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Adamu Ciroma Dies At 84 …PDP, Saraki, Dogara Speak On Death Of Ex-CBN Gov
The Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, yesterday expressed grief over the death of one of its “founding fathers” and former Governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) and former Minister of Finance, Mallam Adamu Ciroma.
PDP said the death of Ciroma was a great loss to Nigeria.
A statement by PDP’s spokesperson, Kola Ologbondiyan, said, “Indeed, Nigeria has lost one of her finest; an incontrovertible patriot who spent his life making inestimable sacrifices for the unity and development of our dear country.
“Mallam Ciroma lived as a committed citizen; an astute administrator and highly disciplined politician, who discharged all responsibilities vested in him with unequaled forthrightness and loyalty to the nation.
“As CBN governor, minister of finance, minister of agriculture and the minister of industry, positions he held at various times, Mallam Ciroma played very vital roles in the formulation and implementation of crucial policies and programmes for economic stability and growth.
“On the political sphere, this great Nigerian will be remembered for his roles in ensuring the stability and growth of our nation, and particularly, the roles he played in the formation and growth of the PDP. He played a leading role in Group of 34 eminent Nigerians, otherwise called the G34, that formed the PDP.
“He was an embodiment of the ideals and visions of our great party in our pursuit of a prosperous nation where unity, equality and justice prevail.”
The PDP said it was greatly “saddened that he left the stage at this trying time in the history of our nation, when his guidance is needed the most.”
PDP commiserated with the “Ciroma family as well as the government and people of Yobe state, even as we pray that the Almighty God grants his soul eternal repose and fortitude to the family and the nation at large, to bear this huge loss.”
“He made outstanding contribution to the progress of the nation in many capacities. He, no doubt, left behind a worthy legacy especially through his working careers as the District Officer, in Mambilla when Mambilla Plateau was almost inaccessible.
“He worked in the Premier’s office and later as the first Editor of the New Nigerian Newspaper from where he became the Governor of Central Bank of Nigeria between 1975 and 1977.
“In all of these, he acquitted himself so diligently.
“Mallam Ciroma deserves all the tributes being paid to him by all his compatriots. Indeed, having had the privilege of close association with your late husband who was a friend and confidant for many years and my Minister of Finance during my administration as the President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria between 1999 and 2003.
“ I can attest unreservedly to his being a democrat to the core and a committed patriot who worked tirelessly for the unity of the nation.”
Meanwhile, President of the Senate, Dr Bukola Saraki and the Speaker, House of Representatives, Mr Yakubu Dogara, have expressed sadness on the death of former Minister of Finance, Alhaji Adamu Ciroma.
They described his demise at 84, as a “great loss’’, describing him as a “patriot par excellence’’.
In a statement by his Special Adviser on Media and Publicity, Mr Yusuph Olaniyonu, in Abuja on Thursday, Saraki said with the death of Ciroma, Nigeria had lost one of its illustrious sons and highly respected elder statesmen.
“Although death is painful, but it gladdens my heart that late Ciroma lived a worthy and successful life.
“As a public servant, late Ciroma’s integrity was unparalleled; as a politician, he was unblemished and as a journalist, he was among the finest breed.
“Indeed there is no word or adjective that will be enough to describe late Ciroma, considering his invaluable contributions to the development of the country.
“We have lost a detribalised Nigerian, bridge-builder and a strong pillar for nation’s unity. He will surely be remembered for his forthrightness and integrity. We shall miss him greatly,” he said.
Saraki commiserated with the family of the deceased, government and people of Yobe over the loss, and urged Federal Government to immortalise him by naming a strategic national monument after him.
On his part, Dogara said late Ciroma, a former Governor of Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) was one of the nation’s “shining stars and frontline statesmen’’ who demonstrated passion for the unity, progress and development of Nigeria.
He said in a statement that the late statesman was an “icon of transparency and an epitome of integrity who lived an incorruptible life’’.
“Indeed we lost a great man, a patriot, leader par excellence and a shining star.
“Malam Adamu Ciroma was one of the few surviving close associates of the late Prime Minister, Sir Abubakar Tafawa Balewa and the late Premier of Northern Nigeria, Sir Ahmadu Bello.
“He remained a consistent advocate for the struggle to see Nigeria achieve the dreams of her founding fathers,” he said.
Dogara said that Ciroma was an intellectual genius and highly cosmopolitan public servant who exhibited high sense of patriotism, passion and enthusiasm for the progress and development of the country.
He recalled that while as first indigenous Editor and Managing Director of New Nigerian Newspaper, CBN Governor and Minister in different administrations, Ciroma distinguished himself as an epitome of integrity.
According to Dogara, Ciroma was indeed a rare Nigerian, accomplished administrator, uncommon patriot and distinguished elder statesman, who lived an eventful, exemplary and accomplished life worthy of emulation.
“On behalf of the entire membership of the House of Representatives, I wish to extend our heartfelt condolences to the bereaved family, the government and people of Yobe as well as to his associates and admirers.’’
Rivers State Governor, Sir Siminalayi Fubara, has described the ongoing construction of the brand new 13.52-kilometre Ngo-Atlantic-Oyorokoto Road as a bold and visionary effort by his administration to open up the coastal region for economic growth and harness the full potential of the state’s blue economy.
The Governor made this remark during an inspection visit to the project site in Andoni Local Government Area. The road, being constructed by Monier Construction Company (MCC), cuts through challenging coastal terrain and leads to a newly identified beachfront facing the Atlantic Ocean.
Governor Fubara explained that while the original plan was to construct a road leading to Oyorokoto Town and its popular beach, his administration decided to expand the project to create an entirely new route that would open access to another pristine beachfront.
