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Author: Angela Atabo

  • Aso-Golf rotary club awards scholarships to 111 indigent pupils

    Aso-Golf rotary club awards scholarships to 111 indigent pupils

    Scholarship

    By Angela Atabo

    Abuja, June 26, 2024(NAN) Rotary Club of Abuja Aso-Golf, on Tuesday awarded scholarships to 111 indigent pupils of the Science Model Primary School, Garki 11, Abuja.

    Mr Clement Chinaka, President of Rotary Club of Abuja Aso-Golf, made this known at the club’s outreach with the theme ‘Create Hope in the World’ ’in Abuja’.

    Chinaka said that the club has also donated school bags to 380 pupils and it was carrying out other projects as part of its contribution to address the out-of-school menace.

    According to him,rotary is a worldwide humanitarian organisation with the ideals of impacting  on the immediate community.

    He said that part of the ideals of the rotary was to help humanity, to make impact where it’s most needed.

     Chinaka said, “That is what we have come here to do today .Leading to this , our investigative team came to inquire and  discovered that some students could not pay sundry fees.

    ” As such they were not going to continue with their studies and probably would be stopped  from writing exams.

     “So we have paid that today for about 111 students, and also donated  school bags to them  because we know that  times are hard and parents are struggling.

    “So, this is our way of reaching out to the children, by necessary implication ,their families, to be able to assist them with what we have brought today.”

    He said that the club had to step in for the children so they could continue  schooling because education is the bedrock.

    He encouraged other well-meaning Nigerians to help indigent children adding that,” Whatever anyone can do to impact the next person positively,please we urge that it be done,”he said

    Also speaking ,Mr Ehi Uwaifo, President-nominee of Rotary Club of Abuja Aso-Golf,said the club was impacting the community through the Water Sanitation and Hygiene programme (WASH).

    “We sponsor projects in water, health, hygiene, children’s health, education,among others .

    “This is because education is the leveller,it is the only way that the son of a rich man and that of a poor man can bridge the gap in development.

    “This is just one of the projects that the club has earmarked to execute over a period,” he said.

    Uwaifo said that the club also intervenes in other schools to assist them in one way or the other.

    He added , “We have looked  at the  sanitation of the Model science primary school  and discovered that there are issues there.

    “Both the boys and girls are using the same toilet. So it is the next step of our intervention to separate them and make it more hygienic.”

    Mr Kasimi Karshi,Head Teacher,,Garki Model Science Primary School,commended the club for their intervention.

    Karshi said that the intervention was apt and it would go a long way to support their education.

     “I am very glad particularly because this project  happened in my school out of the about 160 schools within the municipality.

    “On behalf of the school authority, we are happy indeed for the programme. May God continue to bless you in abundance.,” he said.

    Some of the beneficiaries of the intervention thanked the club  for the kind gestures.

    Miss Azizzat Mustapha,a 12-year-old, Primary six pupil,said that the scholarship given to her would help her to graduate without stress.

    “Thank you for helping us to pay our school fees because some of our parents cannot pay.

    “This will help us further our education,”she said.

    Another pupil, Mr Sani Rabiu,said,  “We thank  Rotary club for the bag and school fees ,may God  will bless them with more prosperity.”(NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

    ATAB/BRM

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    Edited by Bashir Rabe Mani

  • Widows, others laud foundation over food, grants   

    A cross section of the women during the donation .

     

    Widows, others laud Foundation over food, grants

    Donation

    By Angela Atabo

    Abuja ,June 25,2024 (NAN)Widows and indigent women in Dawaki community of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), have lauded the Nikki Udezue Foundation for donating food items and grants to ameliorate their plights.

    They expressed their appreciation during an outreach organised on Tuesday by the Foundation in Dawaki, Bwari area of Abuja.

    The event was sponsored by an individual marking her birthday under the #BecauseICan initiative of Nikki Foundation.

