News
FG reaffirms Nov. delivery date of N73bn Apapa-Oworonshoki expressway project
The Federal Controller of Work in Lagos, Mr Kayode Popoola, has reaffirmed the Federal Government’s commitment to deliver the Apapa/Oshodi/Ojota/Oworonshoki Expressway project on schedule.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) recalls that President Muhammadu Buhari flagged off the N73 billion project in November 2018 to address gridlock on the axis, promising to deliver it in two years.
During inspection of the highway, on Wednesday, in Lagos, Popoola said that the road had achieved varied proportions of completion levels on different sections.
He explained that the progress was better to be presented in segments, but that a merger brought the entire projects to about 40 per cent completion level.
“On section one here, we have achieved about 22 per cent completion and on section three, it is about 55 per cent.
“On section four, we have achieved about 20 per cent completion,’’ he said.
On the completion date, the controller quoted the Minister, Mr Babatunde Fashola, as saying “it is still November this year’’.
While inspecting section one of the project, Popoola said “we are carrying out purification; which means, we removed the existing asphaltic concrete, add the stone base and now lay it’’.
He explained that several layers of construction went underneath, with up to eight inches thickness of concrete, to make the rigid pavement strong for durability.
The controller said that because of the huge vehicular and axle load on Apapa roads, the design was made to have iron rods as reinforcement to make the road stronger than normal asphaltic roads.
He said that the project had created about 600 direct jobs and over 1,000 indirect jobs, thereby improving the livelihoods.
He further explained that the project, being handled by the Dangote Group, had reduced travel time because completed sections that had been opened to traffic and had eased congestion on the axis.
The controller also inspected section four, which is about 10.5 kilometres and spans from Anthony Village to Old Toll Gate.
According to him, the award of contract for section two is being processed.
“Section two, which spans from Beachland to Cele bus stop, is not part of this contract, but it is being processed and very soon, work will begin there.
“We are completing sections one, three and four in November 2020,’’ he restated.
While inspecting section four, Popoola said that the team had gone round Tin Can Island Port, Liverpool Road and various sections and subsections of the highway.
He said that skeletal work continued on the project during the COVID-19 lockdown, adding that, full capacity operations were still hampered.
According to him, this is because some staff were trapped in other states and could not return due to inter-state travel restrictions.
“However, the workers resident in Lagos are coming to site.
“We have over 600 workers working here and it has improved the economy,’’ he said.
He appealed to Lagos residents to take ownership of the project and stop all forms of road abuses.
He decried dumping of refuse in drains of the ongoing project and others across the state while soliciting the support of residents on proper refuse disposal.
During an inspection of the 2.7 kilometres segment on section one B, Mr Ashton Davies, the Project Manager, Hitech subcontractors on the project, said that the technology used ensured continuity.
Davies explained that “with the concept of continued reinforcement pavement, there is no breakage and there is continuation of the concrete’’.
He added that various completed sections could easily be linked.
Some road users who spoke to journalists expressed satisfaction with the speed of work on the project.
Mr Adelani Friday, a data analyst, called on the government to replicate rigid roads across the nation.
Also, Mr Gafar Olakunle, a truck driver that plies the Lagos-Ibadan Expressway, commended the quality of work being done.
Olakunle called on other private sector concerns to partner with the government on road construction as the Dangote Group has done. (NAN)
The National Youth Council of Nigeria and all youth groups in the country have condemned in strong terms what the described as media trials and the desperation to tarnish the image and reputation of Senator Godswill Akpabio, President of the Nigerian Senate.
In a statement signed by the NYCN President, Amb. Solomon Adodo and made available to journalist in Abuja, the group underscored the importance of information in a democratic and developing society and frowned at those whose stock in trade is misinformation for political and selfish reasons.
According to the statement, “information is key, especially in a democratic society like ours. Accurate and reliable information about national issues and events is the cornerstone of objective journalism. However, some mischief makers have mastered the act of misinformation through twisted logic and deliberate falsehood to sway public sentiments and blackmail their adversaries.
“The recent controversy surrounding the conviction off Professor Peter Ogban and the deliberate attempt to link his criminal record with the impeccable personality of Senate Godswill Akpabio, the President of the Nigerian Senate is one of the dangerous manifestations of falsehood deliberately targeted at the character and personality of an innocent man.
