President Bola Tinubu has approved the appointment of Dr. Olasupo Olusi to serve as the Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of the Bank of Industry (BOI) for a term of four (4) years in the first instance.
The President’s approval of Dr. Olusi’s appointment follows the voluntary resignation of former BOI Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer, Mr. Olukayode Pitan.
Dr. Olasupo Olusi has served as a World Bank economist and development finance expert over the past 20 years. Between 2011 and 2015, Dr. Olusi served as the economic adviser to then Coordinating Minister of the Economy and Minister of Finance. He is an alumnus of Hull University, United Kingdom. He also obtained a Masters degree in International Money, Finance, and Investment, as well as a Doctorate in Finance & Economics from Durham University, United Kingdom, in 2005.
The President tasks the new BOI Chief Executive to ensure that Nigerians, who are operating all sizes of enterprises across sectors, are given fair and equitable access to much needed support in order to bolster employment generation and wealth creation amongst income groups in the country with special regard for lower and middle income enterprise operators.
Chief Ajuri Ngelale
Special Adviser to the President
(Media & Publicity)
October 19, 2023
President Tinubu Mourns Former Presidential Adviser, Bode Agusto
President Bola Tinubu has expressed profound sadness concerning the demise of Mubasheer Olabode Agusto, who served as an Adviser (Budget Matters) to President Olusegun Obasanjo during his second term in office.
The President extends his heartfelt condolences to the Agusto family and their friends who are mourning in the wake of his passage into glory.
As an accountant with exceptional talent, Mr. Bode Agusto served at various times as a former Assistant Vice President of Citibank Nigeria; a Partner in PriceWaterHouseCoopers (PwC); Non-Executive Director of the National Pension Commission (PenCom) and the Shell Nigeria Pension Fund; in addition to his service as a Member of the Monetary Policy Committee of the Central Bank of Nigeria.
The President acknowledges Bode’s unparalleled contributions to the financial world, as well as the public and private sectors of Nigeria.
Emphasizing Bode’s pursuit of sustainable economic growth in the public service, President Tinubu notes that the distinguished Chartered Accountant continued to share his wealth of knowledge even when faced with serious medical challenges.
“Even in the face of formidable health challenges, Bode continued to generously share his time and wealth of knowledge on economics and business strategy. He was consistently eager to contribute to the growth of the Nigerian economy. His impact will resonate through generations, and I pray that God grants his soul eternal rest,” President Tinubu said.
Chief Ajuri Ngelale
Special Adviser to the President
(Media & Publicity)
October 19, 2023
President Tinubu Calls for Strengthening of EU–Nigeria Relations: Receives EU Energy and Int’l Partnership Delegation
President Bola Tinubu on Thursday in Abuja called for the strengthening of cross-sectoral partnership between Nigeria and the European Union (EU) based on the principles of democracy, rule of law, and freedom.
Receiving a delegation of the EU, led by Ms. Jutta Urpilainen, EU Commissioner in charge of International Partnerships, the President welcomed the signing of eight financing agreements between Nigeria and the EU, under the “EU Global Gateway in Nigeria,” at a separate event earlier in Abuja.
“Democracy is not an easy process, but we must fight for democracy and struggle for it to win at all times,” the President said.
President Tinubu, who emphasized the importance of economic cooperation with the EU in the areas of digital education, traditional energy, renewable energy, and broadband access, equally told the visiting delegation that Nigeria’s economy was going through several long-lasting reforms to render it capable of pulling millions of Nigerians out of poverty.
“We have a young and vibrant population, and we are determined to succeed. If we succeed, democracy succeeds. If we succeed, freedom succeeds,” he said.
“We need all of our partners’ hands on deck to sail together. We look forward to strengthening our partnerships.”
In her remarks, the EU Commissioner in charge of International Partnerships commended Nigeria for playing a pivotal role as a key partner of the EU, not only in politics and economics, but also in shaping the social landscape across the African continent.
