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FG unveils asphalt testing facilities in Nigerian universities

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By Francesca Hangeior

The Federal Government has launched an initiative to boost Nigeria’s engineering and construction sectors by commissioning a state-of-the-art Asphalt Testing and Material Characterization Laboratory at the Nigerian Building and Road Research Institute.

The ceremony also included the handover of advanced construction testing equipment to six federal universities across Nigeria.

During the commissioning event held in Abuja on Wednesday the Minister of Innovation, Science, and Technology, Chief Uche Nnaji, emphasised the importance of this investment in enhancing educational infrastructure and research capabilities.

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“This initiative is more than just an investment in physical infrastructure—it is a tangible demonstration of our commitment to education, research, and national development,” Nnaji stated.

The minister highlighted that the project aligns with President Bola Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda, which aims to empower institutions and foster innovation.

“This commissioning aligns with the administration’s 8-point agenda, particularly by promoting sustainable infrastructure, enabling job creation, and deepening economic growth through knowledge-driven solutions,” he noted.

The new facilities are designed to support research that can lead to more durable and cost-effective infrastructure, crucial for Nigeria’s ongoing development challenges.

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“Through this project, we are equipping our educational institutions to nurture a new generation of engineers, researchers, and innovators who will provide homegrown solutions to Nigeria’s infrastructural challenges,” Nnaji explained.

The minister also underscored the initiative’s role in youth empowerment and economic growth.

“By empowering students and researchers, we are creating a future workforce capable of driving innovation and industrial growth,” he stated, reinforcing the administration’s commitment to sustainable development.

In a call to action for the beneficiary universities, Nnaji urged them to maximize the potential of the new resources.

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“Utilize this equipment to its fullest potential, not just for academic purposes but as a catalyst for real-world solutions that benefit both the academic community and our nation,” he said.

The event was marked by an expression of gratitude towards the NBRRI for its efforts in advancing research capabilities within the country.

“Today’s achievement would not have been possible without the relentless efforts of the Nigerian Building and Road Research Institute,” Nnaji remarked.

He said the launch of the Asphalt Testing and Material Characterization Laboratory represents a pivotal moment for Nigeria’s educational and technological landscape, with hopes that it will inspire a new era of collaboration and discovery among researchers and institutions.

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The minister called for collective action towards a technologically advanced Nigeria.

“Policymakers, researchers, engineers, and students alike must collaborate to build the Nigeria we envision—a nation where science, technology, and engineeringt are at the forefront of global innovation.

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Reps Tells Keyamo To Revoke Living Faith Church Airstrip License

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By Gloria Ikibah
The House of Representatives has directed the Ministry of Aviation and Aerospace to withdraw already approved airstrip licences granted to Living Faith Church, private individuals and organizations, and stop further issuance of license to private individuals and organizations as a way to safeguard national security.
This was sequel to the adoption of a motion of urgent public importance on the “NEED TO STOP ISSUANCE OF AIRSTRIP LICENSE TO PRIVATE INDIVIDUALS AND ORGANIZATIONS IN THE COUNTRY, by Rep Sulaiman Abubakar Gumi on Wednesday at plenary.
Debating the motion, Rep. Gumi noted that the Federal Government through the Minister of Aviation and Aerospace, Festus Keyamo, confirmed the approval of an airstrip for Living Faith Church situated on Canaanland in Ota, Ogun State.
He also explained that on Sunday, 6th October, 2024, the Founder of Living Faith Church, also known as Winners Chapel, Bishop David Oyedepo during the Tehillah Night Special edition at Covenant University Chapel, Canaanland, Ota, Ogun State informed his congregation of the approval of an airstrip granted by the Federal Government to his Church.
He said: “Recall that in September 2014, a prominent religious leader was linked with a private jet used to convey $9.3m in cash to South Africa for purchase of arms. The private jet which was seized by the South African authorities has two Nigerians and an Israeli on board, (Sahara Reporters, 16th September, 2014);
“The country currently experience security challenges through illegal importation/proliferation of firearms and ammunition, importation of illicit/hard drugs, coupled with the inability of our security agencies to pinpoint the source of supply of weapons to insurgents, kidnappers and separatists that have massacred thousands of Nigerians across the Country;
“Granting airstrip to private individuals and organizations will aid illegal importation of firearms and hard drugs into the country, thus heightening insurgency, kidnapping, banditry and other vices that are seriously affecting the socio-economic development of the country”.
However when the Speaker of the House, Rep. Tajudeen Abbas put it to a voice vote, the “NAY” was loudest but the “AYES” was given as the Speaker said, “the Ayes have it” and hit the gavel.
The House then mandated its Committees on Aviation and Legislative Compliance to ensure compliance.
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Senate begins screening of seven ministerial nominees

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By Francesca Hangeior

The Senate has commenced the screening of the seven newly nominated ministers.

The nominees are Dr Nentawe Yilwatda as Minister of Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Reduction, Muhammadu Dingyadi as Minister of Labour and Employment, Bianca Odumegwu-Ojukwu as Minister of State, Foreign Affairs, and Dr. Jumoke Oduwole as Minister of Industry, Trade and Development.

Others are: Idi Muktar Maiha as Minister of Livestock Development, Rt. Hon. Yusuf Ata as Minister of State, Housing, and Dr Suwaiba Said Ahmad as Minister of State, Education.

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The Senate following a motion moved by the leader, Opeyemi Bamidele at 12:57 pm, on Wednesday suspended its rule to admit the Special Adviser to the President on Senate matters, Basheer Lado, to bring the nominees into the plenary.

The Senate President, GodsWill Akpabio, had on Thursday read the letter from President Bola Tinubu nominating the new ministers.

This development follows President Tinubu’s recent reshuffle of his cabinet, including the dismissal of five ministers: the Minister of Women Affairs, Uju-Ken Ohanenye; Minister of Tourism, Lola Ade-John; Minister of Education, Prof. Tahir Mamman; Minister of State for Housing and Urban Development, Abdullahi Muhammad Gwarzo; and Minister of Youth Development, Dr Jamila Bio Ibrahim.

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Snapchat gains 11m users worldwide

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By Francesca Hangeior

Snapchat’s global user base continues to grow, with 11 million new daily active users joining in the last three months, bringing the app’s total to 443 million, an increase of 9%.

However, its user count in the U.S. market has stagnated at 100 million annually.

Snap, Snapchat’s parent company, has struggled to convert its growing user base into profits.

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Revenue for the third quarter rose by 15% year-over-year to $1.37 billion, slightly surpassing analyst expectations but the company still posted a loss of $153 million—a 58% improvement from a $368.3 million loss in the same period last year.

Snap’s revenue mainly comes from advertising on the Snapchat platform.

For the upcoming quarter, including the Christmas season, Snap forecasts revenue between $1.51 billion and $1.56 billion, aligning with analysts’ higher estimates.

Following the announcement of a $500 million share buyback, Snap’s stock rose by about 7% in after-hours trading.

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