NEWS
Area councils’ Road Projects: Wike Optimistic of Meeting December Dateline
The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Mr Nyesom Wike, has expressed optimism that the ongoing roads projects across the six area councils of the FCT will be completed in December.
Wike stated this after he inspected some ongoing road projects in Abuja on Wednesday.
Report says that Wike had in February 2024, inaugurated the construction of several road projects in satellite towns and rural communities across the six area councils of the territory.
The projects, meant to transform rural economies and improve the quality of rural dwellers were expected to be completed in December.
Some of the projects inspected on Wednesday included the ongoing Dutse – Ushafa road resurfacing and the upgrading of War College/Army Checkpoint Road and other ancillary roads in Ushafa, Bwari Area Council.
The minister also inspected the reconstruction of 25-kilometre Kwaita – Yebu and the 11km Yangoji – Sukuku – Eba road projects, in Kwali Area Council.
The minister, who said he didn’t want to be pessimistic, expressed confidence that the contractors would deliver the projects on agreed timelines.
“You know we had heavy rains this year, and we gave contractors December to complete the projects, but you can see the level of job they have done; quality job, and this is in rural areas.
“We are still working on the December dateline. I don’t want to say that the roads would not be completed. I don’t want to be pessimistic.
“I have seen the contractors, and they told me that they will complete the roads hand them over to us in December; let us keep to it. I think there is no need to doubt them.
“In as much as we do our own part, I am sure they will also fulfil their own promise,” Wike said.
He expressed satisfaction with the pace of the projects inspected so far, adding that when completed, the roads would have a positive impact on benefiting. communities.
He promised to do everything possible to make sure that the contractors get paid.
“When you see contractors who are committed, you on your own part, as government, will also carry out your own obligation by making sure they are funded in order to complete the roads and make the people happy,” he said.
He explained that he decided to go round some of the projects to see things for himself and not be told stories.
He added that the expanse of land in rural communities, if properly harnessed, would address the problem of food security in the FCT.
On what is in store for other communities in the FCT, the minister pointed out that government was continuum, adding that the current administration would do all it can to reach many communities with life-impacting projects.
He assured that President Boal Tinubu-led administration would complete all projects embarked upon, while the next administration would continue from the administration stops.
“We cannot solve all problems. Even if you are in office for 20 years, there will still be problems, but what is important is that people can see that you are making efforts to reduce their burden.
“That is what is important.
“So, like I said before, all areas in Abuja, be it in the city; be it in satellite towns, will all feel the impact of this government,” he said. (NAN)
NEWS
Bill to Rename Benue Varsity Passes First Reading
A bill to rename the Benue State University (BSU) Makurdi to Moses Orshio Adasu University has passed first reading at the Benue State House Assembly.
The bill was read during Wednesday plenary by the acting Clerk of the House, Mr John Hwande.
Also during the plenary, a bill for the establishment of Benue State University of Agriculture, Science, and Technology, Ihugh, in Vandeikya local government area also passed first.
Daily asset reports that three other bills also passed first reading.
The bills include a bill for a law to amend a free and compulsory basic education and a bill for a law to establish a task force on quality healthcare and prevention of quackery in the state.
Report says that two out of the bills, which were from the executive, were presented to the house by the Majority Leader, Mr Saater Tiseer.
The others were presented by the member representing Gboko East Constituency, Mrs. Becky Orpin, and that of Kwande West, Mr Thomas Dugeri.
The Speaker, Aondona Dajoh, who presided over plenary, referred them to the House Standing Committee on Rules and Business for further legislative scrutiny. (NAN)
NEWS
Tinubu Approves Leadership Changes for Oye-Ekiti, Lokoja Varsities
President Bola Tinubu has approved the swap of Pro-Chancellors and Chairmen of the Governing Councils of Federal University Oye-Ekiti and its Lokoja counterpart.
Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy, Mr Bayo Onanuga, made this known in a statement on Wednesday in Abuja.
“In the reshuffling, Sen. Victor Ndoma-Egba, the Pro-Chancellor of Federal University, Lokoja, will move to Federal University, Oye-Ekiti, while Mr Kayode Ojo, who previously held a similar position at Oye-Ekiti, will assume same role in Lokoja.
“This strategic change is part of Tinubu’s initiative to foster diversity and national cohesion in the management of the country’s universities,” he said.
(NAN)NEWS
NYSC Gets new State Coordinator in Delta
Mr John Kwaghe has assumed duty as the new Coordinator of the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) in Delta.
This is contained in a statement signed by Mrs Stella Ogbummuo, NYSC state Public Relations Officer, on Wednesday in Asaba.
The statement said that Mr Kwaghe, who holds a bachelor’s degree in Business Administration and Master’s degree in Career Management hails from Michika Local Government Area of Adamawa State.
“The new state coordinate has worked in many states and the National Directorates Headquarters in different capacities including Ekiti and Nasarawa State.
“In line with the NYSC National Directorate Headquarters’ sustained drive to optimise the scheme’s operations nationwide, a new state coordinator has been posted to take over the headship of NYSC Delta State secretariat.
“He will take over from Mr Olusegun Alao, who has been transferred to NYSC South South Area Office 1, Delta State,” Ogbummuo stated. (NAN)