The Nation News

Category: News

  • ‘Tinubu inherited poor economy, may not complete all inherited road projects in Nigeria – Umahi

    ‘Tinubu inherited poor economy, may not complete all inherited road projects in Nigeria – Umahi

    By Uchenna Okeh, Abakaliki

    The Minister of works, David Umahi on Thursday said that the administration of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu inherited a poor economy and may not complete all the inherited road projects in the country.

    Umahi, the former governor of Ebonyi State, further said that President Bola Ahmed Tinubu is doing a lot of things to alleviate the sufferings of Nigerians and hardship in the country.

    He made this known during the 29th meeting of the national council on works with the theme: “unlocking infrastructural potentials and opportunities as catalyst for sustainable development under the renewed hope agenda” that took place at Meritona hotel, Abakaliki Ebonyi State capital.

    The former governor of Ebonyi state, Umahi said that as a way to improve on the Nigeria roads, the ministry has abolished surface dressing and price variations by contractors handling various road projects across the country.

    Umahi said, “This  is the first time and it is a major feat in Ebonyi State. It involves permanent secretaries and commissioners of works of the 36 states and the representative of the federal capital territory.

    “I commend the presence of the director of the ministry of works for re-writing the history of the ministry. There is a need for stakeholders to work together to turn around the sector, to facilitate access of Nigerians to roads for economic prosperity and national unity. 

    “It is our responsibility to improve the state of our roads. Mr. President is not deterred; he is committed to work on abandoned projects, especially those within the economic zone.

    “We have abolished surface dressing in the ministry of works. Within one or three months you complete the road, the surface starts failing. We also abolish the variation of price in the ministry of works. On the issue of mobilisation, we have come up with a condition of mobilisation. 

    “People mobilize and run away. There is a need for training and re-training of our supervisors. It is important. The gains of this conference will be seen in our radical progress in the road infrastructure”, he said.

    While declaring the meeting open, the Executive Governor of Ebonyi State, Francis Nwifuru said that the meeting will address issues relating to contract deficit and ensure timely execution of contracts.

    He said, “The National Council on Works has drawn a road map for sustainable development of projects. It is a commitment of the dear President towards addressing the defects on our roads. I thank Mr. President David Umahi for the national emergency on our roads. Our minister is operating on familiar terrain. He gave us the best road network and opened our rural communities.

    “The entire state is receiving infrastructural attention. This is because the quality of infrastructure is needed for sustainable development. Works is the tripod on which other sectors are hinged. We have completed 700 kilometres of roads across the state.

    Earlier in a remark, Ebonyi State Commissioner for Works, Stanley Lebechi, who appreciated stakeholders in the works sector, assured of judicious use of resolutions that will be reached at the end  of the meeting.

  • PDP governors accuse APC led Govt of mismanaging Nigeria’s economy

    PDP governors accuse APC led Govt of mismanaging Nigeria’s economy

    By Chinelo Kodilichukwu Enugu

    The governors elected on the platform of the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, on Wednesday accused the ruling All Progressives Congress, APC, led by President Bola Allmed Tinubu of allegedly mismanaging the economy of the country.

    The PDP governors forum, however noted with great dismay and grave concern on the effects of the alleged mismanagement of the nation’s economy on Nigerians;

    The governors forum made this known in a communique signed and read by the chairman, Bala A. Mohammed and governor of Bauchi state, shortly after a meeting held at the Enugu State Government House.

    The Nations News Nigeria reports that the governors deliberated on a wide range of issues that bordered on the critical national interest, the state of the party, particularly the forthcoming congress of the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP.

    Investigation revealed that the governors equally deliberated on the unprecedented hardship faced by the majority of Nigerians as a result of the dismal performance of the APC-led Federal Government, the minimum wage negotiations, and the recurring issue of inter-governmental relations with special reference to local government autonomy and funding.

    The communique, however reads in part: “In the spirit of the founding fathers of the great party who adopted internal democracy as the fundamental principle on which the party was built, the congresses leading to the election of party leaders, at the various tiers, must be all-inclusive, transparent, fair and in strict compliance with the constitution of the party to ensure the successful conduct of the congresses across the 36 states of the Federation and the Federal Capital Territory, FCT.

    “On the off season elections in Edo and Ondo, the forum admonishes all the parties to the elections to ensure that campaigns are issues-based, violence-free and in strict compliance with the provisions of the electoral act.

