The Agro-Cargo International Airport, Iperu has the potential to improve Ogun State’s socio-economic values upon completion and take-off.
Members of the Ogun State House of Assembly Committee on Works and Infrastructure made the remark during an assessment visit to the site of the project.
Members of the Committee led by the Chairman, Mr Adegoke Adeyanju, who were conducted round the facility by the Project Manager of the Construction Company handling the project, Mr Nicholas Mfarrej, noted that the project possessed enormous economic potentials that would add value and attract investment opportunities to the state.
Mr Adeyanju, in company of the Minority Leader, Mr Lukman Adeleye, Mr Olusegun Kaka, Mr Lukmon Atobatele, Mr Damilola Soneye and Wasiu Ayodele lauded the State Governor, Prince Dapo Abiodun’s ingenuity for initiating the project, stating that the level of work done by the contractor was commendable.
Taking the lawmakers round the facilities, Nicholas said that the project was over 80% completed, assuring that it would be delivered within a record time.
Mr Nichlas also took the legislators to other facilities within the airport including the warehouse, passanger lounge, control room, crew room, cargo warehouse, runway, control tower, apron, watch tower, fire station and administrative building amongst others.
He noted that adequate quality control measure with modern engineering techniques were being deployed at every phase of the construction of the project.
Ogun State governor, Prince Dapo Abiodun says his government will continue with its infrastructural drive, especially in the area of road construction as a catalyst for economic growth and development.
Governor Abiodun spoke at the commissioning of the six-kilometre (first phase) of the Siun-Owode-Ofada Road in the Obafemi Owode Local Government of the state.
Speaking at the event, which was attended by the Kwara State Governor, Alhaji Abdulrahman AbdulRasak, Governor Abiodun emphasized the importance of road construction in the overall development of the state.
The governor described the newly rehabilitated road as an alternative to the ever-busy Lagos-Ibadan Expressway, adding that it would also impact positively on the socio-economic development of communities along the road.
He said the construction of the road was a testimony to the dedication to strategic and methodical development of infrastructure across the state to enhance the socio-economic landscape as enshrined in the “Building our Future Together” agenda of his administration.
“The road represents a vital link between communities to boost local economies and connect all those coming from Abeokuta to Siun, Owode up to Mowe. This local government is where people work in Lagos but reside and commute daily”.
“The road is an alternative for people from Abeokuta to Lagos. It will significantly impact the socio-economy development of the state,” the governor noted.
He added that the road is the first to be commissioned this year, just as the Mowe-Ofada Road has been completed, adding that his administration would soon commission more roads including the Ilaro-Owode Road and the Gateway International Cargo Airport at Ilisan.
Governor Abiodun listed Obantoko, Gbonogun, Ikorita Meje-Aderinde-Olokotutu, Olomore-Sanni, Somorin- Kemta-Idi-Aba, Panseke-Adigbe as well as the Olusegun Osoba-Toyin-Agbado as some of the roads that have been attended to in Ogun Central Senatorial District, even as he pledged that more roads would be put in good shape soon.
He spoke on why some road projects were delayed, blaming the development on the high price of construction materials.
He said: “We have had a slowdown on construction due to the situation of things in the country in the last few months which has not allowed for objective pricing of construction materials”.
“But for us, construction represents a lot. Besides the fact that road construction allows for the movement of goods, services, and people, the construction industry is the largest employer of labour. So, we will continue to prioritize construction.”
He called on the people to take ownership of the road and other infrastructure provided by the government by protecting them as they were commonwealth and taxes were used in providing them.
In a remark, the Kwara State governor, who is also the Chairman, Nigerian Governors’ Forum (NGF), Alhaji Abdulrahman Abdulrasak, praised Governor Abiodun for the infrastructural revolution going on in the state.
According to him, the Abiodun-led administration has judiciously invested in the commonwealth of the people.
Governor Abdulrasak said he has visited other states in the country but was impressed with the level of development in Ogun State.
He called on his colleagues from other parts of the country to take a cue from Ogun State by providing their people with the needed infrastructure to enjoy the dividends of democracy.
The Senator representing Ogun Central Senatorial District, Shuaib Afolabi Salis, recalled that the road was pencilled down for reconstruction in 2022 and expressed appreciation to the governor, for not abandoning the road like his predecessors.
Senator Salis called on the people to make good use of the road as it belongs to them.
The Ogun State Chairman of the All Progressives Congress, APC, Chief Yemi Sanusi, described the road as historic to the Egba people because of its interconnectivity with various communities and its importance to the commercial activities of the communities along the road.
Also speaking, the Chairman, Obafemi Owode Local Government Area, Mr Adesina Ogunsola appreciated the state government for reconstructing the road and for providing a 7.5 KVA transformer to Owode to restore power to the town.
In his welcome address, Commissioner for Works and Infrastructure, Engineer Ade Akinsanya said the road, which was in bad shape for many years, was reconstructed with a standard drainage system to conform to the federal government’s specification for highways.
