Category: Metro

Building

By Angela Atabo

Abuja ,June 6,2024(NAN) The Nigerian Building and Road Research Institute (NBRRI), says adherence to code of practice and  use of standard materials are critical to attaining building construction sustainability in Nigeria.

Prof. Samson Duna, Director General/Chief Executive Officer of NBRRI, stated this at the presentation of the 2023 NBRRI Scorecard to stakeholders on Thursday in Abuja

Duna said the institute carried out a robust research on building collapse in Nigeria.and the outcomes were revealing, while far-reaching recommendations were made.

“The investigation reveals that sub-standard materials, poor workmanship, poor supervision, lack of proper topography and soil investigation, absence of building or planning permit ,corruption ,inadequate designs are major factors of building collapse,” he said.

The institute’s CEO appealed to construction industry workers to use materials that meet the standard specification in construction and follow the code of practice.

He said that the Code of Practice is a guide enabling professionals in the construction sector to do the right thing as expected and not to cut corners.

Duna added that the code of practice covers construction areas like the labour, material, machines and manpower.

He added that, when construction workers adhere to the code of practice, the case of building collapse would be a thing of the past.

“My advice and appeal to professionals in the construction industry is that they should adhere to the standard requirement for the use of any material in construction.

“If you want to be sure that you using quality materials like steel; you have to take it to the lab and test it to ensure that the material you are using meets the standard specification.

“If you are asked to produce a grade of 25 or a grade of 30, ensure that you use a mixed ratio that is standard to give you that specification of the required grade.

“Most of our infrastructure does not last long because we hardly adhere to specifications, ’ he said.

Duna said that through the Institute’s intervention in conducting studies on building collapse, the incidences was declining.

He said that NBRRI as a research institute had come up with some of the best labs in the country, in measuring construction materials like cement, concrete, steel among others. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

ATAB/ROT

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Edited by Rotimi Ijikanmi

SCOAN marching forward 3 years after TB Joshua’s death

SCOAN

By Uchenna Eletuo

Lagos, June 6, 2024 (NAN) The Synagogue Church of All Nations (SCOAN) has continued to expand in spite of the death of the Founder, Pastor Temitope Joshua (TB Joshua), three years ago.

The SCOAN Director of Public Affairs, Pastor Dare Adejumo, gave the assurance in an interview wiith the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on Thursday in Lagos.

Adejumo said that  the church, now under the leadership of Joshua’s widow, Evelyn, had been full of  activities.

He said that SCOAN, with headquarters at Ikotun Egbe, Lagos State, had inaugurated its Akure Branch, conducted  several revival programmes, and continued with its global crusade tours and weekly charity works.

NAN reports that Joshua, also a philanthropist, passed away on June 5, 2020.

Adejumo said that three years after  Joshua’s death, his legacies of evangelism, philanthropy and charity remained  strong.

He said that the third anniversary of Joshua’s death presented another opportunity for SCOAN members to  celebrate his legacies and determine to emulate his lifestyle.

“It was a great moment to thank God for the times of Prophet TB Joshua.

‘He was a great man of God,”  Adejumo said. (NAN)

EUC/IGO

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Edited by Ijeoma Popoola

Road

By Philip Yatai

Abuja, June 6, 2024 (NAN) President Bola Tinubu says his administration is committed to creating a robust and efficient transportation network across the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) and beyond.

Tinubu stated this while inaugurating the completed B6 (Constitution Avenue), B12 (Independence Avenue) and Circle Roads in the Central Area of the territory on Thursday.

The President, who was represented by Senate President Godswill Akpabio, said that the delivery of roads and other infrastructural projects was in line with his administration’s renewed hope agenda.

He said: “We recognise that an efficient transport network remains vital for economic growth, social integration, and overall national development.

“As we commission these strategic roads, we are not just opening pathways of asphalt and concrete but also paving the way to enhance economic activities, improve accessibility, and a higher quality of life for our citizens.

