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Foreign

Chinese ambassador pledges to actualise outcomes of Tinubu’s China visit

By Sarafina Christopher

China’s Ambassador to Nigeria, Yu Dunhai, has pledged to actualise all the agreements, signed between the Federal Republic of Nigeria and People’s Republic of China.

The agreements were signed during President Bola Tinubu’s recent visit to the East Asian country.

The ambassador stated this during a news conference on Friday in Abuja, to discuss the outcomes of the visit and the President’s participation in the Forum on China-Africa Cooperation (FOCAC).

He said that he would play an active role, alongside various sectors toward actualising the agreements, to bring the envisioned projects to fruition.

Yu said that he was part of the relevant government departments of China and Nigeria, who signed a total of 13 cooperation documents.

According to him, the documents cover areas such as high-quality Belt and Road cooperation planning, and the implementation of the Global Development Initiative.

Other areas, he said, included economic growth, human resources, application of the Beidou Satellite Navigation System, export of peanuts to China, and media exchanges.

“Among them, one bilateral cooperation document covers around 19 projects that China and Nigeria are cooperating and intend to cooperate with.

“In addition, multiple cooperation agreements were signed between relevant departments, state governments and Chinese companies during the visit.

“We believe that these documents reflect the thriving cooperation between our two countries and the bright prospects of China-Nigeria cooperation,” he said.

The Chinese envoy also underscored the need to diligently follow through with the signed agreements toward ensuring that the commitments were translated into tangible outcomes.

The Director, Centre for China Studies in Nigeria, Charles Onunaiju, said that Nigeria was committed to leveraging its institutional mechanisms to oversee the sustainable implementation of the agreements.

Onunaiju added that such institutional mechanisms included the newly formed Office of the President on Policy Coordination.

“This office will be tasked with ensuring accountability and progress tracking for the successful execution of the signed deals,” he said. (NAN)

Edited by Mark Longyen

General News

Governors, NDDC partner for sustainable dev’t – Uzodimma

By Naomi Sharang

Gov. Hope Uzodimma of Imo, says that governors of the nine oil producing states are partnering the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC) for sustainable development in the country.

Uzodimma said this at a news conference on the sidelines of a meeting between the governors and officials of the NDDC, in Abuja on Monday.

HE said the meeting was to provide synergy with the governing council, the governing board and advisory board of the NDDC for the betterment of Nigerians.

“We looked at so many issues; issues of projects, abandoned projects, ongoing projects and also brainstormed on how best we can through that collaboration, advance the course of progress in the commission,” he said.

On abandoned projects, Uzodimma recalled that the previous adminustration under Muhammadu Buhari set up a Policy Coordinating Committee, which identified projects stalled due to paucity of funds.

“Of course, this new board, walking with President Bola Tinubu has risen to the occasion and they are working out ways and means to ensure that those projects are completed.

“There is no politics about it. This government is sensitive. He wants the nation to be developed, he wants our people to feel the positive impact of the initiatives of the new board.

“They are working together hand in hand to protect and satisfy the aspirations and yearnings of our people,” he said

Also speaking, the Managing Director of the NDDC, Samuel Ogbuku, said the governors had pledged to the commission, adding that, “NDDC does not have a geographical location. It is the state governments that have boundaries. So whatever projects we are embarking on are in the states.

“So, we have to work with the state governments to ensure that we achieve optimal results.”

Ogbuku said that President Tinubu was committed to ensuring the completion of all the ongoing and abandoned projects in the region.

“As you can see, just in commemoration of Tinubu’s one year in office, he commissioned laudable and legacy projects and so we are still working on inaugurating more and also finishing the remaining ones.

“Some of these projects are projects that started 15 years ago, so it is not something we can finish in one year.

“The President has given us a matching order that he wants to commission projects, landmark projects in the region in the next two years. So we are looking at completing most of these projects within the period of two years,” he said.

On the East-West road, Ogbuku said the commission was giving the Federal Ministry of Works every support to ensure that the project was completed.

“The East-West road is a federal government project. It’s not under NDDC. But, we are actually giving the ministry of works every support to ensure that the project is completed,” he said.

Earlier, the Oil Producing States Governors’ Forum elected Uzodimma as its Chairman, and his Bayelsa counterpart, Douye Diri as vice chairman while Bassey Otu of Cross River emerged as the secretary.(NAN) (www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Maureen Ojinaka/Bashir Rabe Mani

General News , Oil & Gas

CBN Power Intervention : TCN completes 80% projects in Lagos

 

 

By Raji Rasak

The Transmission Company of Nigeria (TCN) says  it has completed over 80 per cent of the power project under the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) N123 billon intervention in power sector.

