says project would be ready for commissioning in May

The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, has said that the construction of the Vice President’s official residence in Abuja will not cause any traffic disruption upon completion.

Mr Wike stated this while inspecting the project on Saturday.

He said the federal government’s design and planning for the residence took traffic flow into careful consideration.

According to the Minister, the Office of the National Security Adviser (NSA) provided valuable input into the project, ensuring that necessary adjustments were made by both the Federal Capital Development Authority (FCDA) and the project contractor.

Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike inspects construction of the Vice President's residence

“Those who designed the Vice President’s residence know why. We are not the ones who designed it. It was the Federal Government that decided that the Vice President’s residence should be located here. So, I’m sure they considered everything before deciding that.

“We have invited the office of the NSA and they have taken a look and made their input which the FCDA and the contractor, Julius Berger have taken into cognizance and made amendments. So, for traffic concerns, I don’t think it’s a problem,” he said.

Highlighting the meticulous planning behind the project, Mr Wike said the selection of the residence’s location was a decision of the federal government, with thorough consideration of all relevant factors before construction commenced.

He expressed contentment with the progress of the project, noting the speed and quality of work.

The minister confidently announced that the project is on track for completion and commissioning by next month, with the contractor pledging timely delivery.

Furthermore, Mr Wike assured the public of the timely completion of other infrastructure projects in the FCT, slated for May, underscoring the administration’s commitment to fulfilling its promises within the first year of office.

“Significant progress has been made on the project since his last visit to the site, while the contractor has also promised to hand over the project in May.

“As for the quality of the job, of course, we can see the work is going according to design and specification. So, we believe, by the grace of God, that is something that will be actualised,” he stated.

Anyone mistakenly seeing President Bola Tinubu as a failure or a weakling is either blind or misguided and unable to see the new Nigeria that is emerging, according to Bello Matawalle, Minister of State for Defence.

He said this while responding to the threat that the North might vote against Tinubu in 2027.

Daily Trust had reported that the forum, through its spokesman, Abdul-Azeez Suleiman expressed regrets that the region voted for Tinubu during 2023, noting that going forward, the region will prioritize unity and consensus in selecting a candidate for the highest office in the land.

But the immediate past governor of Zamfara State described the forum as a “political burden”, insisted that NEF is not, and can never speak for the region.

He added that he and other leaders would not allow “some elements” to bring Northern region into disrepute.

In a statement on Saturday, Matawalle wondered why many people overlooked what he termed “overbearing attitude” of the forum on issues that affect political unity and cohesion of the country.

"This NEF is more of a political burden to Northerners. The group is seeking to erode other people’s rights in order to be recognised or made relevant in the scheme of things despite the failure of their sponsored candidates in the 2023 general elections.”

“In as much as many have overlooked them in respect of their utterances, it is pertinent to underscore their overbearing attitude on issues that affect political unity and cohesion.

"They cannot offer any positive idea or thought about the future of Northern Nigeria or, indeed, of Nigeria and its unity and togetherness.

“We all know President Bola Ahmed Tinubu GCFR won the February 2023 presidential election convincingly. So, who is the NEF to want to undermine the president’s victory and even threaten to unseat him?”

The group is yet to visit any of the ministers dealing with issues of security, agriculture, water resources, police affairs, education, health, budget, foreign affairs or any head of security agencies in the country so far for first hand knowledge of government programs and actions. ”

“The majority of them are more interested in faulting the government so as to be recognised or accorded some relevance.

"Our region, the North, is united, disciplined and politically-driven enough not to listen and accept being teleguided by any group of elites who had fed fat in the past on the North’s resources and opportunities which had retarded development in the region and nation due to their selfishness.

“President Tinubu is poised to do a lot for the North as President of Nigeria, elected by the people of Nigeria, not by one ethnic group or the other, therefore, anyone mistakenly seeing President Tinubu as a failure or a weakling is making a mistake and should rethink.

"Such a person or group is either blind or misguided and unable to see the new Nigeria that is emerging. Therefore, the NEF’s statement allegedly expressing regret for voting for President Tinubu is unfortunate.

“NEF is not more than a group that has refused to accept reality and is living in delusion. The truth is that the North is proud of its support and vote for President Tinubu and will continue to be proud of her relationship with the President given the enormous change and development his government has brought to the region.”

Some suspected Yoruba Nation agitators, on Saturday, invaded the Oyo State Government Secretariat, Agodi in Ibadan, the state capital.

