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Federal Government Inaugurates N18.8bn Water Project In Benue

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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

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.

Economy

Lagos Assembly Strongly Seeks Suspension Of Makoko Demolition

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Lagos Assembly

Lagos Assembly Strongly Seeks Suspension Of Makoko Demolition

Lagos assembly strongly seeks suspension of Makoko demolition. The Lagos state house of assembly has called for the suspension of demolition activities in Makoko, Oko-Agbon and Shogunro waterfront communities following protests by displaced residents and growing public concern over the exercise.

The call was announced on Tuesday by Noheem Adams, chairman of an ad hoc committee set up by Mudashiru Obasa, speaker of the house, during a stakeholders’ meeting held at the Lateef Jakande auditorium.

Adams called on all state ministries to cease demolition work and promised compensation to the affected residents.
“On behalf of the speaker and all 40 members of the house, we are directing that all demolitions in Makoko, Oko-Agbon, and Shogunro communities should stop from today until further notice,” New Telegraph quoted Adams as saying.

He called for transparency by demanding the full list of taskforce members and the criteria used for engagement, insisting that residents must be actively involved in the process.

“That the taskforce that was constituted, we want to see the list of the taskforce because we want the residents to be duly involved and to be carried along. So we want to have the schedule of those task forces and the criteria for those that we are inviting,” Adams added.

Lagos Assembly

Lagos Assembly

“To the residents of Makoko, Oko-Agbon and Shogunro communities, as your representatives, we are giving you all assurances that they will stop demolitions henceforth and there will be compensations for all those whose properties have been demolished.”

Stephen Ogundipe, member of the ad-hoc, said there is need for clear communication, adding that residents targeted for relocation or redevelopment must be informed of the government’s plans in advance.

Babatunde Olajide, special adviser to governor of Lagos on E-GIS and urban renewal, confirmed that $2 million had been earmarked since 2021 to transform Makoko into a modern, internationally compliant water city.

He said enumeration of affected properties is underway and reiterated the administration’s commitment to handling the situation with a human face, prioritizing resident safety and fair compensation.

Yusuf Sagra, baale of Makoko, described the assembly’s decision as a “word of peace,” while Orioye Ogungbure, another leader of the community, praised the “democratic responsiveness” of the government.

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Crime

EFCC Arrests Kannywood Star, Samha Inuwa for Alleged Naira Mutilation In Viral Video

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EFCC Probes Man

EFCC Arrests Kannywood Star, Samha Inuwa for Alleged Naira Mutilation In Viral Video

EFCC arrests Kannywood Star, Samha Inuwa for alleged naira mutilation in viral video. The Kano Zonal Directorate of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC,   on Tuesday, February 3, 2026  arrested a Kannywood Star, Samha Inuwa over alleged Naira mutilation.

Inuwa was arrested following a viral video circulated on social media platforms where she was seen conspicuously cleaning mucus from her nose using Naira notes.

EFCC Probes Man

EFCC

Following the release of the viral video, the Commission swung into action by tracing and subsequently arrested her to answer questions.
She is currently being held at the Commission’s detention facility while investigation is ongoing.

The suspect will be charged to court upon conclusion of investigations.

Dele Oyewale
Head,  Media & Publicity
February 3, 2026

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Economy

Access Bank Gets New Board Chair Ifeyinwa Osime

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National Bank Of Kenya

Access Bank Gets New Board Chair Ifeyinwa Osime

Access Bank gets new board chair Ifeyinwa Osime. Access Bank Plc has appointed Ifeyinwa Osime as chair of the board of directors, following the retirement of Paul Usoro, on January 29.

Access Bank Plc has appointed Ifeyinwa Osime as chair of the board of directors, following the retirement of Paul Usoro, on January 29, according to a statement to the Nigerian Exchange Ltd. on Monday.

Ms Osime, a legal practitioner, joined Access Bank’s board in November 2019 as an independent non-executive director and had chaired its Human Resources and Sustainability Committee and the Governance, Nomination, and Remuneration Committee. This role made her contribute significantly to the bank’s corporate governance, leadership development, and sustainability initiatives.

Additionally, Ms Osime is a director at Ebudo Trust Ltd. and a partner at McPherson Legal Practitioners, where she advises on corporate and commercial matters and contributes to strategic leadership.

She is also a member of the Nigerian Bar Association, the Women Corporate Directors, Nigeria Chapter, and the Chartered Institute of Directors, Nigeria, where she serves on the Executive Committee of the Women Sectoral Group.

National Bank Of Kenya

Access Bank Gets New Board Chair Ifeyinwa Osime

Beyond her professional responsibilities, Ms Osime is committed to mentoring youths and is actively involved in the Autism and Developmental Delays Support Community, reflecting her dedication to inclusion and social impact.
Speaking on her appointment, the group chairman, Aigboje Aig-lmoukhuede, said, “Mrs Osime is a principled and experienced leader with a deep understanding of the Bank’s strategy and values.

“She has demonstrated strong commitment to the bank’s vision and mission, and I am confident that, under her leadership, the bank will continue to advance its strategic objectives of delivering sustainable value to shareholders and other stakeholders in the pursuit of its vision to become the world’s most respected African bank.”

Mr Aig-lmoukhuede also congratulated Mr Usoro on the completion of his tenure and on his exemplary leadership, dedication, and significant contributions to the group, saying he remains a valued member of the Access family.

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