News
Umahi denies restricting Obasanjo from using Lagos-Calabar coastal highway
The Minister of Works, Sen. Dave Umahi, on Saturday clarified that he never said former President Olusegun Obasanjo should not use the Lagos-Calabar Coastal Highway when completed.
Umahi made the clarification during an inspection tour of the highway project in Lagos.
He reacted to some comments to the effect that he said Obasanjo should not use the road for describing the highway project as wasteful.
“The point is that the former president is not only my former president, he is also my father and he is my in-law; so, I have my respect for him.
“ I never said the former president should not use the road.
“He is not the only one among the few criticising the road project.
“ I said, ‘If you say the road is not good, you have a choice to use it or not to use it.’
“That is what I said. I didn’t say the former president should not use the road,” Umahi told journalists during the inspection tour.
The minister said that the 700km road project was never wasteful but a vital investment with huge socio-economic benefits.
“If you say the project is wasteful, it is an ambiguous statement. Is it wasteful in the sense that it shouldn’t have been?
“Is it wasteful in the sense that we are going to be earning carbon credit from the concrete pavement and from solar light?
“Is it wasteful in the sense that along this corridor, we are going to have windmill energy connecting all the communities we are going through?
“Is it wasteful that it is from Lagos to Calabar? Well, we have the Sokoto-Badagry Highway project, which is 1,068km,” he asked.
The minister added that the Federal Government was executing a 462km Akwanga-Jos-Bauchi- Gombe Road project, among other projects.
“ Why then single out this one to say that it is wasteful?”
He said that travelling from Lagos to Calabar through the highway would take only five hours, reducing travel time.
“It is an evacuation corridor; so, the amount that the Federal Government spends in doing transhipment will be saved.”
Umahi said that in the next six months, section one of the highway project would be completed.
“Is it wasteful in the sense that this road is going to be passing a number of existing roads?
“Is it wasteful in the sense that the Bua Refinery, this is passing through it?
“Is it wasteful that it is going to be an evacuation corridor for Dangote Refinery?
“I cannot see the sense in saying that it is wasteful,” he added.
Umahi also said that the project had nothing to do with corruption.
He said that Obasanjo praised his administration’s transparency and achievements when he was the Governor of Ebonyi.
“He is my father. If a father suddenly says that his son is corrupt, it is up to the son to say he is not corrupt.” (NAN)
By Israel Bulus
In the heart of Southern Kaduna, where the demand for quality education, accessible healthcare, and economic empowerment continues to grow, one leader has emerged as a beacon of hope—Senator Sunday Marshall Katung. His tenure in the Senate has not only been marked by passionate advocacy but also by tangible results that have transformed lives and communities.
True leadership is measured by impact, not just words. Since assuming office, Senator Katung has demonstrated an unwavering commitment to his people, pushing for policies and initiatives that directly address their needs. His legislative efforts have focused on critical areas such as education, healthcare, economic empowerment, and infrastructural development.
One of his most transformative achievements is his role in the establishment of the Federal University of Applied Sciences in Kachia—a milestone that will provide thousands of young people with access to technical and vocational education. This university is set to bridge the gap between education and employability, equipping students with practical skills for the modern job market.
In the healthcare sector, Senator Katung’s advocacy for the upgrade of the Federal Medical Centre (FMC) Kafanchan has led to improved medical services, better healthcare infrastructure, and greater access to specialized treatment for residents. His unwavering support for healthcare initiatives continues to improve the quality of life in his constituency.
Beyond legislation, Senator Katung has taken bold steps to empower his constituents economically. Through targeted vocational training programs and financial grants, he has supported over 1,000 small businesses and entrepreneurs across Southern Kaduna. Women and youth, in particular, have benefitted from these initiatives, enabling them to achieve financial independence and contribute to the local economy.
Additionally, his scholarship programs have opened doors for students who might have otherwise been unable to afford higher education. So many students have benefitted from these educational interventions, reinforcing his belief that investing in the youth is the key to a brighter future.
At a time when political divisions often slow down progress, Senator Katung has proven to be a unifying force. His ability to work across party lines to pass crucial legislation underscores his commitment to governance over partisanship. He maintains an open-door policy, engaging with his constituents regardless of political affiliation, and ensuring that every voice is heard in the Senate.
Perhaps the most significant testament to Senator Katung’s leadership is the overwhelming support he enjoys from his people. Whether through community engagements or social media interactions, the gratitude and admiration from his constituents reflect the deep impact of his work.
