metro
48 years after conception, FG inaugurates Sokoto-Badagry superhighway construction
48 years after conception, FG inaugurates Sokoto-Badagry superhighway construction
Forty-eight years after the idea of Sokoto-Badagry superhighway was conceived, the Federal Government has inaugurated the construction of the 1,068km road.
Speaking at the ceremony for the construction works on the Section I, Phase 1A of the project in Ilelah town, Sokoto State, Minister of Works, David Umahi, informed the gathering that the idea of the project was first mooted during the first tenure of former President Shehu Shagari but could not take off.
He said the Bola Tinubu administration broke the 48-year jinx.
He further described the event as a manifestation of one of the legacy projects of the current administration, spanning over 1,068 km with the North having 52 per cent and the South 48 per cent.
The minister revealed that the choice of concrete pavement in its design and construction was informed by the need to ensure longevity, while that of the contractor, Messrs Hitech Construction (Nig) Ltd, is premised on capacity to deliver according to specifications and on schedule.
A statement by the Director, Press and Public Relations, Mohammed Ahmed, said the company had done a similar pavement work on the Apapa-Oshodi Expressway in Lagos State and was doing same on the Lagos-Calabar Coastal Highway.
While appreciating the commitment and support of members of the National Assembly for the President’s infrastructure renaissance, he also thanked the Office of the National Security Adviser (NSA) for the promise to provide security for the entire stretch of the corridor throughout the construction period.
While welcoming guests on the occasion, the Deputy Governor, Sokoto State and Commissioner for Works, Idris Mohammed Danchadi, said the project was “a dream come true” for the people of the state.
Also speaking, the Director, Highways, Construction and Rehabilitation, Bakare Umar, and the representative of the Director, Highways, Bridges and Design, Musa Seidu, described the 1,068-kilometre Sokoto-Badagry superhighway as a Trade, Transport and Security (TTS) Greenfield.
The corridor traverses Sokoto State through Kebbi, Niger, Kwara, Oyo, Ogun states and terminates in Lagos State.
The project seeks to reduce transportation costs, improve trade, connectivity, efficiency and enhance economies of scale around the corridor.
It is to be separated with median landscaping, solar street lighting and modern digital signage.
It will link various existing inter-border towns and routes, provide quick access, enhance border settlements for trade, security support and enablement.
In separate goodwill messages, the Minister of Budget and National Planning, Abubakar Bagudu, recalled that at a Town Hall Meeting in July, 2024 at Birnin Kebbi, the Works Minister spoke about plans to embark on the project.
Also, a former Governor of Kebbi State and Vice Chairman, Senate Committee on Works, Senator Adamu Aliero, stated that upon completion of the superhighway, travel time between Sokoto and Lagos would be drastically reduced by 48 hours.
He said that the dams for irrigation and electricity generation and rail lines were amongst its integral parts.
Speaking, the Minister of State for Works, Mohammed Goronyo, revealed that the project was a clear testament to the Renewed Hope Agenda of the present administration.
The Sultan of Sokoto, Sa’ad Abubakar, promised to mobilise Sokoto people to assist the ministry in the delivery of the project, which he said is very dear to the people of Northern Nigeria.
Sokoto State Governor, Dr. Ahmad Aliyu, said the road project, when completed, would link the state with the central and western parts of Nigeria and pledged to provide adequate security cover.
metro
No Sallah durbar festival in Kano this year – Police warn
No Sallah durbar festival in Kano this year – Police warn
There will be no Sallah Durbar celebrations in Kano during this year’s Eid-el-Fitr festivities, the state police command has said.
It cited security concerns and the need to prevent potential unrest as reasons for the ban announced on Friday ahead of the end of Ramadan fast festival holding on Sunday or Monday.
The Commissioner of Police, Ibrahim Adamu Bakori, announced the decision while addressing journalists at the Bompai Police Headquarters in Kano.
He said intelligence reports revealed plans by certain groups to use the Durbar to create instability.
“In pursuit of a safe and secure celebration, and to maintain peace and public order, the command, in collaboration with other security agencies, has assessed the rising tensions and uncertainties surrounding the Durbar activities,” Bakori said.
“Following credible intelligence reports about plans to use the Durbar as a proxy for unrest, a ban has been placed on all Durbar activities throughout the state during the 2025 Eid-El-Fitr Sallah celebrations.”
The Police Commissioner emphasized that the decision was taken after extensive consultations with the Kano State Government and other key stakeholders.