Mr Matthew Ajibade, the Programme Manager, TCN, Lagos, disclosed this during the inspection of different projects under the intervention in Lagos.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that some stakeholders that inspected the projects include top management staff of CBN, staff of Eko Electricity Distribution Company, Ikeja Electric and TCN staff.

According the Ajibade, 53 contracts across the entire Discos in Nigeria were approved by CBN in August 2022, with sum of N122.29 million for intervention in the nation’s power sector.

“These projects were identified by the stakeholders to address the transmission and distribution bottlenecks in order to allow seamless evacuation of power from generation to distribution network.

“So, the projects were conceived about two years back through open competitive procurement process that led to the award of 53 contracts to different contractors.

“We are here, today, for the inspection of those projects and consignments that have already arrived in some selected sites.

“We plan to deliver this project before the set deadline date.

“The project itself is in two categories; some are supply contracts and we have others that are Engineering, Procurement and Construction (EPC).

“So far, 80 per cent of the projects have been completed and we are sure that by May, 2024, we will have completed all the projects here in Lagos,” he said.

Ajibade said that the reason for the inspection was to show the whole world that the project are not abandoned as thought.

“We have done several factory inspection visits to test some of those transformers,  especially those that have already arrived. We are here today to inspect them.

“The objective of this intervention is to address all these bottlenecks between transmission and distribution and at the same time, to enhance the social economy activities of the country.

“CBN intervention is Naira denominated and all the contractors are all local contractors. They are all registered in Nigeria,” he said.

The programme manager said that the expected impacts of the projects all were to add 1,500 Megawatts to the power, adding that these would be at different levels on each distribution companion.

“We are expecting a great improvement in nation’s power sector as there will be adequate capacity available for the Discos to wheel power to their network from the transmission network,” he said.

Responding, Mr AbdulRazaq Tumba, the Assistant Director and Head, Infrastructure Finance Office, CBN, said he was impressed with the level of works on the projects.

“In Isolo Transmission Station, we could see that the job is over 70 per cent completed, just awaiting the equipment from TCN for installation.

“In Ojo station, we can also see 100 per cent achievement. The two requested transformers, with accessories, have been supplied. The only one left will be deployed to other site,” he said.

Tumba said that the purpose of the projects was to improve power supply and address some of the critical economic issues within the country.

“The projects are timely and when completed, millions of Nigerians across the nation will benefit not only the electricity, but also the locals who have been employed locally to work.

“It will also boost economical activities, as there’ll be more cash in the system going round, and there’ll also be more manufacturing tools being produced within the country.

“As you can see most of these equipment are been done locally, except the heavy ones, which we don’t have the components here in Nigeria.

“About 90 per cent of the components for these projects are produced locally. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

 

Edited by Olawunmi Ashafa

Defence/Security

Nigerian Army inaugurates 3km access road, others in Nasarawa

By Sumaila Ogbaje

The Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Lt.-Gen. Taoreed Lagbaja, on Saturday inaugurated a 3-kilometre access road, solar street light, e-library and gallery in Narawara town of Nasarawa State.

Lagbaja was represented by the Commander,  The Nigerian Army 4 Special Force in Doma, Maj.-Gen. Hillary Nzan.

He said the projects were part of his special intervention and army’s civil-military relations activities as well as critical aspects of the non-kinetic lines of operation.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the project was approved for and executed by the Director, Modernisation Monitoring, Nigerian Army Heritage and Future Centre (NAHFC), Maj.-Gen. Shuaibu Ibrahim.

Maj.-Gen. Ibrahim is a former Director-General, National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) and a son of the town.

Lagbaja said the Nigerian army recognised continuous support of the people of Nasarawa state, which had been instrumental to the operational successes recorded by the Nigerian army in the state and North Central zone of the country.

He said the army had undertaken numerous quick impact projects focused on improving the well-being of communities across all the geo-political zones of Nigeria.

According to him, one component of the quick impact project is the Chief of Special Conventions Civil Military Cooperation project designed to provide support to communities of Nigerian army senior officers.

“They, through their selfless service to the nation, have risen to the enviable rank of Major General.

“I am therefore glad that Nasarawa town, and indeed Nasarawa State, is blessed with one of such accomplished officers in the person of Maj.-Gen. S Ibrahim.

