News
FG Recommits To Road Infrastructure Dev
The Federal Government has listed road infrastructural development in the South-West zone and other zones in the country as its topmost priority.
The South-West Director of Highways, Federal Ministry of Works and Housing, Mr. Adedamola Kuti, made the disclosure while addressing newsmen at the end of a two-day inspection tour of ongoing Federal Government road projects in Oyo State on Monday.
The director, who was accompanied by the Oyo State Controller of Works, in the ministry, Mr. Kayode Ibrahim, said it was the policy of the Federal Government to complete all the road projects soonest.
He said completion of the road projects would link up the various sections of the country and make vehicular movement smooth, adding that the present administration is much committed to infrastructure development He noted that there were infrastructural projects going on everywhere across the nation, stressing that virtually every where in the country has one ongoing project or the other.
Kuti said Nigerians were happy with the administration of President Muhammadu Buhari’s giant strides in massive road construction/rehabilitation projects across the length and breathe of the country.
The director admitted scarcity of funds, saying: “every project has funding challenge but government is trying its best to ensure that all its projects are funded, to encourage contractors that are committed.
“Government is trying to raise money here and there, for some of its projects, result of part of the money raising is what we are seeing.
“Is not for government to borrow money and people won’t see what they have used it for, this is part of what they are using it for.”
He urged the media to do more in letting Nigerians at large know about the infastructural development projects being carried out by the present administration.
The director and his team, inspected the 52-kilometer Oyo-Ogbomosho Highway, Liberty Stadium Road Ibadan, construction of bridge across Ogun river at Km 37 Maya – Iseyin Road and 28.65km Okeho -Iseyin Road.
Kuti, who said the tour was a continuation of an inspection of projects in South-West zone, expressed satisfaction with the performance of the contractors handling the respective projects.
“So far so good we are happy with what we have seen. The Liberty Road project is special repairs in the township, no serious work has started there, they’re just working on the drainage structures.
“At Maya- Iseyin Road, the bridge is already in place, though the contractor – Preconsmith Construction Limited, was not on site, but we are impressed with the ongoing work there.
“On Iseyin-Okeho 28.65km road, handling by indigenous contractor, HMF Construction Ltd, the project is barely six months old and we have seen the level of completion within this short time.
“I’m very impressed that within six months, he has worked to appreciable level, unlike some contractors that would still be struggling to mobilise to site.
“The people of Oke-Ogun in Oyo State are seeing the impact of government, by these projects, nobody will complain of abandonment, here is a border town – Nigeria share a boundary with the Republic of Benin, so the people have not been forgotten.
“Despite the fact that people of this area are further off from city, presence of government is still felt in this place.
“And we have a lot of agriculture products that come out from this environment so by the time this road is completed agriculture products can move out of this axis with ease; that is the essence of this project.
“We do hope that the nation economy would be better, to be able to secure more funds to execute some of these projects,” he stated.
On the Oyo – Ogbomoso road, the director recalled that the Federal Executive Council, recently approved augmentation of the road initial contract sum from N47.50billion to N105.04billion, as a result of adjustment in the scope of work; such as increase in the bearing strength on the road pavement and volume of thickness of the road.
He said the work done so far on the road was of high quality and could stand the test of time, adding that the approval for the increase contract sum would enhance speedy completion of the project.
The dual carriageway which is being handled by the Reynoids Construction Company (RCC) is the second section of Ibadan – Ilorin Road and a subsection of a major trunk A1 road which originated from Apapa Wharf in Lagos and terminate at Sokoto State.
The road is very vital in the socio-economic important of the country, since the country basically depended on roads as the major means of transportation, thus the road links the Southern part of the country to the North.
In their separate remarks, the RCC Project Manager and Managing Director of HMF Construction Ltd, Mr. Yuri Visman and Mr. Ayedesi Adeoye, respectively, promised to delivered quality jobs.
The duo said fund was the major challenge being faced in the course of executing their respective contracts.
According to Adeoye, the contract sum for Iseyin-Okeho road project that was awarded in April is N6billion “and we are working to ensure that the project is delivered on time.
“Our completion time is 18 months and our mission is to be at 60 per cent of completion stage by April next year provided government make funds available for the project.”
Visman, who expressed satisfaction with the augmentation approval by the Federal Executive Council, urged Federal Government to promptly release fund for the project to fastrack timely completion of the project.
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
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