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After Kogi’s Explosion, Buhari Commissions Flyover, Reference Hospital, Other Projects
Nigeria’s President Muhammadu Buhari has attested to the remarkable legacy works of the Governor Yahaya Bello led administration, particularly the numerous infrastructural projects cutting across different sectors as well as his efforts at securing the state noting that the federal government was indeed proud of him.
The President made this remark while delivering his speech at the conference hall of the newly commissioned ultra modern Ohinoyi’s palace before officially commissioning projects including the world class Reference Hospital in Okene, emergency response ambulances, GYB Model Science Secondary School in Adankolo, Ganaja junction flyover bridge, Muhammadu Buhari Civic center, road construction and other legacy projects of his administration.
He expressed that he was excited to be in the state to commission several legacy projects by the GYB led administration noting that his administration was such which prides in the fulfillment of the obligations made to the Nigeria people at the National and sub national level hence his glad disposition of the impressive array of legacy projects in Kogi.
While listing the diverse projects which would be commissioned, he highlighted that the Reference Hospital which boasts of the first hyperbaric treatment chamber was a commendable feat alongside the fleet of Ambulances attached to it for emergency medical response.
The President noted that his administration was working to reposition Kogi state for a bright future as an industrial hub as the government was passionate about activating the confluence state as the center of Nigeria’s solid minerals, especially iron and steel.
President Buhari asserted that the Ajaokuta Steel Complex holds the potential to unlocking such great potential which his administration inherited amidst a tangle of local and international commercial disputes but was glad to note that his government has genuinely rescued Ajaokuta from all legal liabilities and was ready for concession to a private investor that would put it to work for Nigeria and Kogi’s socio economic benefits.
He added that the process has cost the Federal Government over $400million so far but he considered it money well spent as his administration moved closer to achieving its objective of transforming Kogi State into Nigeria’s iron and steel power house. The President alluded that the benefits of getting Ajaokuta working again are numerous as it would provide an estimated over 500, 000 jobs and more than $1.6billion annual income to Nigeria promising to see the process to a logical conclusion.
Governor Yahaya Bello while delivering his speech thanked the President for granting the request to visit the state to commission some of the numerous legacy projects of his administration, a visit which the governor acknowledged was historic and had thrown the whole state into jubilation and celebration.
He recalled that when he was sworn in on 27th January 2016, his government was determined to serve the people hence the commissioning of a competent and professional diverse team who produced the New Direction Blueprint which has remained his administration’s guide in delivering good dividends and accelerated development to the people and in the state.
The document which according to the governor was a vox populi of the summation of the needs of the citizenry have yearly been zeroed down to the state’s budgetary allocation which his administration have ensured the fulfillment of every promise made to the electorate during every campaign. We have also ensured that the entirety of the people of Kogi state have benefitted from their financial, natural and every other resources, he added.
Earlier, the Ohinoyi of Ebiraland, Alhaji Ado Ibrahim who was represented by the Ohi of Okenwe, noted that the President’s visit for the commissioning was highly historic as it had been a long time dream that Kogi state would be projected to the world.
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu will depart Abuja on Sunday, January 26, 2025, to participate in the Africa Heads of State Energy Summit in Dar es Salaam, Tanzania.
The two-day summit, scheduled for January 27-28, 2025, is aimed at advancing “Mission 300,” a pan-African initiative to provide electricity to 300 million people across the continent by 2030.
Hosted by the Tanzanian government in collaboration with the African Development Bank Group and the World Bank, the summit will bring together African leaders, private sector stakeholders, development partners, and civil society organizations.
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The goal is to develop strategies for accelerating energy access in underserved regions, increasing renewable energy adoption, and mobilizing private sector investment.
According to a statement released on Saturday by Bayo Onanuga, Special Adviser to the President, the summit will serve as a platform for sharing expertise, knowledge, and resources to address Africa’s energy challenges.
The first day of the summit will feature ministerial-level discussions, during which participating nations, including Nigeria, will present their national energy strategies, or “compacts,” detailing their plans to achieve universal energy access within five years.
