National News
Borno, Chinese Company signs N11.5 billion contract to open up roads in Maiduguri
Borno, Chinese Company signs N11.5 billion contract to open up roads in Maiduguri
By: James Bwala
Borno State Government (BOSG) under the leadership of Governor Babagana Umara Zulum on Friday signed a contract of about N11.5 billion with the Eighteenth Engineering Company (EEC) and Obtuse Tech Engineering Company limited for the construction and dualization of major roads within Maiduguri Metropolis.
The road projects which are to be executed within a period of one year (12 months), will also have two bridges and drainage with specifications and guidelines approved in the contract signing, even as monitoring and evaluation by relevant government officials will not be compromised.
This was disclosed by the Permanent Secretary Ministry of Works, Engineer Ali Goni Lawan during the official signing of the contract between Borno State Government and the two road construction firms at Musa Musa Usman Secretariat in Maiduguri.
Lawan who now oversees the ministry following the redeployment of the former Commissioner, Architect Yerima Saleh to Ministry of Environment said, the first slot of the road projects is the 5.324km combined dualization with drainages and two bridges at Ahmadu Bello Way to link Bama road, Shehu Sanda Kura road at the cemetery junction linking the Elkanemi Roundabout through to Elkanemi Bridge, down to Lagos junction, Bolori Roundabout to Mogoram Junction down to Lafiya road was awarded to EEC at the cost of N8,76,304,408.18 billion.
The second slot he noted, is the 8.2km road construction, consists of Baga road market- Jajeri – Umarari- Bulabulin with another one linking Texaco- Churchkime – Abdu One road at the total cost of N2,812,405, 577.48 billion which was awarded to Obtuse Tech Engineering Company limited.
Lawan recalled that, in September last year 2021, a tender/bid documents in respect to these projects were advertised in some national dailies, after which, companies were invited for the bid, adding that, EEC and Obtuse Tech Engineering Company won and considered executing the projects.
“Today is a great day not only for the people in the ministry, but the entire citizens of Borno state as we witness the signing of road construction contracts that are very vital to open up the metropolis.
“These projects were approved by our committed and patriotic governor, Professor Babagana Umara Zulum.
“The first batch of the roads contract were given to EEC and to be signed by its Project Engineer, Mr. Li Chao Qi on behalf of the company, these roads include; dualization of Ahmadu Bello Way to Bama road junction, Shehu Sanda Kura road, Monday Market Roundabout, Elkanemi Roundabout and Mogoram to Lafiya road at the total cost of N8,76,304,408.18 billion.
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The second road project of 8.2km consists of Baga road market- Jajeri – Umarari- Bulabulin with another one linking Texaco- Churchkime – Abdu One road at the total cost of N2,812,405, 577.48 billion. It was awarded to Obtuse Tech Engineering Company and will be signed by its representative, Engineer Umar Lawan Sheriff.
“These roads as I said earlier are very vital, and we urge our contractors to do a good job and complete them within the time frame of 12 months.
“I want to sound a strong warning to the contractors to stick to specifications and guidelines as any one who violates such will be sanctioned.
“I want to also inform you that our Engineers from the Ministry will always be on site to offer professional advice(s) as they need be and you should cooperate with our men on site to ensure a good job.” The Permanent Secretary stated.
Responding on behalf of the two contracting Firms, the Project Engineer of EEC, Mr. Li Chao Qi thanked the Borno State Government for considering it worthy to execute the road projects and assured that they will do everything possible to meet specifications and complete the work within the time frame.
Borno, Chinese Company signs N11.5 billion contract to open up roads in Maiduguri
National News
ActionAid Alleges Government Paying Lip-service to Free First Nine Years of Schooling
ActionAid Alleges Government Paying Lip-service to Free First Nine Years of Schooling
…Demands Immediate Government Action to End Educational Exclusion of Poor Children
By: Michael Mike
ActionAid Nigeria has alleged that the government is only paying lip service to the avowed policy of free education to children in their first nine years of schooling, insisting that a massive number of children are still being denied their right due to inadequate resources, poor infrastructure, and a lack of transparency in the use of public funds.
A statement on Monday by the Country Director, ActionAid Nigeria, Andrew Mamedu demanded an immediate government action to end educational exclusion of poor children in the country.
The statement read: “ActionAid Nigeria vehemently disapproves the failure of the Nigerian government to provide quality education to children from poor backgrounds- one of its most vulnerable citizens. Despite the free education policy that was enacted to cater for children in their first nine years of schooling, a massive number of children are still being denied their right due to inadequate resources, poor infrastructure, and a lack of transparency in the use of public funds. This is a shocking dereliction of duty.
