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Delta Govt vows to blacklist bad contractors
Governor Sheriff Oborevwori of Delta has said any contractor who executes shoddy jobs in the state will be sanctioned and blacklisted by his administration. Oborevwori, who made this statement late Tuesday while inspecting projects within the state capital, also stated that sanctions would be applied to site engineers who approve shoddy work for payment. The
Delta Govt vows to blacklist bad contractors
Governor Sheriff Oborevwori of Delta has said any contractor who executes shoddy jobs in the state will be sanctioned and blacklisted by his administration.
Oborevwori, who made this statement late Tuesday while inspecting projects within the state capital, also stated that sanctions would be applied to site engineers who approve shoddy work for payment.
The governor, who expressed dissatisfaction with the poor quality of drainage work carried out by the contractor handling the 6.5-kilometer Achalla-Ibusa Road, a state government project, emphasized that his administration would not tolerate substandard work.
He explained that his decision to inspect the project was prompted by unsatisfactory feedback he had received from individuals he had previously sent to evaluate the project.
He added that his administration would prioritize road inspections in 2025, with the goal of ensuring that only quality road projects worthy of commissioning are constructed in the state.
“This year, we are starting with more inspections. The work on the Achalla-Ibusa Road is bad, very bad. I have told the Commissioner and the Director that we cannot accept the drainage.
“The poor drainage will not affect the stone basing and asphalting of the road, so the contractor can continue by taking advantage of the dry season.
“This will serve as a warning to other contractors. There is no contract work that I will not go and inspect. If you do a bad job, we will not pay you. Even if we have paid you, the site engineer will be in trouble.
“This government will not tolerate a situation where site engineers connive with contractors to deliver substandard projects.
“If you want to please me or be my friend as a contractor, do a good job; if you don’t do a good job, you can’t be my friend,” he said.
The governor also stated that his administration would not spend money on projects that do not provide value for the money spent for the residents of the state.
“Starting this January, I have committed to personally inspecting projects, not just in Asaba but across all 25 local government areas.
“Any contractor who fails to report to their site or delays work will face contract revocation. We will reassign such projects to those willing to deliver.
“Our terrain requires us to maximize the dry season for construction. Over the next four months, we aim to complete and commission a significant number of projects.
“By the time we reach two years in office, we want to celebrate substantial progress across multiple sectors, including roads, health, and education.
“The people of Delta have not seen projects yet; there are lots of projects coming. We are going to award more projects this year across all sectors,” he said.
Oborevwori also inspected the recently completed two-kilometer road leading to the 63 Brigade Barracks of the Nigerian Army in Aboh-Ogwashi.
Other projects inspected included the gully erosion site along the Okpanam-Ibusa bypass, the perimeter fence and road around Asaba International Airport, and the Kwekagbor Layout, opposite Summit Junction, Asaba.
Delta Govt vows to blacklist bad contractors
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- January 15, 2025
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Ekiti Catholic Bishop, Felix Ajakaye tasks journalists on developmental reportage
The Catholic Bishop of Ekiti Diocese, Felix Ajakaiye, has urged media practitioners to embrace developmental journalism and be positive in their reportage. The religious leader, who described journalism as one of the noble professions in the country, stressed the need for journalists to be positive in their criticism, saying that this would bring more development
Ekiti Catholic Bishop, Felix Ajakaye tasks journalists on developmental reportage
The Catholic Bishop of Ekiti Diocese, Felix Ajakaiye, has urged media practitioners to embrace developmental journalism and be positive in their reportage.
The religious leader, who described journalism as one of the noble professions in the country, stressed the need for journalists to be positive in their criticism, saying that this would bring more development and progress to the country.
Bishop Ajakaiye spoke on Wednesday in Ado-Ekiti when he received members of the executive of the Nigeria Union of Journalists, NUJ, Ekiti State Council, led by its Chairman, Comrade Kayode Babatuyi, who paid him a courtesy visit.
Describing Nigeria as a good country that he so much loved, the Catholic priest urged the people of the country to change their orientation by criticizing positively about developments in the country.
The Bishop thanked journalists in Ekiti State for what he described as their constant support for the government. He urged them to continue in the same vein and assured them that Nigeria, as a country, will soon be better for all to live in.
The Catholic priest later prayed for all members of the council and promised to take their grievances to the appropriate channels, assuring them of his continuous support for the union.
