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Again, FG Vows To Complete East-West Road By Dec, 2021
The Minister of Niger Delta Affairs, Senator Godswill Akpabio, yesterday, reiterated the commitment of the All Progressives Congress (APC), led administration to complete the dualisation of the East-West carriageways and deliver it to the people of the region on or before end of December, 2021.
Akpabio, who gave the assurance at the roundtable meeting of the counterparts on the complementary programme for the East-West Road project held at the Yar’Adua Centre, Abuja, noted that the highway project under his watch would be completed at the stipulated time.
The counterparts, in the Complementary Programme, was proactive scheme set up to manage the East-West Road corridor in order to ensure its safety, efficiency and economy to aid development and growth in the region.
The first tour of counterparts which commenced at the highways corridor at Warri, Delta State ended at the wrap-up meeting of the Complementary Programme held in Uyo, Akwa Ibom State, recently.
The programme is aimed at rallying counterparts to manage the road corridor from unimpeded movement of goods and passengers.
The counterpart team came together to plan and control what happens on the corridor.
According to the minister, “I am sincerely happy to be here this afternoon, especially to meet in person our eminent Focal Persons representing the counterparts on the Complementary Programme for the East-West Road, since we had to undertake the inauguration of your team via Zoom as dictated by the Covid-19 pandemic.
“Today’s meeting here in Abuja is key, as it is our launch into 2021. The work plan which you have developed is impressive and therefore must be pursued vigorously, singularly and collectively.
“I have noted with satisfaction the signs of commitment and dedication we are receiving from all counterparts towards the attainment of the objectives of this programme.
“Under my watch, the target is to deliver completely Sections I-IV of the East-West Road on or before December, 2021, and see to the award of Section V, Oron-Calabar.
“These deliverables will not be complete and adequate without a virile management support to ensure that the corridor is given proper planning, to the award of Section V, Oron-Calabar.
“These deliverables will not be complete and adequate without a virile management support to ensure that the corridor is given proper planning, development and management.
“The commitment that my ministry brings to this round-table of counterparts must, therefore, be complemented by the support of all counterparts in terms of action. The propositions on this Programme in the short, medium and long term are for the best interest of our people and the Niger Delta region at large.
“At this point let me note and appreciate the zeal with which the team of counterparts are working. Accept this gratitude on behalf of the Federal Government of President Muhammadu Buhari.
“I dutifully urge you to please sustain it. Posterity will be kind to you. Our conviction is clear. We need your cooperation to succeed.
“We are determined to succeed and shall spare no effort to secure” your collaboration.
“It is in this light, that the Advisory Notes which we are about to issue are crafted. It is borne out of the genuine resolve to establish deeper partnership and synergy with counterparts for the good of all.
“In this pursuit, I am certain that your institutions most especially the state will be the biggest beneficiary of the outcomes of this programme. It is gratifying to note that you are receptive to the novel idea of issuing Advisory Notes.
“I look forward to more innovations that will help to fast track the attainment of the lofty goals of the Complementary Programmes for the East-West Road”.
The meeting was attended by the Minister of State in the Ministry of Niger Delta Affairs, Senator Omotayo Alasoadura; the Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Niger Delta Affairs, Dr. Babayo Ardo Kumo; and the focal persons representing the states across the Niger Delta region.
The Governor of Rivers State, Sir Siminalayi Fubara, has begun the celebration of Nigeria’s 65th Independence anniversary with a Juma’at service where prayers were offered for the progress of the state and Nigeria.
Governor Fubara, who advocated for peace and unity of Nigeria during the prayers on Friday at the Rivers State Central Mosque, Port Harcourt, indicated that without peace, the accelerated development of Nigeria will remain in a limbo.
Governor Fubara, who was represented by Alhaji Abdurrazaq Diepriye, therefore urged citizens to remain patriotic.
According to him, “Allah has brought us this far. Without peace, we can not have progress and economic development. I call on all citizens irrespective of creed or tribe to remain patriotic.”