The EU Commissioner explained that over the past four years, the EU has been working to transform the nature of its relationship with Africa by shifting away from the traditional donor-recipient dynamic.
She said the EU seeks to establish an equal and mutually beneficial partnership through the “Global Gateway” investment programme as a flagship example.
She noted that this strategy, agreed at the AU-EU Summit in Brussels last year, sets a goal of €300 billion in investments, with €150 billion allocated to Africa.
Thanking President Tinubu for the important role Nigeria played in supplying key energy products during its standoff with Russia in recent times, the EU Commissioner noted that the oil & gas partnership can be expanded while adding that the “Global Gateway” strategy is designed to expedite the green and digital transformations in EU partner countries, with Nigeria standing as one of its most strategic.
”We are investing in critical infrastructure such as energy, transportation, and digital infrastructure, as well as in human capital, education, and research,” she said.
Other members of the EU delegation include: Ms. Samuela Isopi, Ambassador of the European Union to Nigeria and ECOWAS; Ms. Rita Laranjinha, Managing Director of the Africa and European External Action Service (EEAS); Ms. Lora Borissova, Africa Advisor, Cabinet of EU; and Ms. Maria Pilar Palmero Vaquero, Head of Unit for Western Africa, Directorate-General International Partnerships (DG INTPA).
Chief Ajuri Ngelale
Special Adviser to the President
(Media & Publicity)
October 19, 2023
Still at 3rd BRI Forum: VP Shettima Present as NASENI, Chinese Firms Sign $2bn MoUs
**Nigeria, China Harbour sign Lekki Deep Blue Seaport contract*
As Nigeria continues to reap heaps and bounds of dividends from the 3rd Belt And Road Initiative (BRI), the National Agency for Science and Engineering Infrastructure (NASENI) and three Chinese partners have signed Memoranda of Understanding (MoU) for new projects valued at $2 billion.
Another $4 billion is the worth of letters of intent for new projects and investments.
This is just as the Federal Ministry of Works also signed an MoU with China Harbour Engineering Company Ltd for the construction of the Lekki Blue Seaport contract at the Lekki Free Trade Zone in Lagos.
Vice President Kashim Shettima, who is representing President Bola Ahmed Tinubu at the Belt And Road Initiative Forum in Beijing, China, today witnessed the event, which also had the Ministers for Foreign Affairs, Power, Works and other top government officials present.
The Vice President who commended all stakeholders and their Chinese counterparts said Nigeria has never been this ripe and ready for businesses to thrive in.
He said with the painstaking efforts by the Tinubu administration to ensure a level playing ground for all investors following the removal of all bottlenecks, the coast is now clear for deepened economic and trade collaborations.
Khalil Halilu, Executive Vice Chairman and Chief Executive Officer (EVC/CEO) of NASENI, said the crystallisation of the agreements was a fulfillment of NASENI’s commitments towards boosting Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) drive of the Tinubu administration.
“This is a very important day for us at the National Agency for Science and Engineering Infrastructure because it is a day to show the results of some of the work that we have been doing in the last six weeks since I assumed the leadership of NASENI,” the Executive Chairman said.
The MOUs to partner NASENI for investments in Nigeria were listed in a release by NASENI to include: i. Shanghai Launch Automotive Technical Co Ltd – an MOU to establish a new energy automobile facility for the production of new energy electric vehicles.
- .China Great Wall Industry Corporation – an MOU for the turnkey delivery of Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAV) assembly line projects.
iii. Newway Power Technology Company Ltd – an MOU for the transfer of technology on lithium batteries, electric vehicles and allied technologies.
The ten Chinese firms who presented Letters of Intent to the Vice President to pull together 4 billion US Dollars in investments are TBEA (solar products); DongFeng Vehicles Co. (vehicle design and production) and HiLong Energy (CNG, LNG, methanol)
Others are Space Star Technology (Drone technology transfer); ENRIC (clean energy utilization technology); and Hidier Group (development of new industrial park), China State Construction Company (building technology and materials); CIMC (natural gas infrastructure delivery); Value Platform International Services Ltd (vocational training) and Acadia Technologies (Shenzhen) Co. Ltd. (smart grids and microgrids).