The event was attended by prominent dignitaries, including the Deputy Governor, Engineer Noimot Salako-Oyedele, former deputy governors, members of the National and State Assemblies, traditional rulers, and party stalwarts, among others.
Ogun State government says it has introduced measures to regulate the process of taking water from natural sources for use in other areas to ensure proper management of water by all stakeholders.
The Commissioner for Environment, Mr Ola Oresanya made this known to commemorate the 2024 World Water Day in Abeokuta, organized by the ministry in collaboration with the Ogun Oshun River Basin Development Authority, OORBDA.
Mr Oresanya explained that the Water Abstraction Regulatory Scheme was initiated to ensure equity and sustainable access to water while preventing water scarcity, land subsidence and water pollution in the State.
Mr Oresanya who noted that the lack of access to safe water could trigger conflicts emphasized the urgent need for nations to unite around protecting and conserving the most precious resource.
Also, the Managing Director, Ogun Oshun River Basin Development Authority, OORBDA, Otunba Olufemi Odumosu who noted that the population growth had increased pressure on water resources systems said efforts must be intensified to make water available for the people.
Otunba Odumosu restated the commitment of the agency to continue to boost the water supply and prevent conflicts among the various communities.
Speaking on the theme ” leveraging on water for peace” the guest lecturer, from the Federal University of Agriculture Abeokuta, FUNAAB, Dr Adeyinka Sobowale said there was an increasing need to balance all of the competing commercial demands for water resources to enable the communities to have enough for their needs.
As work continues on the state’s multi-billion naira infrastructure plan, Governor Ademola Adeleke is set to launch road dualisation at Ilesa and the underpass at Ikirun.
In a statement issued by the Spokesperson to the State Governor, Mallam Olawale Rasheed, the procurement process on the Ilesa dualisation and the Ikirun underpass is reported to be ongoing and nearing completion.
Between now and next month, the procurement process will be completed and actual work will start in earnest. Mr Governor was recently at the palace of His Majesty, the Owa of Ijesaland and he restated his firm commitment to the development of Ijesaland and other parts of the state.
Mr. Governor has further directed that additional features be included at Owa’s Palace end of the dualisation from the Brewery area. A royal arena is to be included right from the palace of Owa. This will add colours to the ancient city of Ilesa.
While reaffirming the Governor’s resolve to develop all parts of the state, the Spokesperson restated that Governor Adeleke has not borrowed a kobo since he assumed office either for the ongoing multi-billion naira infra plan or for other purposes.
It must be stated that the funding for the infra plan is coming from savings from government revenue and inflows as well as blockage of leakage from revenue space. A dedicated project account serves as a holding point.
The public may also want to note that the Governor’s prudent management of public resources accounted for the successful take-off of the University of Ilesa as well as recent approval for the reconstruction of all internal roads within the university.
Aside from the dualisation , it is important to stress that the infra plan also covers 1.5km across all the 30 local governments in the state including the area office, complete renovation of 31 selected schools, fresh 332 water projects for each of the 332 political wards and renovation/upgrade of primary healthcare centres across the local government.
President of Dangote Group, Alhaji Aliko Dangote has thrown his weight behind Osun State multi-billion naira infrastructure plan, calling the initiative commendable and historical.
Speaking while receiving Governor Ademola Adeleke in his office, Alhaji Dangote said the Osun infra plan and other developmental policies are laudable policies for which Governor Adeleke should be commended.
“I have followed your programmes and policies and I must note that you are doing well. Don’t relent. You must continue this path of delivery and service.
“We will support you. We will partner with your government to deliver on your infra plans”, the richest man in Nigeria noted.
The Spokesperson to Osun Governor, Mallam Olawale Rasheed noted in a statement that Governor Adeleke briefed Alhaji Dangote on the multi-billion naira infra plan which covers flyover bridges, dualisation of roads, complete renovation of selected schools, alternative water provision across 332 wards, complete upgrade of primary healthcare centers and construction of 31 kilometers of new roads across the local governments.
The Governor told the business mogul that he was at his office to update him on his administration programmes and plans and moving progressively on the implementation adding that his government is seeking partnership to achieve the targets.
The Ekiti State Government has started a massive rural road project that will span 1,000 kilometres across the state.
A statement by the Special Adviser to the governor on Media, Mr Yinka Oyebode says the project is aimed at improving the transportation of agricultural products to the markets and boosting the rural economy.
It explains that the project which is partly funded by the World Bank under the Rural Access and Agriculture Marketing Project, RAAMP, will cover 65.10 kilometres of road rehabilitation in several rural communities and farmsteads.
According to the statement, some of the roads to be constructed include Enu Odi-Itenu –Igirigiri Road, Omisanjana-Ben Folarin- Oke Aso Road Ara-Oye Road, Afolu-Odofin Road, Ise-Imola Road, Owode Anaye Road among others.
It says the project will continue until the middle of the year with a call on the communities and farmsteads that were not included in the first phase to be patient, as they would be covered in the next phases of the project.