“As a devoted senior officer who had served in different capacities and held several appointments, he has distinguished himself in service to the nation.

”The commissioning of this newly completed project is indeed a testament to his accomplishment in the cause of his illustrious career arising from the Nigerian army’s desire to partner with all our communities towards nation building.

“Our projects are carefully conceptualised to elucidate special interest from the people who are expected to take ownership for good management.

“In line with this, the Nigerian army has so far constructed and rehabilitated hospitals, schools, provided computers and other information and communication technology with library facilities.

“Others are construction of town hall, roads and sinking of boreholes among several others,” he said.

Host Gov. Abdullahi Sule, represented by the Commissioner for Special Duties, Amb. Timothy Kasuwa, commended the Nigerian army for its intervention in the community.

Sule said the army had in addition to securing the state, has also continued to provide support to the people in terms of amenities to boost its kinetic lines of operation.

According to him, Nasarawa is the most peaceful state in Nigeria now because of the commitment of the Nigerian army to the peace of the state.

The executor of the project, Maj.-Gen. Ibrahim said the army had over the years enjoyed a robust relationship with the people of the states, adding that many sons and daughters of the state had served and still serving in contributing to the development of Nigeria.

He said the choice of the project was made after consultations to identify the project that would be impactful on the people.

“We arrived at construction of the road and the provision of street lights and the COAS did not hesitate before approving the project.

“These projects are envisaged to improve the social and economic activities of the community.

“In addition, it will provide easy access for researchers and others for the use of the e-library established by me for the community.

“It will offer students of the community wealth of resources that can help broaden their knowledge, improve their skills and serve as a training centre for computer based test and boost their overall performance,” he said.

The Chief of Civil Military Affairs (Army), Maj.-Gen. Nosakhare Ugbo, said the completion and inauguration of the projects had further affirmed importance of the implementation of non-kinetic approach towards achieving army’s constitutional responsibilities.

Ugbo said the Nigerian army was mindful of the place of well meaning citizens towards ensuring peace, stability and economic growth in the country.

He added that the roles and contributions of the people of Nasarawa state in nation building was well noted and acknowledged.

According to him, their immense support and contributions have continued to manifest in the successes recorded by Headquarters, 4 Special Forces Command and 177 Battalion, both stationed in the state.

“The Nigerian army, being the people’s army, holds the place of the people in the highest esteem.

“Hence, the COAS special intervention civil military cooperation projects geared towards improving the living standards of the well meaning individuals of our beloved communities across the six geopolitical zones of the country.

“It is important to state that the execution of the civil military cooperation projects is premised on the need to complement the efforts of states, local government and other credible non-governmental organisations in providing essential services and infrastructure to the concerned communities.

”I must therefore note that the sustainment of this drive is in line with the COAS’ passion to provide solid administration being one of the anchors of his command philosophy,” he said.

The Emir of Nasarawa, Alhaji Ibrahim Usman, represented by Alhaji Idris Loko, thanked the Nigerian army for honouring their son and providing amenities for his emirate.

He pledged to ensure the maximum utilisation of the facilities and named the new access road after Maj.-Gen. Shuaibu Ibrahim. (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Muhammad Suleiman Tola

Environment

We’ll be aggressive in project implementation— Environment Minister

By Abigael Joshua

Mr Balarabe Lawal, the Minister of Environment, has assured Nigerians of prompt and determined implementation of environmental projects.

Lawal communicated this at the maiden meeting with environment correspondents on Thursday in Abuja.

He said the ministry would collaborate with relevant stakeholders to deliver on its mandate.

“We are going to be aggressive with the implementation of the projects in the environment ministry.

“We are going to start a new community development in Ogoniland where we will get the community involved in the cleanup–the traditional institutions, youths and stakeholders.

“Ogoni is just one out of other places in the country that has these issues of environmental pollution.’’

According to Lawal, it is being eight years that the cleanup of ogoniland has been on and expressed optimism that the environmental challenges faced in ogoniland will soon be resolved.

He said there were plans to curb desert encroachment with the help of the National Great Green Wall Agency but appealed to the Federal Government on security.

“We have agencies like the great green wall that has been trying to address issues of desert encroachment and the planting of trees to discourage deforestation.’’

The minister said that the ministry would collaborate to curb the activities of loggers as well.

He said that in the area of wastes recycling, the ministry would ensure that garbage was turned to wealth and would also collaborate with the state governments on wastes management.

