Legislature

Elumelu executes more constituency projects in Aniocha/Oshimili

Published

2 years ago

October 15, 2022

admin

*** Obi Martha Dunkwu Commends His Achievements

The Minority Leader of the House of Representatives, Rt. Hon. Ndudi Elumelu has commenced construction of more projects in some of the communities across the four Local Government Areas within the Federal Constituency.

This is in line with his determination to ensure community development in Aniocha/Oshimili Federal Constituency in Delta State.

The projects which are in the 2022 budget and will impact directly on the lives of the people incIude; Information and Communication Technology, ICT centres, Ultramodern Community Town Halls, Farm Resorts, Ultramodern Store Houses and Ultramodern Palaces.

Benefitting Communities are: Issele-Uku with ICT Centre and Community Town Hall; Okpanam with ICT Centre and Omu Palace; Ubulu-Okiti with ICT Centre; Otulu with Community Town Hall; Ashama with Community Town Hall; Ogwashi-Uku with Farm Resort; Issele-Asagba with Community Town Hall; Ubulu-Unor with Community Palace and Ubulu-Uku with Community Town Hall.

Some of the Projects like the ICT Centres in Okpanam and Ubulu-Okiti, Community Town Halls in Issele-Asagba and Ashama, had commenced four weeks earlier and are now in advanced stages, while some others including; Construction of the ICT Centre and the Community Town Hall in Issele-Uku, the Omu Palace in Okpanam, the Ogwashi-Uku Farm Resort and the Ubulu-Uku Community Town Hall, commenced in earnest last week due to delay in land allocation and other challenges.

Construction work on the Illah Comprehensive Community Town Hall and that of Ubulu-Unor Obi’s Palace are yet to commence due to challenges which are being taken care of by the Contractor, Chief Ken Agbalanze, who had also promised that the engineers will be mobilized to the various sites, in the next few weeks.

While affirming that all the constituency projects for the Minority Leader, within Aniocha/Oshimili Federal Constituency, including the Illah Comprehensive Community Town Hall, and the Ubulu-Unor Obi’s Palace, would be completed before the end of the 2022 budget year, the Contractor also assured that the construction of the Store House for the Appeal Court in Asaba will commence by next week.

A guided tour of some of the project sites, revealed that the site engineers on ground, were working according to the job specifications and fully concerned about meeting the deadline for the completion of the projects.

At Issele-Uku, the site engineer, in charge of the Construction of the Issele-Uku ICT Centre and the Community Town Hall, Mr. Charles Ezenwa, said they waited for over four weeks before a place could be given to them for the two projects located in the community.

He added that the land was finally allocated Thursday last week and the preliminary pegging and foundation digging work commenced immediately, on the same day.

He assured that the two projects which have a six weeks completion period will be delivered in the second week of December, according to the contractual agreement.

A visit to the Ubulu-Okiti and Okpanam project sites also revealed that construction works on the ICT Centres in Ubulu-Okiti and Okpanam are in their advanced stages, even as the Site engineers on ground, confirmed that they were optimistic of delivering the projects, which were started about two weeks ago, on or before the first week of December.

In the same vein, the Omu Palace project at Okpanam had also commenced

The site engineer at Okpanam confirmed that there was a temporary stoppage of work occasioned by the strike action presently embarked upon by truck owners and sand dredgers in Delta State. He stated that while they were unable to continue with the sand filling for two days running, he was however optimistic that they would resume work fully once the industrial action is called off as expected, on Friday October 14.

The work at the Issele-Azagba and Ashama Community Town Halls have progressed to advanced stage. The engineers on the two sites were optimistic “barring any unforeseen circumstances”, they are on course to deliver the project on schedule and according to the job specifications.

A visit to the construction sites of the Ubulu-Uku Community Town Hall and the Ogwashi-Uku Farm Resort projects, where work commenced late last week, revealed that block work at the foundation level at the Ubulu-Uku Community Town Hall project was ongoing, while site clearing at the Ogwashi-Uku Farm Resort project site had almost been completed.

The engineers in charge of the various projects across the various communities also lauded the leadership of the communities, including the traditional rulers and the youth leaders, for their support and cooperation towards the allocation of land and commitment towards the early completion of the projects.

They reiterated their resolve to adhere with the determination of the Minority Leader, towards the delivery of the projects for the benefit of the communities.

Meanwhile, a renowned Community leader and advocate of the tradition and culture of the Anioma Nation in Delta State, Her Royal Majesty, Obi Martha Dunkwu, Omu Anioma and Nneoha, has commended Rt.Hon. Elumelu for his community developmental efforts across the various communities in the Federal Constituency.

