- Honourable Minister of Works, His Excellency, Engr. David Umahi as he also canvassed some technical ideas with the contractors of the ongoing project on site.
The contractors handling the strategic Bodo-Bonny Road (BBR) project, Julius Berger Nigeria Plc, has once more been commended for the good quality of engineering construction work they are doing across the country.
The commendation for the company’s qualitative works came again from the Honourable Minister of Works, Engr. Dave Umahi during his inspection visit to the on-going and fast moving Bodo-Bonny Road project linking the Rivers state mainland to Bonny Island widely known for its abundant oil and gas resources as well as for its rich socio-cultural history. Minister Umahi who also factually acknowledged Julius Berger’s strong commitment to good engineering construction quality during his inspection visit to the Abuja-Kano Road project a few weeks ago, said, “… “Once again I can tell you, Julius Berger remains consistent in delivering topnotch quality, and is doing a great work here in the Bodo-Bonny Road project.“ The visibly professionally passionate Engr. David Umahi and the Julius Berger project management experts, however, mutually analysed and some technical ideas on the project‘s ‘design ideology‘ for greater sustainability of the project to the admiration of the appreciative audience. Significantly, the Minister also noted that “If you pay them (Julius Berger), they will be fast with the job as you can see that they have done in the Bodo-Bonny Road project”. Engr. Thomas Balzuweit, the Julius Berger Team Lead thanked the Honourable Minister for his kind and gracious words to the company.
The visit started with the minister addressing the project consultants where he emphasised the government’s desire for new roads to exchanged be constructed in concrete. The leader of the Julius Berger delegation that received the Minister, Engr. Thomas Balzuweit explained that currently the Bodo-Bonny road is planned as an asphalt road, except the last 6 Km on Bonny Island due to extremely challenging soil conditions and expected long-term settlements of up to 30cm over a period of 30 years.
During a stop at Km 7, the Julius Berger Team Lead, Engr. Thomas Balzuweit explained the design philosophy and construction process to the Honourable Minister. He expressed the company’s technical confidence that the dam will be durable once constructed. Minister Dave Umahi requested a confirmation of the design life of the road and shared his design ideas.
While the Honourable Minister said he would be back to visit the fast-moving project again soon, he also requested a further joint analysis of the design between his team and the contractors.
The Bodo-Bonny Road project has a total length of 38 km road, with about 14 Km located through low-lying marshy and swampy terrain; and about 13 Km lying through a soft soil terrain. The project also consists of three main bridges which include the 501.5 m Afa Bridge, the 713.5 m Opobo Bridge; and the 448.5 m Nanabie Bridge. The Bodo-Bonny Road project also consists of 9 nos. mini bridges with different length, 1 pipeline crossing bridge and many culverts as well as a 6 km concrete Bonny Town road with 13 nos. pipeline crossings.
Enquiries reveal that, due to extremely challenging soil conditions, multiple geological investigations were carried out by the government in order to implement the most feasible option for the implementation of the strategic project.
Based on the design approved by the Government and opinion of experts, the most feasible and officially accepted works implementation option consisted of nearly 10 million meters of vertical drains (PVD), more than 500,000 m² of geotex reinforcement, replacement of culverts with mini-bridges as well as the execution of approach bridges. These were all rooted in efficient considerations of cost, time and technical effectiveness and long-term durability.
PRESS STATEMENT
Eid-El-Maulud: Gov Akeredolu Congratulates Muslims, Calls for Unity, Love
Ondo State Governor, Arakunrin Oluwarotimi Akeredolu, SAN, CON, has congratulated all Muslims in the state and beyond on the occasion of Eid-El-Maulud, marking the birth of the Holy Prophet Muhammad.
The Governor said the Eid-El-Maulud is not just a celebration, but an essential moment for introspection, reflection, and a recommitment to the spiritual virtues exemplified by the Holy Prophet Muhammad.
Governor Akeredolu implored the people to imbibe the spirit of Unity, love, patience, tolerance, and perseverance, which are the cornerstones of the Prophet’s teachings and life.