Lawal urged residents to take care of their environment by ensuring it was rid of dirt.

“We are the ones that cause some of the environmental issues by littering the places with dirt.’’

The minister said that partnership would be carried with all its agencies and stakeholders to mitigate climate change.(NAN) www.nannews.ng

Edited by Chijioke Okoronkwo

General News

CODE empowers communities to track 47 projects worth $2.8m in Kaduna

By Angela Atabo

Connected Development (CODE) said 47 projects worth $2.8million have been tracked by communities in Kaduna State through its Deepening Citizens’ Interest in Government Spending and Addressing Accompanying Corrupt Practices (DeSPAAC) project.

Mr Hamzat Lawal ,Chief Executive Officer, CODE made this known at the closeout of the DeSPAAC project in Abuja, funded by the MacArthur Foundation.

According to Lawal, the project is a testament to the power of collaboration and the impact a committed group of individuals can achieve in their communities.

He said that CODE leveraged on its FollowTheMoney model to embark on the DeSPAAC project, with a clear vision to promote transparency and accountability in the management of public resources.

Lawal said that the aim was to also ensure that government spending directly translated into meaningful development in Kaduna State.

He said, “We set out on a journey to engage with both citizens and government, fostering a sense of shared responsibility and a collaborative approach to governance.

“Since the project’s inception in 2021, we have made significant strides, tracking an impressive NGN 9,397,800,000.00 (USD 2.8 million) across 47 projects.

“We directly reached 30 communities with a total population of approximately 990,000 people from the three senatorial zones in Kaduna State.

“These numbers are more than just statistics; they represent lives touched, needs met, and a shared commitment to a better future.

“During our journey, we encountered a common challenge ;projects nominated by legislators often did not align with the actual needs of their constituents. ”

According to Lawal, in response, CODE developed the “constituency nomination and monitoring tool”.

He explained that the model allowed constituents to actively participate in the project selection process, thus ensuring that the projects truly addressed their needs.

Lawal added that it has also enabled legislators to exercise more effective oversight functions over the projects.

“The impact of our collective efforts is best reflected in the tangible improvements experienced by communities.

“In Chikaji, Sabon Gari, Zaria, a community without a Primary Health Centre (PHC) and forced to share one with a neighboring community, now has a fully functional PHC worth N50,000,000.00.

“In Sabon Gari, a classroom block valued at N12,500,000.00 now stands, providing much-needed educational infrastructure,”he said.

Lawal said that another significant transformation tool place in Pala, Ikara Local Government Area, where a previously under-equipped Primary Health Centre now boasts access to over 80 medical equipment.

He said that they included hospital beds, mattresses, examination couches, syringes, needles, forceps jars, weighing scales, and diagnostic sets, greatly improving the community’s access to quality healthcare.

The CEO said that the organisation’s approach, the ‘Constituency Nomination and Monitoring Tool’, has empowered constituents to play a more active role in project selection and implementation.

Lawal said that CODE brought legislators and their constituents together, fostering collaboration, transparency, and accountability in the governance process.

“Today, we stand on the cliff of change, where the lessons we have learnt and the successes we have achieved can pave the way for a more transparent, accountable, and efficient governance system.

“I call on legislators, governments’ representatives, and citizens to seize this opportunity to forge innovative ideas, bridge gaps, and promote greater transparency in our journey towards enhanced governance transparency,”he said

Lawal said that the DeSPAAC project was just the beginning,as CODE would continue to build on the foundations to actively engage citizens, legislators, and government representatives in a united effort to “strengthen the ties that bind us.”

He said ,”We all have a responsibility to ensure that the resources dedicated to various constituencies result in meaningful development are equitably distributed and efficiently managed.”

Rep. Hussaini Jallo, representing Igabi Federal constituency in the state, reiterated the commitment of his colleagues to sustainable development.

Jallo said that the developments in their constituencies would be in the areas of infrastructural developments like roads, electricity, education, health, water and security, among others.(NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

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Edited by Bashir Rabe Mani

General News

ICPC tracks 82 constituency projects valued at N8bn in Imo

 

By Victor Nwachukwu

The Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) has commenced tracking of 82 constituency projects valued at N8 billion in Imo.

 

Mr Victor Onakpoberuo, the Team Lead of the ICPC’s projects monitoring team, disclosed this while addressing newsmen in Owerri on Wednesday.