“We remain committed to continuing this journey of building more roads, bridges, and essential infrastructure that will connect our people and drive our economy.

“This event stands as testament to this administration’s unwavering commitment to infrastructural development and urban renewal, a cornerstone of our vision for a more prosperous and much more connected Nigeria,” he said.

He recalled that on assumption into office a year ago, his administration set forth an ambitious agenda to transform the nation’s infrastructural landscape.

“The completion of these roads remains a demonstration of what we can achieve through dedicated planning, unwavering commitment and elaborate collaborative efforts.

“These roads are designed to alleviate traffic congestion, reduce travel time, and provide a more seamless connection between key areas within our Capital City,” Tinubu said.

The President commended Wike, FCTA and all the stakeholders involved in execution of all the projects he had been inaugurating for the past seven days.

Speaking in his capacity as the Senate President, Akpabio congratulated Wike for the feat, saying “you have not disappointed Nigerians.

“As the Chairman of the National Assembly, we will continue to give the FCT Administration all the needed support for Wike to succeed in turning things around for the better.

“Just before we left the chambers on Mr President’s directive, we passed for second reading of the Supplementary Appropriation Bill of the FCT, to enable you to do more for the people.

“By next week we will pass the budget and I believe Mr. President will sign it and it will become an Act of parliament.

“We will continue to support you in every way possible.” (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)

FDY/AMM

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Edited by Abiemwense Moru

Housing

By Lydia Ngwakwe/Aderonke Ojediran
Lagos, June 6, 2024 (NAN) The Commissioner for Housing, Lagos state, Mr Moruf Akinderu-Fatai, has called on private companies to help in building more affordable housing units in the state to bridge the deficit gap.
Akinderu-Fatai made the call at the official inauguration and handover of the 270 home units, Egan-Igando Mixed Housing Estate (Cluster 1), on Thursday, in Lagos.
He said the occasion was a step toward alleviating the housing deficit in Lagos.
Akinderu-Fatai added the housing project would bring succour to the people of the Igando-Ikotun in Alimosho Local Government Area.
He emphasised that there were more people who needed affordable housing in Lagos than the government could currently provide on its own.
He said, “We are also using this medium to call for more private participation in strengthening our resolve to reduce the challenge of housing deficit in the state.
“Though we have made significant financial investment through budgetary allocations towards completion of all existing housing schemes, we still need private sector’s support and contributions in order to speedily achieve the Lagos of our dreams.”
The commissioner said the project, with long and challenging journey, started in 2001 and had since faced multiple delays due to funding issues and changes in leadership.
Akinderu-Fatai highlighted Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu’s dedication to completing the project and his vision for a 21st-century Lagos.
The commissioner expressed optimism that Clusters 2 and 3 of the projects would be completed, adding 576 more homes.
He said, “As we hand over the keys to the new homeowners, we reaffirm our commitment to completing Clusters 2 and 3.
“We will continue to work assiduously to overcome any challenges, ensuring that every promised units are delivered.
“This project is a clear indication that when we combine vision with dedication, the results are transformative.
“May I, also add that Mr Governor, in his magnanimity has graciously approved that all existing subscribers with full payment for either a unit of two bedroom or three bedroom flat be given allocation from this very cluster at no additional fees to the selling price.
“This is to appreciate their trust and commitment over-time in our dear state.”
He, however, said that other subscribers with more than 50 per cent commitment on the initial selling price would be considered with an option to balance up at the current selling price.
He added, “Please be informed that when the clusters two and three of the scheme is delivered in due course, there will be an additional 576 homes to the housing stock in the area, thus bringing us to the original vision of the project.”
Akinderu-Fatai urged the new homeowners to go beyond simply receiving their apartments, encouraging them to feel a sense of responsibility for the entire estate.
Also speaking,  Sanwo-Olu, at the inauguration of the 270 home units, expressed delight for bringing these homes to reality.
According to him, housing is the fundamental human rights and the cornerstone of social economic stability.
He expressed the resolve to make a significant investment to affordable housing to bridge the housing gap between the demand and the supply.
sid, pledging to partner with investors.
The governor urged the home owners to take proper care of the building, advising them not to do things that would endanger the lives of others.
He thanked the ministry and contractors, promising to come soonest for the inauguration of the clusters two and three.
The journey of Egan-Igando Mixed Housing Scheme began in 2001, with the ambitious goal of delivering 846 housing units to sub-urban dwellers in the state.
However due to funding issues, the project was abandoned and transferred to the Lagos Building Investment Corporation in 2006.
In spite of the significant interest and financial commitments from over 924 subscribers, the project stalled again and was taken over by the Ministry of Works and Infrastructure in 2013.
With very minimal progress recorded, the project was returned back to the Ministry of Housing in 2016 by the former Gov. Akinwunmi Ambode.(NAN)(www.nannews.ng)
LED/OAF/JNC
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Edited by Chinyere Joel-Nwokeoma

