At a Southeast stakeholders meeting of ruling All Progressives Congress Party (APC) in Owerri on Wednesday, party leaders in the zone resolved to do all in their powers to win the forthcoming Anambra State governorship poll and harped on the need for conscientious membership registration and reconciliation of party structures from ward to state levels.
Prominent APC leaders who attended the regional meeting include Governor Hope Uzodinma, members of House of Representatives, Nkiruka Onyejeocha and Chinedu Ogah; Minister of Science and Technology, Dr. Ogbonnia Onu; Minister of State for Education, Emeka Nwajiuba; member of the APC Interim Committee, Senator Ken Nnamani; Managing Director of Nigeria Inland Waterways Authority (NIWA), Dr. George Muoghalu; former Imo deputy governor, Eze Madumere, Senators Osita Izunaso, Nkechi Nwaogu and Andy Ubah; Tony Nwoye Chinwe Obaji, among others, were present.
The new member of the APC Southeast caucus, Ebonyi State Governor Dave Umahi, was represented by Senator Anthony Agbo while longtime members members like immediate past Imo State governor, Senator Rochas Okorocha, Senate Chief Whip, Orji Uzor Kalu, Minister of Labour and Employment, Dr. Chris Ngige, were conspicuously absent from the grand meeting.
The host of the meeting, Imo State Governor Hope Uzodinma said APC in Southeast had all it would take to dominate the zone, stressing the need for unity, brotherly love and genuine reconciliation.
He noted that the Anambra governorship poll was the ground to demonstrate the resolve of the party to capture the zone. He therefore appealed to members to shelve petty animosities and antagonism to work towards winning the election for the party.
“I believe that winning Anambra governorship will make the party stronger in the zone. And we can only succeed in doing this through genuine reconciliation and unity among members of the party,” the governor stated.
The governor regretted recriminations among party members in the zone, stressing that such grievances constitute the major problems confronting APC, just as he noted that the process of reconciliation should begin immediately to strengthen and fortify the party for future elections in the country.
According to Uzodinma: “The problem confronting APC in southeast is grievances, and we must begin today to address it, this will help our party, we need to reconcile all aggrieved members, our party would be stronger and we also urge all of you to help secure victory in Anambra.”
Also speaking, the Minister of Science and Technology, Onu, affirmed that Southeast people are yearning for APC, assuring that it was for “this reason that APC would win the forthcoming Anambra State governorship election.
According to Onu, “People of the southeast want APC, this is why we must be united and be at peace with each other, we must be united to achieve our aims, we will make sure southeast controls Anambra.”
Former President of Senate, Nnamani, informed the stakeholders that registration will commence from the unit levels, where members will cast their votes, stressing that the process will enable the party to actually know its strength at every unit.
Nnamani therefore pleaded with members to take the registration seriously just as he urged party faithful to immediately take part in the process.
Speaking through his representative, Senator Agbo, Umahi said he was happy to be in “the midst of progressive members of the party in the zone.” He disabused the minds of members, especially those who said he was not in good terms with his Imo state counterpart, assuring that he would work with Uzodimma to make sure other governors join APC from the zone.
The completion of the Opobo axis of the Ogoni-Andoni-Opobo Unity road has been declared top priority by the Rivers State Government in order to attract development to Opobo kingdom.
The declaration was made by Governor of the State, Nyesom Wike at a ceremony to mark the 150 years anniversary of the establishment of Opobo Kingdom in Opobo Town on Monday.
The governor, who expressed delight that Opobo people and friends could drive by the road to participate in the 150 years anniversary of the kingdom, assured that the road will be completed and commissioned in January 2021.
“As you’re coming from the Ogoni area, you’ll see that we have finished the first phase of Sakpenwa -Bori road; full dualisation. Now, we believe that the second phase will take it to Kono with street lights installed.
“That will ease movement and reduce the level of crime in that place. We are happy that you can drive from Bori and within five minutes, you’re heading to Opobo.
“When that road is completed, it will bring development. I’m glad that I made a promise to the people of Opobo. We believe that by ending of January 2021, that we will come back to commission the road.
The governor also noted the efforts of federal lawmaker who represents Andoni-Opobo -Nkoro federal constituency, Awaji-Inombek Abiante in connecting Opobo kingdom to the national grid in a bid to solve the age long problem of lack of electricity in the area.
Governor Wike said his administration will continue to support developmental plans of the kingdom that will make life easy for them.