    “We urge the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to provide a level playing field that guarantees transparent, fair and unimpeachable elections as any act of bias will be totally resisted.

    “We urge Mr. President to show leadership as a true democrat by refraining from making any statement suggestive of political interference in the entire process.

    “On the issue of minimum wage, the forum noted that the minimum wage negotiations are becoming unduly protracted. In the face of the attendant unprecedented hardship and impoverishment of the majority of our people.

    The forum, however backed the enhanced minimum wage demand by the Nigeria Labour Congress, NLC, saying that “Labour’s demand for a substantial salary raise is eminently justified and therefore commands the total support of the Forum

    “The Forum fully supports Labour’s demand, noting that agreement must take into consideration the ability to pay by the local government, sub-national and federal government. 

    “Negotiations are ongoing, the forum appeals for restraint in both utterances and actions that could lead to the complete breakdown of law and order and ultimately, the collapse of the economy.

    “The Supreme Court ruling on local government allocation. The Forum believes in the efficacy of the local government system which ensures that governance is brought closer to the people as provided for in the constitution.

    “The Forum will continue to support the autonomy of the Local Governments as enshrined in the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.

    “Forum holds the Supreme Court in the highest esteem, and is committed to obedience to court orders. However, the Forum urges that implementation of the court decision must be done in a manner that does not create a trust deficit between the federal governments and sub-national governments while also ensuring that the system does not suffer.

    “On the issue of the Rivers crisis, the Forum notes the crises in the Rivers State Chapter of the party and commits to ensuring peace. The Forum has resolved to stand by His Excellency, Sir Sim Fubara, Governor of Rivers State; while at the same time employ wider consultations with stakeholders for a peaceful resolution and thus find a lasting solution to the crises.

    “Furthermore in restoring the nation past glory, the Forum regrets that the 16 years of tremendous development under the PDP-led Federal Government, during which the country witnessed single digit inflation, the establishment of the existing anti-corruption institutions and higher standard of living for every Nigerian has been eroded during the life span of the lacklustre APC-led Federal Government..

    “The forum therefore calls on all Nigerians to refrain from anarchy as we all march towards the return of the PDP to power in 2027′ the PDP govs vowed.

  • 2027: Tinubu, Nwifuru qualify for 8 yrs tenure – works minister, Umahi insist

    2027: Tinubu, Nwifuru qualify for 8 yrs tenure – works minister, Umahi insist

    By Uchenna Okeh, Abakaliki 

    The Minister of works, David Umahi on Wednesday insisted that President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and governor Francis Nwifuru are qualified to be returned in 2027 for the second term in office.

    Umahi made this known during stakeholders engagement meeting held at the executive chambers new government house, Centenary city, Abakaliki, capacity of Ebonyi State.

    The Minister also unveiled the 477km superhighway road project in the southeast region, especially in Ebonyi state.

    The Nations News Nigeria reports that the project  traverses Cross River, Southeast -North Central —APO-Abuja Superhighway —spur of Lagos -Port Harcourt —Crossing Enugu State, passing through Ebonyi to Ogoja, in Northern Cross River State. 

    He, however, urged Ebonyians and the south East region to support the legacy project of President Tinubu’s administration, and as such, should shun any attempt of staging protest against Tinubu’s administration.

    Umahi, further pleaded with the south East stakeholders, despite political affiliation and party interest to shun anything that is capable of stopping all the approved road projects in the south East.

    The works minister, Umahi emphasized that Tinubu has the interest of Igbos at  heart, and should not do anything that will disrupt the road infrastructural agenda in Ebonyi state and south East at Large .

    “I want to advise South East youths to stop any involvement  of any protest against Tinubu’s administration because the Nigerian president has the interest of Igbos at  heart.

    “There is no reason to stage a protest against Tinubu because he has done well for us. I mean the Igbos even in Ebonyi state, therefore, i want to thank Mr. President for the massive roads he has approved in South East Nigeria.

    ” Tinubu is the  most accessible president that I  have ever seen in my life, and we are not taking your relationship with Igbo for granted. 

    Umahi said the African Tran-Saharan highway, when completed, will boost the economy of the south east and the country in general, describing it as economically agricultural viable routes.

    Umahi further described the project as Tinubu’s legacy project and urged the South East and other people of the country to support it to ease the perennial problems encountered by farmers in the evacuation of agricultural produce. 

