By Mike Odiakose, Abuja

A loyalist of Dr. Bukola Saraki and former Minister of Sports and Youth Development, Bolaji Abdullahi, has resigned his membership of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Kwara State.

This was contained in a letter addressed to the chairman of the opposition party in his Ubandawaki Ward of the Ilorin West local government area of the state.

A former Chief Press Secretary to ex-Senate President Bukola Saraki during his days as governor of Kwara State and a close associate of Abdullahi, Mas’ud Adebimpe, confirmed the development in Ilorin

In his resignation letter, Abdullah said that he reached the “difficult decision” after days of reflection and introspection.

“I write to formally resign my membership of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP). I have had ample time to reflect and I have come to the difficult conclusion that this is the only tenable option for me at this time,” the letter read in part.

“Mr. Chairman, please permit me to express, through you, my gratitude to the leadership of the party for the opportunities that I have had to serve the state and the country on its platform and for the great moments we have shared,” he said.

Speaking on the development, the state Publicity Secretary of the PDP, Olusola Adewara, described Abdullahi’s resignation from the party as personal.

“We wish the former minister well in his adventures. The decision is personal to him as it is reflected in his letter of resignation and he didn’t state whether the party or our leader offended him in person. So, there’s no ill feeling.

“He chose to come to politics without getting permission from anybody, and if he’s leaving based on his conviction without throwing tantrums at anyone, the party can only wish him good luck in his adventure,” Adewara said.

By Ubong Ukpong, Abuja

House of Representatives, Speaker, Rep Tajudeen Abbas, at the Weekend, celebrated the establishment of four new higher institutions of learning in Zaria, Kaduna state.

The institutions as announced by the Speaker were a Federal College of Education, a state-of-the-art College of Health Sciences, a National Open University of Nigeria campus, and a College of Legal Studies.

Abbas expressed his joy over the new institutions while addressing executive members of the Zaria Educational and Development Association (ZEDA) at the weekend in Zaria.

According to him, these institutions will not only enhance Zaria’s educational infrastructure but also provide critical resources for the region.

The groundbreaking ceremonies for these institutions are scheduled to take place on Sunday, 15th December 2024.

In addition to these new projects, Speaker Abbas highlighted ongoing work in Zaria’s primary and secondary schools, with 116 schools currently under renovation and plans for further upgrades. While he also unveiled a comprehensive plan to revolutionize the educational landscape of Zaria.

He said: “It is humbling to be here, back home, to witness the progress of education in Zaria,” Speaker Abbas said, acknowledging the turnout of personalities who came together for the joint meeting of the association’s two most influential organs.

He conveyed deep appreciation for their support and reiterated his dedication to serving the community in any way possible.

Speaking on the 2025 budget, Speaker Abbas emphasized the importance of the upcoming budget and called on the association to share their needs and priorities.

“This is the time to let us know what you require, particularly now that the budget is on its way. We are ready to intervene and assist where we can,” he stated. There will be a groundbreaking ceremony set for Sunday the 15th of December 2024 which will mark a historic day for Zaria’s educational sector.

Speaker Abbas further revealed plans for the establishment of four new institutions in the city, which will enhance its educational infrastructure and provide critical resources for the region.

Among the major developments, a Federal College of Education is set to be constructed following the successful upgrade of the existing College of Education into a university.

Additionally, a state-of-the-art College of Health Sciences will be established in response to the growing demand for nurses and midwives in Zaria and the broader northwestern region of Nigeria.

He also shared plans to establish a National Open University campus in Zaria to cater to the needs of civil servants and other individuals unable to participate in conventional educational systems. Furthermore, a College of Legal Studies will also be part of the new institutions being developed.

“Zaria is not known for commerce or industry, but for education. This is the place where we need to focus on strengthening and expanding our educational infrastructure,” Speaker Abbas noted, emphasizing the importance of these projects to the future of the region.

“The groundbreaking ceremonies for these institutions will take place tomorrow afternoon, with the public invited to witness the historic event.

In addition to these new projects, Speaker Abbas highlighted ongoing work in Zaria’s primary and secondary schools, with 116 schools currently under renovation and plans for further upgrades.

“I appreciate you all for the opportunity to contribute to the development of Zaria’s educational sector and a call for continued collaboration to ensure its success.

“We are committed to making Zaria a center of educational excellence,” he stated, wishing blessings upon all those in attendance.

The groundbreaking ceremonies and the continued development of Zaria’s educational institutions mark a pivotal moment in the city’s history, reinforcing its reputation as a beacon of learning in Nigeria.