Osun State House of Assembly has passed a vote of confidence on Governor Ademola Adeleke on the spate of the ongoing road infrastructure projects executed across the State.
The Chairman of House Committee on Works and Transport, Mr.Waheed Abiola alongside members of his led Committee during an oversight function to ongoing road construction in Osogbo, Iwo/Ibadan road and Oke-Gada to Akoda junction dual carriageway in Ede.
Mr. Abiola said projects are an indication of the commitment, dedication and proactiveness of Senator Ademola Adeleke in the area of infrastructural development across the State.
Accessing the level of work done on the site compared to the last visitation, the Chairman House Committee on Public Works and Transport, commended the Contractor in charge for doing a fantastic job so far.
He explained that the oversight functions carried out by the Assembly have propelled the contractor to be alive to his duty.
In a remark, Commissioner for Works and Transports, Engineer Bashir Bello noted that the magic recorded by the Ministry has been teamwork, competent professionals and division of labour.
Also in his words, The Special Adviser to the Governor on Special Duties, Mr. Akinwumi Odejobi explained that the Governor is working towards equipping the state with the best of infrastructure and all hands should be on deck to see it come life.
Other Legislators who were part of the tour included; Adeyemi Adewumi, Lawrence Adeoti, Kasope Abolarin and Oladiran Olatunbosun.
“His Excellency, Senator Ademola Adeleke is a very passionate governor and if you look at our 2024 budget, you will know that he’s so passionate about infrastructure. And Infrastructure as I said earlier in one of the points we stopped is the bedrock of society, and the governor has put so much towards this infrastructure”. Mr. Abiola
“So, I’ll continue to plead with the contractors not only to finish the jobs in record times but to finish it to international standards where we will not continue to maintain the roads over and over again, I mean standard quality jobs, that’s what we expect from the contractors”.Mr. Abiola
The Osun State Urban and Rural Access Roads Authority Bill 2023 has scaled through its second reading on the floor of the State House of Assembly, during its first plenary session for the Year.
The Bill is expected to put in place an agency for the maintenance of Class and Class roads in the State, rekindle the hope of the People in the Rural Areas, to reduce the wastage of Agricultural produce amongst other relevant benefits.
The Majority Leader and member Representing, Ede North State Constituency , Mr. Babajide Kofoworola moved the motion for the adoption of the Bill and was seconded by , Member Representing, Atakumosa East and West, Mr. Sanmi Areoye after discussing its policy thrust.
In separate contributions during the policy thrust, a member representing Ife South, Mr Lawrence Adeoti, a member Representing Ede South State Constituency, Barrister Taofeek Olayiwola, a member representing, Ife Central, Mr Abiola Awoyeye and a member Representing Ife- East, Mr Olumide Fatunmise who posited that the Bill would add value to the rural areas, improve the State, Internally Generated Revenue, IGR, called for the accelerated passage of the Bill.
In a remark, The Speaker, Prince Adewale Egbedun who presided over the session alligned with the Legislators and noted that the Osun State Urban and Rural Access Roads Authority Bill 2023 will have series of benefits for Residents of the State, when passed into law.
Prince Egbedun thereafter welcomed the Lawmakers back to work after the recess and urged them to continue work in peace, Happiness and love to achieve the set goals of uplifting the State.
The Speaker also read the Message of the State Governor, Senator Ademola Adeleke on a bill entitled “Osun State Secondary Education Board Bill 2023” aimed to regulate the activities of secondary schools in the State.
In another development, the Osun State House of Assembly has suspended the Caretaker Chairman of Ede South Main Council, Mr Lukman Afolabi for misconduct.
The Chief Press Secretary CPS, to the Speaker, Mr. Olamide Tiamiyu made this known in a statement made available to newsmen.
The suspended chairman is expected to hand over to his Vice immediately.
Osun State Governor, Senator Ademola Adeleke has commended Governor Seyi Makinde for his landmark achievement on infrastructure upgrade of Oyo state, calling on South West states to deepen development partnership.
Speaking at the commissioning of the dualised Alakia-Adegbayi-Iwo road, Governor Adeleke described Governor Makinde as “an uncommon Engineer of good governance”.
He commended the efficient management of little resources to achieve so much by the Oyo State government, noting that South-West Governors are running a competitive race to regain the region’s leading position in good governance.
“The old Western Region was reputed to be the leading zone in the areas of innovations, infrastructure and good governance. We lost that rating for some time now.
“But I want to put it on record that the South West has regained its momentum. The Oyo State governor is a trailblazer. From Lagos to Ekiti, Ondo, Osun and Ogun states, South West is witnessing infrastructure upgrades. Our roads are being fixed, our schools and health centres are undergoing rehabilitation.
“ As a Governor of Osun State, I watched with keen interest the positive development in Oyo State. I do peer review, I must say that Oyo State is lucky to have Governor Makinde at the helm of affairs. We are proud of him” he said.