    “It’s an economically agricultural viable route that will enable Ebonyi State to now bring a lot of their rice within this corridor.

    “There is a lot of rice production here, potatoes and yams and there is no road to transport them. So, these is going to help us to bring out our agricultural produce to support Mr. President policy on food sufficiency.So, it’s an agricultural economic corridor 

    “Let me on behalf of Mr. President unveil the three legacy projects of Mr. President. Let me emphasize that these legacy projects are not just mere projects”, he stated.

    Responding, the governor of Ebonyi State, Francis Nwifuru described the roads project of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu as a signature project and prayed for it’s timely completion 

    “Listen to your feedback and concerns regarding the inclusion of Ebonyi State in the 477km road which traverses Cross River, Southeast -North Central —APO-Abuja Superhighway —spur of Lagos -Port Harcourt —Crossing Enugu State and passing through our dear Abakaliki, then to Ogoja, in northern Cross River State. 

    “It is indeed a huge signature project, we pray God it comes to timely fruition ; Foster collaboration and partnerships by- identify opportunities for innovation and investment in the project given its associated socioeconomic potentialities. Our people are predominantly agrarians and this wonderful initiative we are going to benefit from will further assist our rural farmers to evacuate their farm produce to  viable markets 

    “This engagement this afternoon— I repeat — is predicated on our belief that effective infrastructure development— requires a collective effort from government, private sector, and civil society. This administration is committed to creating an enabling environment for investment and ensuring that our infrastructure meets the needs of our citizens.

    “Once again, I thank Mr. President for this wonderful show of love not only to Ebonyi State but to the entire Ndigbo. We are indeed very grateful for a number of  Federal projects being executed in our dear State which are in tandem with our resolve to make life easier for the people”, Nwifuru stated

  • PDP  governors storm Enugu, set to tackle all internal crisis rocking the party in Nigeria

    PDP  governors storm Enugu, set to tackle all internal crisis rocking the party in Nigeria

    Chinelo Kodilichukwu Enugu

    The 13 governors elected on the platform of the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, on Tuesday converged in Enugu for a meeting to allegedly address all internal crisis and other challenges facing the party in Nigeria

    Among the governors received by the host and governor of Enugu State, Peter Mbah, as they came to register their presence at the Government House, Enugu was the Chairman of the Forum and governor of Bauchi State, Senator Bala Mohammed.

    Others; were Governors Siminalayi Fubara of Rivers State, Seyi Makinde of Oyo, Umo Eno of Akwa-Ibom, Sheriff Oborevwori of Delta, Godwin Obaseki of Edo, Caleb Mutfwang of Plateau, Agbu Kefas of Taraba, Dauda Lawal of Zamfara, and Ahmed Fintiri of Adamawa.

    Osun State governor, Ademola Adeleke, and his Bayelsa State counterpart, Douye Diri, are yet to arrive at the time of filing this report.

    The agenda of their visit was not made known, though investigation revealed that it may be centered on the issue of the forthcoming party congresses, especially in Edo and Ondo governorship elections,

    The Nations News Nigeria reports the governors are to as well address the issues of the internal crisis/ challenges facing PDP and the state of the nation .

    Founded on February 24, 2013 during the administration of the former President, Goodluck Jonathan, the PDP Governors’ Forum serves as a platform for the governors to share ideas, knowledge, and experiences on how to move the party forward and to better coordinate programmes and policies in their various states.

    Meanwhile, the governors were already being treated to a cultural night organized in their honour, Tuesday night, by the host governor, Mbah.

  • NURTW boss, Nebuwa condemns incessant diversion of vehicles, goods by criminals in S-East region

    NURTW boss, Nebuwa condemns incessant diversion of vehicles, goods by criminals in S-East region

    By Cyprian Ebele, Onitsha 

    The Southeast coordinator of the National Union of Road Transport Workers, (NURTW), Heavy Duty-Light Trucks), Uche Rogers Nebuwa has said that the inauguration of the union in the region will mark the end of the incessant diversion of vehicles, especially heavy Duty-Light Trucks and goods by criminals.

    Nebuwa who spoke to newsmen at his office in Onitsha, noted further that the inauguration of the union in south east region will restore sanity in the transport sector.

    The Nations News Nigeria reports that the inauguration of the South east NURTW, Heavy Duty-Light Trucks) holds at Dragon, 82 Division, Nigeria Army, Enugu State.

