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What has Buhari done for the North?

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Crude Oil Sample from Kolmani ,Alkaleri Bauchi and Gombe

 

By Abubakar Sadiq Dauda

Today, history has happened in the Northern district of our dear country; the discovery and exploration of crude oil in commercial quantity in Bauchi and Gombe states. That didn’t come as a surprise to many of us who are always updated with the project activities taking place in the country, especially here in the North.

In governance, there is a limit to everything, you can’t satisfy all the yearnings and calls of everybody. This is why against all odds, I had to embrace myself and see reasons why i should keep aligning myself with the administration of President Muhammad Buhari. Even with His shortcomings (which is akin to all living being), I had to open up my brain and compare Nigeria, between where it was before 2015 and where it is now.

Instead of dwelling solely on the living cost and economic hardships in Nigeria (which most countries in the world are battling with), I try to focus on the foundations which are being laid, year-in, year-out by Buhari’s regime, which by God’s grace will take Nigeria to the promise-land in the nearest future.

2022: Dangote Industries Wins FMDQ Largest Corporate Lodgment Award  

The massive inflow of investments that has happened to Nigeria from 2015 till now is second to none, since the inception of fourth-republic. There is still shortage of Jobs, no doubt, but that will surely be a thing of the past, as there are too many numerous companies due for commissioning in the years to come (between 2023 to 2025).

I am tempted to outline what Buhari’s administration has done in the entire country, how he succeeded in showcasing our great potentials to the global world, as well as a whole lot of great developments which he brought to our dear nation. Also important to mention is the monopoly jinx that was broken. Equal competitiveness in our market today has produced young, brilliant millionaires, if not billionaires.

I will prefer not to deviate on the subject matter and instead mention the numerous projects completed/ongoing in the Northern part of our country. I will also take time to clarify on the ones that needs to be clarified.

– Discovery, Exploration of Crude oil in large quantity in Bauchi, Gombe state.

– Ajaokuta, Abuja, Kaduna, Kano, gas pipeline. The project is currently ongoing, laying of pipe has entered Kano state, precisely Kwanar Dangora in Bebeji Local Govt. This project will bring massive development to the North, as gas power stations will be constructed in Kano and Kaduna, which will revive the industries in the states and by extension other states in the North, which will in turn create a thousand of job opportunities.

– Completion of 700MW Zungeru Hydropower Project in Niger state.

– Kogi was declared an oil producing state last year.

– 100% Completion of Baro port in Niger state. It is not functional due to lack of access road. The road is now under construction and it is funded by NNPC under the tax credit initiated by PMB’s administration.

– Completion of 40MW of Kashimbilla Hydropower Project in Taraba state, to be commissioned very soon.

– Dadinkowa Power Project with Irrigation facility in Gombe, at the stage of final installation of power equipments.

– Completed Mother and Child Hospital in Gashua, Yobe state

– Completed Mother and Child Hospital in Makurdi, Benue state.

– Construction of Kano – Kaduna double standard gauge rail line. The project is now at Makarfi, just 100km away to reach its last stop in Kaduna. Also note that this project started just a year ago, precisely September last year.

– Airforce Institute of Technology, Kaduna

– Airforce Reference Hospital, Bauchi

– Naval Base, Kano. The first naval base in the North.

– Acquiring of modern fighter jets that has given devastating blow to terrorists in the North-east and North-west consequently.

– Rigorous farming activities taking place in the North as a result of banning of rice importation into the country.

– Dala Inland Dry-port in Kano, completed and commisioned.

– Kaduna Inland Dry-port, completed and commisioned.

– Numerous Universities, Polytechnics and Colleges being sighted in the North in places like Daura, Kano, Bauchi, Jigawa, Kebbi, Benue and a host of other states. That is done to ensure that students have many available choice when enrolling for JAMB exams.

– Creation/Upgrading of all the Transmission stations in the North to boost power supply. The projects are ongoing in due course with majority completed.

– Completion of Loko/Owetto bridge in Nassarawa state, a strategic bridge linking North and South. A major alternative whenever Abuja to Lokoja road is blocked as a result of any natural or artificial cause.

– Ongoing construction of Ibi Bridge in Taraba to link the North-east and the North-central states. A major route for those travelling from Abuja to Taraba and Adamawa states.

– Road projects currently under construction and those completed in the North which i can mention are:

> Abuja, Kaduna, Kano. A much appreciable work has been done on the Kano to Kaduna section. Also note that construction began in mid 2018.

> Dualization of Kano to Katsina. Currently ongoing. Appreciable work has been done midway to the project , with the dualization of Kano to Katsina Boundary almost completed.

> Kano to Maiduguri. Sections 2 and 3 have been completed and commisioned. Section 4 is completed and awaiting commissioning. Sections 1 and 5 is yet to be completed. In all we can say the project is about 80 percent completed.

> Kano western bypass, which has opened up various locations and houses across the corridor. From Naibawa to Dorayi Chiranchi to Gwazaye to Rijiyar zaki down to Unguwar Dabai. Still under construction to link Dawanau, which will be a major detour for those travelling to Katsina from Kaduna, Maiduguri and other North-east and North-west states.

