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Umahi apologises over Benin-Sapele road, orders arrest of contractors

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The Minister of Works, David Umahi, has apologised to commuters and residents of Edo and Delta states over the deplorable condition of the Benin-Sapele Road, which has caused untold hardship to the people.

The minister also ordered the arrest of the contractor and concessionaire, as well as others found removing asphalt from federal roads without authorisation.

Umahi offered the apology and issued the directive on Tuesday in Benin during an inspection tour of some major roads in Edo.

The minister thanked Edo youths for remaining calm despite the hardship caused by the condition of the road, noting that their restraint had helped prevent a possible breakdown of law and order.

He expressed disappointment with the concessionaire handling the road, accusing the company of lacking the technical competence required to execute the project.

Umahi said he had personally observed the removal of asphalt from the road during an earlier inspection with the state Governor, Monday Okpebholo, and directed the contractor to stop the practice.

According to him, the Ministry of Works does not permit contractors to remove asphalt from federal roads without authorisation, describing such acts as “destruction of public infrastructure.”

He therefore directed all ministry controllers to arrest any contractor or concessionaire found removing asphalt from federal roads without approval.

The minister criticised the concessionaire’s handling of the project, alleging that its lack of technical capacity had subjected commuters and residents to untold hardship.

He said the Federal Government had a responsibility to ensure that concessionaires possessed the necessary technical competence before being awarded road projects.

Umahi maintained that the concessionaire did not have a reputation for competence and integrity before taking over the construction of the Benin-Agbor Road.

The minister further stated that President Bola Tinubu had taken note of the suffering of road users and directed the Ministry of Works to do everything necessary to restore the road and ameliorate the suffering of the people.

He explained that although concession agreements were governed by law, the government could invoke overriding public interest where necessary to protect citizens and critical infrastructure.

The minister reiterated his apology to commuters, residents of Edo and Delta, as well as other road users affected by the poor condition of the road.

He assured them of the immediate rehabilitation of the road to bring relief to the people, in line with Tinubu’s directive.

Umahi added that the government would prioritise the welfare and safety of the people.

He thanked Okpebholo for his commitment to infrastructure development and for intervening in the rehabilitation of federal roads in Edo.

Responding,  Okpebholo appealed to residents and youths in the affected areas to remain patient and exercise restraint over the deplorable condition of the road.

The governor recalled the poor state of the Benin-Ekpoma road, saying President Tinubu had promised to reconstruct it after their meeting and had fulfilled the promise.

He said Edo’s strategic location made it a gateway to several regions, warning that unrest in the state could have consequences for the entire country.

The Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of the concessionaire, Mr Samuel Daramola, blamed the slow pace of work on the heavy rains, saying the company had resorted to carrying out palliative works to allow traffic to move.

Daramola maintained that one of the first things the company did when it took over the construction of the Benin-Agbor Road was to expand the road.

He said the company started with palliative works because of the numerous potholes on the road, to create easier access for commuters.(NAN).

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General News

Oborevwori felicitates Muslims at Eid-ul-Mawlid

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Our Reporter 

Delta State Governor, Rt. Hon. Sheriff Oborevwori, has felicitate Muslims across the state and Nigeria on the occasion of this year’s Eid-ul-Mawlid, commemorating the birth of Prophet Muhammad.

In a goodwill message issued by his Chief Press Secretary, Sir Festus Ahon, the Governor extended warm greetings and best wishes to the Muslim faithful, urging them to use the occasion to reflect on the exemplary life, teachings and virtues of the Prophet.

Oborevwori noted that the values of compassion, humility, peaceful coexistence, sacrifice, tolerance and service to humanity associated with the life and teachings of Prophet Muhammad remained relevant to the nation’s quest for peace, unity and sustainable development.

He called on Muslims in Delta State and across the country to make the celebratio

n an opportunity to strengthen their commitment to peaceful coexistence, love for one another and the advancement of the common good.

The Governor reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to fostering an inclusive society where citizens, irrespective of religious, ethnic or political affiliations, could live and pursue their legitimate aspirations in peace and dignity.

He urged the Muslim community to continue supporting government’s efforts toward building a peaceful, prosperous and united Delta State, while praying for continued peace, stability and progress in the state and Nigeria.

Oborevwori wished the Muslim faithful a joyous and spiritually rewarding Eid-ul-Mawlid celebration.

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Eid-El-Maulud Mubarak: Information minister salutes Muslims across Nigeria

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Nkem Okereh 

The Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris has sent warm greetings to Muslims faithfuls in Nigeria and across the globe, commemorating Eid-El-Maulud.

Idris said the occasion offers an opportunity to reflect on the life and teachings of the Holy Prophet Muhammad (SAW), particularly his message of peace, compassion, patience, justice, humility and respect for others.

In a letter, personally signed and made available to journalists in Abuja on Tuesday, the Minister stated that; “As we commemorate Eid-el-Maulud, I extend my warm greetings and best wishes to Muslims across Nigeria and around the world.”

According to the Minister, the values of Prophet Muhammad, (SAW) teachings are especially important as Nigeria continues to navigate a period of reform and renewal. 

“Under the leadership of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, the Federal Government remains committed to building a stronger and more prosperous Nigeria through reforms aimed at strengthening our economy, improving security, investing in infrastructure and expanding opportunities in education, skills development and enterprise.

“The progress being made requires patience, sacrifice and a shared commitment from all Nigerians. As we celebrate, let us therefore continue to support the efforts to build a more secured, stable and prosperous country, while ensuring that no one is left behind.

“I urge us to embody the teachings of the Prophet Muhammad (SAW) in our daily lives by showing kindness to one another, rejecting hatred and division, and promoting peaceful coexistence in our communities. Let us also remember the less privileged and extend a helping hand to those in need.

“May this blessed occasion strengthen our faith, deepen our commitment to peace and unity, and bring blessings to our families and communities as Allah continue to guide our leaders, protect our nation and grant Nigeria lasting peace, security and prosperity,” he added.

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Eid-el-Maulud: Wike urges FCT residents to embrace peace, tolerance, dialogue

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Thelma Kafor

The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, has extended his warm felicitation to the Muslim faithful in the FCT and across Nigeria on the occasion of this year’s Eid-el-Maulud, celebrating the birth of Prophet Muhammad (Peace Be Upon Him).

In his official message to residents, the Minister highlighted the core virtues of the Holy Prophet’s life and teachings, describing Eid-el-Maulud as a sacred period for deep reflection on peace, compassion, sacrifice, patience, tolerance, and fellowship.

He emphasized that the FCT was established on the principles of unity and tolerance, and urged all residents to exhibit these values in their daily interactions and embrace dialogue as the primary means to resolve differences.

“The FCT was built on the foundation of unity, diversity, and tolerance for all Nigerians”, the Minister stated, adding that, “There is the need for us to embrace the true meaning and virtues of sacrifice, patience, tolerance, and fellowship in our daily interactions”.

The Minister also reassured residents and visitors alike, that the FCT Administration remains fully committed to ensuring safety and adequate security throughout the festive period and beyond and encouraged residents to actively support and cooperate with security agencies by reporting useful information that helps keep communities safe.

“May the lessons of Eid-el-Maulud bring peace to our homes, progress to our communities, and continued prosperity to the Federal Capital Territory and Nigeria”, Wike stated, while wishing all residents a happy celebration.

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