Feb

22

2023

Oyo People Eulogise FG For Infrastructure Development

The people of Ibadan, the capital of Oyo state were full of joy and gratitude as the Federal Government commissioned  and handed  over a 0.75 kilometre  internal road to the National Centre for Generic and Biotechnology Agency, ( NACGRAB) located at  the National Cereals Research Institute Complex in Ibadan in  Oyo State rehabilitated by the Federal Ministry of works and Housing.

Speaking at the occasion, the Honourable Minister of Works and Housing Mr. Babatunde Raji Fashola, SAN, represented by the Federal Controller of Works, Oyo State, Engineer Kayode Ibrahim revealed that Oyo State is benefitting tremendiously from the  federal government road projects. He said, " I can testify that a number of roads have received attention, from Lagos to Ibadan and Shagamu to Ibadan roads. We are pushing to finish them before May,2023."

Fashola added that  "When you go round the state you will see that work is going on in many places at a great speed." He said that the Ibadan-Ife - Ilesa road was a night mare to road users before now, adding that Iwo road to Asejire to Ife is also presently receiving massive attention .

The Minister also confirmed that the contract for the rehabilitation of Ibadan - Oyo road had been awarded and the contractors are ready to hit the ground running.

He also disclosed that "Reynolds Construction Company, (RCC) is working round the clock on the Oyo Ogbomosho road with the aim of connecting it to the highway at the end of this year." The Minister also disclosed that work is  on going at the Ogbomosho road because all obstacles had been removed and funds also   released. 

Babatunde Fashola in the same vain said that  construction work is currently on going in a session  at Oke - Ogun called Okerete from Shaki which is about a hundred kilometres, this previous administration had abandoned. 

He also said that Isaleadini road that was abandoned for long  and Okeohun road are receiving attention while road users are currently plying them freely with ease. 

The Minister said other projects implemented by the Buhari administration in Oyo State include, the school of Survey, an internal road at University College Hospital, UCH, Ibadan and Moor Plantation.

In his welcome address,  the Director of The National Centre for Generic and Biotechnology,( NACGRAB) Dr. Anthony Okere who was represented by Dr. Abisoye Ojo  expressed gratitude to the Federal Government for the internal road intervention project. The Director said access road to the Animal Generic Resource and Field in NACGRAB had worsened over the years due to gully erosion and transportion  of  farm equipments, livestock and their feeds as well as  mobility of staff and guests of the Centre had been a nightmare but with the rehabilitation of the road by the Federal Ministry of Works and Housing it has become a thing of the past.

Officials  of some other Federal organisations such as the National Cereal Institute, Regional Office of the Federal Ministry of Agriculture, Nigerian Institute of Animal Science with office and residential accommodation within the NCRI Complex expressed appreciation to the Federal Government for the work done. 

This road network will benefit about fourteen organisations both state and federal, who are being accommodated within the complex.

Feb

15

2023

College Provost Commends FMWH for Another Intervention

.....Says College's Staff quarters built by FMW in 1974

Provost of the Federal College of Education, Pankshin, Plateau State, Dr A.B Cirfat has commended the Federal Ministry of Works and Housing for yet another intervention in the College.

The provost, spoke during the formal handing over of 1.04 km internal road rehabilitated by the Federal Ministry of Works and Housing in the Federal College of Education, Pankshin.

Dr Cirfat revealed that it was the same Federal Ministry of Works and Housing that built the College’s Staff quarters in 1974 when the College was established.

" The major intervention when the College was established in 1974 was by the Federal Ministry of Works and Housing that built the Staff quarters. The buildings still carry the inscriptions of the Federal Ministry of Works and Housing " he said

In his hand over address, Works and Housing Minister, Babatunde Fashola stated that, the importance of infrastructure to learning environment and quality of education cannot be under estimated, hence the Federal Government has remained committed to bridging the infrastructure gaps in the country, including those of institutions of learning.
 
He said " It is undebatable that the quality of education will be impacted by the quality of infrastructure and the learning environment"

Fashola was represented at the occasion by the Federal Controller of Works in Plateau State, Engr Usman Abubakar

Accordingly, the Minister explained that government was steadily bridging the infrastructure gap by a gradual process of repairs, renewal and construction on major highways, which had now reached the schools.

He revealed that the Federal government has provided 83 internal road intervention projects in various Federal tertiary institutions across the country and the completed ones were being handed over now, of which FCE Pankshin is among.

The road projects according to Fashola, benefited not only the students and the institution's community but also provided jobs for youths, stating that 34 people were employed in the process of the rehabilitation of the road in the FCE Pankshin.

The College Provost who was represented by Deputy Provost, Dr (Mrs) Christiana Zumyil appreciated the Ministry of Works and Housing for always remembering the College, saying that, the entire College Community were excited with the project.

" The entire College staff and students are grateful to the Federal Ministry of Works and Housing. We appreciate the Ministry for always remembering the College by coming to our aid whenever we needed it" he said

Dr Cirfat said that the rehabilitated road has now given the College a new good look, urging the Ministry to still come to the aid of the College by building shoulders of the main road across the main gate in order to stop further damage of the road during the raining season.

In his remarks, the College Director of Works, Arc Miri Gofer commended the speed with which the rehabilitation work was carried out, saying that the work has really eased traffic in the college.

He also commended the first major intervention, building of staff quarters by the federal Ministry of Works when the College was established in 1974, urging that the remaining internal roads in the college would also be considered in the next intervention

Master Betfa Innocent, an NCE 2 Student of Business Education described the road intervention in the College as face saving for the College Community, saying that movement in and out was now much easier.

Master Innocent thanked the federal government and the Minister of Works for such great concern and action in the College

The 1.04 km road in the FCE Pankshin links the Academic area in the College with the administrative block, Convocation square, staff quarters and student’s hostel.

Feb

09

2023

OFFICIAL COMMISSIONING OF HOUSING PROJECTS UNDER THE NATIONAL HOUSING PROGRAMME (NHP) PHASE 1, UGWOGO NIKE VILLAGE, ENUGU STATE.

Feb

06

2023

Works Ministry Gets N110b SUKUK Funding for Roads.

The Federal Ministry of Works and Housing on Monday received a cheque of N110 billions of SUKUK funding for the execution of critical road projects across the six geo-political zones of the country.

Two Ministries benefited from a total of N130 billion 2022 SUKUK Fund, these are: Federal Ministry of Works and Housing and the Federal Capital Territory. While the Federal Ministry of Works and Housing received N110 billion, the Ministry of the Federal Capital Territory received N20 billion.

The SUKUK fund is a form of Public Private Partnership (PPP) which was among the funding options adopted by the Federal Government under President Muhammadu Buhari to fund the construction of critical roads in Nigeria.

Receiving the cheque on behalf of the Ministry, the Minister of Works and Housing, Mr. Babatunde Fashola, SAN gave an account of the nature of the nation’s road before the introduction of the SUKUK funding.

According to him, the total capital budget for road projects across the nation for Federal Ministry of Works and Housing in year 2015 was N18 billion. He  said: “As of 2015 the Capital budget for Works was just N18 billion for all Nigerian roads at the time oil prices were just dropping shy of a hundred dollar per barrel and all that could be committed to Nigerian roads was just N18 billion.”

Explaining the impact of the meager amount spent on Nigerian roads then, he said that construction companies were therefore laying off staff because the Federal Government was owning these companies. “That was the story before SUKUK,” he said.

Fashola stated that this development could not fund the nation’s road projects adequately, adding that despite the fact that the Capital budget position of the Ministry was moved from N18 billion to over N260 billion in 2016, Federal Government had to look into alternative sources of funding road projects because that was not still enough.

“That is where the SUKUK funding came in and through the SUKUK, we have completed several road and bridge projects across the six geo-political zones of the country,”.

According to him, SUKUK financing has enhanced the completion of some of the priority road and bridge projects across the country.

Earlier the host, Minister of Finance, Budget & National Planning, Dr. Zainab Shamsuna Ahmed while presenting the cheque to the two Ministries said that President Muhammadu Buhari was committed to the development of road infrastructure of the country.

While listing the intervention of the Federal Government of Nigeria Sovereign SUKUK Fund in the Nation’s Road infrastructure, Dr. Ahmed disclosed that in 2017, the sum of N100 Billion was expended on the nation’s road infrastructure, N200 Billion in 2018, N362.56 Billion in 2020, N612.56 Billion in 2021, and N742.56 Billion in 2022 respectively.

She said: “This symbolic event therefore is part of the celebration of the contribution of the Sovereign SUKUK Fund to road infrastructure development over the years.”

Feb

02

2023

Implementation Of Phase Two Of NNPC-Funded Tax Credit Scheme On 44 Road Projects Nationwide Gains Momentum

•      As Fashola Convenes Stakeholders’ Meeting, unveil roads  
•      Describes policy as a very defining legacy for President Buhari
•      NNPCL, FIRS other stakeholders pledge to sustain funding till completion
•      Contractors pledge timely delivery of quality road infrastructure
•      This Minister has set a record of achievements – NARTO President

With appreciable progress being made in the first Phase, the implementation of the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation Limited and Federal Inland Revenue Service (NNPCL/FIRS) Second Phase for the rehabilitation and construction of 44 critical roads across the country under the Tax Credit Scheme initiative of the Federal Government gained momentum Tuesday as the Minister of Works and Housing convened a meeting of the Stakeholders and briefed the press while also unveiling the roads.

The Meeting came barely a fortnight after the approval of the Memorandum on the proposal by the NNPC and its subsidiaries, NNPC Exploration and Production (NEPL) and NNPC Gas Infrastructure Company Limited (NGIC) to undertake the rehabilitation of 44 roads spread across the six geopolitical zones of the country.

The selected roads, amounting to 4,554.19 kilometres, include those in the South-South zone which are the Completion of Benin-Warri Dual Carriageway, Edo/Delta States; East-West Road, (Section I) Warri-Kaiama in Delta/Bayelsa States; East-West Road (Section II –I) Port Harcourt-Ahoada in Rivers State; East-West Road (Section II-II) Ahoada-Kaiama in Rivers/Bayelsa States and East-West Road (Section III) Onne Junction-Eket in Akwa Ibom State.

Others are Dualization of East-West Road (Section IV) Eket-Oron also in Akwa Ibom; Upgrading of 15-kilometre Port Harcourt-Onne Junction (Section IIIA) in Rivers State; Construction of Eket Bypass (Dual Carriageway) in Akwa Ibom State; Dualization of Lokoja-Benin Road: Obajana Junction-Benin Section II Phase I: Okene-Auchi, Kogi/Edo States; Dualization of Lokoja-Benin Road: Obajana Junction-Benin Section III Phase I: Auchi-Ehor, Kogi/Edo States; Dualization of Lokoja-Benin Road: Obajana Junction-Benin Section IV Phase I: Ehor-Benin City; and Nembe-Brass Road in Bayelsa State. All the roads amount to a total of 1,308.3 kilometres.

The North East Zone has a total of 1,054 kilometres consisting of Rehabilitation of Yola-Mubi-Maiduguri Road in Adamawa/Borno States; Rehabilitation of Maiduguri - Monguno Road; Rehabilitation of Numan-Jalingo Road in Taraba/Adamawa States; Rehabilitation of Yola-Hong-Mubi Road in Adamawa State; Reconstruction of Bali-Serti-(Gashaka)-Gembu Road in Taraba State; and Rehabilitation of Yashi - Deguri - Yalo Road in Bauchi State.

North Central zone has 763.13 kilometres consisting of Rehabilitation of Minna-Zungeru-Tegina-Kontagora Road in Niger State, Section I: Minna-Tegina; Rehabilitation of Minna-Zungeru-Tegina-Kontagora Road in Niger State, Section II: Tegina-Kontagora; Shendam-Yelwa-Mato Junction-Taraba Border with Spurs in Plateau/Taraba States; Dualization of Suleija-Minna Road in Niger State: and Dualization of Lokoja-Benin Road: Obajana Junction-Benin Section I Phase I: Obajana-Okene, Kogi State.