The police command has urged worshippers to conduct their Eid prayers only at designated prayer grounds and to adhere to security guidelines.
Some of the restrictions in place outlined by CP Bakori include worshippers should avoiding carrying unnecessary objects that may cause suspicion., no horse riding (Kilisa), car racing, or reckless driving will be allowed, and parents and guardians must caution their children against involvement in disruptive activities.
He further warned that anyone caught violating these directives would face legal consequences.
metro
We won’t stop Sharia panels from operating in Oyo – Gov Makinde
We won’t stop Sharia panels from operating in Oyo – Gov Makinde
Oyo State Governor, Seyi Makinde, has assured Muslims in the state that he has no objections to the operation of Sharia panels, emphasizing that individuals are free to seek dispute resolution through them if they so wish.
Speaking at the 2025 Iftar event organized by the state government at the Government House, Agodi, Ibadan, Makinde clarified that he has no plans to challenge the legality of Sharia courts in the state. His comments were conveyed in a statement on Thursday by his media aide, Dr. Sulaimon Olanrewaju.
Earlier in the week, Dr. Rafiu Bello, Chairman of the Sharia Committee of Oyo Land, had confirmed that a Sharia panel had already been established in Oyo town and had begun sittings. This led to renewed discussions regarding the panel’s constitutionality.
In response, Makinde reiterated his stance that the Constitution remains the supreme authority in all legal matters while acknowledging the role of Sharia panels in alternative dispute resolution.
“I read in the newspaper that I would go to court for interpretation on the Sharia panel, which is ongoing in Oyo. That is not my position,” the governor stated. “My position is that we will support anything that is in our Constitution.”
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Makinde explained that alternative dispute resolution mechanisms, including the Sharia panel, could ease the burden on the courts, provided they do not conflict with constitutional provisions.
He further emphasized his administration’s commitment to maintaining religious harmony and unity in the state, cautioning against attempts to use religion for political gains.
“As we move towards the next election, there will be elements that only think about the next election. But what we have done in this administration is to think about the next generation,” he said.
The governor also used the occasion to appreciate the Muslim community for their support and prayers, acknowledging the contributions of religious leaders, lawmakers, and security agencies in fostering peace and development in Oyo State.
The event was attended by several dignitaries, including former Governor Rashidi Ladoja, Deputy Governor Bayo Lawal, Speaker of the Oyo State House of Assembly, Adebo Ogundoyin (represented by Deputy Speaker Mohammed Fadeyi), and other key figures from the judiciary and legislative arms of government.
We won’t stop Sharia panels from operating in Oyo – Gov Makinde
metro
EFCC re-arraigns son of ex-PDP chairman for alleged N2.2bn oil subsidy fraud
EFCC re-arraigns son of ex-PDP chairman for alleged N2.2bn oil subsidy fraud
Mamman Nasir Ali, the son of former chairman of Peoples Democratic Party, PDP and one Christian Taylor were on Thursday rearraigned for an alleged N2.2 billion oil subsidy fraud before Justice Mojisola Dadap of the Special Offences Court sitting in Ikeja, Lagos by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC.
They were re-arraigned alongside Nasaman Oil Services Limited on an amended 57-count charge, following new findings in the case.
The defendants had initially been arraigned on a 49-count charge bordering on conspiracy to obtain money by false pretence, obtaining money by false pretence, forgery and the use of false documents.
At the scheduled trial for the adoption of final written addresses on Wednesday, the prosecution counsel, Seiduh Atteh, informed the court of the amended charges and requested that the defendants take a fresh plea.
There was no objection from the defence counsel, Obafemi Kolade, SAN.
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Consequently, the court granted the request.
The defendants, thereafter, pleaded “not guilty” to the amended charges preferred against them.
In the amended charge, the defendants, as well as Oluwaseun Ogunbambo and Olabisi Abdul Afeez, who are both at large, allegedly “fraudulently obtained money from the Federal Government on or about September 9, 2011.”
The defendants also allegedly forged a document titled: “ GASOLINE ANALYSIS” on board MT Overseas Limar, purportedly issued by Saybolt Concremat on the said date.
Following the re-arraignment, Kolade requested time for the defence to amend its written address in response to the new charges.
Justice Dada directed the prosecution to file a response before the next hearing.
The case was adjourned till April 15, 2025 for the adoption of final written addresses.
EFCC re-arraigns son of ex-PDP chairman for alleged N2.2bn oil subsidy fraud
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