By Angela Atabo

The Nigerian Building and Road Research Institute (NBRRI), says adherence to code of practice and  use of standard materials are critical to attaining building construction sustainability in Nigeria.

Prof. Samson Duna, Director General/Chief Executive Officer of NBRRI, stated this at the presentation of the 2023 NBRRI Scorecard to stakeholders on Thursday in Abuja

Duna said the institute carried out a robust research on building collapse in Nigeria.and the outcomes were revealing, while far-reaching recommendations were made.

“The investigation reveals that substandard materials, poor workmanship, poor supervision, lack of proper topography and soil investigation, absence of building or planning permit ,corruption ,inadequate designs are major factors of building collapse,” he said.

The institute’s CEO appealed to construction industry workers to use materials that meet the standard specification in construction and follow the code of practice.

He said that the Code of Practice is a guide enabling professionals in the construction sector to do the right thing as expected and not to cut corners.

Duna added that the code of practice covers construction areas like the labour, material, machines and manpower.

He added that, when construction workers adhere to the code of practice, the case of building collapse would be a thing of the past.

“My advice and appeal to professionals in the construction industry is that they should adhere to the standard requirement for the use of any material in construction.

“If you want to be sure that you are using quality materials like steel; you have to take it to the lab and test it to ensure that the material you are using meets the standard specification.

“If you are asked to produce a grade of 25 or a grade of 30, ensure that you use a mixed ratio that is standard to give you that specification of the required grade.

“Most of our infrastructure does not last long because we hardly adhere to specifications, ’ he said.

Duna said that through the Institute’s intervention in conducting studies on building collapse, the incidence was declining.

He said that NBRRI as a research institute had come up with some of the best labs in the country, in measuring construction materials like cement, concrete, steel among others. (NAN)

Edited by Rotimi Ijikanmi

By Philip Yatai

President Bola Tinubu says his administration is committed to creating a robust and efficient transportation network across the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) and beyond.

Tinubu stated this while inaugurating the completed B6 (Constitution Avenue), B12 (Independence Avenue) and Circle Roads in the Central Area of the territory on Thursday.

The President, who was represented by Senate President Godswill Akpabio, said that the delivery of roads and other infrastructural projects was in line with his administration’s renewed hope agenda.

He said: “We recognise that an efficient transport network remains vital for economic growth, social integration, and overall national development.

“As we commission these strategic roads, we are not just opening pathways of asphalt and concrete but also paving the way to enhance economic activities, improve accessibility, and a higher quality of life for our citizens.

“We remain committed to continuing this journey of building more roads, bridges, and essential infrastructure that will connect our people and drive our economy.

“This event stands as testament to this administration’s unwavering commitment to infrastructural development and urban renewal, a cornerstone of our vision for a more prosperous and much more connected Nigeria,” he said.

He recalled that on assumption into office a year ago, his administration set forth an ambitious agenda to transform the nation’s infrastructural landscape.

“The completion of these roads remains a demonstration of what we can achieve through dedicated planning, unwavering commitment and elaborate collaborative efforts.

“These roads are designed to alleviate traffic congestion, reduce travel time, and provide a more seamless connection between key areas within our Capital City,” Tinubu said.

The President commended Wike, FCTA and all the stakeholders involved in execution of all the projects he had been inaugurating for the past seven days.

Speaking in his capacity as the Senate President, Akpabio congratulated Wike for the feat, saying “you have not disappointed Nigerians.

“As the Chairman of the National Assembly, we will continue to give the FCT Administration all the needed support for Wike to succeed in turning things around for the better.

“Just before we left the chambers on Mr President’s directive, we passed for second reading of the Supplementary Appropriation Bill of the FCT, to enable you to do more for the people.

“By next week we will pass the budget and I believe Mr. President will sign it and it will become an Act of parliament.

“We will continue to support you in every way possible.” (NAN)

Edited by Abiemwense Moru

By Philip Yatai

The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Mr Nyesom Wike, says the leadership style of President Bola Tinubu is achieving desired results in the territory.

Wike stated this in Abuja on Thursday, during the inauguration of B6, B12, and Circle Roads in the Central Area by Tinubu, to celebrate his one year in office.

Tinubu was represented at the event by the Senate President, Godswill Akpabio.

According to the minister, leadership is key, stressing that with the right leadership, you get the right results.

“Because we have the right leadership, now we are getting the right results.”

He said that the completion of the B6, B12 and Circle Roads was awarded on May 14, 2007, at N48.5 billion and revised to N98.8 billion in Jan. 2021.

He pointed out that the project was ongoing for 17 years, but Tinubu completed it in just one year in office due to good leadership.

