Urhobo News

The Supreme Court has fixed the date for the hearing petition of Abubarkar Atiku, the Peoples Democratic Party’s candidate in the 2023 presidential election, against President Bola Tinubu’s election.

The apex court fixed Monday, October 23 for the hearing of the case.

The PDP candidate on September 19 filed 35 grounds appeal challenging the verdict of the presidential election petitions which upheld Tinubu’s victory in the election.

The five-member panel headed by Justice Hassan Tsammani on September 6 dismissed the petitions filed by Atiku and his Labour Party counterpart, Peter Obi, for lack of merit.

The former Vice President had also applied to the Supreme Court to file fresh evidence obtained from the Chicago State University against the president.

Atiku has continued to insist that Tinubu’s academic records are fraught with discrepancies and forgery and asked the apex court to kick him out of office.

PRESS RELEASE

NEW HOME, CAR OWNERS EMERGE AS COWLSO ENDS THREE-DAY WOMEN’S CONFERENCE

… Lagos Progress lies in the empowerment, participation of women, says Sanwo-Olu

As the 23rd edition of the National Women’s Conference organized by the Committee of Wives of Lagos State Officials (COWLSO), ends today, a new landlady of a 3-bedroom apartment in the Sangotedo area of Lagos State and a brand-new GAC salon car owner, have emerged in the Raffle Draw section of the Conference, among other star prize winners.

The winner of the 3-bedroom apartment at LagosHoms, Sangotedo, Mrs. Adu Oluwatoyin, was announced by Governor Sanwo-Olu after spinning the Raffle Draw Box to pick the winning number, While the winner of a brand-new GAC salon car;

Mrs. Ibitoye Kudirat was announced by the Chairman of COWLSO and the wife of the Governor, Dr. Mrs. Claudiana Ibijoke Sanwo-Olu uses the same process.

Aside the above winners, two other participants at the Conference won travel tickets worth N1.5Million and N2.5Million respectively, in addition to other winners of different household items.

Addressing the participants at the closing ceremony of the 2023 edition of the National Women’s Conference (NWC) of the Committee of Wives of Lagos State Officials (COWLSO), on Thursday, Governor Sanwo-Olu reiterated that the theme of the Conference, “Unleash Your Potential,” is a reminder that everyone possesses the ability to make a difference, no matter the background or circumstances.

The Governor who congratulated the various Raffle Draw winners, especially the new homeowner who is one of the delegates from Ondo State, said that the emergency of Mrs. Adu as the winner of the three-bedroom apartment shows that the Raffle Draw process was transparent and open.

Sanwo-Olu, represented at the event by the Secretary to the State Government, Barr.  Bimbola Salu-Hundeyin, said that the various women and other individuals who were recognized at the event by COWLSO, are shining examples of what it means to unleash one’s potential, by making us believe that anything is possible with determination, resilience, and a heart full of passion.

“Oluwatimileyin Edwin, Adamson Basirat Oriyomi, and Hajiya Idayaa, we salute your unwavering dedication to the betterment of our society. Your stories and achievements serve as a beacon of hope for all, particularly the young women who aspire to reach greater heights. Your hard work, leadership, and your pursuit of excellence have left an indelible mark on Lagos State and the nation as a whole.

“We did not forget the invaluable contributions of the outstanding men who have received recognition in this conference for their unwavering commitment to the development of Lagos State. Hakeem Muri-Okunola, the immediate past Head of Service of Lagos State, and Mr. Ayo Subair, the Executive Chairman of the Lagos Internal Revenue Service, have been champions in ensuring the progress and prosperity of our great state.” Sanwo-Olu stated.

The Governor emphasized that the progress of Lagos State, and indeed any society, is intrinsically tied to the empowerment and participation of its women. ‘It is not a question of if women should have a seat at the table; it is recognizing that they have always been essential to its foundation,’ Sanwo-Olu stated.

He urged the participants at the conference to embrace the spirit of empowerment and the belief that their potential is boundless, either as a professional, a businesswoman, a mother, or a leader, your potential is boundless.

“Let us leave this Conference with the commitment to unleash our potential and be the catalysts for the change that Lagos State and Nigeria needs. Let us continue to work together, irrespective of gender, to build a brighter, more equitable future for all. I wish all of you a safe journey back to your respective destinations.”

In his remarks to close the National Women’s Conference, the Governor of Bauchi State, Senator Bala Abdeulkadir represented by his Deputy Governor, Rt. Hon. Mohammed Auwal Jatau commended COWLSO for conceptualizing and executing an exceptional conference, noting that this initiative poised towards empowering women, promoting gender equality and fostering the spirit of collaboration among other States is highly commendable.

