Federal Government Inaugurates N18.8bn Water Project In Benue

Federal government inaugurates N18.8bn water project in Benue. He noted that the project would improve the lives of an estimated 506,000 residents by providing access to potable water.

President Bola Tinubu on Thursday inaugurated the upgrade of the Buruku-Gboko water supply project, valued at ₦18.8 billion.

The project, located in Ameladu, Gboko Local Government Area of Benue State, is a major underground water collection site in the region.

The project, originally conceived in 1992 by former President Ibrahim Babangida to provide clean and safe drinking water to Gboko, Buruku, and environs, was neglected by successive administrations.

Speaking at the groundbreaking ceremony, Mr Tinubu, represented by the minister for water resources and sanitation, Joseph Utsev, said the project aligned with his administration’s Renewed Hope Agenda.

“The project is a clear demonstration of the government’s commitment to improving the lives of our citizens, which aligns with President Bola Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda of providing one of the most essential necessities to the populace.

“The Buruku/Gboko Water Supply Project was initially conceived as the ‘Gboko-Yandev Water Supply System’ but has now been renamed the ‘Rehabilitation and Upgrading of Buruku/Gboko Water Supply Project,” Mr Utsev explained.

The minister stated that the rehabilitation and upgrade of the Buruku/Gboko Water Supply Scheme aimed to restore the vandalised waterworks at Ameladu, Mkar in Gboko, and the Buruku Water Supply Scheme.

He noted that the project would improve the lives of an estimated 506,000 residents by providing access to potable water and reducing the risk of waterborne diseases.

Mr Utsev explained that water would be sourced from the Katsina Ala River via an intake structure on the riverbank.

It would then be transported over a distance of 17 kilometres for purification and treatment before being distributed as potable water to Gboko, Mkar, and neighbouring communities.

He disclosed that the project would be executed by Messrs Ceylon Construction Services Limited at a cost of N18.8 billion, inclusive of all relevant taxes, with a completion timeline of 18 months.

“The scope of work includes the complete rehabilitation of the water intake and treatment plant at Gboko and the supply and installation of three low- and high-lift pumps with a motor power rating of 400V/50Hz.

“It has a discharge capacity of 380–440 m³/h at a head of 18–22 metres, along with an associated control panel adaptable to a solar power source using an RSI Hybrid 30KW VFD inverter.

“Other works at Buruku include the supply and installation of a 150m³/hr package water treatment plant with associated electromechanical equipment at Buruku station,” Mr Utsev added.

He urged the Benue government to provide the necessary support to the team of engineers and experts handling the project to ensure its successful completion.

Tap water

In his remarks, Benue Governor Hyacinth Alia commended Mr Tinubu for fulfilling his campaign promise to address the people’s long-standing challenge of accessing safe drinking water.

Represented by his deputy, Samuel Odeh, Mr Alia described the project as monumental, noting that it had been abandoned for decades.

He urged residents to take ownership of the project and ensure its sustainability.
“The project belongs to the people of Benue. I appeal to you not to harass the contractors so they can complete the work on time,” Mr Alia said.

Also speaking, the paramount ruler of the Tiv nation, the Tor Tiv, His Royal Majesty James Ayatse, assured that the community would take full ownership of the project and protect it.

First Lady Oluremi Tinubu Urges Nigerians To Show Love Amid Economic Hardship

First Lady Oluremi Tinubu urges Nigerians to show love amid economic hardship. She admonished everyone to take one person at a time and lend a helping hand to such.

First lady Oluremi Tinubu has called on Nigerians to extend hands of love toward one another to ameliorate the economic challenges faced by ordinary citizens.

She said this on Thursday in the State House banquet hall during Iftar (breaking of fast).

The event is with former first ladies of Nigeria, female National Assembly members, wives of national assembly members and other government dignitaries.

Mrs Tinubu stressed that the administration of President Bola Tinubu was doing all it can to improve the country and make life better for the citizens.

She admonished everyone to take one person at a time and lend a helping hand to such.

The first lady said that the Muslim Ramadan and Christian Lent that coincided this year were ordained by God for the betterment of Nigerians.

