The Nation Newspaper

Category: Northern Report

  • A budget for peace

    A budget for peace

    The 2014 budget has been tagged “Budget of Peace and Continuity” based on our determination to ensure that the administration is able to deliver dividends of democracy to our people, without which peace cannot be sustained. We have therefore focused attention on completion of ongoing projects in the State while initiating new ones.  In the coming year, priority attention would be given to projects that have been rolled over, especially from the 2013 budget which we have pledged to complete”. These were the words of Governor Mukthar Ramalan Yero while, for the first time since his assumption of office he addressed the state House of Assembly. The governor was presenting his first official budget to the house for approval. Yero came into office few days after late Patrick Ibrahim Yakowa presented his 2013 budget to the assembly for consideration and approval. Although there were talks across the state that Governor Yero changed the budget presented by Yakowa, a close scrutiny of the 2013 budget revealed that the assembly made a few adjustments to it without removing any major project captured in it.

    There are those who believe that the budget was not properly implemented by the government. Barrister Mohammed Musa Soba, Chairman of the Kaduna Salvation Movement is one of those who accused the government of poor implementation of the budget. He said “statistics have shown that the 2013 budget was not up to 20 percent implemented and all the monies budgeted for projects and other services have not been accounted for”. However, Governor Yero told the Assembly that the “an estimate of N179,053,904,185 was appropriated for 2013, out of which N74,553,232,540 was allocated for recurrent expenditure, while the sum of N104,500,681,645 was approved as capital votes.  However, as at 31st October 2013, the sum of N49,660,555,331.87 was the actual recurrent expenditure representing 66.6% while actual Capital Expenditure stood at N13,629,642,797.60 which represents 13.04%. It is worthy to note that the budget 2013 was premised on a targeted revenue of N179,053,204,185.  However, as at October, 2013 only the sum of N85,062,955,724.56 was realized which represents 47.51% of the projected target”.   He however did not say what was responsible for the short fall in the expected revenue to the state. With a revenue projection of N112.6 billion for 2012, Yero said that estimate is similar to the one of 2013 because “it is pertinent to work on a similar projection in view of the overwhelming un-realized commitments in the 2013 budget which have to be rolled-over to 2014 budget. We are determined that the measures that would be adopted to enhance Internally Generated Revenue would succeed as we are fully committed to its implementation. As part of our efforts at prudent management of resources, we have ensured that bulk of the revenue accruable to the State is channeled to infrastructural development for improvement of the overall living conditions of our people”.

    Interestingly, the state government has decided to pay more attention to the area of water supply, especially the completion of the multi billion naira Zaria regional water supply scheme. Water supply got the lion share of the Kaduna budget with 24 billion naira. He said “provisions have been made for the completion of various water projects across the State.  Work is expected to reach advanced stage in the remaining phases of the Zaria Regional Water Scheme, which as you are aware, part of the project is being funded by external loans from both the Islamic Development Bank (IDB) and the African Development Bank (AfDB). Other water supply projects across the State will also receive attention, such as the Emergency Water Supply Programme as well as completion of 680No. Hand Pump Boreholes”. The budget for the water sector was designed to take care of the existing water projects for which the state government drew about N3.5 billion in 2013 from the National Urban Water Sector Reform Project. They include completion of ongoing rehabilitation works and network distribution in Kaduna, Zaria, Kafanchan/Kagoro, Zonkwa and Saminaka Water Supply.  The government according to the budget address intend to begin a drawdown of the African Development Bank (AfDB) facility which was declared effective on 14th November, 2013 when it was launched in Zaria for the development of expansion network distribution and provision of sanitation facilities in schools and other public places for Zaria and six (6) other Local Government Areas.  Also, the drawdown of the facility from the Islamic Development Bank (IDB) for the construction of reservoirs in Zaria and the six (6) LGAs that would benefit from the Zaria Water Project may also begin.

    Yero is also giving adequate attention to the education sector with about N14 billion for the completion of infrastructures in schools across the state. The Kaduna state University and Nuhu Bamali Polytechnic a good portion of the education budget. Yero said “we have continued to accord the Education sector priority by allocating a huge percentage of Government revenue towards improving teaching and learning environments in the State.  In the coming year, Government intends to embark on massive rehabilitation and expansion of infrastructures in existing schools.  Funds have also been allocated for the establishment of four (4) new Science Secondary Schools in the State.  Various ongoing projects at the State University, the Nuhu Bamalli Polytechnic and the State College of Education will receive adequate attention”

    He said further that the plan of the state government is to complete the “Intensive Care Unit (ICU) at the Barau Dikko Specialist Hospital, (BDSH) which is being upgraded to a University Teaching Hospital, while we also intend to complete the 300 bed Specialist Hospital at the Kaduna Millennium City. At the grassroots level, we intend to complete the 68No. 8-bed Health Centres next year as well as upgrade the Primary Health Centre Fadan Kagoma. We have also made provision for medical care for critical ailments such as tuberculosis, leprosy and HIV/AIDS.  Funds have also been earmarked for the Malaria Control Programme. It is also important to note that two key health care agencies namely; the Kaduna State Primary Health Development Agency (KSPHDA) and the Drug Management Agency (DMA) have commenced full operation and funds have also been proposed for their operations”.