“Let us embrace the act of sacrifice and love, as exhibited by the Holy Prophet during his time. His birth represents a gift of love and peace to all of humanity. It is a beacon of hope, and we should use this occasion to show kindness and extend love to one another, as well as work towards the peace and unity of our dear state and nation.”the Governor said.
Governor Akeredolu assured that his administration will continue to prioritise the welfare of the people and the development of the State.
“In the spirit of the Prophet’s teachings, we reaffirm our commitment to the pursuit of the greater good for all our citizens. We will ensure that every action taken by our administration is driven by love for our state and the desire to improve the lives of our people.
“As we celebrate this special day, let us remember the essence of the Prophet’s teachings and strive to live by them. Let us show more love, exercise more patience, foster more tolerance, and persevere in all our endeavors.
“Together, we can continue to build an Ondo State that is prosperous, peaceful, and a place where every citizen feels valued and cared for.“ the Governor said.
Signed:
Richard Olatunde
Chief Press Secretary to the Governor of Ondo State.
September 27, 2023.
PRESS RELEASE
SANWO-OLU REITERATES ADMINISTRATION’S SUPPORT FOR JUDICIARY
- Says LASG’s commitment to judicial officers’ welfare second to none
The Governor of Lagos State, Mr. Babajide Sanwo-Olu has reiterated his administration’s commitment to the judiciary in the State, saying his government’s commitment to judicial officers’ welfare is second to none.
He said his administration would continue to provide a conducive environment for all judicial officers in the state in order for them to deliver their duties and responsibilities, without fear or favour.
Governor Sanwo-Olu spoke on Monday at a Thanksgiving Service held at The Cathedral Church of Christ, Marina, Lagos to mark the commencement of the 2023/2024 New Legal Year.
Sanwo-Olu also called for continued collaboration between the Executive, Legislative and Judiciary in order to uphold the principles of justice, fairness and the rule of law to ensure that the state grows in leaps and bounds.
He said his administration is committed to completing all the ongoing court projects across the State for a robust and thriving judiciary in Lagos.
In his sermon, the Bishop of Lagos Diocese, Anglican Communion (Church of Nigeria) Rt. Revd. Ifedola Okupevi, charged all judicial officers especially, judges and magistrates to always have fear of God while discharging their duties and responsibilities.
Okupevi, who advised the Chief Judge of Lagos State, Justice Kazeem Alogba and other judges and magistrates to ensure justice is not delayed or denied, appealed to judicial officers to offer free legal services for the poor and downtrodden, maintain sanity, temper justice with mercy and allow peace to reign in Lagos State.
The Anglican Bishop also advised the judiciary on the need to decongest the Correctional Centres. He said the judiciary should always be upright in playing the role of watchdog to other arms of government.
Okupevi also appreciated President Bola Tinubu and his administration’s efforts to revamp the economy and appealed to the President to do more to ameliorate the suffering of the masses.
The Bishop prayed to God to give Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu the strength, energy and grace to rule with equity, added that the Church is committed to empowering traders and the less privileged around the church premises.
The Thanksgiving Service was attended by serving and retired Judges, Magistrates, Senior Advocates of Nigeria (SANs), lawyers, Lagos State Government officials, religious and traditional leaders, among others.
SIGNED
GBOYEGA AKOSILE
CHIEF PRESS SECRETARY
25 SEPTEMBER 2023
September 27, 2023
Press Statement
Eid-el Maulud: PDP Celebrates with Nigerians,
…Urges Fervent Prayers for the Nation
The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) celebrates with Nigerians, especially the Muslim Ummah on the occasion of the Eid-el Maulud, urging them to use the day for intensive and fervent prayers to the Almighty Allah for His divine intervention in the affairs of the Nation.
The Party also calls on Nigerians to use the occasion to reinforce the bond of unity, love and respect for one another, especially at this critical time in the life of our Nation.
Eid-el Maulud, the celebration of the birth of Holy Prophet Mohammed (SAW), offers humanity an anchor in God’s love and willingness to guide mankind through obedience to His Will, righteousness, peace and eternal redemption.