Earlier, Governor Seyi Makinde said his infrastructural agenda is premised on expanding business opportunities and creating multiple zones of development in Oyo State.
He noted that his administration prioritized inter-city roads to widen the net of development even with limited resources.
Governor Makinde reiterated his commitment to providing good governance to the people of the state, saying his administration would continue to prioritise projects that would bring the best value to the people of Oyo State.
The governor stated that the inaugurated road would ease traffic congestion at the popular Iwo Road as motorists coming from Osun State will use the road as an alternative route.
“We plan to upgrade cities and towns in Oyo State to places that we can all be proud of, we do not want to leave any community behind.
“So if we have all the resources at our disposal we will do more at a faster rate as we all know that our wants and needs are infinite but the resources to meet them are limited,”.
“The pressure on the state infrastructure is increasing and there’s a need to upgrade them, this is why we have chosen to keep investing in infrastructural development”, he said
Former Ondo, Osun and Oyo States governors: Olusegun Mimiko, Olagunsoye Oyinlola and Omololu Olunloyo, former Senate President and PDP BoT chairman, Adophous Wabara and Senator Abiodun Olujimi witnessed the event.
Agodi gate , Old Ife road, area of Ibadan is agog for the official inauguration of the dualised 8.2 kilometer Agodi Gate – Old Ife road – Alakia – Adegbayi junction including an underpass bridge at Onipeye
Our correspondent sighted event planners putting final touches to ensure the ceremony which is underway ,goes unhindered.
Security personnel have been strategically positioned for the maintenance of law and order.
On January 18th last year, Osun State Governor, Senator Ademola Adeleke announced the construction of boreholes in each of the 332 political wards in the state to cushion the effect of water scarcity.
It was one of the cardinal programmes to mark his 100 days in office.
As announced by the Governor in his January speech, on the 27th of March last year, Adeleke told Osun people that boreholes had been constructed in each of the 332 wards in the state with water running satisfactorily from the Boreholes.
On July 3rd, 4 months after government claimed that the boreholes were working well; Governor Adeleke distributed generating set to each of the 332 locations to power the boreholes.
Investigation by Radio Nigeria reveals that the boreholes are functional in some areas, while they do not exist in other locations, and not functional in some other places visited.
At Ward 2 Aruru Balogun Compound as well as ward 5 both in Olorunda local Government, the boreholes had been abandoned by the residents due to its poor state of service and weeds have taken over the place, save for the dry season.
A resident of the Aruru Balogun Compound, Mr Sherif Abideen commended the siting of the borehole in area but maintained that it had never produced a drop of water since then.
Similarly, at Ward 2, 6 and 14 of Osogbo, the state capital water was not running in the facilities despite provision of generating sets to power the boreholes.
Radio Nigeria also visited locations in Boripe, Irewole, Olaoluwa, Ilesa East and West where only few of the boreholes were functioning well.
The borehole overhead tank at Ward 7, Irewole Local Government had collapsed.
One of the residents, who spoke to Radio Nigeria Mr Jamiu Olatunde shared the harrowing experience of people of the area, whom he said had resorted back to the stream in the area.
An Osun based civil society organisation, the Osun masterminds had earlier criticized the 332 borehole project, describing it as lacking in due process, while it observed that many of the boreholes were not functioning.
Consequently, sometimes in October last year, the Osun Masterminds dragged the government before the Independent Corrupt Practices Commission, ICPC over the borehole project as confirmed by the group’s spokesperson, Mr Ayodeji Ologun, who alleged that the Borehole contract was not advertised,bidded and awarded in compliance with the Osun State Public Procurement Law, 2015.
However, the state government maintained that only few of the Boreholes had issue due to insufficient technical appraisal of their locations before construction.
The Osun State commissioner for water resources, Me Sunday Oroniyi explained that only few of the boreholes had issues which are already been addressed.
Mr Oroniyi said government was already working on the phase two of the boreholes across the 332 wards, but would play more emphasis on technical evaluation of the areas to be cited, to avoid challenge faced during the first phase.
The Oyo State Governor, Engineer Seyi Makinde, has sent a request to the Oyo State House of Assembly, OYHA, to access a loan of one hundred and fifty billion naira to finance the ongoing Senator Rashidi Ladoja Circular Road in Ibadan and other infrastructure.
The governor made this request in a letter forwarded to the OYHA and was read by the speaker of the House, Mr Adebo Ogundoyin.
The governor in the letter said the request became necessary to enable the state government to complete the 104km road project and others in the state.
The House, while deliberating on the loan request, directed its committees on Finance, Appropriation and State Economic Planning and that of Works to investigate the loan request.
It urged the two joint committees to come up with a comprehensive report on the loan request and the mode of payment.
The speaker in his submission stressed the need for the committees to get all necessary briefs on the request and report to the House in one week.
“Having 150 billion for Ibadan Circular Road and other infrastructure is a good idea but we have to consider the payback mechanism. I meant the payment procedure. We also want the two committees to get all the necessary details about the proposed loan. We need a holistic report on the request, the economic impacts of the road and other infrastructure when completed among other details.” Oyo Speaker said
Lawmakers in Ogun State have canvassed more funding for the Public Works Agency to carry out routine maintenance of roads across the state.