Others include the Reconstruction of the existing Pavement and Completion of the additional Pavement on the Dualisation of Abuja - Lokoja Highway Section Ill: Abaji - Koton Karfe Road in Abuja/ Kogi State; Construction of the Jarmai-Bashar-Zuruk-Andame-Karim Lamido Road in Plateau and Taraba States; Reconstruction and Expansion of Mararaba - Keffi Road in Nasarawa State.

The North West Zone has a total of 980 Kilometres of roads being reconstructed consisting of Dualization of Zaria-Funtua-Gusau-Sokoto Road in Kaduna, Katsina, Zamfara and Sokoto States: Section I Zaria-Funtua-Gusau; Dualization of Zaria-Funtua-Gusau-Sokoto Road in Kaduna, Katsina, Zamfara and Sokoto States: Section II Gusau-Sokoto Road; Dualization of Zaria-Funtua-Gusau-Sokoto Road in Kaduna, Katsina, Zamfara and Sokoto States: Section II Gusau-Sokoto Road in Zamfara State; Dualization of Zaria-Funtua-Gusau-Sokoto Road in Kaduna, Katsina, Zamfara and Sokoto States: Section III Gusau-Sokoto Road in Zamfara and Sokoto States; Dualization and Construction of Kano-Kwanar Dauja-Hadejia Road in Kano/Jigawa States, Section I. Tsalle-Hadejia; Dualization and Construction of Kano-Kwanar Dauja-Hadejia Road in Kano/Jigawa States, Section II. Kano-Tsalle; and Rehabilitation of Kaduna-Pambeguwa-Jos Road in Kaduna/Plateau States.

South East has 297.52 kilometres of roads consisting of Rehabilitation of Aba - Owerri Road NNPC Depot Expressway, Abia State; Rehabilitation of Otuocha - Anam- Nzam- Innoma-Iheaka- Ibaji Section of Otuocha - Ibaji-Odulu-Ajegwu in Anambra State; Construction of Ihiala-Orlu-Umuduru Road (Ihiala-Amaifeke Section) and Completion of Spur in Isseke Town-Amafuo-Uli in Imo/Anambra States.

It also includes Rehabilitation of Old Enugu - Onitsha Road (Opi Junction - Ukehe Okpatu-Aboh Udi-Oji to Anambra Border) in Enugu State; Construction of Omor-Umulokpa Road in Anambra and Enugu States; Rehabilitation of Ozalla-Akpugo-Amagunze-Ihuokpara-Nkomoro-Isu-Onicha (Enugu-Onicha) with a Spur to Onunweke in Enugu State; and Rehabilitation of Old Enugu – Port Harcourt Road (Agbogugu-Abia Border Spur to Mmaku) in Enugu State.

The South-West has a total of 150.56 Km of roads consisting of Rehabilitation and Expansion of Lagos-Badagry Expressway (Agbara Junction-Nigeria/Benin Border) in Lagos State; Dualization of Akure-Ita Ogbolu-Iju-Ado Ekiti State Road, Section I: Akure - Ita Ogbolu - Iju - Ekiti State Border in Ondo State; and Dualization of Akure-Ita Ogbolu-Iju-Ado Ekiti State Road, Section II: Ita Ogbolu - Iju – Ado-Ekiti in Ekiti State.

In his remarks at the Meeting and Press Briefing, Fashola described the public private sector agreement as a very defining legacy for President Muhammadu Buhari pointing out that the impact of the “very innovative investment policy” would help Nigeria to really do business both locally and internationally being a sound infrastructure-based investment policy on which business is done.

The Minister, who recalled that back in 2015 at the inception of the Buhari Administration, contractors were being owed two to three years’ payment arrears resulting in the shutdown of many project sites and laying off of construction workers by the companies, added that the Buhari administration arrested the situation by budgetary expansion from N18 billion for the whole of Nigeria’s road by the previous administration to N260 billion in 2016.

“You were being owed”, the Minister reminded the contractors at the Meeting. “Some of the complaints that I heard at the first meetings that I had with many of you when I was first appointed Minister were that you were paid only 10 percent advance payment two or three years ago. That was how bad the construction industry was when we started”, he said adding that some of the roads were contracted back to “the private sector” to go and raise fund to finance them.

Fashola, who also recalled that the roads contracted to the private sector, included the Lagos-Ibadan Expressway and the Second Niger Bridge, among others, added, “But where was the private sector going to raise hundreds of billions of Naira to fund them”. He explained that the Buhari administration had to utilize more practical funding initiatives like SUKUK.

Recalling the controversies and criticisms that followed the borrowing option which the administration chose to fund the road and bridge projects, the Minister, who acknowledged the concern of the people over debt, however, added, that the debts “are buying roads, bridges, airports and seaports, assets that will last and sustain Nigeria’s development for the next 50 years”.

He pointed out that the administration also met debt when it took power adding, however, that the difference between it and its predecessor was that the debts it met on assumption of office in 2015 had no assets attached to them while the Buhari administration invested its debts on infrastructure assets. He said the choices at the time were either borrow or increase taxation noting that without any of the choices, the economy would collapse.

Faced with the choices, the Minister said, the administration took the borrowing option and also utilized an expansionist fiscal budget from N18 billion to N260 billion, adding that it thereafter supported the SUKUK and also went to recover some of the monies taken away from this country which today, according to him, “are building Abuja-Kano Highway, Lagos-Ibadan and the nearly completed 2ndNiger Bridge”.

Giving a brief history of the NNPC/FIRS agreement, Fashola, who said that the NNPCL was investing its resources into infrastructure, explained the ideology of the Road Infrastructure Development and Refurbishment Investment Tax Credit Scheme as “a new model of partnership with the private sector companies whereby government is saying, “Give me my tax in advance and I will invest it in infrastructure”.

“That model is why all of you are here”, he told the audience consisting of funding agencies and government representatives as well as contractors and newsmen adding that the innovation “shows the clear difference between two different government policies and it shows how they affect your businesses”.

On the 44 roads, Fashola, who explained that many of them have been contracted but without funds to execute them, told the contractors, “This intervention, therefore, is to complete those roads and the NNPCL is providing the fund. And this is the crux; because it means that whether we are here, Buhari is here but is going in the next four months, there is sustainability in the completion of these roads. And they have assured me that when you work to specification, the money is there”.

Noting that there are 21 roads in Phase One of the Scheme covering 1,804.6 kilometres, Fashola explained that there are other interventions by other groups like the Dangote Group, the NLNG Group in Bodo-Bonny, the MTN Group in Enugu-Onitsha Highway and others adding that this represented a very defining moment for the construction industry and allied industries.

The Minister appealed to all the communities encroaching on the right-of-way along the road corridors to vacate the places adding that all the claims for compensation by people who have encroached on such right-of-way would not be honoured while they must quit the encroached places or risk forceful ejection.

“Our right-of-way is 45.75 metres from both sides of the centre line. Many of the people who have built petrol stations and shops are inside our right-of-way. We will not pay compensation to those who have trespassed into our land, so they must leave”, he said appealing, however, that where the government needs right-of-way outside its zone, State governments, Village and Traditional Heads should appeal to their people to allow passage.

Fashola added, “These roads are not taking away your lands rather they are bringing prosperity to you and we expect that in the process of nation building everyone must be ready to contribute something”.

Highlighting the benefits of the revitalized construction industry to the economy, the Minister declared, “We have increased the number of quarrying companies, sand quarrying has also increased from 247 to 302. Granite quarrying companies have also increased from 334 to 655 and those who are quarrying laterite have increased from 108 to 259”.

Describing quarrying as a driver of the construction industry, the Minister who said it is impossible to build roads without laterite and granite, added “And this translates to jobs as we build more quarries. I am sure members of NARTO and NURTW who are here can begin to calculate how many trucks trips and how much income that could bring. I was at their AGM recently and the least they could say is “Business is good”. This is the impact of a policy that is driving the economy”.

The Minister also cautioned the Contractors against variation in the contract noting that the agreement was very specific on the variation. He declared, “So if you are going to ask for variation please opt out and say you cannot carry on with the programme. That is one of the reasons we are signing the agreement; and that is from the investors’ side because they are not factoring in variation”.

He appealed to the financiers for timely payment of certificates for work done adding, “We need to improve the governance side of payment so that when receipts come, payments should not be delayed unnecessarily. Delayed payments increase the chances of variation. So, it is critical now that we also, with dispatch, sign the contracts when we are able, start the work so that we can process all the advance payments”.

He urged the legal department of the Ministry to hasten the preparation of the documents so the agreement could be signed soon adding, “We have just finished our EMBER Months programme so this meeting is very strategic and we should handle it properly. The NNPC and FIRS are ready to go. So, I call on our legal department to accelerate the completion of this agreement.

The Minister also warned the contractors, “Quality must not be compromised; they will have their own consultants. So, if their consultant queries the quality of your job, you don’t get paid. We don’t have the money; they have the money”.

Those who spoke at the event included the Group Managing Director of NNPCL represented by the Chief Financial Officer, Mr. Umar Ajiya, the Chairman of the FIRS, Mr. Mohammed Nami, who all pledged to ensure the success of the Scheme, representatives of the contractors and President of NARTO, President of the NURTW who all hailed the Buhari administration and the Minister for driving the economy positively through massive investment in infrastructure. According to the NARTO President, “This Minister has set a record of achievements”.

Jan

28

2023

FUT Minna Gets FG's 1.25 km Road Intervention  

The Intervention Initiative of the Federal Ministry of Works and Housing in the Internal Roads of Federal Tertiary Institutions Nationwide has reached the Federal University of Technology (FUT) Minna, as a 1.25-kilometer road in the institution got rehabilitated.

The rehabilitated road was handed over to the Management of the University by the Federal Controller of Works Niger State, Engr Moshood Adekunle Samotu on behalf of the Minister of Works and Housing, Babatunde Fashola, Friday, January 27, 2023.

In his address, the Minister, Mr Raji Fashola stated that the intervention in the internal roads of tertiary institutions across the country by the federal government is a critical investment in education.

Fashola described the intervention as a critical support and an investment in education.

He explained the need to bridge the infrastructure gap in schools, saying that the government has successfully intervened in 64 internal Road projects in various Federal Tertiary Institutions.

" We have handed over a total of 46 as at March, 2022 and we now have another 18 ready to be handed over, while we are currently attending to 19 roads in similar institutions across the country making a total of 83 ".

Mr. Fashola pointed out that the administration of President Muhammadu Buhari has stepped up effort in leading the process of getting the work done, pointing that the intervention has contributed to the job creation initiative of the government and disclosed that 30 people had been employed during the road construction in FUT Minna.

In his remarks, the Vice Chancellor, FUT Minna, Professor Faruk Adamu Kuta described the road intervention as laudable and important to the University Community.

Professor Kuta appreciated the Minister of Works and Housing Babatunde Raji Fashola for the road intervention in his school, praying that the University should also be considered as a beneficiary when similar intervention is conceived in future.   

In an interview, Dr. Auta Manaissa, Dean Students Affairs said that, the University was experiencing a helpless situation before the intervention and now the entire University community are happy as free access has been facilitated by the road rehabilitation

Testimonies from Students in the University, all pointed out that the rehabilitated 1.25km road had greatly impacted on their learning environment, as free and faster access has now been facilitated for staff and students in the course of carrying out their academic activities

The students that spoke include; Financial Secretary of the Students Union Government (SUG), Aminat Abdulraheem, a student of Agriculture and Bio- Resources; Attah Danladi Mustafa, Student Representative member; Zaccheus Philip Adinoyi, a 200-level student of Mechanic Engineering; and Abdulrahman Khidir Olayinka, a student of Animal Production Technology.