Earlier, the Chairman of Ekiti NUJ, Comrade Kayode Babatuyi, thanked the Bishop for his support for the union. He said the visit was to inform him of the various challenges confronting the union in the state.
Babatuyi said the Bishop, as a member of the union, had contributed immensely to the development of the union.
Comrade Babatuyi pleaded with the Bishop to use his good office to enlist the support of Governor Oyebanji in providing the union with a befitting press center and bus. According to the Chairman, the Ekiti State NUJ council is the only council without a press center and union bus.
The NUJ Chairman also announced a proposed media summit to be organized by the union later in April this year, where the Ekiti Catholic Bishop will deliver a lecture and present an award to him as part of his contributions to the development of the union.
Echoing the voice of the Chairman, the immediate past Chairman of the council, Comrade Rotimi Ojomoyela, lamented what he called the shortchanging of the union by successive governments in the state.
Ojomoyela appealed to the Bishop to use his exalted position to appeal to the Ekiti State Government to build a befitting secretariat for the council.
The visit was attended by the Chairperson of the Nigeria Association of Women Journalists, NAWOJ, Ekiti State Council, Mrs. Adewumi Ademiju, and other members of the executive council, among others.
Ekiti Catholic Bishop, Felix Ajakaye tasks journalists on developmental reportage
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- January 15, 2025
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Global synergy necessary for sustainable development – Tinubu
President Bola Tinubu on Wednesday in Abu Dhabi advocated the need for global synergy in addressing sustainable development. He said Nigeria is not averse to working with other nations to build a resilient, equitable, and sustainable world for all. The President’s clarion call came on the second day of the 2025 Abu Dhabi Sustainability Week
Global synergy necessary for sustainable development – Tinubu
President Bola Tinubu on Wednesday in Abu Dhabi advocated the need for global synergy in addressing sustainable development.
He said Nigeria is not averse to working with other nations to build a resilient, equitable, and sustainable world for all.
The President’s clarion call came on the second day of the 2025 Abu Dhabi Sustainability Week with the theme: “From Climate Imperatives into Economic Prosperity: Bridging Africa with the Global Energy Future. ”
According to Tinubu, no single nation can walk the road to sustainability alone, insisting that global interconnectedness demands collective action, knowledge sharing, and mutual support.
“The fight against climate change is not merely an environmental necessity but a global economic opportunity to reshape the trajectory of our continent and the global energy landscape.
“As leaders, stakeholders and citizens of our planet, we stand at a critical juncture in human history. To succeed, we must innovate, collaborate and act decisively as one global community,” he noted.
Stressing his administration’s commitment to reducing carbon emissions, Tinubu informed the audience that the Nigerian government had adopted actionable programmes in line with global expectations, bearing in mind Nigeria’s economic and political expectations.
“We have embraced a vision of sustainability that aligns with global aspirations while addressing local realities. Our efforts are anchored on three pillars: Energy Transition, Climate Resilience, and Sustainable Development. My administration recognises the importance of reducing carbon emissions and a just transition to clean and renewable energy, promoting environmental sustainability and economic growth.
“Our energy transition plans, like many nations, are aimed at diversifying energy sources and reducing dependency on fossil fuels, prioritising the transition to cleaner energy sources as a cornerstone of our national development strategy.”
The President added that Nigeria is developing infrastructure for the widespread use of Compressed Natural Gas and electric vehicles and harnessing the potential in solid minerals to support the green energy transition.
In his presentation at the summit, Tinubu said his country is also implementing climate-smart agricultural practices to enhance food security and lessen its destructive environmental impact.
He listed these to include the introduction of the National Clean Cooking Policy, which aims to promote clean energy, environmental and health benefits, and socio-economic development in the African region.
According to the President, government is working with local communities to implement solutions to mitigate the adverse consequences of the country’s environmental challenges, such as deforestation, desertification, coastal erosion, flooding, and pollution.
These challenges, he said, threaten the livelihoods of millions.
He urged partner countries to collaborate in mobilising resources to tackle these challenges and embrace innovation and technology.
“To promote a Green Economy in Africa, we must focus on integrating sustainable practices in all sectors of our economy. These investments are capital intensive and require international support from partner countries, including multinational organisations, development partners and individuals who share our vision of a sustainable, prosperous and equitable future”, he said
According to the President, “Nigeria became the first country in Africa to initiate funding of green projects through Sovereign Green Bond proceeds, the third issuance of which is in progress. We urge investors to partner with us in this regard. Our administration remains committed to providing an enabling environment for businesses to thrive in Nigeria.
