NEWS
Buhari Vows to Sustain Operational Tempo on Security
By Mathew Dadiya, Abuja
President Muhammadu Buhari has urged Nigerians to believe in the capability of the armed forces to safeguard and bring long-lasting peace and stability to the country.
The President gave the assurance Thursday, in Lagos, while declaring open the 12th Nigerian Navy Games, LAGOS 2022, adding that the armed forces would continue to sustain their operational tempo to contain the security challenges in the country.
Buhari said the security agencies would continue to ensure that all appropriate measures were in place for the safety of Nigerians.
He also re-emphasized the importance of synergy between the armed forces, other security agencies and the general population for peace and security.
The President, who also commissioned the newly constructed Nigerian Navy Sports Complex, commended the Chief of the Naval Staff, Vice Admiral Awwal Gambo, for investing in sports development.
‘‘Over the years, sports have remained a tool to strengthen the ties between troops, instilling discipline and readiness to serve a common cause in the military. I am sure that these Games will create the forum for the Nigerian Navy to achieve these objectives and more.
‘‘The construction of this sports complex has provided a standard venue for the Nigerian Navy to host major games as well as an appropriate venue for naval personnel within Lagos to use for training and other recreational purposes.
‘‘I am therefore confident that besides the conduct of the Games, the Nigerian Navy and its personnel will continue to make good use of the facilities in this complex,’’ he said.
The Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces expressed the hope that the Games would provide the needed platform and avenue for the discovery of new talents that will represent the Navy and Nigeria in international competitions.
He, therefore, urged all participating athletes to inculcate fair play and exhibit a high level of decorum during the competition.
‘‘I note that all commands in the Nigerian Navy are participating in the Games.
‘‘This means that the Nigerian Navy can take stock of the level of preparedness of its personnel while encouraging the development of team spirit amongst its personnel.
‘‘The Games should therefore provide a glimpse of what Nigerians expect from the Nigerian Navy; dedication, commitment, unity, oneness and comradeship,’’ President Buhari said, assuring that the Federal Government will continue to encourage sporting activities in view of its importance towards national cohesiveness and unity.
The President also thanked the Lagos State government for supporting the Games and cooperating with the military in the State, describing the goodwill as highly commendable.
In his goodwill message, Lagos State Governor, Babajide Sanwo-Olu described the Nigerian Navy as a strategic partner to the ‘‘coastal State of Lagos’’ on security of lives and property.
The governor, therefore, commended the President for approving the establishment of a new Forward Operating Base (FOB) in Lekki axis, one of the fastest growing industrial, commercial and residential development areas in West Africa.
‘‘Lekki is also home to the largest deep-sea port in Africa, which Mr President will commission soon, it is home to the largest private refinery, among other landmark investments in our country,’’ Sanwo-Olu said.
He wished the over 1,800 Naval athletes participating in the Games success, charging them to display the full spirit of sportsmanship and fair play in the eight-day competition.
The Chief of Naval Staff pledged that the Navy would sustain the fight against crude oil theft and other maritime crimes, ensuring that the country maintains its delisting from nations of high piracy risks.
He expressed delight that Nigeria exited from the International Maritime Bureau’s Piracy List early in the year and no incidence of piracy has been recorded in the last one year, adding that this attests to the Nigerian Navy’s willingness and resilience to ensure a safe and secure maritime environment for socio-economic activities to thrive.
The Naval Chief also used the occasion to thank the President for his unquantifiable support to the Nigerian Navy, saying:
‘‘The President within the last year approved the acquisition of two 76m High Endurance Offshore Patrol Vessels and 3 helicopters to join the recently acquired hydrographic survey ship and the Landing Ship Transport, including numerous fast attack craft to boost maritime security operations.
‘‘Mr President, it is pertinent to state that induction of Landing Ship Tank, Nigerian Navy Ship KADA into the Fleet has further enhanced Nigerian Navy’s naval power projection, within the region and beyond.’’
‘‘Significantly, the ship embarked on its first official trip last month, with military hardware and logistics for the Nigerian Contingent deployed for ECOWAS Stabilisation Support Mission at Guinea Bissau. This further confirms your administration’s commitment towards regional stability in furtherance of our foreign and defence policy objectives.’’
On the ultra-modern Complex commissioned by the President, the Naval Chief explained that it is equipped with the state-of-the-art indoors sporting equipment, a world class gymnasium, swimming pool and a standard football pitch as well as tracks for athletics events.
He recounted that the ultra-modern edifice was conceptualised and constructed by the immediate past Chief of the Naval Staff, Vice Admiral Ibok-Ete Ekwe Ibas (rtd).
According to him, the retired Admiral’s plan was to invite the President to commission the Complex at the end of 2020, however, the commissioning could not be actualized due to restrictions imposed by the COVID – 19 pandemic.
The Naval Chief noted that contemporary warfare generally described as being volatile, uncertain, complex and ambiguous, places a huge demand on personnel combat readiness and thus necessitates the need to sustain high levels of physical fitness and mental alertness.
He added that physical fitness and mental alertness of personnel has become key considerations for armed forces to meet increasing demands of current operations environment of the Nigerian Navy, which has recorded significant appearances at local and international competitions.
By David Torough, Abuja
In a bold move ahead of the 2027 gubernatorial election in Taraba State, renowned entrepreneur and technocrat, Hon. Sanda Nathan Jr., has officially stepped aside from his role as Chairman/CEO of Sandalight Global Realities Ltd and FARMERSTEQ GLOBAL LTD to pursue his political ambition under the platform of the Labour Party (LP).