He noted that all hands must be on deck to confront Gender inequality and other women-related barriers that exist, emphasizing the need for equal opportunities for women in all facets of life. “Prompt action is required to eliminate the various obstacles women face” He added.

The Deputy Governor stressed that the various conversations discussed at the conference will further inspire women and lead to meaningful change and progress in the lives of women across the Federation.

Earlier, the First Lady of Lady State and Chairman, Committee of Wives of Lagos State Officials (COWLSO), Dr. (Mrs) Claudiana Ibijoke Sanwo-Olu explained that this year’s conference had witnessed topnotch presentations and in-depth analysis from brilliant minds and industry experts who shared their thoughts and experiences on relevant topics in furtherance of the agenda to ensure that women make the best of their strength and capabilities as pillars in our various homes and society.

She said that the conference has addressed various challenges affecting women in today’s world, expressing confidence that the various conversations at the conference will further inspire women to unleash their potentials and influence the society significantly.

The First Lady advised the women and all participants to effectively utilize the various skills and network garnered at the conference, concluding by appreciating top government functionaries, public and private partners who have collaborated with COWLSO to ensured that the 23RD National Women’s Conference is a success.

NWONAH Olubukonla

Deputy Director, Public Affairs

19 October, 2023

STATE HOUSE PRESS RELEASE

PRESIDENT TINUBU APPOINTS NEW LEADERSHIP ACROSS THE INFORMATION AND NATIONAL ORIENTATION SECTORS

President Bola Tinubu has approved the appointment of eight ( new Chief Executive Officers for Parastatals and Agencies under the Federal Ministry of Information and National Orientation:

(1) National Orientation Agency (NOA) — Director-General / CEO — Mr. Lanre Issa-Onilu

(2) Nigerian Television Authority (NTA) — Director-General / CEO — Mr. Salihu Abdulhamid Dembos

(3) Federal Radio Corporation of Nigeria (FRCN) — Director-General / CEO — Dr. Muhammed Bulama

(4) National Broadcasting Commission (NBC) — Director-General / CEO — Mr. Charles Ebuebu

(5) Voice of Nigeria (VON) — Director-General / CEO — Mr. Jibrin Baba Ndace

(6) Advertising Regulatory Council of Nigeria (ARCON) — Director-General / CEO — Dr. Lekan Fadolapo

(7) News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) — Managing Director / CEO — Mr. Ali Muhammed Ali

( Nigerian Press Council (NPC) — Executive Secretary / CEO — Mr. Dili Ezughah

The President tasks the newly entrusted leadership in these important sub-sectors to innovate and create new opportunities for Nigerians to leverage upon through the effective reform of these key institutions of government which function to unify our people, reshape mindsets, and showcase this great nation to the rest of the world.

By these directives of the President, the above listed appointments take immediate effect.

Chief Ajuri Ngelale

Special Adviser to the President

(Media & Publicity)

October 19, 2023

STATE HOUSE PRESS RELEASE

PRESIDENT TINUBU DIRECTS WITHDRAWAL OF FERMA CHAIRMANSHIP NOMINATION

President Bola Tinubu has directed the withdrawal of the nomination of Engr. Imam Kashim Imam to serve as the Chairman of the Board of Directors of the Federal Roads Maintenance Agency (FERMA).

The President’s withdrawal of the above-mentioned nomination is directed with immediate effect.

All other appointments to the Board and Executive Management team of FERMA are not affected by this directive.

Chief Ajuri Ngelale

Special Adviser to the President

(Media & Publicity)

October 19, 2023

STATE HOUSE PRESS RELEASE

PRESIDENT TINUBU APPOINTS NEW NADF CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER

President Bola Tinubu has approved the appointment of Mr. Muhammed Abu Ibrahim to serve as the Executive Secretary and Chief Executive Officer of the National Agricultural Development Fund (NADF).

The President expects the new leadership at the Fund to successfully remove all barriers to efficient access to provisional funding in the sector for proven stakeholders nationwide who will credibly contribute to the Renewed Hope Agenda’s mandate in the attainment of complete self-sufficiency in local food production and eventual surplus export.

By this directive of the President, the above-mentioned appointment takes immediate effect.

Chief Ajuri Ngelale

Special Adviser to the President

(Media & Publicity)

October 19, 2023

FG to close Third Mainland Bridge from Saturday, October 21, 2023 to Sunday, October 22, 2023 for repairs

The Federal Government on Thursday announced that the Third Mainland Bridge will be close to traffic from Saturday, October 21, 2023 to Sunday, October 22, 2023 for repairs.