“By partnering with global leaders and harnessing the power of technology, we are finding new and innovative ways to address our environmental challenges. We have arable agricultural lands for advanced technological farming, including a bright future for Artificial Intelligence.”
He lauded the President of the United Arab Emirates, His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan, for his invitation and foresight in organising the event.
The event was organised to bring world leaders together to exchange views and perspectives on how to address the global challenges of our time collectively.
Global synergy necessary for sustainable development – Tinubu
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- January 15, 2025
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Nuclear sites: We’re not afraid of war – Iranian President warns Trump
Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian has warned the United States President-elect, Donald Trump, against risking “war” with the Islamic Republic. Pezeshkian warned that Iran would respond to any act of war if the U.S. endorses Israeli military strikes on his country’s nuclear sites. He issued the warning in an interview with NBC News on Tuesday. Pezeshkian
Nuclear sites: We’re not afraid of war – Iranian President warns Trump
Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian has warned the United States President-elect, Donald Trump, against risking “war” with the Islamic Republic.
Pezeshkian warned that Iran would respond to any act of war if the U.S. endorses Israeli military strikes on his country’s nuclear sites.
He issued the warning in an interview with NBC News on Tuesday.
Pezeshkian said: “I do hope that Trump will contribute to peace in the region and the world, not, conversely, contribute to bloodshed or war.
“We will react to any action. We do not fear war, but we do not seek it.”
Washington has not maintained formal diplomatic relations with Tehran for nearly 45 years, and Trump threatened during his recent presidential campaign that U.S. ally Israel could strike Iranian nuclear facilities.
Iran’s foreign minister, Abbas Araghchi, reported Tuesday that European powers were serious about resuming nuclear program negotiations.
In 2015, Iran and world powers — including France, Britain, and Germany — reached an agreement that eased international sanctions on Tehran in exchange for curbs on its nuclear program.
But the United States, during Trump’s first term in office, unilaterally withdrew from the accord in 2018 and reimposed harsh economic sanctions.
Tehran adhered to the deal until Washington’s withdrawal but then began rolling back its commitments.
He added: “We do not seek to create nuclear weaponry or armament.
“However, they accuse us of seeking the manufacturing of a bomb.”
Nuclear sites: We’re not afraid of war – Iranian President warns Trump
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- January 15, 2025
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Eight farmers die in Niger road crash
A fatal head-on collision on the Batati/Lanle Road in Niger State has claimed the lives of eight farmers in a horrific road accident involving a Toyota Corolla and a tanker trailer. The tragedy occurred at about 8 pm on Monday as the Toyota Corolla, reportedly speeding, attempted to overtake another vehicle but collided with an
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A fatal head-on collision on the Batati/Lanle Road in Niger State has claimed the lives of eight farmers in a horrific road accident involving a Toyota Corolla and a tanker trailer. The tragedy occurred at about 8 pm on Monday as the Toyota Corolla, reportedly speeding, attempted to overtake another vehicle but collided with an
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- January 15, 2025
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I can’t allow my children join Nigerian Army – War veteran
A civil war veteran, Col Nasiru Salami (rtd), says he cannot allow his children to join the Nigerian Army, decrying what he termed the poor treatment of retirees by military authorities. Col Salami made this statement on Wednesday on The Morning Brief, a Channels Television program, on the occasion of the 2025 Armed Forces’ Remembrance
I can’t allow my children join Nigerian Army – War veteran
A civil war veteran, Col Nasiru Salami (rtd), says he cannot allow his children to join the Nigerian Army, decrying what he termed the poor treatment of retirees by military authorities.
Col Salami made this statement on Wednesday on The Morning Brief, a Channels Television program, on the occasion of the 2025 Armed Forces’ Remembrance Day.
The 76-year-old civil war veteran, in a touching narration, chronicled his journey in the military, from his enlistment into the Nigerian Army in October 1967 to being sent straight to the battlefield for the Biafra war just after six weeks of training.
According to Salami, who is now the Secretary of the Nigerian Legion, Lagos Chapter, he was on the battlefield for 11 months during the civil war between 1967 and 1970.
The septuagenarian recounted how he painfully lost his right foot during the war, leading to its amputation. He said he went back to the war front to continue fighting.