    Poverty alleviation, under the Subsidy Reinvestment Programme is also to receive attention from the government in 2014 with the provision of N1 billion for disbursement to Small and Medium Scale Enterprises as loan to promote Commerce and Industry and create wealth, N203 million earmarked for the purchase of grains for distribution to the less privilege members of our communities; and N306million for the continuation of Youth and Women Empowerment Programme for the rapid economic transformation of the State, amongst other things.

    However, residents of the state are expecting the government to embark on massive road construction and rehabilitation across the state especially roads within Kaduna metropolis which have been begging for attention. Majority of the 32 road projects awarded by the Yakowa administration which were left unattended to by contractors after collecting 25 percent down payment are expected to be attended to in the 2014 budget. One road which was supposed to have been completed, but abandoned by the contractor is the Church road in Narayi and the road linking Narayi to the Patrick Ibrahim Yakowa way. The roads were awarded alongside the 10 kilometre Yakowa way which has since been completed and commissioned. It was supposed to help take traffic away from the River Kaduna bridge which has always been congested. But the none completion of the road has ensured that commuters from the Sabon Tasha and Barnawa end of the metropolis who are supposed to be using the link road are forced to remain on the traffic for a long time. However, the governor said the government is determined to complete the roads projects in 2014 and rehabilitate others. However, The Nation investigation revealed that the rehabilitation of some of the township roads has already commenced across the metropolis.

     

  • Kogi after 2012 floods

    Kogi after 2012 floods

    Never in history has there been such a great number of internally-displaced people (IDP) in Kogi State as a result of natural disaster.

    The flood ravaged many parts of the country in 2012, but drew great attention to Kogi which was heavily devastated. A total of 623,690 displaced people were accommodated in 87 camps across the state during the period.

    Months after the flood, several clean-up measures have been taken by the Kogi State government in order to address the people’s gory experience during the period and after.

    Some of those who have since returned to their homes are still in utmost confusion with regard to coping with life, as many of them are yet to recover from the upset.

    Judged from the level of damage and destruction caused by the flood, the people have expressed their joy that there was no similar experience last year as it would have been one disaster too many.

    The natural disaster of 2012 brought with it great flooding of the roads which made them impassable. Many school buildings became refugee camps. Houses were submerged. Properties and infrastructures were badly affected. Farm lands, crops and animals were washed away.

    The disaster was said to have destroyed property worth billions of Naira. It was one disaster that the people and the Kogi State government are still struggling to come to terms with considering the monumental destruction it caused.

    As a result of this, there were several donations from governments, good-spirited individuals and corporate organisations. The state received the sum of N753,092,704 with major donations of N500 million, N150 million, N50 million and N10 million,N10 million coming from the Federal Government, Dangote, Jide Omokore, Alhaji Isa Kutepa and Kano State Government respectively.

    Despite these donations, there have been strong complaints by the people, particularly victims of the flood that nothing tangible has been done to lessen the suffering they are going through after the flood that sacked them from their ancestral homes.

    But the Kogi State Deputy Governor Yomi Awoniyi who also doubles as Chairman, State Emergency Management Agency said through his Chief Press Secretary, Mr. Abu Michael that the state was and has been very sensitive to the plight of victims of the flood.

    So much, according to Abu, was and is still being done to alleviate the sticky-situation of genuine flood victims in the state.

    “Genuine victims of the flood disaster in the state” Abu explained, “can testify that the state has taken the issues of rehabilitation and post-flood management for which the state received some grants very seriously.”

    Aside the disbursement of N139 million to victims of the disaster in the nine affected local government areas, the government, he said, built 272 houses with another 300 to commence ‘this month.

    Many people have criticised the housing scheme in terms of its location as nine local government areas were gravely affected.

    Abu said: “Those completed in Lokoja are among the first phase of housing scheme for majority of its citizens, with special emphasis on relocating those affected and living by the shoreline. The feat of relocating affected persons to houses built by government will be replicated in other affected local government areas as soon as funds are available.”

    The modalities for giving out the already completed houses, he said, are being worked out by relevant agencies.

    Kogi State, investigations revealed, remains the only state that operated relief camps for flood victims six months after the flood had receded. Provision of food stuffs, medicines and clothing for those in the camp was given serious attention.

    While winding up the camps in February last year, each of the victims received N50, 000 and foodstuffs to assist them resettle in their new homes.

    However, there were complaints by some people who were given between N3, 000 and N5, 000. This, according to Usman Isah, a resident of Gadumo, was insulting to the psyche of those who lost all they had.

