NEWS
FG Awards 671 Road Contracts – Fashola
From Alfred Babs, Ilorin
The Federal government is making massive investment in infrastructure to create conducive business environment for Nigerian youth, Minister of Works and Housing, Babatunde Raji Fashola has said.
Fashola said the Federal Government has awarded no fewer than 671 road contracts covering about 13,000 kilometres across the country.
Speaking at the convocation lecture of Al-Hikmah University, Ilorin on Friday, Fashola said that the government is also embarking on massive Infrastructure upgrade throughout the country.
The minister, who spoke on “how university education fosters entrepreneurship”, said that “there is a current investment in infrastructure expansion.
Nigeria has to build a new base of infrastructure to deal with our growing population.”According to him, “I am convinced that inherent in Nigeria’s current developmental challenges certainly lie enormous opportunities. So where is Nigeria now? I say to you that Nigeria is also witnessing an expanded investment commitment to infrastructure upgrade of a type not seen since perhaps, what took place after the civil war.
“The construction of rail tracks; expansion of five international airports, new seaport, 671 road contracts covering 13,000 kilometres nationwide point to a clear determination to reduce the infrastructure deficits that hinder growth and efficiency of business.
“Perhaps, in order to bring the scope and size of the commitment closer home, it might interest you know that the Federal Government is currently undertaking the construction of several roads. And in Kwara state alone, the total number of roads under construction today is 602.4
kilometres. Some of the roads include the dualisation of Ilorin-Jebba-Bukani; Kabba-Obajana; Ilorin-Omu-Aran-Egbe; Share-Patigi and New Busa-Kaiama.
He added that the President Muhammadu Buhari administration “through the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), Bank of Industry (BoI), Ministry of Industry, Trade and Investment and other ministries, departments and agencies of the Federal and state governments are offering support.
“In the agriculture sector, the CBN has disbursed N92.9 billion to 24,702 beneficiaries; the anchor borrowers’ programme totaling N163.9 billion has reached 954,279 beneficiaries.
“The government is rolling out temporary labour based work to 774 local governments through the Ministry of Labour and Employment under the aegis of National Directorate of Employment.
“The social investment and welfare scheme has been expanded by the creation of N150 billion targeted credit facilities for households and small businesses. Already N149.21 billion has been disbursed to 360,869 beneficiaries,” he explained.
From Marcel Duru & Charity Wins, Owerri
Imo State Governor, Sen Hope Uzodimma has approved the appointment of 12 Special Advisers (SAs) as efforts are in top gear to deepen the gains of the Shared Prosperity 3R Government of his second term.
The appointments, according to the governor in a statement by his Chief Press Secretary and Media Adviser, Oguwike Nwachuku on Wednesday in Owerri, were with immediate effect.
The newly appointed SAs are: Barr. Leo Awazieama; Joseph Oputa; Mrs. Ijeoma Ikegwuruka; Comrade Austin Chilakpu; Dr. Patrick Uzoma; Dr. (Mrs) Obianuju Nwokejiobi; Chidi Onyewuchi; Andy Chikwe; AND Amarachi Anyaehie.
Others are: Tonia Chimenem Chinda; John Ikeaka; Mrs. Chinyere Emeziem; Mrs. Esther Ukachukwu; Ezechi Chukwueme; Humphrey Ikeaka and Barr. Mrs. Ngozi Pat Ekeji.
Governor Uzodimma congratulated the new appointees and urged them to brace up to contribute their quota in the overall interest of Imo State.
From Joseph Amedu, Lokoja
The Conference of Nigeria Political Parties, (CNPP) has lamented the rising state of food inflation in Kogi State.
The Kogi State Chairman of CNPP, Mohammed Kabir Abdullahi in a statement made available to Journalists, fumed that the prices of food stuff and other goods have continued to bite harder on the people of the State.
Abdullahi, who disclosed that Kogi is a Civil Servant state and does not deserve this continuous untold hardship noted that the present economy is toxic on the people.
He stressed that Kogi State having the highest food inflation in Nigeria according to the National Bureau of Statistics report is not only embarrassing but condemnable.
He emphasized that the people of the State are suffering adding that, the present administration should urgently put measures in place to ameliorate the sufferings of the masses.
” It is not good news as far as CNPP is concerned that Kogi recorded 48.46 per cent, which is the highest food inflation rate in Nigeria followed by Kwara 46.18 percent, while Akwa Ibom was pegged at 45.18 percent.
“Now in Kogi State, when you go to the market, what you will buy at a particular price in the morning will be different from what you will buy with the same goods in the afternoon or evening . The traders didn’t go to the market to buy new products but they will on their own increase the prices just to frustrate the people despite them earning peanuts as their wages. This is unfair and condemnable.
“We are appealing to the government of Kogi State to intervene in the rising state of food inflation. People are really suffering. Kogi State is a Civil servant state and does not deserve what they are getting now. Many traders in Kogi State are using the present economic hardship in the Country to exploit the people.
“This must stop before things get out of hand. The Government must ensure that those who are sabotaging its effort in controlling economic inflation are checked. We know that the present administration under Governor Ahmed Usman Ododo will do the needful for the people of Kogi State to smile again” he stated.
He, however, appealed to the people to remain calm, promising that CNPP will hold the government accountable for good governance in Kogi State.
NEWS
Benue killings: Benue reps frown on incessant attacks on communities, killings of his constituents
From Attah Ede, Makurdi
The member House of Representatives representing Gwer East/Gwer West Federal Constituency, Arc. Asema Achado, Wednesday, condemned the incessant attacks on Benue communities and killing of 28 persons by suspected Fulani herdsmen militia in Gwer West Local Government Area of Benue State.
Arc. Achado who described the action of the attackers as senseless, expressed deep condolences and solemn empathy to the grieving communities of Tse-Kperyisa, Tse-Adaa, and Tse-Shiver, where innocent farmers were slaughtered by herdsmen. Achado in a statement by his Personal Assistant on Media and Publicity, Mendah Manasseh, said he joined his voice with the Gwer West people in condemnation of the senseless and unlawful attacks..The statement said “the attacks have inflicted immeasurable pain and suffering upon the peace-loving people of Gwer West.”I implored the Benue State Government to urgently intervene by enforcing the Open Grazing Prohibition and Ranches Establishment Law, by ensuring that the perpetrators of these barbaric acts face swift and decisive justice.“They should also collaborate with law enforcement agencies to apprehend those responsible for these heinous crimes against humanity,” he said.”I therefore call on the people of Gwer West to remain steadfast and united in their quest to bring an end to the spate of killings.Achado assures his constituents of his unwavering support and steadfast commitment to championing their cause and advocating for lasting peace and security in the constituency.
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