Generally, the students commended the Government of President Muhammadu Buhari for bringing this laudable project to the institution.

Accordingly, the students were of the view that the University needs more of such projects in its permanent site to further fast track its development.

The 1.25 kilometers newly rehabilitated internal road in FUT Minna connects the following buildings in the University; University Clinic; Sports Complex; School of Innovative Technology; Ultra-modern market; Students Hostels (block A-G & H); Hostels Mosque and the University Chapel.

Jan

25

2023

Religious And Tribal Tolerance: Panacea to Peaceful Co-Existence in Nigeria - The Rev. Euba Example, Being the Text of The First Reverend William Benjamin Euba Memorial Lecture 110th Founders Day Celebration

Ladies and gentlemen, I wish to thank you all for the honour of inviting me to speak at this year's Founders Day celebration of the Eko Boys High School and in particular for inaugurating this Memorial lecture in honour of the visionary Reverend William Benjamin Euba now of very blessed memory, who founded this school.

I know that in 1955 when the Premier of the Western Region inaugurated the free primary education program across the western region, the prevailing condition was one of mass illiteracy.

While many of our people are now literate in numeracy and letters, and they can now operate a telephone, this literacy that we have come to take for granted, was unthinkable on any scale in the western region in 1955.  Large numbers of people simply could not put meaning to numbers and letters talk less of reading or writing.

One of the permanent businesses of that time, was that of a professional letter writer. Yes, in case you did not know or you have forgotten that was a business that once thrived in Nigeria and which happily by the vision and execution of Awolowo, is now history, because the monopoly of knowledge by a few has been democratised by the leadership provided by one man and his team.

But my intervention is not about Obafemi Awolowo but rather about William Euba.

But it is important to put matters in context by emphasising how difficult things were in 1955 when Awolowo intervened, which is just 68 years ago.

You can therefore imagine perhaps how much more difficult the Euba era was, back in January 1913 when he opened the doors of Eko Boys High School to the public to get Educated.

That was 110 years ago today and approximately 42 years before free education started; and interestingly, both events occurred in January.

On a lighter note, and for those who have recently been involved in the debate over who is the greatest of all time between Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo, I do not intend such a debate between Euba and Awolowo.

Rather, I seek to celebrate the farsightedness of their vision about the importance of education and knowledge to nation building, peaceful coexistence and information management for rational choices.

This school, founded by Reverend Euba, and the many more that have come after it have in my view been the glue that has bound our people together in more ways than we have either acknowledged or appreciated.

This is the background to my discussion of the topic of this lecture: Religious and Tribal Tolerance: Panacea to Peaceful Coexistence in Nigeria - The Reverend Euba Example.

The example of Rev. Euba remains iconic because he set up a school that opened its doors to people from all walks of life, in our diverse country.

The importance of this educational tolerance to peaceful coexistence is easy to miss, if we do not understand how strong identities are, and how even more strongly people cling to their tribal, ethnic, and religious identities.

For those who want to delve into the matter of identity more deeply, I recommend, “IDENTITY: The Demand for Dignity and the Politics of Resentment” by Francis Fukuyama.

But for the purpose of today, it is simply important to stress how strongly those identities magnify our suspicions about one another, inflame myths about others in our minds and expand fault lines that overshadows the common bonds of humanity that we all share.

It is the very early work and initiative of men like Reverend Euba and other missionaries of the time to open access to formal education for African and Nigerian children on a non-discriminatory basis that has helped in no small way to bridge those gaps that are being widened by manipulation of our ethnic and religious diversity.

As I have had cause to argue on occasion, if our creator has demonstrated the capacity to create diversity, certainly nothing could have prevented him from making us all the same other than his infinite wisdom that our diversity would better enrich us and make our planet a more exciting place.

Regrettably this is what a few people (and I insist that they are few) choose to weaponize and deny us of the richness and excitement that the creator intended for us.

Clearly, Reverend Euba saw through their chicanery many years before it matured. He chose education as his weapon to put those few people in their place.

A place of irrelevance and ignominy, supplanted by the training of a large army of young people who have the understanding of both religions, who accept the minor differences between them and who decide to embrace the fundamentals of a common good and a common humanity.

Those young people, by virtue of the opportunity they got to attend the same school, sit in the same classrooms, eat together and participate in sporting activities together have learned that we are not different from one another even if we speak different languages.

Afterall, as Bishop Desmond Tutu of blessed memory argues in his book "God is not a Christian," that the languages we speak and the faith we profess are not divine; on the contrary they are products of where we were born and to whom we were born.

Those accidental circumstances should not define our essence. They should not be points of discord or discontent. Rather they should serve as sources of strength and richness which in fact they are.

It is to the eternal credit of Reverend William Benjamin Euba and others like him that they saw these sources of strength and richness and exposed young men and women to them through education.

This has turned a generation of young men and women into a large army of adults who have overcome religious and ethnic differences to contribute to national good and development.

Permit me to illustrate this phenomenon, by telling you a story that is only one example of many uncountable stories, which keeps the very few peddlers of division in check in our country.

On the 16th day of December 2022, I was invited to the Church Missionary Society (CMS) Grammar School premises to open an e-learning centre at the school premises in Bariga area of Lagos.

The centre had 300 computers, high speed broadband internet, fully equipped IT lab, for students and many other facilities for librarians and teachers. It was not built by the Anglican mission nor was it built by a Christian.

It was built by a Muslim, Senator Olugbenga Bareehu Ashafa, a two-term senator and now the Managing Director of the Federal Housing Authority.

It was built in part because he was an old boy of that school. The Anglican mission did not shut him out about 50 years ago when he sought admission there, on the grounds that he was a Muslim.

On the contrary, they opened their doors to him, and interestingly while still a student, the school gave him a special permission to perform the Hajj pilgrimage to Mecca as his parents wished and he returned to complete his education.

As I said, at the occasion, what is a Bareehu doing amongst Anglicans? Only the farsighted vision of missionaries and men like Reverend Euba could have found a place of comfort for a Bareehu amongst Anglicans, and for me a Raji in Eko Boys High School. Yes, I passed through this school for one year.

Ladies and gentlemen, Reverend Euba’s place in Nigeria’s quest for peaceful coexistence is legendary. We cannot thank him enough. May his kind, generous and visionary soul continue to rest in peace and may his example continue to inspire our nation.

Jan

19

2023

Fashola Performs Ground Breaking of 116 FISH Housing Programme Units in Gwagwalada, FCT

Works and Housing Minister, Babatunde Fashola has performed the official ground breaking ceremony of 116 housing units under the Federal Integrated Staff Housing (FISH) Programme in Gwagwalada town of the Federal Capital Territory, Abuja, Thursday, January 19th, 2023.

In his capacity as Special Guest of the occasion, in his address, the Minister described Civil Servants as Critical Component of Development in a Nation, that is why the administration of President Muhammadu Buhari is paying special attention to their welfare needs in terms of Housing.

The Minister who spoke in parables, reeled out many policy efforts being demonstrated by the present administration, targeted towards uplifting the welfare of Civil and Public Servants in Nigeria in order to make them comfortable to perform optimally.

He listed among others; the Federal Government's support for States to clear their salaries liabilities; civil servants salary review; Pension reforms, and the removal of equity contribution of the Federal Mortgage Bank housing loan of below N5 million for Civil Servants.

The Minister also commended the leadership of the Ministry's public building and housing directorate for their commitment in securing the land and development of the site master plan and infrastructure that has enabled developers' interest for investment.

Accordingly, he assured the Gwagwalada community of government’s continued effort in developing the area, citing the recent tax credit policy investment on infrastructure, and happily the Abaji- Lokoja road is among the beneficiaries.

Earlier in her keynote address, the Head of Service of the Fedration , Dr Folashade Yemi Esan thanked the Federal Ministry of Works and Housing under His Excellency, Babatunde Fashola for graciously providing the expansive land in a prime area spanning 5 hectares  .

Dr Folashade described the ground breaking event as a watershed moment in accelerating attainment of government's agenda of ensuring the welfare of civil servants through the provision of affordable housing.

Accordingly, she said, the FISH Programme was conceptualized as a vehicle to address the current housing deficit faced by civil servants consequent upon monetization policy that saw the selling of  government's quarters across the country.

Jan

17

2023

Federal Government Hands Over Internal Road Project at Federal Medical Centre Yenagoa

…...MD and others express gratitude.

On behalf of the Federal Government, Babatunde Raji Fashola, SAN the Honourable Minister of Works and Housing has handed over a 380 metres internal road at the Federal Medical Centre, Yenagoa, Bayelsa State.

The minister who was represented at the event by the Federal Controller Works, Bayelsa State, Engr. Patrick Nneji said that the road project was an intervention in the health sector to improve the health condition of all humanity.

Fashola said, "It is undebatable that the quality of health will be impacted by the quality of infrastructure and those who doubt it should simply listen to some of the feedbacks from staff of the Centre, where this type of intervention has taken place."

The minister disclosed that, "The Federal Government has successfully delivered through the Federal Ministry of Works and Housing 64 internal road projects at various Federal Tertiary Institutions and Federal Hospitals and also handed over a total of 46 as at March 2022 and we now have another 18 ready to be handed over, while we are currently attending to other 19 internal roads in similar institutions/federal hospitals across the country, making a total of 83."

The minister noted that staff and patients are expressing renewed enthusiasm with regards to the face lift at the Federal Medical Centre, Yenagoa, Bayelsa State because some defective roads have been restored to good condition.

Fashola disclosed that during the construction about 60 persons were employed thereby contributing to the job creation initiatives of the Federal Government.

In his remarks the Medical Director of the Centre, Prof. Dennis Oju Allagoa who was represented by Dr. Peter Alabrah, Head of Clinical Services at the Centre expressed joy and gratitude to President Muhammadu Buhari and Babatunde Raji Fashola, SAN the Honourable Minister for this laudable internal road project that was handed over.

Prof. Allagoa said, "It is on record that and it is noted that Mr. President’s, Slogan of 'On the Next Level' is already happening at the Center. Today, we are seeing the impact of what Mr. President has done from what we have seen in this road project that has been handed over to us. We have indeed moved to the next level."

The Medical Director also noted that the centre in deed benefited a lot from other Federal Government projects in year 2022.

The Medical Director also appreciated Babatunde Raji Fashola, SAN the Honourable Minister for keeping faith and ensuring that the road project was completed and handed over. He noted that the road project has transformed the landscape of the Centre and made it very beautiful.

He added that it has made access possible by those walking and driving through with vehicles.

During an interview session with some of the staff, they expressed their feelings thus as follows: Mrs. Christian Soseipiriala Mozimo, a nurse at the centre said:

"I work at the Federal Medical Centre, Yenagoa, Bayelsa State. Over the years this road has been bad. It was not fair enough for patients’ movement. After the construction of this road, you can see how beautiful the whole environment is looking and aiding patients’ accessibility to healthcare. I thank President Muhammadu Buhari and the Minister of Works and Housing, Babatunde Raji Fashola, SAN."

Another staff who is also a nurse at the centre, Deborah Emmanuel has this to say: "I work at the Federal Medical Centre, Yenagoa, Bayelsa State. I really want to thank the Federal Government for this good road they brought to us. Before the construction the road was very difficult to access and not in good shape. But after the renovation we thank God that we now have a good road to ply on by both students and staff. The constructed road will enable us to perform our jobs better."

Jan

11

2023

Fashola Inaugurates 1.8 Km Internal Road for Federal University Birnin-Kebbi

.... Road intervention special in our history - VC

Minister of Works and Housing, Babatunde Fashola, Wednesday, January 11, 2023 inaugurated the 1.8-kilometer internal road constructed by the Ministry in the Federal University in Birnin Kebbi, Kebbi State.

