Gwarinpa for both temporary and permanent campuses. 

    A technical team from the Ministry of Education and the National Board for Technical Education (NBTE) will conduct inspections.  

    The government has also expressed willingness to convert existing tertiary institutions in the FCT into the new polytechnic if they meet required standards.  

    Meanwhile, the NBTE has launched a foundation aimed at addressing challenges faced by polytechnics, including improving capacity, fostering industry collaboration, and building global partnerships.

  • Wike says the FG has spent N300bn on developing FCT satellite towns

    Wike says the FG has spent N300bn on developing FCT satellite towns

    According to the Minister of the FCTA the amount was spent between January 2024 and January 2025, which goes to demonstrate the importance President Tinubu attaches to the development of satellite towns.

    Mr. Nyesom Wike stated this on Wednesday, while inaugurating the nine-kilometre Paikon Kore – Ibwa Road, in Gwagwalada, Gwagwalada Area Council.

    He said Tinubu is not only committed to the development of Abuja city but also committed to the development of satellite towns.

    He said that out of the more than N300 billion spent so far, more than N50 billion was expended in Gwagwalada Area Council alone.

    He said that N8.5 billion was expended on the rehabilitation of Paikon Kore – Ibwa Road.

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    The Minister added that N22 billion was earmarked for the construction of Aguma Palace – Market – Radio Nigeria Road, which would be inaugurated in May 2025.

    He added that the FCT Administration also spent N16.5 billion on the rehabilitation and upgrading of five secondary schools in Gwagwalada.

    He identified the schools as the School for the Gifted, Government Secondary School (GSS) Gwagwalada, GSS Anagada, Government Science Secondary School, Tungan Maji, and GSS Giri.

    “If you calculate the total amount, excluding the two Police Divisions under construction, Mr President has committed to Gwagwalada alone more than N50 billion.

    “If you add the six area councils, with Gwagwalada having the least amount, you will see that in just a year, Mr President has committed more than N300 billion to the development of satellite towns.

    “It is important for people to have this record as evidence against those claiming that the government was only developing the city with nothing happening in satellite towns,” he said.

    He explained that the Paikon Kore – Ibwa Road was rehabilitated following a request by the residents while the construction of Aguma Palace – Market – Radio Nigerian Road was ongoing.

    “We thank God we are here today to commission the Paikon Kore – Ibwa Road. In May, God willing, during the second anniversary of Mr President, we will also commission the Aguma Palace Road,” he said.

    Wike reiterated Tinubu’s commitment to participatory governance and implementing projects based on the needs of residents and assured the residents of more projects.

    He particularly promised to construct the Ibwa bridge following a demand by the Vice Chairman, Mr Saidu Zuba.

    Earlier, Zuba described Wike as a blessing to residents of Gwagwalada following the huge investment in rural infrastructure.

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    He added the security situation had significantly improved in the area following Wike’s interventions to improve security in local communities.

    He appealed to the minister to construct the Ibwa bridge, saying, “we lose a lot of students to flooding while trying to cross the bridge during the rainy season.”

    On her part, FCT Minister of State, Dr Mariya Mahmoud, urged the benefiting communities to safeguard the road, use it responsibly, and collaborate to ensure more developmental strides in the future.

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    “May this road bring lasting benefits to our community and serve as a beacon of unity and progress,” she said.

    The Coordinator, Satellite Towns Development Department, Mr Abdulkadir Zulkiflu, explained that the Paikon Kore – Ibwa Road was awarded to Setraco Nigeria Ltd, in January 2024.

    He said that the road was designed to open businesses and connect communities towards a sustainable development of rural communities.

  • Akwa Ibom fights hunger, malnutrition

    Akwa Ibom fights hunger, malnutrition

    The Akwa Ibom House Committee on Nutrition and Food Security has taken the campaigns on combating malnutrition to the 31 Local Government Areas of the State.

    Media reports indicate that the committee will work in collaboration with stakeholders and development partners to ensure good nutrition especially for children and adolescents.

    The Chairman, House Committee on Nutrition and Food Security in the Assembly, Mr Moses Essien, on Tuesday urged the 31 LGAs legislative arms to domesticate nutrition and food security committees in the third tier of government.

    Essien, who is also the member, representing Ibiono Ibom state constituency in the House of Assembly, said there was need for all stakeholders across the state to get involved and eradicate malnutrition from the state.

    READ ALSO: NULGE Express frustration over delay in LG financial autonomy

    He said since the inauguration of the committee by the National Assembly and the State House of Assembly, there was need to have the same committee at the local government legislative council.

    The committee chairman noted that the National Demographic Health Survey 2023/2024 statistics showed that 24.1 per cent of children in Akwa Ibom are stunted and 22.6 per cent are underweight.

    Essien, who is also the Chairman, House Committee on Health, said that there was need for collaboration among key stakeholders and development partners to combat malnutrition and food insecurity in the state and country.

    “According to the National Demographic Health Survey carried out in 2023/2024, 24.1 per cent of children in Akwa Ibom State are stunted, 11.8 per cent are wasted while 22.6 per cent are underweight.

    “These indicators show the level of malnutrition in the state that calls for serious concern among critical stakeholders.

    “This is because malnutrition has severe consequences on the child’s health leading to infant mortality.

    “It was the resolution by the National Assembly that combating malnutrition and food insecurity cannot be left in the hands of executive alone.

    “Hence, the establishment of the National Legislative Network on Nutrition and Food Security.

    “It is our belief that each legislative council in the 31 Local Government Areas of Akwa Ibom State must also domesticate nutrition and food security committees at the third tier of government.

    “Leaders of local government legislative councils should appoint chairmen and members of nutrition and food security committees and ensure their inauguration,” Essien said.

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    Essien disclosed that a workshop will soon be organised in collaboration with some development partners to enhance capacity building for members of the committee.

    In her remarks, Dr Idongesit Umo, Akwa Ibom Nutritionist Officer, urged the house committee to ensure that the budgeted funds for nutrition and food security were released on time for implementation of activities to combat malnutrition.

    Umoh added that combating malnutrition in the state and country should be everybody’s business and not left for the executive alone.

    “When we talk of nutrition we look at the most vulnerable, we look at children under five years and pregnant women and the adolescents.

    “We urge the House Committee on Nutrition and Food Security to ensure that the budgeted funds for nutrition and food security are released promptly to enhance proper implementation of activities to combat malnutrition.

    I’m sure if we do this, the next time the demographic survey will be released, the issue of Akwa Ibom having 24.1 per cent stunted and 22.6 per cent in terms of children who are under weight will change for better,” Umoh said.

    Speaking on behalf of the Council Chairmen, Mr Utibe Nwoko, Chairman, Ika Local  Government Area, assured that all the chairmen of councils would partner the committee in combating malnutrition in the state.

    Nwoko urged everyone to return to farm, stressing that the genesis of malnutrition and the consequences are mostly as a result of lack of farming.