    The founder of the, Nkeiruka Udezue, said after distributing the items that the outreach was sponsored by a Nigerian based in the United Kingdom marking her birthday.

    She said  that the gesture was to help alleviate the sufferings of the vulnerable Nigerians, considering the biting economic hardship.

    “As a Foundation, our core values are transparency and delivering on our mandate of positively impacting the lives of people, especially the less privileged in our society.

    “We are glad that Nikki Udezue Foundation is now collaborating with both local and international donors to assist the vulnerable people.

    “We serve as middlemen between public spirited donors and beneficiaries. Our commitment is that whatever that is sent to us shall be extended to the needy in our society,’’ she said.

    She said that the organisation had carried out many projects for women and children, and encouraged well-meaning Nigerians and governments to do more to assist many Nigerians.

     “We are glad that Nigerians in the diaspora are reaching out to foundations to assist people through grants, clothing and food items.

    “Truly Nigerians are faced with tough times and a lot is needed to help them live,’’ she said.

    Udezue said that  the foundation is currently distributing 20 bags of rice, oil, and other food items with a grant of N20, 000 each to 20 women.’’

    A beneficiary, Ms Sadatu Hussaini, said she was grateful to the foundation for the gesture,  noting that the gifts would help reduce the current difficulties their families were passing through.

    “Some of us don’t even have a cup of rice in our houses, with these items now; my children will eat well today.

    “We appreciate and thank you very much for doing all these for us and God will bless you and the birthday celebrator,’’ she prayed.

    Mrs Ruth James, another beneficiary commended the individual donor as well as the foundation for remembering the vulnerable in these  hard times.

    “We have not been able to buy rice for some time now because of the hike in the price of the commodity since `mudu’ went up to N3, 000 and above, but with this gesture, we will cook rice today,’’ she said.

    Mrs Funke Ojejinro prayed that God would bless the donor and the foundation for the kind gesture.(NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

    ATAB/FEO/JPE

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    Edited by Francis Onyeukwu/Joseph Edeh

  • Investment opportunities: EU-Nigeria businesses, policy makers meet 

    Investment opportunities: EU-Nigeria businesses, policy makers meet – Official

     

    Forum

    By Angela Atabo

    Abuja, June 24,2024(NAN)Nigerian and European business leaders, policy makers and institutional stakeholders will converge on Abuja on July 2, to identify and explore investment opportunities along specific value chains during the ninth European Union-Nigeria Business Forum.

    The EU Ambassador to Nigeria and ECOWAS, Samuela Isopi, made this known to newsmen on Sunday in Abuja.

    Isopi said the business forum will also facilitate trade, investment, and partnerships through networking, discussions, and policy shaping, to promote economic cooperation between the EU and Nigeria and stimulate sustainable growth for both parties.

    “It is important to note that for the first time since its inception, the 2024 edition of the EU-Nigeria Business Forum will be held in Abuja.

    ‘This will provide an opportunity for the EU, its Member States and the private sector from Europe and Nigeria to engage the new administration on their investment agendas in a transparent and inclusive manner, with a view to fostering confidence and commitment to a stronger and sustainable partnership.”

    As part of the EU Global Gateway Strategy, she explained, EU-funded projects will complement private sector investment in areas, which bring about critical social, economic, and environmental sustainability.

    In the case of Nigeria, she said, particular attention is paid to the harnessing of local talent, particularly among youth and women, as well as economic, social, and environmental resilience.

    Against this backdrop, she also said that the forum will focus on current and prospective investment in the digital, health, and agricultural sectors.

    According to Isopi, the forum will discuss options and respective benefits towards establishing a bilateral legal framework between the EU and Nigeria, bringing certainty, stability, and sustainability to bilateral trade and investment relations.

    NAN reports that latest statistics have shown that Nigeria and European Union trade volume has grown to 45 billion Euro.

