News

FG RELEASED ABOUT N7B FOR THE COMPLETION OF THE EAST-WEST ROAD-SEN ALASOADURA

The Honourable Minister of State, Ministry of Niger Delta Affairs (MNDA), Senator Omotayo Alasoadura has disclosed that the Federal Government released about N7billion to Contractors to facilitate the East-West road project, urging contractors to comply with the directives in order to complete and hand over the project to the people of the region before the end of the First Quarter 2022.

The Minister revealed this at the inspection of the East-West road from Section II Sub Section II (Ahoada – Kaima) to Section II Sub Section I (Eleme Junction – Ahoada) and Section IIIA (Eleme Junction – Onne Port Junction) in Port Harcourt, Rivers State, on Thursday May 20, 2021.Sen. Alasoadura inspected various sites to ascertain the progress of work on the East West Road.

At Ahoada – Kaima Section II Sub Section II, he observed that due to the bad terrain, huge volume of earthwork is ongoing to stabilize the soil to accommodate suitable materials for road construction while Sub-section l is near completion. He projected that Ahoada-Kaima Section II is expected to be commissioned soon.At Obikwere flyover, the site contractor informed the Minister of the failed drainage system which has caused constant water retention around the corridor, adding that the proposal to correct the anomaly would be sent to the Ministry for approval.

In inspection of Section IIIA, the Minister said that the contract was awarded to ensure safe and efficient movement of traffic along the already dualized 15KM stretch of the Highway from the Onne Port Refinery, Eleme Petrochemicals and other industries along the highway by eliminating traffic bottlenecks and ensuring well drained and durable road.

Senator Alasoadura added that the completion of the East-West road is a major priority of this present administration to see to the end of the completion of the project which was awarded 20 years ago even if it involves borrowing.While inspecting, the Minister decried the devastated state of the Aleto Bridge in Section IIIA of the East-West road and seek for urgent attention before it collapses, if not it would affect the nation’s economy.

“We have to put all our resources, energy and goodwill together to ensure that it is urgently reconstructed for the movement of goods and services that will benefit the people of region and the nation at large”, he added.

Responding to the Minister, the Chief Engineer, Reynolds Construction Company Nigeria Limited (RCC), Zavontenik Igor, said the Contract was awarded in December 1st, 2014, at the Contract sum of N43,869,381,730.23 with a completion period of 24 months as additional works to the dualization of the East-West road of Section III Contract using direct procurement method but nothing was done before the present Administration took over.

Speaking further, he maintained that fund constraints and increase of the overhead cost of materials has cause the slow pace of work. He therefore assured the Minister that the project will be completed within the stipulated time if the company is mobilized on time with the required capital.

The President-General of the Ogoni Youths Federation (OYF), Comrade Legborsi Yamaabana, appealed to the Minister to order the Contractors in charge of the project to speedily commence payment of compensation to affected families during the cause of expansion and dualization of the East-West road for peace to reign.

Leave a Comment

Your email address will not be published.

You may also like

Business Economy

The Art of Investment: The rise of African art (By Ngozi Akinyele)

post-image

By Ngozi Akinyele, Chief Marketing and Communications Officer, Coronation Group (www.Coronation.ng)

 

A diversified portfolio is one of the key metrics of investment success. The greater this diversity, the more likely it will outperform the market, and the savviest investors are often looking for new opportunities: the rising stars among new asset classes. Investment in art is certainly not a new concept, but what makes it unique is that it often has low correlation with other major asset classes, meaning lower overall price volatility (https://apo-opa.co/3UpJknE). It’s the sure bet, sometimes with incredible escalating value, especially for those opting to invest in blue-chip artists (https://apo-opa.co/3Uq6YQQ) renowned artists whose work demands high prices in the art market).

However, not all of us can afford to invest in the works of Picasso, Van Gogh, or Warhol, with many blue-chip pieces only accessible as…

Read More
Business Culture Economy

From Tech Addiction to Surviving Conflict: Global Conference in Doha Explores the Challenges Facing Arab and Global Families

post-image

Policies to protect families in countries affected by conflict, the global impact of population decline, and striking a balance between work and family life were placed in focus at the 30th Anniversary of the International Year of the Family Conference on Family and Contemporary Megatrends.

 

Organized by Qatar Foundations Doha International Family Institute (DIFI), in partnership with the Ministry of Social Development and Family, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, and the United Nations Department of Economic and Social Affairs (UNDESA), the conference brought together more than 2,000 experts and policymakers from around the world to explore key trends affecting families, and policies and programs that strengthen the familys place at the heart of society.

 

The conference was attended by eminent figures from across the Arab world including Her Excellency Shanaz Ibrahim Ahmed, First Lady of Iraq; Her Excellency Maya Morsi, Minister of Social Solidarity, Egypt; Her Excellency Dr. Amthal Hadi Hayef Al…

Read More
Business Economy Education Government Investments Technology Technology Trends

Nigeria Secures N2.8 Billion Google Investment to Boost Digital Economy and AI Development

post-image

 

Dr. ‘Bosun Tijani, the Minister of Communications, Innovation, and Digital Economy, announced a significant N2.8 billion commitment from Google, aimed at accelerating Nigeria’s digital economy through strategic initiatives outlined in the ministry’s Strategic Blueprint. The announcement was made alongside Google’s President of EMEA Business & Operations, Matt Brittin, as the tech giant pledged to support Nigeria’s technological transformation.