“This obvious inaction by the government is a clear betrayal of the trust placed in them by the citizens. The inconsistent working relationship between federal and state governments has resulted in a catastrophic failure of coordination, prioritization, and curriculum development. This is unacceptable and must be addressed immediately.”
Mamedu added that: The outrageously high number of poorest children who are out of school is a direct consequence of the government’s appalling neglect of public services.”
Mamedu said: “According to the Nigerian Education Factsheet by UNICEF, about one fourth of the children of primary school completion age did not complete primary education. Moreover, there’s a staggering wealth-based disparity, as 97 per cent of children from the richest families complete primary school, compared to just 34 per cent from the poorest families.
“The gap widens in senior secondary school, where 90 per cent from wealthy families complete their education, versus a mere 16 per cent from poor families.”
He lamented that: “There are also significant ethnic disparities- children from Igbo, Yoruba, Ijaw, Ibibio, and Edo backgrounds tend to have higher completion rates, while those from Fulani and Kanuri backgrounds face lower rates of educational attainment.”
He said he firmly believes that “Education is the key to breaking the cycle of poverty, and it is the government’s responsibility to ensure that all children have access to quality education.”
He added that: “The current state of education in Nigeria is a crisis, and we assert that the government takes immediate action to address these issues and prioritize the future of our children.”
Mamedu said: “ActionAid strongly demands that the government: Implements the policy of free education for the first nine years of schooling effectively, without delay; Improves coordination and prioritization between federal and state governments, to ensure a unified approach to education; Increases transparency in the allocation and use of public funds for education, to ensure that resources are being used effectively; Allocates sufficient funds for infrastructure development and improving the school experience for children, to provide a safe and supportive learning environment.”
He said: “It’s time for the government to step up and fulfill its responsibility to provide a decent education for all, without excuses or exceptions.”
ActionAid Alleges Government Paying Lip-service to Free First Nine Years of Schooling
Crime
Six terrorists killed as army troops raid terrorists enclaves
Six terrorists killed as army troops raid terrorists enclaves
By: Zagazola Makama
Troops of the Operation Hadin Kai of the Nigerian Army have killed six fighters of the Islamic State of West African Province (ISWAP) during a raid of a “notorious enclave” in Goniri in Damboa LGA in Borno.
It was gathered that the feat was recorded when the troops of 81 Division Task Force Battalion stormed the terrorists enclave in collaboration with Civilian Joint Task Force on May 9, 2024.
Intelligence sources told Zagazola Makama that the The troops successfully cleared Wulma Mashi and Kodow and destroyed structures of the terrorists. The troops went further to clear Goniri and Kokotuma. Contact was made with the terrorists in a small market before Gorere market.
The troops gundown the six terrorists and destroyed all the structures in the area.
Six terrorists killed as army troops raid terrorists enclaves
National News
FG Declares Wednesday Holiday to Mark Worker’s Day
FG Declares Wednesday Holiday to Mark Worker’s Day
By: Michael Mike
The Federal Government has declared Wednesday, 1st May, 2024 as a Public Holiday to commemorate this year’s Workers’ Day Celebration.
The Minister of Interior, Hon. Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, who made the declaration on behalf of the Federal Government, reiterated the need for excellence, efficiency and equity in all spheres of labour, re-affirming President Bola Tinubu’s administration’s commitment to fostering a culture of innovation, productivity, and inclusivity in the workplace.
Tunji-Ojo, in a statement signed by the Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Interior, Dr. Aishetu Gogo Ndayako, said: “In alignment with this year’s theme, which focuses on ensuring safety and health at work in a changing climate, I wish to state that the Federal Government remains steadfast in its resolve to prioritise the safety and well-being of all citizens. Let me reaffirm Mr. President’s commitment to providing a conducive environment for work, where every worker can thrive and contribute meaningfully to national development”.
The Minister, while acknowledging the contribution of workers, called for proactive measures to mitigate adverse effects of climate change through synergy in in the implementation of sustainable practices and policies that promote well-being in the workplace and in building a nation guided by the principles of integrity, diligence and compassion.
Tunji-Ojo also urged Nigerians to remain committed to the present administration’s Renewed Hope Agenda as he wishes workers a happy celebration.
FG Declares Wednesday Holiday to Mark Worker’s Day
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