“We are doing another inspection today. This particular one is a virgin road, 13.52 kilometres of a new pathway to the blue economy,” Governor Fubara stated.
“Initially, we were constructing a road to Oyorokoto Beach, one of the finest tourist centres in this area. But as we progressed, we discovered another beach directly facing the Atlantic Ocean. It became clear that we shouldn’t limit development to just one site. We want to harness this new beach front as part of our broader plan to develop the blue economy.”
The Governor emphasised that the project, once completed, will not only improve access to coastal communities but also stimulate tourism and economic activities, boosting revenue for Rivers State.
Describing the area’s difficult terrain as challenging, he commended the contractor for its dedication, and expressed confidence that the road would be completed and commissioned by March next year.
“You can see for yourself, it’s a brand-new road in a very difficult terrain, just like the one we saw yesterday. But I strongly believe we will overcome it. From what we’ve seen today, the contractor, MCC, is doing their best, and by next year, hopefully by March, we’ll have the cause to commission this project and give God all the glory,” the Governor affirmed.
Governor Fubara also visited Opobo/Nkoro Local Government Area to assess the progress of work on the Epellema axis of the ongoing 5.2km Kalaibiama-Epellema road project featuring a 450-meter bridge.
Rivers State Governor, Sir Siminalayi Fubara, has expressed satisfaction with the level of progress recorded on the ongoing Trans-Kalabari Road project, revealing that about 75 percent of the critical piling work has been completed.
Governor Fubara made this known while addressing journalists after an on-the-spot inspection of the 12.5-kilometre road project, which will connect the state capital to several Kalabari communities across the sea.
The Governor rode on a boat from a jetty at Rumuolumeni in Obio/Akpor Local Government Area through the rivers and creeks on the project route during the inspection.
The project was awarded to Lubrik Construction Company Limited, on May 15, 2024, with an initial 32-month completion timeline.
The Governor said the visit was aimed at verifying reports from the Ministry of Works regarding the project’s advancement. He commended the contractors for their dedication, and described the progress as “a true reflection of hard work and commitment to excellence.”
“The first phase of the project takes us to Bakana, and features four major river-crossing bridges and nearly five deck-on-pile structures. The terrain is difficult, and the engineering work required is complex. But to the glory of God, I can confirm that the reports I’ve been receiving are accurate. Almost 75% of the piling job, which is the most critical part of the project, has been achieved,” Governor Fubara said.
He emphasised that the Trans-Kalabari Road is one of the most technically demanding infrastructure projects in the state due to its challenging marine terrain but reaffirmed his administration’s resolve to deliver it on schedule.
Governor Fubara highlighted the strategic importance of the road in connecting the Kalabari Kingdom to Port Harcourt, and stimulating economic growth across riverine communities.
“This is a key project that will turn around the lives of the Kalabari people immediately it is concluded. By the grace of God, in the next six months, if we return here for inspection, we might be driving across the bridge,” he said.
Governor Fubara assured Rivers people that his administration remains focused on delivering transformative infrastructure projects that will improve lives and bring lasting development to rural communities.
“We have made a promise to our people to embark on projects that will change lives and bring development, and this is a testament to that commitment,” he added.
The Governor of Rivers State, Sir Siminalayi Fubara, says that the impact of flooding and erosion on the inhabitants of Rivers State, especially those living in coastal communities, are of great concerns to the government.
Governor Fubara lamented the consequences of flood on both human and biotic life, which sometimes lead to loss of life, property, and degradation of the environment.
The Governor made the remark in Port Harcourt during the launch of a book titled, ‘Coastal Zone Flooding And Erosion in Developing Communities, Principles, Cases and Strategies,” written by Emeritus Prof. Wiston Bell-Gam.
According to the Governor, who was represented by the Secretary to the State Government, Hon. Benibo Anabraba, his administration, would continue to undertake and encourage adaptation strategies to combat flooding.
In his words: “The Rivers State Government will continue to undertake and encourage adaptation strategies, such as construction of seawalls and breakers, canals and channels, restoring coastal ecology and ecosystem for coastal resilience and where necessary, the relocation of communities on the coastline.
“These issues are currently receiving the much needed attention and intervention by the recent approval of the construction of shoreline protection along the coastlines of more than five communities in Ogba/Egbema/Ndoni and Opobo/Nkoro LGAs respectively.”
“It is important that as stakeholders in the protection and preservation of marine environment, we all act and advocate for mitigation strategies such as reduction in emission of Green House Gasses that causes climate change and rise in sea levels. Let us promote the use of clean energy and against fossil fuel.
Governor Fubara further cautioned residents to desist from building on waterways.
“We also need to encourage our people to stop developing buildings on and along natural water courses, indiscriminate sea mining and dredging activities on our coastline without consideration for mangroves and swamps,” he stressed.
He appreciated the author for his advanced contributions to the body of knowledge in both Rivers State and globally.
Also speaking, a former Military Governor of the old Rivers State and Amayanabo of Twon Brass, King Alfred Ditte-Spiff, who was Royal Father at the Event, stated that the book was timely to enable stakeholders manage the challenges of global warming.
“Global warming is real. If it’s not addressed globally, a time will come coastal areas will find themselves under water. The coastline of Nigeria is shocking with many mangroves gone,” he noted.
The Reviewer of the Book, who is also the Vice Chancellor of Olusegun Agagu University of Science and Technology, Ondo State, Prof Temi Ologunorisa, explained that the 14-chapter book is timeous as it fills literary gaps between desire and available knowledge on coastal flood and erosion in developing communities.,
“A major beauty of the book that sets it apart is the detailed consideration of flood and erosion control from around the world,” he stated, adding that the book is based on detailed field investigation.