The Managing Director of the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN), Malam Ali Muhammad Ali, says the media must harness the opportunities provided by Artificial Intelligence (AI).
Ali said this on Monday in Urumqi, China, in his address at the ongoing World Media Summit.
He also said that the media must put in place safeguards to check the negative effects of the use of AI.
This sixth edition of the World Media Summit has as theme: “Artificial Intelligence and Media Transformation.”
Ali observed that AI had become a matter of absorbing interest across the globe.
” Just like the social media insidiously ate into our operations decades ago, the global media family is once again faced with the behemoth of Artificial Intelligence that is gradually defining our very existence.
” Across the globe, Artificial Intelligence has today permeated our everyday life.
” The spectre of what Artificial Intelligence can do in the light of current developments is better imagined,” Ali said.
According to the NAN MD, AI is already revolutionising the way the media conducts its business.
He cited the gains of AI in media operations to include automated journalism in which AI-powered tools generate news articles, sports reports and financial updates.
Ali also said AI could be used in analysing audience engagement as well as suggesting improvements to headline images and article structure.
He added that AI could be used to streamline video editing and colour correction and sound design.
Warning, however, on the downsides of AI, the NAN chief said putting in place adequate safeguards had become imperative.
” Only some months ago, I was in Copenhagen, Denmark, to attend the World Media Congress, and I was drawn to a particular session on Artificial Intelligence.
” We were exposed to two video clips of former President Donald Trump of the United States speaking at a forum—-one original and the other deep fake.
” Virtually all of us gathered there could not distinguish the original from the fake.
” For me and my colleagues gathered in that room, it was a learning curve as we were taken through the nuances of detecting what was real and what was fake, ” Ali said.
He also drew attention to job losses due to automation and the danger of fake news and disinformation which AI-generated content could help spread.
To tackle this, he said NAN was working with sister global agencies on policies, processes and programmes to distill contents.
This, he said, was with a view to identifying toxic materials unsuitable for publication.
” The outcomes of such gatekeeping initiatives have had far reaching and profound impact on the credibility of our copies and the sustainability of our editorial operations,” Ali said.
He commended the organisers of the summit for choosing the theme, saying the outcome would define the operations of the global media in the years to come.
NAN reports that at the fifth edition of the World Media Summit in Guangzhou, China, in December 2023, Ali had spoken on “Bolstering Confidence: Media’s Role in Promoting Human Development and Security. ”
The Nigerian Institute of Leather and Science Technology (NILEST) has trained more than 1,000 youths from three states in leather processing and production.
The Director-General of the institute, Prof. Mohammed Yakubu, made this known in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on Sunday in Abuja.
Yakubu said that the beneficiaries were from Nasarawa, Sokoto and Borno states.
He said that the collaboration with the Nasarawa government involved the setting up of a school, and training of 750 people to acquire skills in the processing of leather products over the next five years.
“We are going to have a school in Doma. The target is to train 750 skilled artisans in the area of leather and leather products.
“The state government will provide the building, equipment and funding for us to run a skill acquisition programme for roughly 150 people in the state every year over the next five years.
“We have already signed the agreement, and we are in the process of purchasing the equipment, and before the end of the year, we are going to start the project in earnest,” he said.
The director-general also said that the institute and the Borno government had agreed to set up a centre and tannery in the state.
“We visited the state and the governor, Professor Babagana Zulum, graciously accepted to build our centre there to be a cluster for other states around Borno.
“We already have a tannery, and Zulum is going to provide the equipment needed and expand our workshop there.
“It is to train their youths displaced by years of conflict. We are going to expand our activities in Maiduguri, and the governor has pledged to give housing accommodation for our staff.
“We are really happy with the level of commitment shown by Zulum, he has really shown interest in our activities, and he is willing to support us,” he said.
Yakubu said that the project would support the healing process and proper resettlement of displaced persons in Borno State.
“It is important to provide skills to internally displaced persons so that they can take back their lives and have a means of livelihood.
“We visited one of the IDP camps in Maiduguri, we saw what they were doing in terms of different trades, and I believe we can do much better work for those interested in acquiring skills in leather works.
“The governor has seen reason behind that and is ready to collaborate,” he said.
For Sokoto State, the director-general said that NILES would also train 500 youths over the next six months to acquire skills in making leather products.
He said that this followed the successful training of 100 people sponsored earlier by the state government.
