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Alausa gives marching orders to contractors, consultants in National Library project 

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Abubakar Umar 

The minister of Education, Dr. Tunji Alausa, has given marching orders to contractors and consultants handling the National Library of Nigeria project to meet the delivery timelines to be established by the Federal Government, maintain quality standards and avoid further delays.

Alausa, who  gave the directive in Abuja at a meeting with stakeholders in the project, including contractors, consultants and officials of the National Library of Nigeria, also warned that failure to meet agreed targets would attract sanctions.

The minister said that the Federal Government was prepared to provide the necessary funding but would demand commensurate performance, quality and accountability in return.

“This is a change day. We will make you accountable for the timelines we’re going to set for ourselves,” Alausa told the stakeholders.

In a statement by his Special Adviser (Media and Communications), Ikharo Attah, the minister said the government would establish reasonable delivery timelines and hold the contractors and consultants to the commitments contained in the agreements being developed for the project.

He stressed that the era of allowing the National Library project to remain indefinitely under construction must end, noting that the new contractual arrangements would include appropriate incentives and disincentives to drive performance.

“If you’re not meeting your guidelines, the timelines, I’m sorry, you’ll be penalised,” he warned.

To further accelerate completion, Alausa disclosed that the project had been divided into two major components — physical infrastructure and furnishing — allowing both aspects to be pursued concurrently.

He assured the contractors that the government would make funds available to support the work, but made it clear that funding would be matched by strict expectations on delivery and adherence to agreed standards.

Alausa described the National Library as far more than a physical structure, stressing that it is a critical national institution for learning, research, knowledge development and the building of Nigeria’s human capital.

He recalled that the National Library was conceived in 1981, while construction commenced in 2006 with an initial 24-month completion period, adding, however, that despite the original target of 2008, the project has remained unfinished for years.

The minister noted that the National Library occupies a prominent position in Abuja’s Central Business District, alongside other major national edifices, including the National Mosque and the National Economic Centre, which were completed earlier.

He said the renewed attention being given to the project reflects a fundamental shift in the Federal Government’s approach to education infrastructure under President Tinubu.

According to Alausa, the President has demonstrated strong political commitment to education through increased attention to the sector and innovative financing arrangements aimed at completing critical projects such as the National Library.

He expressed appreciation to President Tinubu for providing the political will and support required to move the project forward, describing the President as a leader who recognises education as essential to the nation’s future.

Alausa also commended the First Lady, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, for her personal commitment to the project and her efforts to mobilise additional support towards its completion.

He recalled that the First Lady, a former teacher and strong advocate for education, used her 2025 birthday to mobilise support for the National Library, raising about N25 billion within two months towards the project.

The Minister described the intervention as a demonstration of the First Lady’s commitment to education and the future of Nigerian children.

He further disclosed that the First Lady’s visit to the National Library of Qatar had influenced the Federal Government’s vision for the Nigerian facility, following her call for Nigerian officials and project stakeholders to study the world-class library and incorporate relevant modern features.

Alausa said the objective was not simply to complete the abandoned structure but to deliver a modern national institution capable of serving Nigerians to global standards.

“We’ll have a National Library that looks like National Library of Qatar,” he said.

He explained that the renewed vision for the facility would place greater emphasis on accessibility and inclusion, with dedicated spaces and appropriate facilities for children, persons with disabilities, pregnant women, girls and boys.

He added that attention was also being paid to modern and ergonomic furniture, with relevant officials and contractors having visited the Qatar National Library to study its facilities and furnishing standards.

The Minister commended the management of the National Library of Nigeria and other stakeholders for their contributions, while charging contractors and consultants to match the government’s renewed commitment with urgency, professionalism and accountability.

He said the Ministry of Education, working with the Minister of State for Education, Professor Suwaiba Said Ahmad, would maintain close oversight of the project and ensure that stakeholders remained focused on delivering their respective responsibilities.

Alausa reaffirmed that the Federal Government would not compromise on quality, standards or value for money, stressing that every naira committed to the project must translate into a facility that Nigerians can use and be proud of. He said the strong support of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and the First Lady, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, had strengthened the drive to complete the project, adding that the Ministry of Education would remain focused on delivering a modern, inclusive and world-class National Library for Nigerians and generations to come.

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NNPC announces nationwide N66 fuel discount for fuel bought through app

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By Our Reporter

The Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPC Ltd.) has commenced a nationwide promotional campaign offering customers a ₦66 discount on fuel purchases made through its NNPC Fuel App.

The promotion, which began on October 1, will run until October 7 at NNPC filling stations across the country.

NNPC announced the initiative in a post on its X handle on Friday, saying customers had already started taking advantage of the offer at various stations.

“The ₦66 Discount Promo is ongoing & the excitement is already happening across our stations nationwide!

“All over Nigeria, our customers are getting in on the action & there’s still time for you to benefit!

The promo runs from 1–7 October on the NNPC Fuel App,” the post read.

The company said activities had commenced at several of its stations nationwide, with highlights from the first day of the promotion shared with the public.

NNPC urged motorists and other customers to continue using the Fuel App for their transactions throughout the seven-day campaign in order to benefit from the discount.

“Keep fueling, keep transacting and keep your eyes on our pages,” the post read.

The national oil company also said it would continue to release pictures and updates from participating stations as the promotion progresses.

Customers have been advised to take advantage of the offer before the promotional period ends on October 7.

The ₦66 discount applies to eligible transactions made through the NNPC Fuel App during the promotion.

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Hardship: Public servants begin three-day warning strike

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By Our Reporter

Public servants across Nigeria have commenced a three-day warning strike following a directive by the Joint National Public Service Negotiating Council over what the workers described as worsening economic and mental hardship.