She said that the period of fasting is a time of sober reflection for both the Muslim and Christian faithful.

“The Muslim umah should continue in the virtues which they exhibited during the Ramadan, and they should always pray for God‘s mercy,” Mrs Tinubu said.

First Lady Oluremi Tinubu

Earlier, the wife of the vice president, Nana Shettima, thanked the first lady for organising the Iftar that brought people together to share in the spirit of the time.
She urged everyone to remember the president and his cabinet members as well as the nation in prayers at all times.

The vice chancellor of Azman University, Kano, Fatima Mukhtar, gave a lecture on the spiritual significance and teachings of Ramadan.

Thereafter, prayers were also offered for President Tinubu and the entire citizens.

Umo Eno Flag Off 32.4km Roads Construction In Akwa Ibom Community

Umo Eno flag off 32.4km roads construction in Akwa Ibom community… assures of quality road network across the State

Akwa Ibom State Governor, Pastor Umo Eno, has flagged off 10.9km Use Ikot Amama road with two bridges of 40m and 20m spans and a 21.5km Ikot Anyan Ediene road with 60m span bridge in Ibiono Ibom and Ikono Local Government Areas of the State.

Inaugurating the road project at Ibiono Ibom Local Government Area, Governor Eno stressed the significance of the road which connects Ibiono Ibom with Ikono LGA and tasked the construction firm, Setraco Limited, to deliver the project according to specifications.

He said, “We trust in the capacity of Setraco Limited to maneuver this hilly terrain and come out with a quality road as expected. You are one of the best road contractors and that was reason you were chosen to handle this project.

“We are determined to seamlessly connect every part of this State with an economically-viable road network. Road infrastructure is a critical catalyst for development, and we are determined to ensure that we holistically raise the bar of development in all sectors of our economy be it tourism, healthcare, transportation or otherwise.”

Governor Eno appreciated the people of Ibiono Ibom for supporting his administration, reiterating the resolve of his administration to deliver on his mandate.

He commented the Senate President, Senator Goodwill Akpabio, for his vision of taking development to the area during his administration and he promised to ensure that the people benefit from more dividends of democracy .

Member representing Itu and Ibiono in the House of Representatives, Chairman of the Local Government Council, Hon. Asuakak Umoh, Paramount Ruler of the Area, HRM Okuku (Dr.) Ime Inyang, Member representing Ibiono Ibom State Constituency in the House of Assembly, Hon. Moses Essien, in their goodwill messages, praised the Governor for taking development to all nooks and crannies of the State and pledged the people’s support for his government beyond 2027.

At Ikono Local Government Area where the Governor flagged off the 21.5km road project linking Ikot Anyan Ediene -Ikot Ntia-Urua Naira -Ikot Nseyen Nkwot-Nung Ukim Villages with 60m span bridge, the Governor spoke of his administration’s desire to provide neccesary infrastructure to boost the economy and develop agribusiness.

He described his administration as people – centric, saying that his investment in road infrastructure is geared towards enhancing the well-being of the people and the tourist potentials of the State.

The Governor therefore, commended the youths of the area for cooperating with the contractors to ensure prompt delivery of projects, urging them to engage in meaningful endeavours and protect public facilities in their domain.

Governor Eno informed the people that he would extend the ongoing street lighting project in Uyo, the State Capital to the local communities and sued for peace and cooperation with all levels of government for the development to thrive.

Umo Eno Flag Off 32.4km Roads

In their goodwill messages, House member for Ikono State Constituency, Hon Asuquo Udo, Commissioner for Trade and Investment, Dr Ubong Inyang, Council Chairman, Hon. Otobong Essien, also commended the Governor for leading a people-centric administration which takes development to the people using the ARISE Agenda blueprint and pledged the peoples’ support to his administration.

On his part, the Chief Executive Officer of the contracting firm, Hensek Integrated Services, Engr. Uwem Okoko, in his statement of commitment, assured of timely delivery of the project to Ikono people and particularly appreciated the Governor for his development strides across the State.