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FG Advances Renewed Hope Agenda In Plateau, Strategic Road Reconnect Communities

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Dave Umahi

FG Advances Renewed Hope Agenda In Plateau, Strategic Road Reconnect Communities

FG advances renewed hope agenda in Plateau, strategic road reconnect communities. The Federal Government has commissioned and completed emergency road infrastructure interventions in Plateau State and visited ongoing strategic road projects, including the Lafia–Shendam Road and the Babban Lamba–Sharram Road, as part of sustained efforts under the Renewed Hope Agenda to improve national connectivity and economic growth.

This is in continuation of the Ministry’s national media tour of the North Central region, in Plateau State, aimed at showcasing completed emergency repairs and ongoing road projects and highlighting its commitment to delivering critical infrastructure under the transformative leadership of the Minister of Works, Senator Engr. David Umahi, CON, FNSE, FNATE. This is in alignment with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR’s aggressive infrastructure development drive as captured in the administration’s Renewed Hope Agenda.

During the National Media Tour, several emergency and special intervention projects were commissioned. At the same time, strategic road projects were also visited, with the Babban Lamba–Sharram Road serving as the final point in the state. Upon assumption of office in May, 2023, the administration inherited 2,064 ongoing federal road projects, many of which had been abandoned due to funding constraints.

In response, the Federal Government approved 260 emergency projects nationwide, prioritising critically failed sections of the network to restore connectivity, enhance safety, and make it easier to move goods, services, and people across the country.

The Commissioning was done, on behalf of the Minister, by the Chairman of the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), Plateau State Council, Mrs. Ayiku Pwaspo. She emphasised the Federal Government’s commitment to not only initiating projects but ensuring their timely completion, in line with approved specifications, noting that improved road infrastructure remains critical to sustainable development.

Providing technical details on the projects, the Federal Controller of Works (FCW), Plateau State, Engr. Jibril Shua’ibu stated that among the commissioned interventions was the Reinstatement of Embankment Washouts of a Culvert and Bridge at kilometre 30+250 (Kwande), along the Shendam–Lafia Road, covering Chainage 38+000 to 38+200 (culvert washout) and Chainage 30+250 (bridge washout).

According to him, the project, which was awarded at a contract sum of ₦824 million, commenced in 2024 and was completed within a span of a few months, thereby restoring safe and uninterrupted traffic flow along the corridor.

At another location along the same Lafia–Shendam alignment, undertaken to address structural failure, prevent erosion, and enhance hydraulic capacity, he informed that the repairs involved the construction of a 2.0m x 1.5m double-cell box culvert beside an existing 2.0m x 1.5m single-cell, including asphalt overlay works, at Chainage 1+500.

The Controller further took the team to the site of an ongoing construction, explaining that the work covers a 16-kilometre stretch from the Lafia–Shendam Road Junction through Poeship to Ngotuguut towns. He further revealed that an additional 7-kilometre Section II of the project is undergoing procurement processes.

He disclosed that the project was awarded to Messrs Triacta Construction Company at a contract sum of approximately ₦16 billion, with a completion period of 15 months, and has currently attained about 52 percent completion, noting that earlier challenges, including funding-related issues, have been resolved and the project is now progressing well.

The Project Manager, Mr. Nakhle Abou Yaounde, reaffirmed the contractor’s commitment to delivering the project, in line with approved specifications and timelines, while commending the Federal Ministry of Works for consistent technical supervision and the host communities for their cooperation and patience.

Speaking on behalf of the host communities during the exercise, the Community Liaison Officer, Pharmacist Senpet Yitnoe, described the Lafia–Shendam Junction–Poeship–Ngotuguut Road as a “road to endless possibilities,” noting its positive impact on access to farmlands, schools, and economic opportunities, and assured the Federal Government of continued community support.

The tour also covered the Construction of Babban Lamba–Sharram Road, a 44.625-kilometre new alignment linking Babban Lamba and Sharram communities of the state. Although initially taken as a rehabilitation project, the FCW noted that the scope effectively involves the construction of a new flexible pavement, including side clearance, earthworks, sub-base, and stone base layers. He further told that while the contract was awarded in 2018 with a completion period of 24 months, progress had earlier been stalled due to funding challenges.

However, following the intervention of the Minister, the contractor has fully remobilised to the site, with active construction ongoing from the Sharram end, using multiple construction teams (gangs) and equipment spread across sections of the corridor, according to the Controller. The team witnessed a hope being renewed.

