News
Rejoinder: Did Oyo Govt. Diverts World Bank Loans Meant for Ibadan Flood Control To Ogun State Bank Account 2 Weeks Ago?
We had stumbled on a news piece with the above headline written by one Akin Ibrahimah and virally published in one Western Daily News on Tuesday, 11thOctober, 2022.
In all candidness, our initial disposition was to ignore the report on account of its lack of substance, coherence and credibility, as it was easily given away as an ill-intentioned and poorly executed work of mischief by its gross grammatical incongruity, amongst other inconsistencies, starting with the headline. We, however, decided to issue this media statement for the sake of the well-meaning citizens of Oyo State, especially the keen stakeholders of the Ibadan Urban Flood Management Project (IUFMP) who see the Project as a veritable platform to secure their lives and livelihoods against the vagaries of perennial flooding in the city of Ibadan.
Now to the issues raised. First, the reporter claimed that “the World Bank about two weeks ago released another $25million for the continuation of the projects [IUFMP] for flood controls and damaged bridges across Ibadanland, part of which had been wired to an Ogun State Bank account for unknown reason.” While drawing down monies from the funder is an acceptable standard practice in the operations of projects fundedby multi-lateral agencies, it beats one’s imagination why a newspaper worth its name would not come up with details of the “Ogun State Bank account” where the money in question had been “wired.”
Anyone familiar with the Ibadan terrain would readily attest to the fact that in recent times, IUFMP has opened up some completed bridges and culverts to ease the movement of motorists, commuters and pedestrians. Some of the beneficiary-locations are Apete; Ajibode Road by NISER; Ladoke Akintola Road, New Bodija; Orogun-Agbowo Road; Adekile; Labo; and Barracks by Irepodun/Kajorepo Community off Ojoo Expressway. As at now, work is nearing completion at Akinwumi-Odewenwa by Ile Marun off Iwo Road and at Jerusalem Culvert along Ojoo – Arulogun Road.
Beyond the above giant strides, the Project has been on an upward swing in delivering many more interventions, including bridges, culverts, channelization of rivers, etc. The “four Lots” that the ‘reporter’ cited in his piece have been awarded and the contractors are all geared to ramp up performance, more so as we gradually inch towards the construction-clement weather of the dry season. If, therefore, there is any reason to be “in the news again this week,” it should be for these transformative works that are either already being delivered or at varying stages of completion, rather than this distractive, deceptive and diversionary report, which is nothing but a lie from the pit of hell!
As regards the second allegation that the “Labo bridge being done from the said loan, was criticized for lacking quality and the width needed to make the road motorists and commuters’ friendly,” this is evidently another hatchet job of an enemy of the people disguising as a friend. Labo Area near Oranyan in Ibadan South-East LGA is markedly a heavily built-up area in the heart of the sprawling city of Ibadan. Residents and commuters around the area know the extent and expanse of the road pre-intervention. Could it then be fathomed that IUFMP would do a bridge that would fall short of the existing one in terms of dimensions, scope and quality?
Besides, IUFMP has a track record of delivering world-class bridges and culverts dating back to its inception. The evidences are visible for all to see across Ibadan Metropolis, from the bridges at Odo-Ona Elewe (Believer’s Stream) and Ogbere-Pegba in Oluyole LGA; to Ogbere-Moradeyo and Ebenezery Bridges in Egbeda LGA; to Shasha-Osajin and Ola-Adua Culverts in Ido LGA; to Abonde-Ogbere Bridge in Ona Ara LGA to Isokun Culvert in Akinyele LGA. The rehabilitated Eleyele Dam is a spectacle to behold. All these and our ongoing interventions are done to international specifications and best practices, which are a product of serious-minded hydrological, hydrographical and engineering studies. The Labo Bridge is no exception to these standards.
On a final note, one cannot but wonder what the author of this campaign of calumny was all out to achievewith his copious and excessive reference in his write-up to the Abiola Ajimobi administration as the proponent of IUFMP. If anything, this clearly gives away his motive as an agent of some politically acrimonious fellows with an intent to hit below the belt. Without necessarily usurping the roles of the spokespersons of His Excellency Engr. Seyi Makinde, the Governor of Oyo State, we think he deserves accolades, rather than flaks, for deciding to continue all the well-intentioned projects and programmes of Oyo State, regardless of who initiated them, in the overall best interest of the State. Oyo State has since started reaping the benefits of many of these interventions, which marks out His Excellency as someone who does not see position of authority only in the currency and colours of politics, but development of and to the people.
We, therefore, do hope that this writer and his ilk would desist from this tendency to cry wolf when there is none, and allow IUFMP and indeed the Oyo State Government concentrate on the all-important task of making life more abundant and meaningful for the good people of Oyo State.
e-Signed:
Abiodun Adefioye
Communication Consultant, IUFMP
The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) has announced a record revenue collection of N5.7 trillion as of November 12, 2024, surpassing its yearly target by 10 percent.
This was disclosed by the Comptroller-General of Customs, Adewale Adeniyi, at the ongoing 2024 Comptroller-General of Customs Conference in Abuja.