    He, however applauded President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, Governor Peter Mbah of Enugu State, Minister of Transport, Obi Ozor, Enugu State Police Commissioner, Mr. Kanayo Uzuegbu, father, NURTW Southeast, Augustine Udeozor, among others, for their assistance towards the upliftment of national carriers that include NURTW Heavy Duty-light trucks.

    He condemned the illegal activities of criminal elements who do divert people’s goods and vehicles, adding that with the inauguration in Southeast where this crime is more pronounced, offenders will be on the run.

    The coordinator, Nebuwa however assured that the union will operate in line with the constitution of Nigeria as it concerns road transportation.

    According to him: “Therefore, I am here to plead for the maximum cooperation and support of all the Southeast state governments through the Minister of Transportation to drive this vision to a successful end.

    “The inauguration will be an opportunity to create jobs for the teeming youths that roam the streets in search of jobs. As we embark on this new journey, I am committed towards working tirelessly to improve the welfare and working conditions of all our members.

    “We will focus on enhancing safety, promoting professionalism and ensuring that our voices are heard in the corridors of power for a stronger, more united and prosperous union,” he stated.

  • Enugu gov’t vows to embark on contract termination, blacklisting of erring contractors

    By Chinelo Kodilichukwu Enugu

    The Enugu state government led by governor Peter Mbah has vowed to commence termination of contracts of non-performing and underperforming companies in the state.

    The government also said it was blacklisting erring contractors handling the ongoing constructions of smart schools and Type-2 Primary Healthcare hospitals in the state.

    The new development was disclosed by the Secretary to the State Government (SSG), Chidiebere Onyia, when he led members of the State Executive Committee on Projects Inspection to the sites of some of the ongoing projects in Agwu, Aninri, Udi and Oji River Local Government Areas of the state.

    While commending those contractors that adhered to the project specifications and timelines set out in the work plans, the SSG said the contractors and engineers had shown commitment, dedication and integrity, which reflected the values of the Governor Peter Mbah Administration.

    He, however, warned that a few non-performing contractors would be blacklisted, while underperforming contractors would have their contracts terminated as the state was committed to delivering projects that would pass structural integrity tests and comply with standards to ensure the safety of users.

    Onyia, who was accompanied by the Commissioner for Education, Ndubueze Mbah; Commissioner for Culture and Tourism, Dame Ugochi Madueke; Commissioner for Housing, Martin Chinweke; and the Member representing Aninri State Constituency in the House of Assembly, Magnus Edeh, further said the percentage of work done in the zone showed the projects would be delivered within the deadline set out by the administration.

    “We are here today to ensure that contractors comply with the project specifications agreed by all parties. The governor is committed to making sure all projects are delivered within the time set for them. 

    “Most importantly, the administration places a premium on the lives of the citizens who are going to be using these facilities. Every single life is important to us. So, we are also here to see that even the least of the details is accorded a place of importance. 

    “We have inspected over 15 different facilities today, from smart schools to healthcare facilities. What we look out for using our MPa, rebound hammer test and ultrasonic pulse velocity test is to be certain that the compressive strength of concrete is not compromised. We want to see that the right materials are used. Where 16mm rebar is required, not even 15.99mm percent is allowed,” the SSG noted. 

    The ongoing supervision, the Commissioner for Education said, underscored the governor’s commitment to the safety of residents in the state long after the administration. 

    “We are deliberate as a government. We don’t want a situation of building collapse in our state. That is unacceptable to us. This is why we are all out at this executive level of supervision to see that engineers adhere to standards. Recall that this is yet another round of project inspection because we don’t want to leave anything to chance,” he added.

  • Ebonyi deputy speaker, council boss, CAN declare war against masquerades in Ohaukwu LGA

    By Uchenna Okeh, Abakaliki

    The Christian Association of Nigeria, CAN, Ohaukwu Local government chapter, together with the council chairman, Odono Ikechukwu and deputy speaker of the state house of assembly, Chinedu Onah, on Tuesday declared war against masquerades and  masqueraders in Ngbo communities.

    The association, however threatened to take legal action against anybody using masquerades or masquerading to attack, intimidate, harass and victimize Christians in Ngbo communities, adding that enough is enough of all the torture metted on the Ministers of God in the area.

    The leadership of CAN, Ohaukwu Chapter, made this known in a five page communique signed by the chairman, The Rev. Ozor Simon, Heads of Churches in Ngbo and Izhia and issued to newsmen, shortly after a Solemn Assembly held at Methodist Cathedral Ndulo Ngbo on Tuesday.

