NEWS
FG Begins Emergency Repair Work on Ibadan-Ife-Ilesa Expressway- Official
The Federal Government has commenced emergency repair ofcritical portions hindering smooth movement of motorists on Ibadan-Ife-Ilesa Expressway.Mr Kayode Ibrahim, the Oyo State Controller of Works, Federal Ministry of Works and Housing, made this known to the Newsmen on Tuesday in Ibadan.According to him, Kopek Construction company, the contractor handling the project, is in the process of mobilisation.
Ibrahim said: “It has moved to critical portions of the road to make it motorable before full mobilisation. “Because of the heavy downpour that we experienced in recent time, a section around Ilesa has gone very critical and a contractor had moved there.“The contractor has been working on the road since the last two weeks; all the bad sections of the road, close to Ile-Ife are now motorable.“The contractor started with the critical portions, the sections between Ile-Ife and Ilesa is currently receiving attention and work will soon start at the less critical locations as it progresses.“The Ibadan interchange to Asejire Bridge, which is not as critical as the other sections of the road, will soon receive attention; that is the instruction they have and they are carrying it out.”Giving update on the Oyo – Ogbomoso Road, the controller said the old road was currently receiving attention.“Some sections of the old Oyo -Ogbomoso Road, which has almost been cut off because of the recent heavy downpour, is presently receiving serious intervention.“Federal Government has awarded emergency repair for the old road, particularly the road shoulders where tankers and vehicles are falling.“So, Renoid Construction Company has been instructed to attend to very critical portions,” he said.On the new Oyo – Ogbomoso Dual carriageway, the controller said work was ongoing, adding, “major work now is on the bridges and interchange at Oyo section”.According to him, the road contract augmentation that had been approved was to strengthen the pavement so that the failure experienced in other road wouldn’t occur there.“So, the design has been strengthened to include two layers of bidders, the contractor is now putting the second layer,” he said.Ibrahim said that other Federal road projects across the state that were currently receiving attention included Iseyin – Saki Road; Igboho – Sepeteri; Iseyin – Alaga to Okaka and Baasi; Ogbomoso to Igbeti and Oyo – Aawe – Iwo.The controller said Oyo State was receiving good attention from the Federal Government, declaring that the state was well captured in the road infastruture development of the present administration.He implored the people of the state to be patience with government.Ibrahim said there was general meltdown in the economy of the entire globe. “But, with the scarce resources Federal Government is making efforts to address road infastruture deficits across the country,” he said.(NAN)NEWS
Imo Governor Appoints 16 Special Advisers
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.
NEWS
CNPP Laments over Rising Food Inflation
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.