“When the new governor of Sokoto State wanted to showcase his first 100 days achievements, NILES featured prominently there because we trained 100 indigenes of the state for about one month.
“What they were able to produce in one month impressed the governor and he asked us to train another set of about 500 within the next six months.
“He has seen what we can do and how those trained were kept busy. He wants to make Sokoto another Ariaria within a very short time,” he said.
He said that the institute had been collaborating with educational institutions within and outside the country in various aspects.
“We have collaboration with the Institute of Leather in Portugal; we paid a visit to them three months ago. We also have collaboration with the leather institute in Chennai, India, which was established a hundred years ago.
“We want to run an exchange programme with them so that our staff can go there for their Msc. and PhD.
“We are also collaborating with Usmanu Danfodio University, Sokoto.
“We have signed a Memorandum of Understanding for exchange of staff, training, research and development in all areas we are involved in. This will boost our research portfolio,” he said. (NAN)
Mr Khalil Halilu, Executive Vice Chairman (EVC) of the National Agency for Science and Engineering Infrastructure(NASENI) says the new vision for NASENI’s brand identity is aimed at driving Nigeria’s industrialisation agenda.
Halilu said this at a news conference to mark his first year in office in Abuja.
He said that his appointment in September 2023 was to drive President Bola Tinubu’s reform agenda to ensure the advancement of Nigeria’s manufacturing capabilities.
“My stewardship has been characterised by a forward-thinking approach, emphasising the importance of homegrown technological solutions and the critical role of science and engineering in national development, ’’ NASENI EVC said.
According to him, our vision is not just to build a 21st century institution driven by collaboration, creation and commercialisation, to create high quality products and technologies.
“It is also developing commercially viable pipelines for these products to reach the market.’’
Highlighting his feat in first one year, NASENI boss said he introduced the new vision for NASENI’s brand identity.
He added that the agency was repositioned with the 3Cs of Creation, Collaboration and Commercialisation.
According to him, NASENI is advancing Nigeria’s industrialisation efforts, with increased valued investment upward of 3.25 billion dollars.
Halilu said that the Accelerated Technology Transfer Framework and 35 market-ready products were launched.
In the institutional reforms, he said he developed the 2023-2027 Strategic Launchpad, as well as the agency’s governance structure reform, with enhanced staff welfare and conditions.
He said he launched the Growth Hacker Platform for staff idea and investment in staff training.
In policy advocacy and economic impact, the NASENI EVC said that the agency had been positioned as Nigeria’s primary technology transfer agency.
According to him, the agency has provided policy recommendations, contributing to economic growth, which helped in reducing dependence on imports, and promote domestic production.
“We have developed a roadmap for Ajaokuta steel complex revival,’’ he said.
Halilu said that with the industrialisation efforts, the research-to-application gap had been bridged and off-grid solar lamp systems were deployed.
“The New NASENI established a lithium battery factory, electric/CNG transport options and solar irrigation system, as well as launched the National Asset Restore Programme and the Irrigate Nigeria Project.”
He said the agency developed Made-in-Nigeria laptops, smart devices, smart meters among others, adding that it commenced manufacturing of defence equipment, and established Nigeria’s largest CNG Reverse Engineering Centre and various factories.
In the area of innovation and technology, he said an innovation hub was established at the NESENI headquarters.
“We launched HatchBox for STEM education, digitised the agency’s services and operations, and streamlined administrative processes.”
He said that the agency was developing artificial intelligence solutions and online global management courses, providing anti-piracy content and developing a high-performance computing system. (NAN)
Dr Alim Abubakre, a Nigerian-British academic and researcher, has been awarded the Inspirational Teaching Award by the Sheffield Hallam University, UK.
The award, which is from the institution’s College of Business, Technology and Engineering, was signed by Prof. Conor Moss, Dean of the School and Joel Gray, an Associate Dean.
Abubakre is a Senior Lecturer in International Business at Sheffield Business School, one of the world top 60 ranking with an acceptance rate of 85 per cent international students.
Moss said that the award to Abubakre was in recognition of his contribution to student success, adding that it is given only to outstanding staff.
“It’s important to recognise our staff who contribute to student success; the Inspirational Teaching Awards are one of the ways that we do that and they mean a lot to staff.
“(This is) because they are nominated by the students in recognition of excellent teaching and learning.
“Alim’s dynamic use of active learning engages students through interactive discussions and problem-solving, drawing on his real-world experience in executive education and international project management.”