Eyewitnesses told PUNCH Online that the masked men were stationed at different locations within the area.

This situation, according to investigation, sent panic to the residents and road users along the routes.

Businesses and residents around Bodija, Ikolaba, and Awolowo were said to have quickly locked their shops and doors as some who were about to open for the day’s business turned back.

It was further learnt that the security operatives on duty at the secretariat were shocked as they were unable to disperse the agitators until the arrival of policemen from the state command and other anti-crime agencies in conjunction with members of the Nigerian Army, 2 Division, who demobilised them.

Operatives of the state security network codenamed Amotekun were also said to have been on the ground.

Motorists plying the route were said to have been making a detour as many other road users scampered to safety.

Road users en route Secretariat were diverted along Customs Junction as the Secretariat-Queen Elizabeth Road had been cut off traffic.

It was gathered that the efforts of the Executive Assistant to the Governor on Security, CP Sunday Odukoya (retd.), to calm the situation were futile, as the agitators insisted on hoisting their flag within the Secretariat.

As of the time of this report, efforts to get the State Police Public Relations Officer, Adewale Osifeso’s reaction, were unsuccessful as his mobile number was not reachable.

The Minister of Finance and Coordinating Minister of Economy, Wale Edun, has announced the earnings of government-owned entities, ministries, departments, and agencies in February.

According to him, the revenue rose to N835.70 billion in February.

There was a notable growth of N681.45 billion, representing a substantial 441.78% surge from the N154.25 billion remitted in the 2022.

The Minister made the disclosure during a presentation titled “Reconstructing the Economy for Growth, Investment and Climate Resilience Development” at the Lagos Business School Breakfast Club, the minister made this statement.

“There is an increasing revenue contribution of MDAs and GOEs, growing from 154.25 in February 2023 to 835.70bn in February 2024 through an automated two-times daily sweep of 50 per cent of MDAs and GOEs IGR since January 2, 2024.

“We have set out a robust execution plan for a 78 per cent y-o-y increase in budgeted revenue in 2024, but implementing enhanced the government’s revenue assurance model is critical with a target budget deficit of 3.9 per cent of GDP from 6.1 per cent in 2023.

“We have taken prudent expenditure measures by minimising unnecessary redundancy, reducing leakages through digitisation and eliminating inefficiencies.

“There is also a revamped process for the commencement of 2024 capital expenditure payments for MDAs and GOEs, which is through direct payments to contractors while promoting a government-wide cost curtailment culture across all MDAs & GOEs,” he said.

Gov. Abba Yusuf of Kano State clarified that the two commissions of inquiry established by his administration were not intended to target opposition members in the state. Responding to allegations from his predecessor, Abdullahi Ganduje, Yusuf stated that the probes aimed to promote transparency and accountability and address political violence in Kano.

During a visit from the Emir of Kano, Alhaji Aminu Ado Bayero, Yusuf emphasized the importance of ending political violence that has resulted in loss of lives and property. He assured that perpetrators would face consequences regardless of their political affiliations.

Yusuf highlighted his administration’s efforts in curbing political thuggery. Over 200 individuals apprehended by the Kano Police Command have repented and reintegrated into society. He emphasized the significance of youth empowerment and outlined initiatives to foster self-reliance among youths and women.

The governor outlined his administration’s priorities, including improving healthcare, education, and infrastructure. He mentioned ongoing projects such as constructing modern flyovers and upgrading health facilities across the state.

Yusuf disclosed the formation of a committee to investigate past administrations’ wrongdoings and misappropriation and recover looted assets and public funds.

Emir Bayero commended Yusuf’s commitment to development projects and urged parents to monitor their children to curb social vices and political thuggery. The Emir emphasized the importance of collaboration between the government and traditional institutions in fostering development and maintaining peace in Kano.

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Details have emerged from the meeting yesterday involving President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, the leadership of the National Assembly and state governors.

The stakeholders visited President Tinubu on Friday at his residence in Lagos.

During the meeting, President Tinubu stressed the importance of unity and increased collaboration among the federal government, state governors, and members of the National Assembly to achieve national development objectives.

According to a statement made available to journalists by Tinubu’s media aide, Ajuri Ngelale, the delegation, led by Vice-President Kashim Shettima, included Senate President Godswill Akpabio, Speaker of the House of Representatives Tajudeen Abbas, Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq of Kwara State, and Chairman of the Nigeria Governors Forum, among others.

Vice President Shettima, speaking on behalf of the President, expressed confidence in Nigeria’s economic recovery and urged a joint effort to drive the nation towards progress.

