From Atta Edeh, Makurdi

Residents of Buruku Local Government Area of Benue State have expressed deep appreciation to the Governor of Benue State, Hyacinth Alia, for the ongoing construction and rehabilitation of township roads project aimed at transforming infrastructure, easing transportation challenges, and improving the socio-economic wellbeing of residents.

The commendation was made during an inspection visit and stakeholders’ engagement session attended by the Executive Chairman of Buruku Local Government Area, Hon.

Raymond Hondoakura Zege, the Managing Director/Chief Executive Officer of Tratcom Limited, Chief Joseph Tarfa Ihuman, whose company is handling the construction project, as well as Engineer Gumji, representing the Commissioner for Works in Benue State. Also present at the event was the Head of Department (HOD) Works, Buruku Local Government Area, Bitto Godwin.

Speaking during the engagement, Hon. Raymond Aondoakura Zege praised Governor Reverend Hyacinth Alia for his visionary leadership and unwavering commitment to infrastructural development across the state. He described the road project as a landmark intervention that would significantly improve mobility, commercial activities, and the overall living conditions of the people of Buruku.

According to the Chairman, the administration of His Excellency, Rev. Father Hyacinth Alia, has demonstrated sincerity of purpose by embarking on projects that directly impact the lives of ordinary citizens. He noted that the 5KM township road would open up the area for greater economic opportunities, enhance accessibility, and further strengthen confidence in government at the grassroots level.

Hon. Zege further stated that the ongoing road rehabilitation initiative by Governor Alia is fully in line with the Renewed Hope Agenda of the President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, Bola Ahmed Tinubu, particularly in the critical area of road infrastructure and economic development. He emphasized that the project reflects the shared commitment of both the Federal and State Governments toward improving the welfare of Nigerians through sustainable infrastructure renewal and grassroots development.

Community leaders, traders, transport operators, youths, and residents also applauded the Governor Reverend Alia for what they described as a people-oriented administration focused on delivering meaningful development to communities across Benue State.

They stated that the road project would bring relief to residents who have endured years of poor road conditions and transportation difficulties.

The Managing Director/CEO of Tratcom Limited, Chief Joseph Tarfa Ihuman, assured the people of Buruku of the company’s commitment to delivering a durable and high-quality project in accordance with approved engineering standards. He commended Governor Rev. Fr. Hyacinth Alia for prioritizing infrastructure development and creating an enabling environment for contractors to execute projects efficiently.

Chief Ihuman further noted that the Governor’s developmental strides across the state continue to inspire hope and confidence among the people, adding that the administration’s commitment to road infrastructure would have lasting economic and social benefits for future generations.

Engineer Gumji, representing the Commissioner for Works, equally lauded Hyacinth Alia for his dedication to infrastructural renewal and sustainable development. He assured residents that the Ministry of Works would continue to supervise the project closely to ensure quality delivery and timely completion.

Also speaking, the HOD Works of Buruku Local Government Area, Bitto Godwin, expressed satisfaction with the pace and quality of work being carried out on the project. He described the initiative as a major boost to local development and appreciated the state government for remembering the people of Buruku through impactful infrastructure projects.

The people of Buruku Local Government Area offered prayers for continued wisdom, strength, and success for Hyacinth Alia as he continues to provide purposeful leadership for Benue State. They also reaffirmed their confidence in the administration and expressed optimism that more developmental projects would be attracted to Buruku and other communities across the state.

Transport operators in Kenya have suspended their nationwide strike following talks with the government over rising fuel prices.

The operators said the suspension will remain in place until next Tuesday to allow for further negotiations with the government.

The move comes after the nationwide strike, which brought the capital Nairobi and other cities to a standstill, entered a second day on Tuesday.

At least four people were killed and 30 injured in Monday’s protests, with more than 700 arrested nationwide, according to the authorities.

On Tuesday, Interior Minister Kipchumba Murkomen said the deal to end the strike came after consultations with public transport representatives, and negotiations “at a higher level” would be conducted within the next week.

“We have had a breakthrough not because we are satisfied, but because we want to give negotiations a chance,” said Edwin Mukabane, the national chairman of the Federation of Public Transport Sector.

“If this is not taken seriously within the seven days, the strike will be back on,” he added

Major roads in Nairobi were still largely empty on Tuesday morning with businesses shut and schools closed.

Like the previous day, many Kenyans were forced to walk to their destinations, although a small number of public transport vehicles reportedly resumed services on some routes.

Police were patrolling parts of the city to maintain security amid reports of protesters blocking some routes.

Police urged demonstrators to remain peaceful, and not to loot and destroy properties.

The Directorate of Criminal Investigations said investigations into Monday’s demonstrations were ongoing, with many of the suspects already arraigned in court.

Kenyan rights group Vocal Africa denounced “the use of lethal force by law enforcement”.

The state-funded Kenya National Commission on Human Rights (KNCHR) called for immediate investigations into the violence and destruction of property, and urged the police to exercise restraint.

In the coastal city of Mombasa, a sense of normality was reported to have returned, with public transport services resuming.

On Monday, groups representing the transport sector held a meeting with the government.

Energy Minister Opiyo Wandayi announced they had agreed to reduce the price of diesel, which had risen to a high of 242 shillings ($1.8; £1.4).

The energy regulator subsequently reduced its cost by 10 shillings while retaining the cost of petrol at 214 shillings.

The reduction, however, fell short of protesters’ demands and the transport sector representatives insisted the strike would continue.