During the signing of the MoU on the construction of the Deep Blue Sea Port at the Lekki Free Trade Zone, the Minister of Works, Engr. Dave Umahi, said the massive project was yet another indication that Nigeria still remains an industrial haven for many investors.
The event which was held at the Nigerian Embassy in Beijing later saw the Vice President meeting with several communications, tech, railway, power and construction giants.
They include the China National Electric Engineering Co. Ltd, China Civil Engineering Construction Corporation (CCECC), China Electronics Technology Group Corporation (CETC), China Railway Construction Corporation ( CRCC), China Communications Construction Co. Ltd (CCCC), HUAWEI Technologies, Senteng International Company Nigeria Limited, China National Electric Engineering Co. Ltd and Zhejiang Dahua Technology Co. Ltd.
*Stanley Nkwocha*
*Senior Special Assistant to the President on Media and Communications*
*(Office of the Vice President)*
*19th October, 2023*
Atiku’s petition against Tinubu: Supreme Court fixes date for hearing
The Supreme Court has fixed the date for the hearing petition of Abubarkar Atiku, the Peoples Democratic Party’s candidate in the 2023 presidential election, against President Bola Tinubu’s election.
The apex court fixed Monday, October 23 for the hearing of the case.
The PDP candidate on September 19 filed 35 grounds appeal challenging the verdict of the presidential election petitions which upheld Tinubu’s victory in the election.
The five-member panel headed by Justice Hassan Tsammani on September 6 dismissed the petitions filed by Atiku and his Labour Party counterpart, Peter Obi, for lack of merit.
The former Vice President had also applied to the Supreme Court to file fresh evidence obtained from the Chicago State University against the president.
Atiku has continued to insist that Tinubu’s academic records are fraught with discrepancies and forgery and asked the apex court to kick him out of office.
PRESS RELEASE
NEW HOME, CAR OWNERS EMERGE AS COWLSO ENDS THREE-DAY WOMEN’S CONFERENCE
… Lagos Progress lies in the empowerment, participation of women, says Sanwo-Olu
As the 23rd edition of the National Women’s Conference organized by the Committee of Wives of Lagos State Officials (COWLSO), ends today, a new landlady of a 3-bedroom apartment in the Sangotedo area of Lagos State and a brand-new GAC salon car owner, have emerged in the Raffle Draw section of the Conference, among other star prize winners.
The winner of the 3-bedroom apartment at LagosHoms, Sangotedo, Mrs. Adu Oluwatoyin, was announced by Governor Sanwo-Olu after spinning the Raffle Draw Box to pick the winning number, While the winner of a brand-new GAC salon car;
Mrs. Ibitoye Kudirat was announced by the Chairman of COWLSO and the wife of the Governor, Dr. Mrs. Claudiana Ibijoke Sanwo-Olu uses the same process.
Aside the above winners, two other participants at the Conference won travel tickets worth N1.5Million and N2.5Million respectively, in addition to other winners of different household items.
Addressing the participants at the closing ceremony of the 2023 edition of the National Women’s Conference (NWC) of the Committee of Wives of Lagos State Officials (COWLSO), on Thursday, Governor Sanwo-Olu reiterated that the theme of the Conference, “Unleash Your Potential,” is a reminder that everyone possesses the ability to make a difference, no matter the background or circumstances.
The Governor who congratulated the various Raffle Draw winners, especially the new homeowner who is one of the delegates from Ondo State, said that the emergency of Mrs. Adu as the winner of the three-bedroom apartment shows that the Raffle Draw process was transparent and open.