The Minister, in his address said, Federal government has provided 83 internal road intervention projects in various Federal tertiary institutions across the country.

The Minister was represented by Engr. Bugu James Federal Controller of Works in Kebbi State office.

The Vice chancelor of the University, Professor Muhammad Zaiyan Umar described the road intervention as very special in the history of the institution, in addition to beautifying the environment and making movement easier within the institution.

Fashola stated that the Federal Government remained committed to bridging the infrastructure gaps in the country including those of institutions of learning, in view of the importance of infrastructure to learning environment and quality of education.

He said " It is undebatable that the quality of education will be impacted by the quality of infrastructure and the learning environment".

Accordingly, he explained that the gap in infrastructure was steadily being bridged by a gradual process of repairs, renewal and construction on major highways, and had now reached the schools.

The Minister said the Ministry has successfully intervened in 64 internal road projects in various Federal Tertiary institutions and handed over a total of 46 as at March 2022, with another 18 were ready to be handed over, while 19 roads in similar institutions were currently being attended to across the country, making a total of 83.

The Minister said the road project had not only benefited the students and the school community but also provided jobs for youths, stating that 33 jobs had been created in the process of construction in the Federal University in Birnin Kebbi.

In his remark, the Vice Chancellor, Professor. Muhammad Zaiyan Umar said that, the University has been enjoying the support of the Federal Government, and that this tremendous support has made it possible for the institution to achieve academic excellence as well as massive infrastructural development.

Professor Umar expressed profound gratitude to H.E, President Muhammadu Buhari for the timely release of funds, Minister of Works and Housing, Babatunde Fashola and the Ministry's field officers in Kebbi State for effectively supervising the construction of the road.

" The project would impact greatly on the lives of the entire university community while enhancing easy access within the institution" he said.

In his testimony, the Deputy Registrar. Abubakar Abdulkadir thanked the federal ministry of works and housing for helping in developing the new institution.

" Before now, the area was a forest and was not accessible and no one can believe this area was part of the University.  But today the road project has linked the new Senate Building, College of Medicine, Sports complex, students hostel among others " he said.

Professor Abdulazeez Shehu, a lecturer in Economics Department described the intervention as impactful on the University as difficult areas were now accessible and the security issue in the sorrounding community has now been solved.

The President, Students Union, Commarade Muhammad Muhammad Majo, a student of Industrial Chemistry in the University commended the Federal Government and the Minister for the road intervention.

He said " The University permanent site was a forest and un accessible before this road intervention.  But now you can see students having free movement from hostels to faculties the sports complex and the new senate building" thanks to the ruling government.

Jan

11

2023

Fashola Lists Benefits of Loko-Oweto Bridge, Road Project

…Says the project would be commissioned soon

Minister of Works and Housing, Mr. Babatunde Raji Fashola, SAN, said the Loko-Oweto bridge and the linking roads when fully completed would be of great benefits to the communities along the corridors of the project, motorists and commuters that use the route.

Fashola listed many benefits of the project while on inspection. He disclosed that the bridge had been   completed and what remained  was the approach roads to the bridge.

Fashola said, "This is about my fifth visit here since 2016 when we started out as Power Works and Housing Ministry. There was essentially nothing here. We now have a bridge over the River Benue, 70 Kilometers road linking Benue State to the bridge and we also have another 74 kilometers of road linking Nasarawa State into the Federal Capital Territory, Abuja.

“This Bridge has been finished about two or a year and a half years ago but we are waiting to connect the link roads. The link roads are substantially finished now and I think I can comfortably go and report to Mr. President that this bridge is now ready to be formally commissioned and opened to traffic.”

Speaking on the benefits of the project, he said that the Loko-Oweto bridge would provide a shorter route for commuters and motorists. He said that despite the fact that the project has not been officially opened for use, it has offered shorter routes for travelers and reduced travel hours to its barest minimum.

“I remember it used to take about four and half hours from Mabushi in Abuja to get here. The main problem was the 74-kilometre road part of which we are standing on now.  That road is essentially finished so it took about 30 minutes to get here from the approach road. The journey from Mabushi to here now is two and a half hours from four hours,” he said.

Still speaking on the benefits, the Minister said the project has further demonstrated the commitment of President Muhammadu Buhari to infrastructure growth and development of the nation saying, no nation can produce without infrastructure and that it was the legitimate means of distributing wealth of the nation.

He said: “But it is important to inform Nigerians that those who speak about production, the economy, should come here and learn what infrastructure can do. You cannot produce without infrastructure. You cannot drive an economy without infrastructure. So, they should come here because this bridge is actually a test case that demonstrates the commitment of Mr. President to infrastructure as a way of boosting our economic growth.”

Speaking on behalf of the Emir of Loko, HRH Alhaji Abubakar Ahmed, Sabo Mai- Loko and the entire community, the Area Council Chairman of Loko, Honourable Shaibu Umah expressed appreciation to President Muhammadu Buhari on the construction of the Loko- Oweto bridge which he said has impacted their lives positively.

“We thank the Honourable Minister and Mr. President on the Loko- Oweto bridge and the adjoining roads which are near completion. When fully completed and commissioned would provide business opportunities to our community."

Jan

03

2023

FG Reiterates Commitment to Improving the Human Condition

•    As Minister’s representative commissions, hands over rehabilitated internal road in UNILAG

•    Says the new enthusiasm among students is consistent with FG’s progressive ideals

•     It is very clear that if our future will be secured, we must invest in education, says VC as she commends FG’s initiative

The Minister of Works and Housing, Mr. Babatunde Fashola, SAN has reiterated the commitment of the Federal Government to the ideal of improving the human condition in the country saying the current intervention of the government in the rehabilitation of internal roads in Federal institutions nationwide was consistent with that ideal.

Represented by the Federal Controller of Works in the State, Engr. Olaseni Umar Bakare, at the official handing over of a rehabilitated road in the University of Lagos,  the Minister said while it was true that work was in progress in many sectors of the country’s national life including education, the Buhari government has stepped out to lead the process of getting that work done, adding, “The gap of our infrastructural need is being steadily being bridged by gradual process of repairs, renewal and construction of major highways and it has reached the schools”.

Noting that the interventions were impacting on the quality of Education in the institutions, the Minister declared, “It is undebatable that the quality of education will be impacted by the quality of infrastructure and the learning environment”, adding that those who doubt it should simply listen to the feedbacks from the students of schools where such intervention has taken place.

He said that the commitment to the ideal of improving the human condition could well be seen in the renewed enthusiasm for learning being shown by students of the tertiary institution which have so far benefited from the ongoing interventions adding that UNILAG has joined 46 other institutions which have so far benefited from the process.

According to the Minister, “We have successfully intervened in 64 internal road projects in various federal institutions and handed over a total of 46 as at March, 2022. We now have another 18 ready to be handed over while we are currently attending to 19 other roads across the country in similar institutions bringing it to a total of 83”.

Expressing the hope that the roads being rehabilitated in Federal institutions across the country would be used properly and not abused by the beneficiaries, he pointed out that although the current interventions are civil projects, they are also investments in education adding that they fulfill the job creation initiative as over 40 people were employed in the process of the construction of the road in UNILAG.

In her welcome remarks earlier, the Vice Chancellor of the University, Professor Folasade Olusola, while thanking the Federal Government, President Muhammad Buhari and the Minister of Works and Housing for what she described as, “this great initiative of intervening in tertiary institutions”, declared, “It is very clear that if our future will be secured, we must invest in education”.

Noting that the manpower that develops the nations is produced by the universities, the Vice Chancellor added that if the enabling environment were not created in which the manpower would grow then the future of the nation would be mortgaged. “Everyone has a role to play”, she said.

She expressed gratitude to the Minister for also resurfacing the road from the UNILAG Bookshop to the Medical Centre which she described as previously “terrible” adding, “You gave us a total rehabilitation of that road because if one was passing through that road, you would think you were passing through a gulley. I am very grateful for the work you are doing in infrastructure in terms of our road”.

In an interview after the handover ceremony, the Vice Chancellor said the rehabilitated road was hitherto “impassable”, adding, “When we gave people houses on this road usually, they turned it down because the road was a real challenge and it was so bad that it was beyond what we could handle. It was beyond maintenance and it really needed rehabilitation”.

“We are grateful to the Federal Government and we assure them that we will continue to maintain the road because it creates a good environment for our academic work”, she said adding, “We are trying to create an environment for our students and our staff to flourish. We want to make life easier for them and we are looking forward to much more in terms of road network”.

Pointing out that the UNILAG Campus is small but has land which could be expanded, the Vice Chancellor pointed out that the institution needs to open up the land to be able to develop it adding, “One of the things about roads is that they go with development, if we have roads then we can have more classrooms and hostels because they will be built along the roads. So, as we say thank you to the Federal Government, we also say please don’t leave us we are still here and we need more assistance so that we can open up more areas in the university”.

There were also expressions of gratitude from both staff and students who attended the ceremony in their numbers in spite of the fact that many faculties were conducting examinations. The Dean of Students’ Affairs, Professor Musa Adebayo Obalola, thanked the Federal Government for the intervention saying before the rehabilitation, the road was “quite bad”.

The Dean, who said he had been in the institution for over three decades, both as a student and then lecturer, added, “One thing that we seem to lack as a people, may be due to oversight or our cultural trait, is that we do not maintain our assets as much as we should but in the rehabilitation of this road it has been beneficial to both faculty members and students”.

“I think I've been here for over three decades, as a student and as a faculty member of the university. As a staff I've been here for more than two decades. So, I'm qualified to talk about the condition of the road before and now. Prior to the rehabilitation most vehicles avoid this road. They would rather take Ozolua Road and others rather than plying this road but now almost everyone wants to start plying this road”, he said.

On the Park which was also rehabilitated, the Dean said, “Oh, yes that one is beneficial to everyone. It’s where we have our shopping mall. The place was giving us a lot of headaches before its rehabilitation. For the road you might say its beneficial to those that live around here but that one is like a shopping complex that almost everyone visits on a daily basis so the construction of that place was a very beneficial one to the entire university community even to outsiders. Over the years we've tried to do some palliatives but it didn't last but the way it is looking now it is “quite commendable and beneficial to the entire community.”

“What the Federal Government is doing is quite a commendable gesture because I don't think any university has the financial muscle to do this. So, the intervention of the government in this regard is a welcome idea and we hope to see more of it as the year rolls on because there are still little parts of our road that needs this treatment but so far largely our roads seem to be in good shape now”, he said.

Others who spoke included the Acting Director of Works of the institution and the President of the Students’ Association of the Faculty of Social Sciences who spoke for the student’s body. They all expressed delight and gratitude to the Federal Government “for the work done by the Federal Ministry of Works and Housing.”

The President of the Students’ Union said, “The road we are standing on is called Abdul Attah Road. The road was so bad that lecturers allocated houses there refused to take the houses but today as you can see it’s a beauty to behold. We thank the Federal Government for this effort. The roads will improve the condition of learning and teaching. We can now go to classes and come back without the fear that our vehicles will break down”.

Dec

21

2022

FG Hands Over Keys To More 1994 Super Eagles Players

The Federal Government has handed over keys to more members of the 1994 Super Eagles team such as Mutiu Adepoju, Ike Shorumu, Finidi George, Akin Amao a doctor in the team in fulfillment of the promise that was made to the team 28 years ago by the Federal Government.

Adewale Adesokan a beneficiary of the National Housing Project of the Federal Government also received his key. Works and Housing Minister who handed over the keys at the project site in Onidundu in Akinyele Local Government Area of Oyo State was represented by the Federal Controller of Housing in the state, Mr. Gbolahan Jacob Adesola.

The Minister disclosed that four (4) Nigerians in the state have fully paid for their houses, he therefore, encouraged other Nigerians to seize the opportunity to become house owners by subscribing through the Ministry's portal: https://nhp.worksandhousing.gov.ng.