Leadership

By Philip Yatai

Abuja, June 6, 2024 (NAN) The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Mr Nyesom Wike, says the leadership style of President Bola Tinubu is achieving desired results in the territory.

Wike stated this in Abuja on Thursday, during the inauguration of B6, B12, and Circle Roads in the Central Area by Tinubu, to celebrate his one year in office.

Tinubu was represented at the event by the Senate President, Godswill Akpabio.

According to the minister, leadership is key, stressing that with the right leadership, you get the right results.

“Because we have the right leadership, now we are getting the right results.”

He said that the completion of the B6, B12 and Circle Roads was awarded on May 14, 2007, at N48.5 billion and revised to N98.8 billion in Jan. 2021.

He pointed out that the project was ongoing for 17 years, but Tinubu completed it in just one year in office due to good leadership.

He, however, complained that the Ministry of Finance building had encroached into the portion of the road and appealed to Tinubu to intervene.

This, he said, was critical to enable the contractor to complete the portion of the road.

“There is supposed to be a road from B12 connecting with Ahmadu Bello Way by the finance bridge, but the ministry of finance has encroached into the road.

“We have pleaded with the ministry to allow us to do the road. We are all working for the same government, and we don’t want to use force to go and destroy the building.

“We gave them the land, but they encroached on the way.

“I want to plead with Mr. President to talk to them, so that we will be able to complete the road for the interest of the public,” Wike said.

He reiterated President Tinubu’s commitment to complete all ongoing projects in FCT, adding that 58 per cent of the 2024 FCT capital budget was set aside for completion of all ongoing projects.

The FCT Minister of State, Dr Mariya Mahmoud, commended the residents for their patience due to the inconveniences caused by the construction of the roads.

“The projects being delivered is a testament to Tinubu’s commitment to progress and prosperity.

“It will not only enhance accessibility into the Central District but contribute to the overall socio-economic development of the city,” Mahmoud said.

Earlier, Mr Shehu Ahmad, Executive Secretary, Federal Capital Development Authority (FCDA), said that B6, B12 and Circle Roads, provided connection into Abuja Central Area from Airport Road axis in line with Abuja Master Plan.

He said that the B6 also known as Constitution Avenue had been partially completed and put to public use.

He, however, said that B12, named Independence Avenue, had not been completed.

“The principal roads, particularly road B6 is about 6.6 km, B12 6.7 km, while circle road is about 4.6 km.

“The cross sections of the roads as typical with other expressways are two main carriage ways of three lanes each, as well as two lanes both ways.

“The roads will enable dual mode transportation into and out of the central area,” he said.