Sanwo-Olu, represented at the event by the Secretary to the State Government, Barr. Bimbola Salu-Hundeyin, said that the various women and other individuals who were recognized at the event by COWLSO, are shining examples of what it means to unleash one’s potential, by making us believe that anything is possible with determination, resilience, and a heart full of passion.
“Oluwatimileyin Edwin, Adamson Basirat Oriyomi, and Hajiya Idayaa, we salute your unwavering dedication to the betterment of our society. Your stories and achievements serve as a beacon of hope for all, particularly the young women who aspire to reach greater heights. Your hard work, leadership, and your pursuit of excellence have left an indelible mark on Lagos State and the nation as a whole.
“We did not forget the invaluable contributions of the outstanding men who have received recognition in this conference for their unwavering commitment to the development of Lagos State. Hakeem Muri-Okunola, the immediate past Head of Service of Lagos State, and Mr. Ayo Subair, the Executive Chairman of the Lagos Internal Revenue Service, have been champions in ensuring the progress and prosperity of our great state.” Sanwo-Olu stated.
The Governor emphasized that the progress of Lagos State, and indeed any society, is intrinsically tied to the empowerment and participation of its women. ‘It is not a question of if women should have a seat at the table; it is recognizing that they have always been essential to its foundation,’ Sanwo-Olu stated.
He urged the participants at the conference to embrace the spirit of empowerment and the belief that their potential is boundless, either as a professional, a businesswoman, a mother, or a leader, your potential is boundless.
“Let us leave this Conference with the commitment to unleash our potential and be the catalysts for the change that Lagos State and Nigeria needs. Let us continue to work together, irrespective of gender, to build a brighter, more equitable future for all. I wish all of you a safe journey back to your respective destinations.”
In his remarks to close the National Women’s Conference, the Governor of Bauchi State, Senator Bala Abdeulkadir represented by his Deputy Governor, Rt. Hon. Mohammed Auwal Jatau commended COWLSO for conceptualizing and executing an exceptional conference, noting that this initiative poised towards empowering women, promoting gender equality and fostering the spirit of collaboration among other States is highly commendable.
He noted that all hands must be on deck to confront Gender inequality and other women-related barriers that exist, emphasizing the need for equal opportunities for women in all facets of life. “Prompt action is required to eliminate the various obstacles women face” He added.
The Deputy Governor stressed that the various conversations discussed at the conference will further inspire women and lead to meaningful change and progress in the lives of women across the Federation.
Earlier, the First Lady of Lady State and Chairman, Committee of Wives of Lagos State Officials (COWLSO), Dr. (Mrs) Claudiana Ibijoke Sanwo-Olu explained that this year’s conference had witnessed topnotch presentations and in-depth analysis from brilliant minds and industry experts who shared their thoughts and experiences on relevant topics in furtherance of the agenda to ensure that women make the best of their strength and capabilities as pillars in our various homes and society.
She said that the conference has addressed various challenges affecting women in today’s world, expressing confidence that the various conversations at the conference will further inspire women to unleash their potentials and influence the society significantly.
The First Lady advised the women and all participants to effectively utilize the various skills and network garnered at the conference, concluding by appreciating top government functionaries, public and private partners who have collaborated with COWLSO to ensured that the 23RD National Women’s Conference is a success.