“I’m happy with the move to connect you to the national grid. That project, is a constituency project of one of your own who represents Andoni/ Opobo-Nkoro Federal Constituency, that is Awaji-Inombek Abiante.
“It is important for us to elect those who have commitment, who believe in the development of the people and that young man has shown that connecting Opobo to National Grid is very important”.
The governor also donated 50miliion Naira to support the building of a befitting palace for king Jaja of Opobo.
Amayanabo of Opobo Kingdom, King Dandeson Douglas Jaja said the sitting of Opobo on the banks of the Imo River was well calculated plan in 1870, because the kingdom strategically became an important commercial settlement to compete with Lagos in volume of Nigerian International Trade.
King Jaja, Chairman of Rivers State Traditional Rulers Council.
King Jaja, who is also the Chairman of Rivers State Traditional Rulers Council, said in the wake of World War 11, the British closed the Opobo sea port, which destroyed the commercial strength of Opobo kingdom. According to him, the Nigeria Government has since failed to acknowledge the subsisting commercial potentials of Opobo.
“The road, today, we are glad to acknowledge, opens up a new page in the development process of Opobo, a page that will see our youths, instead of migrating to Port Harcourt and other cities, will be attracted to remain here because they can be gainfully employed as well as enjoy the befits of modern living”.
Rivers State Commissioner for Water Resources, Dr. Tamunosisi Gogo Jaja said Opobo people had lived together in peace without violent attacks on each other during and after the 20 years of legal war in the kingdom.
Dr. Gogo-Jaja said the people of Opobo particularly thanked Governor Wike for demonstrating love towards them by his commitment to complete the Opobo axis of the Ogoni Unity Road to enable them drive him by road.
•Governor To Meet Amaechi, IGP Over Officials’ Misconduct At Seaports
An unplanned fact-finding visit to Apapa, on Monday, by Lagos State Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu to ascertain the causes of incessant gridlock on roads leading to the seaports has revealed several factors, which are responsible for the congestion.
It was the fourth time Governor Sanwo-Olu and members of the State cabinet would be visiting Apapa over traffic congestion, which has impacted negatively on businesses and lives in the environ.
As the Governor physically assessed the complexity of the situation that allowed heavy-duty trucks to clog up the access roads, a blame game ensued between stakeholders operating within and around the Apapa seaports.
While the Committee of Freight Forwarders and Maritime Truckers (COFFAMAT) blamed the Nigerian Port Authority (NPA) officials, Presidential Taskforce on Port Decongestion and the police for the corruption that allowed truck drivers to park indiscriminately on the road, the Council of Maritime Transport Union and Association (COMTUA) absolved the police and the Taskforce, accusing COFFAMAT, truck drivers and other stakeholders of not playing by the rules.
L-R: Lagos State Deputy Governor, Dr. Obafemi Hamzat; Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu and Commissioner of Police, Lagos Command, Mr. Hakeem Odumosu, during an inspection at the Tin Can Transit Park, Apapa, on Monday, December 28, 2020.
A customs licensed clearing and forwarding agent, Mr. Boniface Okoye, heaped the blame on the customs for giving undue access to the shippers’ council to leave empty containers to the port areas, while pointing accusing finger to the police for looking away after allegedly collecting kickbacks.
Following the accusation and counter-accusation, Sanwo-Olu intimated the stakeholders of the State Government’s move to checkmate activities of all operators that had led to the problems being experienced in the area.
The Governor wondered why container-laden trucks not yet called upon for loading in the ports were indiscriminately parked on newly rehabilitated Tincan Road, instead of moving into the approved terminal provided by the Government.
Sanwo-Olu disclosed that part of the steps being taken by the State Government to restore sanity back to the area was to take over the enforcement of the Presidential Taskforce on Port Decongestion and create a new operational template for the task force, which will be enforced by a combined team of officers of Lagos State Traffic Management Authority (LASTMA) and the police.
He said: “This is about the fourth time which my Government has been trying to address Apapa gridlock and bring sanity back to the area. On each occasion we had come here, we knew that there were road constructions. This time around, there has been a lot of improvement and we have seen that a lot of the roads within Apapa have been completed. But, there has been no respite for commuters in terms of free traffic flow.
“Our plan is to bring about cohesive system where all stakeholders would understand their roles and resolve challenges being encountered. Since last year, the Presidential Taskforce has been working on this issue. Now, there is a process that is starting in which the State Government is taking over the task force. This is one of the reasons for this trip to Apapa today; to ascertain what needs to be done. We will have a team of policemen and LASTMA dedicated to Apapa Ports for enforcement of task force’s mandates.”
