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FEC Approves Additional N79.3bn For Bodo-Bonny Road
The Federal Executive Council has approved the sum of N79.3billion as variation for the successful completion of the all-important Bodo-Bonny Road in Rivers State.
The approval comes about 19 years after the initial contract was awarded in 2002 by the President Olusegun Obasanjo administration, and barely two years after the President Muhammadu Buhari-led Federal Government kick-started the construction work.
The Minister of Works and Housing, Babatunde Fashola, SAN, said this at the end of the council meeting, presided over by President Muhammadu Buhari at the Presidential Villa, Abuja, last Wednesday.
The minister said that he presented three memos to the council, with two on approvals and one as a report on the meeting of the National Council on Lands, Housing and Urban Development, held in Jos, Plateau.
Fashola said that one of the memos included a request for variation of the contract value for the Bodo-Bonny Road in Rivers State.
He said, “Then there was also the contract for the Bodo Bonny road and bridge. That contract was previously awarded at N120.6billion.
“We sought approval from council to augment it by N79.305billion, bringing it to a total sum of N199billion. N199.923billion is now the total revised contract sum and council approved.
“Major highlight of the augmentation was to revise the prices, which were based on 2002 prices when it was awarded, and also to change some of the scope of works and design. Instead of approach roads, we’re constructing more approach bridges.”
“There were also provisions for additional mini bridges. There were also provisional bridges over pipelines that were discovered, instead of relocating the pipelines, which was meant to cause much more money,” he added.
Meanwhile, the contractor handling the road project, Julius Berger Nigeria Plc has confirmed that it has completed some major milestones as part of the construction of the Bodo-Bonny Road, and was already delivering positive results for communities in the Niger Delta.
In a statement, It said, “The company has successfully completed works on the 4.9km Bodo Road leading to the Afa Creek Bridge, which has also been completed.
“Achievement of these two major scope components highlights Julius Berger’s commitment towards the timely commissioning of the first road to connect Bonny Island to the mainland.
“With the completion of the Bodo Road, Julius Berger has delivered a world-class road infrastructure with necessary drainage systems and stone pitched shoulders to ensure a long-lasting and high-performance infrastructure.
“The road has transformed the local infrastructure network, enabling progress by providing neighbouring communities’ much-needed, reliable access to Bodo Town, improving social and economic connectivity and commercial opportunities.
“In line with its planning, the company has commenced works on nine mini bridges as part of the on-going construction of monumental project, with construction of major bridges in Okpobo and Nanabie in view.
“Despite the challenging terrain and environmental factors related to the project location, including low lying marshy land with tidal movements, Julius Berger continues to reliably deliver leading solutions, leveraging on its technical capabilities,” the company added.
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
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.
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