NEWS
Okpebholo Joyful As Work On Edo State’s 1st Flyover Bridge Reaches Advanced Stage
Edo State Governor, Senator Monday Okpebholo, has expressed joy over the pace of work at the construction site of the first flyover bridge in Edo State, located at Ramat Park, in Benin City.
The project expected to be completed in 18 months is being executed by the administration of Governor Okpebholo. The project was flagged off in November, 2024, barely one week after Okpebholo assumed office as Governor of Edo State.
On behalf of the contractor handling the project, Andy Duan of CCECC told Governor Okpebholo during an unscheduled visit to the site that 20 percent of the project had been done so far.
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Duan noted that the construction, which started last year, has reached 20 percent of stage of completion, assuring the people that the company will work according to specifications.
“For this work which commenced in December 2024, we have done seven pillars, underground cross beams and other works are ongoing as we are doing our best to meet up with the construction period,” he stated.
Gov Okpebholo, on his part, said he was not sleeping, as he continues to monitor projects cross the State to ensure the jobs are done according to agreed specifications.
The Governor threatened to revoke contracts whose handlers were not working according to specifications and assured Edo people that under his administration, Edo people would benefit from quality infrastructural development.
“We are not sleeping. We go around the State to monitor all our ongoing projects to ensure quality job delivery. Also, to ensure contractors meet specifications.
“For the Ramat Park flyover, the contractor is doing well, and I am impressed with the speed of the job done so far. If they continue with this kind of speed and pace, I believe they will complete the construction at the stipulated time. The materials like the iron being used and other materials are of high quality and standard.
“Inspecting projects across the State is a way for us to know those who are working and those playing with the projects they were given.
“We have gone to some sites, and we are not happy with what we met as some of these contractors are not meeting our targets and not doing the jobs according to specifications. Such contracts will be revoked.
“As an administration, we want to leave a legacy for our people, and we must ensure that we fulfill all our promises made to Edo people. We will continue to inspect and monitor every project to put contractors on their toes to deliver quality jobs according to specifications for the benefit of Edo people.
“I am not happy with the job of one of the contractors working for us and we will invite him on Monday for a discussion and you may hear bad news because the way they are going is not the way a contract should be executed,” he added.
Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Works, John Obanor, who accompanied the Governor on the inspection of the flyover, said the project is on track.
He noted that the job is not being appreciated now by people because it is in its early stage, but sooner than later, as the work progresses, it will be appreciated better. He noted that the company handling the project is doing a good job.
Other road projects inspected by Gov Okpebholo included Uteh Temboga road, open drainage at upper Ekenhua road opposite Nigerian Army cantonment Benin City, Upper Ekenhua road and Catholic Charismatic Renewal road Ugbiyoko.
Vice Admiral Ibok-Ete Ibas (rtd), the Sole Administrator of Rivers State, has appointed Prof. Ibibia Worika as the new Secretary to the State Government (SSG).
The appointment, which takes effect immediately, follows a comprehensive selection process in which Worika’s vast expertise, academic qualifications, and policy knowledge stood out.
In a related development, Iyingi Brown has been named the Permanent Secretary for Welfare in the Office of the Head of Service.
READ ALSO: ‘We Were Not Paid $5,000 To Back Rivers Emergency Declaration – Reps
She will also serve as the Acting Head of Service until a permanent appointment is made.
Her appointment comes after the resignation of the former Head of Service, George Nwaeke.
The Rivers State government expressed gratitude for Nwaeke’s service and wished him success in his future endeavors.
Congratulating Brown on her new position, Vice Admiral Ibas reiterated his commitment to fostering stability and progress in the state.
A statement from the government emphasized that Prof. Worika’s background in academia, legal practice, and policy advisory roles makes him a key asset in achieving President Bola Tinubu’s goals for Rivers State.
“Professor Worika’s wealth of experience in legal scholarship, public policy, and governance will be instrumental in driving the administration’s agenda. His appointment underscores our dedication to excellence in public service,” the statement read.
The Sole Administrator also reaffirmed his commitment to leveraging the state’s human capital to enhance security, peace, and sustainable development.
Meet Prof. Ibibia Worika
Prof. Ibibia Worika, a native of Okrika in Rivers State, is a renowned legal scholar and administrator specializing in environmental and petroleum law.