    Currently, the state government has almost completed the renovation of most schools where victims of the flood disaster were camped. The renovation exercise cost the government N81million.

    Similarly, all roads that were affected by the flood, Abu Michael, Chief Press Secretary to Awoniyi explained, was constructed at the cost of N423m. To cushion the effects of washed farmlands, a 6, 500 hectares rice plantation was established along the flood plains of affected local government areas where lots of youths and women are gainfully employed. This has currently placed the state on the world map as major rice producer.

    This initiative, Abu noted, cost the state N200 million. The produce of last harvest was publicly and, through a 60:40 ratio shared between the government and buyers. After the harvest the state government out rightly bought the produce from farmers and issued out cheques to them.

    Some others who claimed to have worked on the farms recently protested that they were never paid. This, Abu described as untrue and said everyone who worked in the farm had received their wages in spite of support in clearing and other logistic assistance they farmers received from government.

    Since after the flood, the government has spent much money in the areas of education, housing, transport and health.

    For instance, six of the primary schools that were used as relief camps are being renovated at the cost of N81, 376,464.55.

    The post-flood housing estate in the first phase of the scheme which comprised 272 units of one-bedroom and two-bedroom units cost government N504 million.

    Contracts for fixing badly affected roads were awarded at the cost of N423million.

    The government, as part of proactive measures, opened alternative east and west routes to avoid the sufferings encountered by commuters during the natural disaster.

    Government’s effort in the area of dry season farming to make up for the huge loss of farmlands, Abu said, is also most commendable as over 6,500 hectares of cluster rice farmlands under the Fadama programme, an initiative that has cost the government N200 million.

    He said claims of neglect by some of the victims were unfair; adding that within the resources available, government has continuously addressed the challenges caused by the flood. He restated that donations received by the state during the flood disaster were judiciously used for the purposes for which they were made.

    Abu said: “The assistance to farmers and fishermen whose farm lands, crops and fish ponds were washed away had been wholesome. I would want the people to appreciate the efforts of government and not play politics with the seriousness government attaches to the rehabilitation of lives of its citizenry.

    “The process leading to rehabilitation of people and places affected by the flood is an ongoing and continuous exercise.”

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

    The Nation gathered that majority of the flood victims whose houses were flooded, had since gone back to their various homes.

    The Commissioner for Environment and Physical Development, Hon. Abdulrahaman Wuya, told our correspondent that the envisaged flood of 2013 was averted through the proactive measure taken by the government, saying the 2012 flood came unexpectedly.

    Wuya, however, insisted that people dwelling around the river banks should consider seeking an alternative place of abode.

    Also, the Special Adviser to Kogi State Governor on Environment, Mr Ladi Ahmed Jato, in the same manner advised those who reside at river banks to always be mindful of the fact that they are living in a dangerous terrain.

    A Retired civil servant and a house owner at Gadumo River Bank in Lokoja, Joseph Ibrahim told our correspondent that he was able to build his three bedroom apartment through savings he made when he was in service.

    “Where do they expect us to go? Are they praying for another flood? Anyway, I can never leave my house for any flood. If there is flood today, I will temporarily leave and come back once it receded,” he said.

    Meanwhile, there have been calls and agitations that government should, as a matter of urgency, propose to the State House of Assembly to declare all river bank areas as green zones. The move, they believe, would make the people move away from flood-prone areas.

  • Journey to the cold city

    Journey to the cold city

    Plateau State is known mostly for its cold and interesting weather. Located at the coldest part of the country, coupled with its mountainous terrain, fun-seekers and tourists usually visit this beautiful state popularly known as “Home of Peace and Tourism” even though recent events in the state seem to question the verity of peace in the Plateau. People troop into the state to relax and reflect due to the coolness which is caused by its weather.

    Plateau State is located in Nigeria’s middle belt. With an area of 26,899 square kilometres, the state has an estimated population of about three million people.

    The state is named after the picturesque Jos Plateau, a mountainous area in the north of the state with captivating rock formations. Bare rocks are scattered across the grasslands, which cover the plateau.

    Though situated in the tropical zone, a higher altitude means that Plateau State has a near temperate climate with an average temperature of between 18 and 22°C. Harmattan winds cause the coldest weather between December and February.

    What most may not link to Jos is that the state itself can be a tourist attraction which cannot be exhausted in a hurry. The mountainous terrain of the Jos environment which has saved its people from invasion in the olden days can now be turned into an attraction for fun-loving individuals.

    Apart from its Zoo and wildlife park, Jos also has bodies of waters which the fun-loving people have gladly turned into resorts. The Rayfield resort for instance, although most of the residents turn the river into their source of water for building and other domestic uses, is also a place of strolls, picnics, parties and in some instance, recreational boating.

    However, the most interesting feature of Jos, apart from the above, is its rocks. The Sheri Hills, for instance, consist of different individual rocks which leaves a person in wonder of the greatness of God, mostly unique in its features, all cocooned in an environment.