 

The exercise is part of the tracking of 1,932 constituency projects valued at N500 billion across 26 states of the federation, as announced by the ICPC’s Spokesperson, Azuka Ogugua, on Wednesday.

 

Onakpoberuo, Principal Superintendent of the commission said the exercise was the 6th phase of its Constituency and Executive Project Tracking Initiative (CEPTI).

 

According to him, this is in line with ICPC’s mandate to rid Nigeria of all forms of corruption and corrupt practices.

 

He added that the exercise was aimed at investigating fraudulent procurement practices in public contract awards for proper service delivery to the people.

 

He also said the monitoring team would ensure the full execution of all publicly funded projects, enforce compliance with regulatory requirements and ensure that government gets value for money spent on projects.

 

“The project will see the commission tracking 82 projects in various communities in Imo valued at N8,213,772,862.16.

 

“The initiative is aimed at accelerating development at the community levels, to empower local communities to take ownership of constituency projects and to ensure value for money in government expenditures,”  he said.

 

He however said that the monitoring team would visit all constituency projects in all 27 council areas of Imo to ensure their completion and compliance with acceptable standards. (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Gregg Mmaduakolam/Julius Toba-Jegede

Education

ASUU opposes TETFund on inclusion of private varsities in projects

 

By Funmilayo Adeyemi

The Academic Staff Union of Universities ((ASUU) has kicked against the plan by the Tertiary Education Trust Fund (TETFund) to include private universities as beneficiaries of its projects.

 

 

ASUU President, Prof. Emmanuel Osodeke, made this known at a two-day interactive session between TETFund and all unions of beneficiary institutions in Abuja on Wednesday.

 

 

Osodeke said that the move to include private varsities in the fund’s project would lead to proliferation of private universities devoid of quality.

 

 

He charges the fund to work more on its project monitoring method saying that the level of performance by the beneficiary institutions are not in tandem as some of them receive the same amount of money.

 

 

He called for sanctions against non-performing institutions while also advocating for the abolition of what he referred to as “stakeholders fund”.

 

 

“ASUU will continue to embark on strike untill the right thing is done in our tertiary institutions. Stakeholders fund should be abolished,” Osodeke said.

 

 

In his address, the Executive Secretary of TETFund, Sonny Echono, said the interactive session was conceived as a proactive engagement against the backdrop of the prevailing challenges in the subsector.

 

 

Echono said that the engagement was also for the purpose of sustaining steady growth and development of tertiary education.

 

 

He stressed the need to consistently engage and challenge one another on how best to improve the situation.

 

 

“It is our fervent hope that this interactive session will provide an enabling environment for us to understand some of our challenges and difficulties in the delivery of quality education in our institutions.

 

 

“Thereby making meaningful contribution to the successful execution of the objective of the fund.

 

 

“As you all know our primary mandate is to rehabilitate, restore and consolidate tertiary education in Nigeria, using funding alongside project management.

 

 

“The session is also expected to serve as a platform to discuss and mitigate incidences of industrial disputes in the tertiary education sector and look at ways to prevent and avoid their occurrences,” he said.

 

 

Echono also explained that the interactive session would bring the opportunity to build and solidify cooperation among the fund, its beneficiary institutions and the unions on matters that affect the growth and development of tertiary education.

 

 

“I believe that this interaction will bring up issues of concerns that will not only enable us address the areas of intervention in our institutions.

 

 

“It will also espouse gaps and shortcoming that have resulted in strikes and interruptions of academic sessions, with a view to mitigating them,” he said.

 

 

He called for urgent need for all stakeholders to unify efforts to reposition our tertiary institutions for the challenges of the times, especially in dealing with strike actions in the institutions.

 

 

“Studies have shown a link between poor student performance and industrial strike by unions. The arguments generally are that the quality of teaching and learning will significantly improve when teaching and learning are uninterrupted.

 

 

“Furthermore, building world class institutions requires a consistent and regular academic calendar and this is often affected by industrial strikes.

 

 

“However, a closer look will also show that many industrial strikes by the unions were for the improvement in teaching and learning conditions for both staff and students.

 

 

“It is for these reasons that sessions like this are organised to deliberate and find common grounds on issues of mutual interest and benefits,” he added.

 

 

Also, the former President, Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC), Ayuba Wabba, who spoke on ‘The Role of Trade Unions in TETFund Intervention Activities”, commended the fund for its commitment to the elevation of university education.

 

 

Wabba noted that the NLC had benefitted a great deal from the ideological clarity and consistency of the unions in the tertiary institutions.