The Nigerian leader encouraged a united body and collaboration among all stakeholders to achieve shared prosperity and promised a brighter future for the nation under President Tinubu’s guidance.

“Let us unite, rally around our leader, and catapult this nation to a greater pedestal. By December, I hope we will have cause to celebrate. Let us coalesce to take the nation to a greater pedestal,” Vice-President Shettima said.

The Vice-President underscored President Tinubu’s ability to bring people together regardless of their ethnic or religious backgrounds.

He noted that the gathering of 27 governors in Lagos, alongside leaders from the National Assembly and former governors, is a testament to his inclusive leadership style.

”This gathering cuts across ethnic, religious, and political lines. Here, we have Pastor Eno of Akwa Ibom and Father Hyacinth of Benue, and as the President was seated, he was asking, ‘Where is Wammako, where is Yari’? That is the hallmark of true leadership. What binds us together supersedes whatever it is that may divide us.”

”The future of the black man rests on Nigeria to make or mar. Our economy has turned the corner. By the coming months, the economy will roar back to glory,” the Vice-President said.

Senate President Akpabio praised the state governors for adopting President Tinubu’s leadership approach, which is known for its inclusivity and willingness to engage with individuals from various backgrounds, regardless of their political affiliations.

“The governors are doing well. I can say so because I have been there before,” Akpabio said while speaking at the meeting.

Expressing confidence in President Tinubu’s leadership, the Senate President said Tinubu enjoys the broad support of Nigerians across political divides.

“As you coast home to victory for a second term, may all the governors seated here also coast home to a second term victory in their states,” he said.

Kwara State Governor AbdulRazaq voiced his endorsement for the 700km Lagos-Calabar Coastal Highway during his speech, emphasizing its importance as a major project that will greatly benefit the nation upon its completion.

He praised the President for his work in strengthening the economy and enhancing the quality of life for citizens, pointing out the positive advancements such as the stabilization of the exchange rate and the decrease in food prices.

The Governor credited these positive changes to the President’s policies and also commended the Federal Ministry of Health and Social Welfare for allocating funds to support 8,800 primary healthcare centres.

“We commend your efforts because the ship is gradually turning. We have seen how the exchange rate of the naira against the dollar is coming down. The cost of food is coming down. The dry season harvest is commencing soon. Things are getting better, and there is light at the end of the tunnel,” Abdulrazaq said, urging President Tinubu to persevere in his efforts towards achieving economic stability.

The governor also expressed gratitude for the Federal Government’s support of states, particularly in distributing grains to alleviate food shortages.

”We are here to support you and thank you for the support you are giving to the subnationals. Trucks are wheeling up across the nation, distributing grains. I have received, and most of the states have.

”Because of what you are doing, those who are hoarding food items are releasing them, and that is why the prices of food are coming down,” he said.

He restated the governors’ dedication to backing the President’s plans and promised to persist in supplementing the endeavours of the federal government in advancing progress and prosperity throughout the country.

Tim Simpson, the manager of Nigerian-born Australian UFC fighter, Israel Adesanya, said his client is disappointed not to be a part of the star-studded UFC 300 event.

Israel Adesanya returned from his almost six-month break from the UFC recently and declared his attention to feature in the UFC 300. Then, his target was to challenge middleweight champion Dricus du Plessis for the title.

Adesanya almost got the deal but Plessis pulled out from the fight which ought to take place at the UFC 300 which is scheduled for today, April 13.

The South African fighter said he pulled out from the fight because he hasn’t fully recovered from the injuries he sustained in a successful bout with Sean Strickland at UFC 297 in January.

Afterward, Israel Adesanya couldn’t find an alternative fighter to battle with leaving him out of the UFC 300 roster.

Adesanya’s manager said the Nigerian-born fighter is not happy over the development but noted that his client is open to fighting du Plessis on the upcoming UFC 305 card on August 17 in Perth, Australia.

“Israel was very upset that he didn’t do it (at UFC 300),” Simpson said on The MMA Hour.

“I believe Dricus was not ready. I think he had some sort of procedure after the last fight. Again, this is what’s been put publicly by Israel and (coach) Eugene (Bareman). But yeah, he really, really wanted it. He was upset, he wanted to be here and do it, he really, really wanted to do it. He loves big moments, the title fight coming back. I was texting (UFC executive) Hunter (Campbell) and couldn’t get it done on Dricus’ side, but Izzy was ready to go.”