The FCDA boss expressed optimism that the completed road will fizzle out the early morning gridlock being experienced at the City Gate. (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)

FDY/AMM

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Edited by Abiemwense Moru

NIIA research fellow harps on digital diplomacy to save cost

Diplomacy

By Busayo Onijala

Lagos, June 6, 2024 (NAN) Adopting digital diplomacy can help Nigeria  to reduce the number of its missions abroad and solve funding problems, says Prof. Joshua Bolarinwa.

Bolarinwa, a Senior Research Fellow and Head of Security and Strategic Studies Division, Nigerian Institute of International Affairs (NIIA), spoke with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on Thursday in Lagos.

Digital diplomacy is an evolving aspect of diplomacy that promotes the use of information technology tools to achieve  foreign policy objectives of a nation.

With digital diplomacy, there is an interplay of diplomacy, the internet and, more importantly, new information technologies to achieve national interest through  diplomatic engagements.

According to Bolarinwa, digital diplomacy presents many advantages, particularly for countries with many foreign missions.

NAN reports that Nigeria has over 100 diplomatic missions, including embassies, high commissions and consulates.

Bolarinwa said that conversations around digital diplomacy were emphasised between 1999 and 2007 during the Chief Olusegun Obasanjo-led administration and between 2015 and 2023 under the retired Gen. Muhammadu Buhari-led government.

He noted that the conversations were on reducing Nigeria’s missions abroad; considering redundancy and inadequate funding.

“I recall that some field works were done years ago, with the involvement of NIIA, where we came up with recommendations that some missions should be scrapped and others converted to smart missions.

“With smart missions, you don’t need more than one or two trained foreign service officers.

“All other things will be done through the use of information technology, and with the snap of a finger, information is passed.

“Promoting this will also equip and update foreign service officers and diplomats to be at par with their colleagues elsewhere,” Bolarinwa said.

He, however, cautioned that digital diplomacy was associated with some challenges because of the level of secrecy attached to some areas of foreign affairs.

According to him, restricted or classified information has to be communicated carefully, considering the prevalence of cyber hacking.

Bolarinwa said that this should, however,  not deter its use, adding that countries such as the U.S., United Kingdom, Russia and China had been using digital diplomacy to an extent without their secrets being divulged.

“It is information that is fed into the software on digital diplomacy that will be relayed.

“Leaks can be controlled and minimised,” Bolarinwa said. (NAN)

OMB/KTO/IGO 

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Edited by Kamal Tayo Oropo/Ijeoma Popoola

Support

By Collins Yakubu-Hammer

Abuja, June 5, 2024 (NAN) The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN), says it is set to provide the needed support to the Development Space Academy in addressing insecurity in the country.

The Managing Director of NAN, Malam Ali Muhammad-Ali, gave the assurance when the Executive Director of the Academy, Prof. Okey Ikechukwu and his team paid him a courtesy visit on Wednesday in Abuja.

According to Ali, Ikechukwu’s coming to NAN is like a home coming.

“I want to assure you that all your prayers for support are already answered.

“Prof. is a well-known voice and face on national television; he has passion and love for the country.

“I want to assure you that we will deploy our human and technical resources to cover your news conference and roundtable on security,’’ Ali said.

The NAN boss explained that the Sahel Region in Africa had become so endemic, adding that NAN was also preparing to host a public lecture on security soon

“So, when I heard about yours, I was not surprised, because great minds think alike.

“You can take it that we will be there to cover your press conference and the roundtable that we believe will help address insecurity in the country.

“I have competent management staff, and we are working together to reposition the Agency. Just last week I came back from a conference that deliberated about newsrooms and AI,’’ Ali said.

Speaking earlier, Ikechuckwu said that the Academy is involved in human capital development for governments at all levels and institutions.

He added that the Academy had capacity building programmes on leadership and security, for youths, parents and servicing military officers respectively.

“When security agencies are overstretched and government institutions speak without integrity, then there will always be challenges.

“National security has become complicated; citizens have stigmatised the army; they don’t want to give information. The level of intelligence sharing between military and civilians has dropped by 90 per cent.