The Governor said the visit to the ports would be followed up with stakeholders’ engagement with NPA, shipping companies’ owners and freight forwarders, stressing that a situation where truck drivers needed to wait for about 10 hours for handing over of operation from one NPA team to another was not acceptable.
L-R: Lagos State Governor Mr. Babajide Sanwo-Olu; his Special Adviser on Works & Infrastructure, Mrs. Aramide Adeyoye; Deputy Governor, Dr. Obafemi Hamzat and Chairman, Lagos Inter-Agency Monitoring and Enforcement Coordination Committee, Mr. Kayode Opeifa, during an inspection at the Tin Can Transit Park, Apapa, on Monday, December 28, 2020.
Sanwo-Olu said the sharp practices and inadequacies observed in the handling of the container operations at the ports would be escalated to the Minister of Transport, adding that the misconducts of the policemen stationed closed to the ports would be reported to the Inspector General of Police (IGP).
The Governor said it was time the arm of the law caught up with those who had created the situation that led to the chaotic movements of container-laden trucks in and out of the ports.
He said: “Lagos State Government is not the owner of the ports whose operations is causing pain to residents, but we owe a duty to our citizens whose lives and businesses have been badly impacted because of the gridlocks created in this part of the State. I believe this trip would give us another opportunity where all of us, as stakeholders, will be able to identify impediments and resolve the issues once and for all.”
Sanwo-Olu also part of the issues to be resolved with the Federal Government over Apapa congestion was the uniformity in the operational licence being issued to barge owners. This, he said, is to stop creation of illegal terminals for barge operators and make adequate plan for licencees operating in traffic-prone areas.
He said: “We have arrested people we felt were operating illegal barge terminals before, but we were surprised some of these people had licences issued by the Federal Government. This is part of the issues we want to resolve. We are working collaboratively with the Federal Government on this. If someone gets an approval for barge operation, let Lagos Government be aware, so that roads are probably planned to those terminals.”
Ogun State Governor, Prince Dapo Abiodun has called for restraint in celebrations during the Christmas and New Year festivities as he announced the suspension of street carnivals, crowded cross-over night service, parties and similar gatherings in the State, amidst an increase in COVID-19 infections across the nation.
The governor on Wednesday also directed all civil servants and other government workers in the State to proceed on Christmas and New Year holiday from Thursday, December 24.
According to the Chief Press Secretary to the Governor, Mr Kunle Somorin, the directives were issued on Wednesday after a meeting between the state government and religious leaders from the League of Imams and the Christian Association of Nigeria as well as community leaders as part of the measures and guidelines for public health as the state prepares for a second wave of the coronavirus pandemic.
The Governor directed that all Schools in the State are to remain closed until January 18, 2021, while all bars, nightclubs, pubs and event centres, recreational centres in the state have also been closed down indefinitely.
The Governor further directed that markets are to open strictly between 8am and 4pm while maintaining social distancing and observing all COVID-19 protocols, including the use of face mask, provision of hand sanitizer and/or hand-washing equipment at every strategic point within their malls, shops and business premises.
Gov Abiodun further directed that religious and worship centres should not exceed 50 per cent of their capacity. All services must also be in compliance with all COVID-19 protocols.
In order to stem the spread of the second wave of the disease, Gov. Abiodun advised that “there should be no gatherings of more than 50 people at any event or ceremonies, such as conferences, congresses, office events, concerts, seminars, sporting activities, cross-over nights, end of year parties, weddings, naming, birthdays, anniversaries, street carnivals, etc until further notice”.
He also called on motorcycle (okada), tricycle, bus, car, taxi and other transport operators to not to carry passengers above 50 percent of their capacity, in compliance with social distancing rules.
While urging citizens to celebrate in moderation, Gov. Abiodun wished the people a Merry Christmas and prosperous 2021, saying they should take personal responsibilities and stay within their residences and not embark on travels within and outside the State to ensure they neither transmit nor contract the virus.
