…as UNICAL VC names him Ambassador of school

By Gloria Ikibah

Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives, Rep. Benjamin Kalu, has reaffirmed his unwavering commitment to initiatives that aim to strengthen Nigeria’s education sector.

Kalu wgo stated this during a courtesy visit by a delegation from the University of Calabar (UNICAL), led by its Vice Chancellor, Professor Florence Obi, and the Provost of the Postgraduate School, Professor Enyong Ubana, on Monday in Abuja, emphasised the transformative role of education in shaping the nation’s future.

The delegation visited the Deputy Speaker in Abuja to inform him about UNICAL’s upcoming 50th Anniversary and Convocation Lecture, while also announcing his selection as the guest lecturer for the milestone event.

Reflecting on his time as a student at UNICAL, Kalu credited the institution for instilling values of hard work, integrity, patriotism, and a commitment to nation-building.

“As Deputy Speaker, I understand the pivotal role education plays in shaping our country’s future. I am fully committed to supporting initiatives that promote access to quality education. UNICAL, as my alma mater, occupies a special place in my heart for the values it instilled in me,” Kalu said.

He commended the leadership of Professor Florence Obi, one of the few women occupying such a significant academic position, emphasizing his support for greater female representation in leadership.

The Deputy Speaker also highlighted his ongoing efforts to inspire academic excellence among UNICAL students through awards he sponsors for outstanding achievements in various legal disciplines, including Jurisprudence, Constitutional Law, and Commercial Law.

Kalu, currently pursuing a doctorate in law at UNICAL, expressed gratitude for the honor of being named an ambassador of the university, vowing to uphold the institution’s legacy and its discipline-driven ethos.

“I’m proud of UNICAL’s transformative impact on my life. The values of hard work, patriotism, and zero tolerance for corruption that I imbibed there continue to guide my leadership today,” he stated.

The Deputy Speaker urged UNICAL to actively contribute to the ongoing constitutional review process by conducting quality research on critical issues like state policing. He also assured the university of his full support for the upcoming anniversary and convocation activities.

Speaking on behalf of the university, Professor Florence Obi described Kalu as a distinguished product of UNICAL, lauding his contributions to legislative development and his positive representation of the university.

“One of our greatest gifts to the nation is Rt. Hon. Benjamin Okezie Kalu. Today, we officially recognize him as one of our outstanding ambassadors,” Professor Obi remarked.

He therefore reiterated his dedication to collaborate with UNICAL to improve the educational landscape and support the next generation of leaders.

Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Minister, Nyesom Wike, has described the President Bola Tinubu’s administration as one that fulfills promises.

He said this at the commissioning of Wike inaugurated the Naharati-River Ukya to Unguwan Hausawa Road in Abaji Area Council, a newly constructed 5-kilometer route featuring a three-span river bridge, kicking off the week-long event.

“Throughout this week, from today till Friday, we will have devoted ourselves to commissioning of projects in the six area councils. So that everybody will know that we are not only concentrating in the city, as we are developing the city, so also we will be developing the satellite towns.

“I thank you for the support you have given to the administration of our president, who indeed, we thank almighty God for giving him to Nigeria at this time that is very very critical.

“Every promise we have made, be assured that we are going to fulfill the promises we have made. Don’t take us as the usual politicians, No. Ours is to make a promise, fulfill the promise to the people.”

He announced yesterday that his administration will be handover two newly built police stations within a few months to tackle the insecurity issues in Abaji.

The road was flagged off in January 2024, and he had assured the locals were assured that construction which had already started at the Abuja University of Technology Abaji and would be finished on record time.

According to Wike, “You will recall that in late 2023, precisely October-November, when we came to Abaji for stakeholder’s meeting. We did consult you and we said that day that President had sent us and it was for you to make a request of one road that you felt was so important for us to execute. This is the road through your chairman of council, you sent to us.

