Connect with us

News

Kogi Monarchs, Akpoti-Uduaghan Echo Transparency, Restructuring, Collaboration

Avatar

Published

on

Traditional rulers from the Ebira ethnic group and Senator representing Kogi Central have agreed to work for the resuscitation of the Ajaokuta Steel Company and the National Iron Ore Mining Company, Itakpe.The monarchs in a letter to the President of the Senate, Chief Godswill Akpabio, urged Kogi State indigenes in the National Assembly to lay emphasis on the collective focus, interest and goal to making Ajaokuta Steel Plant work for the common good of Ebiraland, Kogi State and Nigeria in general.The letter signed by the Ohi 0f Adavi, Eganyi, Ihima, Eika and Okene, Mohammed Bello, Musa Isah Achuja, Ahmed Abdulraheem, Umar Opewu and Isah Mamman maintained that the issue of Ajaokuta Steel Plant and the National Iron Ore Mining Company, Itakpe must be handled with caution and statesmanship.But quest for the resuscitation, according to stakeholders, must begin with a holistic investigation of the circumstances that led to the re-concession of NIOMCO even when the initial concession agreement was validly terminated by the YarAdua administration with positive review by the International Chamber of Commerce, London.Senator representing Kogi Central, Chief Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan moved a motion to investigate alleged corruption and inefficiency at the Ajaokuta Steel Company Limited (ASL) and the National Iron Ore Mining Company (NIOMCO) .She urged the Senate to investigate the affairs of Ajaokuta Steel and NIOMCO between 2008 to date.Stakeholders are pushing for the investigation of the payment of $496 allegedly made to Mr Pramod Mittal, Chairman, Global Infrastructural Holdings LTD (GINL) by the Federal Government in September 2022 as settlement over said contractual disputes.They are calling for a review of extant policies and laws on steel development in Nigeria, dissolution of the sole administratorship of Ajaokuta Steel Company and promotion of good corporate governance, efficiency and accountability by constituting a proper management and governing board for the company.They want a structure that should comprise but not limited to a Managing Director, Director of Projects, Director of Finance, Director of Corporate Services with representatives from professional bodies such as society of engineers, Nigerian Metallurgical Society and representatives from supervising ministries of finance and steel and of course Host Community.However, the monarchs urged the legislators to show responsiveness and collaboration.“Our position therefore is that our legislators must cooperate with the Honourable Minister of Steel Development, the management of the two companies and stakeholders to come up with workable positions and ideas that would strengthen the hand of President Bola Tinubu to ensure that Ajaokuta Steel Plant works.”The traditional custodians of the people of Kogi Central and Ebiraland listed massive employment generation for our teaming youths, technological breakthrough and economic emancipation as obvious benefits of the resuscitation and completion of the Ajaokuta Steel Company and the National Iron Ore Mining Company, Itakpe.They recalled the bold steps of President Muhammadu Buhari, urging President Tinubu to consider it a priority to revisit the twin Ajaokuta and Itakpe projects.“The history of these companies in our land has seen glory and trepidation. The best of the moments were between 1979 and 83 during the era of Late President Shehu Shagari, whose government took the project from scratch to a near completion stage in record time. His administration showed commitment and carried everybody along and capped it up with the creation of a separate ministry of steel development and the appointment of Late Mamman Ali Makele, an indigene of the state as Minister, a decision that made policy implementation on issues related to the development of Ajaokuta Steel Plant and Itakpe Iron Ore Mining Company easier and efficient. This is why we have a place we now call a steel plant, though left uncompleted forty years down the line.”They also commended Tinubu on his development strides, restoration of the Steel Development Ministry and appointment of an indigene of Kogi State to drive its efforts in line with the Renewed Hope Agenda.

“The new policy initiative is commendable and needs the support of every Sons and Daughters of Ebiraland and Kogites. This period is therefore a period of collaboration of ideas, support of government initiatives on these two companies and above all it is a period to deescalate controversies that may distract the government, stakeholders and would-be investors that may show interest in helping to give life to the Ajaokuta Dream.”

CREDIT: Ebireri Henry Ovie

Advertisement

News

Teachers’ Day: Oyebanji rewards 2 disabilities educators with N500,000

Avatar

Published

on

Ekiti State Governor Biodun Oyebanji has honored two teachers in the disability sector with cash awards of 500,000 naira each.