The PDP therefore calls on Nigerians, especially those holding sensitive public offices and whose decisions are central to the entrenchment of Justice, Equity and the Rule of Law in our Nation, to use the occasion to imbibe the fear of God in line with the teachings of the Holy Prophet, as this is the only to guarantee peace and stability in the polity.
Such officials must note that positions are given by the Almighty Allah and that all their actions will be accounted for before Him.
The PDP felicitates with Nigerians and wishes them a happy Eid-el Maulud celebration.
Signed:
Hon. Debo Ologunagba
National Publicity Secretary
September 25, 2023
Press Statement
S/Court Fire Incident Suspicious – PDP
… Demands Full Scale Investigation
The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) is alarmed by the fire incident at the Supreme Court, describing it as suspicious.
The PDP is worried over the fire outbreak especially given heightened public apprehension of possible arsonist attack with the intent to cripple and frustrate the Supreme Court from effectively discharging its constitutional duties especially with regard to high profile electoral cases including the Presidential Election Appeals pending before it.
Our Party demands for an immediate full-scale investigation into the fire outbreak with the view to unraveling the circumstances or possible sabotage in the incident.
The PDP insists that the outcome of the investigation should be made public unlike those of previous fire incidents in various government Ministries, Departments and Agencies which were characteristically swept under the carpet by the All Progressives Congress (APC) administrations.
While calling on the Federal Government to beef up security around the Supreme Court, the PDP also demands that Nigerians must be assured of the safety of sensitive documents and equipment at the Court especially at this critical time.
Signed:
Hon. Debo Ologunagba
National Publicity Secretary
PRESS RELEASE
‘OUR VICTORY AT TRIBUNAL REAFFIRMS LAGOSIANS’ CHOICE’ — SANWO-OLU REACTS TO LAGOS TRIBUNAL VERDICT
- Governor extends hand of fellowship to opponents, says ‘no victor, no vanquished’
Palpable excitement enveloped Alausa — the seat of power of the Lagos State Government on Monday, following the judgement of Lagos Election Petition Tribunal, which came in favour of Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu.
The tribunal, which sat for about 10 hours, dismissed two petitions filed against Sanwo-Olu’s victory in the March 18, 2023 election conducted by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC).
The Governor ran on the platform of All Progressives Congress (APC).
The petitions were filed by the Governor’s main challengers – Dr. Olajide Adediran of People’s Democratic Party (PDP) and Mr. Gbadebo Rhodes-Vivour of Labour Party (LP).
Reacting to the unanimous tribunal judgement, which was read by the lead Judge, Justice Arum Ashom, Sanwo-Olu, joined by his Deputy, Dr. Obafemi Hamzat, described the verdict as “well thought-out and detailed”, noting that the court decision further affirmed judiciary’s commitment to principle of fairness and justice.
The Governor, who said there was no victor or vanquished, dedicated the judgement to all residents of the State, whom, he said, had stood by his administration through the electoral journey.
Sanwo-Olu noted that his re-election was tough, but said the voices of Lagosians were heard loud and clear at the polls, resulting in his landslide victory.
The Governor said the tribunal judgement affirmed the people’s will and choice.
He said: “I am glad to announce the information I have just received that Lagos Election Petition Tribunal judgements have been given in our favour. I commend the judiciary and the judges that delivered the well thought-out and detailed judgments. They took their time to explain to everyone the reasons that led them to the views and conclusion they gave today. We thank the judges for their firm commitment to principle of fairness and justice.
“As it is, Mr Deputy and I feel very privileged to have been elected to serve at this important moment in the history of our State. We thank all Lagosians for standing by us all through this journey. For us, this judgement is a victory for all. We are not coming out here to say somebody won or lost. For all of us on this political trajectory, there are no winners or losers.
“For us, our aim in governance is about service and ensuring that we are not distracted from all the promises we made to Lagosians. This judgement has given us the opportunity to double up our interventions to ensure that we continue to deliver quality dividends of democracy to our citizens.”
Sanwo-Olu extended his hands of fellowship to his opponents, urging them to display spirit of sportsmanship and accept the verdict of the tribunal in good faith.