    The statistics showed that this was the case as at September 2023, even as the United Nations COMTRADE database indicated that Nigeria remains EU largest trade partner, accounting for 20.9 per cent of Nigeria’s global trade.

    The EU is made up of 28 European countries, though there are 50 countries considered European..(NAN)(www.nannews.ng)
    ATAB/SH

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    edited by Sadiya Hamza

  • FCTA mobilising stakeholders to invest in children’s education, protection – Secretary

    Children

    By Angela Atabo

    Abuja, June 21, 2023 (NAN) The Federal Capital Territory Administration (FCTA) is mobilising stakeholders to invest in children’s education and support them to grow and thrive.

    Dr Adedayo Benjamins-Laniyi, the Mandate Secretary, Women Affairs Secretariat, FCTA, stated this in Abuja on Friday, during an Inter-School Quiz Competition organised to commemorate the 2024 International Day of the African Child.

    The quiz was organised by African Scholars Care Initiative, an NGO, in collaboration with the Women Affairs Secretariat.

    Benjamins-Laniyi, who was represented by the Permanent Secretary, Alhaji Adetoyi Kolawole, called on stakeholders to support the government in creating a better world for children.

    “We want a world where we will all invest in children’s education, respect their rights, welfare and create opportunities for them to grow and thrive.

    “The Federal Capital Territory Administration is promoting policies that protect children’s rights to education and access to other necessities of life that will ensure their uninterrupted growth and development.

    “The Nyesom Wike-led FCTA had established the Women Affairs Secretariat to give women and children the attention they deserved.

    The mandate secretary described children as Africa’s greatest assets, adding that with the right education and skills, they would significantly contribute to the growth and development of Nigeria and Africa at large.

    She said that the theme of the celebration, “Education for all African Children: The Time is Now”, resonates with the FCTA’s recognition of education as an important key to unlocking the potential of children.

    She called on children across Africa to focus on education and Skill acquisition for self-reliance.

    Similarly, the Country Director, Nutritional International, Dr Osita Okonkwo, also called on the government, parents and caregivers to invest in the nutritional wellbeing of children.

    In a paper entitled, “The Role of Nutrition in Education”, Okonkwo argued that good nutrition was the bedrock of child development, adding that it enables young minds and bodies to grow and flourish.

    Also, the founding partner, African Scholars Care Initiative, Ms Joy Osomiamhe, said that the organisation was galvanising support for the African child to be able to compete favourably among their peers anywhere in the world.

    Osomiamhe, however, said that this could only be achieved through the provisions of quality education and optimal nutrition to the African child.

    The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the 11 schools participated in the quiz competition, of which Local Education Authority (LEA) Primary School, Wuse Zone 2, emerged the winner.

    LEA Primary School Kpana and Pilot Nursery and Primary School Wuse, Zone 5, emerged the first and second runner-up respectively.

    One of the pupils of LEA Primary School, Wuse Zone 2, Paul Agada said: “I am very grateful to the organisers of this wonderful event.

    “This competition has inspired me and my fellow pupils to read more and aim higher. I am grateful to FCTA Women Affairs Secretariat and the African Scholars Care Initiative for giving us this opportunity.

    “It shows that our hard work and dedication can lead to success.” (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)

    ATAB/FDY

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    Edited by Philip Yatai

  • Institute, NGO decry surge in hate speech 

    A cross section of the youths during the training in Abuja.