The governor made the gesture during the celebration of the Teachers’ Day in the state.

Mrs Adetoun Agboola, Special Adviser on Special Education and Social Inclusion, hailed the governor’s commitment to inclusion.

Agboola emphasized that the recognition serves as a morale booster for the teachers, marking the first time such a gesture has been made during the Teachers’ Day celebration in the state.

“The recognition of these teachers, who work tirelessly with children with disabilities, highlights Governor Oyebanji’s dedication to inclusivity.

Advertisement

“Over the past year, these educators have faced immense challenges, adapting to new teaching tools, increased documentations, and rigorous preparation before delivering their lessons. Their hard work has clearly paid off, and today’s honor reflects their unwavering commitment,” Agboola said.

She added that the awards signal that the voices of teachers working within the disability community have been heard, reinforcing the governor’s pledge to support the community in the state.

The theme of this year’s celebration is “Valuing Teachers’ Voices:Towards a New Social Contract For Education”.

CREDIT: DAILY POST

Advertisement
Continue Reading

News

Nigerian Govt initiates repairs on failed portions of Abuja-Kaduna dual carriageway

Avatar

Published

on

Emergency repairs on failed sections of the Abuja-Kaduna Dual Carriageway has been initiated by the Federal Ministry of Works to improve conditions for road users.

A statement on Sunday by the Ministry’s Director of Press and Public Relations, Mohammed Ahmed, explained that the contractor mobilised to the site on October 2, 2024.

According to Ahmed, the contract for Section I of the Expressway spans from kilometre 0 + 00 (Zuba, FCT) to kilometre 31 + 200 (Tafa, Niger/Kaduna States’ border), with a completion timeline of two weeks.

He further explained that the scope of the contract includes patching existing potholes and reinstating critically failed sections of the roadway, saying that the approved contract sum is N366 million.

Ahmed added, “During an inspection tour of the project on Saturday, the Director of Highways for North Central Zone I, Mohammed Goni, and the Director of Special Projects (North), Olufemi Adetunji, urged the contractor to comply strictly with the contract terms and no extensions to the completion period will be granted.”

Advertisement

The statement noted that Goni described the road as a vital artery for connecting the Northern and Southern regions of the country, underscoring its role as a catalyst for economic growth.

He assured Nigerians that upon successful completion of the contract, further repairs on the remaining failed sections from Tafa to Kaduna would be awarded.

Mr Lawrence Emmanuel, the Project Supervisor, explained that work is progressing with the cutting and shaping of the failed portions extending to Dikko Junction in Niger State, stating that asphalting of the areas is expected to commence on Monday.

He observed that heavy traffic impeding work progress but assured of timely completion.

The Federal Controller of Works for FCT, Yakubu Usman, pledged daily inspections and diligent oversight of the project throughout its duration

Advertisement

CREDIT: DAILY POST

Continue Reading

News

FG set to begin evacuation of Nigerians from Lebanon

Avatar

Published

on

The Federal Government has announced that no Nigerian life has been lost in Lebanon amid the ongoing conflict between Israel and Hezbollah.

As Israel intensifies its airstrikes in Lebanon, the Nigerian government has commenced preparations to evacuate its citizens from the conflict zone.

In a statement issued on Saturday by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs spokesperson, Ambassador Eche Abu-Obe, the government confirmed that the Nigerian Embassy in Lebanon has been actively working to ensure the safety of Nigerians.

The statement emphasized the government’s commitment to protecting its nationals during the crisis.

“The Federal Government has begun preparations to evacuate its citizens from Lebanon. It is pertinent to mention that no Nigerian life has been lost since the beginning of the conflict,” the statement read.

Advertisement

The Ministry added that the Nigerian Embassy had previously advised citizens in Lebanon to voluntarily evacuate, with commercial flights still operational.

Those in southern Lebanon, where the fighting has been most intense, were relocated to safer areas, such as Beirut, with the help of community leaders.

The government reassured Nigerians that it is in contact with relevant stakeholders and is committed to ensuring the safe return of all its citizens.

This comes as the conflict between Israel and Hezbollah escalates, with Israeli airstrikes targeting Hezbollah strongholds across Lebanon and ground troops conducting operations near the border.

The violence, which has continued for nearly a year, has now evolved into full-scale warfare.

Advertisement

CREDIT: DAILY POST

Continue Reading

Trending