Wembley Stadium looks set to host the all-British heavyweight clash between Tyson Fury and Anthony Joshua.

The long-awaited bout looks set to go ahead if Fury wins against Oleksandr Usyk on May 18 in Riyadh.

And Fury’s co-promoter Bob Arum is confident that London rather than Saudi Arabia will play host to the super fight.

He said: “The Saudis also, with having all this money, who can dictate the place, are very intelligent and they would, I think, like nothing more than to do that fight in Wembley with 95,000 people where they were the promoters.

“I think that would do more for their image than doing that fight – Fury and Joshua – in Saudi. But that’s up to them. That’s what I feel in talking to them briefly about the future.”

Joshua still might have a wait to finally fight Fury with the latter potentially facing a double header against his Ukrainian opponent.

“Looking at Tyson Fury, if he beats Usyk and fights Usyk again and beats him and then does a massive fight hopefully in the UK at Wembley Stadium,” he told Sky Sports, “that would really put an exclamation point to his great career.

“But let’s not put the cart before the horse. May 18 is an awfully competitive, really competitive heavyweight championship fight for all the marbles. He will give Tyson Fury everything Tyson can handle.

“I really believe from the reports I get that Tyson has really buckled down and is training very, very hard for this.”

Nigeria skipper William Troost-Ekong believes Victor Osimhen has what it takes to be a future captain of the Super Eagles.

The 30-year-old has been a leader in the national team since making his debut in June 2015 in an Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) qualifier against Chad.

Troost-Ekong was born in the Netherlands and represented the European nation at U19 and U20 levels before switching nationality to play for Nigeria. He has since made 71 appearances for the Super Eagles, while starring in multiple tournaments, including the 2016 Olympics in Rio, two AFCONs and one FIFA World Cup.

Troost-Ekong’s latest tournament was the 2023 AFCON in the Ivory Coast, where he played six out of Nigeria’s seven matches as they reached the final of the tournament. Although the Super Eagles failed to end their decade-long wait to win the Nations Cup, having lost to hosts Ivory Coast in the final, He He won the golden ball and was named in the team of the tournament.

Troost-Ekong sees Osimhen as future Super Eagles captain

The PAOK defender scored three goals in the tournament, two of which came in the semi-final and final against South Africa and Ivory Coast respectively. Having captained his country for two successive AFCONs now, Troost-Ekong has tipped Osimhen to one day take up the role.

Like Troost-Ekong, Osimhen also demonstrated impeccable leadership during Nigeria’s AFCON campaign, and although he scored just once, his work rate and selfless play made up for his lack of goals. He was also instrumental in Napoli’s historic title success last season, leading by example from the front and scoring 26 goals in Serie A to emerge as the league’s top scorer.

“I am a fan of his. I saw his journey when he came to be a part of the Super Eagles in 2019, as an understudy of Odion Ighalo. I saw how hard he worked,” Troost-Ekong said.

“He is a leader in our team, and I tell him that ‘everybody is watching you. The way you play, it drives all of us’. I just try to remind him how important he is and I think he understands that role now and what he means to Nigeria as a person and as a football player.

“I’m sure that he’s going to be a captain of the Super Eagles in future, that’s my wish for him. And for him to win the AFCON and be the leader in that moment.”

Troost-Ekong ruled out for the rest of the season

Tyson Fury vs Anthony Joshua: Wembley to host ‘Battle of Britain’ heavyweight clash
Meanwhile, Troost-Ekong is unlikely to play any part in the remainder of the season for PAOK after suffering a serious injury just a few days after the AFCON.

The former Udinese and Watford centre-back played through the pain during the tournament but ruptured the biceps femoris in his right foot when he returned to his club and has since undergone surgery in Finland.

The injury caused the defender to miss Nigeria’s international friendlies against Ghana and Mali in March and he now faces a race against time to be fit for the Super Eagles’ upcoming 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifying matches against South Africa and Benin in June.

Should the PAOK defender make a recovery before June, he’d still have to fight for his position following the rise of young talents like Benjamin Taminu.

Troost-Ekong was in a similar position before the 2024 AFCON, having been left in the cold in the months leading up to the tournament. However, he fought his way back into Jose Peseiro’s plans and eventually became a starter under the Portuguese.

The Super Eagles are currently without a substantive head coach, with the NFF appointing Finidi George to serve in an interim role. However, no matter who becomes Nigeria’s next coach, it is unlikely that Troost-Ekong would lose the captaincy, especially with Ahmed Musa’s international career in the balance at the moment.