The Nation Newspaper

Author: The Nation

  • Real estate firm, FG partner to reduce house deficit

    Real estate firm, FG partner to reduce house deficit

    A real estate firm, Luxiar Construction Limited and Federal Mortgage Bank (FMBH) have joined forces to bridge the housing deficit in Abuja .

    Speaking on the partnership, the Principal Partner, Luxiar Construction Limited Abuja, Muhydeen Okunlola Kayode, said the partnership was crucial because Abuja, being the capital of Nigeria, has experienced significant growth in the real estate industry.  He said the city offers various opportunities, ranging from residential to commercial properties, especially the Central Business District (CBD), characterized by high-rise buildings, which houses offices, banks, government offices, NGOs and corporate organizations, the demand for building infrastructure is high, making it a profitable area for real estate investors. Because of the increasing demand, the prices of offices and houses are almost out of reach for the low- and middle-income earners.

    Being a high-brow city, the cost of purchasing land, building materials and construction is on the high side. This has led to a chronic housing deficit as the houses are eventually too expensive to rent/buy while the affordable housing schemes are overcrowded.

    Furthermore, these restrictions have led to the rise in illegal structures all over the place which is a ticking bomb waiting to explode.

    Speaking from experience, Luxiar Construction Limited, for the past six years has tapped into the retail real estate development in the city. The real estate giant has in conjunction with the Federal Mortgage Bank (FMBH) built over 2000 affordable housing units.

    “There has been an increasing demand for luxury residential properties in Abuja amidst the city’s growing population of high-net-worth individuals who are willing to pay top dollar for exclusive living spaces. The strategy by Luxiar Construction Limited to focus on the least considered people in the game of real estate is the secret behind its success and impact,” said Kayode.

    By investing in creating affordable apartments and a flexible payment plan, the company differentiated itself from competitors and attracted a broad range of buyers and tenants. It has positioned itself for the development of real estate in Abuja and solving the housing deficit with every foundation laid.

    Kayode believes that staying ahead of the curve and establishing a strong reputation hinged on providing exceptional customer service. He also believes strongly in tailoring service to the specific needs of customers not just having a one-size-fits-all approach.

    “That’s why Luxiar Construction Limited leverages data and market research to identify emerging trends and develop innovative projects that cater to evolving consumer preferences.

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    “It is no longer news that there are several challenges that real estate developers face in Abuja, ranging from insufficient infrastructure to problematic land acquisition processes. One of the most significant difficulties in the industry is the lack of serviced land, which increases development costs and, in turn, reduces profits. Additionally, complex regulations, high inflation rates, and local municipalities that lack adequate resources to facilitate efficient development are common hindrances. “

    Nonetheless, to address these challenges, Luxiar Construction Limited has been forming partnerships with the government and local organizations to facilitate better access to land and infrastructure such as roads and utilities.

    The company also produces most of the materials used in sister factories to keep  cost of building lower and they invest in modern technologies to optimize construction processes and reduce project time-frames, working together with stakeholders, to create a more conducive environment for real estate development and reduce some of the barriers to entry that currently exist.

    As the company’s Principal Partner, Muhydeen Okunlola Kayode (MOK) believes that by addressing these challenges creatively and building a strong reputation for quality and service, Luxiar will stand out in the competitive Abuja.

  • APC Elders wades into Aiyedatiwa, Akeredolu fued

    APC Elders wades into Aiyedatiwa, Akeredolu fued

    The Elders Committee of the All Progressives Congress in Ondo State has asked the Ondo State House of Assembly to halt impeachment processes against Deputy Governor of the state, Mr. Lucky Aiyedatiwa.

    It asked the Assembly to stop the impeachment in tandem with the agreement reached with the National Leadership of the APC.

    The Ondo APC Elders spoke in a communique issued after its meeting in Akure, the state capital.

    In the communique signed by its Secretary, Otunba Agboola Kelly, the APC Elders prayed for the speedy and permanent recovery of Governor Oluwarotimi Akeredolu

    According to the communique, Elders also resolved that the people of Ondo State should resume their prayers for the quick recovery of the Governor.

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    “The Elders commended the National Leadership of the Party for the laudable, commendable and highly appreciated intervention in the face-off between the State House of Assembly and the Deputy Governor, Hon. Lucky Orimisan Ayedatiwa

    “The Elders resolved to book an appointment to discuss with the National Leadership of the party in Abuja on the prevailing issues in Ondo State.

