News
Wike assures compensation for residents affected by road project
The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Mr Nyesom Wike, says residents affected by the construction of Arterial Road N5, from Life Camp Junction to Ring Road III will be compensated.
Wike made the promise after inspecting some ongoing projects at Life Camp, Katampe, and International Conference Centre in Abuja on Monday.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the Minister had on Oct. 25, inaugurated the construction of the 4-kilometre six lane dual carriageway from Life Camp Junction to Ring Road III, somewhere in Ido-Gwari.
The Life Camp Junction to Ring Road III road project is the continuation of Arterial Road N5, also named Obafemi Awolowo Way.
The road, when completed, will connect the districts of Kado, Karmo, Gwarimpa I, Dape, Ido-Gwari, as well as Saburi and Dei Dei.
After inspecting the ongoing project being executed by Julius Berger, the minister noted that some cash crops and a number of houses along the road corridor would be affected.
He assured that in the two days, the communities of those who own some crops and those who would lose their houses or part of their structures would be compensated.
“What we went to do at Life Camp has to do, majorly, with some crops and some small number of houses that we need to pay compensation for, but if it requires relocating them, we’ll do; if it requires just compensation we’ll do, depending on what is feasible.
“What is important to us is that we are working together with the various communities to solve the problem,” he said.
Wike expressed satisfaction with the pace of work so far, adding that the people residing along the road corridor were happy that the road was being constructed.
On the construction of access road from Nnamdi Azikiwe Expressway by N16, to Judges Quarters, in Katampe District, the Minister disclosed that the scope of the contract had been extended.
He said that the scope of work had been extended to link with N20, named after Nobel Laureate, Wole Soyinka.
This, he said, would make the road to be more meaningful instead of terminating at Judges Quarters.
“The contractor has agreed that it will still complete the project with the additional job within the same time frame of May 2025.
“So, we are happy with that commitment,” he said.
Wike, who equally inspected the ongoing renovation of the International Conference Centre by Julius Berger, expressed satisfaction with the quality of the job.
“With what I have seen Julius Berger doing, I am quite satisfied and by the grace of God, by April next year, they will hand over this project, and it will be available for Nigerians to use.
“What is important is that we are going to have what is called an International Conference Centre that can meet the standard of any other international conference centre in the world,” he added.
He assured that most of the project would be completed and inaugurated in May 2025 to celebrate the second year of President Bola Tinubu in office.
He said that the FCT Administration would do all that it could to give Nigeria a befitting capital city that could compete with any capital city in the world.
The minister added that beyond the city centre, satellite towns were also undergoing transformation to improve the quality of life of the residents.
He also said that attention was also being accorded to schools, with more than 32 schools undergoing renovation and rehabilitation. (NAN)
Operatives of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) have arrested businessman Emeka Okonkwo, popularly known as E-Money, on Tuesday morning.
E-Money, who is the CEO of Emmy Cargoes Nigeria Limited and Five Star Music, was arrested in Lagos State for alleged abuse of the naira.
He is being held at the EFCC facility in Lagos, according to sources who confirmed his arrest to ELANZANEWS on Tuesday.
According to the source, E-Money is being investigated for allegedly spraying both Naira and US dollars at a party in Lagos in violation of Nigeria’s currency laws.
The Oyo State Police Command on Tuesday said that the video of the alleged invasion of the state by suspected Boko Haram currently circulating on social media was recycled.
The command’s spokesman, CSP Adewale Osifeso, stated this in a statement made available to newsmen on Tuesday in Ibadan, the state capital.
The News Agency of Nigeria reports that a video clip is currently being circulated on social media alleging the arrest of suspected Boko Haram members who invaded the state along the Ibadan Expressway.
“The Police Command in Oyo wishes to address the recent circulation of misleading information on social media regarding a video that purportedly shows an attempted invasion of the state by Boko Haram elements intercepted along the Ibadan Express road.
“The video, which allegedly depicts articulated trucks filled with motorcycles and weapons, has been verified as a recycled clip from 2022,” he said.
Osifeso said the re-emergence of the video, particularly during a period of enhanced security in the state, suggests a deliberate attempt by certain individuals with malicious intent, seeking to spread falsehoods and incite fear and unrest.
“The command urges the public to remain vigilant and disregard such antics; we assure that this does not pose any current threat to the safety and security of the state.
“To further substantiate our claim regarding the video’s outdated nature, we note that the Divisional Crime Officer (DCO) at the Ilero Divisional Police Headquarters, DSP. Segun Adeyemo, who appeared briefly in the video, retired from the Nigeria Police Force in August 2024 after a long period of meritorious service,” he added.
Osifeso reaffirmed the command’s unwavering commitment to safeguarding all residents in the state.
He urged the public to avoid circulating outdated video content pertaining to issues that had been previously resolved and encouraged them to thoroughly verify any information before sharing on social media.
NAN
It was an evening of glamour, prestige, and fine living as the crème de la crème of society gathered for the Falcon Aero Jet Night, hosted in collaboration with Glenfiddich Grand Cru. The event, which took place amidst an atmosphere of refined luxury, marked the announcement of a major partnership: Glenfiddich Grand Cru is now the official in-flight spirit and drinks partner for Viva Jets, catering to both local and intercontinental long-haul flights.
The gathering attracted industry heavyweights, top executives, and celebrated Nigerian celebrities, all of whom came out in full support of the union between the two premium brands. Guests and business leaders at the event expressed strong optimism that the partnership would set new standards for luxury travel and sophisticated experiences, aligning with the shared values of excellence and class that both brands embody.
Speaking on the significance of the partnership, Eddie Madaki, the Glenfiddich Grand Cru representative, emphasized that the collaboration with Viva Jets is a testament to the brand’s commitment to offering memorable, world-class experiences. “This partnership with Aero Jet will continue to create unforgettable memories for our patrons. Glenfiddich Grand Cru stands for elegance, tradition, and innovation, and we are excited to bring this spirit of excellence to the skies,” he said.
A representative from Aero Jet also shared insights into their vision for the collaboration, highlighting the importance of selecting Glenfiddich Grand Cru as their official in-flight partner. According to the representative, the choice was driven by Glenfiddich’s reputation for quality and luxury, which perfectly complements the bespoke flying experience Aero Jet is renowned for providing to its discerning clientele.
Glenfiddich Grand Cru is a unique expression from the Glenfiddich distillery, renowned globally for its pioneering spirit and craftsmanship. Aged for 23 years and finished in rare French cuvée casks, Glenfiddich Grand Cru fuses the finest flavours from Scotland and France, delivering an extraordinary drinking experience designed to celebrate life’s most special moments. This latest partnership further cements Glenfiddich’s standing as a beacon of luxury and sophistication.
The Falcon Aero Jet Night was not just a celebration of a new venture, but a true testament to the power of vision, craftsmanship, and shared values, ushering in a new era of premium experiences in aviation and luxury lifestyle.