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FEC approves N84.6bn for road, airports’ projects

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President Muhammadu Buhari
President Muhammad Buhari
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The Federal Executive Council (FEC) has approved over N5 billion for various contracts in Lagos, Abuja, Kano and Katsina airports.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the meeting of the Council, which was presided over by President Muhammadu Buhari in Abuja on Wednesday, also approved the dualisation of the Odukpani-Itu-Ikot Ekpene road at the cost of N79.649 billion.

Special adviser to the President on Media and Publicity, Femi Adesina, and the Minister of Works, Babatunde Fashola, revealed this while briefing State House correspondents on decisions reached by the Council at the weekly cabinet meeting.

Adesina said: “The Minister of Aviation presented a memo for the approval of the award of contracts at the Murtala Mohammed international airport Lagos, Nnnamdi Azikiwe international airport Abuja, Aminu Kano international airport Kano and Katsina airport in Katsina State.

“For Lagos, it is for the expansion of the terminal building at domestic terminal GAT for the sum of N2, 817, 579, 271.99. For the Katsina airport, it is for the expansion of the airport’s apron awarded at N527, 353, 095.12.

“There is also the expansion of Lagos cargo apron areas awarded at N1,982. 943, 242.31.

“Council also approved the expansion of Abuja domestic apron areas at N795, 976, 947.34 and also the expansion of Kano apron area at the cost of N1, 059, 120, 254.37,”

Adesina said when completed, the contracts would go a long way in improving the air transportation network in the country.

On his part, Fashola revealed that the Council approved the dualization of the Odukpani-Itu-Ikot Ekpene road at the cost of N79.649 billion.

According to the minister, the approved contract is in relation to the section from Oku Iboku Power Plant to Abak of about 26 kilometre stretch.

“The Ministry of Works and Housing presented the memorandum for the completion of the dualization of the Odukpani-Itu-Ikot Ekpene road. And this is in relation to the section from Oku Iboku Power Plant to Abak of about 26 kilometre stretch.

“Council approved the award to Messers Sematech Nigeria Ltd for N79.649 billion to be executed over 16 months.

“So, this will help complete the dualization gaps between the one awarded to Julius Berger and the section awarded to CCECC.

“When this is done, motorists in that area will now have an option of the dual carriageway instead of the existing single carriageway.

“And this is in recognition of the heavy cargo that passes through that area from the South-South through to the North Central, Benue through Katsina Ala through to the South East to Abia. It’s very very important trade link for the country.”

Asked to give an update on the 2020 contract award for the same project, Fashola expressed regret that there had been paucity of fund to implement the project.

He said: “Okay, first of all, it’s important for us to have a common understanding of the area – that is the rain forest area of Nigeria, mangrove areas, very high water table and rains in seven, eight months of the year.

“So, when we awarded the first section, from Odukpani-Itu to Julius Berger  in 2016, they could not move to site because of the limited budgetary requisitions.

“So, that slowed down work in that area and they didn’t move to site until 2018.

“And the second section, which was from Abak to Ikot Ekpene was awarded in last year, February 2020. We have had to mobilise some Sukuk resources to the area.

“Sometime last year, you might recall that I was there visiting with the governor, I  actually went twice and we focused first on the link road from Alese Ugep area because that was a very big bad one, that one used to take like, three, four days to traverse a 70 kilometer road.

“Now, we have that under control, resolved, motorable in the first phase to Odukpani. That has reduced the journey time there to less than two hours, from days. So, again, it’s a work in progress.’’

On the recent collapsed of a section of the Lokoja-Kabba road, the minister attributed the incident to natural causes.

He said: “As we go through the rainy season, this is the context in which to locate the Lokoja-Kabba.

“It’s a failure caused by nature and aging. And, again, an opportunity to share with you what we have. We expect that these things will happen, but we don’t know where it will happen every time.”

While noting that his ministry was often unable to respond to such failures, he called for the setting up of a contingency maintenance fund, which he said should have a sizable amount.

“So, we’ve been proposing that Nigeria should have an emergency provision in the works budget, but we haven’t been successful enough.

“There must be a contingency, a sizable sum, because when we see failures, last year, we had a problem like that in Kebbi, where roads were washed away.

“We couldn’t respond because we didn’t have the resources. But we will lean on FERMA.

“Well, traditionally back in Lagos when I was governor, I think we used to provide about five per cent of our capital expenditure as a contingency fund for emergencies. Something between three and five per cent varies across the world,” he said. (NAN)

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Supporters Flood Government House as Ado Ward 9 Celebrates Oyebanji’s Second-Term Victory

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Supporters and members of the All progressives Congress in Ado Ward 9 has staged a colourful victory walk to the Governor’s Office in Ado-Ekiti to celebrate the re-election of Governor Biodun Oyebanji for a second term in office.