Fashola said the portal was opened to avail members of the public equal opportunity to apply for and own their own houses without discrimination or artificial obstacles. He added that interested members of the public could apply through the Mortgage Bank as well.

Fashola said that buying a house in the National Housing Project, (NHP) has an advantage over what is obtainable in the market as the payment options are really flexible.

He said, " The advantage of owning a house in the National Housing Programme, NHP include well-spaced site such as one bedroom unit which is about 60 - 70 square meter, two-bedroom unit, which is 76 - 103 square meters and three-bedroom units that is 110 - 137 square meters."

" These are extremely generous spaces when compared to what is available in the market."

In his speech Oyo State Governor Dr. Seyi Makinde who was represented by the state Commissioner of Land Management, Segun Olayiwola expressed gratitude to the Federal government for undertaking the project. He noted that the project will no doubt ease the housing problem in the state and the country at large.

The Governor stated that it was in recognition of the immense benefit that the project could bring to the people that the state government donated the land for the construction.

The Permanent Secretary of the Ministry Mr. Bashir Nura Alkali who was represented by Mr. Raymond Ogunlewe said the Federal Government inaugurated the National Housing programme for the construction of affordable and acceptable houses nationwide as part of President Muhammadu Buhari's developmental agenda of addressing the Housing needs.

The Permanent Secretary added that the Ministry had successfully constructed housing schemes in 35 states in the country. He also said the housing types comprise of two-bedroom, three-bedroom semi-detached bungalows and condominiums.

Mr. Alkali disclosed that the houses were built in cognizance of the culture and climatic peculiarities of the regions while upholding the tenets of building, energy and efficiency code being championed by the Ministry.

In response the beneficiaries expressed gratitude to God for making it possible and praised the Federal government for the execution of the project.

Dec

19

2022

Road Rehabilitation Has Technically Improved Learning... Fashola

... A Clean environment has increased attendance at Lectures. Yaba Tech Rector.

The Honourable Minister of Works and Housing, Babatunde Raji Fashola SAN, CON, has confirmed that the rehabilitation of some roads within Yaba College of Technology, Yaba Lagos State has technically improved the desire for learning in students of the institution. He made this assertion during the official Commissioning and handover of some rehabilitated roads by the Federal Government under the Ministry of Works and Housing.

The Minister, who was represented by Engr. Umar Bakare, the Controller of Works in Lagos State, said that the Federal Government considered the huge impact of improved educational activities in both these learning institutions and hospitals where these internal road network interventions have been carried out a commitment fulfilled. The result is what we are seeing already with improved and increased number of students who now attend lectures that eventually earns them good grades at graduation. It is therefore undebatable that the quality of education has been impacted by the quality of Infrastructure and the neat and clean learning environment.

Speaking further, Fashola said that students are now more readily expressing renewed enthusiasm with regards to attending lectures because some defective roads and especially here, the student carpark has been restored to good condition. The Minister also asserted that during the construction of these internal roads network and the College carpark, over forty (40) direct and indirect people were employed in the process, thereby contributing to the job creation initiative of lifting Ten Million Nigerian from poverty. It is hoped that the College will now ensure that this asset is used properly and not abused.

Earlier, the Rector of Yaba College of Technology, Engr. Obafemi Omokungbe glowingly commended the Federal Government under President Muhammadu Buhari and the Minister of Works and Housing, Mr. Babatunde Raji Fashola SAN, CON, who when he invited as Guest Speaker to deliver the College annual graduation Lecture, was approached with these rehabilitation request promised to ensure it is attended to, this is a promise kept by the Minister, Mr. Babatunde Raji Fashola. For this the entire College Community are grateful and this high commendation also goes to President Muhammadu Buhari who approved that all these necessary infrastructures be put in place.

The Rector also confirmed that the impact on school attendance during the raining season has also increased tremendously thereby boosting the increased number of students who now attend lectures more regularly.

Nevertheless, Engr. Omokungbe informed that due to the overflow of students, a new campus has been opened at Epe still in Lagos state. This new campus requires the construction of new roads for which the College is passionately appealing for assistance from the Federal Government through this same internal road network intervention, this Engr. Obafemi Omokungbe said will enhance the movement of students within the new campus facilities.

Also commenting, the Director of Works in Yaba College of Technology, Engr. A. Adebayo was full of praises to President Muhammadu Buhari and the Minister of Works and Housing, Babatunde Raji Fashola who has kept his promised made to the College, he also thanked the Contractor who handled the rehabilitation work for the quality of work done, more so the staff of Federal Ministry of Works, Lagos state who did not compromise standard. He said the rehabilitation of the College carpark and a section of the internal road network intervention was well done. He expressed satisfaction and joy.

In the same vein, the Dean of Student Affairs, Dr. Aderounmu who was represented by the First Vice President of Student Union Government, Mr. Adenle Oluwatosin was grateful to God, President Muhammadu Buhari, the Minister, Mr. Babatunde Raji Fashola and their Rector, Engr. Obafemi Omokungbe for the privilege of this project that has positively affected the lives of students of the College. He affirmed that there is no more excessive flooding, therefore students who own cars are now able to park their cars in a neat environment, regular lecture attendance by students has increased due to this rehabilitation intervention in the College. He said the intervention is good for them. He said on behalf of the students they promise to make judicious use of the infrastructure and also take very good care of it to ensure its longevity.

The colorful commissioning and handover ceremony was well attended by the Deputy Rector, (Administration) Mr. Inyang Udoh, the Registrar, Dr. Sikiru. O. Momodu, the College Bursar. Mr. Abduwaheed. A. Yeusuf, the Director of Works in the College, Engr. Bashir. A. Adebayo, the first Vice President, Student Union Government, Mr. Adenle Oluwatosin, the Assistant Director (Highways) Engr. (Mrs ) Olukorede Kesha and students of the College who  were all happy and commended this project initiative of the Federal Government.

Dec

15

2022

Infrastructure Development is to Boost Learning - Fashola

.... Emulate Fashola and Buhari in Building Infrastructure - HRH Eze Ali

The Honourable Minister of Works and Housing, Babatunde Raji Fashola, SAN who was represented by the Federal Controller of Works Rivers State, Engr. Olufemi Adetunji remarked that, "The quality of education will be impacted by the quality of infrastructure and the learning environment and those who doubt it should simply listen to some of the feedbacks from students in the schools where this type of intervention has taken place."

He made this remark during the handing over ceremony of an internal road constructed by the Federal Government through Federal Ministry of Works and Housing at the Federal College of Education (Technical) FCE (T) in Omoku, Rivers State.

Earlier, the Head of Usomini Kingdom of Egbaland, His Royal Highness Eze Dr. King Eze advised, " Those who want to come to power after President Muhammadu Buhari administration next year should emulate him and Mr. Babatunde Raji Fashola, SAN in building infrastructure."

King Eze said, "This administration has been useful to the community by building road in the school that linked the community which in turn is beneficiary to the economic and social activities of this area."

The School Provost, Dr. Emmanuel Ikenyiri said, “This College now has good road crisscrossing the two campuses making movement of staff, students and members of the public very comfortable."

A lecturer in Home Economics, Dr. Matilda Igbeni, said " It is a facelift. We can connect the entire school now because of the road, easy access is now there."

A lecturer in the College who teaches English Education, Mr. Albert Ireoma said they are grateful to the Federal Government. He noted that where the new road is built used to be called 'Bush Path to Farm' now the place is an open access.

"Students and lecturers are able to access their classrooms and halls   without going through bush paths. This new road has been a welcome development to FCE[T) Omoku.
It has given the school a face lift."

The Students Union President of FCE (T) Ugem Hope said, " The positive impact of the road is that it has expanded the space in the school and bad students don't have where to lurk anymore, their hideouts used to be where this beautiful road is built, in the past it was muddy and inaccessible."

A Student of Business Education FCE(T), Okorda Blessing said, "The road is of good quality. It has given us access to other departments from my faculty. We don't have to go through express road again before linking other areas in the school. We thank President Muhammadu Buhari for this initiative."

A snacks and food vendor on campus, Roseline Isreal said, “When the road construction works started my sales improved considerably because workers were coming to patronize me. I am thanking Mr. President and the minister for the good road."

A painter who was among the artisans who worked on the road, Goldstone Emmanuel said, "Working on the road improved my income. I thank the Federal Government for giving me the opportunity to earn a better income."

Feb

16

2023

FG Completes and Hands Over Internal Road Project at Akanu Ibiam -Fed Poly

…. School Filled with Excitement and Commendation

The Federal Ministry of Works and Housing has rehabilitated and handed over a 2-kilometre internal road to Akanu Ibiam Federal Polytechnic, Unwana Afikpo in Ebonyi State, to ease movement and make teaching and learning conducive for lecturers and students on campus.
Speaking at the official handover ceremony of the rehabilitated road to the school management in Afikpor, the Honourable Minister of Works and Housing, Babatunde Raji Fashola, SAN revealed that the ministry had successfully intervened in 64 internal road projects in various federal tertiary institutions across the nation as at January 2023 and a total of 38 numbers still on going and at different stages of completion.

Fashola who was represented by the Federal Controller of Works Ebonyi State, Engr. Steve Oluwadun said that the intervention work aimed at improving quality of education was gradually bridging the gap of our infrastructure needs in our tertiary institutions.

‘’ The gap of our infrastructure needs is steadily being bridged by a gradual process of repairs, renewal and construction on major highways and it has reached the school”, he said.
The Minister described the project as an investment in education and noted that over 46 of such internal road projects have been handed over in some other universities and tertiary institutions across the nation.

“The quality of education will be impacted by the quality of infrastructure and the learning environment and those who doubt it should simply listen to some of the feedbacks from students in the schools where this type of intervention has taken place.

He disclosed that during the reconstruction of the road at Akanu Ibiam Federal Ploy, 35 persons were employed, thus contributing to the job creation initiative of President Muhammadu Buhari’s administration.

Fashola urged the institution's authorities to ensure proper use of the road, while embracing a proper maintenance culture.

Earlier in his address, the Rector Akanu Ibiam Federal Polytechnic, Uwana Afikpo, Dr. Felix Attah, expressed appreciation to the Federal Government and described the road intervention as laudable and commendable.

The Rector added that it would ameliorate the suffering of staff and students, improve the quality of education, more so the learning environment.

Represented by the Deputy Rector Academics, Dr. Ezichi Kalu also requested for more interventions on the deplorable roads in the campus and pledged to provide the needed co-operation and environment during such intervention works to accelerate the smooth movement of people as well as reduce accidents rate within the polytechnic community.

During an interview session the Public Relations Officer of the Institute, Mrs. Samuel Nwamaka who was full of excitement thanked the Minister for considering the school among the beneficiaries of internal road infrastructure across tertiary institutions in the country. She noted that the road has given aesthetic value to the school and made trekking into the school less tasking.

Delivering the Vote of Thanks, the Dean School of Environmental Design and Technology, Surveyor, Iduma Aka Ibiam expressed gladness over the road intervention project by the Federal Government, saying that the road construction has brightened and bloomed the school environment.

He described the road intervention as a wonderful and   brilliant intervention that gave the school a beautiful look.

Feb

10

2023

Federal Government Commissions National Housing Programme in Enugu State

.Enugu State Government Commends FG for project..

The Federal Government as part of its developmental agenda has commissioned 70 housing units Comprising of 16 units of three-bedroom, 24 units of two-bedroom, 24 units in condominium and 6 units of one -bedroom apartments in Enugu State.

The commissioning ceremony took place at Amankpaka Autonomous Community, Ugwogo Nike in Enugu East Local Government Area of the state under Phase One of the National Housing Programme of the Federal Government.

President Muhammadu Buhari represented by the Minister of Foreign Affairs, Amb. Geoffrey Onyeama expressed delight over the completion of the housing project as a fulfillment of the promise of change this administration made to the people at its inception.