    [contact-form][contact-field label=”Name” type=”name” required=”true” /][contact-field label=”Email” type=”email” required=”true” /][contact-field label=”Website” type=”url” /][contact-field label=”Message” type=”textarea” /][/contact-form]

    Surge

    By Angela Atabo /Emmanuel Oloniruha
    Abuja, June 20, 2023(NAN)The Institute for Peace and Conflict Resolution (IPCR) and an
    NGO, Building Blocks for Peace Foundation (BBFORPEACE), have decried the surge of hate speech in Nigeria.
    The two organisations, at a two-day Training the Trainers on Combating Hate Speech Online and Offline, called on youths to synergise and galvanise efforts to address the menace.
    The event, jointly organised by the two organisations on Thursday in Abuja, brought together no fewer than  20 young participants from across the six Area Councils of the Federal Capital Territory.
    The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports  that the training with the theme  ‘Together for Peace: Combatting Hate Speech Online and Offline’was  supported by the Nigeria Youth Futures Fund (NYFF) coordinated by LEAP Africa.
    Speaking at the event, Dr Joseph Ochogwu, Director General of IPCR  stressed the need  for  youths empowerment and positive deployment of technology to shape the narrative of hate speech in Nigeria.
    He said such would  address bigotry, disunity and create the culture of peace and foster unity in the country.
    Ochogwu  said that the training could not have come at a better time  as Nigeria continued to battle misinformation and hate speech  impacting negatively on peace, security and stability of the nation.
    Mr Rafiu Lawal, Executive Director of BBFORPEACE, in a welcome address highlighted the importance of steming the tide of hate speech in Nigeria.
    “Hate speech, harmful narratives including rumour, disinformation, fake news and ethnic phobia have had significant and far-reaching effects on many societies and Nigeria is no exception.
    “The  proliferation of hate speech and harmful narratives now poses a critical threat to Nigeria’s social fabric, intergroup relationships, and overall unity, peace, stability and development of the nation.
    “Our four peacebuilding institutions are actively working in partnership towards mitigating the dreaded phenomenon of hate speech and information disorder across all spectrums of our society.
    “This is to foster sustainable peace, stability and socio-economic development,” he said.
    While charging all stakeholders to work together to address the hate speech menace, Lawal disclosed that participants at the training would be supported technically and financially to implement small scale initiative in all the Area Councils in Abuja.
    Another participant, Mr Kamaldeen Afolabi of the Nigeria Youth Futures Fund (NYFF) Grants and MERL Specialist, underscored the need to continue to build youth capacity.
    He noted that, doing so, would  provide  opportunities for youths in order to facilitate good governance for peacebuilding
    NAN reports that the training engaged young people on various topics, including,  management and peace building, social media as a tool for advocacy, dialogue, and political participation.
    Others topics are: Nigeria’s Cybercrime Act 2024, Transforming Narratives through Story Telling among others..(NAN (www.nannews.ng)
    ATAB/ROT
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    Edited by Rotimi Ijikanmi

     

  • Find solution to out-of-school children crisis—Expert tells govts

    Find solution to out-of-school children crisis—Expert tells govts

    Children

    By Angela Atabo

    Abuja, June 16,2024 (NAN) SOS Children’s Villages Nigeria, a child-centered international organisation, has advocated urgent need to find solutions to barriers that keep millions of Nigerian children out of school.

    The National Director of SOS Children’s Villages in Nigeria, Mr Eghosa Erhumwunse, made the call during an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN), on Sunday in Abuja.

    Erhumwunse said an urgent collective effort was required to ensure that every Nigerian child had access to quality education in the safest environment.

    He said the call was imperative as the world celebrates the International Day of the African Child with the theme “Education for All: The Time is Now.”

    “There is a dire need to re-evaluate the concerns of education and the growing number of out-of-school children in Nigeria.

    “According to a recent report from UNICEF, Nigeria has the highest number of out-of-school children in the world, with about 18.4 million children out of school in Nigeria.

    “What is the fate of the Nigerian child if 1 in 3 Nigerian children is out of school and 12.4 million children have never seen the inside of a classroom”, he said.

    The director further said that 5.9 million children leave school earlier than the stipulated graduation time.

    He stressed that Nigeria accounts for 15 per cent of the global total of out-of-school children according to a 2022 UNICEF report.

    Erhumwunse  listed the barriers as conflict and insecurity, vulnerability and scarce resources, cultural and gender norms, effects of climate change, limited infrastructure, and accessibility challenges.

