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Julius Berger is Bringing Positive Development to Warri, Says Residents

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By Mike Odiakose, Abuja

Residents, business owners and community leaders in Warri-Effurun, Delta State have expressed confidence in the transformation taking place through the Warri/Effurun Roads and Flyovers Project.

The Delta State Government awarded Julius Berger the N78 billion contracts to build three flyovers and expand roads in Warri and Effurun, aiming to ease traffic congestion and improve mobility.

The contract includes the construction of a flyover from Enerhen Junction to Marine Gate, and expansion of the DSC/NPA Expressway flyover.

 Many believe that the project will deliver lasting benefits, easing traffic congestion and unlocking economic opportunities.

Their expressed enthusiasm came just as the Project Manager; Thomas Haug, informed that tremendous progress was being made in the execution of the project to possibly beat the agreed deadline for the completion of the job.

At the DSC flyover, where construction is in full swing, petty traders, artisans and small businesses have sprung up and are thriving.

An estate agent, Friday Onome, said the decision to bring Julius Berger to handle the city’s renewal was the best one the state government could have made.

He noted that the project was already making a visible impact. “Look at what is happening here. The flyovers are taking shape, and roads that were once in terrible condition are coming back to life.”

Onome, who relocated his office from Jakpa Road to Osubi Road to be closer to the emerging development, described Julius Berger’s Life Camp as a testament to the company’s high standards.

“If their staff camp is that well-built, imagine what they’re delivering with these roads and bridges,” he added.

At Enerhen Junction, where a new flyover is under construction, businesses have quickly adapted. Food vendors, PoS operators, second-hand clothing sellers, and commercial motorcycle riders have moved into the area, anticipating the increased commercial activity the completed infrastructure will bring.

“We can’t wait for the day Julius Berger finishes this job and opens up the roads,” said Mama Ejiroghene, a food vendor.

“Then Warri will be booming again. That’s why everyone is happy and cooperating with them. Anyone against this project is against progress,” she said.

As for the Project Manager, “Yes, we are making tremendous progress; we have that going for us.”

He acknowledged the strong support from the community.

“The people see the bigger picture. They know this project will improve their lives, so their cooperation has been excellent. Even in areas where we’ve had to regulate traffic, they understand and are patient.”

On the DSC Flyover, Haug said all beams have been placed, and in the section along with its access roads, everything is on track for completion before the year’s end.

At Enerhen junction, pedestrian walkways have been provided while vehicle access is temporarily restricted. Despite this, people are not complaining. They know this development is for their benefit,” Haug said.

According to Haug, work on the PTI Flyover is progressing, though relocating high-tension overhead cables has posed some challenges.

As of last month, two ends of the flyover were completed, and Julius Berger was awaiting the arrival of specialised equipment to move the overhead cables.

Last week, Haug confirmed tremendous progress on the flyover and roads in the PTI area.

He said work is ongoing in that area saying, we are doing the foundation work there; and despite the rains that are already here, we are still working to deliver the project; and the completion date is still intact.

Meanwhile, in consonance with the acclaimed Julius Berger efforts at partnering with communities surrounding project sites, the company has carried out CSR activities with the repair and maintenance of community roads as well as doing same at the community primary school, gestures for which the residents are appreciative.

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Mbah Reshuffles Cabinet, Swears-in Head of Service, Six Commissioners

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From Sylvia Udegbunam, Enugu

Enugu State Governor, Dr. Peter Mbah has recently rejigged his cabinet, swearing in a new Head of Service, six new Commissioners, and reassigning three others.

Mbah also assigned portfolios to the new appointees following the administration of Oath of Office on them by a representative of the Ministry of Justice, Chizoba Ogbodo, at the State Executive Council Chamber, Government House, Enugu.

The newly sworn-in appointees are: Dr.

Godwin Anigbo, Head of Service; Engr. Benjamin Osita Okoh, Commissioner for Works and Infrastructure; Prof. Benedett Ekwutosi Okoli, Commissioner for Human Development and Poverty Eradication; Enyinna Franklin Ogbonna, Commissioner for Energy and Mineral Resources; and Dr.
Samuel Ogbu-Nwobodo, Commissioner for Trade, Investment, and Industry.

Others are Prof. George Ugwu, Commissioner for Health and Engr. Ben Collins Ndu Jr., who was designated as the Commissioner for Water Resources.

Dr. Felix Nnamani was reassigned from the Ministry of Water Resources to the Ministry of Labour and Employment as Commissioner, Dr. Malachy Agbo was reassigned from the Ministry of Human Development and Poverty Eradication to the Ministry of Information, while the former Commissioner for Works and Infrastructure, Engr. Gerald Otiji, is now the Commissioner for Housing.

Speaking on the occasion, Mbah charged the appointees to hit the ground running, stressing that there would be no honeymoon period for them.

He said the administration had in two years steered high expectations among the people of the state as well as Nigerians in general and could not lower its performance across sectors.

“You would soon notice that here in Enugu, we have steered such a high expectation among our people. And every day it feels as though we are presenting a scorecard.

“Therefore, you have to hit the ground running, as there will be no honeymoon period for you, unfortunately.

mongous goals that we have outlined. And your various Ministries will play critical roles in accomplishing those goals.

“We set targets, we set goals, and we have key performance indicators, we have measurable indicators, hence, we have to measure and we have to constantly take analysis of where you are in respect to the set goals and what your results are. Those key performance indicators are key to us and we will measure you based on these outcomes and results,” the governor stated.