    The rocky area of the Sheri Hills used to be known for the crowd of young people who gather on the rocks for picnics and parties. It used to draw large crowds but recently, like most parts of Jos, the hills are quiet even for the Yuletide period when most people go to their homes in different parts of the country.

    Sunday Damshit, a resident of Jos believes that the city is, most times, cool and not as noisy as bigger cities like Abuja.

    Damshit, who resides in far away Bukuru (a suburb of Jos) said: “Bukuru is actually a little far from Sheri Hills but I love to come here once in a while to relax and read books. This is really a good place to think and get creative.

    “The fact is that this place used to attract a lot of young people, family and friends who enjoy partying here. Recently, however, due to insecurity, Jos and most of the interesting places in this town have become a shadow of itself.”

    Another resident, Esther Lere, who is a florist in Rayfield said: “If not for the insecurity in the town, Jos is a very nice town. Check your history and you will find out that a lot of influential and important people used to stay in Jos at a point. A lot of Europeans love the weather because it is very similar to theirs and the city used to be multi-cultural and with all the religions all living in peace until the recent state of insecurity in the town.

    “We are optimistic that Jos can get back to what it used to be again. In time, the security situation will be resolved and people will come back to Jos to reside. The fact is Jos has a lot to give in terms of its people and environment.”

    Another important attraction in Jos can be found in Kyarang in Mangu Local Government Area.

    “Kyarang is the place where the famous Swan Water factory is located. The village houses a natural spring pond where locals believe that a huge swan lives and only comes out on rare occasions to repair the water. The water that comes out from a rock is crystal clean and villagers drink from it freely without fear. The biggest landmark of Kyarang is the volcanic mountain that is also seen drawn on the swan water bottle.

    Abigail is indigenous to Kyarang but teaches in Jos. She said: “I grew up in the village and drank from the spring water. The water is very pure. Although some people worship the swan, I don’t. But she comes out ones in a while and has been there for more than 100 years. At least, that is what my people believe in.”

    Another notable place is Gindiri which has huge cave-like rock known as dutsen lamba (meaning the rock with a mark), the popular dancing bridge which was used as a bridge before the construction of a better bridge and lots more.

    These and many more are places that a fun-lover and visitor to Jos can visit without spending much money unlike other tourist sites outside the country.

    A lot of Europeans love the weather because it is very close to their own and the city used to be multicultural and with all the religion all living in peace until the security situation.

    “We are optimistic that Jos can get back to what it used to be again, in time the security situation will be resolved and people will return, the fact is that, Jos has a lot to give in terms of its people and environment.”

    Another important attraction in Jos can be found in Mangu local government, in a place called Kyarang, Kyarang is the place where the famous Swan water factory is located; the village houses a natural spring pond where locals believe that a huge swan lives and only comes out on rare occasions to repair the water. The water that comes out from a rock is crystal clean and villagers drink from it freely without fear and the biggest landmark of Kyarang is the volcanic mountains that is also seen drawn on the swan bottle.

    Abigail, a teacher in Jos who comes from Kyarang said, “I grew up in the village and drank from the spring water, the water is very pure and although some people worship the swan, I don’t but she comes out ones in awhile and have been there for more than 100 years, at least that is what my people believe in.”

    Other places like Gindiri with its huge cave like rock known as the dutsen lamba (meaning the rock with a mark), the popular dancing bridge which was used as a bridge before the construction of a better bridge and lots more.

    These and many more, are places that a visitor and fun lover to Jos can visit without spending much unlike visits to other tourist sites outside the country.

  • Akume celebrates with the needy

    Akume celebrates with the needy

    For the Senate Minority Leader, Senator George Akume, there couldn’t have been a better way to mark his 60th birthday anniversary than visiting orphanage homes, hospitals, prison yards and setting some convicts free by paying their fines.

    The activities marking the birthday anniversary celebration of the Senate Minority Leader began on December 26, 2013 with a Mass celebrated by Rev. Father Oliver Ortese in his Chapel at Judges Quarters, Makurdi, the Benue State capital.

    After the Mass, the former governor of the state, alongside his wife, political associates and friends visited General Hospital in Northbank, Makurdi.

    At the hospital, he visited each patient from bed to bed and sympathised with them over their sickness. Thereafter, he offset the medical bills of all those on admission.

    Addressing the  staff of the hospital which was built during his tenure as the governor of the state, the senate minority appealed to nurses and doctors to be patient with their patients as sickness can be so frustrating.

    The senator later returned to his Makurdi residence for a birthday lecture delivered by  Dr. Zack Agundu of Ahmadu Bello University Zaria(ABU) and Professor Alloy Ihyua of Benue State University (BSU) Makurdi, which was followed by the cutting of the cake by the senator, assisted by his wife and many others, including chieftains of All Progressives Congress (APC).