    “Education is not just about knowledge acquisition; it is a fundamental right and a catalyst for breaking the cycle of poverty as seen in many other countries.

    “Nigeria, as a country, must double its efforts in tackling the issues of out-of-school children in society, especially in rural communities”, he said.

    Erhumwunse said that SOS Children’s Villages prioritise the education needs of children through numerous programmes.

    The SOS Children’s Villages director in Nigeria therefore urged governments to increase reinvestment in actionable policies and implementations that would take children off the streets.

    He said that families’ economic capacities needed to be strengthened to meet the education and other needs of their young ones.

    Erhumwunse said all hands must be on deck to ensure safe and peaceful atmosphere in schools through full implementation of the Safe School Declaration across states and communities.

    He also said that communities and relevant stakeholders should create awareness on the importance of education for children.

    He also emphasised the need to implement children’s right to education as contained in the Child Rights Act.

    “Providing alternative care for children in emergencies reduces the number of out-of-school children.

    “This method provides psychosocial and educational support for children who have lost or are at risk of losing parental care.

    “It ensures that they grow in a loving environment fit and mentally ready for school and the society”, he said

    Erhumwunse also urged policymakers, educators, civil society, and individuals to renew their dedication to creating conducive environment for children to dream and aspire regardless of their circumstances.

    He said such environments would empower future generations to build a brighter and more equitable world. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

    ATAB / IEI /KUA

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    Edited by Ijendu Iheaka/Uche Anunne

  • Ex-Minister woos global investors says Nigeria’s creative industry, goldmine

    Investors

    By Angela Atabo

    Abuja, June 13, 2024 (NAN) A former Minister of Information and Culture, Alhaji Lai Mohammed has called on global investors to take advantage of the vast potentials in the Nigeria’s creative industry.

    The former minister made the call on Thursday in Germany, at a forum tagged “Giessen Meets The World” organised by the IHK Giessen-Friedberg Chambers of Commerce and Industry.

    A text of the former Minister’s presentation at the event was made available to the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in AAbuja.

    Mohammed described the nation’s creative sector as “goldmine” and “fast-growing”, stressing its impressive growth trajectory and significant contributions to the nation’s economy.

    According to him, besides huge employment creation, earnings, and entertainment, the creative industry is contributing immensely to the nation’s Gross Domestic Product (GDP).

    Mohammed, who is the Managing Partner of Bruit Costaud, a policy advisory firm, noted that Nigeria’s creative sector spans 24 diverse segments, including fashion, music, film, literature, visual arts, among others.

    Citing a research from Jobberman, the former minister said the creative sector is Nigeria’s second-largest employer, with the potential to create an additional 2.7 million jobs by 2025.

    He elaborated on the sector’s expansive value chain, which according to him, encompassed production, distribution, and marketing, thereby supporting diverse employment opportunities.

    “The creative sector serves as a powerful engine for economic growth, contributing substantially to Nigeria’s GDP through the production and distribution of creative goods and services,” Mohammed said.

    He emphasised how the industry’s value chain created numerous job opportunities, ranging from artists and performers to technicians, marketers, and administrative personnel.

    Mohammed also spoke on the profound digital transformation within the industry as well as increasing prevalence of global collaborations and cross-cultural influences.

    “The rise of online platforms, streaming services, and digital distribution channels has democratised content creation and distribution.

    This is making Nollywood films, music, fashion shows, and art exhibitions accessible to a global audience.

    “International collaborations in music, film productions, and fashion events have also elevated the industry’s global standing and expanded the global footprint of Nigerian content,” he noted.

    Speaking further, the ex-minister cited state-of-the-art film studios, cutting-edge recording facilities, and digital art spaces as key developments that have enhanced production quality and fostered innovation.

    He identified Nigeria’s youthful demography, with about 70 per cent of the population being young people, as a driving force behind the industry’s growth.