“Let me specially thank all the area council chairman, particularly our host, the chairman of Abaji. In that stakeholder’s meeting, we did make a promise, as requested, that more police division is needed to beef up the security in Abaji. And we promise, by the grace of God, we shall provide two more police divisions in Abaji.

“I also did tell you that day that whatever we agree, go home and rest, we shall fulfill it. January last year, after the stakeholder’s meeting, we flagged off this particular project, and I did say, this project will be ready for commissioning in December.

“I want to thank the company they completed this project in November. Today, we are in January 2025, we flagged it off in January 2024, we are commissioning today in January 2025.

“In next few months, we will also come back and hand over the two police divisions that we are building for you. We did make a promise that we are going to provide infrastructure in Abaji University. As we speak now, you are aware construction is going on in that university.

“Let me thank the people of Abaji for the support. If you did not give the company the support, they may not have finished this project on time. When I came here during the construction, that was when they were doing the bridge, and I had to drive around, then I knew the importance of this particular road. I told everybody who cares that, while we are developing the city, we will also develop the satellite towns”.

The Minister continued, “Throughout this week, from today till Friday, we will have devoted ourselves to commissioning of projects in the six area councils. So that everybody will know that we are not only concentrating in the city, as we are developing the city, so also we will be developing the satellite towns.

“I thank you for the support you have given to the administration of our president, who indeed, we thank almighty God for giving him to Nigeria at this time that is very very critical. Every promise we have made, be assured that we are going to fulfill the promises we have made. Don’t take us as the usual politicians, No. Ours is to make a promise, fulfill the promise to the people.

“I also thank Mr. President for giving I and the Honorable Minister of State and the Honorable Senator the opportunity to contribute to the development of Abuja.

“If he had not given me the opportunity, probably the title you have given me today, you wouldn’t have given it to me. So I thank you for that title too. Thankfully The Honorable Minister of State, who told me what it means, saying it means the “Light Of The People”.

“This administration of Mr. President is “The Light of Nigeria”. Let everybody be assured that Nigeria will get to where we want to get to, under the administration of President Ahmed Bola Tinibu, General Commander of the Federal Republic of Nigeria” .

Commending the security agencies he said, “Let me also thank the security agencies for the good job they are doing to make sure that security challenges are being curtailed. I would say you have done quite enough, you have done very well, and we continue to encourage you to do more.

“The people of Abuja, be assured that government will continue to support you people. This year’s budget of 2025, be assured that you will get another road as far as you are concerned.

“As we are getting to 2 years anniversary of Mr. President, which is in May, we are also going to commission a lot of projects in the satellite towns”.

The Minister of State for FCT, Mariya Mahmoud, in her welcome address said even though urban development often takes spotlight, “While urban development often takes the spotlight, it is imperative that we do not overlook the needs of our rural communities. I have no doubt that rural road infrastructure forms the backbone of rural economies and contributes significantly to the overall development of a nation.

“Also, improved road networks such as this Naharati access road connect rural producers to markets, enabling them to sell their goods at fair prices and access essential services more easily. This enhances productivity, creates employment opportunities, and stimulates local economies. This goes to mean that to get the FCT of our dreams, we MUST first strengthen its roots, and all our roots are our Area Councils, Satellite Towns and villages”.

There is no letup in the grief that has enveloped Dikko community in Niger State as the death toll from the tanker explosion has continued to rise.

An update by the state Emergency Management Agency (NSEMA), yesterday, put the death toll at 98. Its director general, Alhaji Abdullahi Baba-Arah, also said that 69 people were injured and 20 shops burnt.

The tanker explosion occurred on Saturday morning at about 9am, along the Dikko-Maje road opposite Baddegi fuelling station in Gurara Local Government Area.

The incident occurred when a tanker loaded with Premium Motor Spirit (PMS) crashed and an attempt was made to transfer its contents to another tanker.

