From Ajiya Ayuba, Bauchi

The Bauchi state commissioner of Works and Transport, Prof. Titus Saul Ketkukah yesterday disclosed that the ongoing construction of the fly overs of Wunti and Central markets is nearly completed.The commissioner, who made the disclosure while inspecting the construction work, said the construction of Wunti Market has reached 90% completion while that of the central market has reached over 80% completion.

According to him, the purpose of constructing the flyovers under the people oriented government of Bala Mohammed is meant to ease traffic, reduce accidents, provide comfort to commuters and aesthetics to the state capital. The commissioner, who noted the hardship caused to passersby due to road diversions and barricades at the project sites, expressed delight that when completed the citizens would have a better and positive impact of the Fly-Overs on their wellbeing.He said Governor Bala Mohammed has directed timely completions of the flyovers at Wunti Gate and Central Market roundabouts.He expressed optimisms that all the specifications in the project design would be strictly adhered to as well as timely completion of the flyovers.According to the commissioner, the Hydraulic structures have been completed at both sites while earthworks and asphalt overlays will be done in a short time.Ketkukah was accompanied by Director of Engineering Services, Jibrin Umar, Principal Residence Engineer at the sites, Engr. M. S Idris, his personal assistant, Andrew Dauda and others.The Commissioner, Dan-Iya of Tapshin and Jarmai of Ngas, Bauchi State urged engineers of the China Civil Engineering Construction Corporation (CCECC) engineers handling the two fly overs to make sure that they finished the construction of the bridges in time, in order for other people to continue moving smoothly.

From Dan Amasingha, Minna

The international Federation of women lawyers are seeking partnership with the Niger State Police Command for the enforcement of the law against Violence Against Persons and Prohibition (VAPP) Act.State Chairperson of FIDA, Bonlale Jibogun made the call during an advocacy visit to Niger State Commissioner of Police, Adamu Abdullahi Elleman at the command headquarters in Minna.

Jibogun, while formally welcoming the newly posted CP to the advocated for synergy between FIDA and the Police to wage war against violence against vulnerable persons. She noted that, “FIDA protects, preserves and promotes rights of women and children, as well as offering free legal services to vulnerable persons in court.According to her, the sensitisation visit was aimed at creating awareness against GBV as one of the priorities of FIDA.”We are doing this advocacy for sensitisation as an instrument to curb the menace of GBV as Penal Code does not adequately take care of the struggle”She informed the Commissioner of Police of the domestication of VAPP (Violence against Person and Prohibition Act) Law in Niger State, and encouraged the Police to enforce and prosecute rape and other violent cases under this Act, to ensure that their struggles are not in vain.She pointed out that to send a wife away from home, beat and even withdraw a child from school are offenses under the VAPP Law.The State FIDA Chairperson who also doubles as the Niger State coordinator of the Legal aid council of Nigeria requested for training and sensitisation on the Law, noting that it is not limited to women and children alone but persons generally, as the Law prohibits violence against persons, both males and females.The Commissioner of Police appreciated the FIDA executives for their efforts on GBV matters, noting that he was part of GBV Board members of NPF and narrated some incidents that were investigated and prosecuted.He noted that the Law is meant to ensure improvement on prosecution in various Courts because it’s comprehensive enough and assured of Police enforcement immediately.He directed Area Commanders and DPOs to ensure enforcement and prosecution of relevant cases under the VAPP Law.

From Dan Amasingha, Minna

In an effort to Accelerate grassroot development, Niger State Government has initiated a direct disbursement of Eight hundred and twenty two Million Naira to the 274 wards in the State to fast track development.Under the reintroduced wards development initiative, the state government announced the disbursement of N3,000,000 each of the 274 wards across the 25 local government areas in the for the implementation of Ward Development projects in the state.

Commissioner for Rural and Community Development, Phallalu Bako Mohammed and Chairman of the steering Committee made this known while on a sensitization tour of key traditional institutions across the state.He Explained Governor Umaru Bago’s commitment to reviving the Ward Development Project as a vehicle for delivering tangible development to communities across all 274 wards.The committee paid courtesy visits to the Emirate Councils of Suleja, Lapai, and Agaie to engage with traditional leaders and local stakeholders on the objectives and implementation strategy of the Ward Development Project.According to Bako “each of the warde will receive a sum of N3,000,000 to implement locally driven projects identified by community leaders and residents.“We are here to sensitize our royal fathers and community leaders that the state government has renewed focus on ward-level development.“This project is designed to empower communities for them to take ownership of their development priorities.”He added that both Ward and Local Government Development Committees, which will include representatives from traditional, religious, political, and civil society groups to ensure transparency and inclusiveness, would be established to manage the funds and supervise the execution of projects.Furthermore, he assured the traditional leaders that the steering committee would ensure that no ward is left behind and that funds would be utilized judiciously.“It is not going to be business as usual. We are committed to ensuring transparency, community participation, and value for every kobo spent,” he emphasized.Also, while commending Governor Bago for the giant strides, Commissioner for Information and Strategy, Hon. Binta Mamman said the ward development project will elevate the suffering of women who are the most vulnerable in society. Accordingly, she said “when boreholes, Primary Health Care centres and schools are working and in good shape, productivity and social economic growth will be boosted in the State.”In Lapai, the Emir, Alhaji Engineer Tafida Umaru Bago III, Emir of Agaie, Alhaji Yusuf Nuhu, Emir of Suleja, Mallam Awal Ibrahim, represented by the Madakin Suleja, Engineer Shuibu Gani commended Governor Bago’s foresight in reviving the ward development model.They noted that true progress begins at the community level and urged local leaders to ensure proper implementation and monitoring of the projects.Similarly, they called for strict accountability measures to safeguard public resources.The State Steering Committee comprises senior government officials, party leaders, and representatives of key Ministries. Phallalu Bako Mohammed serves as Chairman, with Dr. Yakubu Mohammed, Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Rural and Community Development, as Secretary.Other members include the APC State Chairman, Aminu Musa Bobi; Ibrahim Panti Commissioner for Information and Strategy, Hon. Binta Mamman; Special Adviser to the Governor on Political Matters, Nma Kolo; Alh Yahuza Abdullahi and representatives from local government councils.The sensitization tour is expected to continue across other emirates and local government areas in the coming days.