For religious centres, the League of Imams and the Christian leaders adopted the earlier positions taken in the wake of COVID-19 earlier in the year such as:
1. All worship activities must be observed by not more than 50percent of capacity
2. All congregants must wear their face masks appropriately (that is, No facemask, No entry)
3. There should be reliable sources of running water
4. Worship centres should be adequately cleaned and disinfected before and after services
5. Household bleach solution should be adequately prepared for disinfections
6. There should be adequate provision and supervision of multiple Veronica Buckets for handwashing (fully automated handwashing machines are preferable)
7. There should be provision of alcohol-based sanitiser which must be used before and at intervals of every 20 minutes as well as after service
8. Worship centres should provide adequate toilet facilities with water
9. It is paramount for Muslims to perform ablution at home and go to Mosque with their personal praying mats
10. Qualified Medical Practitioners or trained personnels should check the temperature of worshippers with infrared thermometer before allowing them to enter worship centres
11..There should be adequate medical support for sick persons
12. All services on Friday/Sunday and other week days must adhere strictly to COVID-19 Guidelines
13. There should be pre-designated standing position/sitting points to ensure not less than 2 meter distancing
14. The duration of religious services should not be more than one hour. In addition, same duration must be observed at intervals, where there are multiple services
15. The use of Air-conditioners should be discouraged while worship centres should be well ventilated with the use of fans
16. There should not be any handshake/hugs by worshippers
17. Proper awareness of the susceptibility of the aged and people with signs of ill-health should be adequately created among worshippers at all times
18. Constant sensitisation of COVID-19 and its dangers should be included in sermon and goodwill messages
19. Provision of isolation rooms is mandatory in all worship centres or facilities
20. Religious services and events should be recorded with digital camera for record purposes
21. Government will not hesitate to impose severe sanctions (including, but not limited to lockdown) on any Worship Centre that fails to comply with the laid down guidelines
22. No social gathering should exceed 50 people while 2 meters social distancing must be observed in such gatherings
23. Disposable elements should be used during Holy Communion instead of sharing cups
To Sanctiom inbound travellers who fail to show up for post arrival covid-19 test
President Muhammadu Buhari has extended the mandate of the Presidential Task Force (PTF) on COVID-19 “for a further period till the end of March, 2021 bearing in mind the new surge in the number of cases and the bid for vaccines.”
The President disclosed this Tuesday in Abuja while receiving the End-of-Year Report of the task force.
According to President Buhari, “recent reports reaching me indicate that Nigeria is now facing a rise in confirmed COVID-19 cases nationwide which is similar to the second wave of infections occurring in other countries across the world.
President of Nigeria, Muhammadu Buhari at the Council Chambers, State House, Abuja.
“New epicentres have been identified and the nation cannot afford to lose the gains of the last nine months. I have critically evaluated the situation and remain convinced that urgent measures have to be taken to halt the spread and the attendant fatalities.
“Closely associated with the foregoing is the need to speedily and strategically access and administer the COVID vaccine in a safe, effective and timely manner. This is an important obligation that we owe Nigerians as we go into year 2021 and it must be carried out through an efficient machinery.”
The President added that “the nation is clearly in a perilous situation given the virulent nature of this second wave and we must act decisively to protect our people. I therefore urge all sub-national entities, traditional rulers, religious and leaders of thought to collaborate with the PTF by taking up the responsibility for risk communication and community engagement at all levels. Now is the time for collective efforts to be intensified.
“As the festive season approaches, I urge all Nigerians to remain vigilant and stay safe. Non-essential trips and large social gatherings should be avoided or shelved completely.”
The full-text of President Buhari’s address containing other measures and issues is reproduced below.
SPEECH BY HIS EXCELLENCY MUHAMMADU BUHARI PRESIDENT OF THE FEDERAL REPUBLIC OF NIGERA AT THE PRESENTATION OF THE END-OF-YEAR REPORT OF THE PRESIDENTIAL TASK FORCE ON COVID 19 AT THE STATE HOUSE, PRESIDENTIAL VILLA, ABUJA ON TUESDAY, 22ND DECEMBER, 2020
PROTOCOLS:
The year 2020 has been most challenging for the whole of humanity as a result of the havoc wreaked by the COVID-19 on lives, livelihoods, global and national economies, governance structures, health, social welfare and other systems.
2. It has consumed an inordinate amount of resources deployed to address it by countries of the world, without abating.
3. Sadly, the COVID 19 pandemic has also taken and keeps taking, precious lives of our loved ones, leaving several homes, families and associates to mourn. May the Almighty God grant all those that have lost their lives to this deadly virus eternal rest.
4. Over the last nine months, I received a total of eight Interim Reports along with one Mid-Term Report, apprising me progressively of developments on the COVID-19 pandemic, from the Presidential Task Force.
5, I similarly approved several far-reaching measures recommended to support the achievement of the objectives of our National Response. I have been in constant touch about the pandemic in all corners of our country.