    The communique reads in part: “Following the incessant harassment/ attacks with dangerous weapons on Ministers of God and church members in Ngbo and Izhia by masquerades and masqueraders, Heads of churches in the area under the leadership of the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) Ohaukwu Chapter declared a Solemn Assembly to review the security threats on Church Ministers and members with a view to avert loss of lives and further harassment/attacks on ministers of God, and church members.

    “In particular, the Solemn Assembly condemned in totality the following gruesome harassment/attacks on the ministers of God and church members by masquerade and masqueraders in Ngbo communities.

    The association, however, lamented that over ten ministers of God and members of various churches in Ngbo and Izhia communities were severely attacked, tortured, victimized and harassed by bad people using masquerading as a dirty business to extort money and steal people’s property.

    “Based on the forgoing, the Solemn Assembly by the Heads of Churches under CAN Ohaukwu Chapter condemned in its entirety the unlawful attack on Ministers of God, Church Members and the general public by masqueraders and masquerades in markets and on the roads in Ngbo and Izhia and resolved as follows:

    “The Solemn Assembly expressed support for the law established by the Ebonyi State House of Assembly and Ohaukwu Legislators banning the operation of masquerades and masqueraders along the roads and markets and called on the relevant Authorities to ensure strict compliance adding that those arrested should be made to face the wrath of the Law.

    “The Solemn Assembly raised alarm on the hijack of masquerading activities by hoodlums and cultists who hide under their operation to rob, destroy and forcefully seize innocent people’s goods and properties thereby deepening people’s suffering in the present day economic hardship.

    “The Heads of Churches condemned the criminality and deadly activities of dangerous men and women who hide under the guise of sale of sacramental objects to dispose poisonous charms such as”atu erue”, “miri ozu” and other unspeakable instant deadly instruments and charms in the markets of Ngbo and Izhia including dangerous men and women who hide under the guise of “Ezenwanyi” and “Ezenwoke” to perpetuate evil and called on the relevant authorities to ensure immediate evacuation of such dead traps from Ohaukwu LGA;

    “The Solemn Assembly condemned the sale of hard drugs such as methamphetamine diphosphate (nkpuru mmiri), Indian hemp andall other forms of hard drugs in Ngbo and Izhia markets and called on the relevant authorities to strictly implement the existing laws and make Ohaukwu free from these nefarious instruments and materials.

    “The Solemn Assembly lamented the massive recruitment of Ngbo and Izhia youths into cultism and using the youths to cause confusion, clashes, killings and other forms of wickedness which has made life uncomfortable for the innocent and peace loving people of the area and called on leaders at all levels including parents, village heads, town union presidents, Traditional rulers, political office holders and indeed all people of good will to rise up to their responsibilities to save our society from doom.

    “The Heads of Churches commended the Ohaukwu Legislators for banning sale of sacramental objects and other similar religious materials which has been hijacked by hoodlums and resolved that church members should buy such materials from genuine dealers within the church premises” it stated.

    In their sperate reactions, the deputy speaker, Chinedu Onah, however called on the heads of churches in Ngbo and Izhia to shun disunity, urging them to rise against fake prophecy, and should ensure that all churches and ministries are registered with the Christian Association of Nigeria, CAN, Ohaukwu LGA chapter.

    He further urged CAN leaders in Ohaukwu to join politics, to enable them make decisions on who governs them in the state, especially in Ohaukwu LGA.

    Onah also condemned in totality the incessant illegal collection of IGR and taxes from peasant farmers at Okwo Ngbo market by unapproved tax collectors.

    Responding, the chairman of Ohaukwu LGA, Ikechukwu Odono, however banned masquerades and masqueraders from plying major roads in Ohaukwu LGA, and threatened to arrest any masquerades that violate the order.

    He also condemned cult activities in Ohaukwu local government area and urged the Christian leaders in the council to pray for the peace of the local government Area.

  • Bauchi: Gov Bala Swears-in 6 High Court Judges, 15 Khadis Of Shari’a Court Of Appeal

    By: Ajiya Ayuba, Bauchi

    The Governor of Bauchi State,  Bala Mohammed Abdulkadir on Monday sworn in six High Court Judges and fifteen Khadis of the Shari’a Court of Appeal.

    The swearing in took place at the banquet hall, government house, Bauchi state.