 

The jubilant supporters, chanting solidarity songs and waving banners, described the governor’s victory at the poll as a reflection of the confidence reposed in his administration by the people of Ekiti State.

They said the massive electoral support received by Governor Oyebanji was a testament to his people-oriented policies, inclusive style of governance and remarkable developmental strides across the state.

 

The victory walk was led by the Leader of Ward 9, Alhaji Ademola Bello; the Ward Chairman, Mrs. Falilat Korede; and the Ward 9 Councillor, Hon. Mayowa Ogunsakin, alongside party faithful, youths and women from the ward.

 

Speaking during the celebration, the ward leaders congratulated Governor Oyebanji on his resounding victory and expressed appreciation to the people of Ward 9 and the entire state for their support during the election.

They noted that the governor’s first term had brought significant improvements in infrastructure, education, healthcare, agriculture and workers’ welfare, adding that his re-election would provide the opportunity to consolidate on the achievements already recorded.

 

The leaders also reaffirmed the commitment of Ado Ward 9 to continue supporting the governor’s administration in its efforts to deliver more dividends of democracy to the people of Ekiti State.

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EKSWAMA Board Congratulates Oyebanji, Hails Re-election as Endorsement of Good Governance

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The Chairman of the Board of the Ekiti State Waste Management Authority (EKSWAMA), Prince Oladele Adeniyi, alongside other members of the board, has congratulated Governor Biodun Oyebanji on his resounding victory in the 2026 governorship election, describing his re-election as a clear endorsement of his people-oriented policies and remarkable developmental strides across the state.

 

 

 

In a congratulatory message, the board members said the outcome of the election reflects the confidence and trust the people of Ekiti State have in Governor Oyebanji’s leadership, vision, and commitment to the continued progress of the state.

 

 

 

They noted that the governor’s victory was well deserved, considering the significant achievements recorded under his administration in critical sectors such as infrastructure, education, healthcare, agriculture, environmental sustainability, and human capital development.

 

 

 

According to Prince Adeniyi and other board members, Governor Oyebanji’s inclusive style of governance, which places a premium on citizens’ welfare and promotes unity among political stakeholders, has earned him widespread acceptance and support across the state.

 

 

 

The board members also commended the people of Ekiti State for conducting themselves peacefully throughout the electoral process and for demonstrating their commitment to continuity by re-electing the governor for a second term.

 

 

 

They further applauded the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), security agencies, election observers, and other stakeholders for their roles in ensuring a free, fair, credible, and peaceful election.

 

 

 

Expressing optimism about the governor’s second term, the board members said they were confident it would usher in greater development and accelerated growth for Ekiti State, particularly in the areas of environmental management, sanitation, and sustainable development.

 

 

 

They pledged their continued support and cooperation with the Oyebanji administration in its efforts to build a cleaner, healthier, and more environmentally friendly Ekiti, while reaffirming their commitment to advancing the objectives of the Ekiti State Waste Management Authority.

 

 

The board also urged residents and political stakeholders to put the election behind them and work together in the interest of peace, unity, and the sustainable development of the state.

 

 

The EKSWAMA Board comprises its Chairman, Prince Oladele Adeniyi; Hon. Ayodeji Àjàyí; Otunba Olorunfemi Ayodeji; Mr. Bayode Obasoyin; Mustapha Adeniran; Mr. Omoniyi Joseph; Mrs. Mojisola Adewumi; and Mr. Bosunde Olufemi.

 

 

The board described Governor Oyebanji’s re-election as a victory not only for the All Progressives Congress (APC) but also for all Ekiti people who desire sustained progress, stability, and prosperity for the state.

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Ekiti HoS Congratulates Oyebanji on Re-election, Says Victory Well Deserved

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The Ekiti State Head of Service, Dr Folakemi Olomojobi, has congratulated Governor Biodun Oyebanji on his re-election, describing his victory at the polls as a reflection of the people’s confidence in his leadership and achievements.

 

Olomojobi, in a congratulatory statement issued made available to newsmen in Ado-Ekiti said the governor’s electoral success was not a fluke but a testament to his unwavering commitment to the shared prosperity agenda of his administration.

 

She noted that Oyebanji’s leadership had consistently impacted lives positively and delivered on campaign promises, thereby earning him the trust and support of the people of the state.

 

The Head of Service commended the governor for prioritising the welfare of workers and strengthening the public service, which she described as the engine room for the implementation of government policies and programmes.

 

According to her, the Governor’s labour-friendly disposition has fostered industrial harmony across the state and created an enabling environment for development and progress.

 

Olomojobi assured the governor of the continued support and cooperation of the state workforce in his new term of office.

 

She said the civil service remained committed to working diligently with the administration to consolidate on existing achievements and advance the developmental aspirations of the state.

 

The Head of Service expressed optimism that Ekiti would record greater progress under Oyebanji’s leadership, adding that the public service would continue to partner with the government in delivering quality service to the people.

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