“To those who feel Senator Godswill Akpabio is a threat to them, nothing is too inglorious for them to do in order to paint him bad light. First, it was Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan who was pushed forward to contest supremacy with the Senate President on the floor of the Senate over an issue clearly sorted out in the Senate Standing Orders.
“When she was slapped a suspension which she rightly merited, she resorted to lies and blackmail. This was simply a script to discredit the Senate President but again she failed as even the courts found no merit in her fabrications and desperation.
“Another script from the Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan camp which was designed to implicate the Senate President in an organ harvesting scandal, similar to what happened to Senator Ike Ikweremadu was also uncovered. A certain Dr. Sandra did not just refuse to be involved into an unethical conduct but went ahead and exposed those who were behind it. This falsehood and negativity also failed and with a perpetual hatred for the Senate President, the vultures are out to score cheap points over the recent conviction of Professor Peter Ogban.
“The misinformation that the Senate President benefitted from or committed electoral fraud following the conviction of Prof. Peter Ogban, a former INEC Returning Officer, is highly misleading and just one of the many sinister plots aimed at undermining the current administration.
“If not deliberate mischief, how can any right thinking individual conclude that Ogban rigged the election in favour of Akpabio when in reality, he announced Akpabio’s opponent as the winner and it was at the tribunal that Akpabio regained his mandate?
“This is nothing but deliberate, sponsored and calculated falsehood and misinformation intended to harm the towering political image of the Senate President who has been seen by many lovers of democracy as an ideal candidate for President after Tinubu’s 8 years.
“It is a dangerous enterprise for anybody to willfully distort very obvious facts like these just because they want to score cheap political points. To even think that very highly placed Nigerians believed this twisted falsehood and even propagated it on notable media channels is disheartening.
“As Nigerians, the exposition of this deviously orchestrated misinformation charade should awaken us to be more critical of whatever we see in the media especially against persons with distinguished track records. We must put aside our biases, political differences as well as personal interests and unite towards fighting our common enemies.
The text ended by urging the Senate President, Senator Godswill Akpabio “to remain steadfast and committed in his duties”, adding further that, as a youth group, we shall continue to give him the needed support to carry out his duties. Our doors are open to partner and collaborate with the Nigerian Senate since we have confidence in the Senate leadership and the good work they’re doing”
- … Endorses Solar Drive, Sets Sights on 2030 Energy Targets
- …Urges Journalists to Support, Not Sabotage Nigeria’s Clean Energy Transition
In a renewed push for sustainable national development, civil society organizations have thrown their weight behind Nigeria’s shift to renewable energy, commending the Energy Commission of Nigeria (ECN) for its commitment to powering underserved communities through clean energy solutions.
Under the umbrella of the CSOs Budget Implementation, Assessment, Monitoring, and Evaluation Committee (CBIAMEC), stakeholders held a press briefing in Abuja themed “Powering Nigeria’s Future: Advocating for a National Shift Toward Renewable Energy for Sustainable Development.”
Speaking at the event, CBIAMEC Chairman, Ambassador Splendour Agbonkpolor, emphasized that renewable energy holds the key to unlocking economic prosperity, job creation, and climate resilience. He described Nigeria’s energy access gap, where over 85 million citizens still lack electricity as a national emergency that demands bold, innovative, and inclusive solutions.
“We are here today not just to speak truth to power, but to align with power that works for the people. Renewable energy is not just a technology; it’s a tool for justice, equity, and human dignity.”Agbonkpolor said.
The committee particularly commended FG for its strategic initiatives aimed at deploying 4 megawatts of renewable energy in all 36 states and the FCT, as well as a separate plan to deliver 5 megawatts to every local government in partnership with the Association of Local Governments of Nigeria (ALGON).
“These projects are not only ambitious, they are necessary. They represent a real chance to lift communities out of darkness, boost local economies, and bring Nigeria closer to its renewable energy target of 30% by 2030.” Agbonkpolor noted.
The committee also addressed the ongoing ₦10 billion in the 2025 approved budget for the installation of a solar mini-grid at the Presidential Villa. While acknowledging growing media interest and public scrutiny of the initiative, CBIAMEC clarified that its position is not one of opposition but of constructive engagement.
