News
FG Spends N49bn On 11 Roads …As Jonathan Seeks Financial Autonomy For PDP
The Federal Government, says it has spent over N49 billion to complete 11 federal road projects across the country in the last one year.
The Minister of Works, Mr Mike Onolememen, made this known yesterday while giving the stewardship of his ministry to newsmen in Abuja.
The briefing was in line with the ministerial platform approved by the Federal Executive Council (FEC) to mark the 2012 Democracy Day as well as the one year anniversary of President Goodluck Jonathan’s administration.
Onolememen said that the 11 roads were part of the 168 road construction/rehabilitation projects inherited by the administration.
The minister said the completed roads had been provided with the necessary road signs and markings.
“The first on the list which is in the North Central zone is the construction of Bomp-Manchok road, the amount paid to date amounts to about N3.8 billion, still in the North Central, the Langtan-Tukur-Shendam road in Plateau State, the amount paid to date stands at N4.5 billion.
“The completion of the construction of the Gembu-Tongu road in Adamawa State and to date the ministry has paid about N4.6 billion, in the construction of Gombe-Numa-Yola road in Adamawa State, to date, the ministry has paid N3.8 billion.
“ The Gombe bye pass in Gombe State, to date the ministry has paid the sum of N2.1 billion, the access road to the Kaduna refinery, this project has recorded 100 per cent completion and to date the ministry has paid N800 million.
“On Kano-Kazaure-Daura-Yar’Ádua road in Katsina State, to date though the project stands at 100 per cent completion, the ministry has paid N3.8 billion.
“On the rehabilitation of the Aba-Owerri road in Abia and Imo States, to date the ministry has paid about N1.8 billion, on the rehabilitation of the Adaoru-Nsukka-Adani road in Enugu State, the ministry has paid the total sum of N1 billion.
“On the Onitsha-Owerri dual carriage road, to date the ministry has paid N19 billion, on the construction of Eleme junction fly over in Rivers State, to date the ministry has paid N5.6 billion.”
He said that the ministry was working assiduously to deliver on the roads based on available resources.
The minister said that government was also working to ensure that additional funds were accessed to complete other major road projects across the country.
On the provision of road signs and markings on major high ways, the minister explained that some of the newly completed roads had been provided with the necessary facilities, adding that the provision of road signs and markings was to ensure the safety of road users.
Onolememen, however, said roads that had been opened to users without road signs were not fully completed, adding that the Federal Government had decided to open such roads to ease the sufferings of road users.
The ministerial platform continues tomorrow with presentations from the Ministries of Water Resources, Agriculture and Environment.
Meanwhile, President Goodluck Jonathan yesterday urged the leadership of the ruling Peoples Democratic Party to seek ways of generating funds internally to free itself from the influence of money bags.
The President gave the advice in Abuja at a forum with the new members of the National Working Committee (NWC) of the party.
Jonathan noted that achieving financial autonomy would free the party from depending on donations from rich party members, who in turn, would influence its decisions in one way or the other.
“Members of the party must pay monthly contributions based on our guidelines.
“We must all work to create an avenue where the party will source for funding, so that if you are the chairman of the party, members of the working committee can manage the party without excessive influence from people.
“Even though we expect all money bags to be in PDP, but we don’t want the money bags to influence the activities of the party,’’ he said.
According to the President, the party must come up with programmes that would make it financially self sustaining.
Jonathan pledged to always carry the party along in the running and implementation of government policies and programmes.
“My cabinet is totally committed and we will not come up with any major programme without involving the party.
“Whether you are in the executive or parliamentary arm of government, we all belong to our party and we must project the agenda of the party.
The President urged the party leadership to feel free to request all cabinet members to brief them on the activities of the government.
He challenged the party not to shy away from its responsibility of giving direction to the government and the legislature, to enhance good governance in the country.
The president admonished the party to enforce discipline among members, irrespective of status, adding that the leadership must ensure that the party’s guidelines were followed and implemented to the latter.
“In South Africa, the ANC can admonish the President because the party is superior’’.
In his goodwill message, the pioneer National chairman of PDP, Chief Solomon Lar urged the new leadership of the party to remain united and make patriotism their watchword.
Chairman, Convention Committee, Chief Ojo Maduekwe and the National Chairman of the party, Alhaji Bamangar Tukur, in their separate speeches, assured the President of their unflinching support.
The Rivers State chapter of the All Progressives Congress Christian Leaders Forum has expressed strong confidence in the capacity of All Progressives Congress (All Progressives Congress) candidates in the state to deliver effective governance if elected into office in the coming elections.
The State Coordinator of the forum, Archbishop Lucky Aroh, made this known during a breakfast and thanksgiving meeting held in Port Harcourt, where leaders gathered to pray for the stability of the party and the safety of its candidates ahead of the 2027 general elections.According to him, the meeting was convened to seek divine intervention for peace, unity, and security among APC candidates across Rivers State.
“Today we are praying for APC stability in Rivers State and the security of our candidates that have been elected to contest the 2027 elections. It is a breakfast meeting,” Aroh said.
He further expressed optimism that the party’s candidates would not disappoint the people if entrusted with leadership responsibilities.
“They will not fail when elected into office. We are here as fathers of the land to let them know, and I must tell you the truth that these are the authentic people that will do well in Rivers State,” he added.