    The following day, Senator Akume and his entourage visited Minimum Prison, Makurdi and donated items to the inmates. He paid the fines of 10 convicts and appealed to them to be of good conduct so that that they would not go back to the vice that took them to the prison in the first place.

    After the prisons, Senator Akume moved to Mama Abayol Orphanage Home at Highlevel and danced with the inmates, after which he donated items which included toiletries, soaps and clothing.

    The climax of activities marking his 60th birthday was on December 28 at his Wannune country home, another big Mass was celebrated at St.Christopher Parish and later a reception was held at his Hill Top Mansion for APC members across the 23 local government areas of the state.

    Addressing APC supporters, Senator Akume appealed to them to be patient as 2015 is near and the mistake which the party made in 2011 will not be repeated.

    He said very soon registration of members will start and advised all APC members to go to their various localities and register.

    Akume was presented with gifts amid singing and dancing.

  • Christmas tragedy: Church property up in flames

    Christmas tragedy: Church property up in flames

    It was a black Christmas and a day that will not be easily forgotten in the history of St Kizito’s Catholic Church, Kuje. It was a day fire razed half of the office and residential building of the Parish Priest. The cause of the fire could not be ascertained.

    During the Morning Mass on that day, little did members and leaders of the church know that tragedy was lurking around to play out later in the evening.

    It all started about 4:15 in the evening according to an eyewitness who was passing by the church when the fire started.

    Suddenly, the witness said, a flame was noticed coming out of the church premises and just to find out what was happening, a Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC) vehicle was seen driving on speed towards the gate of the church. Immediately, fire water-laden tanker was also following the vehicle.  People were running haphazardly shouting ‘fire, fire’ while security men whose district headquarters is located opposite the church, were also running towards the same direction to find out what was happening.

    People gathered at the entrance of the church clamouring for the gate to be opened to enable them to help in salvaging the situation.

    After several attempts, the gate was opened and onlookers, security operatives and fire fighters rushed to the scene of the blaze. It was discovered, to their chagrin that the fire had started long before people outside the church noticed it.

    Men of the fire service later put out the fire which could have razed the entire building that was housing the Parish Priest, other Reverend Fathers and church workers.

    One of the church workers told Abuja Review that most of them were sleeping when the fire started. It was when they suddenly woke up that they noticed smoke was coming out from one of the rooms.

    The worker, who pleaded anonymity and could not tell what caused the outbreak of fire, said all efforts to put out the fire were futile.

    “It was my colleague that woke me up, if not, I would have been dead by now. But I thank God. I do not know what went wrong. I am still in shock,” the source said.

    Some valuables were removed from the building when men of the fire service were putting out the fire.     Mr. Tokunbo Cletus who led the Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC) team to the scene said: “We were on patrol when we saw smoke coming out from the church premises. We have to put a call through to the officer of the fire service to rescue the situation. We had to rush down here with them.

    “We noticed the fire incident around past four in the evening. The cause of the fire was not known. It could be a generator spark or from the kitchen.”

    The leader of the officials of the fire service who did not disclose his identity said: “My advice to people now is to be very careful and ensure that they have firefighting equipment in their homes. If there was firefighting equipment in this house, the fire outbreak would have been tackled.”

    Rev. Father Michael Ngoka, the Parish Priest of the St. Kizito’s Catholic Church, Kuje said: “I was at the prison celebrating Christmas with the inmates. It is the annual visit of the Catholic Archbishop of Abuja because every Christmas Day, he goes to the prison to see the inmates and interact with them. So, when he comes, the Priest who works around here is supposed to be there to receive him.

    “It was a drama-sketch that was going on when a security officer alerted me. He said he had a message for me and I followed him out of the prison premises. He told me that there is a problem at home that he just got information that there is fire in my house and they need me.  On hearing that in did not even go back to the Archbishop to inform him of my leave, the message came so sudden and I was a little bit worry to know if anybody was hurt or killed in the process.

    “I took off and as I was coming I was calling the fathers, seminarians, the cook the house boy and nobody was picking not knowing that they were here and when I came in there was a crowd and everybody was busy helping out that was the reason they did not pick my calls.

    “It was when I got here and I saw the crowd that it dawned on me that my house was in danger. The generator was on when I left the prisons, usually we run generator in the afternoon. But I did not get the details of what caused the fire outbreak. I do not think it’s the kitchen because it began from the room of the parish priest. Everything there was completely burnt to ashes. At least other rooms they were able to evacuate certain things out. There must have been a spark somewhere.

    “But in any case I give glory to God, my major concern when I was driving down I was praying that there should be no casualty. The distance between prisons and here is ten minute but it looked like one day drive. I was speeding to come home but home was so long and it looked like it was unreachable. I am calm that everybody is fine is just that we lost so many valuables to the inferno.”

    No one could explain the cause of the ugly incident but the fact remains that everyone should be careful especially during this dry season.