The House of Assembly members also tasked the Ministry of Works and other relevant agencies to conduct feasibility studies on roads in the three Senatorial Districts of the State and embark on palliative works, where necessary before the end of the dry season.
They appealed at a budget defence session with the State Commissioner for Works and Infrastructure, Mr Adebowale Akinsanya and the Heads of allied agencies in the sector.
Addressing the House Committee on Finance and Appropriation, led by Mr Musefiu Lamidi, the Commissioner listed the major targets of the Ministry in the next fiscal year as the completion of all ongoing roads as well as river crossings and overhead bridges.
He pointed out that new roads would also be initiated to provide standard roads across the geopolitical zones of the State with a total budget size of 170.6 billion for the next fiscal year.
Other agencies that had their 2024 budget proposals considered by the lawmakers included the Ministry of Physical Planning and Urban Development, the State Housing Corporation, the Ministry of Forestry, the Ministry of Agriculture and the Bureau of Lands and Survey.
A bamboo-reinforced storey building, constructed by the Nigerian Building and Road Research Institute, NBRRI, has been inaugurated with a promise that the Federal government will continue to support innovations geared towards promoting the use of local content.
The Minister of Innovation, Science And Technology, Chief Uche Nnaji made the promise at the Ota, Ogun State office of NBRRI where he also performed the groundbreaking for the construction of a technology village for research.
The Nigerian Building and Road Research Institute, NBRRI is a Federal Government agency saddled with the responsibility of conducting integrated applied research and development into various aspects of the building and construction sectors of the economy.
Its functions include researching local building and construction materials to determine the most effective and economical methods of their utilization as well as the architectural design of buildings to suit Nigerian climatic conditions concerning lighting, ventilation, thermal comfort and humidity.
Speaking at the inauguration of the bamboo-reinforced storey building, The Minister Of Innovation, Science And Technology, Chief Uche Nnaji said the agency had continued to assist the federal government in addressing infrastructural and housing deficit through cost-effective materials.
The Minister who also inaugurated a well-equipped ICT building and a central workshop for the agency said the use of locally made products would boost the economy and create jobs for the youths.
Chief Nnaji described the achievements of the agency in the last 45 years as overwhelming and encouraged the workforce not to rest on the oars but strive towards addressing other critical issues begging for solutions in the road and building sectors of the Nigerian economy.
Earlier, the Director General, Nigerian Building and Road Research Institute, Professor Samson Duna had expressed the need for Nigerians to embrace and sustain their support for locally made products.
Professor Duna reaffirmed the institute’s commitment to ensuring groundbreaking innovations in the field of building and road infrastructure.
Highpoint of the event was the presentation of certificates to over 50 individuals who had been trained in floor and wall tiling technology, interlocking block technology and paving stone technology as well as concrete pole and ring production.
The Minister of Interior, Dr Olubunmi Tunji Ojo has promised to ensure proper funding, equipment and welfare for immigration officials risking their lives in various parts of the country.
He made this known while inaugurating some newly completed projects at the NIS Zone A, Ikeja, Lagos
Dr Tunji Ojo thanked officers and men of the Nigerian Immigration for their patriotism and the sacrifices they make, especially the risks taken when working during sleepless nights and days of crises to ensure citizenship integrity and internal security.
Dr Tunji Ojo who assured the officers and men that their gallant efforts were being noticed pledged that under his watch, the Ministry overseeing the agency would not fail its responsibilities, particularly in seeing to their welfare
To prevent impersonation, the Minister emphasised that uniforms worn by NIS officials must be of the same shade
In her remarks, NIS Comptroller General, Mrs Wura-Ola Caroline Adepoju reiterated the commitment of the Service to deploy technology for quick and effective service delivery and solicited support from Nigerians.
In an address of welcome, the Assistant Comptroller General in charge of the zone, Mr Adebowale Sadiq, pointed out that the completed projects symbolize NIS professionalism and commitment to security enhancement and the provision of a conducive environment to boost the morale of personnel
The event was attended by joyous Senior officers from various Commands and formations.
The Federal Government has called on Chief Executive Officers of mortgage banks to explore creative ways to make mortgages more affordable to Nigerians of all income brackets.
The Minister of Housing and Urban Development, Mr Ahmed Dangiwa who made the call in Abuja at a retreat organised by stakeholders in the mortgage banking sub-sector said the nation’s Capital Market had not been maximally tapped to raise long-term funds to refinance mortgage loans.
He said adopting the Rent-to-Own and Flexible Monthly Mortgage loan repayments would make commercial loans in the country more affordable.
The minister cited a report that identified some of the challenges in the sector which include the affordability gap in home ownership, absence of long-term funds, critical need for enhanced capital and resource base of Primary Mortgage Institutions, difficulty in accessing Land and secure title to Land due to the shortcomings in the provision and implementation of the Land Use Act of 1978.