Speaking also to journalists during the inspection of the projects in Zaria, the Speaker said so far, a lot of projects beginning from 2023 supplementary budget to 2024 were ongoing.

“You know we have two budgets. All of them contain some elements of projects from various constituencies. And this is the very first time that I have come in more than one year to inspect all the work that has been done.

“I think what I have seen is quite commendable. The contractors that mobilize for various projects, particularly projects have done very, very well. Because of time constraints, of course, what we have seen is not even up to 10% of the projects that we have on the ground. But from the little I have seen, I think they are doing well.

 Speaking further on the benefits of projects to his constituents, Abbas said “If you look at the range of projects that we have from school renovations, constructions of hospitals, constructions of schools, road networks, bridges, markets, and what have you, it captures almost all aspects of human endeavor.

“Anything that you can possibly think of as a factor that can promote or escalate development, I think we have been able to integrate that into the projects that we have brought together. 

Speaking on the construction of a bridge in Abba village which was destroyed by insurgents in 2014, the Speaker said that the bridge will be completed between six months to one year, adding that the project has been fully paid for.

“I asked the contractor when I visited the place. He said between six months to one year, the project will be completed. The good thing that you need to know is that we have provided the money completely. What the contractor needs to utilize.

“So he doesn’t have to wait for another budget cycle for him to access money to finish. Everything has been provided under the 2024 appropriation bill. So hopefully between June next year to December next year, we are hoping that that place will be completely ready for use.

Speaking further on the expectation of more projects in Zaria, Abbas said: “Tomorrow, God willing, the people of Zaria will witness another piece of history. Because tomorrow, we are going to do the groundbreaking of four gigantic projects in Zaria. School of, College of Education, College of Health Sciences, College of Legal Studies, and National Open University projects.

“By the time we bring those funds on board, I’m sure Zaria will become the undisputed center of learning in the country. The projects are all supposed to be completed between 16 to 18 months.

The Federal Road Safety Corp (FRSC), has confirmed the death of two students in a ghastly accident involving two trucks and two tricycles along Felele road, Lokoja, Kogi.

,Mr Samuel Oyedeji, the FRSC Sector Commander in Komi, confirmed the incident to newsmen on Friday in Lokoja

Oyedeji said that eight persons were involved in the accident while two students died and four injured while two escaped unhurt.

He said that the injured were rushed to the hospital for medical attention while the corpses of the two passengers, one of whom was a student of the Federal University Lokoja (FUL) and the other Kogi Polytechnic student.

Oyedeji said that one of the two trucks’ break failed and lost control thereby rammed into the two tricycles.

Oyedeji advised motorists to always ensure that their vehicles were in good condition before embarking on a journey.

An eye witness, who spoke to newsmen on condition of anonymity, said the accident occurred about 10 am.

He said it included a female student of FUL, and another female student of Kogi Poly by name Abu Taiwo Abimbola of the Department of Science Laboratory and Technology.

“A heavily loaded articulated vehicle heading for Abuja axis along Felele, in Lokoja lost control and rammed into a Keke tricycle that was carrying passengers heading to town.

“A female student of the Federal University of Lokoja and another female of Kogi Poly, Lokoja died while other passengers were seriously injured.

“An identification card of the late female student of Komi Poly by name Covenant Omolola Isaac of Department of Geology was recovered from the accident scene.

“The bodies of the two female students were deposited at the Specialist Hospital, Lokoja, by some Officers of the Federal Road Safety Commission,”.

Meanwhile, the President of the National Association of Science Laboratory and Technology Student, Kogi Poly chapter, Mr Caleb Kelvin, has issued a press statement over the demise of the female student.

“It is with heavy hearts that we announce the untimely passing of our cherished member, Abu Taiwo Abimbola, who tragically lost her life earlier today in a road accident along Felele road, Lokoja.

“This devastating loss has left all of us in shock and deep sorrow.

“Abimbola, was more than just a member of our association; she was a beacon of hope and inspiration to everyone around her.

“Her kindness, dedication, and passion for education made her an exceptional part of our community. leaving behind a legacy of love and excellence.

“As we mourn this heartbreaking loss, we extend our deepest sympathies to her family, friends, and loved ones. We pray for strength and comfort for them during this incredibly difficult time.

“In honor of her memory, the association will be organizing a tribute and memorial service to celebrate her remarkable life.

“Details of the event will be shared in due course, and we encourage everyone to join us in paying our final respects.

“Taiwo Abimbola will forever remain in our hearts. May her soul and the souls of all the faithful departed rest in perfect peace Amen,” Caleb said. (NAN)