As he continues his journey of service, his vision remains clear: to build a more prosperous, inclusive, and developed Southern Kaduna. With a track record of achievements and an unshakable commitment to the welfare of his people, Senator Sunday Marshall Katung is not just a politician—he is a leader whose impact will be felt for generations to come.
By Israel Bulus
In the heart of Southern Kaduna, where the demand for quality education, accessible healthcare, and economic empowerment continues to grow, one leader has emerged as a beacon of hope—Senator Sunday Marshall Katung. His tenure in the Senate has not only been marked by passionate advocacy but also by tangible results that have transformed lives and communities.
True leadership is measured by impact, not just words. Since assuming office, Senator Katung has demonstrated an unwavering commitment to his people, pushing for policies and initiatives that directly address their needs. His legislative efforts have focused on critical areas such as education, healthcare, economic empowerment, and infrastructural development.
One of his most transformative achievements is his role in the establishment of the Federal University of Applied Sciences in Kachia—a milestone that will provide thousands of young people with access to technical and vocational education. This university is set to bridge the gap between education and employability, equipping students with practical skills for the modern job market.
In the healthcare sector, Senator Katung’s advocacy for the upgrade of the Federal Medical Centre (FMC) Kafanchan has led to improved medical services, better healthcare infrastructure, and greater access to specialized treatment for residents. His unwavering support for healthcare initiatives continues to improve the quality of life in his constituency.
Beyond legislation, Senator Katung has taken bold steps to empower his constituents economically. Through targeted vocational training programs and financial grants, he has supported over 1,000 small businesses and entrepreneurs across Southern Kaduna. Women and youth, in particular, have benefitted from these initiatives, enabling them to achieve financial independence and contribute to the local economy.
Additionally, his scholarship programs have opened doors for students who might have otherwise been unable to afford higher education. So many students have benefitted from these educational interventions, reinforcing his belief that investing in the youth is the key to a brighter future.
At a time when political divisions often slow down progress, Senator Katung has proven to be a unifying force. His ability to work across party lines to pass crucial legislation underscores his commitment to governance over partisanship. He maintains an open-door policy, engaging with his constituents regardless of political affiliation, and ensuring that every voice is heard in the Senate.
Perhaps the most significant testament to Senator Katung’s leadership is the overwhelming support he enjoys from his people. Whether through community engagements or social media interactions, the gratitude and admiration from his constituents reflect the deep impact of his work.
As he continues his journey of service, his vision remains clear: to build a more prosperous, inclusive, and developed Southern Kaduna. With a track record of achievements and an unshakable commitment to the welfare of his people, Senator Sunday Marshall Katung is not just a politician—he is a leader whose impact will be felt for generations to come.
End.
By Israel Bulus
The Kaduna State Government has assured that it will revive scholarships for young sports enthusiasts as part of efforts to promote talent development and youth engagement.
The State Commissioner for Sports, Professor Benjamin Gugwong, gave this assurance on behalf of the government on Sunday during the kickoff of a unity football competition organized by Kamrum Integrated Farms in Zango Kataf Local Government Area.
Gugwong emphasized the government’s commitment to nurturing sports talents, stating that reviving the scholarship scheme will provide young athletes with opportunities to further their education while excelling in their chosen sports.
He commended Kamrum Integrated Farms for organizing the competition, describing it as a vital initiative that fosters unity and peace among youths in the state.
Earlier, the Chief Executive Officer of Kamrum Integrated Farms, Mr. Rijo Shekari, explained that the competition was conceived to promote peace and youth development within the area.
” Sports has a unique way of bringing people together, and through this tournament, he hopes to encourage youth participation in productive activities while identifying and nurturing football talents.
In their show of support, the Chairman of the Kaduna Internal Revenue Service (KADIRS), Mr. Jerry Adams, announced a donation of ₦500,000, and the Chairman of Kaura Local Government Area, Mr. Sankye Obadiah also gave ₦200,000 towards the competition, promising continued support for initiatives that promote youth empowerment and community engagement.
Delivering a goodwill message on behalf of the Chairman of Zango Kataf Local Government, the Vice Chairman, Mr. Godwin Ishaya Dandaura, commended Mr. Shekari for organizing the tournament.
He urged all participating teams to play with the spirit of sportsmanship, stressing that the competition should not be seen as a do-or-die affair but as a platform to build friendships and unity.
Also speaking, the Chairman, organising committee of the tournament, Mr. Gunners James, said the winner of the competition will receive one million naira cash price aside from the trophy, while the first runner up will get five hundred thousand naira.
ELANZA NEWS reports that a total of twenty-three football teams have registered to participate in the competition.