He said that Abubakre has contributed to the University’s mantra of applied knowledge and encouraged self-reflection and continuous improvement.
He added that his positive classroom environment nurtures a culture of inclusivity, respect, and intellectual collaboration, inspiring students and fostering a sense of community.
Moss quotes the student as saying “Alim is always energetic and inspiring to learn from. He has countless real-world examples that relate to class content which he tells with a lot of passion.
“He is extremely helpful when giving feedback and he is always happy to explain topics over and over until we understand them.
“His belief in all of us as students creates a judgement free class environment where we can ask for help and answer questions without embarrassment.”
Moss said that it was the pride of the college that students have recognised Alim’s contribution through this nomination for the award.
Abubakre was born into the family of Prof. Razaq Abubakre of Iwo, Osun.
His quest for training global leaders began as far back as 2010 when he founded These Young Minds in the UK; Their first client was Microsoft.
Abubakre is on the advisory board of the London Business School Africa Club and is the non-executive chair of These Executive Minds.
His research is around Responsibility for the Environment, Society and Governance, focusing on three primary contexts: oil and gas, ethical finance and manufacturing.
In addition, he is interested in Stakeholder theory, Impression management, environmental, social performance and Corporate Social Responsibility.(NAN)
The Director-General, National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA), Mrs Zubaida Umar, has tasked the agency’s staff to recognise its critical role and deliver exceptional services.
Umar gave the charge on Wednesday in Minna at an event to commemorate the 2024 Customer Service Week.
The theme of the 2024 Customer Service Week is “Above and Beyond”
Umar, represented by Hajiya Zainab Sai’du, Head, NEMA Minna Operations Office, said the event was a global initiative that recognises the essential role of customer service in organisations and the people who provide those services.
She acknowledge the agency’s commitment to serving vulnerable members of society and emphasised the importance of going “above and beyond” in disaster response.
“The quality of our services can be the difference between life and death.
“This year’s theme, “Above and Beyond,” resonates with NEMA’s mission to provide timely, efficient, and compassionate assistance to disaster victims,” she said.
The DG commended staff for their contributions, resilience, and perseverance in challenging environments.
Umar encouraged stakeholders to embrace innovation, teamwork, and continuous improvement to better serve the public.
“Let us reaffirm our commitment to excellence in service delivery, innovation, and teamwork,” she added.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that among stakeholders celebrated were media organisations including NAN, Nigerian Television Authority (NTA) and Federal Radio Corporation (FRCN).
Others were the National Orientation Agency (NOA), National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) and Niger state Emergency Management Agency (NSEMA). (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)
Paving the healing road for child survivors of sexual abuse
By Adebola Adegoke, News Agency of Nigeria (NAN)
Ms Eno (not real name) was devastated when she discovered that her 14-year-old niece, who was under her care was defiled and impregnated by her sister’s brother in-law.
“Before we could know, the pregnancy was already five months and even in the school, they didn’t notice because of the kind of body she has.
“I started questioning her, who is responsible? She said that it’s my sister’s husband’s brother. He had been coming to the house to defile her when I am not around,” she said.
Child sexual abuse is a grave public health crisis in Nigeria, robbing many children of their innocence and safety.
Reports show that 90 per cent of abusers are familiar to the victims, making it even more challenging for the affected children to seek help.
Also, for those children who have reported violence, fewer than five out of a 100 received any form of support, according to the United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF).
Many survivors are unaware of how to report abuse or access support services.
However, a child-centred non-profit organisation, Cece Yara Child Advocacy Centre Foundation, is providing comprehensive care, protection, and legal assistance to child survivors of sexual abuse and those at risk.
Eno said she was introduced to Cece Yara Foundation through her friend, after all efforts to hold the perpetrator accountable proved abortive.
“The boy denied the first time but he later said he was responsible. I first got him arrested after he abandoned my niece and refused to take care of her. So his brother came to plead with me and he was bailed.
“After he was bailed, the boy, his brother and my sister started insulting me saying that with all my anger, there was nothing I could do.
“This got me angry and I started looking for ways to ensure he was charged and went to jail. I told people and one of my friends introduced me to Cece Yara Foundation.
“They took up the case free of charge and they have been providing legal services and managing the court case since then.
“When my niece was put to bed, the foundation also helped to take care of medical bills incurred during the process.”
Eno revealed that since the incident, she had also received a lot of backlash from her sister and her husband who were aware of the abuse but kept it hidden.