6. Let me also add that I have religiously followed the daily national briefings by the PTF which has become the platform for communicating with Nigerians and the most authentic source of information which substantially reduced the space for fake news.
7. The successes recorded by the PTF in managing the control of the pandemic since March 2020 are largely attributable to the multi-sectoral approach adopted by the government, the proactive steps taken and the commitment of its members.
8. I wish to acknowledge the immeasurable support received from the National Assembly, state governments, the private sector coalition, the international community, development partners, well-meaning Nigerians who donated in cash and kind and also made sacrifices, the media organisations, security agencies and the frontline workers who toiled day and night as our last line of defence. The list is endless. Our gratitude is endless
9. On behalf of the Government and people of Nigeria, I thank you one and all for your support and contributions to this National Response to a global emergency.
10. The impact of the COVID-19 on global and national economies cannot even now be fully assessed. No nation of the world has been spared the experience of different degrees of economic downturn as several countries including Nigeria went into negative growth territories.
11. To mitigate this impact, we developed an Economic Sustainability Plan aimed at cushioning the impact at all levels and stabilizing our economy.
12. Family businesses, small, and medium scale enterprises and the manufacturing sector were all supported through various windows.
13. Appropriate support has also been provided through the Government Enterprise and Empowerment Program, as well as the Trader and Market Moni loans. For the very vulnerable, significant steps taken include:
a. Expansion of the National Social Register to 3.6 million beneficiaries across thirty six States,;
b. Support provided to 8, 827,129 households through the 70,000MT food grains released from the Strategic Reserve; and
c. Support to 1,289,405 vulnerable households that benefitted from the Conditional Cash Transfers across 34 States.
14. The pandemic also revealed the vulnerabilities in our health system which compelled our determination to ensure that its support is given top priority in terms of infrastructure, human and institutional capacities, legislative support, etc.
15. It must be emphasized that this administration recognizes that an effective and efficient health sector represents a significant component of our security and economic growth strategy.
16. It is in this regard that I am pleased to note the legacy improvements made in the health sector in the areas of laboratory infrastructure, treatment centres, training of health care personnel, improvement in surveillance and Port Health capacities, etc.
17. I must again single out and thank those private entrepreneurs who sourced and installed impressive healthcare facilities in some strategic places as their contribution to this National Emergency.
18. There is still more work to be done in the health sector to help us cater for our citizens and minimize the drain on our foreign exchange and trained manpower through medical tourism. For Nigeria to enjoy a lasting legacy from the huge investment in the health sector, a comprehensive Health Sector Reform that will achieve the following amongst others, must be instituted. The objectives include to:
a. Build the human and institutional capacity to provide a world class 21st century health care system, capable of responding effectively to future pandemics;
b. Develop a viable strategy for our primary and tertiary healthcare system;
c. Re-align institutional mandates and functions within the health sector for effectiveness and efficiency;
d. Distinguish policy and coordination from implementation responsibilities; and
e. Strengthen the statutory and regulatory capacities within the health sector
19. Recent reports reaching me indicate that Nigeria is now facing a rise in confirmed COVID-19 cases nationwide which is similar to the second wave of infections occurring in other countries across the world.
20. New epicentres have been identified and the nation cannot afford to lose the gains of the last nine months. I have critically evaluated the situation and remain convinced that urgent measures have to be taken to halt the spread and the attendant fatalities.
21. Closely associated with the foregoing is the need to speedily and strategically access and administer the COVID vaccine in a safe, effective and timely manner. This is an important obligation that we owe Nigerians as we go into year 2021 and it must be carried out through an efficient machinery.
22. Accordingly, I have authorised the following measures for implementation:
a. The extension of the mandate of the PTF for a further period till the end of March, 2021 bearing in mind the new surge in the number of cases and the bid for vaccines;
b. That the PTF should coordinate the process for planning and the strategy for accessing, delivery and administration of the vaccines using the existing health structures that have worked in the past in vaccine administration;
c. Authorised the PTF to engage with the States for them to assume full ownership of this stage of the response by deploying legal structures and resources, including enforcement to manage the pandemic within their jurisdictions. Details of the advisory measures have already been announced; and
d. Authorised the PTF and the Nigeria Immigration Service to ensure that all in-bound passengers who failed to show up for post -arrival COVID-19 test are sanctioned within the ambit of the law, for breaching the public health protocols.