> Kaduna to Jos road being handled by the construction giants, Setraco. Work commenced in 2021

> Kaduna eastern bypass being constructed as shortcut for travellers travelling to Kano and other core Northern states from Abuja.

> Dualization of Suleja to Minna. Appreciable job has been done.

> Reconstruction of Lambata to Lapai to Bida, which will open up the Baro port, being constructed and commisioned by this administration.

> Hadejia to Gashua road in Jigawa and Yobe, completed and commissioned.
> Sokoto via Tambuwal to Birnin Kebbi road, completed and commisioned.
> Construction of Birnin Kebbi to Yauri via Kontagora to Makera in Niger state is ongoing.

> Dualization of Kano to Daura in Katsina awarded recently.
> Dualization of Kano to Garki in Jigawa state awarded recently.

> Gombe to Numan road in Adamawa state. Gombe to Kaltungo section completed and commisioned. Kaltungo to Numan section is having a major facelift.

> Gombe to Biu is an ongoing project.
> Numan to Jalingo is also ongoing.
> Yola to Mubi is ongoing too.

> Funtua to Gusau is completed and commisioned.

Zaria via Samaru, Giwa to Funtua is ongoing with appreciable job done from Kwangila flyover upto ABU campus.

> Kwanar Dangora to Saminaka is currently ongoing.
> Abuja via Keffi via Lafia to Makurdi in Benue state is ongoing with appreciable job done.

> Dualization of Mokwa to Ilorin in Kwara state is ongoing.
> Dualization of Lokoja to Benin expressway is undergoing a massive facelift
> Lokoja to Kabba road in Kogi state is completed and commissioned.

> Dualization of Gombe via Bauchi via Jos to Akwanga was approved in 2018. Job yet to commence because the project was billed to be funded by a bilateral foreign loan. However, no country is yet to come in terms with Nigeria for the loan.

These projects outlined above are real and not a mirage, the status of those projects are factual. I took pleasure embarking on trips just to make sure that i am not being misled either by those supporting the Government of the day or those against the Government.

For those who don’t want anything good to be written or said about this current administration, i am sorry i broke your heart. The truth must be told at all cost.

For the doubting Thomases, you can go and verify the aforementioned projects, if that is what it will take to believe in the cause i stood by since i started delving into politics.

For the media houses in the North, here is a factual report on the projects which has took place (both completed and ongoing) in the Northern zone.

May Nigeria succeed against all odds.

Sadiq is a pro-democrat, an advocate of good governance, an admirer of Muhammadu Buhari ; writes from Kano Nigeria. Can be reached via sadiqdauda55@gmail.com

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NUJ Online Chapel Inaugurated In Enugu

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New exceutives

 

Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ) Enugu state Council has inaugurated a new Chapel; Corporate Online Chapel, bringing to Eleven, the number of Chapels in the Council.

Performing the inauguration of the newest chapel which has Comrade Clinton Umeh, Publisher of Journalist101 as the Chairman, on Thursday at the Rt. Hon.(Dr.) Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi NUJ Press Center, Enugu, the Council Chairman, Comrade Sam Udekwe said the election of the Executive members of the chapel in their last Congress, marked the beginning of the Online Chapel.

He urged the Executives “to ensure that the members of the chapel comply with what we believe in as members of this profession’”

Comrade Udekwe further said, “this is a very promising chapel. You have your membership now I want to assure you that more members will come in. You know what it takes to be qualified to be a member and we expect you to take this to heart while admitting new members because It is not open to just anybody . It is not open to all bloggers , that’s why we say it is Corporate Online. It’s for online practitioners that are Journalists.

There are online publishers that are not Journalists. That’s why we want you to make a difference. So, we want you to show the society that there are online practitioners, the ones that are members of NUJ,” he said.

He charged the executives to take care of their members in line with the tenets of the NUJ profession and maintain peace between themselves anf other members including the NUJ.

Responding on behalf of other members, the Chairman of the Online Chapel, Comrade Clinton Umeh thanked the President of the Nigeria Union of Journalists, Comrade Chris Isiguzo for their foresight in creating the Online chapel.

He assured that “members of the Chapel will live up to expectations and work in accordance with what the Constitution says.

This Chapel is a new dawn in online practice and will provide a platform for us to unite all that are qualified under one umbrella to ensure professionalism in the discharge of our duties as Journalists.”

He also thanked the chairman of the state council and members of his executive for their guidance and direction to help the chapel see the light of the day.

The newly inaugurated executive members are:
Comrade Clinton Umeh Chairman,
Comrade Jonathan Emmanuel Ikechukwu (First News)— ViceChairman
Comrade Odomero Igbodo (Dome TV)—Secretary
Comrade Christian Nwangene ( Aproko Republic)— Assistant Secretary
Comrade Maureen Ikpeama ( Newsline Global)—Treasurer
Comrade Sebastine Okafor— (Journalist 101) Internal Auditor
Comrade Emmanuel Terwase ( Afriquecast)—Financial Secretary.