He earned a Ph.D. in International Environmental and Comparative Petroleum Law & Policy from the University of Dundee in the United Kingdom.
He currently serves as the Director of the Centre for Advanced Law Research at Rivers State University and was formerly the Dean of the Faculty of Law at the University of Port Harcourt.
Beyond the academic sphere, Prof. Worika has significantly contributed to shaping legal and policy frameworks on both national and international levels.
As a Senior Legal Adviser at the Commonwealth Secretariat in London, he provided expert guidance on energy policies, regulatory frameworks, and governance.
His role as General Legal Counsel for the Organization of the Petroleum Exporting Countries (OPEC) in Vienna further solidified his reputation as a leading expert in international law, energy diplomacy, and resource management.
He has also worked as a consultant for various governments, including those of Namibia, Malawi, and Guyana, assisting in drafting legal frameworks and policies for sustainable development.
His contributions to public administration have earned him numerous accolades, including the OPEC Secretariat Award for Distinguished Service and an honorary title from the Ogu Council of Chiefs in Rivers State.
Han Jong-hee, co-CEO of Samsung Electronics and a driving force behind the company’s dominance in the global television market, has died of a heart attack at the age of 63, the company confirmed on Tuesday.
“He died from cardiac arrest today,” a Samsung spokesperson stated, adding that Han is survived by his wife and three children.
Having joined the company in 1988, Han played a significant role in shaping Samsung’s television business.
READ MORE: Samsung Reports Worst Quarterly Profits In 14 Years
His leadership was instrumental in the launch and success of the company’s high-end LED TVs, which helped establish Samsung as a global leader in the industry.
“Han was central in the unveiling of Samsung’s world-class LED TVs,” the company noted in a biography published earlier this month. “His numerous other innovations enabled the company to continually demonstrate its technology leadership.”
His efforts ensured that Samsung maintained its position as a dominant force in the global television market.
Han’s death comes at a time when Samsung Electronics is grappling with challenges in the AI chip sector.
The company has been facing difficulties in meeting Nvidia’s standards, while its South Korean competitor, SK Hynix, has emerged as the leading supplier of high-bandwidth memory (HBM) chips for Nvidia’s AI processors.
Chairman Lee Jae-yong recently underscored the urgency of the situation, urging Samsung to adopt a “do-or-die” approach to overcome the growing challenges in the AI industry.
Last October, the company acknowledged it was facing a “crisis,” citing concerns over its “fundamental technological competitiveness and the future of the company.”
NEWS
Ifon/Ilobun/Erin Osun Crisis: Adeleke Inspects Conflict Zones, Orders Distribution Of Relief Items
Osun State Governor, Senator Ademola Adeleke has ordered the immediate distribution of food and relief materials to the displaced people of Ilobu, Ifon and Erin Osun.
This was contained in a government house statement in Osogbo on Tuesday by the Spokesperson to the State Governor, Olawale Rasheed.
According to Rasheed, the governor has also issued a directive to the Commissioner of Police and the Director of State Service to summon the traditional rulers, chiefs and identified ring leaders in each town for grilling and signing of peace undertakings.
Additionally, the state chief executive directed the search and arrest of perpetrators of the violence, insisting that those arrested should be charged to court without further delay.
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The Governor issued these directives after inspecting the three towns, lamenting the extensive damages in the conflict zones, vowing to permanently resolve the matter.
“This is really sad. I thank the security services for restoring peace. The 24 hours curfew imposed is working. We need to put a permanent end to this needless destruction of lives and properties.
“I have ordered distribution of food and relief materials to the displaced. The foods are going to the three palaces for distribution to the victims. We will ensure accountability. Those behind the mayhem will be brought to book.
“We are also taking stern measures to stop this ugly incident from reoccurring. The monarchs, chiefs and chieftains of each town will be grilled and be made to sign peace undertaking”, the Governor posited.
The governor was accompanied by top security and government personnel.
Prof. Worika Appointed Rivers SSG As Head Of Service Resigns
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Samsung Electronics Co-CEO, Han Jong-hee Dies At 63
NDSF Torch Brightens Edo State
Ifon/Ilobun/Erin Osun Crisis: Adeleke Inspects Conflict Zones, Orders Distribution Of Relief Items