Experts and advocates say the stigma associated with abuse and the culture of silence by discourage survivors from speaking out and seeking help.
21 year-old Amina (not real name) did not hesitate to report her step father who had serially defiled his 11 years old biological daughter.
Amina narrated: “My half-sister came to me that her father, my step father, had molested and touched her inappropriately. I recorded it immediately she told me because he had tried to rape me in the past but he didn’t succeed.
“I reported to our Sunday school teacher in church who took us to Cece Yara at Gbagada. When we got to the place, my sister was questioned and they took up the case, provided medical and legal support. He was arrested and charged to court.”
This singular brave act that Amina showed had earned her a bad name in the family.
“I was thrown out of the family house for reporting the case. They said that I am the one that broke the family and took their son to jail.
“I have nowhere to go and I am currently staying in church while my half siblings are in a shelter provided by the Lagos State Government while the case is still on-going,” she said.
A Multidisciplinary Approach to Child Protection
According to Mrs Bisi Ajayi-Kayode, Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of Cece Yara, the foundation employs a multidisciplinary team approach to comprehensively address the needs of children affected by sexual abuse.
This approach, she said, recognised that no single agency can provide all the necessary support, from case reporting to psychotherapy, legal information, access to justice, and family reunion.
“Our online reporting system and partnerships with schools, religious bodies, and government agencies ensure that children in need can access support at any time.
“The foundation offers a one-stop response that profiles the necessary interventions for each child, emphasising the importance of interagency collaboration,” she said.
According to her, the foundation is particularly attentive to the peculiarity of each case, understanding that children abused by family members may face additional challenges, such as not being believed or supported.
“We deploy a case management team approach. Upon receiving reports of child abuse through our 24-hour helpline (0800 800 8001), website, mail or social media pages, the foundation’s social workers conduct verification and risk assessments, often in collaboration with the police.
“They assess the child’s living conditions and identify risks for vulnerable groups, including children from broken homes, orphans, children with disabilities, trafficked children, and those from marginalised communities.
“After verification, the foundation reports the case to the police and the Ministry of Youth and Social Development, assisting in the arrest of perpetrators and the relocation of affected children.
“For individuals needing financial assistance to escape abusive situations, we liaise with relevant government authorities,” she said.
She said that the foundation collaborates with the Lagos State Domestic and Sexual Violence Agency (DVSA), Office of the Public Defender (OPD) and the Ministry of Education.
In cases involving schools, they partner with the Education Quality Assurance Unit of the Ministry of Basic and Secondary Education in Lagos State.
Ajayi-Kayode says the foundation operates a shelter that can give temporary accommodation to 85 children, offering a safe and regulated environment where survivors can heal and rebuild their lives.
She said that children in the shelter are typically referred by the Lagos State Ministry of Youth and Social Development, especially cases where the perpetrator is a parent, and the non-offending parent either lacks the capacity to care for the child or is considered an accomplice.
She added that the foundation provides comprehensive psychosocial support, including counselling for the child, non-offending family members, and facilitating access to paediatric psychiatric care when needed.
Gbemisola Ogunrinde, Lead Psychotherapist at Cece Yara Child Advocacy Centre, emphasised the importance of psycho-education in empowering survivors with knowledge about personal safety, boundaries, and age-appropriate sex education and preventing reoccurrence of abuse.
Ogunrinde said that a key aspect of the intervention is moving at the survivor’s pace, especially when dealing with children who may be reluctant to speak.
She explained that this reluctance can stem from the trauma itself or feelings of guilt and discomfort.
“Art is another way they could express whatever hurt that they are experiencing as a result of the trauma providing an alternative outlet for those who may struggle with verbal expression.
“The initial counselling sessions focus on building rapport, with an emphasis on validation, affirmation, and encouragement. The process is gentle, and survivors are not forced to disclose their experiences until they are ready.”
Forensic Interviews
The National Children’s Advocacy Centre defines forensic interview as a single session, recorded interview designed to elicit a child’s unique information when there are concerns of possible abuse or when the child has witnessed violence against another person.
At Cece Yara Foundation, the forensic interview process is a critical component of their multidisciplinary approach to child protection.
Ajayi-Kayode explained that the child forensic interview is a structural process of eliciting information from a child about a crime or an event the child has refused to express in an age-appropriate and developmentally sensitive manner.
The foundation has trained judges, prosecutors, officials of the Lagos State ministry of justice, the police, the Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP) and other stakeholders on Child Forensic Interview, aimed at promoting justice and safeguarding the rights of vulnerable children.