Speaking with Journalists on Thursday October 13, 2022, in her Palace at Okpanam in Oshimili North Local Government Area of Delta State, Obi Dunkwu described Rt.Hon. Elumelu as a blessing, not only to the people of Aniocha/Oshimili Federal Constituency, but also to Anioma Nation, Delta State and Nigeria. She said that Rt. Hon. Elumelu has remained the man with a Midas touch in representative democracy.

While praying to God to grant the Minority Leader the good health and strength to carry on with his proactive representation of the people, the renowned leader affirmed that Elumelu has continued to perform creditably well in his contract with the people of Aniocha/Oshimili Federal Constituency. She noted that across Delta State, where there are other Federal Constituencies, Rt Hon. Elumelu’s Federal Constituency stands out in terms of constituency project delivery and attracting of the dividends of democracy to the people.

“There is no community in our Federal Constituency that Ndudi has not touched one way or the other as our representative in the National Assembly. You know, as leaders of the people by the grace of God, we are everywhere and we hear everything.

“Few weeks after his inauguration into the present House of Representatives, the 9th National Assembly, Elumelu provided and installed solar street lights in almost all the communities in Aniocha/Oshimili. In fact, there is no community in Aniocha/Oshimili without solar street lights provided by Ndudi Elumelu.

“Since that time, he has not relented in his efforts in attracting and providing projects that have direct impact on the well-being of the people across the various communities, such that our dear Governor, His Excellency, Senator Dr. Ifeanyichukwu Okowa, Governor of our dear State, had to go round Aniocha/Oshimili, commissioning Rt.Hon. Elumelu’s constituency projects. We have never had it so good.

“Elumelu is not just focusing only on infrastructure, he is also investing in human capital development of our people,’ Obi Martha Dunkwu stressed.

Obi Dunkwu then congratulated the Minority Leader for the National Honours award conferred on him by the Federal Government of Nigeria, saying that the Honour was well deserved. She urged the people of Aniocha/Oshimili to always appreciate the laudable commitment of Rt. Hon Ndudi Elumelu in Community development and National growth.

She admonished that in all the vices in the world, the worst remains ingratitude and that in all the virtues, gratitude remains the best.

The Omu Anioma also charged other members of the National, State and Local Assemblies to emulate Rt. Hon. Elumelu in his act of representative democracy.

She charged the people of Aniocha/Oshimili to vote overwhelmingly as usual, for Rt.Hon. Elumelu in the 2023 general election, to continue with his good representation of the people.

Obi Martha Dunkwu also prayed for the mother of the Minority Leader, asking the Lord God Almighty to continue to grant her good health and the gift of longevity.

She described Mama Elumelu as a great woman that God used to bring forth a great blessing in Rt. Hon. Ndudi Elumelu to the people of Aniocha/Oshimili, Delta State and Nigeria

Legislature

CNG Safety Under Scrutiny: NASS Questions Readiness as Explosions Raise Alarms

Published

1 day ago

January 17, 2025

admin

National Assembly Complex

The National Assembly has called for a comprehensive reassessment of Nigeria’s Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) initiative following alarming reports of vehicle explosions attributed to uncertified conversions. Lawmakers are urging the Federal Government to prioritize rigorous adaptability tests to ensure the safety and suitability of the technology in Nigeria’s unique environment.

During the 2025 budget defense session of the Joint Committee on Petroleum (Downstream), Petroleum (Upstream), and Gas, Senator Natasha Akpoti (PDP, Kogi Central) questioned the adequacy of research conducted before rolling out the CNG program.

“Nigeria’s bumpy roads and hot climate differ significantly from the smooth and cooler environments where this technology originated. Were these factors considered before introducing CNG?” Akpoti asked.

Her concerns come amid incidents of explosions in CNG-converted vehicles. The Minister of State for Gas, Hon. Ekperikpe Ekpo, attributed these accidents to uncertified conversions carried out by roadside technicians, emphasizing that certified centers adhere to strict safety standards.

Ekpo also assured lawmakers that the technology had been evaluated by a Presidential Committee on CNG and affirmed its long-term viability. “CNG has come to stay,” he stated.

The session also highlighted budgetary concerns, particularly the Ministry of Petroleum’s 2025 capital allocation of N903 million. Lawmakers criticized the sum as inadequate to address Nigeria’s pressing energy challenges.

“For a ministry driving Nigeria’s energy transition, this allocation raises concerns about commitment to infrastructure and innovation,” remarked Hon. Kafilat Ogbara.

