From Sylvia Udegbunam Enugu 

The outgoing 2024, Batch “B”, Stream Two of the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) members serving in Isi-Uzo Local Government Area (LGA) of Enugu State have lauded the state governor, Dr. Peter Mbah, on improved security and good governance touching every nook and cranny of the state.

This was even as they presented an Award of Excellence to the Isi-Uzo Council Chairman in recognition of what they described as his outstanding achievements in working with the governor to enhance security and promote rural dtransformation in LGA.

Recall that the Mbah Administration has initiated and completed the 21.7km Agu-Mgbuji-Ogbete road in Eha-Amufu, began the creation of of access road to Ikpakpara-Aguamede, also to Ikem-Nkwo, to enhance security, while the 40km Owo-Ubahu-Amankanu-Neke-Ikem dual carriageway is ongoing.

Governor Mbah is also constructing both a Smart Green School and a Type 2 Primary Healthcare Centre in each of the 11 political wards of the LGA, in addition to farm estate earmarked for each ward.

Meanwhile, presenting the Council Chairman, the NYSC members led by their Corps Liaison Officer (CLO), Beem Christopher JighJigh, also commended what they described as Barr. Obeagu’s tireless efforts in ensuring the safety of lives and property in Isi-Uzo.

They specifically highlighted his initiatives in equipping and training security personnel, and deploying adequate logistics to facilitate prompt security surveillance. These interventions, they noted, have significantly contributed to the overall security landscape of the local government area.

A Corps member, Miss Olayinka Ogunyemi Oritsemigho, expressed her gratitude to Hon. Obeagu for the cordial relationship and support extended to Corps members and helping to transport them from the Orientation Camp in Awgu LGA to Isi-Uzo upon the completion of their orientation, describing the gestures as a clear proof of his commitment to the welfare of the citizenry.

They also noted  the Council’s investment in infrastructure development, including roads, bridges, and public facilities, which they said had improved quality of life and enhanced economic opportunities for residents.

Responding, Barr. Obeagu expressed his sincere appreciation for the Corps members’ conduct and praised their numerous community service initiatives.

He encouraged the outgoing Batch B Corps members to leverage their experiences gained during their service year to become productive partners in nation-building and promoting national unity.

“First, I want to thank you, on behalf of our dear Governor and the good people of Isi-Uzo for your kind words for the governor and the honour bestowed on me by way of this award.

“It gladdens the heart to see people from various parts of Nigeria testify to the level at which we are improving security in Enugu State in general and Isi-Uzo in particular, and the monumental development going on in the state.

“Your colleagues in other parts of the state must have informed you that the construction of Smart Green Schools, Type 2 Healthcare Centers, Farm Estates, roads and others are going on in every of the 260 wards.

“So, as you depart Isi-Uzo to your various states, you have seen how secure the state is and how friendly our people are. You have seen that though tribe and tongue may differ, in brotherhood we stand. So, go and spread the message of unity and mutual respect,” he added.

Obeagu also reiterated his administration’s commitment to prioritizing the welfare of Corps members and supporting the NYSC activities of the corps members.

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Dangote Advocates Budget-Friendly Mass Housing for Nigerians

Dangote Cement Plc has urged stakeholders in the housing industry to consider budget-friendly mass housing scheme for Nigerians.

Speaking at the ongoing Africa International Housing Show, the National Sales Director, Dangote Cement Plc, Dolapo Alli, said: “Addressing housing issues requires collaboration among various stakeholders, including government agencies, private developers, non-profits, and communities.

“Through PPP models, the government may initiate the construction of new estates, while companies and firms in the building and construction sector can be granted tax waivers and credits to facilitate the financing of new and affordable housing developments.

Mr. Alli, who was speaking at the company’s Special Day said mass housing is one of the several strategies used to address the challenge of providing adequate housing for the public, adding that the approach had helped to tackle the pressures of rapid urbanisation in numerous countries around the world.

He commended the efforts of the Federal Government in implementing mass housing programmes, adding that more gaps need to be covered.  

He said: “Nigeria, through the Renewed Hope Housing Initiative, has taken commendable steps toward addressing the critical gap in access to affordable housing finance. This initiative signals a strong commitment to making homeownership more accessible for citizens, particularly low- and middle-income earners.

“However, given the scale of the nation’s housing deficit—estimated in the millions—much more needs to be done. There is a pressing need for broader collaboration across public and private sectors to unlock innovative financing solutions, streamline regulatory processes, and scale up delivery to meet the growing demand for decent and affordable housing.”

He identified several challenges affecting the provision of affordable housing in Nigeria.

Some of the challenges, he said, include: rapid urbanization, population growth, knowledge gap in housing, high cost of land acquisition, rising cost of construction materials, lack of basic infrastructure, inaccurate housing demographics and limited access to long-term and low-cost financing.

He said the continued participation of the company in the Africa International Housing Show stems from the conviction that the gathering has made a meaningful impact by generating ideas and fostering partnerships that contribute to providing shelter for Nigerians.

He urged governments at all levels to implement effective policies and make available lands for mass housing in Nigeria.

The Dangote Cement Plc is one of the sponsors of the Africa International Housing Show (AIHS) which closes on Friday August 1, 2025.

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By Mike Odiakose, Abuja

Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Magistrate Courts in Kuje and Karu have remanded the eight suspected burglars of the Social Democratic Party’s (SDP) national secretariat in prison.

Recall that on Monday, July 28, the SDP national secretariat was invaded and burgled by some persons suspected to be working for some politicians, carting away administrative papers, payment vouchers, official stamps, bank books and office equipment.

A statement by the SDP National Publicity Secretary, Araba Rufus Aiyenigba, said the eight suspects, comprising seven men and one woman, had been arrested by the police and arraigned before the two Magistrate’s courts on Tuesday, July 29 and Thursday, July 31.

The courts later remanded them in Keffi, Kuje and Suleja Prisons, respectively.

According to the statement, the suspects were arrested by the FCT Police Command and initially kept in the Criminal Investigation Department (CID) custody before they were charged to courts.

The suspects, according to the statement, include Ambo Ekpenyong, Humphrey Onwukaeze, Eluwa Ifeanyi Henry, Chief Solsuema Osaro and Nurudeen Bissallah.

The other three are Dogara Abubakar, Adamu Abubakar Modibbo and Judith Isreal Shuaibu.

Part of the statement reads: “All the eight invaders were detained in police custody and charged to court on Tuesday and Thursday, July 29 and 31, respectively.
“The materials recovered from them were tendered in court by the police prosecution team.”

Aiyenigba alleged that the former Governor of Kaduna State, Mallam Nasiru Elrufai made frantic efforts to bail the eight accused persons but failed.

“They are currently in the three prisons awaiting their days in court for hearing of the cases against them,” he said.