General
Ambode To Construct More 288 Roads
By Dipo Olowookere
Governor Akinwunmi Ambode of Lagos State has asked local council bosses in the state to submit to him more 288 roads in their localities for construction.
This is coming barely 48 hours after Mr Ambode commissioned 114 newly constructed roads across the state.
The Governor on Tuesday warned residents to resist the temptation to convert any of the newly constructed roads to venue for commercial purposes or parking lot for abandoned vehicles.
Speaking through his representatives at the various locations, Mr Ambode said that conversion of the roads to other uses other than for motorists would reduce its life span.
At the commissioning of Seriki Kemberi Road and Alhaji Rasak Street in Iba LCDA, the Governor was represented by Mr Oladele Adekanye, a member of the Lagos State House of Assembly and Apostle Alexander Bamgbola, the President of the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN), Lagos Chapter.
He lamented that some landlords in the state do not set aside space within their structures for parking, saying “rather, they ask their tenants to park on the road.
“Allowing heavy static load on the road will reduce the life span of the road. Good roads embellish the community. It would reduce flooding and residents would be able to live comfortably.”
Likewise, at the commissioning of Ojediran Shopitan and Taiwo Molajo streets both in Ikorodu West LCDA, Governor Ambode said illegal breaking of roads, usage as automobile workshop, as well as refuse dump, must stop henceforth on the new roads.
The Governor, who was represented by Asiwaju Olorunfunmi Bashorun at the commissioning of Ojediran Shopitan Street, noted that his government would not relent on its promise of an all inclusive government, boosting economic activities in the state, as well as guaranteeing safety of lives and properties of residents.
At Taiwo Molajo Street, member of the House of Assembly, Hon Abiodun Tobun who represented the Governor, urged residents to protect public utilities in their neighbourhood.
In Igando/Ikotun LCDA, the governor represented by Oba Onilado of Ilado, HRH Oba Mobadenle Oyekan, handed over newly constructed Osunba Street, near the Igando market in Alimosho area of the state.
Also commissioned in Igando/Ikotun LCDA by the Governor, represented by Oba Lasisi Gbadamosi of Igando, was Balogun Olanrewaju Road in Central Igando.
Sole Administrator of Igando/Ikotun LCDA, Mr Samuel Ajayi at the event, revealed that Governor Ambode had directed the 57 councils to submit 288 additional roads (four from each council) for construction consideration from 2017.
Mr Ajayi confirmed the receipt of a directive from Governor Ambode to submit four new roads for construction, a development he described as unprecedented in the history of Lagos.
At the commissioning of Apa Palace Road and Kweme Road both in Badagry West LCDA, Governor Ambode urged all stakeholders in the communities across the State to cultivate the habit of timely reportage of suspicious movement around them to security agencies to nip in the bud any potential security situation.
He said there was great need for community leaders to assist security agencies to address the menace of cultism, kidnapping, miscreants, vandalism and hoodlums by providing timely information.
Speaking through the Alapa of Apa Kingdom, HRM Oba Oyekan Adekanmi Ajose and a member of the Lagos State House of Assembly representing Badagry Constituency I, Mr Olanrewaju Layode, Governor Ambode said the 114 roads initiative was in fulfilment of the social pact which he signed with the people during the electioneering and his inaugural speech of running a system in which the “greatest good shall reach the greater majority of the people.”
In Eti-Osa Local Government Area, the Governor who was represented by his Special Adviser on Sports, Mr Deji Tinubu, commissioned Ologolo Road, while Hon. Tajudeen Olusi did likewise at the Oba Elegushi Road, Ilasan.
Commissioner for Local Government and Community Affairs, Hon. Muslim Folami who represented Governor Ambode at the commissioning of Oribanwa to Lakowe Link Road in Ibeju Lekki Local Government said the 114 roads was a phenomenal achievement in the history of Lagos State.
At the handover of Iberekodo Road in Eleko, also in Ibeju Lekki, Governor Ambode who spoke through a member of the House of Representatives, Hon. Abdulkabir Aiyeola urged residents to ensure that the infrastructure stands the test of time.
Deputy Speaker of the House of Assembly, Hon. Wasiu Eshinlokun and Chairman, Health Service Commission, Dr. Bayo Adeniyi who both represented Governor Ambode at the commissioning of Thomas Street and Evans Street, both in Lagos Island East Local Government respectively said the roads more roads in the area would be given a facelift next year.
Governor Ambode also inaugurated Coker/Lafenwa Street and Ifoshi/Fadu Street in Ejigbo LCDA, and was represented by Professor Tunde Samuel, a former Special Adviser on Education and Kehinde Bamigbetan, his Special Adviser on Communities and Communication.
Similarly, the Governor also commissioned Balogun Street, Kuje and Dillion Street, both in Oriade LCDA and Omoalade Alafia and Oloruntoyin/Jebina Streets in Bariga Local Government, where he was represented by Alhaja Ali Ogundeji, Chairman, Ojo Community Development Council, Commissioner for Finance, Dr. Mustapha Akinkunmi, member House of Assembly, Hon. Rotimi Abiru and Mr Sanya Ajayi respectively.