As Nigeria seeks to diversify its energy mix, the National Assembly has stressed the need for enhanced safety measures, proper implementation, and increased funding to fully realize the potential of CNG while ensuring public safety and trust.

Legislature

Umahi expresses Frustration over Fixing Nigerian Roads

Published

1 day ago

January 17, 2025

admin

Dave Umahi

***Seeks Support for Loans as Budgetary Provisions Fall Short

The Minister of Works, Senator David Umahi, has voiced his deep frustration over the state of Nigeria’s road infrastructure, highlighting inadequate yearly budgetary allocations as a major barrier to progress.
Speaking during the 2025 budget defense session before the Senate Committee on Works in Abuja on Friday, Umahi described the financial constraints as overwhelming. “I’ve succeeded in most of my life’s engagements, but I feel frustrated fixing Nigerian roads with these meagre allocations,” he lamented.
Umahi disclosed that President Bola Tinubu inherited 2,064 road projects valued at N13 trillion, but rising costs have pushed the estimated expenditure to N18 trillion. He noted that the N827 billion allocated for road infrastructure in the 2025 budget is grossly insufficient to address the challenges.
“Roads are critical to economic growth and poverty reduction. They create jobs and drive economic activities. However, fixing these roads cannot be achieved with yearly budget provisions alone,” he explained.
The minister urged Nigerians to support the government’s borrowing initiatives, assuring that the funds would directly impact citizens’ lives by boosting economic activities and reducing hunger.
Senators on the committee, led by Senator Mpigi Barinaga, praised Umahi for his efficient management of scarce resources and supported his call for alternative funding mechanisms. They acknowledged the scale of the work required and admitted that the proposed budget falls far short of what is needed to resolve Nigeria’s road infrastructure crisis.
The session concluded with a shared resolve to explore additional funding options to tackle the nation’s road challenges effectively.

Legislature

In another rowdy session, Lawmakers Demand Accountability Amidst Budget Defense Chaos

Published

1 day ago

January 17, 2025

admin

Heineken Lokpobiri

***Minister Lokpobiri Assures of Reforms, Apologizes for Lapses

The 2025 budget defense session for the petroleum sector took a contentious turn on Friday as the Senate and House of Representatives Joint Committee on Petroleum (Upstream, Midstream, Downstream, and Gas) erupted into disorder. Tensions flared over delays in budget documentation, with lawmakers decrying the Ministry of Petroleum Resources’ perceived lack of preparedness and respect for legislative protocols.

The meeting, chaired by Senator Jarigbe Agom Jarigbe, was already fraught with logistical challenges. The cramped committee room, bursting with lawmakers and ministry officials, became the backdrop for a fiery exchange that highlighted the strained relationship between the legislative and executive branches. Calls to relocate the session to a more accommodating venue went unheeded, adding to the frustration.

Before the session could proceed, Hon. Kelechi Nwogu raised a procedural objection, pointing out the absence of vital budget documents. “We cannot engage in a meaningful discussion without the necessary materials. This undermines the integrity of the process,” Nwogu asserted.

The Minister of State for Petroleum Resources, Senator Heineken Lokpobiri, faced sharp criticism for the disorganization. Hon. Ado Doguwa, Co-Chairman of the Joint Committee, accused the Ministry of fostering an adversarial relationship with the legislature. “Minister, we see you only once a year, and even then, the lack of collaboration is glaring. This is unacceptable,” Doguwa said, his frustration evident.

Lokpobiri, in an attempt to salvage the situation, apologized for the lapses. “Distinguished Senators and Honourable Members, I deeply regret this oversight. It was not intentional. The budget documents are being distributed as we speak,” he said. He assured lawmakers that the Ministry remained committed to supporting legislative oversight and improving future engagements.

However, Lokpobiri’s lighthearted remark that the documents were being delivered in “Ghana Must Go” bags—containing no money—elicited mixed reactions. While some lawmakers chuckled, others viewed it as a diversion from the seriousness of the issue.

Doguwa, accepting the apology, stressed the need for strict adherence to legislative guidelines. “While we appreciate the apology, the late submission of documents is a breach of procedure. This cannot continue. We demand accountability and timely cooperation moving forward,” he said.

The session ultimately ended in stalemate, with lawmakers insisting on postponing the meeting until all necessary documents had been reviewed. The debacle underscores the persistent challenges of executive-legislative coordination in Nigeria’s budgetary process, particularly in critical sectors like petroleum.

As the Joint Committee prepares to reconvene, stakeholders will be watching closely to see if the Ministry of Petroleum Resources can rebuild trust and ensure a smoother process in the future.