The Governor invited candidates of the PDP and LP to come join hand with his Government and channel their passion to causes that would take the State to the next phase of development.
“I still want to give an opportunity to opposition parties’ candidates that contested against us to join hand with us if they share the same passion and commitment that we have to serve. We are ready to sit with them and have conversation around what ways they can channel their ideas in the development of the State. Lagos is big and its challenges are real, while its opportunities are boundless. There is always a room for everybody to contribute,” Sanwo-Olu said.
The Governor said the State Government would not be marking the tribunal judgement with any form of celebration. Instead, he stressed that he would rather divert his energy towards the responsibility of governance.
The party, Sanwo-Olu said, is free to organise events for Lagosians in marking the victory at the court.
SIGNED
GBOYEGA AKOSILE
CHIEF PRESS SECRETARY
25 SEPTEMBER 2023
Eid-el-Maulud: Omo-Agege Greets Muslims, Urges Prayers, Support For President Tinubu
Former Deputy President of the Senate and Delta State Governorship candidate of the All Progressive Congress, Senator Ovie Omo-Agege, has felicitated with the Muslim faithful, on the occasion of the Maulud-Un-Nabiyy, the birthday of the Holy Prophet Muhammad.
In a message to mark this year’s Eid-el-Maulud, Tuesday, Senator Omo-Agege urged all Muslims to imbibe the noble life, virtues and teachings of the Holy Prophet which include love, forgiveness, peaceful coexistence and selfless sacrifice.
A statement by his Media Adviser, Sunny Areh, said Senator Omo-Agege used the occasion to appeal to all Nigerians to continue to support and pray for President Bola Tinubu as he tackles the nation’s problems, especially the economic and security challenges.
“I felicitate with Muslim faithful in the country on this occasion of Eid-el-Maulud. I urge them to imbibe the noble life, virtues and teachings of Holy Prophet Muhammad, which include love, forgiveness, peaceful co-existence and selfless sacrifice, and to exhibit those attributes as we relate with one another.
Senator Omo-Agege said: “Let us also use the occasion to pray for our country and for President Bola Ahmed Tinubu as he takes very bold steps to confront the multifarious challenges facing the country, especially the economic and security challenges.
“The government needs our support, understanding and indeed sacrifice to end the present economic downturn. This will engender our path to economic revival and rejuvenation of the wellbeing of all citizens.
“I wish all Muslim faithful happy Eid-el-Maulud celebration.”
Signed:
Sunny Areh
Media Adviser to Senator Omo-Agege
PRESS RELEASE
SANWO-OLU INAUGURATES 15-CLASSROOM BLOCK OGOMBO SENIOR HIGH SCHOOL
- COWLSO’s school initiative bolsters education in underserved community
- Ogombo natives welcome first public senior secondary school
Committee of Wives of Lagos State Officials (COWLSO) has delivered an intervention that will bolster education in the underserved Ogombo community, Eti Osa area of Lagos State.
The Non-Governmental Organisation (NGO) led by the wife of the Governor, Dr. Ibijoke Sanwo-Olu, built the first senior secondary school in the community to address the plight of deprived pupils, who had to trek long distances from their homes to senior secondary schools in neighbouring towns.
Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu, on Tuesday, inaugurated the fully equipped three-floor structure completed with 15 ultra-modern classrooms and 30 water system toilets.
The school was built by COWLSO in partnership with the State Special Committee on Rehabilitation of Public Schools (SCRPS) to support the academic output of the existing Ogombo Junior Grammar School.
The school was designed with state-of-the-art libraries, laboratories, Information and Communication Technology (ICT) department, offices for teaching and management staff, as well as equipped sick bay.
Following the inauguration of the edifice, COWLSO handed over the school to the State Government for operation and administration.
It was all excitement for parents, teachers, pupils and traditional chiefs in the community, who trooped out in their numbers to mark the project’s commissioning.
The initiative allows for a seamless progression of pupils from junior to senior secondary school within the same environment, thereby eliminating the inconvenience of pupils of Ogombo community undertaking long journey to schools in neighbouring communities.