He thanked President Bola Tinubu for restoring peace in Rivers State while also using the forum to appreciate security agencies for their relentless effort in upholding the peace and unity of Rivers State and Nigeria.
The Chief Imam of Rivers State Central Mosque, Imam Ibrahim Yaloo, admonished Moslem faithful to always speak the truth, adding that those who obey Allah will be directed to good deeds and their sins forgiven.
Prayers were offered for Rivers State and Nigeria.
Other activities to mark the 65th Independence anniversary in the state include an Inter-denominational Church Thanksgiving Service on Sunday, 28th September and Parade Ceremony on Wednesday, 1st October.
Vice-President Kashim Shettima departed New York on Sunday after representing President Bola Tinubu at the 80th session of the United Nations General Assembly.
In a statement released on Sunday by the VP media aide, Stanley Nkwocha, the Vice President is now headed to Germany, where he will hold strategic meetings with officials of Deutsche Bank.
The statement read, “Vice President Kashim Shettima has departed New York, United States, after successfully representing President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, at the 80th Session of the United Nations General Assembly.
“During his participation at UNGA 80, VP Shettima secured UN Secretary-General António Guterres’ commendation for Nigeria’s bid for a permanent UN Security Council seat.
“He also showcased Nigeria’s $200 billion energy transition opportunity to global investors and strengthened strategic partnerships with the UK on trade, defence, and migration issues.”
Nkwocha added that the VP delivered Tinubu’s national statement, calling for UN reforms and a permanent seat for Nigeria at the UN Security Council, and “demanded Africa’s control over its $700 billion mineral wealth, and digital inclusion initiatives.”
“He also engaged with the Gates Foundation on healthcare and education expansion, positioning Nigeria as the natural hub for the African Continental Free Trade Area’s $3.4 trillion market.
“VP Shettima was seen off at John F. Kennedy International Airport, New York, by cabinet Ministers who were part of the UNGA 80 delegation and Nigerian Mission officials.”
The aide noted that Shettima will return to Nigeria immediately after his engagements in Germany.
The Tide source recalls that the VP departed Abuja, yesterday.
He led other Nigerian officials at the Assembly.
As part of Nigeria’s 65th Independence anniversary celebration, the Federal Government held a special thanksgiving service on Sunday at the National Ecumenical Centre in Abuja to offer prayers and give thanks for the nation.
The event drew top government officials and security chiefs, including Senate President Godswill Akpabio and Secretary to the Government of the Federation, George Akume, as well as their spouses.
Other notable guests included Finance Minister and Coordinating Minister of the Economy Wale Edun, former Plateau State Governor, Senator Simon Lalong, and the Chief of Defence Staff, General Christopher Musa, who led the service chiefs in attendance.
Service chiefs present included the Chief of Naval Staff, Vice-Admiral Emmanuel Ogala, Inspector-General of Police Kayode Egbetokun, Comptroller-General of the Nigerian Immigration Service, Mrs Kemi Nandap and Controller-General of the Nigerian Correctional Service, Sylvester Nwakuche, among others.00
The service came days after the government unveiled the official theme and some of the activities slated for the 2025 Independence celebrations.
This year’s anniversary is tagged “Nigeria @ 65: All Hands on Deck for a Greater Nation,” as announced by the Director of Information and Public Relations at the Office of the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Segun Imohiosen, in a statement on Wednesday.
“As part of activities to mark the 65th Independence Anniversary, the Juma’at Prayer and the Inter-Denominational Church Service will be held on Friday, 26th September at 1 pm and Sunday, 28th September at 10 am respectively, as well as the World Press Conference on Monday, 29th September at 10 am,” he said.
The Tide source had earlier reported that President Bola Tinubu, alongside former Heads of State, Yakubu Gowon, Olusegun Obasanjo and Goodluck Jonathan, is expected as a special guest at a national discourse convened by the Island Club, Lagos, to mark Nigeria’s 65th Independence Anniversary.
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