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.

From Ene Asuquo, Calabar

Board members of Cross River State Traffic and Regulatory Agency (Tramra) have charged the state commissioner of Police Gyogon Grimah, without delay arrest, investigate and prosecute the Director General, of the Agency, Alfred Effiong -Umoh, for allegedly diverting the sum of   N27m from the agency’s account into his private account.

The Board also urged the Police to investigate the unlawful lodgement of N40m into the direct DG’s private account being funds obtained from payment of road taxes penalty fees for several traffic contraventions from offenders which he usually collects by hand via unlawful approach.

The board members demands were contained in a petition addressed to the Cross River State Commissioner of police, Gyogon Grimah, accusing the Traffic Management DG of financial impropriety

The petition which was signed by three board members, Ernest Awor, Victor Offiong and Ubi Onen Esq dated December 4, demanded the DG Alfred Effiong to step aside in other to pave way for thorough investigation

Content of the petition made available to our reporter accused the Director General of Tramra of diverting the agency’s money account domiciled with Zenith bank to his Ecobank personal account with detail: 0201008293.

An attitude that the board members frowns at claiming that such attitude contravene section chapter 7, section 713 of financial regulations law 2009 which provides that in no circumstance shall public money be paid into private account.

But in a swift reaction to the petition, the Director General (DG), Cross River State Traffic Management and Regulatory Agency (TRAMRA) Alfred Effiong -Umoh, denied any wrongdoing saying the allegations are lies.

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)