He added that he would not encourage any of his children to join the Nigerian Army.
“For now, I will never recommend any of my children to join the Nigerian Army. I am their father, and they are seeing me now that my life is not to their expectation. They would want me to be higher than this, full of joy and other things that would make them happy. How would I now encourage them to join the army?”
“I have two graduates now, and I said to them: ‘Never you think of going to join the army. If you want to join, maybe the Navy or the Air Force. I’ve not been there, but I’ve seen them and I’ve been hearing about them because they are treated better,’” he said.
The war veteran said the Nigerian Legion in Lagos has over 24,000 members, adding that the Nigerian government was yet to pay him and other civil war survivors their war bonuses over 50 years after.
He also complained about his unpaid pension and other post-retirement benefits.
“We are asking for war bonuses, those of us who fought the war. I retired in December 1983, and they promised us heaven and earth that they would give us our war bonuses, but up till now, we have not seen it,” he said, appealing to the government to do the needful and improve the welfare of him and his colleagues.
I can’t allow my children join Nigerian Army – War veteran
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- January 15, 2025
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‘We need to look beyond oil’ – Gov Radda pushes for agriculture, textiles growth in Katsina
Katsina State Governor, Dikko Umaru Radda, has emphasised the importance of diversifying the state’s economy beyond oil dependency. According to him, the state is endowed with abundant natural resources in agriculture, textiles, and the mineral sectors. He disclosed this while inaugurating a capacity-building workshop for exporters at the Munaj Events Center. Speaking at the one-day
‘We need to look beyond oil’ – Gov Radda pushes for agriculture, textiles growth in Katsina
Katsina State Governor, Dikko Umaru Radda, has emphasised the importance of diversifying the state’s economy beyond oil dependency.
According to him, the state is endowed with abundant natural resources in agriculture, textiles, and the mineral sectors.
He disclosed this while inaugurating a capacity-building workshop for exporters at the Munaj Events Center.
Speaking at the one-day workshop themed “Unlocking Export Potentials: Strategies for Success,” organized by the Katsina State Investment Promotion Agency (KIPA), the governor said that the state will wake up to tap the abundant resources within.
He highlighted various sectors where Katsina holds significant competitive advantages in the export market.
“Our state is endowed with vast untapped potential in agriculture, textiles, and mineral resources that can substantially contribute to our export portfolio,” he added.
The governor assured that he would continue to support initiatives aimed at enhancing local exporters’ capabilities.
“This workshop represents our administration’s dedication to equipping our exporters with the necessary tools and knowledge to compete effectively in the global marketplace,” he said.
He urged participants to leverage the insights gained to enhance their business operations and contribute to Katsina’s economic growth.
Speaking earlier, the Director General of KIPA, Alhaji Ibrahim Tukur Jikamshi, said the event aligned with the administration’s commitment to strengthening small and medium enterprises across the state.
“Participants received comprehensive training on crucial aspects of international trade, including market access strategies, quality assurance protocols, digital marketing techniques, and navigating international trade regulations,” Alhaji Tukur noted.
Security stakeholders and government officials at the event expressed strong support for the investment initiative.
The State Commissioner of Police, Aliyu Abubakar Musa, addressed concerns about regional security, noting that media reports often exaggerate challenges despite ongoing successful interventions.
Musa explained that over 70 percent of farmers have successfully cultivated their lands during the latest cropping season, contributing to stable commodity prices in local markets.
“We assure investors of the safety of their investments in Katsina State,” CP Musa added.
“The successful agricultural season demonstrates the improving security situation across our farming communities.”
Also speaking, the State Comptroller of Immigration, Mohamed Mahmoud Adamu, pledged his department’s support in facilitating documentation processes for exporters and investors.
“We are committed to ensuring streamlined access to valid documentation for all legitimate business operators in our state,” Comptroller Adamu affirmed.