     

  • Live in Kaduna, work in Abuja

    Live in Kaduna, work in Abuja

    The idea of having a fast rail track linking the Federal Capital Territory and Kaduna was first mooted by Vice President Mohammed Namadi Sambo when he was the governor of Kaduna State. Then, the rail track was to be designed to link the Kaduna Millennium City on the eastern flank of Kaduna metropolis and to provide easy transport for people who might want to live in Kaduna and work in Abuja. But it was evident that the state government will not have the amount of money needed to execute such a huge project. Considering the fact that rail transport in the country has been almost an exclusive preserve of the federal government, the Sambo began a subtle move to get the federal government to buy into the project and his plans materialised when he was appointed the Vice President. He sold the idea to the federal government under President Goodluck Jonathan who bought into it. But rather than terminate at the Millennium City, the fast rail track was diverted to Rigassa, a suburb of Kaduna metropolis believed by many in Kaduna to be a no go area for Christians. President Goodluck Jonathan was billed to flag off the construction of the fast rail track at Rigassa during his presidential campaign to Kaduna in 2011, but cancelled the idea at the last minute due to security reports. In buying into the project, the government decided on carrying it out along with a total rehabilitation of existing rail lines across the country. The project was awarded to the Chinese Civil Engineering Construction Company (CCECC) at the cost of about 850 million dollars.

    The project which is already 70 percent completed is about 186 kilometres long with about nine stations along the line from Kaduna to Abuja. The construction of the track is expected to be beneficial to the various communities through which the fast train is expected to pass through, but many of them are not convinced that about government sincerity completing the project especially the fact that there are limited information about the project.

    The Federal Director of Railways, Engr. Barau Gafar said that the project was initially awarded in 2006 as part of government plans to revitalise the railway sector to run from Lagos to Kano, adding that the government decided to segment it to six parts namely Lagos to Ibadan, Ibadan to Ilorin, Ilorin to Minna, Minna to Abuja, Abuja to Kaduna. He also told the good governance tour team which visited the project recently that the government decided to commence with two segments which are Lagos to Ibadan and Abuja to Kaduna, saying “we started Abuja to Kaduna in the year 2010 precisely. The contract was awarded to CCECC at total cost of 849 million US dollars”. He disclosed that when completed, then fast train would run at a speed of between 120km to 150 km per hour, and anyone living in Kaduna will be able to travel to Abuja in approximately 45 minutes to one hour. Spokesman of the construction company, James Lee, said the project has not suffered any setbacks since its commencement as there was no land acquisition problem while funding from the government has been regular and coming as and when due. Lee said that even in China, projects like the rail project are handled for about three years, describing the government as good clients assuring that the project will be handed over to the government in December 2014.

    However, a tour of the project by The Nation revealed that communities that are supposed to benefit from the project have mixed feelings about the project. While some are not comfortable with government sincerity and commitment to the project, others think it is a blessing to them, believing that when completed, it will open up their communities. For example, residents of Rigassa which is the terminal point of the track in Kaduna are not happy that President Goodluck Jonathan failed to come to the community in 2011 to flag off the construction of the rail tracks. The date for the flag off coincided with the presidential campaign in Kaduna.

    Even though the contractors said that they have not had any problem with acquiring land for the project, some of the farmers complained that they have lost large portion of their farm land to the project without any form of compensation by the government. Former Minister of Transport, Yusuf Suleiman under whose tenure the project began was quoted by a national daily newspaper as saying that when completed and put to use, the project will afford a lot of residents of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) and those that have business in the nation’s capital, to reside in Kaduna or any of the railway towns and villages along the rail line to visit the FCT, do their businesses and return the same day. There is the belief however that this will help bring down the cost of living within the FCT, especially cost of residential accommodation which has continued to be on the rise. Suleiman was also quoted as saying initially; the manufacturers of the fast train had offered the Nigerian government a faster train which they rejected. He said “when we went to China to negotiate about the trains, the manufacturers offered us the engines that cover 450 kilometers per hour but we rejected that. We consulted President Jonathan who agreed with us that electric train engines that can cover 450 kilometers per hour will not be the best for a country like ours where animals graze freely and in most of the villages the train will pass through, people are used to crossing railway lines with their animals in a way that of the speed of such trains will be dangerous. We therefore, opted for the type that can cover 200 to 250 kilometers per hour. With that type, it means when you leave Kaduna by 7am you are sure of being in Abuja by 8am. By that you may even arrive your office and start work before someone that lives in Abuja. Government will make sure that the fare is affordable. We planned to have nine railway stations between Kaduna and Abuja where the trains will be making brief stop-overs to drop and pick passengers”. The former minister said further that as part of the transformation agenda of President Jonathan which is targeted at improving the living conditions of Nigerians and other foreigners living in the country, the transport sector is being transformed in a way that will yield dividends and improve the nation’s economy.