Dr. Tijani highlighted four major initiatives that Google’s investment will fuel:No alternative text description for this image

  1. DeepTech Ready Upskilling Programme: Designed to enhance advanced technical skills, this program aligns with Nigeria’s 3MTT initiative, aiming to equip 20,000 Nigerians with expertise in Data Science and Artificial Intelligence (AI).
  2. Experience AI Programme: Targeting young learners aged 11-14, this initiative, co-developed with the Raspberry Pi Foundation and Google DeepMind, seeks to introduce AI fundamentals across Nigerian schools. Through this program, Google will train 25,000…
Read More
Business Culture Economy

Sanâa Kiadi Reflects on Participation in IOM Workshop on Migration Data in Rabat, Morocco

post-image

Sanâa Kiadi, a distinguished Global Strategist and International Executive, recently had the honor of representing the African Migration Observatory (AMO) at the Sub-Regional Workshop on Migration Data and Research, which took place on October 16th and 17th in Rabat, Morocco. This significant event was organized by the International Organization for Migration (IOM) in collaboration with the Government of Morocco, bringing together key stakeholders dedicated to advancing the understanding of migration dynamics in the region.

During her participation, Kiadi presented AMO’s mission, which is focused on enhancing migration data collection and analysis across Africa. Her presentation underscored the importance of establishing robust data systems that inform evidence-based migration policies. “Accurate and comprehensive migration data is essential for shaping policies that address…

Read More
Business Economy Energy Environment Government

Rivers State Governor Sim Fubara Shuts Down NNPC and Oil Companies, Proclaims “No Allocation for Rivers State, No Oil for Nigeria”

post-image

In a bold and unprecedented move, Rivers State Governor Sim Fubara has ordered the shutdown of the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC) and all oil companies operating in the state. His declaration, “No allocation for Rivers State, no oil for Nigeria,” reflects a deep frustration over what he perceives as the unfair distribution of oil revenues.

This decisive action has sent ripples through the nation, resulting in Nigeria’s global oil production ranking plummeting from 4th to 24th almost immediately. Governor Fubara’s stance not only puts the spotlight on the importance of Rivers State to Nigeria’s oil supply but also raises questions about the broader implications for the economy and energy sector.

In a heartfelt challenge to influential leaders, including Minister Nyesom…

Read More
Business Economy News Opinion

The business case for automating customer due diligence and FICA compliance

post-image

By Sameer Kumandan, MD of SearchWorks

 

Automation has been labelled as a way to tighten up the corners, without cutting them. An apt description, it’s all about using technologies to up productivity, boost efficiency, reduce errors and save businesses a lot of time without having to make any sacrifices when it comes to quality or performance.

 

Customer Due Diligence (CDD) plays a critical role in mitigating financial crime risks by helping businesses establish that their customers are not involved in illegal activities and that they are who they say they are. In addition, CDD is essential to ensure compliance with South Africa’s Financial Intelligence Centre Act (FICA). And it’s not a one-time activity. Ongoing monitoring is vital to keep close tabs on how a customer’s circumstances and activities change over time. This is important, because risks evolve over time and because of the rise of what

Read More
Business Culture Economy Health

The Heart of Moppet Foods: How Loyal Customers Like Marian Are Building a Nigerian Brand Together

post-image

 

When Roberta Edu launched Moppet Foods, a locally-produced baby food brand, she hoped parents across Nigeria would find value in a nutritious, homegrown option for their babies. But what she didn’t expect was the level of passion and loyalty she’d see from her customers—people who believe in her brand so deeply that they’ve become its unofficial guardians.

Recently, Edu shared a story about one of her most devoted customers, Marian, who lives in Akoka and buys Moppet baby food from the Justrite store in Bariga. Marian’s dedication goes far beyond simply picking up a carton of baby food; she’s become almost a part of the Moppet team. “The way she looks out for us—it’s something I can’t even describe,” Edu said.

Marian has taken it upon herself to monitor Moppet’s stock levels at the store, as if the brand were her own. Every time she’s at Justrite, she’ll check the shelves,…

Read More
Announcements Business Culture Economy

Umo Eno: Akwa Ibom Embarks on 18-Storey Ibom Towers Project in Lagos to Drive Economic Diversification

post-image

 

Akwa Ibom State has launched a notable development initiative outside its borders, breaking ground on an 18-story building, the Ibom Towers, in Lagos. The project has stirred discussions around its location, with some questioning why the state would invest in infrastructure outside Akwa Ibom. Governor Umo Eno clarified the motivation behind the decision, describing it as a strategic move aimed at diversifying Akwa Ibom’s economy and establishing new revenue sources.

Speaking at the groundbreaking event, Governor Eno stated, “Today, as part of our efforts to diversify Akwa Ibom’s economy, we marked the groundbreaking of the 18-story Ibom Towers in Lagos. This project, expected to be completed in 24 months, will drive substantial revenue growth and economic ties between Akwa Ibom and Lagos States.”

The governor extended gratitude to Lagos State Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu, who led the ceremony, as well as to former Akwa Ibom Governors Udom Emmanuel, CON, and Obong Victor…

Read More