He further charged the appointees to work as a team, in line with the established cultures of the administration.

“We also recognise teamwork champions. We do not encourage working in silos. You have to work as a team, we believe that by working as a team, we are able to accomplish our collective goals. You should not see your colleagues as rivals. They should actually complement your efforts instead.

“Our modest accomplishment in the state so far is not done by a single champion. We like to recognise our successes as team efforts,” he added.

Speaking on behalf of other appointees, Dr. Ogbu-Nwobodo thanked the governor for finding them worthy out of the many other highly qualified Enugu citizens and beyond, assuring that they would not let him down.

“Since you chose to entrust us with this sacred duty as you make history on a daily basis. We will keep faith with our Oath of Office. We will be loyal and dedicated in the discharge of our duties. We will strive to contribute to the nationally acknowledged success that your government has become,” he said.

The swearing-in ceremony was witnessed by the Deputy Governor, Barr. Ifeanyi Ossai; Secretary to the State Government, Prof. Chidiebere Onyia; Chief of Staff to the Governor, Victor Udeh, several commissioners and senior appointees of government as well as the spouses of the appointees.

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NCS Strengths Tie with China Customs

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By Tony Obiechina Abuja

The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) has deepened its strategic engagement with the General Administration of Customs of China (GACC) through a high-level meeting held in Beijing on July 25, 2025.

According to NCS Spokesman, Abdullahi Maiwada in a statement on Sunday, Assistant Comptroller of Customs, the meeting aimed to explore bilateral knowledge exchange and capacity development in customs administration.

The NCS delegation, led by Assistant Comptroller-General of Customs Oluyomi Adebakin, discussed customs training methodologies, modernization models, and technology-driven solutions with GACC officials.

The Chinese Customs authorities shared their structured training system, which incorporates virtual reality, 5G-enabled systems, and blended e-learning approaches.

The meeting highlighted Nigeria’s active participation in China-led customs development initiatives, with over 200 African customs officers trained since 2023. The Chinese Customs officials commended Nigeria’s growing leadership in international customs platforms and appreciated the election of the Comptroller-General of Customs, Bashir Adewale Adeniyi, as Chairperson of the World Customs Organisation (WCO) Council.

Both parties expressed mutual interest in exploring technical exchange programs, joint research initiatives, and officer exchange schemes. The NCS aims to strengthen its human capital, advance intergovernmental partnerships, and modernize customs operations in accordance with global standards.

The engagement aligns with promoting knowledge sharing, harmonizing customs procedures, and building an integrated trade infrastructure for sustainable development, particularly under the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA).

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Ex-NALDA Executive Secretary, Prince Ikonne Congratulates Super Falcons on Remarkable Victory

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…Urges Revitalization of Enyimba FC, Sports Development in Abia State

By Mike Odiakose, Abuja’s

The immediate past Executive Secretary of the National Agricultural Lands Development Authority (NALDA), Prince Paul Ikonne, has extended his heartfelt congratulations to the Super Falcons of Nigeria for their outstanding performance and triumph at the just concluded Africa Women’s Nations Cup.

Prince Ikonne described the victory as not only a celebration of athletic excellence but also a powerful reminder of the potential within Nigeria’s sports sector, especially women’s football.

In a statement by Dr Ujo justice, Chief press secretary, he lauded the determination, discipline, and patriotic spirit displayed by the Super Falcons, which, according to him, serves as a source of pride and unity for all Nigerians.

“This remarkable victory has once again placed Nigeria at the pinnacle of African women’s football. It is a testament to the resilience and world-class talent our nation continues to produce. The Super Falcons have proven that with the right support, Nigerian sports can dominate the global stage,” he said.

While rejoicing with Nigerians over the historic win, Prince Ikonne also used the occasion to draw attention to the declining state of sports development in Abia State, particularly the deplorable condition of Enyimba Football Club of Aba — once the pride of Nigerian club football and two-time back-to-back champions of the CAF Confederation Cup.

He expressed deep concern that Enyimba Football Club, a club that once inspired millions and put Aba and Abia State on the global sports map, has become a shadow of its glorious past due to poor management, political interference, and a lack of visionary investment.

“Enyimba FC is not just a football club; it is a cultural and economic asset to the people of Aba and Abia State. Sadly, what we now see is a politicized and struggling club that no longer commands the respect it once did across Africa. We must return Enyimba to the days of continental glory,” he stated.

Prince Ikonne called on the Abia State Government to take urgent, apolitical steps to reposition Enyimba FC by investing in modern infrastructure, hiring competent football administrators, and creating a professional ecosystem that allows the club to thrive independently of partisan politics.

He emphasized that sports development, if properly harnessed, can serve as a tool for youth engagement, crime reduction, job creation, and international recognition.

He further urged stakeholders in Abia to treat sports as serious business, worthy of the same strategic planning and investment given to other sectors.

“As we celebrate the Super Falcons, let us also look inwards and address the rot that has stifled our local sports institutions. Enyimba FC deserves better.

“The young talents in Abia deserve a platform to dream and achieve. Sports should unite and develop, not divide and frustrate,” he added.

Prince Ikonne reaffirmed his commitment to championing youth and sports development in Abia State, expressing hope that the government will rise to the occasion and restore Enyimba Football Club to its rightful place among Africa’s elite.
End

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