    “The youth’s engagement with and consumption of creative content continue to drive the industry’s growth,” Mohammed said.

    He pointed out that the sector’s viability and rapid growth are evident by high sales records, such as the 2023 success of the film
    “The Tribe Called Judah,” which according to him, grossed over N1 billion in less than three months.

    Mohammed attributed this success to supportive government policies and reforms, including grants, tax incentives, and the establishment of creative hubs that encouraged entrepreneurship and investment.

    Highlighting the lucrative investment opportunities in the sector, Mohammed said, Public-Private Partnerships can address the industry’s infrastructure needs.

    “Nollywood, the world’s second-largest film industry by output, presents opportunities in film production, distribution, and infrastructure development.

    “With the globalisation of music consumption and digital platforms, the Nigerian music scene offers investment prospects in production, distribution, and live events.

    “The Nigerian fashion industry is ripe for investment in design, manufacturing, retail, and global export, especially with the growing international focus on African fashion,” he said. (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)

    ATAB/ROT

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    Edited by Rotimi Ijikanmi

  • Diaspora investment crucial for national development – Expert

    Chief Amina Labinjo-Ajayi

    Diaspora investment crucial for national development – Expert

    Development

    By Angela Atabo

    Abuja, June 13, 2024 (NAN) The Chairman of Silicon Valley Nigeria Economic Developments, Chief Amina Labinjo-Ajayi, has called on the Federal Government to leverage diaspora investment and entrepreneurship for national development.

    Labinjo-Ajayi, who is also a U.S.-based humanitarian expert, made the call during an online meeting with journalists to mark Nigeria`s 25th Democracy Anniversary.

    She said that it was high time the Nigerian government shifted attention from petroleum to other sectors, such as Compressed Natural Gas, entrepreneurship development, youths’ empowerment among others to develop the country.

    “Nigeria is richly blessed in natural and human resources, we need to channel our focus and invest more in other sectors.

    “Nobody talks about petrol again these days; attentions are being shifted from it because of the effects of climate change.

    “The plan B now is compressed natural gas and as one of the CEOs of Silicon Valley, I can tell this for a fact.

    “Let us capitalise on our natural and human resources, we have smart youths and first class brains that can drive this process,” she said.

    Labinjo-Ajayi said that she had brokered over 19 billion dollars investment to Nigeria and had also signed partnership with some companies on compressed natural gas, mechanised farming among others as part of efforts to contribute to the nation`s development.

    Labinjo-Ajayi said she had also approached the management of the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC), to work with corps members on some of the projects in Nigeria.

    She, however, used the medium to call on the government to create market and promote entrepreneurship spirit among Nigerians, youths in particular to compete favourably with their counterparts in the global markets.

    “I am currently working with the Minister of Housing and Urban Development, Ahmed Dangiwa, the Federal Housing Authority and the Federal Mortgage Bank to leverage diaspora investment for housing delivery. ”

    Labinjo-Ajayi called on Nigerians all over the world to give support to the nation`s democracy, so as to achieve a better future Nigeria desired.

    “Democracy is about the people, so citizens should continue to exercise their power through active participation and engagement.

    “On this 25th anniversary of democracy; I urge you to have hope and be resilience as we are making progress in spite of the challenges. So let us continue to work together towards a brighter future.

    “Democracy is a collective effort, it is a shared responsibility, so let us embrace active citizenship and hold leaders accountable,” she said.

    Labinjo-Ajayi also stressed the need for inclusive growth and development across the country, adding that Nigeria is a country where everyone should have access to opportunities regardless of background or location. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

    ATAB/MZM/AMM

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    Edited by Okon Okon and Abiemwense Moru

     

     

     

     

  • Work will resume on Kano-Abuja road- Umahi

    Work will resume on Kano-Abuja road- Umahi
    By Angela Atabo
    Abuja, June 12, 2024(NAN) The Federal Government says work on the Abuja-Kano Road project will resume this week.

