News
Speaker Abbas Facilitates N80bn Educational Projects in Zaria
By Gloria Ikibah
Kaduna State Governor, Senator Uba Sani, has applauded Speaker of the House of Representatives, Tajudeen Abbas, for facilitating the establishment of four tertiary institutions in Zaria worth N80 billion.
Governor Sani, speaking during the groundbreaking ceremony on Sunday, highlighted the significance of the projects, which include a campus for the National Open University, the Federal College of Education, the Federal College of Nursing, and the College of Legal Studies. He described Speaker Abbas as a visionary leader committed to the development of Kaduna State and Nigeria.
Sani said: “Only the Rt. Hon. Speaker, Tajudeen Abbas, can facilitate projects worth N80 billion to Zaria.”
“These interventions are unprecedented and will complement the efforts of the Kaduna State Government in providing opportunities for our citizens.”
In his address, Speaker Abbas emphasized that the project, dubbed the “Zaria Education City,” aligns with Zaria’s historic reputation as a center of learning.
“This is the first time four tertiary institutions will commence simultaneously in one city,” Abbas stated. “Zaria has always been known for education, not commerce or industry, and this initiative will further strengthen its legacy.”
Abbas explained that the institutions were carefully chosen based on a needs assessment in Kaduna State, focusing on critical sectors such as health, education, and law:
- Federal College of Nursing: To address shortages of qualified nurses and midwives in Kaduna State.
- Federal College of Education: To ensure the training of teachers for primary and junior secondary schools.
- National Open University Campus: To provide flexible learning opportunities for working professionals and elders.
- College of Legal Studies: To tackle the shortage of legal professionals, including lawyers, Kadis, and magistrates.
Speaker Abbas further assured of the timely completion of the projects, setting a target of 18 months, even as he estimated that the institutions would collectively cost over N80 billion and pledged to source the necessary funding.
Abbas commended Governor Sani for his swift allocation of land for the projects.
“This land was approved by His Excellency within 48 hours of our request. His commitment to these initiatives reflects his dedication to the development of Kaduna State.”
The Speaker concluded by expressing optimism about the transformative impact of these institutions on Zaria and the entire state.
News
Kalu Leads House Delegation to Ogun for Condolence Visit
…eulogizes late Onanuga, ex-speaker Bankole’s mother
By Gloria Ikibah
Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives, Rep. Benjamin Okezie Kalu, CON, has described the late Deputy Chief Whip, Rt. Hon. Adewunmi Oriyomi Onanuga, as an irreplaceable parliamentarian known for her vocal nature and friendly disposition.
Leading a delegation on behalf of the Speaker, Rep. Tajudeen Abbas, Kalu visited Sagamu, Ogun State, on a condolence mission to the late Onanuga’s family.
Addressing the bereaved, he praised her dedication and influence, noting her unique presence in plenary sessions and unwavering support for her colleagues.
Kalu consoled her mother, Chief Mrs. Comfort Folashade Etutu, and her children, urging them to trust in God for comfort and strength. He assured the family of the House’s continued support and prayed against further untimely deaths in the household.
Earlier, Kalu led the delegation to Abeokuta for the fidau prayers of the late Mrs. Monsurat Atinuke Bankole, mother of former House Speaker Rt. Hon. Dimeji Bankole.
He lauded her sacrifices, which contributed to the success of her children, including the former Speaker’s contributions to the National Assembly.
News
N800bn Inadequate for Nigeria’s Road Projects, Minister Umahi Tell Lawmakers
By Gloria Ikibah
The Minister of Works, Dave Umahi, has described the N800 billion allocated to his ministry in the proposed 2025 budget as grossly insufficient to address Nigeria’s growing road infrastructure needs.
Umahi stated this during the 2025 budget defence session held on Friday by the House Committee on Works, chaired by Rep. Akin Alabi.
Speaking candidly, Umahi called for an upward review of the ministry’s budgetary allocation, stressing that the current figure would barely make a dent in the nation’s road development agenda.
“We plead with you to help us. N800 billion cannot do anything for us. It cannot address our road needs, and so we plead with you to help us,” the Minister told the lawmakers.
Umahi who emphasised the importance of adequate funding to complete ongoing projects and initiate critical new ones across the country, also stressed that borrowing was a necessary step to bridge the infrastructure gap and stimulate economic growth.
The Minister underscored the potential economic impact of infrastructure development, stating that it would create jobs and boost local economies.
“When the nation is in recession, you have to borrow money and invest in infrastructure. That is how you emerge from a recession. Infrastructure is a catalyst for economic activities, and this hunger we talk about will become a thing of the past,” he explained.
“Food sellers, sand suppliers, gravel workers, and others will benefit. Support Mr. President, and let’s borrow money to build infrastructure so Nigeria can be great again,” he added.
In response, Chairman of the Committee, assured Umahi that the committee would summon the Minister of Finance and the Head of the Budget Office to clarify the rationale behind the ministry’s limited allocation.
The session also provided an opportunity for the Minister to address lawmakers’ concerns about the state of roads nationwide, with assurances that the government remains committed to completing ongoing projects.
News
NASS Joint Committee Suspends Fire Service Budget Over Irregularities
By Gloria Ikibah
The National Assembly Joint Committee on Interior has suspended the budget defence of the Federal Fire Service (FFS) following significant discrepancies in the agency’s 2024 budget performance and 2025 proposal.
At a hearing chaired by Senator Adams Oshiomhole and his counterpart from the House, Chaired by Abdullahi Aliyu Ahmed, lawmakers flagged irregularities, including contradictory figures and inadequate documentation.
The committee uncovered discrepancies in the procurement of firefighting trucks, with similar units priced at N1.5 billion in one instance and N2.5 billion in another, despite being from the same supplier and of identical specifications.
The FFS Controller General, Jaji Abdulganiyu Idris, attributed the difference to variations in tanker sizes but failed to provide adequate supporting documentation.
Senator Oshiomhole criticized the inconsistencies, stating, “This reeks of over-padding or over-invoicing. Your written submission does not align with your explanation, and we cannot overlook this.”
Lawmakers also raised concerns about unclear contract commitments and an outstanding payment of N603 billion for ongoing projects, which lacked proper specifications.
Oshiomhole emphasized fiscal responsibility, saying, “Every N10 wasted by MDAs adds up. Our duty is to ensure that every naira benefits Nigerians, especially the poor.”
The committee further queried the FFS over unverified revenue remittances. Idris presented manual receipts as evidence, but the lawmakers rejected them, demanding proper bank statements and confirmation from the Accountant-General’s office.
As a result, the committee stepped down the FFS budget defence, instructing the agency to rectify its submission. Oshiomhole warned, “Submit a revised presentation with accurate figures, or risk zero allocation in 2025.”
The decision underscores the lawmakers’ commitment to accountability and efficient use of public funds, urging the FFS to address the issues promptly to secure its funding.
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