    “As loyal party members, the State House of Assembly should not flout the National Leadership directives of our party APC under any circumstances. No member is above the APC”

    Elders of the APC at the meeting included Chief Jamiu Ekungba, Chief Jumoke Ajasin-Anifowose, Engr. Muyiwa Ogunleye, High Chief Barr Magnus, Dr. Segun Ayodele, Snr. Apostle Sola Akinmejiwa,  Hon Abiodun Jerome, Elder Osewole Modupe, Erelu Modupe Martin’s, Deaconess E Ajibade, Wolj Esther Ayeni Biraye, High Chief Megbontowon, Hon Femi St James, Prince Omonijo Robinson among others

  • Boat mishap claims 10 lives in Niger

    Boat mishap claims 10 lives in Niger

    Ten people died when a boat travelling from Zangoro Bassa/Kukoki to Gajiwa/Kato  in Shiroro Local Government Area of Niger State capsized on Thursday afternoon.

    The mishap was said to have been caused by water hyacinth, strong waves, and tree grafting. 

    34 people which included 20 male and 14 female were said to be on board the boat.

    Confirming the incident, the Niger State Emergency Management Agency (NSEMA) said that the 24 survivors had been identified.

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    NSEMA identified those who lost their lives to include Farida Muntari, Sharhabila Sagir, Abubakar Sadiq, Na’ima Ibrahim, Amina, Safaratu Ibrahim, Sadiq Ibrahim, Rafiya Yakubu, and two unidentified victims.

    The Agency further said that the boat had six drivers that included Dahiru Yusuf, Sa’idu Shu’aibu, Ahmadu Garba, Sa’idu Garba, Abdulaziz Yahaya, and Lukuman Sani.

    The Agency said that only one body has been recovered adding that search for the remaining bodies were ongoing.

  • Ningi Emirate strips former reps member of traditional title

    Ningi Emirate strips former reps member of traditional title

    The Ningi Emirate Council in Bauchi State has stripped former member of the House of Representatives, Hon Salisu Zakari Ningi from his traditional title as  Kauran Ningi, with immediate effect.

    The Emirate Council cited  Zakari’s purported criticism of the recently initiated dual carriageway in Ningi township, Bauchi–Ningi–Kano road recently flagged off by the State Governor Bala Mohammed on social media, as reasons behind his dethronement.

    His removal was announced through a letter dated November 17, 2023, written in Hausa and signed by the Council’s Secretary Sulaiman Shehu Burra.

    It was made available to journalists on Saturday.

    The letter as translated in English reads “Warmest greetings and best wishes to you. After this salutation, I have been directed to inform you that, His Royal Highness, the Emir of Ningi in consultation with his Council has removed from your traditional title of Kauran Ningi, effective today, Friday, 17th November, 2023.”

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    The letter further contained that,” Consequently upon your lackadaisical attitude towards the development and growth of the Ningi Emirate. As well as condemning and rubbishing the developmental project the Emirate had earned for over a long period in terms of a dual carriageway in Ningi township, the Bauchi – Ningi – Kano road, as heard in the social media.”

    Reacting, the former Reps expressed gratitude for his past title but vowed to challenge the decision of the Emirate Council.

    “The reason for the decision as contained in the letter to that effect, I am challenging them. I will speak on that at a later and appropriate time,” he wrote on his Facebook page.

  • FG to engage guards to secure over 853KM coastline, 10,000 perimeters waterways

    FG to engage guards to secure over 853KM coastline, 10,000 perimeters waterways

    The Federal Government is set to engage guards to ensure security across the 834 kilometres coastline and 10,000 perimeters of inland waterways in Nigeria. 

    FG disclosed that there are conscious efforts by the government in ensuring that the marine environment is secure and safe. 

    Speaking at the 32nd Iragbiji Day celebration on Saturday, the Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, Adegboyega Oyetola, said “We have a Diplo Project that has gunboats and many security equipment. We are already looking at the possibility of establishing a coast guard which will be designed essentially to ensure the safety of our coastline. We have not less than 853 KM of coastline in Nigeria and about 10,000 perimeter inland waterways, if we want to ensure coastal tourism we must provide adequate security.”

    Speaking about the community, Oyetola berated the Osun State government for converting the Sustainable Development Goals skill acquisition center in Iragbiji into footballers’ camp.

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    He said, “It is very unfortunate that the project that was meant to allow our youths to acquire skills is now being turned into a football camp. I don’t have a problem with football but you can’t convert the facility that was meant to assist our youths in the area of skill acquisition to camp, it is unacceptable and it made me sad.”