President Muhammadu Buhari appreciated Enugu State Government for the intergovernmental collaboration with the Federal Ministry of Works and Housing through the provision of the land for the project, which was once left fallow, but today has come alive to shelter ordinary Nigerians.  He described it as “One of the developmental approaches across levels of governments to improve the human condition."

Buhari reiterated that the Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs), which drive our economy, won the contracts to build these houses. Not only did their successful bids offer an opportunity for these companies and their employees both skilled and unskilled workers through them, and we have also unleashed a value chain of economic activities that has improved the conditions of the ordinary Nigerian."

"These are some of the people our country remains committed to move towards prosperity and away from poverty and we are already reaching them by providing opportunities for employment for those who were hitherto unemployed”, he added.

He directed that in the fulfillment of promise of change made by this administration that 22 units of the houses be reserved for the 1994 Olympic medalists in fulfillment of a pledge made to them 28 years ago by the then Federal government to encourage others that wish to sacrifice for their country.

In his goodwill message, the Governor of Enugu State, Dr. Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi , commended President Muhammadu Buhari and the Minister of Works and Housing, Mr. Babatunde Fashola, SAN for the laudable initiative of providing these houses for the teeming rural communities in the state  which he said was the first ever National Housing Scheme in the state “.

Represented by the Commissioner of Works Enugu State, Engr. Gregory Nnaji, the Governor noted that provision of shelter anywhere brings development and improve livelihood and for that they appreciated the government of President Buhari for providing the houses.

While making his remarks, The Honourable Minister of Works and Housing, Babatunde Raji Fashola, SAN who was represented by the Director Housing of the Ministry, Arc. Iquo Lucy Uzodinma, stated that the 70 housing units under Phase 1, comprising 1-, 2- and 3-bedroom units, completed and being commissioned were the outcome of a survey conducted throughout the federation.

"In terms of design, this project is the outcome of a national survey conducted by the Federal Ministry of Works and Housing to find out the type of houses Nigerians desire," he said.

Fashola explained that the survey revealed a preference for bungalows in Northern Nigeria and flats in Southern Nigeria, adding that the survey also showed the need for space which, according to him, “Is why the one-bedroom units are 60 - 70 square metres and two-bedroom units 76 - 103 square metres while three-bedroom units are110 - 137 square metres."

Fashola also disclosed that the housing units are offered to the public through the National Housing Portal at https://nhp.worksandhousing.gov.ng to ensure that interested buyers are not inhibited by any “artificial obstacle and allocations are made on the basis of those who apply and pay on a first-come- first-served basis."

The Minister added that Nigerians would witness many more commissioning of completed projects across the nation as President Buhari's tenure wines down, adding that many more projects would soon start to bear fruits.

The Permanent Secretary Federal Ministry of Works and Housing, Bashir Nura Alkali who was represented by the Federal Controller of Housing, Enugu State, ESV Emmanuel Eijie, stated that the Ministry was promoting local content in building construction in line with Executive Orders 3 and 5.

According to Alkali, at least 1,200 building contractors have been engaged under Phases I, II and III of the housing programme since 2016 and over 14,500 and 50,140 direct and indirect jobs have been created.

“During this period, the Ministry has been undertaking the construction of at least 6,000 housing units at 45 sites out of which 2,465 units have been completed in 34 States and the Federal Capital Territory,” he said.

In a goodwill message, His Royal Highness, Eze Akpata 1 of Amankpa Nike Autonomous Community Ugwogo, Enugu, Engr. Damian Ikechukwu Edeh thanked the Federal Government for the project and the State government for siting the project in his domain.

He added that the physical infrastructure has developed the area. The royal father noted that  the area which used to be a hideout of robbers and kidnappers has been cleared.

The President General of the Amankpa Community, Hon. Joseph Onu added that the community needs employment for their unemployed youths and urged the community to rejig the existing infrastructure for the betterment of their community.

One of the beneficiaries under the Federal Government fulfillment of the promise made to the 1994 Super Eagles Team members who won the African Cup of Nations in Tunisia 1994, Mr. Christian Chukwu while delivering the vote of thanks expressed profound gratitude to the Federal Government for this unforgettable gesture.

He said he is delighted to have taken full possession of his own semi-detached three-bedroom bungalow.

The housing estate has internal roads, drainages, water reticulation and a central borehole with overhead tanks and   electricity.

Feb

08

2023

FG Flags-off the dualisation of 132 km Kano- Kongolom Road Project.

Under the Innovative Road Infrastructure Tax Credit Scheme adopted by the administration of President Muhammadu Buhari, the Federal government has yet again, flagged-off a critical road dualisation, a 132 km Kano- Kongolom Road.

Works and Housing Minister, Babatunde Raji Fashola performed the ministerial flag-off, supported by his counterpart in the Ministry of Water Resources, Engr Suleman Hussain Adamu.

The Road Infrastructure Tax Credit Scheme is a Public-Private Partnership (PPP) intervention that enables the Federal government leverage on Private Sector capital and efficiency for the construction and refurbishment of critical road infrastructure on key economic areas in Nigeria.

It was provided for under Executive Order 007 which was signed into law by President Muhammadu Buhari in January 2019.

The Kano-Kongolom Road project traverses Kano, Jigawa and Katsina States, and the venue of the flag-off was Anguwan Tudu in Gwiwa local government area in Jigawa State.

In his address, Fashola reiterated the determination of the Buhari administration to address road Infrastructure gap in the country even at the twilight of the administration's tenure.

He also pointed out that the continued participation of the private sector in the road tax credit scheme was a statement of confidence for the administration.

Furthermore, the Minister highlighted the huge economic importance of road construction to include; job creation, reduced travel time and cost among others.

He appealed to Traditional Institutions in the area to talk to their subjects who are occupying the right of way within Government's roads to vacate in order to give the contractors hitch free movement during the construction.

In his good will message, the Minister of Water Resources, Engr Suleman Adamu thanked President Muhammadu Buhari for this laudable project in the North West, which he said would have great economic impact on the people.  

Engr Adamu also promised to provide all the necessary assistance to the contractors to deliver the road as specified.

In his remarks, the Minister of State, Works and Housing, Hon. Umar Ibrahim El-Yakub stated that the administration of President Muhammadu Buhari would not leave any stone unturned in terms of such developmental projects.

He appealed to motorists to patiently bear with understanding all the inconveniences during the period of construction.

The Group Executive Director of BUA, International Limited, the Construction Company handling the project.

Alhaji Kabiru Rabiu also appreciated the government of President Muhammadu Buhari for the contract and promised that his Company would deliver quality job and on time too.

Earlier, the Permanent Secretary, Federal Ministry of Works and Housing, Mr. Bashir Nura Alkali, represented by Director Highways (North west), Engr. Wasiu Taiwo stated that, the roads Infrastructure tax credit scheme was one of the great funding innovations of the Federal Government in its resolve to tackle Infrastructure deficit in Nigeria.

The representative of the Emir of Kazaure, the Makaman Kazaure, Alh. Umar Aliyu, who spoke at the occasion appreciated President Buhari and the Minister, Raji Fashola for the laudable project which he said, would have great impact on the people in many more ways.

The 132 km road originates from Dawanau round about in Kano town and terminates at Kongolom, a border town with Niger Republic.

The road covers 61.15km across Kano State, spans 28.85km through Jigawa State and 41.50km through Daura to Kongolom border town in Katsina state.

Party of the project scope includes; three bridges at; Ungogo (Kano), Kazaure (Jigawa) and Daura (Katsina), with eight number pedestrian crossings at different locations along the corridor of the project.

Feb

06

2023

President Buhari Commissions Federal Secretariat Lafia

...Names it after Justice Sidi Bage

...On this project, we are proud to say we have delivered-- Fashola

The President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, President Muhammadu Buhari GCFR has commissioned the Federal Secretariat Lafia, Nasarawa over the weekend.

The newly commissioned Secretariat complex which was built by the Federal Ministry of Works and Housing has also been named after a renowned Jurist and Legal personality, a respected Royal Father, a retired Honourable Justice of the Supreme Court and the current Emir of Lafai and Chairman of Nasarawa State Council of Chiefs. HRH. SIDI BAGE

Welcoming Mr. President, the Honourable Minister of Works and Housing, Mr. Babatunde Raji Fashola SAN said that upon the Ministry's recommendation, Mr. President approved the naming of the edifice after the retired Justice of the Supreme court, His Royal Highness, Sidi Bage. He added that it was in commemoration and laudable contribution of his public service activities especially in the Judiciary.

According to Fashola the conference room of the complex also got the approval of Mr. President to be named after a very prominent Nasarawa State indigene in the person of late Mrs. Maimuna Katai for her hard work, courage, simplicity and honesty.

Speaking of the complex, Mr Babatunde Raji Fashola said that it is sitting on a 6,702 square meters of land and that it could accommodate 2000 to 2,300 staff in the 402 offices. He added that it has car park with the capacity to accommodate 300 cars and also other facilities.

According to the Minister, the socio- economic impact of the project includes the creation of small businesses around the facility such as - Food Vendors, POS Kiosks and increased value of landed properties in Bulka Sidi Environs among others.

Moreso, the Minister stressed that these Federal Secretariats are Federal Government symbols and images in the states. They are indeed National Monuments that bring all Federal Government Ministries, Departments and Agencies (MDAs) under one conducive working environment for improved productive and enhanced service delivery to the people of the state where they are sited.

While thanking Mr. President for entrusting the Ministry with the project, he said: " We are proud to say that on this project, we have delivered."

He acknowledged the contribution of the National Assembly for appropriating funding for the project. Also, he commended the State Governor, Engr Abdullahi Sule as well as the past Governor of the State Tanko Al-Makura for providing the peaceful and safe environment for the contractor to deliver the project.

The President was accompanied to the commissioning ceremony by the Senate President, Senator Ahmed Lawal, Nasarawa State Governor, Engr. Abdullahi Sule, the Executive Governor of Kogi State, Yaya Bello, the Executive Governor of Ebonyi State, Engr David Umahi, the Honourable Minister of Information and Culture, Alhaji Lai Mohammed, the Honourable Minister of Environment representing Nasarawa State St the Federal Executive Council, Barrister Abdullahi Mohammed amongst others.

Jan

31

2023

FG Commences Phase II of The NNPC Road Infrastructure Tax Credit Scheme

 … Intervention will ensure cash flow, steady projects completion - Fashola

The Honourable Minister of Works and Housing, Babatunde Raji Fashola has stated that the Federal Executive Council has approved Phase II of the NNPC/ FIRS Road Infrastructure Tax Credit Scheme.

The Minister said that the introduction of the NNPC Tax Credit Scheme will ensure the sustainability of funding critical infrastructure in Nigeria

Fashola stated this at a press briefing in Abuja where all the stakeholders, including NNPC, FIRS and contractors were in attendance.

The Minister noted that contrary to inadequate funding of infrastructure experienced under the past governments, the administration of President Muhammadu Buhari, has identified alternative sources of funding that could guarantee sustainability from the beginning of the projects to its completion without hitches

Accordingly, he explained that the tax credit scheme is a new model that encourages partnership with private companies where taxes are paid in advance to enable the government invest in notable projects that would be beneficial to its citizens like what is going on in the road sectors of the economy.

The Minister also mentioned that the Federal Government which has focused on nine major axis of Nigeria, explained that the A1 – A4 axis of the country covers the Northern part of the country, while the A5 - A9 axis covers the East-West zone of the country.

He explained that the successful completion of all the roads would lead to sustainable mobility for Nigerians.

The roads like Akure – Ado –Ekiti and East-West which people have been complaining about would be adequately catered for with the approval of the second phase of the NNPC Tax Credit Scheme.