Others include inadequate legal framework, inadequate housing infrastructure, inadequate incentives, concessions and taxes, non-availability of insurance framework, insufficient production, high cost of building materials and inadequate skilled labour.
He, therefore, stressed the need for all key players to find ways to navigate the macro, legal and policy bottlenecks to address challenges in the sector.
According to Mr Dangiwa, this could be achieved through effective leadership and innovations.
He said the ministry was also poised to establish building materials manufacturing hubs, construct over forty thousand houses which would be tagged the Renewed Hope Cities and upgrade slums across the country.
“Our Renewed Hope Cities and Estates Program seeks to deliver 40,000 housing units ranging from 1,000 housing units per site in one location in each of the six geo-political zones of the country and FCT namely: Abuja, Lagos, Kano, Borno, Nasarawa, Rivers, and Enugu States”.
The theme of the event was, ” Advancing Sustainable and Affordable Housing in Nigeria: Navigating Macro-Economic, Legislative, and Policy Frontiers”.
Oyo State Governor, Engineer Seyi Makinde has disclosed that work will soon begin on Agbowo Shopping Complex, Ibadan noting that the project remains part of his administration’s agenda to resuscitate the state’s assets.
Governor Makinde stated this while unveiling the billboard commemorating the UI @ 75 anniversary on the University Campus.
He said the contractor of the project would move to site in the next few weeks, just as he promised to carry out the Junction Improvement of the University of Ibadan Main Gate with a pedestrian bridge to link Agbowo axis.
The governor solicited for continuous support and cooperation of the University of Ibadan community, urging it to be patient, as according to him, the disruption of free flow of traffic will be inevitable once the projects start.
Governor Makinde while congratulating the school management in achieving milestones, noted that the University of Ibadan was renowned as the intellectual capital of not just Nigeria but the African continent and had produced intelligent personalities beyond the shores of the country.
He, however, charged the management of the University to begin the process of regaining its position as the intellectual capital of the continent by resetting the buttons.
Speaking further, the governor said he deliberately appointed University of Ibadan products into different positions in order to harness the opportunities of sound training provided by the University and unleash them into the governance environment.
He said: “It is an honour for me to be here this afternoon for the unveiling of the University of Ibadan @ 75 anniversary billboard.
“So, what we have done in Oyo State and under this administration, is to look at the lions at our backyard and to unleash them in our environment, and so far so good, it has been working very well.
“Whatever we can do as an administration towards making UI the intellectual capital in the continent, I will be your partner.”
He continued: “The project that the Oyo State government is carrying out, which is the junction improvement at UI will be expanded and we would put a pedestrian bridge so that when students are passing, they don’t have to get knocked down again, that would enhance the refurbishment of the Agbowo Shopping Complex.
“It is a life project, it would happen and you will see the contractor on site within a few weeks. I don’t think it would be more than four weeks, but they must get to that site and this time next year, it would be a typically different story.
“I wanted to make that point and also to solicit for the cooperation of the University Community, because when you are carrying out construction activities, it would disrupt the free flow of traffic. But it’s just for a period of time, at the end of that period, it is something that you all would be proud of.”
Earlier in his welcome address, the Chairman of the UI @ 75 anniversary committee, Professor Peter Olapegba, described the governor as a true partner in progress.
He thanked him for being a wonderful host as demonstrated through positive disposition and significant benefaction to the University of Ibadan.
The Federal Controller of Works in Oyo State, Mr Kayode Ibrahim says the road rehabilitation project in Saki town had been completed.
Mr Ibrahim stated this while refuting the claims by a certain organisation known as ‘Budgit Tracka’ that the road project had been abandoned by the contractor.
According to a statement personally signed by him on Saturday in Ibadan, the project, titled “Limited Rehabilitation of Opo Malu Road in Saki Oyo State was a Federal Government intervention project which has been completed.
He described the Budgit Tracka’s publication on the project as erroneous and grossly misleading, declaring that the project was executed as awarded and that any contrary information should be disregarded.
The Federal Controller of works explained that the project was awarded in Jan. 2022 with the Engineer’s order to commence work on March, 2022 and complete it within the period of three months.
“The location of the project, which is generally refer to as Opo Malu area, traverses eleven communities beginning from Opo Malu junction through Orogun road to Isale Adini in Saki.
“It is pertinent to note that prior to the federal government intervention, the road was completely impassable and the communities down the road cut off from the major road in Saki”, he stated.
Mr. Ibrahim added that the contractor completed the limited rehabilitation works on schedule and submitted her certificate which was dully processed.
He noted that the leadership of the 11 communities through which the rehabilitated road traverses had written a letter of satisfactory execution of the project to his office, a confirmation that the project was delivered.
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The Lagos State Government has announced that it will be closing the Eko Bridge, between Costain and Alaka descent, to carry out emergency repairs.
This was contained in a press statement made available to newsmen on Friday.