    Vice President Mohammed Namadi Sambo who flag off the laying of the fast rail track at Idu in the Federal Capital Territory said the government was committed to completing all rail projects across the country as part of its transformation agenda. Sambo was unhappy that the sector which is key to the development of any society has been neglected over the years. He said “as you are fully aware, this Administration accords top priority to the development of infrastructure as a component of the Transformation Agenda as well as the Vision 20:2020. In that regard, several projects covering critical sectors in transportation like Roads, Waterways, Aviation, and in Power Supply, Housing and the development of critical projects and programmes are being undertaken by this Administration and are at various stages of completion. This is an administration that keeps to its promises”. Sambo said that the government was committed to adequately fund the project, pointing out that part of the funds will be provided through the Subsidy Reinvestment and Empowerment Programme (SURE-P) and an additional $500 million concessionary loan from China EXIM Bank, who are co- financing the project. While regretting the neglect of the rail sector over the years, the Vice President said that with the articulation of the 25 years Strategic Rail Vision and in partnership with the private sector, the railways would return back to its glorious days, saying “in our efforts to ensure adequate funding for the Transformation Agenda, Government has created the enabling environment for the private sector to play significant roles.  This Administration is determined to concession the railway facilities upon completion.  Similarly, opportunities abound for Foreign Direct Investments in this important sector”.

     

  • Makurdi’s new face at Yuletide

    Makurdi’s new face at Yuletide

    A time to travel, eat, drink and rest with loved ones. That is what Christmas is to many.

    For, Governor Gabriel Suswam, however, it is a time to work more and even take his people by surprise.

    During the Yuletide, the governor transformed Makurdi, the state capital, through a massive rehabilitation of   infrastructures, especially roads and public buildings.

    At the beginning of the December, the Ministry of Works, contracted Hajaig Construction Company to rehabilitate major township roads and streets in the state capital.

    Some of the popular streets and roads that were  rehabilitated  are Kashim Ibrahim Road on old GRA, Iyorchia Ayu Road in Wurukum, Old Otukpo Road, Ogiri Oko Road, all in Makurdi.

    The road leading to Government House Makurdi, where the  office and residence of Governor Gabriel Suswam was given a new look as asphalt was laid with  well pave street and flower planted in the middle .

    Apart from the roads and streets, attention was also given to almost all the round about in the state capital as they wear a new look.

    From Wurkum Round about, Mr, Biggs Roundabout, Highllevel Roundabout, Police headquarters Roundabout and Government House Roundabout were lavishly decorated bythe state government in preparation  for the Yuletide .

    Each roundabout was painted in black and white colours, with Christmas trees and light that illuminated the city at night through the period of Christmas and New year.

    Government House  Makurdi, the seat of power also witness massive renovations and decorations, with each section of the three wing building which housed the governor’s office, and that of the governor’s wife, Chief of Staff and Permanent Secretary,  Government House Administration change into christmas colours and lights.

    In a telephone interview with The Nation, Commissioner for Works, Hon. John Ngbede gave reasons for the massive renovations of Makurdi township  roads during festive season.

    “Christmas and New Year are a festive season  and there is expected high  volume of vehicular and human movement. As a  responsible government there is need to put in place critical infrastructure to boost the tourism sector.

    Ngbede said that Benue is one of the most peaceful states in the country today, and tourism is  the fourth money spinning industry  in the country, so the duty of government is to create the enabling environment to attract investors and holiday makers. He said roads are a critical sector which can boost economy of a state.

    Apart from festive season, the works commissioner noted that dry season just set in after heavy rains and it is the best period to renovate or  construct  roads.

    But in all, he said the road was to welcome back Benue indigenes who were away within and outside the country to appreciate what democracy is all about, so that they can also find an opportunity to invest back home and contribute to the development of the state.

    Mr Felix Atume, a lecturer with Federal University of Technology Minna, who was recently home commended the government for the massive rehabilitated road and decoration of streets in Christmas colours. Mr Atume said Governor Suswam has taken Makurdi to a higher level and called on those in diapora to support his administration.

    For fun seekers during the Yuletide, it was a befitting Christmas with colours and illuminations reflecting the new look of the state capital.

  • Christians urged to seek peace

    A cleric, Rev. Fr. Innocent Oyibo has urged Christians to seek the face of God as it is Him that they would get lasting peace.

    Rev. Fr Oyibo gave the advice in his homily during a Mass to celebrate the beginning of the New Year at St John Mary Vianney Quasi Catholic Church Kubwa. He stated that peace was embedded in the face of God and would be unveiled only to those that seek his face.

    “Peace is hidden and embedded in the face of the Lord. One cannot have any peace until the face of God is uncovered in the hearts of those who seek Him.  If you want to know peace, search for the face of Jesus Christ which has been revealed to us by the virtue of His birth through His mother, Mary,’’ he said.

    He revealed that on January 1 every year has been dedicated by the Catholic Church in Nigeria to celebrate the Feast of Mary, the Queen of Peace in Nigeria, adding that it gives the Catholic faithful the opportunity of praying for peace in the country.