On payment of compensation, Fashola noted that compensation would not be paid to anyone occupying the government’s right-of-way, saying that the federal government right of way was 5.75 meters on both sides and appealed to members of the communities occupying it to vacate.

Earlier, in his introductory remarks, the Permanent Secretary, represented by the Director Overseeing the Office of the Permanent Secretary, Engineer Folunsho Esan, recalled that in line with the Executive Order 7 (2019) approved phase 1 of NNPC/FIRS Road Infrastructure Tax Credit Scheme on the 27th of October 2021.

He stated that with the completion of Phase 1, the Federal Executive Council (FEC) has also approved phase II of the scheme to fund 44 critical road infrastructures to the tune of N1.96 trillion naira.

Speaking further, Esan said that as it was done with phase I, phase II would be governed by a set of guidelines to be issued to each contractor, adding that there would be a funding intervention agreement to be implemented in addition to the standard condition of the contract governing the execution of the projects.

He said: “The availability of this new funding window will ensure steady cash flow and a timely completion of projects.”

He also stated that the NNPC intervention which began in October 2021 with phase I has now occupied the top of the log with a portfolio well in excess of N2.6 trillion.

On the part of NNPC, the Group Managing Director who was represented by the Chief Financial Officer of the Corporation, Umar Aliya said that funding would not be an issue anymore as the Corporation is committed to fully funding phase II.

He said: “We are committed to setting aside funds for phase II. Funding would not be a problem. What is important to us is that our consultant will need to validate the value for money and the quality of work. We will not compromise the quality and timely completion of work. “

The NNPC MD further assured of the availability of fund, saying that “there is no need for excuses. As for us on our part, we are committed and we implore the contractors to do quality work and do it on time so that the road projects can be open for use to Nigerians,”

On his part, the Executive Chairman of the Federal Inland Revenue Services, Mohammed Nami, he commended NNPC for the intervention as well as the contractors for the quality of the job done in phase I of the scheme and assured that the NNPC has the capacity to fund the phase II of the scheme.

He explained that most of the roads captured by Executive Order 7 to be executed by NNPC were mostly road projects inherited by the administration of Muhammadu Buhari and they are being fixed by the present administration through the taxes paid by Nigerians

“So, we are appealing to Nigerians to trust Executive order 007 so that government will continue to provide the physical infrastructure that our people need. “he said.

The representative of the indigenous contractors, Isa Muhammed Gerawa, who spoke in the Hausa language, commended the administration of President Muhammadu Buhari for giving equal opportunity to local contractors to execute such contracts.

He described the Minister of Works and Housing , Babatunde Fashola as a hardworking and committed Nigerian under whom many dilapidated Nigerian roads have been fixed and a number of single carriageway now dualized.

Gerawa also commended the present government for raising the budget of the Works Ministry from N18bn in 2015 to over N200bn, pointing out that it was a clear commitment of the administration’s desire to fix the nation’s road infrastructure for development.

Jan

25

2023

Building Infrastructure Improves the Economy - Fashola

Honourable Minister of Works and Housing, Babatunde Raji Fashola has said that the Federal Government has committed so much money into infrastructure to ensure that people reap the benefit of it, saying that without infrastructure businesses cannot grow.

Fashola made the remarks at the 23rd Annual General Meeting (AGM) of the Nigerian Association of Road Transport Owners (NARTO) that was held in Abuja.

The Minister said road building in the country has improved dredging, granite, laterite and quarry businesses and NARTO is one of the major beneficiaries for moving goods and services during construction works.

Fashola advised NARTO to enforce weight regulation from loading point for the safety of our roads and also ensure that their members are professionally trained drivers.

In the same vein, the Minister told NARTO to create certification for its members and drivers must be made to maintain speed limit, as well as bringing a stop to the culture of repairing trucks by the roadside, suggesting that workshops or trucks should be created in all states and NARTO divisions across the country.

In his remarks, NARTO President, Yusuf Lawal thanked President Buhari for making NARTO part of the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC) Road Task Team that will supervises critical roads being handled by NNPC.

Yusuf further disclosed that NARTO has signed Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) that its members would observe high level of sincerity and responsibility during and after the conduct of 2023 election while moving election materials around.

Mr. Yemi Adetunji who represented NNPC at the event said NARTO was involved in almost all activities of its organization and they are a key player in realizing its objective of contributing to the National economy.

He said NNPC is to support government to rehabilitate the road in Nigeria and they would ensure the petrol products is available for people through NARTO.

The Corps Marshal of Federal Road Safety Commission (FRSC) Corps Marshal Dauda Ali said “NARTO has been working with us for a long time and we will always advise them when it is necessary, we worked together to ensure a successful ember months period “

The Representative of Major Marketers Association of Nigeria (MOMAN), Godwin Jarikre said “since 2020 we have been collaborating with NARTO for the benefit of Nigerians to ensure safe driving on the road and to ensure bad emission from their trucks are not affecting members of the public. We will advise that drivers look for tools to manage their trucks and NARTO should keep emphasizing on the training, education, medical fitness of drivers to ensure we have good transportation system in the country”.

Jan

24

2023

FG Hands over 2 Kilometre Road to University of Jos.

The Federal Government has commissioned and handed over the two-kilometre road rehabilitated by the Federal Ministry of works and Housing to the Management of the University of Jos, Plateau State.

At the commissioning ceremony, the Minister of Works and Housing, Babatunde Fashola who was represented by the Federal Controller of Works in Plateau State, Engineer Usman Abubakar Majin stated that the gap of the infrastructure need was steadily been bridged by the gradual process of repairs, renewal and construction on major highways and schools.

The Minister pointed out that the quality of education is connected with the quality of Infrastructure in an institution of learning.

 He said, "It is undebatable that quality of education will be impacted by the quality of infrastructure and the learning environment and those who doubt it should simply listen to some of the feedback from students in the schools where this type of intervention has taken place."

Fashola further said," We have successfully intervened in 64 internal road projects in various Federal Tertiary Institutions and handed over a total of 46 as at March, 2022 and we now have another 18 ready to be handed over while we are currently attending to 19 roads in similar institutions across the Country making a total of 83."

The Vice Chancellor of the University, Professor Tanko Ishaya who was represented by the Deputy Vice Chancellor Administration, Professor Joshua Amopitan, expressed profound gratitude to the Federal Government for the road rehabilitation, adding that it has brought a lot of relief to the students and staff of the Institution.

He said, "The road was in a terrible shape before it was reconstructed, it will not only benefit the students because it leads to the hostel but also our staff and parents who normally come to the institution."

The VC added that the vehicular hiccups normally experienced in the University had been drastically reduced due to the current good condition of the road.

He further said that the forthcoming 22nd and 23rd convocation of the University will be merrier as a result of the road.

The occasion was witnessed by the Registrar, Dr Rejoice Songdem, Director Physical Facilities, Halima Auta, the University Librarian, Dr. Thomas Adigun and other staff of the institution.

It was a joyful moment within and around the University community in Jos, Plateau state.

Jan

18

2023

Fashola Hands Over Intervention and Reinstatement of Gully Erosion and Connecting Road At UNIBEN

... Says Buhari Govt intensifies work in our national life

Honourable Minister of Works and Housing Mr Babatunde Raji Fashola SAN handed over an important asset, Intervention and Reinstatement of Gully Erosion and Connecting Road at the Ugbowo Campus, University of Benin [ UNIBEN) Edo State.

At the commissioning he said " It is true that a lot of work needs to be done in many sectors of our national life, including education, the Buhari government has stepped up to lead the process of getting that work done"

Before the completion of the project some staff and students residing close to the Ugbowo Campus of UNIBEN and residents in Iguo-Osaigie and other surrounding communities in Uhunmwonde Local Government Area of Edo were about to be cut off because of the ravaging gully erosion in the area.

The Edo State Controller of Works who represented the Minister at the event Engr. (Dr) Aransiola Ademola said " the structural work and the water drainage were professionally displayed and the filling of sand is about 7 metres high "

Vice Chancellor, UNIBEN   Professor Lilian Salami in her remarks said " this gully erosion has taken its toll on critical areas of development of the University over the years, it is not in doubt. The good news is that we made our pleas and cries to government and the pleas have received the desired attention of government and we are today savoring the result of a government that listens and acts.

She said " kudos must also go to our worthy Alumnus of the University, Minister of Works and Housing Babatunde Raji Fashola, SAN for his commitments to the successful implementation of the project".

Executive Officer, Edo State flood Erosion & Watershed Management Agency, Dr Tom Obaseki said “We are very happy  to  see that the reinstatement of gully Erosion and connecting road is completed today ,  we are always available to support the Federal Government in executing project"

The Manager of the Construction Company, Levant Construction Ltd in charge of the project Engr Albert Abboud said ' we have delivered many projects and handed them over to the government, this road was washed because of erosion and it was not motorable before we completed the project"

A 300-level student of Animal Science, UNIBEN Edogiawerie Jason said the road was no go area before the intervention work of Federal Government, he thanked the Ministry of Works and Housing for remembering the institution.

A student from Faculty of Agricultural Economics and Extension, Courage Uchemefune who was at the event said " I used to work as a dispatch rider, the road was not really good, I appreciate Federal Government for working on the road and the gully erosion, UNIBEN needs more intervention of this type ".

Jan

12

2023

Fashola Underscores Relevance of Infrastructure to Learning Environment, Quality of Education

Works and Housing Minister, Babatunde Fashola has stated that, in view of the importance of infrastructure to learning environment and quality of education, the Federal Government remained committed to bridging the infrastructure gaps in the country, including those of institutions of learning.

He said " It is undebatable that quality of education will be impacted by the quality of infrastructure and the learning environment".

The Minister spoke in Sokoto, Thursday, January 12th, 2023 at the formal hand over of 0.92 kilometres internal road project constructed in the Usmanu Danfodio University Teaching Hospital (UDUTH) by the Federal Ministry of Works and Housing under its tertiary institution’s internal roads intervention initiative.

Fashola was represented at the occasion by the Federal Controller of Works in Sokoto State, Engr Kassim Maigwandu.

Accordingly, the Minister explained that the gap in infrastructure was being bridged steadily by a gradual process of repairs, renewal and construction on major highways, which had now reached the schools.

He further revealed that the Federal government has provided 83 internal road intervention projects in various Federal tertiary institutions across the country.

" We have successfully intervened in 64 internal road projects in various Federal tertiary institutions and handed over a total of 46 as at March 2022. Another 18 are now ready to be handed over, while 19 roads are currently being attended to in similar institutions across the country, making a total of 83 " he said.

The road projects according to Fashola, benefited not only the students and the institution's community but also provided jobs for youths, stating that 95 people were employed in the process of the construction of the road in the Teaching Hospital.

Earlier in his remark, the Chief Medical Director (CMD) of the University Teaching Hospital Sokoto, Professor Anas Ahmed Sabir, represented by Dr Usman Malami Aliyu, Chairman, Medical Advisory Committee, said that, the entire Hospital community were excited with the project.

He explained that the project had enhanced a significant part of the hospital more accessible and motorable with asphalt road which has also given room for expansion in the hospital as new projects can easily be sighted along the road

" The commissioning of this road project will obviously mark the beginning of other assessable and affordable health care services delivery to all Nigerians " he said

He expressed profound gratitude on behalf of the UDUTH Board Management to H.E, President Muhammadu Buhari for all the support and for providing the enabling environment to operate and further improve specialist quality service delivery, while also praying for more interventions to be considered and executed for the hospital.
 
Professor Sabir also commended the Federal Ministry of Works and Housing and the Federal Controller at Sokoto office for ensuring that quality job was done at the appointed time and not compromised.

The 0.95 km road in UDUTH links the new female students’ hostel; new Multipurpose Center; School of Nursing and Midwifery; Sewage treatment plant; Renal dialysis center;" Amenity ward and Nutrition’s unit among others.