The industrial action, which began at midnight on Friday, October 2, 2026, is expected to run through Sunday, October 4.

The council directed its national and state leadership to mobilise workers for the action, with the directive contained in a circular dated October 1 and signed by the National Secretary of the JNPSNC, Olowoyo Gbenga.

The circular urged the council’s leadership to ensure that the strike notice reached workers across the country.

The decision, according to the council, followed the Federal Government’s alleged failure to respond to demands earlier presented to President Bola Tinubu in a letter dated September 21, 2026.

READ ALSO:Unions reject TUC suspension of strike, demand reversal of King’s College concession

Explaining the commencement of the industrial action, the council stated, “Consequent upon the above, the strike shall start with effect from midnight on Friday, 2nd October, 2026 to Sunday October 4th, 2026.”

The council called on public servants at the federal, state and local government levels to participate in the warning strike, saying the action was aimed at drawing attention to the economic difficulties confronting workers and their dependants.

It stated, “In the same vein, all public servants in the services of federal, state and local governments are to join the warning strike because an injury to one is an injury to all, most especially, all workers, their dependants, vulnerable and hapless Nigerians are groaning terribly under the present economic hardship.”

The JNPSNC further expressed concern over the impact of the economic situation on workers, saying, “The economic and mental hardships are becoming unbearable and frustrating.”

It also directed its leaders to commence immediate mobilisation for the industrial action, declaring, “The time to act and mobilise workers for the three-day warning strike is now!!!”

The warning strike comes against the backdrop of demands earlier submitted by the council to the Federal Government for measures to ease the pressure of rising living costs on workers.

Among the demands were a reduction in the price of petrol, an immediate wage award for workers and the commencement of negotiations for a new national minimum wage ahead of 2027.

The council had reportedly asked the Federal Government to bring down the pump price of petrol to N500 per litre, approve an immediate wage award and constitute a tripartite committee to negotiate a new national minimum wage.

The demands followed continued concerns over the declining purchasing power of workers amid increases in the prices of essential commodities, transportation and other household needs.

In its latest circular, the council urged its members to circulate the strike notice and expressed optimism about the outcome of the industrial action.

“Please, disseminate the information!!! Surely, there is victory for us!!!” the circular added.

The council maintained that the warning strike would proceed as scheduled, with public servants across the federal, state and local government services expected to take part.

Efforts to obtain a response from the Ministry of Labour were unsuccessful as of the time of filing this report.

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Olokoro Community Eulogises NDPHC MD/CEO Adighije for School Renovation, Development Projects

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Johnchuks Onuanyim, Abuja

The people of Olokoro Clan in Umuahia South Local Government Area of Abia State have showered encomiums on the Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of the Niger Delta Power Holding Company (NDPHC), Engr. Jennifer Adighije, for executing key development projects in the community, including the comprehensive renovation of a block of classrooms at Boys Secondary School, Umuoparazara.

The community described the projects as landmark interventions that have not only improved learning conditions for students but also reinforced Adighije’s commitment to grassroots development and community service.

Speaking during the commissioning of the projects on Nigeria’s Independence Day celebration, community leaders, traditional rulers, women groups and youth organisations hailed Adighije as a worthy ambassador of Olokoro whose contributions have brought honour and development to the clan.

The projects commissioned include the renovation of a classroom block at Boys Secondary School, Umuoparazara Olokoro, and the landscaping and installation of modern 3D flooring at the Olokoro Clan Headquarters Complex in Ahiaukwu.

The event attracted a large gathering of traditional rulers, government representatives, community stakeholders and indigenes who turned out to celebrate what many described as a historic day for the clan.

In his remarks, the Federated President-General of the Olokoro Clan Development Union (OCDU), Dr. Odinakachi Umekwe, commended Adighije for her dedication to the welfare of her people and for consistently identifying with the aspirations of the community.

He noted that the renovation of the school facility would significantly improve the learning environment for students and contribute to educational development in the area.

Umekwe urged community members to safeguard and maintain the facilities, while offering prayers for greater accomplishments in Adighije’s public service career.

Speaking shortly before commissioning the renovated classroom block, Adighije attributed the successful execution of the projects to God’s grace and the productive partnership between the community and government institutions.

She assured the people that her intervention in the school would not end with the renovation, announcing plans to undertake solar electrification of the classroom block as the next phase of support.

According to her, quality education remains critical to community development and nation-building, stressing that investments in educational infrastructure are investments in the future of young people.

She also pledged to continue collaborating with the leadership of the OCDU to identify and execute additional projects that would improve the living conditions of residents.

The community further applauded the NDPHC boss for her contributions to youth empowerment, employment opportunities and other initiatives aimed at improving the socio-economic wellbeing of Olokoro people.

Traditional rulers, women leaders, youth representatives and elders who spoke at the event described Adighije as a role model and a source of inspiration to younger generations, noting that her achievements in engineering, public service and community development have made the clan proud.

In an emotional response during a grand reception held in her honour at the Olokoro Clan Headquarters, Adighije thanked the people for their overwhelming support and goodwill.

She reaffirmed her commitment to serving humanity and promoting the development of Olokoro, assuring residents that she would continue to contribute her quota to the progress of the community whenever the opportunity arises.

Her father, Senator Chris Adighije, also expressed gratitude to the people of Olokoro for the honour accorded his family and pledged continued support for initiatives that would advance the development of the clan.

The event featured cultural performances by students of Boys Secondary School, Umuoparazara, and was attended by prominent traditional rulers, community leaders, women groups, youth organisations and other stakeholders from across Olokoro Clan.

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