“We have discovered that Nigerians are not loyal to the Nigerian State. We see ourselves as indigenes, not citizens.

“So, we decided to organise a roundtable that stakeholders will come to talk about security and provide solutions to different forms of insecurity in the country.

“So we come to NAN to seek your support and joint ownership of the project. We will have a media conference and the roundtable within the month,’’ Ikechukwu said. (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)

CMY/GOM/ROT

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Edited by Gregg Mmaduakolam/Rotimi Ijikanmi

Wike

By Salisu Sani-Idris

Abuja, June 5, 2024 (NAN) President Bola Tinubu says, the FCT Minister, Nyesom Wike “is one of the best appointments ever made in the history of the current democratic dispensation.

The President stated this on Wednesday in Abuja, during the inauguration of the Inner Southern Expressway (ISEX) and the Outer Southern Expressway (OSEX), known as the first phase of Goodluck Ebele Jonathan Expressway

Represented by his Vice, Kashim Shettima,  the President described Wike as ‘a force of human nature’, adding, “love him, hate him, but you can’t ignore him, because at every point in time he is redefining the meaning and concepts of modern leadership.

The President commended Wike and his team, for their dedication and hard work in delivering many projects, including the expressway in less than one year.

Tinubu reiterated the commitment of his administration to engendering progress and prosperity.

He said that the extension of the ISEX represented more than just a road, but, symbolized connectivity, accessibility and opportunity.

” It also signifies our unwavering determination to bridge the gab between the urban and rural areas in ensuring that development was not confined to city centres but reaches every corner of our great nation.

” We celebrates not just the completion of yet another road project by the Federal Capital Territory Administration (FCTA), but also the commitment of our administration to endangering progress and prosperity.

“Today’s commission is the fourth completed roads that we proudly unveiled in the Federal Capital Territory, all executed in less than one year.

” These roads are tangible proves of our administration vision for modern, prosperous and inclusive Federal Capital Territory.”

Tinubu assured that in the coming months and years, his administration would continue to prioritise infrastructure development as a corners stone of the Renewed Hope Agenda.

” We remain committed on delivering on our promises, empowering our people and building a nation that we can all be proud of,” he said. (NAN) (nannewsngr.com)

SSI/ROT

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Edited by Rotimi Ijikanmi

Road

By Philip Yatai

Abuja, June 5, 2024 (NAN) Mr Nyesom Wike, Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), assured President Bola Tinubu, that the second phase of Goodluck Ebele Jonathan Expressway would be completed in no distant time.

Wike stated this in Abuja on Wednesday, during the inauguration of the first phase of the project, from Outer Southern Expressway to Southern Parkway by Tinubu to celebrate his one year in office.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that Tinubu was represented by Vice-President Kashim Shettima.

The minister explained that the first phase of the project was awarded to Salini Nigeria Ltd in 2010 at N17 billion, and revised to N18 billion in 2023, adding that the sum was fully paid.

He said that the project was completed based on Tinubu’s directive that all ongoing projects must be completed in line with his administration’s “Renewed Hope” agenda.

He explained that the second phase of the project, which was ongoing, was awarded by the previous administration to CGC at N91 billion with 10 bridges.

“I can assure you that by the grace of God, we are going to complete the project because it is very key and will change the landscape of Abuja if completed.

“The project is also very critical to the development of Abuja city,” he said.

The minister also informed Tinubu that the first phase of the renovation of the Federal Secretariat Complex, which was awarded by the previous administration, had been completed.

He also said that the renovation of the National Assembly was also completed, adding that the current administration had also awarded the contracts for the second phase rehabilitation of the complex.

He equally said that the Abuja city was wearing a new look because of completed road resurfacing, projects covering more than 117 kilometres (km) across Asokoro, Wuse, Maitama, Garki, Wuye and other districts.

The FCT Minister of State, Dr Mariya Mahmoud, said that the project would enhance transportation efficiency, promote economic growth and improve the quality of life of Abuja residents.