The transition marks a significant shift from corporate leadership to active political participation, as Sanda positions himself to lead the Labour Party to victory and champion a new era of governance in Taraba State.
Speaking during the official handover ceremony held on Friday at the companies’ corporate headquarters in Utako, Abuja, Sanda described his governorship ambition as “a continuation of service” aimed at transforming the economic and social fortunes of Taraba through credible leadership and people-oriented governance.
According to him, Taraba State has remained under the control of career politicians for years, with little progress in critical sectors such as infrastructure, job creation, agriculture, education, and healthcare.
He stressed that the time had come for the state to embrace a CEO-style leadership approach driven by innovation, accountability, and private-sector efficiency.
“Taraba deserves pragmatic leadership that understands development, economic growth, and the importance of empowering people through opportunities,” Sanda stated.
He outlined key areas his administration would prioritize if elected governor, including education revitalization, modernization of agriculture, technology and innovation, infrastructure development, and improved healthcare delivery.
Sanda pledged to replicate his corporate success across the state by implementing policies that would promote transparency, attract investment, create jobs, and improve the living standards of citizens.
As part of the transition, Mr. Jackson Kole was officially appointed as Acting Group Head/CEO to oversee the affairs of Sandalight Global Realities Ltd and FARMERSTEQ GLOBAL LTD pending board confirmation.
Kole, while accepting the appointment, promised to sustain and expand the companies’ achievements in estate development, real estate consulting, construction, and agricultural industrialization.
He assured stakeholders that the companies would continue to maintain excellence and professionalism while supporting Sanda in his political journey.
“We will continue to build on the strong foundation laid by Hon. Sanda Nathan Jr. and ensure that both companies remain leaders in the real estate and agribusiness sectors,” Kole said.
Sandalight Global Realities Ltd is widely known for its expertise in estate development, building construction, and real estate consulting, while its subsidiary, FARMERSTEQ GLOBAL LTD, has gained recognition for promoting agricultural revolution and agribusiness development across Nigeria.
Political observers believe Sanda’s entry into the Taraba governorship race could reshape the political landscape of the state, especially among youths and professionals seeking a fresh approach to governance ahead of 2027.
NEWS
Carter, Iddo, Third Mainland Bridges: Julius Berger Tackles Years of Severe Structural Deterioration
By Mike Odiakose, Abuja
Top-notch engineering construction company, Julius Berger Nigeria PLC is leading an extensive bridge rehabilitation programme in Lagos State, following its engagement by the Federal Ministry of Works in 2023.
The assignment is designed to address years of severe structural deterioration in the critical infrastructures.
Construction works commenced in January 2024, targeting four key transport links: the Third Mainland Bridge, Carter Bridge, Iddo Bridge, and the Iddo Bridge Underpass.
The project focuses on addressing long-standing structural damage, particularly in underwater components impacted by marine corrosion, tidal forces, and sustained heavy traffic.
At Carter Bridge, rehabilitation works concentrated on degraded underwater sections and substructure elements to mitigate the effects of corrosion and tidal movement.
Physical works were completed in January, and the project has now entered its close-out phase.
For the Third Mainland Bridge, engineers are carrying out structural repairs on critical components, including the deck soffit, piers, and underwater pile caps.
The project is currently about 80% physically complete, with only the monitoring phase outstanding.
This phase, expected to last one year, is now in its third month. Financially, approximately 60% of the budget has been allocated, with 21% of the total project value executed to date.
At press time last week, no major construction work is outstanding on this bridge as the focus is entirely on performance validation.
Essentially, the monitoring phase acts as a quality assurance and risk management step, ensuring that the extensive rehabilitation work translates into a safe, stable, and durable bridge for years to come, said a member of the project team, Friday.
The Iddo Bridge rehabilitation involves a more intensive reconstruction due to severe deterioration.
Significant portions of the bridge have been demolished and are being rebuilt using reinforced concrete girders, enhanced reinforcement systems, and strengthened structural supports.
The project is actively ongoing and stands at 30% physical completion.
At the Iddo Bridge Underpass, the existing structure was completely removed to enable full reconstruction.
The scope includes continuous reinforced concrete pavement (CRCP), improved drainage systems, and the installation of modern street lighting and utility infrastructure. Construction progress has reached 38%.
CRCPs are designed to control cracking, not eliminate it as cracks occur at regular, closely spaced intervals. The reinforcement keeps cracks tight, preventing them from widening
Overall, these rehabilitation efforts are designed to enhance commuter safety, extend the lifespan of critical infrastructure, and reduce structural risks along some of Lagos State’s busiest transport corridors.
In addition, the improvements are expected to ease traffic flow and strengthen economic activity across the state.
From Attah Ede, Makurdi
Benue State Governor, Hyacinth Alia, has announced immediate postponement of the planned activities marking the Benue at 50 and the Third Year Anniversary Celebrations of the present administration.
The State deputy governor, Sam Odeh disclosed this in a statement on Wednesday.
According to him, the decision to postpone the event was taken to allow for necessary adjustments and consultations to ensure a more successful and inclusive commemoration.
He said a new date for the celebrations will be communicated to the public in due course.
“The Benue State Government under the leadership of His Excellency, Rev. Fr. Dr. Hyacinth Iormem Alia wishes to inform the general public that the activities marking the two events have been postponed.
“The Government regrets any inconvenience this postponement may have caused individuals, groups, and organisations, and appreciates the understanding, patience and continued support of the good people of Benue”, Ode intimated.
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