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Tinubu flags off Lagos-Ibadan Road expansion project

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President Bola Tinubu on Saturday launched the completed and ongoing 24km section, alongside the upcoming 48km section, of the Lagos-Ibadan dual carriageway.

This includes Section One and the Lagos-Sagamu route in Lagos and Ogun, Phase Two.

Tinubu highlighted the importance of road infrastructure for socio-economic development.

He reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to improving the country’s transport network to enhance mobility and economic growth.

The President stated: “There is no doubt that road infrastructure plays a fundamental role in the socio-economic development of any nation.”

Quoting Norman Foster, he added: “Infrastructure is much more than roads and bridges; it is the foundation that sustains economic growth, facilitates mobility, and enhances the quality of life.”

He stressed his administration’s commitment to linking rural roads to urban centres, commercial hubs, and industrial corridors to maximise the nation’s resources and mineral deposits.

Tinubu, represented by Ogun governor, Dapo Abiodun, said: “This strategic approach aligns with the Federal Government’s Renewed Hope Agenda.

“We are committed to rebuilding, expanding, and modernising our national road networks, railways, and airports, all vital to economic prosperity.”

He praised the Minister of Works, Sen. Dave Umahi, for his dedication. He described Umahi as “the actualiser of our vision on road infrastructure” and “a right fit for purpose.”

Umahi noted that the President, represented by the Ogun governor, will inaugurate both the completed/ongoing 24km section and the upcoming 48km section, ensuring momentum in spite of incomplete procurement.

He confirmed that palliative work had been undertaken as temporary repairs. “What we are doing today is part of the Lagos-Ibadan project, Phase Two,” he said.

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Umahi outlined key components, including the Ogun River, Marlboro underpass, Wawa underpass, Arepo underpass, Sagamu-Iperu (24km), RCC Church interchange, two flyovers, and five pedestrian bridges.

“The next phase, which the representative of the President will flag off, is 48km by two, extending from Iperu to Ijebu Ode along the Sagamu-Ore route,” Umahi added.

He confirmed that the full 96km (48km by two) would be inaugurated, alongside completed palliative works, to maintain project continuity.

Umahi explained that the second part of the 48km stretch (Iperu to Ijebu Ode) faced a procurement issue. The process was flawed and required resubmission to the Bureau of Public Procurement (BPP) with a 30-day turnaround.

“The second leg of Phase Two, Section Two, of Lagos-Ibadan was wrongly procured. I directed its resubmission to the BPP, and in 30 days, work will commence.

“The governor of Ogun, representing the President, will flag off both phases, even though Phase Two is not fully procured. In 15 days, the project will be awarded.

“It is better to flag off both today from Iperu, where the first 24km stops, to Ijebu Ode,” he said.

Umahi thanked the governor for his support and emphasised the project’s national significance. (NAN)

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Power Generation Faces Downturn, Falls By 1.64%, Says CBN

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The Nigerian electricity sector slowed in the fourth quarter of 2024 (Q4 2024), with the electricity production index declining by 1.64% year-on-year (y-o-y).

Data from the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) says this marks a reversal from the 5.55% growth recorded in the third quarter of 2024 (Q3 2024).

Average estimated electricity generation rose by 2.34% to 4,206.50 megawatts per hour (MW/h) from 4,110.47 MW/h in Q3 2024.

Similarly, electricity consumption saw a modest increase of 2.63%, reaching 4,105.66 MW/h from 4,000.24 MW/h in the preceding quarter.

This is as the Nigerian economy witnessed widespread expansion in the fourth quarter of 2024 (Q4 2024), with 21 out of 22 subsectors recording positive growth.

On a quarter-on-quarter (q-o-q) basis, however, the subsector showed signs of recovery, as the index rose by 22.50% compared to a significant decline of 49.46% in the previous quarter.

The broad-based economic expansion in Q4 2024 can be attributed to several factors, including improved business confidence, increased consumer spending, and enhanced performance in key sectors such as agriculture, manufacturing, and telecommunications.

The government’s fiscal and monetary policies, aimed at stabilising inflation and boosting investment, also contributed to the positive momentum.

According to the CBN, the improvement was largely attributed to enhanced gas supply to thermal power stations and the continued implementation of the Siemens Power Project, which has positively impacted power generation, transmission, and distribution networks.

Notably, the oil and gas sector benefited from relatively stable crude oil prices and improved domestic production, which provided a boost to overall economic output.