 

 

“The patriotic and historical resistance of the Congress against the debilitating influence and impact of neo liberal policies of successive government in Nigeria drew a lot of inspiration.

 

 

” This is as well as drawing verve from the intellectually sound positions advanced by unions in our tertiary institutions,” he said.(NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Julius Toba-Jegede

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Metro

AMAC Chairman assures of speedy completion of projects

By Ruth Oketunde

Mr Christopher Maikalangu, the Chairman, Abuja Municipal Area Council (AMAC) has reiterated his commitment to completing ongoing projects in the council in the next three months.

Maikalangu said this in Abuja, when he led council officials and journalists on inspection tour of some ongoing projects and completed ones in four political wards of Zone A.

He said that the projects were in fulfillment of his campaign promises, adding that he would not relent in providing the dividends of democracy to the people at the grassroots.

The chairman, while calling for more cooperation among residents of the communities where road projects were sited, attributed the delay in their completion to the rainy season.

“I am happy with the progress of the projects so far, but the contractors must deliver in line with the required standards.

“We appeal to the communities where projects are sited to cooperate with the contractors; else the projects will be moved to another community that needs it.

“I also want to warn that any contractor that fails to deliver standard projects would not be paid,” he said.

Maikalangu who had a stopover at the Emir of Karshi Palace, assured him and his subjects of more dividends of democracy in the domain.

The Emir of Karshi, Malam Ismaila Mohammed, appreciated the chairman on the visit and also for initiating various projects.

He however, tasked the chairman not to relent in providing quality leadership to the people.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the projects visited included the 500KVA transformer rural electrification projects and the 500 metre road project in Kugbo.

Others were the 945 metre road at Jikwoyi, Phase 1, 10,000 litres overhead tank solar borehole in Agwan Gade-Jikwoyi and the rehabilitation of 2.15km Kpeyegyi Phase 2 Asphalt and extension access road in Karu ward.

The constructed motorised borehole at Agwan Gbagyi in Karshi, 800 meters Asphalt Access road at Orozo community, rehabilitation of access road in Kurudu, installed 500KVA transformer in Gidan-Diya community and rehabilitation of access road in Gbagalape community in Nyanya were also part of the projects. (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)

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Edited by Deborah Coker/Ali Baba-Inuwa

General News

No more cutting corners in project execution – Delta Commissioner

By Mercy Obojeghren

The Delta Commissioner for Works, (Highways and Urban), Mr Reuben Izeze, says no more cutting corners in project execution in the state.

The newly sworn in commissioner stated this on Thursday in Asaba when he assumed duty after his inauguration by Gov. Sheriff Oborevwori.

According to Izeze, there is no more cutting corners in project execution in the state.

”The governor does not cut corners, he is a man of very high standards and I know that the Ministry of Works will be one of his star ministries in the cause of this administration.

‘’The people of Delta are looking forward to the ministry doing something differently from what has been the norm.

”And I believe that it is time to do things differently. Whatever projects we are doing must be able to stand the test of time,” he said.

Izese added that ”In this administration, because the governor has promised the people of the state the ”MORE agenda” to advance the state, I can assure you that we must get back to delivering superior projects.

‘’We will do projects that will make the people of Delta proud and understand that the Oborevwori’s administration means to keep its commitment to the state, particularly in the area of quality of roads and bridges both in the rural, urban, riverine and highways.”

Izeze charged the engineers in the ministry to be up in their game in realising the visions of the governor in delivering quality projects that would stand the test of time.

In the same vein, the Works Commissioner (Rural and Riverine Roads), Mr Charles Aniagwu, stressed the need for the staff of the ministry to effectively discharge their duties.

Aniagwu cautioned the civil servants against laxity or cutting corners in the supervision or execution of projects in the state.

‘’We will make supervision much more frequent. No matter where the road is in the state.

”It must be visited while the schedule officers should be able to give us regular updates on the project so that if the contractor has a challenge, we can address it on time,’’ Aniagwu said.

The commissioners who took their turns to familiarise themselves with the engineers and civil servants in the ministry addressed them on their expectations towards the realisation of the ”MORE agenda” of the governor.

They stressed the need for cooperation of staff in the ministry to achieve the desires and aspirations of the state government.

Earlier, the Permanent Secretary, Mr Fred Edafioghor, who conducted the commissioners around the offices upon disclosed that the ministries inherited over 400 projects at various levels of completion from the previous administration.(NAN)(www.nannews.ng)