The event was witnessed by the Vice Chairman of NUJ, Comrade Regis Anikworji, the Secretary, Comrade Ifeoma Amuta, Comrade and among other members.

Journalist 101

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Defence Headquarters Declares 8 Wanted Over Killing Of Soldiers

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The Nigerian Defence Headquarters has issued a declaration naming 8 individuals wanted in connection with the heinous killing of Late Lt. Col. AH Ali and 16 other troops in Okuama, Delta State, on March 14, 2024.

The announcement was made via the verified Defence Headquarters’ X handle on Thursday.

The wanted persons are identified as:

1. Akevwru Daniel Omotegbono (Amagbem)

2. Prof. Ekpokpo Arthur

3. Andaowei Denis Bakriri

4. Igoli Ebi

5. Akata Malawa David Sinclair Okili

6. Clement Ikolo Oghenerukvwe

7. Reuben Baru

It could be recalls  that the 17 fallen heroes were laid to rest at the National Military Cemetery, with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu honoring their memory.

 

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President Tinubu Attends Burial of Slain Soldiers, Offers Scholarships to Families

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President Bola Ahmad Tinubu paying his respect to Slain Soldiers

 

President Bola Tinubu says the federal government will provide scholarships up to the university level for all the children, including the unborn, of the Nigerian Army personnel killed in action at Okuama community in Delta State.

The President, who announced this at the funeral of the personnel at the National Military Cemetery, Abuja, on Wednesday, directed the military authorities to ensure that the benefits of the departed are paid to their families within 90 days.

The President also declared that the federal government would provide a house in any part of the nation to each of the families of the four officers and thirteen soldiers.

At the solemn event attended by some state governors, the military hierarchy, and families of the deceased, the President bestowed posthumous National Honours on the 17 fallen heroes.

Lt Col Ali, Major D.E Obi, Major S.D. Ashafa, and Captain U. Zakari were given the honour of Member of the Order of Niger (MON).

Staff Sergeant Yahaya Saidu, Corporal Danbaba Yahaya, Corporal Kabir Bashir, Lance Corporals Abdullahi Ibrahim, Bulus Haruna, Sole Opeyemi, Bello Anas, Private Alhaji Isah, Clement Francis, Abubakar Ali, Adamu Ibrahim, Hamman Peter, and Ibrahim Adamu were awarded Federal Republic Medals.

“On the 14th day of March, Lt. Colonel A. H. Ali, the Commanding Officer of 181 Amphibious Battalion, led three other officers and 13 soldiers to the Okuama Community to mediate in the lingering dispute with Okoloba Community.

“They went as peacemakers and peacekeepers respectfully seeking to bring an end to the hostilities between the two communities.

“They did not go with tanks, machine guns, and other weapons. They were on a mission of peace.

“Before the dastardly attack, Lt. Colonel Ali, as the Chief of Army Staff narrated to me, achieved great operational exploits; fighting terrorists and insurgents in the North East and North West before his deployment to the Niger Delta.

“Ali kept faith with his military calling until the end.

“On behalf of a grateful nation, we honour the sacrifice of Ali and the other gallant patriots who died that day. They will forever be remembered as heroes who answered the call of duty and paid the ultimate price,” the President said.

Reaffirming government’s commitment to justice, President Tinubu vowed to bring the perpetrators of this heinous crime to account.

While commending the military for not embarking on a reprisal attack on the community, the President declared: “I want to make it clear, once more, that those who committed this heinous crime will not go unpunished. We will find them, and our departed heroes will get justice.

“The elders and chiefs of Okuama also must help the military in fishing out the gunmen who committed the barbaric crime against our men.

“I wish to commend our Armed Forces for their restraint in choosing not to carry out any reprisal attacks on Okuama or its neighbouring communities. We must all ensure that the innocent people of Okuama are not made to bear the punishment of the guilty and wicked among them,” the President stated.

President Tinubu, while commiserating with the families of the fallen heroes and the entire Armed Forces, prayed God Almighty to comfort the bereaved.

“It is worth restating the debt of gratitude we owe these valiant soldiers and their families.

“As Commander-In-Chief, I do not take the contributions of members of our Armed Forces for granted. I recognize your valour and bravery. I honour your unflinching commitment to making our country safe from criminals, bandits, kidnappers, and insurrectionists.

“While we continue to grieve for the courageous men we lost that day, let us also, on this solemn occasion, be reminded of the unfinished business of working for peace and harmony in our communities. We must begin to rebuild our communities and make them into places where love, tolerance, and harmony will reign.

‘‘Leaders at all levels, especially community leaders and traditional rulers, must work to strengthen the bonds that unite us. We must end the cycle of violence and bloodletting,” the President said.

President Tinubu urged the Armed Forces not to be discouraged by the death of their fellow compatriots but to honour their memory by rededicating themselves to the service and defence of the nation.

“As the Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, I have a message for you: Do not let the death of your compatriots discourage you.

‘‘There is no higher honour than the vocation you have chosen to pursue. We cherish you. We cherish your labour of love. We salute your daily sacrifice in protecting your fellow citizens from danger. We acknowledge your sacrifices to defend our nation,” the Commander-in-Chief affirmed.

 

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