NWONAH Olubukonla
Deputy Director, Public Affairs
19 October, 2023
STATE HOUSE PRESS RELEASE
PRESIDENT TINUBU APPOINTS NEW LEADERSHIP ACROSS THE INFORMATION AND NATIONAL ORIENTATION SECTORS
President Bola Tinubu has approved the appointment of eight ( new Chief Executive Officers for Parastatals and Agencies under the Federal Ministry of Information and National Orientation:
(1) National Orientation Agency (NOA) — Director-General / CEO — Mr. Lanre Issa-Onilu
(2) Nigerian Television Authority (NTA) — Director-General / CEO — Mr. Salihu Abdulhamid Dembos
(3) Federal Radio Corporation of Nigeria (FRCN) — Director-General / CEO — Dr. Muhammed Bulama
(4) National Broadcasting Commission (NBC) — Director-General / CEO — Mr. Charles Ebuebu
(5) Voice of Nigeria (VON) — Director-General / CEO — Mr. Jibrin Baba Ndace
(6) Advertising Regulatory Council of Nigeria (ARCON) — Director-General / CEO — Dr. Lekan Fadolapo
(7) News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) — Managing Director / CEO — Mr. Ali Muhammed Ali
( Nigerian Press Council (NPC) — Executive Secretary / CEO — Mr. Dili Ezughah
The President tasks the newly entrusted leadership in these important sub-sectors to innovate and create new opportunities for Nigerians to leverage upon through the effective reform of these key institutions of government which function to unify our people, reshape mindsets, and showcase this great nation to the rest of the world.
By these directives of the President, the above listed appointments take immediate effect.
Chief Ajuri Ngelale
Special Adviser to the President
(Media & Publicity)
October 19, 2023
STATE HOUSE PRESS RELEASE
PRESIDENT TINUBU DIRECTS WITHDRAWAL OF FERMA CHAIRMANSHIP NOMINATION
President Bola Tinubu has directed the withdrawal of the nomination of Engr. Imam Kashim Imam to serve as the Chairman of the Board of Directors of the Federal Roads Maintenance Agency (FERMA).
The President’s withdrawal of the above-mentioned nomination is directed with immediate effect.
All other appointments to the Board and Executive Management team of FERMA are not affected by this directive.
Chief Ajuri Ngelale
Special Adviser to the President
(Media & Publicity)
October 19, 2023
STATE HOUSE PRESS RELEASE
PRESIDENT TINUBU APPOINTS NEW NADF CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER
President Bola Tinubu has approved the appointment of Mr. Muhammed Abu Ibrahim to serve as the Executive Secretary and Chief Executive Officer of the National Agricultural Development Fund (NADF).
The President expects the new leadership at the Fund to successfully remove all barriers to efficient access to provisional funding in the sector for proven stakeholders nationwide who will credibly contribute to the Renewed Hope Agenda’s mandate in the attainment of complete self-sufficiency in local food production and eventual surplus export.
By this directive of the President, the above-mentioned appointment takes immediate effect.
Chief Ajuri Ngelale
Special Adviser to the President
(Media & Publicity)
October 19, 2023
FG to close Third Mainland Bridge from Saturday, October 21, 2023 to Sunday, October 22, 2023 for repairs
The Federal Government on Thursday announced that the Third Mainland Bridge will be close to traffic from Saturday, October 21, 2023 to Sunday, October 22, 2023 for repairs.
The Federal Controller of Works, Lagos, Engr O. I. Kesha, who made this known in a statement, encouraged motorists to use alternative routes during the period of the palliative works.
Motorists had cried out over the deplorable state of some portions of the bridge which spans over 11.8km. The bridge reported to be the busiest in Nigeria alongside the Eko Bridge and the Carter Bridge connect Victoria Island to the mainland Lagos and has undergone several repairs in recent years.
Reacting, Kesha said the government is currently working on plans to carry out comprehensive repairs of Third Mainland Bridge.
“However, in order to alleviate the pains currently being experienced on the bridge, the Ministry would be carrying out palliative works on the most critically failed sections along the Adeniji bound carriageway on Sunday, 22nd October, 2023 preparatory to the comprehensive repair works,” the statement partly read.
“In view of the foregoing, the motoring public are advised to cooperate with the traffic management officials by obeying and observing all diversions as directed.
“However, motorists are encouraged to use alternative routes where possible during the period of the palliative works as the Adeniji bound of the bridge will be closed to traffic from Saturday ,21st October 2023 to Sunday, 22nd 12midnight.”
Tinubu appoints new NAN MD, others in the Information Ministry
President Bola Tinubu has approved the appointment of Mr Ali Muhammed Ali as the new Managing Director/Chief Executive Officer of the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN).