Governor Sanwo-Olu described the intervention as “outstanding”, noting that the project would bolster his administration’s drive to improve access to education and raise the bar of academic excellence in the State.
He said COWLSO had continued to be a dependable partner in actualising the vision of the State Government in Education and Technology – one of the pillars of his administration’s T.H.E.M.E.S Plus Agenda.
The Governor said: “Since 2000 when Committee of Wives of Lagos State Officials was resuscitated by Her Excellency, Mrs Oluremi Tinubu, who is now the First Lady of Nigeria, the body has played and continues to play a vital and complementary role to the efforts of the State Government. This is evident through its several initiatives that directly impact the lives of children, women, the elderly, the youth, the physically challenged and the less privileged. COWLSO’s initiatives, which cut across various sectors, have contributed to the growth and development of Lagos over the past two decades.
“The commissioning of this purpose built 15-classroom block is another success story in the efforts of our administration to provide sustainable infrastructure for effective learning and teaching in a conducive environment. This school project, comprising three floors, was designed in compliance with global standards and our administration’s policy thrust of not leaving anyone behind. Lagos State Government is grateful for this intervention by COWLSO. I extend our appreciation to the leadership and members of this noble association, past and present.”
Sanwo-Olu restated his commitment to providing modern infrastructure in public schools, pointing out that SCRPS and other intervention MDAs had not relented in the construction of new school blocks and classrooms across communities in need.
The Governor disclosed that eight new school projects were awaiting commissioning at Ipaja Junior College, Isale Ilu Majiyagbe in Ipaja; Oriokuta Junior Secondary School in Ikorodu; Thogli Community Grammar School in Badagry; and Ilupeju Junior Grammar School in Oshodi.
His administration, he said, will leave no stone unturned in ensuring that public schools have quality facilities that would inspire excellent output by students and teachers in the State.
“In addition to the improved facilities, we are also equipping our teachers with modern methods and skills for better performance and greater job satisfaction. This we are undertaking under the EKO EXCEL programme. All these will go a long way in preparing our children for a future driven by knowledge and innovation, and help to actualise the vision of a Greater Lagos,” Sanwo-Olu said.
The First Lady said the COWLSO’s intervention was driven by its passion to support development programmes of the State Government in disadvantaged areas, stressing that the Ogombo school project was informed by the need to address amenities shortfall in the community.
Dr. Sanwo-Olu said COWLSO swung into action to commence construction of the school in December 2021, following the discovery of shortage of education facilities in Ogombo town. She said COWLSO provided the intervention in line with its founding objectives and to fulfil its pledge to the community.
The First Lady said the school project underscored the essence of inclusion in the Government’s T.H.E.M.E.S Plus Agenda, as it was designed with ramps from ground floor to the topmost floor to aid the movement of children and staff living with disabilities.
She said: “After the discovery of the challenges and moved by the plight of the deprived pupils, COWLSO swiftly intervened by embarking on this building project in line with the founding objectives of the Committee to impact lives positively and contribute immensely to the political and socioeconomic development of Lagos. To the Glory of God, the construction of the magnificent edifice was completed within 12 months.
“Our gratitude goes to Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu for his keen interest and unflinching support since the inception of this project. This administration has greatly uplifted our efforts, particularly in the area of promoting child healthcare and education, empowering and generally improving the welfare of Lagosians. This project will enhance access to education for children in the community. It is my hope that all stakeholders in Ogombo Kingdom will be committed to the sustainability, marketability and maintenance of this school.”
The project supervisor and wife of the Deputy Governor, Mrs. Oluremi Hamzat, said the school was built on 88 piles at a depth of 18m with 66 pile caps.
The facility, Mrs Hamzat disclosed, also has toilet provision for Persons With Disabilities (PWDs) on all floors.
Member representing Eti Osa Constituency 1 in the House of Assembly, Hon. Noheem Adams, conveyed the town’s appreciation to COWLSO and the State Government for the intervention, promising that the project would be sustained.
The high point was the cultural performance organised by pupils of the benefitting community in showing appreciation to COWLSO and the State Government for the intervention.
