Economy
Federal Government Inaugurates N18.8bn Water Project In Benue
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.
President Tinubu Appoints Oloriegbe As NHIA Chairman
President Tinubu appoints Oloriegbe as NHIA chairman. Mr Oloriegbe served as the chairman of the Senate committee on health from 2019 to 2023.
President Bola Tinubu has appointed Ibrahim Oloriegbe as chairman of the National Health Insurance Authority (NHIA), effective March 11.
The appointment of the former Kwara central senator would be for an initial term of four years, Bayo Onanuga, the president’s spokesman, said in a statement on Sunday.
Mr Oloriegbe represented Kwara central senatorial district at the ninth senate of the National Assembly.
He holds a Master’s in Coaching and Consultation from the University of Oxford, UK, and HEC, Paris, and a Bachelor of Medicine and Surgery from the Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria, Kaduna State.
Tinubu Appoints Oloriegbe
He is a member of the Nigerian Medical Association (NMA), Association of General and Private Medical Practitioners of Nigeria (AGPMPN), Nigeria Venereal Disease Association, Guild of Medical Directors of Nigeria, International Aids Society (IAS), and the Africa Health Leadership and Management Network.
Mr Oloriegbe served as the chairman of the Senate committee on health from 2019 to 2023 and the chairman of the Joint National Assembly Committee on Health.
Eid-el-Fitr: Atiku Urges Leaders To Prioritise Welfare Of Nigerians, God’s Fear
Eid-el-Fitr: Atiku urges leaders to prioritise welfare of Nigerians, God’s fear. He also urged leaders to lead in the fear of God.
Aformer vice president, Atiku Abubakar, has admonished leaders at all levels to prioritise the wellbeing of Nigerians.
Mr Abubakar made the plea in a statement by his Media Adviser, Paul Ibe on Sunday in Abuja. He also urged leaders to lead in the fear of God.
“While the Ramadan season encourages charity to the less privileged, it becomes imperative on leaders to make sure that after Ramadan, governments initiate interventions that will ensure that wellbeing and welfare of the people are sustained.
“It is important to call the attention of those in positions of authority to the practices of the Noble Prophet Muhammad (SAW) that teaches about obligations of leadership to the people.
“It is not enough that the government will ask that the people should brace themselves for harsh economic conditions.
“It is more sufficient for the leadership to show compassion on the masses and by acting with fear of God,” Mr Abubakar said.
Atiku
Mr Abubakar congratulated the Muslim faithful in Nigeria and around the world on the successful completion of the Ramadan fasting.
He described the completion of Ramadan fasting as a blessing from the Almighty.
He reminded Muslim faithful that the celebration of Eid-el-fitri, “should be an opportunity to remind ourselves to continue to intensify the good deeds that were embraced during Ramadan.
He also advised people to continue to pray for progress in their private lives and that of Nigeria.
Eid-el-Fitr: Power Minister Adebayo Adelabu Urges Tolerance, Peaceful Co-Existence
Eid-el-Fitr: Power minister Adebayo Adelabu urges tolerance, peaceful co-existence. The minister also prayed for Nigeria’s peace, progress, and prosperity.
The Minister of Power, Adebayo Adelabu, has called for unity, tolerance, and peaceful co-existence among all Nigerians, irrespective of religious or ethnic differences.
According to a statement by his media aide, Bolaji Tunji, the minister made the call in his message to the Muslims on Sunday.
The minister said, “National development could only thrive in an atmosphere of harmony and mutual respect.”
Mr Adelabu commended the Muslim faithful for their devotion, sacrifice, and steadfastness during Ramadan, urging them to sustain the virtues of piety, charity, and unity beyond the holy month.
He said the self-discipline exhibited during fasting should inspire Nigerians to work collectively towards national progress, particularly in critical sectors such as power.
”As we celebrate Eid, let us carry forward these values in our daily lives, fostering harmony and contributing to the growth of our nation,” he said.
Mr Adelabu reassured Nigerians of the federal government’s unwavering commitment to improving electricity supply nationwide.
He acknowledged the challenges faced by citizens and reiterated the ministry’s dedication to implementing sustainable solutions that would ensure stable, affordable, and reliable power for all.
”We are working tirelessly to address infrastructure gaps, enhance generation, strengthen transmission and distribution networks to meet the energy needs of every Nigerian, including our Muslim brothers and sisters celebrating the joyous occasion,” he said.
Power Minister Adebayo Adelabu
Mr Adelabu, however, urged Nigerians to support government efforts by promoting energy conservation, reporting illegal connections, and safeguarding power installations in their communities.
The minister also prayed for Nigeria’s peace, progress, and prosperity, adding that with collective effort and divine guidance, the country would overcome its challenges and achieve greater heights.
”May the blessings of Eid bring joy, peace, and fulfilment to every home. May Allah (SWT) accept our acts of worship, grant our nation enduring peace, and bless us with prosperity,” he said.
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