The data also stated that the non-oil sector, particularly fintech and digital services, also played a significant role in driving economic activities.

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Rivers Will Emerge Stronger From Political Crisis, Says Fubara

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Governor Siminalayi Fubara speaking when he received Muslim leaders from 20 Islamic-based groups in Port Harcourt.

Suspended Governor of Rivers State, Siminalayi Fubara, has assured residents that the ongoing political crisis in the state will ultimately strengthen the people rather than weaken them.

Fubara made this statement when he received Muslim leaders from 20 Islamic-based groups, including the Supreme Council for Islamic Affairs, at his private residence in Port Harcourt during an Eid-El-Fitr Sallah visit.

Addressing the delegation, Governor Fubara urged them and his supporters to trust in God’s process, saying: “This season is one of love, sharing, and sacrifice. You have come to share in our pain and have made a great sacrifice through your prayers. As Christians, we believe that everything happens for a purpose, and I strongly believe that this situation is leading us toward a greater purpose.”

He acknowledged that the current political tension might leave many feeling depressed but emphasised that supernatural forces may be at play beyond human understanding.

“No matter what we see, we must remain steadfast. In all things, we give glory to Almighty God. I believe that in the end, we will emerge stronger,” he added.

He reaffirmed his commitment to justice and equality, stressing that his administration envisions a society where no one is oppressed.

“We believe in egalitarianism, and if our beliefs bring us some pain, so be it. The most important thing is that we stand on the side of truth and righteousness,” he stated.

He regretted that he was unable to formally reach out to the Muslim community during their celebrations but promised that the relationship between religious groups and the government would be strengthened once the current uncertainties are resolved.

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He also assured the leaders that their pending requests would be addressed after the crisis subsides.

Urging patience and perseverance, Governor Fubara drew an analogy from religious history, saying, “If God could be patient with Noah to allow even the snail to enter the Ark, then patience remains an essential virtue in our struggle.”

He also cautioned against falling prey to those who want engineer violence by fanning provocative acts, warning his supporters and Rivers people to avoid certain elements who sought to destabilize the state.

“Their goal is to create problems and deny people their means of livelihood. We will not allow that. We will continue to operate peacefully and respect constitutional authority to ensure that our state remains a model for others in Nigeria,” he concluded.

Speaking earlier on behalf of the Muslim community, Alhaji Nasir Awhelebe Uhor, declared their solidarity with Governor Siminalayi Fubara, assuring him of their prayers and support as he navigates the state’s current political challenges.

Alhaji Uhor stated that the majority of Muslims in Rivers State stand with Governor Fubara due to his inclusive approach to governance and his recognition of the Islamic faith.

He noted that unlike the previous administration that declared Rivers a 100% Christian state, Governor Fubara, upon assuming office, acknowledged the state as Christian majority while allowing room for inclusiveness.

Encouraging the governor to remain steadfast, Uhor reminded him of the Islamic belief that Allah rewards patience.

He said the present challenges align with the teachings of Islam, where the Creator tests His people through wealth, power, and authority.

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He further called on President Bola Tinubu to review the emergency rule in Rivers State and restore Governor Fubara’s full authority, emphasizing that the governor has been performing effectively despite the crisis.

During the visit, prayers were offered for suspended Governor Fubara, his family, Rivers State, and Nigeria as a whole.

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Mali, Niger, Burkina Faso Enforce 0.5% Import Levy On ECOWAS Nations

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The Alliance of Sahel States (AES) comprising junta-led Mali, Niger Republic, and Burkina Faso have imposed a 0.5 percent import duty on goods from the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) member nations.

The move further strains relations between the three junta-led nations and the ECOWAS, which they withdrew from earlier this year following a series of military coups and economic sanctions.

The AES, which began as a security pact between the military rulers of the three countries in 2023, has now metamorphosed into an aspiring economic union with plans for biometric passports and closer economic and military ties.

In a joint statement last week, the AES said the levy aims to generate revenue to fund the alliance’s activities.

The tax, which came into effect on Friday, applies to all imports from ECOWAS countries, except humanitarian aid.

The taxes also disrupt the free trade once enjoyed by all countries in the West African region.

The economic implications could be severe, leading to higher consumer prices, supply chain disruptions, and strained regional economic stability.

While it may provide short-term revenue for the junta-led governments, it risks other long-term consequences, including weakened regional integration.

ECOWAS has maintained that it will keep diplomatic channels open with the junta-led states until July, despite announcing their permanent expulsion from the bloc earlier this year.

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