SIGNED
GBOYEGA AKOSILE
CHIEF PRESS SECRETARY
26 SEPTEMBER 2023
Tribunal victory: Ndoma-Egba congratulates Governor Otu, Cross River APC
A chieftain of All Progressives Congress (APC) and former Senate Leader, Chief Victor Ndoma-Egba, SAN, has sent his felicitations to the Governor of Cross River State, Senator (Prince) Bassey Edet Otu, for his triumph at the tribunal where his election by Cross Riverians on March 18, 2023 was further affirmed.
Ndoma-Egba, an ex-Chairman of Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC), who was the secretary of the Campaign Planning Directorate of the defunct APC Tinubu/Shettima Presidential Campaign Council, also congratulated the APC family in Cross River State for Otu’s tribunal victory.
The Governorship Election Petitions Tribunal in Cross River State on Tuesday, dismissed, for lack of merit, the petition of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and its candidate, Senator Sandy Onor, against the election of Governor Otu of APC.
Reacting to the tribunal ruling in favour of Otu, popularly known as Sweet Prince, Ndoma-Egba, the erstwhile Cross River Central Senator, said: “I wholeheartedly congratulate, His Excellency, Senator Bassey Otu on his tribunal victory. It was an expected victory. I equally rejoice with the All Progressives Congress in Cross River State and Cross Riverians for the victory.
“It was a victory long foretold because going to court by the PDP was a needless and fruitless adventure. Most of the issues that they raised in their litigations at the tribunal had already being litigated upon. And so, it was clear from onset that they were not going to make any headway with what they presented to the election tribunal.”
The legal luminary added that “With this irritation removed now, I believe that the governor will now concentrate fully on the work he was elected to do. The people of Cross River will now begin to see events and activities from the governor, because the tribunal case as unmeritorious as it was, was still an irritation. It was a major irritation and a major distraction. So now that the irritation has been removed they will see more urgent and better performance by the governor.”
Calling on the opposition members in the state to at this point join hands with the governor to move Cross River forward, Ndoma-Egba said: “I want to just tell them (the opposition members) to let matters lie where they are and join Governor Otu in moving the state forward. The state is facing major challenges and it needs everybody, every hand to be on deck for us to make the much needed progress. So, I will advise them to just let matters lie where they are and wait for another time to try again.”
He argued that appealing the judgement which he described as sound and in order will not change anything, as according to him, the issues raised by the PDP and its candidate were well thrashed out by the three-man tribunal panel.
PRESS RELEASE
EID-EL-MAULUD: SANWO-OLU FELICITATES MUSLIMS ON BIRTH OF PROPHET MUHAMMAD
Lagos State Governor, Mr. Babajide Sanwo-Olu, has congratulated Muslims as they celebrate this year’s Eid-el-Maulud, which marks the birth of Prophet Muhammad.
The Governor implored Nigerians, particularly the Muslim faithful to continue on the path of love, peace, unity, harmony and tolerance in line with the teachings of the Holy Prophet Mohammed (PBUH).
Governor Sanwo-Olu in a statement issued on Tuesday by his Chief Press Secretary, Mr. Gboyega Akosile, also called on Muslims to work with other religious denominations for peace and sustainable growth and development of Lagos State.
He said: “I rejoice with millions of people around the world, particularly Muslim brothers and sisters in Lagos State and Nigeria on the occasion of this year’s Eid-el-Maulud, which is the celebration of the birthday of Prophet Muhammad (PBUH).
“As we celebrate the birth of Prophet Muhammad today, let us continue to pray and work together for peace in our dear Lagos State and Nigeria. Let us contribute our quota to the growth and development of Lagos State by supporting the incumbent administration to achieve the Lagos of our dreams.
“I want to use this medium to reassure Lagos residents of our administration’s commitment to the delivery of dividends of democracy, good governance and people-oriented programmes through the THEMES+ developmental agenda for Greater Lagos.”
SIGNED
GBOYEGA AKOSILE
CHIEF PRESS SECRETARY
26 SEPTEMBER 2023