In the process, the PMS came into contact with a generator used to power the transfer process, triggering an explosion that claimed many, injured many, and destroyed properties worth millions of naira.

The incident had sparked widespread condemnation and sympathy from various quarters.

Meanwhile, the Federal Government said 22 victims have been admitted into the Gwagwalada Specialist Hospital and the Federal Medical Centre, Jabi, Abuja in line with the directive of President Bola Tinubu for the swift transfer of the injured to tertiary medical centres for enhanced medical attention.

“All the patients were accompanied by a nurse and family members to the designated referral centers to ensure seamless care, a statement by the Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris, Rabiu Ibrahim, said.

PDP seeks measures to stem reccurrence

The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in a statement by its National Publicity Secretary, Debo Ologunagba, yesterday, urged the Federal Government to put in safety measures to prevent the recurrence of the tragic incident on Nigeria roads.

It said the incident has added to the ugly wave of tragic occurrences that had befallen the nation due to the deplorable state of infrastructure in the country.

He said it was disheartening that Nigerians, especially the youths and breadwinners of homes, continue to die on the highways and bear ugly scars as victims of bad governance.

PDP called on the Federal Government not to stop only at investigating the remote and immediate causes of the tragedy and similar incidents in the recent time.

It also called on the government to take immediate steps to address the situation that led to the sad occurrences.

“The Federal Government should take steps to put adequate measures to ensure safer roads so as to prevent the re-occurrence of such tragic incidents in the country.

“The PDP, however, commends the efforts and courage of the police, firefighters, the Federal Road Safety Corps and other agencies and patriotic Nigerians who helped to control the fire and rescued some of the victims.

“The PDP commiserates with the families of the victims, the Government and people of Niger State and prays to God to grant speedy recovery to the injured and fortitude to the families of the deceased at this trying time.’’

•Kano, Kebbi govs, northern senators mourn

Governors Abba Kabir Yusuf and Nasir Idris of Kano and Kebbi states, respectively, have expressed profound sorrow and extended heartfelt condolences to the government and people of Niger State.

Describing the loss as a national tragedy, Governor Yusuf lamented the avoidable nature of the incident and called for urgent measures to prevent similar occurrences.

“This heartbreaking event is a grim reminder of the fragility of human life and the need for collective responsibility in ensuring safety.”

The governor emphasised the need for public enlightenment on the dangers of scooping fuel from accident scenes and called on relevant authorities to enforce safety measures on highways to protect lives.

Governor Yusuf reaffirmed his commitment to supporting efforts that prioritize the safety and well-being of all citizens, urging Nigerians to remain vigilant and prioritize caution in such situations.

Governor, in a condolence message, described the explosion as sad and ugly.

He appealed to members of the affected families to accept the will of God Almighty in good faith.

While praying to Almighty Allah to put an end to recurrence of such ugly development, Idris also prayed for quick recovery of those who sustained varying degrees of injuries and urged Nigerians to be cautious of their lives, especially in the event of fuel tanker accidents.

Northern Senators knock NYSC, other

The Northern Senators Forum, in a condolence message, said the devastating incident highlights the need for greater vigilance and enforcement of safety regulations on our roads.

Abdulaziz Musa Yar’Adua, chairman of the Forum and chairman of the Senate Committee on Army, also noted that the incident could have been avoided if the enforcement agencies had taken precautionary steps.

The committee called on relevant agencies, including the Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC) to ensure that all tankers and heavy-duty vehicles are roadworthy and adhere to strict safety standards.

“The enormous damage caused by such breakdowns is unacceptable and preventable. We also urge Nigerians to refrain from scooping fuel in the event of such incidents as it can have devastating consequences.

“As we mourn the loss of lives, the Forum offers its sincerest condolences to the families and loved ones of the victims. May God grant the souls of all that was lost eternal rest.”

Too many, worrisome – JNI

The Jama’atu Nasril Islam (JNI) has called for an urgent action to prevent the recurrence of the explosion of tankers conveying petroleum products across Nigeria.