Speaking on the project, the Project Coordinator for Ric Rock Construction (Nigeria) Limited, Engr. Kenneth noted that the road, with a carriageway width of 7.3 metres and shoulders of 2.75 metres on both sides, is expected to significantly reduce travel time between communities, cutting journeys that previously took nearly two hours to about 20 minutes.

Dave Umahi

Dave Umahi

He added that the project includes multiple bridge structures within the corridor and that construction activities are ongoing at both road and bridge locations, with strong cooperation from the host communities.

Similarly, the Site Agent for the project, Engr. Augustine Imiere stated that the Babban Lamba–Sharram Road is designed to open up markets, enhance access to businesses, and improve socio-economic activities across connected communities and beyond.

He disclosed that the project includes hydraulic structures, drainage facilities, and five bridges, including multi-span ones at different locations, and expressed confidence that with continued support from the Ministry and cooperation from the communities, the project would be delivered soon.

Economy

Eid-el-Fitr: President Tinubu Felicitates Muslims, Urges Renewed Unity, Patriotism

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Senator Adeola

Eid-el-Fitr: President Tinubu Felicitates Muslims, Urges Renewed Unity, Patriotism

Eid-el-Fitr: President Tinubu felicitates Muslims, urges renewed unity, patriotism. Mr Tinubu called on Muslims to reflect on the spiritual lessons of Ramadan.

The president urged them to renew commitment to national unity, peaceful coexistence, and service to humanity as they celebrate the festival across the country on Friday.

This is contained in a statement issued by presidential spokesperson, Bayo Onanuga, on Thursday in Abuja.

Mr Tinubu called on Muslims to reflect on the spiritual lessons of Ramadan, noting that the holy month teaches discipline, sacrifice, compassion, and devotion to God and humanity.

He said: “We have a lot to draw from the noble lessons of Ramadan, especially at a time like this.

“We must continue to abide by the virtues of piety, selflessness, perseverance, kindness and compassion beyond this period.”

The president emphasised the need for Nigerians to remain united across religious and ethnic lines, stressing that national cohesion remains vital for sustainable peace and development.

He urged Muslims to extend acts of kindness and charity to the less privileged, irrespective of religious or ethnic background, in line with the enduring values of Islam.

Mr Tinubu noted that such gestures would strengthen social bonds, promote inclusiveness, and reinforce the spirit of brotherhood that defines the Nigerian society.

The president also called on religious leaders to use the occasion to offer prayers for peace, stability, and economic prosperity across the country.

Senator Adeola

Tinubu

He expressed optimism that with collective efforts, Nigeria would overcome its challenges and achieve lasting progress for the benefit of all citizens.

Mr Tinubu wished Muslims a joyous celebration, praying that the blessings of Ramadan would bring renewed hope, strength, and guidance to individuals, families, and the nation.

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Economy

Tinubu Government Addressing Persistent Gas Shortage Causing Drop In Power Supply: Adelabu

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International Oil Companies

Tinubu Government Addressing Persistent Gas Shortage Causing Drop In Power Supply: Adelabu

Tinubu Government addressing persistent gas shortage causing drop in power supply: Adelabu. ”The reforms initiated by President Bola Tinubu are beginning to take root, and Nigerians will soon witness the full benefits,” the minister said.

Power Minister Adebayo Adelabu says the federal government has taken decisive steps to address persistent gas supply challenges affecting electricity generation.

Mr Adelabu said this on Thursday in his Eid-el-Fitr message made available by Bolaji Tunji, his special adviser on strategic communication and media relations.

He expressed optimism that these interventions were already yielding gradual improvements and would significantly enhance power supply in the near future.

“Concrete measures are being implemented to ensure more reliable and sustainable electricity for homes, businesses, and industries.

”The reforms initiated by President Bola Tinubu are beginning to take root, and Nigerians will soon witness the full benefits,” the minister said.

According to him, sustained public trust and cooperation are critical to the administration’s reform agenda.

He said the president was actively repositioning Nigeria on the global stage to attract investment and foster development.

“As we celebrate, we take pride in the strides being made under Mr President’s leadership, including his recent engagements in the United Kingdom, which promise significant gains in investment, bilateral relations, and economic cooperation.

”These milestones underscore a new direction for our nation. I urge all Nigerians to continue supporting these efforts so that the gains can be consolidated for the benefit of all,” he said.

