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FG, LASG flag-off third mainland bridge rehabilitation

Published

6 months ago

November 9, 2023

FG, LASG flag-off third mainland bridge rehabilitation

THE Ministry if Works in collaboration with the Lagos State government on Wednesday flagged off the Emergency Repairs of the Third Mainland Bridge.

Minister of Works, Mr David Umahi, accompanied by the Deputy Governor of Lagos, Dr Obafemi Hamzat, during the flag-off, said ongoing emergency rehabilitation of the Third Mainland Bridge in Lagos State would gulp over N21.074 billion.

He said the sum was as a result of an expansion of the scope of work to include complete replacement of the asphalt of the bridge deck to the standard two inches to make motoring smoother and safer on the bridge.

“This is yet another milestone in the actualisation of the renewed hope agenda of divine President Ahmed Bola Tinubu.

“This amongst other things is aimed at the total repositioning of road and bridge infrastructure in Nigeria and to bring succour to road users who have suffered the effects of decayed infrastructure over the years,” he said.

He said previous efforts to fix the bridge did not address all the concerns for total restoration of the integrity of the bridge, hence the need to expand the scope of the repairs.

He added that a special feature agreed with the Lagos State government was to fix spikes on the guard railings to discourage suicide attempts on the bridge.

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The Minister added that, the repairs of the four ramps of Adekunle/Adeniji would be completed on or before Dec. 13 for Christmas and New Year, while the maintenance of the main carriageways would begin in January 2024.

“It is pertinent to state that the ongoing works being flagged off today only concern the superstructure elements of the bridge.

“The ministry is currently carrying out investigations as well as the design of the piles, pile caps, piers as well as the deflected deck slab.

“This will lead to the award of a contract for the restoration of the substructure elements of the bridge at a later time,” he said.

On his part, Hamzat thanked President Bola Tinubu for giving attention to the maintenance of Third Mainland bridge and others in the state.

Hamzat expressed confidence that Umahi would replicate his sterling achievements in the area of infrastructure as governor of Ebonyi.

He appealed to Lagos residents to accept the minimal discomfort the repair of the bridge might cause, assuring that it was necessary for the overall good of the public.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that Umahi and the Deputy Governor later visited the starting point of the proposed Lagos-Calabar Coastal Highway where they had discussions with some firms.

Umahi said the project which had its starting point at Victoria Island near Eko Atlantic City was a Public Private Partnership and would boost interconnectivity in the nation.

He other infrastructure along the project alignment would promote tourism, job creation and interconnectivity.

Hamzat assured that the Right of Way (RoW) of the project had been recovered by the state government.

He appealed to Lagos residents not build or buy land along the project alignment, adding that, several problems in the built environment were caused by physical planning infractions.

On the entourage of the Minister were, the Director, Highways Construction and Rehabilitation, Mr Adedamola Kuti; Director Highways, Bridges and Designs, Mr Omotayo Awosanya, the Federal Controller of Works in Lagos State, Mrs Olukorede Kesha, among others.

The Deputy Governor was accompanied by the Permanent Secretary, Office of Infrastructure, Mr Olufemi Daramola, and other top directors of the Lagos State Ministry of Works and Infrastructure.

FG, LASG flag-off third mainland bridge rehabilitation

(NAN)

Related Topics:FG LASG Third Mainland Bridge

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Yahaya Bello: American school returns $720,000 advance tuition fees, gives reasons

Published

7 hours ago

April 27, 2024

Trends Admin

Yahaya Bello: American school returns $720,000 advance tuition fees, gives reasons

The American International School, Abuja, on Saturday, provided additional information and context to clarify the issues around its decision to transfer the school fees paid by former Kogi State governor, Yahaya Bello, to the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC).

Contrary to some media reports suggesting that the institution was still in the process of turning over the funds, the statement clarified that it had actually done so, as recently confirmed by the EFCC Chairman.

In a brief statement signed by Head of School, Greg Hughes, the international co-educational institution, which was established in 1993, stated that “our compliance to remit these funds underscores our commitment to upholding institutional integrity and our respect for the national institutions of Nigeria”.