Speaking earlier, the National Chairman of the forum, Professor Olanrewaju Abraham, commended the Rivers State chapter for organizing the programme, noting that the national body of the forum believes strongly in the power of prayer.
He stated that political leadership provides an opportunity to influence society positively, including advancing moral and spiritual values, while expressing confidence that APC candidates at all levels would emerge victorious in the upcoming elections.
Also speaking, the Rivers State Women Leader of the APC, Hon. Darling Amadi, praised the forum for its commitment to prayers for peace, stability, and the protection of party candidates.
Represented by the Deputy Women Leader of the party in the state, she described the initiative as commendable and urged other political and support groups within the party to emulate the gesture in promoting unity and stability.
By: John Bibor, Menebe Emmanuel & Fortune Paibi
Prominent businessman and philanthropist, Elder Anthony Osagwe-Ogo, was celebrated in grand style as he marked his 70th birthday anniversary, with distinguished Nigerians, business leaders, and golf enthusiasts gathering to honour his remarkable contributions to society.
The colourful celebration took place at the Port Harcourt Golf Club, where friends, associates, and well-wishers converged to pay tribute to the revered elder statesman.
Chairman of the occasion, High Chief (Dr.) Ikenna Okafor, described the celebrant as a detribalised Nigerian whose generosity, humility, and commitment to humanity have earned him admiration across different communities and backgrounds.
According to Dr. Okafor, Pa Osagwe-Ogo’s impact on society and the development of his community remains unparalleled. He noted that members of the golfing community are proud to be associated with a father figure who consistently promotes the welfare and well-being of those around him.
He further stated that the history and growth of the Port Harcourt Golf Club cannot be told without acknowledging the significant role played by the celebrant, whose wisdom, encouragement, and leadership have helped sustain the club over the years.
“We are here to celebrate a man who has impacted humanity positively, a peace-loving individual and an epitome of hope for the younger generation. We pray to emulate his virtues. Today, we celebrate a bridge-builder, a trailblazer, and an iconic leader whose life continues to inspire many,” Dr. Okafor said.
He expressed delight at the large turnout of guests from various walks of life, describing it as a testament to the respect and affection Pa Osagwe-Ogo commands within and beyond Rivers State.
In his response, the celebrant, Pa Anthony Osagwe-Ogo, expressed profound gratitude to God for preserving his life and granting him the privilege of attaining the milestone age of 70.
He also thanked members of the Port Harcourt Golf Club, family members, friends, and associates for identifying with him during the celebration and for their unwavering support over the years.
The event featured the cutting of the birthday cake, presentation of awards to deserving members of the club, goodwill messages, and moments of celebration among guests.
The ceremony was attended by notable personalities from the business community, the golfing fraternity, and other sectors, all of whom joined in celebrating the life and legacy of the respected elder statesman.
Rivers State Governor, Sir Siminalayi Fubara, and the Permanent Secretary of the Rivers State Ministry of Information and Communications, Dr. Honour Kuru Sirawoo, have been honoured with awards of recognition in connection with the 2026 Democracy Day celebrations held in Port Harcourt.
The awards, which formed part of activities marking Nigeria’s Democracy Day on June 12, were formally presented on Tuesday at the Ministry of Information and Communications in Port Harcourt.
Presenting the awards was Hon. Abdul Hameed Oladipupo Alli, popularly known as “Mr. Nigeria,” Publisher of Asiwaju Trumpet Magazine and Achievers World International Magazine.
Governor Fubara was recognised for his efforts in sustaining peace, stability, and a conducive political atmospherJohn Bibor / Menebe Emmanuel / Fortune Paibie in Rivers State. The organisers noted that his administration has fostered harmony and strengthened civic participation across the state.
Dr. Sirawoo, on the other hand, was honoured for his exemplary administrative leadership and significant contributions to effective information management within the Ministry of Information and Communications.
Representing Dr. Sirawoo at the presentation ceremony, Dr. Christian Davies received the award on his behalf and expressed gratitude for the recognition. He described the honour as a reflection of Dr. Sirawoo’s unwavering commitment to professionalism, excellence, and dedicated public service.
Dr. Davies assured the organisers that the award would be formally conveyed to the Permanent Secretary.
The event also featured the presentation of commemorative publications highlighting major governance and civic milestones in Rivers State, including Easter celebrations, Workers’ Day activities, the Governor’s third anniversary in office, and Democracy Day programmes.
Organisers of the awards commended the Rivers State administration for what they described as sustained peace, political stability, and improved civic engagement, noting that these achievements have contributed significantly to the state’s continued development.
By: Jessica Sambol
-
Niger Delta3 days agoWarri Airport Manager Disputes Air Peace Bird Strike Claim
-
News3 days agoNigeria Won’t Surrender Any Territory To Criminals -Tinubu
-
News3 days agoFG Begins Trial Of Over 600 Terrorism Suspects
-
Rivers3 days ago79th IAUE Inaugural Lecture: Prof Anero Advoctes Tuition-Free Education For Children
-
Politics3 days agoParties’ Deregistration: How Justice Lifu Overruled Appeal Court Justices
-
Politics3 days agoADC: Okonkwo Rejects Amaechi As Presidential Running Mate, Withdraws Support
-
Politics3 days ago2027: Tinubu’s Projects Give APC Edge In South East – Yilwatda
-
News3 days agoRivers Judges Commence Annual Vacation, July 20