23. The nation is clearly in a perilous situation given the virulent nature of this second wave and we must act decisively to protect our people. I therefore urge all sub-national entities, traditional rulers, religious and leaders of thought to collaborate with the PTF by taking up the responsibility for risk communication and community engagement at all levels. Now is the time for collective efforts to be intensified.
24. As the festive season approaches, I urge all Nigerians to remain vigilant and stay safe. Non-essential trips and large social gatherings should be avoided or shelved completely.
25. I thank you all for your commitment and God bless the Federal Republic of Nigeria.
The Lagos State Governor, Mr. Babajide Sanwo-Olu, has called for synergy between traditional institutions and the government for sustainable community and national development, saying such relationship will facilitate improved security, welfare and prosperity for the people as well as closer cooperation between modern governance and the traditional form of government.
Governor Sanwo-Olu gave the advice at the colloquium organised to mark the 12th installation anniversary of the Aragbiji of Iragbiji, His Royal Majesty, Oba Rasheed Olabomi, at Iragbiji, Osun State, recently.
Speaking on the theme of the colloquium “Sustainable Community and National Development, Creating a Synergy between Traditional Institutions and Government”, Governor Sanwo-Olu, who was represented by his Special Adviser on Chieftaincy Affairs, Prince Bayo Osiyemi, said traditional institutions by virtue of their unlimited tenure are strategically positioned to promote sustainability because of its link between the past and the present.
The Governor said traditional institutions must play a role beyond being the custodian of the people’s tradition, custom, history and culture, adding that the role of traditional rulers must be agreed upon and enshrined in the Nigerian Constitution.
“Some Nigerians hold the opinion that one of the factors responsible for our low level of development is the failure to harness the potentials of our traditional institutions. In other words, there is a need for synergy between government and the custodians of our history, culture and tradition”, Mr. Governor said.
Sanwo-Olu added that “A key factor in development is sustainability, which in simple terms means meeting our own needs without compromising the ability of our future generations to meet their own needs. The traditional institution by virtue of its unlimited tenure is strategically positioned to promote sustainability because of their link between the past and the present”.
While stressing the need for synergy between traditional institutions and government, the Governor said the traditional institution has a repository of knowledge, experience and wisdom, which are essential for social stability and purpose-driven development tailored towards the needs of the community.
He averred that the areas where the role and relevance of the traditional institution are of great significance include the maintenance of peace, order and security, which is the foundation for sustainable socio-economic development at the community, State and National level.
He maintained that government must synergise with traditional rulers because of their closeness to the people and superior knowledge of the dynamics of their communities.
“It will do our nascent democracy a lot of good and give an advantage of facilitating improved security, welfare and prosperity for our people, if we take a cue from our past experiences and forge a closer synergy between the modern governance system and our traditional institutions”, he asserted.
The event, which was attended by the Deputy Governor of Osun State, Mr. Gboyega Alabi, represented by his Special Adviser on Chieftaincy, Mr. Rasaq Adeosun, attracted notable speakers who included Prof. Lai Olorode, Prof. Siyan Oyeweso and Dr. (Mrs) Aminat Ayobami Olaboopo amongst others.
The Ekiti State Governor, Dr. Kayode Fayemi has assured contractors and workers working on various project sites in the State of adequate security, stressing that the security networks across the sites have been improved and expanded to guarantee their safety.
The Governor who disclosed this during an inspection tour of all road projects across the State on Wednesday, said all ongoing road projects would be completed and delivered within the stipulated deadlines.
The road projects visited by the Governor in company of the Commissioner for Works and Transport and the project monitoring team are the dual carriage new Ado-Iyin road, Aramoko-Erinjiyan-Ikogosi road, of Ado-Ilawe-Igbaraodo-Ibuji road; Agbado-Ode-Isinbode-Omuo road; Ilupeju-Ire_Igbemo-Ijan road and Oye-Iye-Ikun road.
The Governor who expressed satisfaction over the quality of work done in the places visited disclosed that the expertise, technicality, and materials deployed in the construction of the new Ado-Iyin road would make it last for a period of thirty years without damage.
He said; “We are just getting along with our work. We will deliver it just as we have promised our people.
“You can see yourself, look at the stone base, it is almost a foot and you are still going to have two layers of asphalt on top of this stone base. It tells you that this road will go on for a period of thirty years without any damage.
“I am sure you noticed some difference in security arrangement because we want those that are working to be safe and secured. We have improved and expanded the security network around here.”