    Abdulkadir, however, assured that he is committed to ensure that the  judiciary operates freely and effectively in the state.

    “Today, we swore in six High Court judges and fifteen Khadis of the Shari’a Court of Appeal, the highest in our state’s history. 

    Adding that “We have provided the judiciary with necessary resources, including vehicles, to prevent delays in court cases, as “justice delayed is justice denied.”

    “I assure you that I have never interfered in judicial activities, appointments, or decisions. 

    The governor also commended the chief judge of the state, Justice Rabi Umar Talatu for her dedication and pledge to support her and other judicial officers.

    “Our administration is keen on collaborating with the judiciary to decongest prisons and promote development” he stressed.

    Abdulkadir also urged the newly appointed judges and Khadis to uphold the trust reposed in them and to remain impartial in order to serve with competence and integrity.

  • Gov Fintiri Swears-In 21 LG Chairmen, tasks them to shun corruption 

    By Yagana Ali Yola 

    Governor Ahmadu Umaru Fintiri of Adamawa State on Monday sworn into office the newly elected 21 local government chairmen in Adamawa state charged them to focus on good governance.

    The swearing in ceremony took place At the Mahmud Ribadu Square, Yola, capital of Adamawa state.

    Governor Fintiri, however, challenged the chairmen to eschew corruption and carry everyone along in their administration.

    He urged the new council chairmen to avoid absenteeism in office as the present administration will not condone such a habit whereby a chairman will abandon his official duties with no reason.

    Governor Umaru Fintiri congratulated  Adamawa State Independent Electoral Commission, ADSIEC, for conducting the election that was widely acknowledged as one of the best and credible in the history of Adamawa.

    While speaking on behalf of 21 newly sworn in , Suleiman Ahmed, Executive Chairman Toungo local government area council said the mandate given to them could not have been possible without the good leadership put in place by Governor Fintiri. 

    He reaffirmed their commitment to discharge their duties diligently and work in line with the development agenda of the present administration for the best interest of Adamawa people.

    The Chairman assured that they will demonstrate visible dividends of democracy in their respective local governments and pledged that they will not disappoint the people who elected 

    The oath of office and allegiance were administered on the chairmen by the State Chief Judge, Justice Hapsat Abdurrahman.

    On  Saturday July 13, the People’s Democratic Party, PDP, won all the 21 chairmanship seats and 225 councilorship seats while New Nigeria People’s Party, NNPP, got one councilorship seat.

  • Hunger: Adamawa Govt approves N2.8b for procurement of Agro Inputs to farmers

    Hunger: Adamawa Govt approves N2.8b for procurement of Agro Inputs to farmers

    By Yagana Ali Yola 

    The Adamawa state executive council has approved the supply of agro inputs at the sum of over N2.8bilion for sale at 50% discount to farmers for 2024 rain farming.

    The inputs include 41,179 bags of 50kg NPK 20 10 10, 123,381 kg of assorted maize seeds and 55,741 liters of pesticides which will be used for dry season farming.

    The State Commissioner for Information and Strategy, Mr Iliya James made this known while breisfing newsmen at the government House, shortly after the council meeting presided over by Governor Ahmadu Umaru Fintiri.

    Mr James said due to the present hunger in the country, the government saw the need to procure the inputs in order to improve farming activities and guarantee food security in the state.

    The Commissioner further disclosed that the council has approved the variation for the additional work on the new project in the Government House, Yola at the cost of over one billion naira.

    The additional work includes a massive retaining wall to tackle the part of the Landscape and massive aid filling of the site which is slope in two directions in nature as well as an elaborate Gatehouse.

    According to Iliya the council has approved the engagement of a consultant for services for design and supervision of a admin block, male and female hostels and classroom halls projects at the College of Health Technology Michika which costs over N117m.

    Mr James said the council has also approved the variation for procurement of hospital furniture for seven newly built secondary healthcare centres in the state at the sum of over 122 million naira.

    He said the project which was initially contracted at the cost of over 350 million naira, giving the total sum to over 472 million naira.

    He added that the council has approved engagement of a consultant for the design and supervision of computer based training centre and twin lecture theatres projects at the College of Nursing and Midwifery, Yola at the cost of over 99 million naira.

    All the contracts were awarded to different contractors such as NCN Enterprises of Eltom Heritage Building, Mrs Medugu Commercial and Construction Nigeria Limited and Allied Associate Limited.