“We had a fruitful interface with the Director General of ECN where detailed clarifications were provided on procurement procedures, project scope, and transparency mechanisms. The Commission assured us that all steps are being taken in line with the Public Procurement Act, including competitive bidding and regular performance audits.” Agbonkpolor added.
The group pledged to serve as an independent watchdog, monitoring the implementation to ensure the solar intervention truly benefits the people and delivers value for every kobo spent. “We will be vigilant, objective, and fact-driven in our oversight role.”
Meanwhile the Committee also raised concerns over what it described as “media trials” that could derail public trust and investment in renewable energy projects. It urged journalists to uphold ethical standards, verify information, and avoid sensationalism that may hinder national progress.
“We are not calling for silence, we are calling for responsibility. The media has a powerful role to play in this transition, not as saboteurs, but as storytellers of change and partners in development.” he restated.
The briefing concluded with a five-point call to action, encouraging households to explore solar home systems, innovators to invest in green technology, communities to support mini-grid projects, policymakers to prioritize renewable energy in national planning, and the media to amplify success stories in the sector.
- …Sets the stage for a future of more possibilities
Wema Bank, Nigeria’s most innovative bank and pioneer of Africa’s first fully digital bank, ALAT, has officially marked the incredible milestone of its 80th anniversary on Friday, May 2nd, 2025.
Celebrated as Nigeria’s oldest indigenous bank, Wema Bank was founded on May 2nd, 1945, as Agbonmagbe Bank Limited; an institution that has now evolved from a single-branch operation aimed at empowering indigenous Nigerians into a formidable force that continues to blaze the trail in Nigeria’s banking and financial industry.
From bridging gaps in access to finance for underserved Nigerians to empowering businesses with insightful financial solutions and support, providing a platform for other industries to thrive and proactively delivering financial solutions tailored to the needs of every Nigerian, Wema Bank has built a legacy of impact for 8 decades. With millions of customers and global presence via 150+ branches and the ALAT App, Wema Bank continues to set the pace in customer-centric innovation and impactful banking.
Extending heartfelt gratitude to the Bank’s stakeholders, Moruf Oseni, the MD/CEO of Wema Bank reiterated the Bank’s commitment to continue going above and beyond in service of its customers in the decades to come. According to him, “Wema at 80 is a milestone that extends deeply into the very roots of the industry, the people and the nation. This is an 80-year-old bank that began to set the pace for indigenous businesses in the depths of colonial rule and has remained resolute in carrying on that mission since 1945, showing the world that ‘Nigerian-owned’ can last, and institutions can be agents of transformation in their own capacity. It’s a journey I am deeply proud of and I cannot celebrate alone”.
“I take this moment to express my sincerest gratitude to every person and institution that has played a part in Wema Bank’s success story. From our customers to shareholders, investors, partners to employees past and present, and every other stakeholder whose efforts run in the veins of this great Bank. We are Wema and I take this moment, on behalf of the Board and Management of the Bank, to reiterate our lifelong commitment to you. Wema Bank is built to last, Wema Bank is built for you and Wema Bank will never relent in delivering optimum value to you. It has been 80 years of impact, and as we look ahead to a future of limitless possibilities, our promise to you remains the same. We Are With You, All The Way!”, Oseni concluded.
Wema Bank’s 80th anniversary has taken the world by storm, with a major highlight being the Wema at 80 Gala Night scheduled to hold in Lagos at 6 p.m. on Friday May 2nd, 2025. Headlined by Afrobeats stars Davido and Wande Coal, Fuji legend Ayuba, vocal sensation Yinka Davies, 9ice and a star-studded lineup of celebrities, dignitaries and stakeholders; the night promises to be one for the books, convening 8 decades of generations in a glamorous ceremony themed ‘Timeless Elegance’.
Anyone can be a part of the Wema at 80 Gala Night by tuning in live at 7 p.m. to the Bank’s YouTube Channel as well as select national TV stations.
NYCN, Others Comdemn Media Trial, Misinformation against Akpabio
International community must jointly safeguard right course of science-based origins tracing