Also the Director of the Company handling the rehabilitation of Ado-Ilawe-Igbaraodo-Ibuji road, Mr. Folorunso Omoya disclosed that the Governor approved the construction of drainages along the roads to forestall flooding and ensure the durability of the road.
Mr. Omoya said the rehabilitation of the roads and construction of drainages were carried out according to the technical specification issued by the State Ministry of Works, assuring that the road would stand the test of time.
He said; “Mr. Governor approved the job and we are have done the job in accordance to specifications and I believe the governor was satisfied.
“It was just rehabilitation but of course water was disturbing the road at many locations even at points where we don’t expect. The governor has approved that drainages be constructed at some points in accordance with technical specifications from the Ministry of Works and we have done exactly that.
“Ado to Ilawe to Igbaraodo to Ibuji, all the problem at the location has been tackled and we believed that the road will stand the test of time”.
The Governor was accompanied on the inspection by the Commissioner for Works and Transport Mr. Sola Adebayo, the Special Adviser on Road Infrastructure and Transport, Mr. Sunday Adunmo, and other Government officials from the Ministry of Works and Transportation.
Nigerian troops of Operation Hadarin Daji have killed an armed bandit and arrested two others when they engaged the criminals with superior firepower during a night patrol at Bakinruwa Riverside in Shinkafi Local Government Area of Zamfara State.
In a statement on Saturday, by the Coordinator, Media Operations, Defence Headquarters (DHq), Major General John Enenche, troops engaged the criminals who fled in disarray due to troops’ overwhelming superior firepower. During the encounter, one of the armed bandits was neutralized, while 2 of them were arrested. One AK-47 rifle and a loaded magazine were also recovered from the criminals.
“On 17 December 2020, troops of Forward Operating Base Shinkafi, while on night patrol, came in contact with some armed bandits at Bakinruwa Riverside in Shinkafi Local Government Area of Zamfara State” the General said.
In a related development, on 18 December 2020, troops deployed at Shinkafi arrested one Zainab at Shinkafi town in Shinkafi Local Government of Zamfara State.
According to General Enenche, the suspect was found roaming the town in police uniform.
He explained that: “A preliminary investigation revealed that the suspect is from Birnin Magaji Local Government Area of the State and has been involved in defrauding unsuspecting members of the public. All arrested suspects have been handed over to appropriate prosecuting agency for necessary action” Enenche stated.
The DHq chief attributed the latest efforts of the Nigerian military to its committment to forestall banditry and other criminal activities in the North Central Zone of the Country. He added that troops of Operation HADARIN DAJI have sustained its aggressive fighting posture in the Zone.
The release of over 300 schools boys kidnapped by Boko Haram Terrorists on December 11 has been described as a vindication of the commitment and determination of President Muhammadu Buhari to rid the Nigeria of insecurity.
This was said by the former Governor of Lagos State, Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu in a statement on Saturday.
A key figure in the rulling All Progressives Congress-led Federal Government (APC), Tinubu lauded President Buhari, and Katsina State Governor, Aminu Bello Masari for their intervention leading to the release of the kidnapped Kankara school boys.
“The initial abduction of the over 300 Kankara schoolboys from their dormitory in broad daylight was unsettling and raises serious concern. However, their prompt rescue from their abductors is heart-warming.
“It vindicates President Buhari in his untiring commitment and determination to rid the country of insecurity and confront Boko Haram insurgents and bandits operating in some parts of the country’, Tinubu said.
Mr Tinubu, who is widely speculated as nursing presidential ambition in 2023 also commended =men of the Nigerian Armed Forces an advised that more needed to be done to tackle rising spate of insecurity in the country.
“I congratulate and commend the president for his prompt and decisive intervention. I must also congratulate Katsina State Governor Aminu Bello Masari and men of our armed forces for bringing the boys back home.
“This laudable effort must be sustained. We must all do more to tackle the evil-doers and see the back of the Boko insurgents and bandits.
While Nigerians and some lawmakers have called for the sack of Security Chiefs over what seems to be failure to address security challenges bedeviling the nation, Tinubu also called for a re-strategized security architecture.
“We need to upgrade our security infrastructure and re-strategize. The armed forces themselves must renew their efforts to make not only our schools safe for students but also our cities and villages.
“No development can occur in a climate of fear, uncertainty, and insecurity of lives and property.
“I empathize with the agonized parents and relations of the abducted schoolboys and rejoice with them over the release of their children from the jaws of the abductors. These boys must now be reunited with their families, the APC chieftain said.