Mr Adelabu also urged Nigerians to carry forward the spirit of sacrifice cultivated during the 30 days of Ramadan into a sustained commitment to national development.

He said collective discipline and selflessness remained vital to unlocking the nation’s vast potential.

The minister said that through continued personal and national sacrifice, the transformative agenda of Mr Tinubu would increasingly translate into tangible progress across key sectors of the economy.

International Oil Companies

Tinubu Government

“Let me warmly felicitate Nigerians, particularly our Muslim brothers and sisters, on this auspicious occasion. The past 30 days have been devoted to spiritual renewal, self-denial, and a recommitment to faith and righteousness.

”As we have individually sought purification and growth, we must now extend that same spirit of sacrifice to our nation through unwavering dedication to its progress.

”The challenges we face today are, without doubt, the building blocks of a more prosperous tomorrow,” he said.

Mr Adelabu called for unity, patience, and shared responsibility, noting that enduring national progress could only be achieved through collective sacrifice and steadfast commitment to a common vision.

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Economy

Nigeria Sign Agreements With UK On Migration, Business Visas, Border Security

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Nigerian Asylum Seekers

Nigeria Sign Agreements With UK On Migration, Business Visas, Border Security

Mr Tunji-Ojo acknowledged that Nigeria had an existing, commendable working relationship with the UK Home Office.

Hon Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo (Chairman, House Committee for Niger Delta Development Commission)
Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo
The federal government of Nigeria and the United Kingdom have signed three memoranda of understanding (MoUs) to strengthen bilateral cooperation.

The agreements cover a migration partnership, cooperation on organised immigration crime and border security, and a statement of intent to expand business visas for UK companies operating in Nigeria.

The Minister of Interior, Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, signed two of the MoUs on Wednesday and the third on Thursday on behalf of the federal government in the UK, according to a statement by his media aide, Babatunde Alao.

Mr Tunji-Ojo said the agreements reflected Nigeria’s commitment to a migration framework that is transparent and aligned with national interests and international obligations.

The minister said the partnership underscored a shared determination to build a migration system that is safe, orderly and mutually beneficial.

He added that the focus over the next year would be on achieving measurable progress and effective implementation, expressing hope that the agreements would serve as a model for future bilateral cooperation.

Mr Tunji-Ojo acknowledged that Nigeria had an existing, commendable working relationship with the UK Home Office.

“This relationship with the UK means a lot to us, and you can see the level of commitment that President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has put in,” Mr Tunji-Ojo said.

He reiterated that Nigeria remained steadfast in its duty to protect citizens while ensuring that those who abuse legal pathways or engage in criminality are held accountable.

While signing on the expansion of business visas for UK companies, Mr Tunji-Ojo said that, following Mr Tinubu’s bold reforms, the use of visas serves as a catalyst for socio-economic development in Nigeria.

Mr Tunji-Ojo emphasised that, in building a trillion-dollar economy, Nigeria must cut trade barriers, including those on irregular migration.

The UK Home Secretary, Shabana Mahmood, said Nigeria will always be categorised as number one in successful bilateral relations.

“We are obviously always having bilateral discussions with other countries; however, you will always be number one because you are the first to have gotten such an extensive agreement, and we really do appreciate it.

“I think we both understand one another, and I think we have a shared vision here for the work that our countries can do together, and I really do appreciate it,” the home secretary said.

During the signing of the third MoU, UK trade envoy Florence Eshalomi stated that the agreement to expand business visas for UK companies would bring clear benefits to both countries.

Ms Eshalomi attributed the heightened partnership as a bold step, vital for economic growth in Nigeria.

The MoU on Migration Partnership establishes a comprehensive framework for promoting safe, orderly, and regulated migration between the two countries, while reaffirming full respect for national laws, international obligations, and human rights.

In addition, the Statement of Intent on Cooperation on Organised Immigration Crime and Border Security establishes a three-year strategic plan between the UK Home Office and Nigeria’s Ministry of Interior (Nigeria) to combat criminal networks that profit from irregular migration.

Nigerian Asylum Seekers

Nigeria Sign Agreements With UK

The MoU on the Expansion of Business Visas for UK Companies Working with Nigeria announces the expansion of the Business Visa Scheme for UK companies seeking to conduct business in Nigeria, mirroring the UK’s existing enhanced processes for trusted Nigerian companies.

The scheme will be open to credible UK-domiciled firms with verified business or investment interests in Nigeria and is designed to facilitate easier mobility for legitimate business travellers between the two countries.

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