By Adedapo Adesanya
President Bola Tinubu will embark on a state visit to France on Wednesday and stay in the European country for the next three days in honour of an invitation from President Emmanuel Macron.
The presidency disclosed this in a statement on Tuesday signed by the Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy, Mr Bayo Onanuga.
The statement said President Tinubu will “be received on Thursday at the 350-year-old French military museum, Les Invalides and Palais de l’Élysée, by Mr Macron and his spouse, Brigitte, for initial ceremonies that will dovetail into bilateral meetings.”
“The Nigerian leader’s three-day visit, which will focus on strengthening political, economic, and cultural relations and establishing more opportunities for partnership, particularly in agriculture, security, education, health, youth engagement and employment, innovation, and energy transition, promises significant benefits for Nigeria,” the statement said.
“Both leaders will participate in political and diplomatic meetings highlighting shared values on finance, solid minerals, trade and investments, and communication. They will also witness a session by the France-Nigeria Business Council, which oversees private sector participation in economic development.
“Brigitte and Nigeria’s First Lady will discuss the latter’s passion for empowering women, children, and the most vulnerable through the Renewed Hope Initiative,” it added.
The President will travel for the visit with his wife, Mrs Oluremi Tinubu, and other senior government officials. They will be hosted at a state dinner by the French leader before their departure.
By Aduragbemi Omiyale
Some trucks belonging to the Nigerian National Petroleum Company (NNPC) Limited have been sighted lifting premium motor spirit (PMS), otherwise known as petrol, at the newly-renovated Port Harcourt Refinery in Rivers State.
The facility commenced processing crude oil processing on Monday of about 90,000 barrels per day, representing 60 per cent of its installed capacity of 150,000 barrels per day.
The plant began production three years after the government approved $1.5 billion for its rehabilitation.
On Tuesday, trucks stormed the refinery to load petrol and other petroleum products in preparation for competing with the Dangote Refinery, which commenced PMS production in September 2024.
The Chief Corporate Communications Officer of NNPC, Mr Olufemi Soneye, in a statement today, said trucks began loading petroleum products which include Premium Motor Spirit (PMS) or petrol, Automotive Gas Oil (AGO) or diesel and Household Kerosene (HHK) or Kerosene, while other product slates will be dispatched as well.
Speaking during a brief ceremony to mark the commencement of product loading at the refinery today, the chief executive of the form, Mr Mele Kyari, described this as a monumental achievement for Nigeria which signifies a new era of energy independence and economic growth for the country.
He thanked President Bola Tinubu for his unwavering support and understanding towards the rehabilitation project and for his persistence in ensuring energy security for the country.
Mr Kyari also expressed deep appreciation to the NNPC board and the entire staff for their support and commitment, which crystallized into the streaming of the refinery, commending the contractors for doing a great job in ensuring that the refinery is delivered despite all challenges.
In his remarks, the Chief Executive of the Nigerian Midstream & Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority (NMDPRA), Mr Farouk Ahmed, congratulated the NNPC for the milestone and assured of his agency’s continued support towards the completion of rehabilitation work at the other refineries.
The refinery rehabilitation project is an Engineering, Procurement, Construction, Installation and Commissioning (EPCIC) project aimed at restoring the refinery to full functionality and renewal.
It has achieved over 16 million manhours with zero Loss Time Injury (LTI).
By Adedapo Adesanya
The Nigerian Navy has arrested three individuals suspected of attempting to smuggle 20,000 litres of petrol into the Republic of Cameroon as the country continues to battle oil theft.
The arrest took place on Monday during a routine night patrol on Mbo River, according to the Nigerian Navy’s Forward Operating Base, FOB, in Ibaka, Akwa Ibom State.
This was disclosed by the Commanding Officer of the Nigerian Navy Forward Operating Base, Ibaka, Captain Uche Aneke.
“The suspects were arrested at about 7 p.m. while our operatives were conducting a stop-and-search during a routine patrol.
“Upon intercepting the wooden vessel, which was laden with about 1,000 cartons of different brands of beer and other goods, we discovered 100 drums of PMS carefully concealed under the cartons,” Captain Aneke added.
The seized items, along with the suspects, were handed over to the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) for further investigation.
Captain Aneke also reiterated the Navy’s commitment to combating maritime crimes and issued a stern warning to those involved in illicit activities.
“I warn individuals or groups involved in smuggling or any form of criminal activity within Nigeria’s waters to desist immediately.
“Criminal elements in the FOB Ibaka area of operations under the Eastern Naval Command Area of Responsibility will continue to be detected using advanced surveillance equipment and intelligence.
“Nigeria’s waters and the Nigerian coastal areas are not for illegal activities.”
Receiving the suspects and exhibit, the Assistant Superintendent of Corps, NSCDC, Akwa Ibom Command, Mr Willie Sunday, confirmed the transfer.
“We will further investigate and possibly prosecute the suspects,” he added.
Oil theft has been one of Nigeria’s main challenges. It has led to a drop in revenue earnings and has forced the Nigerian government to step up security efforts in the Niger Delta.
Latest data from the National Bureau of Statistics (NBS) showed that Nigeria’s oil production averaged 1.47 million barrels per day in the second quarter of the year, compared to 1.45 million barrels per day in the first quarter.
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