The Federal Controller of Works, Lagos, Engr O. I. Kesha, who made this known in a statement, encouraged motorists to use alternative routes during the period of the palliative works.

Motorists had cried out over the deplorable state of some portions of the bridge which spans over 11.8km. The bridge reported to be the busiest in Nigeria alongside the Eko Bridge and the Carter Bridge connect Victoria Island to the mainland Lagos and has undergone several repairs in recent years.

Reacting, Kesha said the government is currently working on plans to carry out comprehensive repairs of Third Mainland Bridge.

“However, in order to alleviate the pains currently being experienced on the bridge, the Ministry would be carrying out palliative works on the most critically failed sections along the Adeniji bound carriageway on Sunday, 22nd October, 2023 preparatory to the comprehensive repair works,” the statement partly read.

“In view of the foregoing, the motoring public are advised to cooperate with the traffic management officials by obeying and observing all diversions as directed.

“However, motorists are encouraged to use alternative routes where possible during the period of the palliative works as the Adeniji bound of the bridge will be closed to traffic from Saturday ,21st October 2023 to Sunday, 22nd 12midnight.”

Tinubu appoints new NAN MD, others in the Information Ministry

President Bola Tinubu has approved the appointment of Mr Ali Muhammed Ali as the new Managing Director/Chief Executive Officer of the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN).

This is contained in a statement by Chief Ajuri Ngelale, Special Adviser to the President on Media and Publicity, on Thursday in Abuja.

The other new leadership of the departments and agencies in the Ministry of Information and National Orientation are:

(1) National Orientation Agency (NOA) — Director-General /CEO — Mr Lanre Issa-Onilu

(2) Nigerian Television Authority (NTA) — Director-General/CEO — Mr Salihu Abdulhamid Dembos

(3) Federal Radio Corporation of Nigeria (FRCN) — Director-General/CEO — Dr Muhammed Bulama

(4) National Broadcasting Commission (NBC) — Director-General/CEO — Mr Charles Ebuebu

(5) Voice of Nigeria (VON) — Director-General / CEO — Mr Jibrin Baba Ndace

(6) Advertising Regulatory Council of Nigeria (ARCON) — Director-General / CEO — Dr Lekan Fadolapo

(7) Nigerian Press Council (NPC) — Executive Secretary / CEO — Mr Dili Ezughah

The President tasked the new leadership to innovate and create new opportunities for Nigerians to leverage on through the effective reform of these key institutions of government.

He added that these institutions function to unify the people, reshape mindsets, and showcase Nigeria to the rest of the world.

The appointments of the new leadership take immediate effect.

PRESS RELEASE

SANWO-OLU, ABIODUN, DANGOTE, OTHERS BID AKINTOLA WILLIAMS FAREWELL

• He was an outstanding Nigerian, big Lagosian, says Lagos Governor

Lagos State Governor, Mr. Babajide Sanwo-Olu, on Thursday joined his Ogun State counterpart, Prince Dapo Abiodun and Chairman of Dangote Group, Alhaji Aliko Dangote, among other eminent Nigerians, for the funeral service of the first indigenous chartered accountant in Nigeria and elder statesman, Chief Akintola Williams.

The funeral service held at the Shell Hall of the Muson Centre, Onikan by the Wesley Cathedral Olowogbowo, Lagos, was also attended by former Governor of Ogun State, Senator Ibikunle Amosun; founder of Zenith Bank, Mr. Jim Ovia and former Minister of Foreign Affairs, General Ike Nwachukwu (rtd), cap­tains of industry, bank execu­tives, bishops, priests, family, friends and associates of the deceased both home and abroad.

Speaking at the funeral service, Governor Sanwo-Olu, described the late Williams as an outstanding Nigerian and big Lagosian.

He said: “At 104, how well would you describe a man that God first blessed with a long life and for a very long time, good health, and he had shown leadership at all levels? He was an outstanding Nigerian; a man who took his professional colleagues to enviable level worldwide.

“He was also a lover of God, a churchgoer, and a man who built the altar of a church. He had all of the pillars to tick as a good man. We can only wish the family all the very best.

“To the country, we have lost an outstanding Nigerian and for us in Lagos, we lost a big Lagosian. We will continue to have memories of the hospitable life that he lived. I will miss him personally. I believe he lived a good life.”

Also speaking, Governor Abiodun said the footprint of the late Akintola Williams will remain in the sand of time for many years because of what he stood for during his lifetime.

He said: “Baba (Akintola Williams) was an exceptional Nigerian because the Almighty God granted him the grace to live up to 104 years old. I am not sure we know many Nigerians that lived that long.