He, however, complained that the Ministry of Finance building had encroached into the portion of the road and appealed to Tinubu to intervene.

This, he said, was critical to enable the contractor to complete the portion of the road.

“There is supposed to be a road from B12 connecting with Ahmadu Bello Way by the finance bridge, but the ministry of finance has encroached into the road.

“We have pleaded with the ministry to allow us to do the road. We are all working for the same government, and we don’t want to use force to go and destroy the building.

“We gave them the land, but they encroached on the way.

“I want to plead with Mr. President to talk to them, so that we will be able to complete the road for the interest of the public,” Wike said.

He reiterated President Tinubu’s commitment to complete all ongoing projects in FCT, adding that 58 per cent of the 2024 FCT capital budget was set aside for completion of all ongoing projects.

The FCT Minister of State, Dr Mariya Mahmoud, commended the residents for their patience due to the inconveniences caused by the construction of the roads.

“The projects being delivered is a testament to Tinubu’s commitment to progress and prosperity.

“It will not only enhance accessibility into the Central District but contribute to the overall socio-economic development of the city,” Mahmoud said.

Earlier, Mr Shehu Ahmad, Executive Secretary, Federal Capital Development Authority (FCDA), said that B6, B12 and Circle Roads, provided connection into Abuja Central Area from Airport Road axis in line with Abuja Master Plan.

He said that the B6 also known as Constitution Avenue had been partially completed and put to public use.

He, however, said that B12, named Independence Avenue, had not been completed.

“The principal roads, particularly road B6 is about 6.6 km, B12 6.7 km, while the circle road is about 4.6 km.

“The cross sections of the roads as typical with other expressways are two main carriage ways of three lanes each, as well as two lanes both ways.

“The roads will enable dual mode transportation into and out of the central area,” he said.

The FCDA boss expressed optimism that the completed road will fizzle out the early morning gridlock being experienced at the City Gate. (NAN)

Edited by Abiemwense Moru

Tinubu calls for transition to prosperous, clean economy

By Salif Atojoko
President Bola Tinubu has called for earnest effort and action by citizens, stakeholders, institutions, and development partners to safeguard the environment and ensure a win-win transition to a prosperous and clean economy for all.

Chief Ajuri Ngelale, Special Adviser to the President, Media and Publicity, said in a statement on Wednesday in Abuja that the president made the call on World Environment Day marked every June 5.

Tinubu restated his commitment to ensuring the planting of 25 million trees by 2030, not only to protect the environment but also to provide opportunities for Nigeria’s youths within the green-economy value chain.

While calling for a more proactive approach to protect the land and ecosystem through afforestation, water conservation and the cessation of indiscriminate felling of trees, the President emphasised that to “heal our world, we must begin by healing the land and its people.”

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the World Environment Day, established by the United Nations during the Stockholm Conference on the Human Environment in 1972, is used globally to raise awareness on environmental matters.

“The theme of this year’s occasion, ‘Land restoration, desertification and drought resilience,’ is very significant, particularly for Nigeria, where the scourge of drought threatens parts of the country.

“According to the projections of the UN Convention to Combat Desertification, about 40 per cent of the planet’s land is degraded, which directly impacts half of the world’s population.

“The UN Convention to Combat Desertification also says the number and duration of droughts have increased by 29 per cent since 2000 and that without urgent action, droughts may affect over three-quarters of the world’s population by 2050,” the president said.

NAN also reports that to ensure Nigeria achieves carbon neutrality by 2060, Tinubu established the Presidential Committee on Climate Action and Green Economic Solutions in May, which he chairs.

The committee oversees the nation’s climate mitigation and adaptation efforts, as well as green economy initiatives.

The president also approved the establishment of Nigeria’s first Green Industrial Zone, Evergreen City, which is poised to be the leading manufacturing hub in Africa for renewable energy technologies, green solutions, and climate-adaptation technologies.(NAN) (www.nannews.ng)
Edited by Ismail Abdulaziz 

Guarantee our future – pupils urge Tinubu

By Safia Abdulrahman
Some Pupils in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) have urged President Bola Tinubu to prioritize education, healthcare of the Nigerian children in order to guarantee their future.

The Pupils who spoke to the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on Tuesday in Abuja as they resumed from the Children Day’s break, also appealed to state governors to give education and healthcare priority attention.

In separate interviews with NAN, the pupils said accessible quality education and healthcare delivery are key to the development of a Nigerian child.

They also urged the federal and state governments to see them as the future of a great Nigeria

Alicia Adewumi, a nine-year old pupil of a public school in Dakwa, Bwari Area Council of FCT, said primary education should be made free while one meal should be served to pupils in school

Asked whether her school has ever benefited from free meal programme of any government, the primary five pupil answered in the negative.