Aggregate testimonies gathered from staff and students of the hospital community pointed to the fact that the internal road intervention in the institution has positively impacted in no small measure to the working and learning environment in the institution.

According to the views expressed " the road, before the intervention was not in good condition, it was wiry and scary access to clinical areas. But with the intervention, it has now provided easy access and comfort of movement in the institution. It was well constructed, illuminated and has added improved security measures for the students in the institution".

They commended the federal government under President Muhammadu Buhari and described the tertiary institutions roads intervention initiative of the federal ministry of works and housing as excellent.

Those that spoke among the institution's community included; Aliyu Muhammad Sidi, a student of Nursing Science and President of Student Union; Alkali Mohammed, Vice Chairman, National Association of Nigerian Nursing and Midwifery (NANNM); Rabi Muhammad, Acting Vice Principal (Academic), School of Midwifery, and Kabiru Adamu Maisanda, Vice Principal (Admin), School of Nursing.

Jan

11

2023

Federal Government Set to Resume Work on Major Highways

… Barricades to be restored to ensure safety at construction sites

Recall that barricades were removed at all construction sites on December 15,2022 for ease of movement to reduce travel time during the yuletide season.

Contractors are now set to resume work on major highways especially the Lagos-Ibadan Expressway (from OPIC to the old toll gate) and the Abuja-Kaduna-Kano Expressway (around Kawo on the Kaduna-Zaria Section).

To this end the Honourable Minister of Works and Housing, Babatunde Raji Fashola, SAN has directed that construction barricades be returned at construction sites for safety purposes with effect from Tuesday, January 10,2023.

The Second Niger Bridge will, however, remain closed for public use with effect from Sunday, January 15,2023 for continuation of work on the completion of the access roads to the bridge.

The Honourable Minister seeks the patience and understanding of motorists and members of the public on this action aimed at completing the on-going projects.

Jan

11

2023

Quality of Infrastructure, Impacts Quality of Education-Fashola

UNEC – Deputy Vice Chancellor: We Are Grateful for The Intervention

The commitment and actual execution of internal road network project, intervention in various federal Tertiary Institutions has greatly impacted on increased quality of education in Nigeria. These were the affirmation by the Honourable Minister of Works and Housing, Mr Babatunde Raji Fashola – SAN, CON at Enugu.

The Minister who was represented by the Federal Controller of Works in Enugu State, Engr. Tony Animaku confirmed this during the commissioning and hand over of the 0.8-kilometer road rehabilitated by the Federal Ministry of Works and Housing on behalf of the Federal Government at the University of Nigeria, Enugu campus (UNEC).

Speaking further, the Minister said that the gap of our infrastructure needs is steadily being bridged by a gradual process of repairs, renewal and construction on major highways and it has reached the schools.

It is undebatable that the quality of education as attested to by students themselves has been greatly impacted on by the quality of these recent Federal Government infrastructure. These are some of the feedbacks from student in the schools such as this one in the University of Nigeria, Enugu Campus (UNEC) where these varied types of intervention have taken place.

The Minister Babtunde Raji Fashola also confirmed that the Ministry has successfully intervened in 64 Internal Road Projects in various Federal Tertiary Institutions and handed over a total of 46 as at March, 2022 and has another 18 ready to be handed over, while we are currently attending to 19 roads in similar institutions across the country making a total of 85.

Among the several students interviewed, they all expressed renewed enthusiasm with regards to attending classes because of some of these defective roads, which have been restored to good condition, making them happier walking with ease to attend lectures across their different Faculties and Departments where these road network rehabilitations were carried out.

President Muhammadu Buhari’s consistent progressive ideal of improving the human condition continues with the handover of this 0.8-kilometer road in the University of Nigeria, Enugu campus (UNEC) as a critical intervention to support education in Nigeria.

Fashola also stressed that although this is a civil works project, yet it is both an investment in education and the Nigerian Economy. He said Infrastructure is the key needed for unlocking the Economy for speedy development, according to him the President Muhammadu Buhari’s administration has achieved advancement of the Nigerian economy through massive and visible Infrastructure development. For instance, the creation of employment and market for small and medium enterprises at construction sites ‘Infrastructure is the key that unleashes trade and productivity. And without infrastructure you can’t drive trade and commerce’ This is so because during the construction period over 100 people were employed in the process contributing to the creation initiatives of the Government. It is hoped that the school will ensure that this asset is used properly and not abused.

Earlier, the Deputy Vice Chancellor of the University Prof. Edith O. Nwosu, who was represented by the Deputy Director, Work Services, UNEC, Engr. Udechukwu Humphrey Chukwuemeka, appreciates Federal Government efforts for considering the University of Nigeria, Enugu Campus worthy of this lofty venture which the Federal Controller of Works in Enugu handled. The road network actually gave a face lift to the internal roads we have in the University, most importantly the Nnmadi Azikiwe drive transverse, through the major Faculties we have in UNEC, we have about five (5) Faculties – we have the Faculties of Law, Basic Medical Sciences, Business Administration, Health Sciences and Environmental Sciences (80%) Eighty percent of the students stream this road to attend their lectures. The University is deeply grateful to the Federal Government and the Ministry of Works and Housing.

Some student who spoke expressed satisfaction with the ease of walking conveniently through these road network within UNEC – Mr Amobi Ezekiel a Law student was all smiles of appreciation to the Federal Government and the Minister of Works and Housing, Babatunde Raji Fashola, Miss Chisom Elizabeth, also a Law student affirmed what her course mate had earlier said, it was a very colourful ceremony and the entire University Community, the shuttle bus drivers especially were all full of gratitude for the rehabilitation of these internal road network within UNEC.

Dec

21

2022

Works Ministry Sensitizes Staff On Corruption Trends In The Public Service

In a bid to ensure a corrupt free public service, the Federal Ministry of Works and Housing has organized a sensitization seminar for its officers on corruption trends in the public service.

The theme of the seminar is "Corruption Trends in Public Service, Causes and Impact on National Development,” was organised by the Anti- Corruption and Transparency Unit, ACTU at the headquarters of the Federal Ministry of Works and Housing, Mabushi, Abuja.

Declaring the workshop open, the Minister of Works and Housing, Mr. Babatunde Fashola advised participants to be transparent and obey the rules and regulations guiding the operations of their schedules as they carry out their assignments.

Fashola, represented by the Director Press and Public Relations of the Ministry, Mrs. Blessings Lere-Adams, emphasized that corruption is crime and urged participants to shun it in a bid to live a peaceful retirement life devoid of incessant invitations from anti-corruption agencies after retirement.    

He added that adopting a corrupt free attitude in the course of duty would enhance Nigeria's overall development as a nation.

Presenting her paper tagged, "Corruption and Its Impact,” a facilitator from the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Matters Commission, ICPC, Mrs. Adebimpe Abodunrin, “explained to the participants that every civil servant has been trusted with the assignment given to him and should not be seen betraying it by being corrupt. 'Public Service is a position of trust, don’t betray it," she said.

She urged participants to exhibit good characters while carrying out their duties as the public service was vitally important and majorly counted when any country was being adjudged corrupt or not by the ranking of Transparency International. "Public Service contributes to the perception," Abiodun remarked.    

According to her the act of corruption which included abuse of office, dishonesty, breaking of rules and regulations, evil and immoral acts among others were major hindrances to any nation's development and should be shunned completely by Nigerians in all sectors if Nigeria must develop in all areas, noting that individual actions in workplace could either have a negative or positive  impact on the entire system.

Mrs. Abodunrin further gave the effects of corruption on national development to include; lack of development, high rate of unemployment, lack of qualified personnel, high cost of living, lack of basic amenities, all of these dents Nigeria's reputation and enhances stigmatization of its citizens, loss of welfare system, adding that the monetization policy was introduced because of the high rate of corruption within the public service.

Another Facilitator from ICPC, Mrs Joy Ebbah, while taking the participants through ethical behaviour in workplace, explained that the ethics of an organisation are the statues and policies of that organisation.

She noted that maintaining an ethical workplace simply means maintaining professional workplace as well as   ability to obey rules and regulations guiding their offices.

Ebbah, while calling on ACTU to constantly review and update, if necessary, the code of ethics of the Federal Ministry of Works and Housing, affirmed that Nations have failed due to the workers' failure to abide by ethical rules by developing good and professional characters such as transparency and obedience.

Ebbah urged participants to develop a mindset of commitment and obedience if Nigeria must attain its national development.

Dec

17

2022

FG Commissions National Housing Programme in Kwara State.

The Federal Government has commissioned Phase One of the National Housing Programme in Asa Dam, Road Ilorin in Kwara state.

President Muhammadu Buhari who commissioned the housing programme was represented by the Honourable Minister of Information and Culture; Alhaji Lai Mohammed stated that the housing project was one of the projects undertaken by this Administration.

President Buhari said that the completion of the project is part of the fulfillment of the promise of change to improve the human condition made by the All Progressive Congress.

He disclosed that the micro, small and medium businesses that drive the economy were given the contract to build the houses and through them, the value chain of business activities witnessed a tremendous boost that impacted positively on ordinary Nigerians.

The Kwara State Governor, Mallam Abdulrahman Abdulrazaq who was represented by the Kwara State Commissioner for Housing, Architect Aliyu Muhammadu expressed appreciation to President Muhammadu Buhari and the Works and Housing Minister, Babatunde Raji Fashola SAN CON, for making Kwara State one of the beneficiaries of the Federal Government Housing project.

The Governor also acknowledged the positive trickling down effect of the project in terms of job creation and long value chain of building construction and the general economic benefits to the people of the state.

The Governor further said, " There is therefore no doubt about the unprecedented investment of the President in critical infrastructure across every part of Nigeria such as roads, bridges, housing, railways, water, education, power, energy and health infrastructure which all progressive minds will ever remain grateful for."

The Works and Housing Minister, Mr. Babatunde Raji Fashola, SAN who was represented by the Director, Public Building and Housing Development, Federal Ministry of Works and Housing, Architect Solomon Labafilo informed the people that the Federal Government through his Ministry has delivered housing projects in 35 states of the federation.

He added that the completed housing project being commissioned has 76 units of houses comprising 4 units of one bedroom, 48 units of two bedroom, 20 units of three bedroom and 4 units of three-bedroom bungalows.

The Minister said the design of the houses was determined by the outcome of a national survey which revealed the prevalent need for bungalows in the North and flats in the South.  

He assured the people that the houses are offered to members of the general public without discrimination by opening the National Housing Portal, https://nhp.worksandhousing.gov.ng to ensure that interested Nigerian citizens are not inhibited by artificial obstacles and promised that allocations would be made on the basis of those who apply and pay first.

The Permanent Secretary Federal Ministry of Works and Housing, Mr. Bashir Nura Alkali represented by the Ministry’s Director of Survey and Zonal Director Housing North Central, Quantity Surveyor Pemi Temitope revealed that over 1200 building contractors have been engaged under phases 1,2 and 3 of the programme since its inception in 2016 and over 14,500 direct and 50,140 indirect jobs have been created.

He added that during this period, the Ministry had undertaken the construction of over 6,000 housing units in 45 sites out of which 2,465 units have been completed in 35 states and the FCT.

The Emir of Ilorin and Chairman Kwara State Council of Traditional Rulers, Dr.  Sulu Gambari represented by Alhaji Kayode Sadiq, the Alaga Owode, thanked President Muhammadu Buhari and prayed God to continue to bless, guide and protect him. He also expressed appreciation to the Honourable Minister of Information and Culture, Alhaji Lai Mohammed, CON.

The Community Youth Leader of Asa Dam, Mr. Dayo Atolagbe expressed the profound appreciation of the community to the Federal Government of Nigeria, the Kwara State Government and the Federal Ministry of Works and Housing for locating the project in their community.

He further appreciated the government for the good roads that were provided to link the housing estate and security maintenance in the area.