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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.
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Amosun, Adeola engage in verbal attack over project diversion allegation
Amosun, Adeola engage in verbal attack over project diversion allegation
A former Governor of Ogun State, Senator Ibikunle Amosun and the incumbent Senator, representing Ogun West Senatorial District, Solomon Olamilekan Adeola are at logger head, following an allegation of ‘project diversion’ by Amosun.
Amosun, in a statement signed by his media aide, Lanre Akinwale, had accused Senator Adeola of project diversion, when a Library project at Ewang Estate Extension, Abeokuta, facilitated by Senator Olamilekan Adeola had the inscription tagged, “Renovation of Ake Pavilion Roofing and other Facilities, Ogun State”.
Senator Adeola, however denied any case of project diversion as insinuated by Amosun, based on the inscription on the signpost at the completed Library project.
Senator Adeola explained that there was a budget inclusion for the renovation of Ake Pavilion, following appeals from well meaning sons and daughters of Egbaland to complete the project that was abandoned for a period, not knowing that it was a personal project of Senator Amosun.
Akinwale, however stated that the Ake Pavilion Project was done from Amosun’s personal resources, and not a constituency project while in office, adding that he was surprised when a Library project, facilitated by Senator Adeola had the inscription tagged, “Renovation of Ake Pavilion Roofing and other Facilities, Ogun State”.
He therefore stressed that the inscription suggests that there is a budget in the Federal Appropriation for the Ake Pavilion project, which is being diverted to an entirely different project.
“Our attention has been drawn to a Library construction project at the Ewang Estate Extension, Abeokuta, facilitated by Senator Solomon Olamilekan Adeola (YAYI).
“However, the project board erected at the site of the Library project has a different inscription, tagged,
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“Renovation of Ake Pavilion Roofing and other Facilities, Ogun State”.
“What this simply connotes is that there is a budget in the Federal Appropriation for the Ake Pavilion project, which is being diverted to an entirely different project. Otherwise, how could the facilitator of the Library project inscribe a narration, entirely different from what he facilitated?
“To set the record straight, the Library project in question has no connection to the ongoing construction of the Ake Pavilion project by Senator Ibikunle Amosun. The Ake Pavilion project is Senator Amosun’s gift to the entire people of Abeokuta, and it’s being single-handedly funded by him.
Amosun, Adeola engage in verbal attack over project diversion allegation
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Lagos Govt says speed limit rules have come to stay
Lagos Govt says speed limit rules have come to stay
The Lagos State Government (LASG) has reaffirmed the legality of speed limit regulations and urged motorists to comply for the safety of all road users.
The Commissioner for Transportation, Mr Oluwaseun Osiyemi, said this in a statement on Sunday by Mrs Bolanle Ogunlola, Deputy Director, Public Affairs, Ministry of Transportation.
Osiyemi said the reaffirmation of the regulation’s legality was in response to public concerns regarding the enforcement of speed limits on selected roads across the state.
He referenced Section 28(2)(a) of the Lagos State Transport Sector Reform Law (2018), which provides the legal basis for penalising motorists who exceed prescribed speed limits.
Further clarifying traffic sign regulations, Osiyemi stressed that the Ministry of Transportation is solely responsible for determining the size, colour, and type of traffic signs in Lagos.
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He explained that this measure ensures standardisation and adherence to global best practices.
“I urge the public to stop spreading false information regarding the speed limit operation.
“I reiterate that speed limit cameras, installed after comprehensive studies on their necessity in certain areas, are currently operational only on Alapere Road and Mobolaji Bank Anthony Way.
“Studies indicate the need for expansion to other areas, which will be implemented following further reviews,” he said.
Osiyemi reaffirmed that the primary purpose of installing these cameras is to ensure the safety of both commuters and motorists on the roads.
“For inquiries or clarifications, motorists and the public should visit the official Lagos State Ministry of Transportation website, verified social media handles, or contact relevant traffic authorities,” he advised.
Lagos Govt says speed limit rules have come to stay
(NAN)
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Kano Gov Yusuf, Sanusi linked to Eid killings
Kano Gov Yusuf, Sanusi linked to Eid killings
A coalition of civil society organizations under the Global Initiatives for Good Governance (GIGG) has urged authorities to launch an immediate investigation into the deaths that occurred during the Eid-el-Fitr celebrations in Kano.
In a statement released on Monday, the coalition, led by Malami Abubakar Yahaya Capenta, attributed the unfortunate events to the failure of Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf and Emir of Kano, Sanusi Lamido Sanusi, to enforce the ban on the Durbar festival.
Expressing concern over the situation, the coalition questioned why the governor and the emir allegedly disregarded the directive issued by the Kano State Police Commissioner on the eve of Sallah, which was intended as a precautionary measure to protect lives and property.
The group further criticized what it described as a pattern of reckless governance, citing the state administration’s controversial demolitions of properties shortly after assuming office. According to the coalition, these demolitions led to the deaths of more than 25 innocent citizens, with another round of demolitions in Rimin Zakara recently resulting in further casualties.
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It also condemned Governor Yusuf’s reported lack of remorse for these actions, stating that his public remarks reflected a troubling disregard for accountability and empathy.
While commending security agencies for their professionalism in managing rising tensions, the coalition insisted on urgent measures to ensure that both the governor and the emir are held responsible for their roles in the tragic incidents.
The group stressed that justice must prevail to rebuild public trust and prevent future instances of what it described as abuse of power.
Encouraging Kano residents to remain alert and demand responsible leadership, the coalition reiterated its commitment to advocating for justice, stating: “Our state deserves governance that prioritizes the welfare and safety of its citizens over political grandstanding and reckless displays of authority.
“The Coalition stands firm in demanding: Accountability – A full investigation into the deaths and injuries caused by these unlawful actions. Justice – Prosecution of all officials involved in violating the police ban and endangering lives. Transparency – A public explanation from the Kano State Government on its repeated disregard for human lives. We will not relent in our pursuit of justice and good governance. The people of Kano deserve better.”
Kano Gov Yusuf, Sanusi linked to Eid killings
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