“These repairs are necessary to avoid the complete vandalisation and theft of the expansion joint as well as the replacement of missing parts and the recasting of the transition concrete around the expansion joint.
“Motorists planning to use the bridge are consequently advised to use the Costain Ramp to link Alaka through the Costain Roundabout,” the statement signed by the Lagos State Commissioner for Transportation, Mr. Oluwaseun Osiyemi, read.
The bridge will be closed on Saturday, November 4, 2023, by 4:00 am. and reopened on Monday, November 6, 2023.
“While assuring that the bridge will be reopened as planned, we would like to give assurances that adequate traffic and security personnel will be deployed to the construction zones and the alternative routes; motorists are urged to cooperate with them, exercise patience and observe safety measures,” the statement concluded.
People of Egba Zone, comprising 6 local government areas of Ogun State have called for urgent government interventions in upgrading road infrastructure across the zone.
They made the call at a town hall meeting, convened by the State Government as part of the process of generating inputs for the preparation of the year 2024 budget.
Prominent traditional rulers and political leaders as well representatives of workers unions, professional bodies, artisans, social organizations and religious groups attended the town hall meeting held at the June 12 Cultural Centre, Kuto Abeokuta.
All the speakers at the event were particular about the need for government’s attention on different roads across the zone, while also calling attention to the poor state of primary health care facilities and many school infrastructure, including those at the state owned tertiary institutions.
The Alake and Paramount Ruler of Egbaland, Oba Adedotun Gbadebo who spoke through the Osile Oke Ona Egba, Oba Adedapo Tejuoso called for concerted efforts towards fixing the Lagos-Abeokuta road and expressed optimism that the existing cordial relationship between the state government and royal fathers in the state would be sustained.
In a contribution, a former Senator for Ogun Central Senatorial District, Gbenga Obadara, urged the state government to rehabilitate the roads leading to Laderin train station in Abeokuta, as well as the Lafenwa – Adatan road.
Other speakers highlighted the road networks that needed urgent attention of the government to include, Saje, Mokola, Ilugun, Ajitaadun (remiremido), Bode Olude, Elega, Iberekodo, as well as Adatan Car-Wash, Obantoko, Osiele, MAPOLY-Ojere road linking the new housing estate at Kobape and Coker, Ifo, Ibogun roads.
The Speakers appealed to the relevant organs of the government to ensure that the projects were adequately captured in the 2024 budget of the state.
Earlier, the State Commissioner for Budget and Planning, Mr Olaolu Olabimtan had emphasized that the present administration was committed to delivering good governance, adding that 215 projects were completed in Egba Division, within the last 12 months.
Responding, Governor Dapo Abiodun, Represented by his Deputy, Mrs Noimot Salako-Oyedele, said the policies and programmes of his administration were in the best interest of the people, irrespective of ethnic, religious and political affiliations or social status.
The Governor gave the assurance that all the demands and inputs from the people would be included in next year’s budget, promised to consolidate on his open door policy and all inclusive style of governance, to better the lots of the people.
The town hall meeting in Egbaland was the fourth and last in the series of the programme which had been held in Remo, Ijebu and Yewa divisions of the state.
Osun State House of Assembly has again expressed disappointment on the State of Iwo / Ibadan road project handled by Peculiar Ultimate Concern LTD.
The Chairman, House Committee on Public Works and Transport, Mr Waheed Abiola stated this when the committee paid an assessment visit to the road project starting point in ” Dele Yes Sir ” Osogbo which terminates in Iwo town, Osun / Oyo Boundary.
Mr. Abiola who expressed disappointment that the contractor was not working in line with the stipulated time frame of the project, as promised two months ago when the committee visited the site.
Mr. Abiola stressed that, based on its assessment the committee would report back to the Assembly whereby the next line of action would be determined in due course.
In separate remarks, other members of the committee said the excuses of the Peculiar Ultimate Concern Limited was not tenable considering the huge amount of money allotted to it at the commencement of the project.
Earlier in his reaction, the Project Manager, Peculiar Ultimate Concern Limited, Mr. Lekan Adeleke attributed the delay in completing the project to weather, Electricity and the Peculiar soil structure of the road.
The Osun State House of Assembly committee on works and Transport also visited an ongoing state government road project handled by Monsulat Construction Integrated Company in Hallelujah Estate where the Manager, Mr. Omodunbi Temitope was urged to show more commitment to executing the job in no distance time, with the assurance that the state government would give the contractor required support.
Other members of the Committee including, Member Representing Obokun, Prince Adeyemi Adewumi, Member Representing Ilesa East, Mr. Oladiran Olatunbosun, member representing Ife South, Mr. Lawrence Adeoti and member Representing Ife Central, Mr. Abiola Awoyeye.
The Osun State Governor, Senator Ademola Adeleke has described sound infrastructure as a condition for economic growth and development.
Governor Adeleke who stated this at the launching of a 100 billion naira infrastructural plan for Osun State at the Governor’s office, Abere, said the infrastructure plan is to address the infrastructure deficit and boost the state economy.