This is contained in a statement by Chief Ajuri Ngelale, Special Adviser to the President on Media and Publicity, on Thursday in Abuja.
The other new leadership of the departments and agencies in the Ministry of Information and National Orientation are:
(1) National Orientation Agency (NOA) — Director-General /CEO — Mr Lanre Issa-Onilu
(2) Nigerian Television Authority (NTA) — Director-General/CEO — Mr Salihu Abdulhamid Dembos
(3) Federal Radio Corporation of Nigeria (FRCN) — Director-General/CEO — Dr Muhammed Bulama
(4) National Broadcasting Commission (NBC) — Director-General/CEO — Mr Charles Ebuebu
(5) Voice of Nigeria (VON) — Director-General / CEO — Mr Jibrin Baba Ndace
(6) Advertising Regulatory Council of Nigeria (ARCON) — Director-General / CEO — Dr Lekan Fadolapo
(7) Nigerian Press Council (NPC) — Executive Secretary / CEO — Mr Dili Ezughah
The President tasked the new leadership to innovate and create new opportunities for Nigerians to leverage on through the effective reform of these key institutions of government.
He added that these institutions function to unify the people, reshape mindsets, and showcase Nigeria to the rest of the world.
The appointments of the new leadership take immediate effect.
PRESS RELEASE
SANWO-OLU, ABIODUN, DANGOTE, OTHERS BID AKINTOLA WILLIAMS FAREWELL
- He was an outstanding Nigerian, big Lagosian, says Lagos Governor
Lagos State Governor, Mr. Babajide Sanwo-Olu, on Thursday joined his Ogun State counterpart, Prince Dapo Abiodun and Chairman of Dangote Group, Alhaji Aliko Dangote, among other eminent Nigerians, for the funeral service of the first indigenous chartered accountant in Nigeria and elder statesman, Chief Akintola Williams.
The funeral service held at the Shell Hall of the Muson Centre, Onikan by the Wesley Cathedral Olowogbowo, Lagos, was also attended by former Governor of Ogun State, Senator Ibikunle Amosun; founder of Zenith Bank, Mr. Jim Ovia and former Minister of Foreign Affairs, General Ike Nwachukwu (rtd), captains of industry, bank executives, bishops, priests, family, friends and associates of the deceased both home and abroad.
Speaking at the funeral service, Governor Sanwo-Olu, described the late Williams as an outstanding Nigerian and big Lagosian.
He said: “At 104, how well would you describe a man that God first blessed with a long life and for a very long time, good health, and he had shown leadership at all levels? He was an outstanding Nigerian; a man who took his professional colleagues to enviable level worldwide.
“He was also a lover of God, a churchgoer, and a man who built the altar of a church. He had all of the pillars to tick as a good man. We can only wish the family all the very best.
“To the country, we have lost an outstanding Nigerian and for us in Lagos, we lost a big Lagosian. We will continue to have memories of the hospitable life that he lived. I will miss him personally. I believe he lived a good life.”
Also speaking, Governor Abiodun said the footprint of the late Akintola Williams will remain in the sand of time for many years because of what he stood for during his lifetime.
He said: “Baba (Akintola Williams) was an exceptional Nigerian because the Almighty God granted him the grace to live up to 104 years old. I am not sure we know many Nigerians that lived that long.
“He was a man after God’s heart. He was a big philanthropist and a lover of music. He was a man whose footprint will remain in the sand of time for many years for all that he stood for.
“On behalf of the government and the entire people of Ogun State and my family, we commiserate, congratulate and celebrate with the members of Baba’s immediate family and friends, the government and people of Lagos State, and of course Nigeria at large. We pray that God Almighty will grant the family and well-wishers the heart to bear the colossal loss.”
In his sermon, the Prelate Emeritus of the Methodist Church Nigeria, Dr. Sunday Makinde, urged family, friends and associates to immortalise the deceased by supporting the Akintola Williams Centenary Building Project of the Church.