    “We all pray that peace will continue to reign in our hearts, in our families and our country. If there is no peace in our hearts, there won’t be peace in our families and our country in general,” he said.

    Rev. Fr Oyibo also urged Christians to present their New Year resolution to God who would aid them to fulfill them, even as he prayed that God should bless people’s good intentions.

    Earlier during the vigil Mass, the Parish Priest, Rev Fr. Sebastian Musa had urged Christians to always live a life of thanksgiving, adding  that despite various problems they had experienced during the past year, they should always thank God for the gift of life.

    “Even with the various problems we face, we should always thank God for keeping us alive from the beginning of the year to the end.  Some started the race with us and are dead but we are still alive. It is neither because of our might or righteousness, it is through the privilege we received from God,” he said.

  • Public servants get wake-up call

    The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Senator Bala Mohammed has threatened to sack any Secretary or Director that is found wanting in the performance of his or her duties to the expectations of government and the people.

    The minister stated this during an emergency meeting with the FCT Minister of State, Oloye Olajumoke Akinjide, FCT Permanent Secretary, Engr. John O. Chukwu, some Mandate Secretaries, Coordinator, Abuja Metropolitan Management Council, (AMMC) and some Directors whose duties have direct bearing with Municipal/Social Services and the day-to-day running of the FCT administration.

    Mohammed issued one-week ultimatum during which he expects drastic changes in the areas of environment, particularly garbage collection, social menace like street hawking, begging and commercial sex workers as well as enforcement of total ban on commercial motorcycles (okada) in designated areas.

    According to the statement issued by the Assistant Director/Chief Press Secretary, Muhammad Sule, the minister warned that any political appointee or public servant who is not prepared to show commitment to duty should do the needful by resigning.

    He lamented a situation where Ad-Hoc committees are set up to handle jobs that are statutory in nature, even as he attributed this to lackadaisical, nonchalant attitude and even sabotage on the part of some members of staff.

    The minister warned that no public servant is indispensable as his administration would soon embark on re-assessment and re-adjustment which is not intended to cause pain but to make the system work more effectively.

    Mohammed further warned that the FCT Administration would not accept a situation where some secretaries and directors attempt to create loyalty and dynasty in the system rather than carrying all staff along.

    The FCT Minister of State, Olajumoke Akinjide at the meeting supported the minister and reiterated that a solution must be found to all these ugly problems.

    Speaking at the meeting, the FCT Permanent Secretary, Engr. John Chukwu also warned that the riot act signals that it’s no longer business as usual.

    Chukwu advised all public servants in the FCT Administration to wake up to their responsibilities, management of Abuja city must be done effectively in tune with the transformation agenda of the Federal Government.

    Meanwhile, the minister has directed the Permanent Secretary to continue with the meeting to further look into all grey areas and come up with workable solutions.

    Mohammed also directed that where necessary, changes should be made to ensure efficiency and service delivery.

    Others who participated in the meeting included Coordinator, AMMC, Secretaries of Social Development Secretariat as well as Directors of Establishment and Training; Abuja Environmental Protection Board and Directorate of Road Traffic Services.

     

  • New guidelines for Abuja park operators

    Many Abuja motorists are fed up with park operators who determine how people park their vehicles in the public space.

    And as a result, the Federal Capital Territory Administration (FCTA) is set to issue new guidelines that will make them render fair services to the public.

    This, the authorities say, will reduce the number of complaints lodged with it by people on account of their method of operation.The FCTA has already set up a model for the guidelines, even as Minister of the Federal Capital Territory Senator Bala Mohammed has already set up a committee to look into the up street parking.The FCT Secretary of Transport, Engr. Jonathan Ivoke disclosed this in a chat with newsmen during which he acknowledged the alleged shrewd activities of the on-street parking consultants who are short changing the residents.

    ”The minister has set up a committee to look into the on-street parking in Abuja due to the level of complaints we have been receiving. We realised that some of them do not pay their workers while some pay them very little; which is the reason for most of their behaviours,” he said.Ivoke also added that the managements of on-street parking have no right to occupy open spaces because these are off-street zones. He further said that “unlike their usual ways of removing number plates of cars belonging to offenders, they do not have the mandate to remove anybody’s number plate.He therefore instructed the Directorate of Road Transport Services (DRTS) popularly referred to as VIO, to remove all abandoned vehicles on the FCT highways.He noted that the removal of these abandoned vehicles on the FCT roads will go a long way in improving the level of security as well as reducing traffic bottlenecks experienced most times.

    Ivoke remarked that some of these abandoned vehicles sometimes cause avoidable accidents.He re-affirmed the commitment of the FCT Administration to complete the multi-billion Naira Abuja rail project by 2015 as promised by the FCT Minister. ”The Abuja rail is a priority project of the Federal Government which would be driven to a logical conclusion to serve residents of the Federal Capital Territory as transportation is life,” he said.