    Oyetola noted that, “I have taken it up and I believe that very soon the Federal Government will react. The center is for the Federal Government and it has just been sited here. I facilitated the project when I was governor; the center is to help our youths.”

    In a separate remark, Aragbiji of Iragbiji, Rasheed Olabomi admonished sons and daughters of the community to contribute to the education trust fund so that more indigent students can benefit from its scholarship programme.

  • Sanwo-Olu unveils ‘Perfect Lagos Selfies’

    Sanwo-Olu unveils ‘Perfect Lagos Selfies’

    Lagos Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu has unveiled the ‘Perfect Lagos Selfies’ by Slack-liner and Red Bull Athlete,Jaan Roose, who walked on a rope from Sterling Towers to the Onome Rig.

    The Nation reported the Lagos Safety Commission partnered with Red Bull on a project meant to showcase the beauty of the state, which was tagged the ‘Perfect Lagos Selfie’.

    Sanwo-Olu shared photos from the collaboration on his X page on Saturday.

    The caption reads: “Lagos is the epitome of creativity at its finest and we are saying well done and congratulations to #JaanRoose , the Guinness World Record holder, who has captured the Perfect Lagos Selfie while walking in the sky from Sterling Towers to the Onome Rig.

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    “His expertise in slack-lining, blending balance training, recreation, and moving meditation beautifully showcasing our city’s vibrant spirit.

    “Capturing the beauty of our skyline against the backdrop of the Blue Line Rail is an admirable feat.

    “Partnering with the Lagos Safety Commission, this project highlights the splendour of Lagos State.”

  • Students hold beach party to celebrate talents

    Students hold beach party to celebrate talents

    Arrangements are being concluded for the Student Beach Festival (SBF), an event that promises to bring students all over the country for fun and networking.

    Tilewa Folahan, Creative Director of the Student Festival Committee, said the festival was being held in collaboration with social directors of several universities.

    According to him, the Student Beach Festival is a celebration of the resilience of the great Nigerian students.

    “As the academic year draws to an end, it is proper to rejuvenate and prepare for the tasks ahead.

    “The aim of the Student Beach Festival is to unite students from diverse backgrounds and campuses, create networking opportunities, cultivate future partnerships, and, of course, indulge in moments of enjoyment,” Folahan, who is also Chief Executive Officer, Verified Creative House, said.

    Samuel Ojetola, Head of the Planning Committee, said the event serves also as a stage to exhibit the creative talents. thriving on various campuses in the country. “Our intention extends beyond mere exhibition; we are also striving to inspire and instill hope in the talents within our youth, encourage them to steadfastly pursue their dreams and aspirations.

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    “Furthermore, our efforts seek to empower students in terms of creating job opportunities. We have contracted over 500 ticket agents across all campuses in Nigeria, granting them the opportunity to sell tickets and earn commissions.

    “We are also collaboratively engaging with over 200 students in organizing this event, resulting in a total of 700 student partners.

    “We are optimistic that this project will lead to positive outcomes and signify an innovative leap toward encouraging students to venture into positive endeavours on their respective campuses in the country,” Ojetola, Chief Executive Officer, DSL Entertainment, said.

    Also, at the media interactive session were Comrade Emmanuel Samuel Adebola, NANS JCC Vice Chairman, Lagos Axis and Comrade Falolu Olatunbosun David NANS JCC Director of Social, Lagos Axis.

  • Ogun, three other states to benefit from N500bn Afreximbank Support Fund

    Ogun, three other states to benefit from N500bn Afreximbank Support Fund

    Ogun State is to benefit from a N500 billion financial support package being packaged by the African Export-Import Bank (Afreximbank) in conjunction with Access Bank.

    The Gateway State is to benefit from the fund along with three other states in the country.

     This was disclosed in Cairo, Egypt by Governor Dapo Abiodun, while speaking at the end of the Intra-African Trade Fair, put together by Afreximbank.

    Abiodun said the fund would be helpful in financing and accelerating infrastructural development in the state, noting that the state government had already signed the framework agreement.

    He said: “The highlight of our participation at the IATF was the signing of a significant framework agreement with Afreximbank and Access Bank Limited.

    “This agreement grants us access to a substantial amount of 500 billion Naira in conjunction with three other Nigerian states.

    “This financial support will play a pivotal role in financing the creation of trade and trade-enabling infrastructure.

    “Its purpose is to accelerate economic diversification through infrastructure development, in line with the Africa Sub-Sovereign Network Initiative.”