Adewumi expressed concerns and unhappiness over many children of her age, hawking and some begging on the streets during and after school hours.

“I am not happy when I see these children of my age walking in group around our area with plates on their hands begging people for money and food

“I always see them, particularly at Dei-Dei junction. One day I asked my father why they dressed in dirty clothes and begging on traffic.

“I think the government should do something to take them out of the streets,” she said.

On the children day celebration, she said though, her parent did not take her out for ice cream as she expected, but the holiday gave her the opportunity to relax, refresh her mind and play with her friends around the house.

Another pupil, 11 year-old Nmesoma Jonah, said that government should provide free reading books and other reading aids for pupils.

She said it is difficult for her parents to provide her with books and most times, she has to borrow from her colleagues to do her home work.

Jonah who said she would like to be a Medical Doctor when she grew up, said she was fascinated with the profession because of the care she got when she was admitted in a hospital.

Lantana Dogo, a 10-year-old groundnut seller said, there is nothing special about the children day celebration, because it is like a normal day for her to go out to hawk her goods.

“My parents cannot afford to pay for my school fees that is why I am hawking so that we can have something to eat, and buy other important things.

“I have friends who go to school and I wish I have the opportunity to go to school to learn too, ” she said. (NAN)
(www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Rotimi Ijikanmi

By Joan Nwagwu

Nigeria’s First Lady, Sen. Oluremi Tinubu, has distributed food items to no fewer than 1,200 vulnerable, internally displaced and people living with disabilities in Nasarawa State.

Tinubu inaugurated the symbolic distribution of the Food Outreach Scheme for Persons with Disabilities and the vulnerable groups on Tuesday in Lafia.

Represented by Hajiya Nana Shettima, Wife of the Vice President, the first lady said that the gesture was part of the Renewed Hope Initiative (RHI) Food Outreach Scheme, as part of the Social Investment Programme.

According to her, the food outreach scheme is specially designed to provide support to the under-privileged in line with the resolve of President Bola Tinubu to leave no one behind.

“This is also to ensure food security and sufficiency in the country.

“Under this scheme, a trailer load of assorted food items is donated to the state government for onward distribution to identified groups,”she said.

She added that the Federal Capital Territory, Kaduna and now Nasarawa states have benefited from the scheme under the special programme of RHI.

She, however, said that Benue would be next while other states would also benefit in due course.

The first lady also noted that in addition to the Social Investment Programme, the RHI also has other programmes that focus on health, agriculture, education and economic empowerment to better the lives of people in the country.

She said that the Federal Ministry of Agriculture in collaboration with RHI had concluded plans to donate a truck load of fertilisers and bags of rice to each state of the federation.

She added that Nasarawa State would be first to benefit from the collaboration.

“The Renewed Hope Initiative has also graciously approved a grant of N50,000 to 1,000 women in each state as part of our women economic empowerment programme, ”she said.

To the beneficiaries, she assured them of continued support and encouraged them to be steadfast, especially those in vulnerable communities.

She, therefore, commended the state government for their support for the Renewed Hope Initiatives.

Some of the beneficiaries who spoke to the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) expressed gratitude for the support.

Blessing David, a beneficiary from Nasarawa Eggon Local Government Area, commended the federal government for seeing reasons to extend helping hand to the poor masses.

“Now we have gotten what will sustain us for some time and we appreciate them greatly. May God bless them to do more.

Also, Halima Musa, from Doma Local Government Area, appreciated the federal government for the items.

“I do not have hands, I cannot work, so it has not been easy. I am so happy to be part of those that benefited from these food items.

“I am very happy, God should bless them more for them to remember more people like us,”she said.(NAN)

Edited by Isaac Ukpoju

By Philip Yatai

President Bola Tinubu has approved the request by the FCT Minister, Nyesom Wike, to name the Arterial Road N-20 after Nobel Laureate, Wole Soyinka.

The Arterial Road N-20 stretched from Shehu Musa Yar’Adua Expressway to Outer Northern Expressway (Murtala Mohammed Expressway).

Wike made the appeal in Abuja on Tuesday, during the inauguration of the road by the President, to celebrate his one year in office.

The minister said: “It is not when somebody dies that we will remember his contributions.

“It is good,  in the lifetime of someone who has contributed to the greatness of this country, to recognise him, rather than waiting for him to die.

“A dead man does not know what happens.

“I will appeal to you sir, to let us recognise one of our own, by naming this road after him. The only Nobel Laureate we have, who has made Nigerians proud in the world.

“I recommend that this road be named, Wole Soyinka Way. In that case, other people will have hope. People like me will have hope that tomorrow they will also recognise me,” Wike  requested

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that Tinubu approved the Minister’s request to name the road after Soyinka, whom he described as “a famous playwright, novelist and Nobel Prize winner”.