“We are advocating for the adoption of a record-setter forensic interview and investigative protocol which will ensure that every survivor of child sexual abuse undergoes a forensic interview process that will facilitate effective investigation and prosecution of the case, thereby establishing a firm child-friendly justice system,” Ajayi-Kayode said.
Addressing Challenges and Advocating for Change
Securing justice and healing for survivors of sexual abuse still poses a great challenge for the foundation.
Ajayi Kayode said that a significant barrier to supporting children and accessing justice is the prevalence of negative socio-cultural complexities associated with case reporting, where some parents pressure their children to stay silent, fearing the consequences for the family, such as a parent or relative going to prison.
This was the case for Eno and Amina whose families had blacklisted them for reporting a family member and taking them to court.
She, however, said that the foundation was addressing this challenge through awareness and prevention campaigns against acts of child sexual abuse.
Ajayi-Kayode said that Cece Yara aims to shift societal attitudes and ensure children receive the support and justice they need.
“Also in the area of poverty, we see a lot of indigent clients that want to access our services and they are not able to do so.
“To support them, we provide logistics assistance, including transportation to the police station, medical unit, and our offices.
“We also address survivors’ fear of going to court, acting as a support system to help navigate the criminal justice system.
“We reassure survivors and their families that we will accompany them to court, as accessing justice is a crucial part of the healing process.
“To date, we have secured eight convictions in court, have filed about 78 cases, and have 57 on-going, ensuring that we keep the wheel of justice rolling.
“Our focus remains on maintaining high standards of support, and we seek additional funding to continue our work,” she said.(NAN)
***This story is with support from the Solutions Journalism Network and the Nigeria Health Watch.
Qausain Group of Companies, through its flagship broadcasting channel, Qausain TV, has appointed its board Chairman, Independent Non-Executive Directors, and a Director-General.
The Qausain Group President, Alh Nasir Idris, in a statement on in Abuja, announced that the appointments were ratified during a Board of Directors meeting.
Idris said that the former Military Governor of Kano State, Col. Sani Bello (retired) has been appointed Pro-tem Chairman of the board.
“The appointment of Bello as Chairman Pro-Tem is for an initial term of four years, in accordance with the Companies and Allied Matters Act.
“His responsibilities include providing effective leadership, promoting open discussions, and facilitating sound decision-making within the Board,” he said.
Idris said that the former Minister of Communications, Innovation and Digital Economy, Prof. Isa Pantami, was named as an Independent Non-Executive Director.
“Pantami, in his role as an Independent Non-Executive Director, will offer independent oversight and challenge the Board’s decisions with an objective, impartial perspective.
“His position is designed to ensure that deliberations are free from conflicts of interest,” he said
The President added that revealed renowned former BBC Hausa Service broadcaster, Ahmad Abdullahi, has also been appointed as Non-Executive Director, while popular Kannywood actor and singer, Adam Zango, is the Director-General of Qausain TV.
He said that the appointments were in line with the vision of the broadcast outfit.
“Abdullahi, a veteran journalist, who served the BBC for 28 years before retiring in July 2023, will focus on promoting high standards of corporate governance.
“He will be expected to entrench ethical conduct and regulatory compliance in his role as a Non-Executive Director.
“Zango’s appointment as Director-General is effective immediately.
“The board highlighted his extensive experience in the media industry, and agreed that his expertise aligns with the company’s pursuit of excellence and innovation.
“His responsibilities include shaping Qausain TV’s strategic direction, driving premium brand development, forging strategic partnerships, and enhancing sales strategies,” he said.
He urged the appointees to leverage their extensive experience to drive the company’s goals, objectives and mission forward.
“We are confident that the appointees’ background and profound insights will be instrumental in propelling the company to new heights of success,” he said. (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)
The management of Guaranty Trust Holding Company Plc (GTCO) has refuted a circulating media report regarding its business activities and executive team.
GTCO, in a statement on Friday night, debunked all allegations from the smear media reports, while advising its customers, shareholders and stakeholders to disregard the fake news.
The statement also said that its executive management team was not under any financial or regulatory scrutiny as alleged.
According to the statement, the company is also seeking legal redress as it continues its credible banking and financial services and activities.
“Based on the incessant release of false news reports on GTCO’s business activities, results and its management team, it has become necessary to set the records straight and dispel attempts by certain groups to create a false narrative about the GTCO Brand and its Management.