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    Prince Abiodun disclosed that the Ogun State team met with the President of Zimbabwe, Emmerson Dambudzo Mnangagwa, and the Malawian President, Lazarus McCarthy Chakwera, during which issues of mutual benefits were discussed with the two leaders.

    The governor noted that discussions with the Zimbabwean president centred around collaboration in the agricultural sector, adding that the groundwork for the establishment of a partnership between the two governments was laid.

    According to the governor, discussions with President Chakwera focused on fostering a mutually beneficial socio-economic relationship.

    “We firmly believe that this collaboration will contribute significantly to the growth and development of our state, paving the way for a brighter economic future.

    “By harnessing the potential of the agricultural sector and fostering strategic partnerships, we are confident that we can make significant advancements towards achieving our goals,” he added.

  • Rival cult groups kill two Offa Poly students in Kwara

    Rival cult groups kill two Offa Poly students in Kwara

    Rival cult groups clashes have struck at the Federal Polytechnic, Offa in Kwara state.

    In the bloody brawl, two students including one higher national diploma (HND1) Toyin Bamidele of the Faculty of Food Science and Technology, and a male student were hacked down.

    It was gathered that the deceased male student who is yet to be identified was the leader of a cult group.

    He was said to have been macheted to death within the premises of the polytechnic.

    Late Toyin Bamidele said to be the girlfriend of the leader of another cult group was allegedly trailed to her residence in Offa town where she was gunned down.

    Eyewitness accounts added that the death of the two students might not be unconnected with a ‘sign out’ ceremony in the nation’s tertiary institutions whereby students celebrate the end of their last examination, which turned awry.

    Residents of the area said “When we heard the sound of the invasion, some of us had to run for our safety.

    “But at the end of the attack which lasted about fifteen minutes, when we got to  her room, we discovered the lifeless body of the deceased and then informed the appropriate authorities of the incident.”

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    The remains of the deceased have been deposited at the morgue of the General Hospital in Offa.

    The institution has condoled with the families of the victims.

    Acting Public Relations officer of the polytechnic, Mrs Folake Akinloye in a statement said that “management of Federal Polytechnic Offa, Kwara state has commenced investigation into the killing of Miss Toyin Bamidele, an HND 1 Food Technology student of the institution by some unknown assailants.

    “The incident was received with rude shock the murder of Bamidele who was allegedly hacked to death in her rented apartment on Thursday 16 November 2023.

    “The management condemns this inhumane act in strong terms as it is strange in the Polytechnic community.

    “While the circumstances behind the incident remain unknown, investigations are currently ongoing to reveal the identity of the evil occurrence by the appropriate security agencies and, as a matter of urgency, to fish out the culprits.”

    She further said that “her demise is an irreparable loss to the entire management and Staff of the Polytechnic.

  • Be focused, FUOYE VC charges new students

    Be focused, FUOYE VC charges new students

    The Vice-Chancellor, of Federal University, Oye-Ekiti, (FUOYE) Prof. Abayomi Fasina, has charged its newly admitted students to take their studies seriously.

     Speaking during the matriculation of the 7,377 fresh students for the 2023/2024 academic session, Prof. Fasina told the new students not to lose focus on why they were in the university, saying they should not engage in laziness and other vices.

     The VC said the students were expected to uphold the academic and moral standards of the institution, assuring that FUOYE would provide an enabling environment for them to thrive and achieve their lofty dreams.

     Prof. Fasina urged the new students to eschew violent and immoral acts while on campus, adding that the institution has zero tolerance for discipline and crimes.

    He said, “As you embark on this interesting but challenging adventure in pursuit of knowledge for self-development and the advancement of humanity, I urge you all to seize every positive opportunity to contribute to FUOYE and Nigeria’s development.

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    “On our part, we will always endeavor to provide you with enabling environment to actualise your potential. We will not fail in our duty of care to you, as a University. But you must work collaboratively and sacrificially with us to make this happen.

    “As partners in progress, I urge the matriculating students of today to honour their matriculation oath and attendant obligations, most notably the payment of all approved fees and registration. Without these essential first steps, you cannot fully actualise your studentship.

    “In between, respect our rules and regulations and be diligent in your studies. Eschew all forms of social vices, including cultism, sexual harassment, Advance Fee Fraud and Internet Fraud, aka 419, examination malpractices, indecent dressing, etc.

    “Our University has zero tolerance for these and related social vices. Always consult the Students’ Handbook for guidance. I wish you all the best.”