In a statement by its Secretary General, Prof. Khalid Aliyu in Kaduna, the association said: ”The Sultan of Sokoto, Sa’ad Abubakar, has received the sad news with utmost concern and shock.

He said the gory incident was an addition to the series of many others of such obnoxious explosions in recent times.

“It is so unfortunate that tankers conveying petroleum products are now sources of disastrous road accidents, with agonising loss of lives and property in Nigeria.

“The Dikko junction incident is too much of a tragedy to be waived, taking into account that the junction is on a major highway connecting Northern Nigeria, particularly the North-West to Southern Nigeria.

“More so, the same episodes had occurred in the most recent past in Jigawa twice.”

He said the unfortunate October 15 fuel tanker explosion in Majiya, Jigawa,was said to have claimed over 200 persons, injuring many.

Also, on November 12, another tanker exploded at Gamoji, along h Kano-Maiduguri Highway, claiming many lives.

Aloyu added that a similar tragedy occurred on January 14, at Epe-Ijebu Odeyemi Expressway.

”Sometime in 2023 at Iganmu Bridge, Lagos State, many vehicles were destroyed and lives lost, arising from a petroleum tanker explosion.

“JNI is genuinely worried over the serial explosions from petroleum tankers, without any seeming efforts by the relevant stakeholders to address the misnomer.”

The JNI called on governments to take immediate action to prevent future tragedies, including taking control of dangerous bends, sharp curves and parking lots prone to accidents.

According to Aliyu, other actions are establishing FRSC emergency detachments and Federal Fire Service offices with the state-of-the-art equipment.

”There is also the need to review the extant safety protocols guiding fuel transportation and enhancing surveillance on the explosion-prone highways.

“Nigerians should always avoid explosion-prone areas to reduce casualty, no matter the temptation for assumed loot, no life is worth losing carelessly.“

Aliyu also called on the relevant transport and road unions to begin sensitising their members on the dangers associated with reckless driving.

“This is especially one-way driving, which has now become too common on the Nigerian highways and they should always cooperate with the security agencies on the highways;

“Governments at all levels, in collaboration with the different security agencies, should be up and doing against the recklessness of all drivers plying major highways.

”This is most especially the tanker drivers, as desperate situations need desperate measures,

“Governments should act beyond mere verbal condemnations on related matters.

”Nigerians are desirous of more concrete actions against all forms of unfortunate incidents, criminals and criminality,” he said.

JNI called on the Federal Government to review the safety protocols guiding fuel transportation in Nigeria.

He stated that the repeated explosions call for a serious review, while surveillance should maximally be accorded to explosion-prone highways.

Aliyu also appealed to the Federal Government to expedite action in completing the 40-km Suleja to Minna dual carriageway connecting Abuja and Niger.

He said that the project has been ongoing for over 20 years, saying, ”completing it will ease the movement of goods and services as well as save lives.

“The Sultan of Sokoto prayed for the departed souls, seeking Allah’s infinite mercy and solace for the bereaved families.”

Peter Obi want safety measures in place

Writing on his X handle, the 2023 presidential candidate of the Labour Party (LP), Mr. Peter Obi, called for stricter safety measures to avert persisting accident.

“The tragic petrol tanker explosion that occurred along Dikko-Maje Road in the Suleja Local Government Area of Niger State on Saturday is truly heartbreaking….”

“These accidents, which have sadly become increasingly recurrent in recent times, highlight the urgent need for the implementation of stricter safety measures to address the dangers of tanker explosions and similar incidents, which often result in colossal disasters.

“I sincerely commiserate with the families who lost their loved ones in the tragedy. I also extend my condolences to the Government and people of Niger State over this devastating incident.

“May God grant them, and all of us, the fortitude to bear this loss, eternal rest to the departed, and a swift recovery to the injured.”

Credit: The Sun Nigeria