‘We need to look beyond oil’ – Gov Radda pushes for agriculture, textiles growth in Katsina
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- January 15, 2025
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AFRDC: Shettima, Akpabio, Abbas other top govt functionaries lay wreaths to honour fallen heroes
Vice President Kashim Shettima led other top government functionaries, including Senate President Godswill Akpabio, Speaker of the House of Representatives Tajudeen Abbas, Chief Justice of Nigeria Kudirat Kekere-Ekun, and others, to lay wreaths in commemoration of the 2025 Armed Forces Remembrance Day Celebration. Shettima is representing President Bola Tinubu, who is currently in the United
AFRDC: Shettima, Akpabio, Abbas other top govt functionaries lay wreaths to honour fallen heroes
Vice President Kashim Shettima led other top government functionaries, including Senate President Godswill Akpabio, Speaker of the House of Representatives Tajudeen Abbas, Chief Justice of Nigeria Kudirat Kekere-Ekun, and others, to lay wreaths in commemoration of the 2025 Armed Forces Remembrance Day Celebration.
Shettima is representing President Bola Tinubu, who is currently in the United Arab Emirates, UAE, for the Abu Dhabi Sustainability Week.
Tinubu departed Abuja last Saturday to participate in the 2025 edition of Sustainability Week (ADSW 2025) taking place in Abu Dhabi.
Recall that His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, President of the United Arab Emirates, invited President Tinubu to attend the Summit, which began Monday, January 12, and will end on Saturday, January 18.
The Summit aims to bring together global leaders to accelerate sustainable development and advance socio-economic progress.
Dignitaries, including Service Chiefs, Inspector General of Police Kayode Egbetokun, members of the diplomatic corps, and the Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF) George Akume, are also attending the event.
Vice President Shettima is expected to release white pigeons in commemoration of this year’s Armed Forces Remembrance Day.
The Armed Forces Remembrance Day celebration is an annual event organized by the Ministry of Defence to commemorate our fallen heroes who made the ultimate sacrifice for the sake of humanity during the First and Second World Wars, the Nigerian Civil War, Peace Support Operations around the world, and various internal security operations.
In commemoration of the end of the Nigerian Civil War, which occurred on January 15, the date was chosen to mark the Armed Forces Remembrance Day in Nigeria. Previously, it was observed on November 11, alongside other Commonwealth nations.
AFRDC: Shettima, Akpabio, Abbas other top govt functionaries lay wreaths to honour fallen heroes
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- January 15, 2025
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Nigeria pursuing climate-smart practices for food security — Tinubu
President Bola Tinubu on Wednesday reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to implementing climate-smart agricultural practices to bolster food security and reduce environmental impacts. He said such initiatives stem Nigeria’s recognition of its responsibility to lead a just energy transition and sustainable development in Africa. Tinubu said this during his address at the ongoing Abu Dhabi Sustainability
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President Bola Tinubu on Wednesday reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to implementing climate-smart agricultural practices to bolster food security and reduce environmental impacts. He said such initiatives stem Nigeria’s recognition of its responsibility to lead a just energy transition and sustainable development in Africa. Tinubu said this during his address at the ongoing Abu Dhabi Sustainability
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- January 15, 2025
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Biafra: Monday sit-at-home gradually diminishing in Southeast – Defence Chief
The Chief of Defence Staff, Christopher Musa, has said the Monday sit-at-home is gradually diminishing across the Southeast. Musa said under Operation Udoka, the Army is picking up leaders of the armed groups causing mayhem in the Southeast. The Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) had initiated the sit-at-home order to push for the release of
Biafra: Monday sit-at-home gradually diminishing in Southeast – Defence Chief
The Chief of Defence Staff, Christopher Musa, has said the Monday sit-at-home is gradually diminishing across the Southeast.
Musa said under Operation Udoka, the Army is picking up leaders of the armed groups causing mayhem in the Southeast.
The Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) had initiated the sit-at-home order to push for the release of its leader, Nnamdi Kanu.
However, the sit-at-home order was hijacked by unknown gunmen who used the situation to wreak havoc in the Southeast.
Musa said the Nigerian Army is working with political leaders in the Southeast to put an end to the sit-at-home order.
Musa spoke while appearing before the House of Representatives Committee on Defence to defend the 2025 budget proposal on Tuesday.
According to Musa: “Also, with Operation Udoka, we’re picking up most of the leadership of these groups, taking them out, and making sure that the place is peaceful.
“The sit-at-home on Mondays is gradually diminishing. We’re also working with the political leaders there because we understand, like I always say, that we need local support because without it, it’s difficult.
“You know, the terrain is very challenging, so we need to work together. It is improving.”
The Defence Chief also declared that the Army would continue deploying non-kinetic approaches to tackle insecurity in the Southeas
Biafra: Monday sit-at-home gradually diminishing in Southeast – Defence Chief