Earlier, Mr Shehu Ahmad, Executive Secretary, Federal Capital Development Authority, explained that the Goodluck Ebele Jonathan Way stretched from Mogadishu Barrack to Kuje axis, covering about 36 kilometres.

Ahmad said that the section of the road that was inaugurated covered 3.5 kilometres from Outer Southern Expressway to the intersection at Bola Ahmed Tinubu Way, formerly Southern Parkway.

“The Goodluck Ebele Jonathan Expressway (Inner Southern Expressway) provides a rapid east-west movement on the southern flank of the city, which links the Abuja – Keffi Road.

“The second phase of the project, which is an ongoing contract, currently being executed by CGC, would terminate around Ring Road II, popularly called Galadimawa Roundabout covering 11km,” he said.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the inauguration of the extension of the Inner Southern Expressway (Goodluck Ebele Jonathan Expressway), was the sixth in a row of projects inauguration to celebrate Tinubu’s one year in office.

The projects inaugurated so far included the Southern Parkway named after Bola Tinubu, the commercial operation of the Abuja Rail Mass Transit System, and the Wuye Interchange bridge.

Other projects inaugurated by Tinubu were the Outer Southern Expressway to Ring Road I and the Arterial N-20 Road, named after Prof. Wole Soyinka. (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)

FDY/AMM

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Edited by Abiemwense Moru

Stakeholders seek collaboration in enhancing migration governance in Nigeria

Migration
By Jacinta Nwachukwu/Fortune Abang

Abuja, June 5, 2024 (NAN) Some migration stakeholders have underscored the need for positive collaboration among actors to enhance migration governance and management in Nigeria.

They expressed this view during a two-day Technical Working Group (TWG), workshop on Migration and Development, in Abuja on Wednesday.

The Federal Commissioner, National Commission for Refugees, Migrants and Internally Displaced Persons (NCFRMI), Alhaji Tijani Ahmed, said the aim of the meeting was to update the TWG on the progress of the National Migration Policy review.

Ahmed explained that the goal was to initiate and ensure a unified and effective National Migration Policy review.

”This means bringing together all relevant stakeholders, aligning our efforts, and working collaboratively towards a comprehensive and forward-looking policy.

”We therefore seek your valuable input, feedback, and recommendations.

”By engaging with the United Nations Network on Migration country team and drawing from your collective expertise, we aim to create a well-informed and inclusive review process,” he said.

Earlier, Ms Paola Pace, Deputy Head of Mission, International Organisation for Migration (IOM), in Nigeria, said that the purpose of the TWG meeting was to advance the critical review of Nigeria’s National Migration Policy (NMP).

Pace said that the gathering represented a significant step towards enhancing migration governance and management in the country.

She said it also underscored the importance of adaptive and inclusive policy frameworks in addressing the complex dynamics of migration.

The deputy head of mission reiterated the IOM’s commitment to continue providing technical support.

”By ensuring that our policies and actions address present-day challenges and opportunities, we can create a future where migration is safe, orderly, and beneficial,” she added.

Also, the German Ambassador, Annett Gunther said that Germany was committed to safe, orderly and regular migration.

Gunther, said that a review of the National Migration Policy was proof of commitment of the Nigerian government to capture new realities arising from the implementation of the policy in the last eight years.

The British High Commissioner, Mr Richard Montgomery, thanked all the partners for working tirelessly to combat people-trafficking and smuggling.

Montgomery said that as migratory routes continued to diversify and expand, it would not slow down any time soon.

He said that stakeholders’ joint efforts to support safe and regular migration and bring those who seek to profit illegally to task, make a difference.

”My team and I welcome continued partnership and we look forward to continuing to see the results of much hard work and strategy as a result of this workshop,” Montgomery said. (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)

JIN/FEA/DCO/ORO
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Edited by Deborah Coker/Razak Owolabi