Themed “Nigeria Customs Service: Engaging Traditional and New Partners with Purpose,” the conference showcased the Customs Service’s progress in modernizing its operations and fostering collaborative partnerships.
“Today, I stand before you to demonstrate how our commitments in 2023 have evolved into tangible achievements,” Adeniyi stated.
He attributed the revenue growth to a series of reforms, including the implementation of a one-stop solution for cargo alerts, a revamped ICT infrastructure, streamlined inspection procedures, and enhanced automation.
Adeniyi explained that these changes reflect the agency’s commitment to elevating operational transparency and efficiency.
“We pledged to re-align our free trade operations, elevate cargo integrity standards, and expand our scanning capacities,” he said.
“Above all, we promised to usher in a new era of customs operations—one built on transparency, efficiency, and genuine collaborations with our partners.”
As of Tuesday, November 12, Adeniyi confirmed that the NCS collected N5.07 trillion, achieving the anticipated 10 percent revenue surplus.
“This performance validates our partnership-driven approach to revenue collection and trade facilitation,” he added.
Adeniyi also highlighted recent strides in trade facilitation, revealing that six companies have been selected to benefit from the Authorised Economic Operators programme, which provides fast-tracked customs clearance and other trade facilitation benefits.
Similarly, the NCS has processed 21 requests under an advance ruling programme, designed to expedite customs decisions on import and export cargoes before they reach Nigerian ports.
The Comptroller-General expressed optimism about the NCS’s potential to drive further economic growth, citing the agency’s commitment to fostering partnerships and advancing innovative practices within the customs sector.
Nineteen out of the thirty-eight directors who were shortlisted to fill permanent secretary vacancies within the Federal Civil Service have failed the qualifying examination, a memo from the Office of the Head of Civil Service of the Federation (OHCSF) revealed on Tuesday.
The memo, signed by Dr. Emmanuel Meribole on behalf of the examination committee, disclosed that the qualifying exam was conducted on Monday, November 11, 2024.
The Federal Government, through the OHCSF, launched the recruitment drive in October to fill permanent secretary vacancies in eight states.
Providing insights into the progress, Eno Olotu, Director of Press at OHCSF, stated, “Of the 38 eligible directors who sat for the exam, 19 have passed the first stage and will move on to the second stage, which will assess their competency in using Information and Communication Technology (ICT) in government operations on Wednesday, November 13, 2024.”
Olotu highlighted the rigorous three-stage selection process, designed to ensure that only the most capable individuals are appointed to these high-ranking civil service roles.
This comprehensive approach, according to OHCSF, aims to elevate the quality of leadership across federal ministries.
The directors who advance beyond the ICT proficiency test will face a final stage on Friday, November 15, 2024, where a panel of senior government officials and private sector experts will conduct a final evaluation to determine their suitability for the permanent secretary positions.
The Chairman of the House Committee on the Federal Road Maintenance Agency (FERMA) and representative of Ibarapa East/Ido Federal Constituency in Oyo State, Engr. Aderemi Oseni, on Saturday urged the community to unite in advancing key development projects aimed at transforming Ikogosi.
Speaking at this year’s Ikogosi Day celebration and the launch of a N1 billion development project in Ekiti, the lawmaker, who served as the Chairman of the occasion, emphasised the importance of unity and collective action.
He encouraged attendees to approach the celebration as a call to action for the betterment of their community.
“As we all know, Ikogosi is not merely a town; it is a treasured gem in the heart of Ekiti State and Nigeria as a whole,” he said. “Ikogosi, a historic and vibrant town, plays a vital role in the tourism and economic landscape of Ekiti State. Its rich cultural heritage and unique resources draw visitors and stimulate economic activities that benefit us all.”
“Today is not just a celebration; it is a call to action,” he continued. “Let us come together, united in purpose, to support these transformative projects that promise to uplift the Ikogosi community. I urge everyone here to invest their time, resources, and energy in this endeavor. Together, we can build a legacy of self-help and development that future generations will cherish.”
Reflecting on the broader challenges facing the country, Oseni encouraged the people of Ikogosi and all Nigerians to remain hopeful and resilient, assuring them of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s commitment to a brighter future for the nation.
“To the good people of Ikogosi and all citizens of Nigeria, I urge you to remain steadfast and hopeful. President Bola Ahmed Tinubu means well for all Nigerians. The APC-led administration’s Renewed Hope agenda holds the promise of a brighter future. Though the beginnings may be challenging, perseverance will guide us toward a prosperous new Nigeria,” he stated.
In a statement released by his media aide, Idowu Ayodele, the lawmaker lauded the Ekiti State government under Governor Biodun Oyebanji’s leadership for its transformative efforts in governance and development.
He acknowledged the strides made by the governor and praised his impactful initiatives, which have set Ekiti on a progressive path.
“First and foremost, let me commend the Ekiti State government under the leadership of His Excellency, Mr. Biodun Abayomi Oyebanji. The trailblazing development initiatives and effective governance during your tenure have not gone unnoticed,” Oseni remarked.
“Under your stewardship, we have witnessed remarkable progress and commendable governance that have undoubtedly made Ekiti State a shining example of peace and development,” he added.
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