At the end of a subsequent meeting on Tuesday morning, Wandayi said the government would continue to be “sensitive to the plight of petrol consumers” and thanked the transport operators for agreeing to suspend the strike.

The operators are calling for a fuel price cut of up to 46 shillings, to levels last seen before the US-Israel war with Iran that began on 28 February.

Like many other African nations, Kenya relies on fuel from the Gulf, which has been disrupted by the conflict.

Although a ceasefire has been declared, prices remain high as the Strait of Hormuz, where a fifth of the global oil supply passes through, remains blocked.

Last month, the government cut VAT on fuel from 16% to 8% until July but there have been calls for it to do more.

By David Torough, Abuja

Across history, there are projects that transcend skylines to redefine national destiny. Nigeria’s Centenary City is one of them — ambitious, transformative, and symbolic.

Conceived in 2014 to mark 100 years of nationhood, it was imagined as a futuristic, eco-friendly, cosmopolitan hub to rival Dubai, Monaco, and Singapore.

For a decade, the promise lingered, bright but unrealized, like a symphony awaiting its conductor.

Now, driven by renewed federal backing and the decisive push of Honourable Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Mr. Nyesom Wike, the orchestra has begun again.

Bulldozers now stride across virgin land southwest of Abuja.

Julius Berger Nigeria Plc is delivering critical infrastructure while Dar Al-Handasah Consultants (DAR) refine the city’s engineering masterplan. Once stalled, Centenary City is now airborne, with vast potential: over 300,000 jobs, billions in foreign direct investment, and a bold rebranding of Abuja — and Nigeria — as a global showcase of urban excellence.

Birth of a grand vision

The project was launched under President Goodluck Jonathan in 2014, intended as both a centenary landmark and a springboard for the future. Beyond commemoration, it carried economic and cultural ambition: a smart city that would embody Nigeria’s progress and modernity.

Inspired by global models like Dubai, Songdo in South Korea, and Shenzhen in China, it was designed as a 1,260-hectare mixed-use metropolis near Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport. The blueprint envisioned a central business district, international commerce centre, luxury residences, iconic landmarks, and thriving cultural districts.

But like many grand African ideas, it was derailed by controversies, bureaucracy, and fading investor patience. For years it lay dormant — yet the dream endured.

Wike’s role: Unblocking the gridlock

Enter Nyesom Wike, FCT Minister, whose political will reignited momentum. Known for decisive governance, he stepped in as mediator, reconciler, and enforcer, ending disputes between Centenary City Plc (CCPLC), the Federal Capital Development Authority (FCDA), and the FCT Administration.

In classic statesman style, he forced rivals to prioritize national vision above factional disputes. That single act restored credibility.

Today, Julius Berger is executing Phase 1 Primary Infrastructure at a cost of ₦750 billion, while DAR returns to safeguard the project’s fidelity. What was once viewed with skepticism now advances with contracts signed, earthworks underway, and investor confidence renewed.

Blueprint of a modern metropolis

Centenary City is more than real estate; it is a complete ecosystem — Nigeria’s first true smart city, built to harmonize nature, technology, and lifestyle.

Highlights of its masterplan include:

Commercial and Cultural Icons: The International Commerce Centre, a global-standard Convention Center, and the Mall of Africa to anchor business and retail.

Luxury and Leisure: Five-star hotels, golf and polo estates, serviced apartments, and safari parks for elite and aspirational residents.

Tourism and Arts: An African Arts Museum, entertainment districts, and a Nigerian Park blending heritage with modern attractions.

Health and Education: Hospitals, schools, and research centres for future-ready human capital.

Industrial Strength: As a Free Trade Zone (FTZ), the city will host industrial hubs for manufacturing, exports, and investments.

Its design balances futuristic skylines with green suburbs — showing that Nigeria too can deliver sustainable, livable, world-class spaces.

Economic promise: A growth engine

No project in recent memory rivals its economic potential. The numbers are striking: 300,000 direct jobs — with indirect jobs multiplying across supply chains and services.

Over $18 billion in FDI — once touted as Nigeria’s single largest foreign investment opportunity.

N2.4 trillion value — a massive stimulus to Nigeria’s economy.

Tourism and real estate boom — diversifying the economy away from oil.

Global branding — positioning Abuja alongside world capitals like Dubai and Johannesburg.

This is not just construction but economic diplomacy, signaling Nigeria’s intent to compete globally.

Abuja redefined

Since inception, Abuja has been seen largely as administrative. Centenary City changes that — reimagining the capital as a cosmopolitan hub. It gives Abuja the global signature it lacked, comparable to Sandton in Johannesburg, Konza in Nairobi, and Kigali’s rising conference hub.

Shadows of the past, lessons for the future

The project’s history is littered with disputes over land, politics, and compensation. But the tide has turned. Resettlement schemes are ongoing, compensation has been paid, and biometric captures ensure accountability.

Centenary City Plc has adopted a socially responsible approach — proving no city of the future can rise on the foundations of injustice.

A national resolve

If completed, Centenary City will stand not only as an architectural marvel but as proof of Nigeria’s resilience — its ability to dream boldly, stumble, and rise again. It will demonstrate that world-class projects can be delivered with private capital, visionary leadership, and public benefit.

All stakeholders — government, investors, civil society, and citizens — must sustain momentum and bury past controversies.

The skyline of tomorrow

As night falls on Abuja and lights flicker across the city, one can already imagine the horizon: gleaming towers, bustling avenues, green golf estates, and vibrant cultural spaces. That is the promise of Centenary City — a dream no longer deferred but rising steadily into view.