Wike explained that the road was awarded in 2020 at N30.6 billion and had no variation, adding that he had inspected the execution of the road more than 10 times to ensure timely delivery within specifications.

He argued that it would be difficult for any leader to challenge Tinubu’s achievements in FCT, considering the spade of infrastructure and administrative development in the territory in just one year in office.

“It will be difficult for anybody to challenge you in FCT. It will be very difficult.

“I said so because the facts are there; the things are there. It is not about theory; it is about reality,” he said.

Wike, particularly, commended Tinubu for changing the narrative of civil service in FCT.

According to the Minister, with the establishment of FCT Civil Service Commission, workers in FCTA no longer run to the Federal Civil Service Commission, for progression.

“They get promoted on their own. Most of them have never dreamed in their lives that they would reach the peak of their career as head of service and as permanent secretaries.

“Your political will, which you have always shown, has given them hope, and that is why today, if we decide to do something, you will see everybody working together so that we achieve it.”

The FCT Minister of State, Dr Mariya Mahmoud, said that Tinubu’s efforts not only transformed the infrastructural landscape of the city but also laid a foundation for smoother transformation and enhanced connectivity.

“By today’s inauguration, we are invariably creating a safer, more efficient and more sustainable transportation network that benefits everyone in the nation’s capital city.

“May this arterial road serve as pathways to progress, prosperity and unity for generations to come,” he said.

Earlier, Mr Shehu Ahmad, Executive Secretary, Federal Capital Development Authority (FCDA) explained that the arterial road N-20 stretches from the Murtala Mohammed Expressway to Airport Expressway (Shehu Musa Yar’Adua Expressway).

Ahmad said that segment that was inaugurated was 3.5km from the Murtala Mohammed Expressway to Ahmadu Bello Way, out of the 5.6-kilometre road from Murtala Mohammed Expressway to Northern Parkway.

He explained that the road was a six-lane dual carriageway, with extensive underground engineering infrastructure services, and streetlights.

He added that there were two interchanges, one at the intersection with the Murtala Mohammed Expressway and the other at Northern Parkway.

Ahmad added that the road crisscrossed two Sector Centre A and B, crossing four Districts at Sector Centre A – Katampe, Jahi, Mabushi and Kado, and crossed Jabi, Utako Daki Biyu, and Wuye Districts at Sector Centre B.

NAN reports that the inauguration of the Arterial N-20 Road was the fifth in a row, beginning with the Southern Parkway named after Bola Tinubu and the commercial operation of the Abuja Rail Mass Transit System.

Also inaugurated by the President  were the Wuye Interchange bridge and the Outer Southern Expressway to Ring Road I. (NAN)

Edited by Rotimi Ijikanmi

By Ahmed Ubandoma

The National Commission for Persons with Disabilities (NCPWD) says no fewer than 600 PwDs have benefitted from the pilot programme of its health Insurance package.

James Lalu, the Executive Secretary of the commission gave the figure on Sunday, in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Abuja.

Lalu also told NAN that the commission was working with the National Primary Healthcare Development Agency in the training of over 3000 health workers that would  specialise in handling disability related illness.

According to him, the training would come in the second phase of the health insurance intervention programme.

”We have provided health insurance coverage for PwDs in the last two years. We started with 600 beneficiaries.

”We are currently working with the Federal Ministry of Health to improve access to healthcare facilities for PwDs across the federation and we have started the pilot programme with the Maitama district hospital in Abuja.

”We have signed an MoU for the hospital to become a referral centre for PwDs,” he said

Lalu added “‘Our intention is to have, at least, one tertiary hospital in each state of the federation as referral for PwDs,

“We are providing training for the healthcare workers in the hospital on how to handle disability issues and make sure they are disability friendly.

”The training is ongoing at the National Primary Healthcare Development Agency and over 3000 health workers have already passed through the training at the moment.

“We are creating awareness on access to healthcare facilities for PwDs”.

On income security for PwDs Lalu said, no fewer than 150  Point of Sale (POS) machines and grants of N100,000 each were distributed to PwDs.

”We have also supported various Associations of PwDs on annual basis with grants to support their advocacy efforts

”We also provided assistive devices to three Nigerian Universities and the Sultanate Council in efforts to use the traditional institutions to create awareness on compliance with accessibility regulations for PwDs.

”The programme is expected to reduce hardship and and improve the health, sanitary conditions of the disability environment,” he said.

Lalu said the programmes were also some of the commitments of the commission to ensure access to public services for PwDs in Nigeria. (NAN)

Edited by Rotimi Ijikanmi