He pointed out that his Administration is building confidence of investors by upgrading the state infrastructure thereby, laying the foundation for effective public-private partnership.
The Governor explained that the infrastructure plan will be carried out without any loan from financial institutions while all the projects will be completed within 12 months.
He assured that his administration would follow procurement law & due process, ensuring localisation in the implementation process through sourcing of materials and workforce locally with a plan to transfer skills and economically empower the people.
Earlier, the Commissioner for Information and Public Enlightenment Mr. Kolapo Alimi, had explained that governance is about people hence the decision of the Governor to develop the state with basic amenities to enhance the standard of living.
The infrastructure plan include, rehabilitation of 345 Health Centers in the 332 Wards, rehabilitation of 31 schools in the 30 Local Governments and Area Council, recruiting new teachers.
Construction of five Flyovers in Osogbo, Ikirun, Ife and Owode-Ede, dualisation of Roads in Osogbo, Ede and Ilesha, as well as construction/rehabilitation of 45 roads of at least one kilometer in each of the 30 Local Governments.
Others are, provision of potable water in 332 wards, installation of street lights in all major towns and quarterly Imole Medical Outreach.
The Federal Government on Thursday announced the closure of the Third Mainland Bridge in Lagos starting from midnight of Saturday, October 21 to midnight of Sunday, October 22 to carry out repairs.
The Federal Controller of Works in Lagos State, Mrs. Olukorede Kesha, in a statement, said the government was ready to begin comprehensive rehabilitation works on the bridge, starting with repairs of the critical portions.
Kesha said the Federal Government wished to inform the motoring public that it was currently working on plans to carry out comprehensive repairs of the Third Mainland Bridge.
“However, in order to alleviate the pains currently being experienced on the bridge, the Ministry would be carrying out palliative works on the most critically failed sections along the Adeniji bound carriageway on Sunday, Oct. 22 preparatory to the comprehensive repair works,” she said.
She advised motorists to cooperate with the traffic management officials by obeying and observing all diversions as directed for seamless movement.
“However, motorists are encouraged to use alternative routes where possible during the period of the palliative works as the Adeniji bound of the bridge will be closed to traffic from Saturday, Oct. 21 to Sunday, 22nd 12.00 midnight,” she said.
People of Aiyekire, Ekiti East Local Governments and Gboyin LCDA could not hide their joy and adulation for the state government following the flag off of the road and restoration of electricity to the towns in the areas after ten years in darkness.
Sod turning for the reconstruction of the Ikole – Ara – Isinbode road was performed, while 108KM, 33KV Line Electricity supply to Aiyekire, Gbonyin LCDA and Ekiti East LGAs was commissioned as part of programmes lined up for Governor Biodun Oyebanji’s first anniversary in office.
Addressing the people of the local governments in Isinbode and Omuo Ekiti, governor Biodun Oyebanji said it was sad for any community in this modern age to be without electricity for ten years, saying this will not only inconvenience residents but will retard development and hinder economic growth of such community.
Mr Oyebanji urged the people of the local councils to see the facilities as their properties and ensure their safety from vandalisation while assuring other towns with similar challenges that the government would soon attend to their needs.
Earlier, the state commissioner for Infrastructure and Public Utilities, professor Mobolaji Aluko said the achievements were in line with the campaign promise of the present administration to bring significant development to all communities in Ekiti state.
Stakeholders in the Ministries of Water Resources, Energy and other related agencies have been admonished to see the Ministries and the Assembly as partners in progress.
The Chairman, Osun State House Assembly committee on Water Resources and Energy, Mr. Laide Ajibola made the call during its maiden meeting with the Ministry and the agencies held at the Hallowed Chamber of the Assembly.
Mr. Ajibola said the meeting was basically to deliberate on how to improve the living standard of residents, to be enlightened on their functions and challenges confronting the Ministries and agencies.
He pleaded for maximum cooperation from stakeholders in the Ministries to ensure that residents of the state have access to regular portable water across the state.
Earlier in his remark, The Permanent Secretary Ministry of Water Resources and Energy, Mr. Olusola Ajao explained that the ministry is responsible for the provision of portable water in abundance for people in the state.
Mr Ajao noted that the ministry had performed oversight functions on some sites of waterworks across the state and submitted that they need urgent attentions.
He mentioned series of challenges affecting the Ministries which includes immediate rebranding of RUWESA for maximum performance, lack of adequate protection for Streams and Rivers in the State, as well as the need for an holistic approach to Osun River among others.
In her submission, General Manager, Small- Town Water Supply and Sanitation, Mrs Toyin Asaolu explained that the agency is saddled with the responsibilities to provide water for small town community ranging from five to twenty thousand people in a small community.
Mrs Asaolu appreciated the present administration in the state led by Governor Ademola Adeleke who had put in place positive measures aimed at ensuring that people in the state have access to clean and portable water by constructing three hundred and thirty two boreholes for people in the state as part of activities marking his one hundred days in office.