Says Lagos Cannot Afford To Relax Battle Against Coronavirus
Governor Directs Civil Servants From Grade Level 14 Below To Work From Home
Following the second wave of COVID-19 in Nigeria and increase in number of coronavirus cases in Lagos State, Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu has banned carnivals, concerts and street parties in the State until further notice.
The Governor also returned the order restricting the operations of churches and mosques in the State, adding that no gathering must exceed 50 per cent of the maximum capacity of the venue.
He also directed all public servants from Grade Level 14 and below, except emergency workers and first responders, to work from home for the next 14 days starting from next week Monday in the first instance.
Governor Sanwo-Olu in a personal letter to Lagosians issued on Friday after a virtual Executive Council meeting on issues around the resurgence of COVID-19 and how to tackle it said Lagos State cannot afford to relax the battle against COVID-19 and therefore appealed that it should be tackled as serious matter.
Speaking about the present state of his health, Governor Sanwo-Olu, who tested positive to COVID-19 last week, said “Regarding my health, I am glad to inform you that I am getting better by the day, and all will surely be well. I thank Lagosians for their prayers and overwhelming kind thoughts. I am, indeed, very grateful.”
Governor Sanwo-Olu, who advised Lagosians to use the festive season to spend quality time in small but controlled gatherings with family and friends in the spirit of the season, warned that the State Government will not hesitate to bring the full weight of the law to bear on any person or organisation caught breaching public health regulations and protocols with regards to the Coronavirus disease.
He said: “The Lagos State Government is now sounding a clear note of caution to all residents on the importance of maintaining the guidelines that we have put in place to protect us from the ravages of COVID-19. We cannot afford a reversal of the gains we have made against this pandemic.
“The following measures must be noted and complied with: All public servants from GL 14 and below, except emergency workers and first responders, are to work from home as from Monday, December 21st for the next 14 days – in the first instance. All schools must shut down with immediate effect, and until further notice.
“Concerts, carnivals and street parties are banned in Lagos State until further notice. Night clubs have not been allowed to open yet. All night clubs in Lagos must immediately shut down, until further notice. The midnight to 4am curfew imposed by the Federal Government remains in place.
“The protocol of ‘No Mask No Entry’ must be enforced by all public places: Offices, Businesses, Markets, Shops, and so on. Hand sanitizers or hand washing units are to be positioned at the entry point and various spots.
Governor Sanwo-Olu stressed further that: “All places of worship (Churches, Mosques, etc.) must ensure that no gathering exceeds two hours and also that no gathering exceeds 50 per cent of the maximum capacity of the venue.
“Health, Safety and Environment Officers must be present at all public gatherings (religious or social) and must be trained in basic first aid procedures.
“The Safety Commission has been directed to visit event centres and gauge compliance with the established guidelines, to stop the virus from spreading. If there is evidence of lack of compliance at any Event Centre, it will be shut down immediately.
“Security agents have been mandated to ensure full enforcement, without exception. No one will be deemed to be above the law. Any and all breaches of these regulations and public health protocols will lead to immediate closure as well as attract heavy fines, and any other sanctions and penalties deemed fit, in line with the Lagos State Infectious Diseases Control Regulation 2020.”
Governor Sanwo-Olu while advising Lagosians to step up the battle against COVID-19, especially during the festival seasons, said: “Christmas is a commemoration of this supreme act of sacrifice by God. The least we can do in this Season is to emulate that spirit of sacrifice, by abiding with difficult but necessary protective guidelines, for the greater good of all of us.
“This is certainly not the time to lower our guard against the Coronavirus; it is instead time to step up our battle against this stubborn virus that has gripped the world for several months now.”
“Dear Lagosians, you will all agree with me that we cannot afford another lockdown of the economy. Amidst an economic recession we must find a way to delicately balance the imperatives of life and livelihood. With this in mind, the only solution available to us is to take responsibility for all our actions, and to understand that we must stay safe not only for ourselves but for the sake of the entire society.
“The Lagos State Government is now sounding a clear note of caution to all residents on the importance of maintaining the guidelines that we have put in place to protect us from the ravages of COVID-19. We cannot afford a reversal of the gains we have made against this pandemic.
“Fellow Lagosians, Let us take responsibility for the welfare and safety of all while we enjoy the festive season with friends and families. It is important that as a community we strictly abide by the regulations in the context of a global pandemic, without prejudicing our efforts to keep the economy running and maintain our means of livelihood to a sufficient extent.
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