SIGNED
GBOYEGA AKOSILE
CHIEF PRESS SECRETARY
19 OCTOBER 2023
JULIUS BERGER PROJECTS: “We are looking forward to a successful partnership, great achievement and the commencement of a new era to the benefit of the people of Delta state.”
– Julius Berger MD, Engr. Dr. Lars Richter as Delta State Government and construction leader sign contract for construction of multiple flyover projects in Effurun, Warri.
Delta State Government and frontline engineering construction company, Julius Berger Nigeria Plc, on Wednesday, signed a N78 billion contract for the construction of flyovers, cloverleaf and road expansion projects in Effurun and Warri metropolis of the state.
At the historic event, the State Governor, Rt Hon Sheriff Oborevwori said the choice of Julius Berger was informed not only by their excellent record but also by their experience in road construction, particularly in riverine terrains. Governor Oborevwori said the signing ceremony was a culmination of days and months of critical planning and deft negotiations and a major step forward in his administration’s plan to start an infrastructural revolution that would change the face of Warri and environs. “Today’s event is the high point of months of vigorous planning, meetings, reviews and tough negotiations. I am pleased that we have reached a point of agreement,” he said.
Continuing, the Governor said, “…it is pertinent to know that this is the first time in Delta State that we are engaging Julius Berger Plc in construction jobs. They have been in Delta, they worked in NPA, but this is the first time the state government is engaging them for construction projects. “On behalf of the government and the people of Delta state, I want to express my deep appreciation to Julius Berger PLC, the Ministries of Works (Highway and Urban roads), Justice, Finance and the Office of the Secretary to the State Government for the countless energy invested in the process.”
The Governor said the choice of Julius Berger was informed not only by their excellent performance records but also by their experience in road construction in riverine terrains. He tasked the contractor to deliver the projects within 27 months. “We have seen what they have done in other states with topography like Warri and we are confident that they will replicate the same feat here.”
Governor Oborevwori added that upon completion, these projects will not only change the face of Warri and its environs, but also ease the traffic congestion in the area and alleviate the hardship faced by commuters.
On the good multiplier effect and positive collateral benefits of the projects to Deltans, Oborevwori said, “…it is often the case with road construction projects, there will be direct employment benefits for our people, especially, engineers, artisans and even food vendors. Transporters and so many others in the construction value chain also stand to benefit.”
The contracts include road expansion of a section of DSC/NPA Expressway, including a Cloverleaf Interchange at the existing Effurun flyover, alongside two pedestrian bridges, Flyover bridges at Enerhen junction to Marine Gate, DSC roundabout and PTI junction.
The Secretary to the State Government, Dr Kingsley Emu, and the Honourable Commissioner for Works (Highways and Urban Roads), Comrade Reuben Izeze, signed on behalf of the State Government, while the Managing Director of Julius Berger Nigeria Plc, Dr Lars Richter, and the Regional Manager, Engr Friedrich Wieser, signed for the construction giant.
While thanking Delta State Government for giving the company the opportunity to deliver on the projects, Julius Berger Managing Director commended Governor Oborevwori for the vision and foresight in a huge investment and for the commencement of a new era for the people of the state. “We commend the Delta State Government for these projects, and we are honoured to be the chosen technical partners for the delivery of this vision. We are also looking forward to a successful partnership, a great achievement of the vision and the commencement of a new era to the benefit of the people of Delta state,” he said.
The Solicitor-General and Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Justice, Mr Omamuzo Erebe, and the Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Works, Engr Fred Edafioghor, witnessed the signing.
The Julius Berger team to the event in Asaba led by the Managing Director also included the company’s Regional Manager, South-south/South-east operations, Dr. Fiedrich Wieser, the Head of Contract management, Barrister (Mrs) Omonigho Brown, the Head of Media Relations, Prince Moses Duku, Esq; and Security Manager, Ferdinand Ugbomeh.