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It explained further: “Upon learning that the school fees we accepted in good faith were, in fact, part of an ongoing case with the EFCC, we turned over these funds in compliance with this federal commission’s request.”

The statement did not name Bello directly but the reference to “a family with children enrolled at the school” was clear enough in the light of recent media reports.

Citing the subjudice status of the issue as a result of the ongoing case between the EFCC and Bello, the school averred that “we will refrain from making any further comments at this time.”

Yahaya Bello: American school returns $720,000 advance tuition fees, gives reasons

News

NAFDAC seals 50 Kaduna shops selling cooking oil in dirty environment

Published

7 hours ago

April 27, 2024

Trends Admin

NAFDAC seals 50 Kaduna shops selling cooking oil in dirty environment

The National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) has shut down 50 outlets in Kaduna State due to the sale of edible oil in unhygienic conditions.

The action was taken as part of a sensitization workshop aimed at educating dealers on Registration Procedures and Food Management. This information was shared in a statement released on the agency’s official handle on Saturday.

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The statement partly read, “NAFDAC has sealed fifty outlets in Kaduna for dispensing edible oil under unhygienic conditions, aiming to prevent potential health risks associated with contamination.

“The Director, North-West Zonal Office, Mrs. Josephine Dayilim highlighted the dangers of consuming oil processed in unsanitary environments, emphasising the risks of food poisoning, gastroenteritis, and even cancer due to inadequate processing and corrosive equipment.”

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Japa: 72,000 doctors dumped Nigeria last year, says MDCN report

Published

8 hours ago

April 27, 2024

Trends Admin

Japa: 72,000 doctors dumped Nigeria last year, says MDCN report

The Medical and Dental Council of Nigeria has expressed concern over the detrimental impact of medical practitioners emigrating abroad in search of better opportunities, revealing that 72,000 out of 130,000 registered doctors failed to renew their practice licenses in 2023.

The MDCN highlighted that only a meager 58,000 have renewed their licenses, emphasizing that such a trend will not only strain healthcare services but also overwhelm the limited available personnel.

Dr. Fatima Kyari, the Registrar of the body, conveyed these sentiments on Friday during the induction and oath-taking ceremony of 20 newly qualified doctors at the Edo State University, Uzairue.

“The council has so far registered 130,000 medical doctors to practice in Nigeria since its inception 61 years ago and the council is mandated to regulate the practice of medicine, dental, and alternative medicine in Nigeria.

“But only 58,000 doctors have renewed their annual practising license in the year 2023 following the increase in migration of doctors outside the country,

“However, the doctors must meet the requirements to earn those increases in quota. We will partner with them to ensure that they meet those requirements, and as we try to ensure that, standards must be upheld,” he added.

Kyari, who was represented by the Deputy Registrar Dr Victor Kolawole, noted that the induction of the 20 newly qualified doctors would add to the existing workforce in the health sector which is being depleted by the day.

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She, however, admonished the inductees to uphold the ethics of the profession, warning that the council is mandated to regulate the activities of the practitioners as well as punish offenders.

The institution’s Vice Chancellor, Prof Emmanuel Aluyor, while speaking, explained that the upgrade of the Central Hospital, Auchi to a teaching hospital has enhanced facilities for the training of the medical students and uplifting the standard of healthcare services in Edo North and its environs.

While commended Governor Godwin Obaseki for his unwavering support for the university, he enjoined the inductees to uphold the ethics of the profession, saying he is confident that they would bring honour to the institution and MDCN.

“I urge the state government to sustain efforts towards improving facilities at Edo State University Teaching Hospital, Auchi.”

However, the acting Provost, of the College of Medical Sciences, Dr Kenneth Atoe, said 20 medical graduates from the college are the second batch of Batch B inductees.

He advised the newly qualified medical graduates to uphold the ethical standards of a medical professional, saying, “You must internalise the values of honesty, integrity, and selflessness.

“These virtues are not only essential for building strong doctor-patient relationships but are also integral to upholding the ethical standards and trustworthiness expected of a medical professional.

“By embodying these values, doctors not only fulfil their professional obligations but also contribute to the maintenance of public trust in the medical profession.”