“The false news articles, which are being sponsored using the media, centre around baseless allegations against the group’s business activities and its executive management.
“Being a responsible corporate citizen and a first class institution, GTCO Plc has taken swift and decisive legal actions against the various sources of these false reports, and will continue to use the full extent of the rule of law available to safeguard its reputation.
“We urge all our customers, shareholders and stakeholders to kindly disregard all the allegations being peddled through various media platforms and handles.
“Members of the executive management team will continue to operate in their full capacities as appointed and are not under any financial or regulatory scrutiny as alleged,” the statement said.
A video, which recently went viral, hurled lots of accusation on the bank’s management and called on relevant authorities to investigate the outfit.(NAN)
Dr Mohamed Ibn Chambas, Chairman of African Union High Level Panel on Sudan, says the Dangote Refinery is a testament to Nigeria’s ingenuity and African entrepreneurship.
Ibn Chambas said this in Lagos on Saturday when he visited the Dangote Refinery in Ibeju Lekki, Lagos State.
He commended Alhaji Aliko Dangote for his “business acumen, courage, tenacity and vision matched with action” in driving through such a mega project to its conclusion.
Ibn Chambas said Dangote had cemented his status as the true leader of the African Private Sector.
“I believe these are the types of transformational projects that would propel Africa out of poverty.
“Projects like the Dangote Refinery create jobs, have multiplier effect on the national and regional economies, provide cheaper and reliable fuel for transportation,” he said.
Ibn Chambas also commended President Bola Tinubu for ensuring provision of crude oil to Dangote Refinery.
“I would also like to take this opportunity to salute President Bola Tinubu for his bold and forthright decision to ensure provision of regular and dependable supplies of Nigeria crude oil to the Dangote Refinery.
“As a successful entrepreneur in his own right with a proud record of success in the private sector in the past, Tinubu understands the challenges.
“He has demonstrated commitment to creating an enabling business environment in Nigeria in general, and the smooth operation of the refinery in particular.
“I encourage all Africans across the continent and in the diaspora to visit the Dangote Refinery for inspection.
“A visit to the refinery provides an insight into the tremendous potential and hope there is, not only for Nigeria but, indeed, for the entire African continent,” he said.(NAN)
A federal lawmaker, Mr Ikenga Ugochinyere, has lauded Federal Government’s timely intervention in the gully erosion control project in Imo.
Ugochinyere, representing Ideato North and South Federal Constituency, made the commendation in an interview with newsmen during an assessment of the ongoing erosion control at Umuchima in Ideato South Local Government Area.
He described the intervention as a major win for the people of the area.
He said that the project would mitigate the impact of soil erosion and flooding that have ravaged major roads, communities and threatened livelihoods.
“We decided to see the extent of work. We are so pleased that they have covered close to one kilometer.
“At the stage they are now, once they burst out to Umuchima market, they will start filling up the other gully.
“They have even excavated the sand to recover the old road.
“With the speed they are moving, by December they would have made a temporary bridge to ensure that the road is motorable up to the market while they fill up the other side,” he said.
Ugochinyere thanked President Bola Tinubu and the Minister of Works, Mr David Umahi, for keeping to their promise to the people of the constituency that they will recover the Umuchima erosion site.
He further commended the contractors handling the project for doing a “fantastic job”, in spite of the non-availability of funds.
The lawmaker expressed delight over the State Government’s reported plan to take over the project and also add a road from Orlu to Orie Akokwa due to the erosion in the area.
“This is the thing we have been praying for.
“It is not my job as a lawmaker to get involved in project construction. I do representation as a lawmaker.
“But because the Federal Government abandoned the project for a long time, we started screaming to get its attention back.
“At the same time, it doesn’t matter who does it, whether the Federal Government or the State Government.
“What is important to our people is that they have the right to have access to good road,” he said.
Ugochinyere expressed the hope that the State Government would not turn around to also abandon the project after the Federal Government had handed it over.
“If Gov. Hope Uzodimma takes over the project, it will be commendable.
“But before we started this advocacy, it took over two years after the award of the project under President Muhammadu Buhari and then, it was abandoned.
“It was abandoned because they didn’t do what they were supposed to do the first time, which made us raise our legislative voice to draw the Federal Government’s attention back to the project,” he said.
The lawmaker said an intervention by the State Government may slow or stop the project temporarily, which would not go well with the people of the affected area. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)
Edited by Sam Oditah
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