On the second day, African Heads of State will sign the Dar es Salaam Energy Declaration, a unified roadmap for achieving the goals of Mission 300.
President Tinubu is expected to deliver a national statement reaffirming Nigeria’s commitment to universal energy access and its leadership role in the continent’s energy sector.
He will also highlight Nigeria’s ongoing clean energy initiatives and integrated energy delivery strategies aimed at fostering sustainable development across Africa.
Accompanying the president will be key government officials, including Minister of State for Foreign Affairs Ambassador Bianca Odumegwu-Ojukwu, Minister of Power Adebayo Adelabu, and Special Adviser to the President on Energy Olu Verheijen.
President Tinubu is set to return to Abuja immediately after the summit concludes.
The menace of illegal migration is getting diplomatic attention from the Italian authorities and the Edo State Government.
The Chief Press Secretary to Edo State Governor, Fred Itua divulged this in a government house statement issued in Benin City on Saturday.
He explained that the Coordinator, Office of the First Lady, Edesili Anani had expressed the readiness of the Governor, Monday Okpebholo-led administration to tackle the menace of irregular migration among youths in the state.
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It was gathered that Anani made the stance public on Friday in Government House, Benin City, when Dr. Alberto Cilala, a consultant to the European Union and President of Mattei Africa for Humanitarian Aids Initiative in Italy, led a delegation to her office.
Welcoming the delegation, she highlighted the importance of collaboration to address the challenges posed by irregular migration.
The Coordinator expressed her gratitude to the delegation, and emphasized the transformative impact the partnership will bring to Edo State.
In her words, “This initiative will reduce unemployment, create job opportunities, and address human trafficking and irregular migration. It will also enhance education, skills acquisition, agricultural investment, and infrastructural development for our people.”
On his part, Dr. Cilala emphasized that the Mattei Plan would provide valuable skills to Edo State residents, including tailoring, furniture-making, shoemaking, and more.
“The Mattei Plan was launched by the Italian Government with a focus on six key sectors: education and training, health, security, agriculture, and renewable energy. The goal is to promote integrated development and improve living conditions, particularly in rural areas.
“These projects will be fully funded by the Italian Government through the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Labour,” he stated.
Former Senior Special Assistant to the Edo State Government on Anti-Human Trafficking and Irregular Migration, Solomon Okoduwa, in his remarks, said the Mattei Plan prioritizes practical measures to reduce irregular migration and human trafficking.
“Although nine African countries are involved in this initiative, Edo State is a crucial partner for Italy. This partnership will strengthen bilateral relations under the leadership of His Excellency, Senator Monday Okpebholo,” he said.
Brand Ambassador of the Mattei Plan, Olorogun John Paul, popularly known as Daddy Showkey was at the event and lauded the initiative.
He noted, “This program provides an opportunity for Edo State beneficiaries to gain training in various skills, equipping them for sustainable livelihoods.”
Supporters of the impeached Speaker of the Lagos State House of Assembly, Mudashiru Obasa, on Saturday morning stormed the Speaker’s Lodge located at 47 Joel Ogunnaike Street, GRA Ikeja, Lagos.
The supporters, dressed in pro-Obasa vests and caps, arrived in large numbers at the premises.
According to multiple sources, the group was planning a “heroic welcome” for the former Speaker, who was recently removed from office by a majority of lawmakers in the House.
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Obasa, who was out of the country at the time of his impeachment, was replaced by the former deputy speaker, Mojisola Meranda.
Since her emergence as Speaker, Meranda has presided over two sittings, with Obasa absent from both.
The choice of the Speaker’s Lodge as the location for Obasa’s supposed welcome sparked controversy, as he is no longer officially entitled to the property following his removal.
A resident in the area expressed surprise over the situation, saying, “I didn’t expect that the lodge would be opened for them.”
Armed security personnel, including police officers, were deployed to the area to maintain order and prevent any potential disruption.
As of the time of filing this report, Obasa had yet to arrive at the lodge.
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