    The Minister of Works, David Umahi, made this known on Tuesday at a meeting with contractors in Abuja.

    He said that the work was paused due to disagreements over price variations, delays and funding challenges.

    He, however, said that the ministry has resolved the outstanding challenges with the contractors handling the project.

    On the Lagos-Calabar highway project, Umahi said that six lanes have been put down, especially from sections two, three and four.
    “Right now, over four kilometer of the concrete road has been completed on six lanes, so work is ongoing.
    “We paid a total compensation of close to N10 billion.We are not owing.
    “The project’s contractor is very reasonable; even when we changed alignments he did not ask us to increase cost.’’
    Umahi said that so far sections three and four of the project were being finalised.
    He said that the Federal Government was committed to delivering road projects across Nigeria, adding that President Bola Tinubu has given a matching order to begin the design of the Sokoto–Badagary road.
    He said the road would also  be a six-lane project and its economic values touches various facets.
    He said it includes irrigation opportunities, to agricultural, water for power, and also a corridor for trans-African trade.(NAN) (nannews.ng)
    ATAB/IS/
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    Edited by Ismail Abdulaziz

  • Tinubu inherited 2,600 road projects worth N15trn – Umahi

    Minister of Works,David Umahi, during the meeting.
    Projects
    By Angela Atabo
    Abuja, June 11, 2024 (NAN) The Minister of Works, David Umahi on Tuesday said President Bola Tinubu’s administration inherited 2,600 road projects nationwide worth N15 trillion.
    Umahi made this known in Abuja, at a meeting with contractors to address “some salient issues on the state of road contracts and funding”.
    ‘`When we came on board, Mr President, inherited a total of 2,600 projects totaling over 15 trillion.
    “At that time the projects were ongoing, only about N2 trillion or thereabout were certified and paid.
    “Now, we have ongoing projects of over N13 trillion.
    “Some of them are under SUKUK, some budgetary provisions over a number of years, some being funded by NNPC tax credit while some with private sector  tax credit,  among others.
    “Unfortunately, we were confronted with inflation after the fuel subsidy was removed and then the challenges of the Naira came.
    All of these made it mandatory that all projects must be looked into,” he said.
    Umahi said some of the projects had lasted for 11 months and some over 18 months and above, which made inflation to affect their  delivery
    He  noted that after a realistic look into the projects, the ministry realised the need to review most of the projects because of the conditions on ground.
    The Minister disclosed that the ministry  had appealed to the President to capture the projects in the 2024 budgetary provision, and he obliged the request.
    The Minister however, observed that the ongoing projects had very poor budgetary allocation ranging from  N50 million to N100million.
    “We also have some new projects; the constituency projects of members of National Assembly constitute over 90 per cent of the new projects.
    “These constituency projects are also of very  poor budgetary allocation  of about N100 million to  N200 million.’’
    Umahi further disclosed that the ministry had about 30 projects in its  2024 budget, with N2 billion allocation .
    He reiterated the commitment of the ministry to  innovating ways to deliver on its mandates.
    “In Spite of the challenges, we have really achieved a lot in this ministry. We have 330 projects that Mr. President approved on emergency basis totaling over N260 billion in cost.
    “As of today, we have completed over 80 per cent of such projects.
    “So, if we were to ask Mr. President to come over to commission them, there will be no time for him to do other things.
    “I think that a cumulative project of over N260 billion is quite a milestone achievement for this ministry and for Mr President” he said.
    Umahi, therefore, directed the  Permanent Secretary to instruct all Regional Directors  of the ministry, to carry out the inauguration of the projects nationwide, so that Nigerians would see what they were doing.
    The Minister also disclosed that from July, the ministry would be  inviting the president, monthly, to commission mega projects across the six geopolitical zones .(NAN)(www.nannews.ng)
    ATAB/ROT
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    Edited by Rotimi Ijikanmi