“He was a man after God’s heart. He was a big philanthropist and a lover of music. He was a man whose footprint will remain in the sand of time for many years for all that he stood for.

“On behalf of the government and the entire people of Ogun State and my family, we commiserate, congratulate and celebrate with the members of Baba’s immediate family and friends, the government and people of Lagos State, and of course Nigeria at large. We pray that God Almighty will grant the family and well-wishers the heart to bear the colossal loss.”

In his sermon, the Prelate Emeritus of the Methodist Church Nigeria, Dr. Sunday Makinde, urged family, friends and associates to immortalise the deceased by supporting the Akintola Williams Centenary Building Project of the Church.

SIGNED

GBOYEGA AKOSILE

CHIEF PRESS SECRETARY

19 OCTOBER 2023

JULIUS BERGER PROJECTS: “We are looking forward to a successful partnership, great achievement and the commencement of a new era to the benefit of the people of Delta state.”

– Julius Berger MD, Engr. Dr. Lars Richter as Delta State Government and construction leader sign contract for construction of multiple flyover projects in Effurun, Warri.

Delta State Government and frontline engineering construction company, Julius Berger Nigeria Plc, on Wednesday, signed a N78 billion contract for the construction of flyovers, cloverleaf and road expansion projects in Effurun and Warri metropolis of the state.

At the historic event, the State Governor, Rt Hon Sheriff Oborevwori said the choice of Julius Berger was informed not only by their excellent record but also by their experience in road construction, particularly in riverine terrains. Governor Oborevwori said the signing ceremony was a culmination of days and months of critical planning and deft negotiations and a major step forward in his administration’s plan to start an infrastructural revolution that would change the face of Warri and environs. “Today’s event is the high point of months of vigorous planning, meetings, reviews and tough negotiations. I am pleased that we have reached a point of agreement,” he said.

Continuing, the Governor said, “…it is pertinent to know that this is the first time in Delta State that we are engaging Julius Berger Plc in construction jobs. They have been in Delta, they worked in NPA, but this is the first time the state government is engaging them for construction projects. “On behalf of the government and the people of Delta state, I want to express my deep appreciation to Julius Berger PLC, the Ministries of Works (Highway and Urban roads), Justice, Finance and the Office of the Secretary to the State Government for the countless energy invested in the process.”

The Governor said the choice of Julius Berger was informed not only by their excellent performance records but also by their experience in road construction in riverine terrains. He tasked the contractor to deliver the projects within 27 months. “We have seen what they have done in other states with topography like Warri and we are confident that they will replicate the same feat here.”
Governor Oborevwori added that upon completion, these projects will not only change the face of Warri and its environs, but also ease the traffic congestion in the area and alleviate the hardship faced by commuters.

On the good multiplier effect and positive collateral benefits of the projects to Deltans, Oborevwori said, “…it is often the case with road construction projects, there will be direct employment benefits for our people, especially, engineers, artisans and even food vendors. Transporters and so many others in the construction value chain also stand to benefit.”

The contracts include road expansion of a section of DSC/NPA Expressway, including a Cloverleaf Interchange at the existing Effurun flyover, alongside two pedestrian bridges, Flyover bridges at Enerhen junction to Marine Gate, DSC roundabout and PTI junction.

The Secretary to the State Government, Dr Kingsley Emu, and  the Honourable Commissioner for Works (Highways and Urban Roads),  Comrade Reuben Izeze, signed on behalf of the State Government, while the  Managing Director of Julius Berger Nigeria Plc, Dr Lars Richter, and the  Regional Manager, Engr Friedrich Wieser, signed for the construction giant.

While thanking Delta State Government for giving the company the opportunity to deliver on the projects, Julius Berger Managing Director commended Governor Oborevwori for the vision and foresight in a huge investment and for the commencement of a new era for the people of the state. “We commend the Delta State Government for these projects, and we are honoured to be the chosen technical partners for the delivery of this vision. We are also looking forward to a successful partnership, a great achievement of the vision and the commencement of a new era to the benefit of the people of Delta state,” he said.

The Solicitor-General and Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Justice, Mr Omamuzo Erebe,  and  the Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Works, Engr Fred Edafioghor, witnessed the signing.

The Julius Berger team to the event in Asaba led by the Managing Director also included the company’s Regional Manager, South-south/South-east operations, Dr. Fiedrich Wieser, the Head of Contract management, Barrister (Mrs) Omonigho Brown, the Head of Media Relations, Prince Moses Duku, Esq; and Security Manager, Ferdinand Ugbomeh.