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Ajaokuta Steel Company Ready For Concessioning, To Generate $1.6bn Annually — Buhari

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President Muhammadu Buhari says the Ajaokuta steel company is ready to be concessioned to private investors.

Buhari disclosed this while inaugurating several projects in Kogi on Thursday.

The projects include: the Reference Hospital, Okene; the newly-built Ohinoyi’s palace, and the Confidence University of Science and Technology, Osara.

In Lokoja, Buhari inaugurated the Ganaja flyover bridge, the Muhammadu Buhari Civic Centre, and the GYB Model Science Secondary School, Adankolo.

He lauded Yahaya Bello, governor of Kogi, for his performance in the areas of security and project execution in the state, and also for following his government’s vision of bringing democratic benefits to the citizens.

Buhari said he was inaugurating projects in the state to fulfill campaign promises the governor made to the people of Kogi state.

“I have been briefed by governor Yahaya Bello of the numerous projects he has executed for the people which include: Confluence University of Science and Technology at Osara, Rice mill in Ejiba, hospitals in Idah, Kabba, and Okene, construction of roads in the three senatorial districts, GYB model secondary schools among others,” he said.

“In Lokoja there is a flyover project, the first of its kind in Kogi since the state’s creation”.

Buhari further pointed out that the state is hosting the AKK gas pipeline projects that would be completed next year.

He added that the project would help boost the economic activities of the country, saying the multiplying effect on the people of the state remains unquantifiable.

The President further stated that no project was closer to his heart than the Ajaokuta steel company in Kogi state, which he noted was inherited in a moribund state from previous governments.

“I am glad to say that through our concerted effort we are able to settle the dispute by paying some money and the company is now ready for concessioning to competent private investors that will operationalise it for the people of Kogi state and Nigerians at large,” he said.

“We are in talks with a reputable company in the United States and by God’s grace Ajaokuta will very soon come back to serve the people of Nigeria.

“The significance of making Ajaokuta steel work again is enormous as it will generate over 500, 000 jobs for Nigerian youth and also generate high revenue for the state and the country to the tune of over $1.6 billion annually.

“Nigerians should be rest assured that my administration will pursue the issue of Ajaokuta steel company to logical conclusion before I leave office as president of Nigeria”.

“I am impressed by the performances of governor Yahaya Bello, he has done very well in the area of security and project execution in Kogi state.

“We are proud of him and we urged him to do more for the people and I am appealing to the people of Kogi state to support him so that he can achieve and deliver more dividends of democracy and achieve peace  and development of the state.”

While the steel company has been moribund for years, Olamilekan Adegbite, minister of mines and steel development had said 11 companies were involved in the concession bid for Ajaokuta plant.

Also speaking at the inauguration, Bello said: “Mr. President we hit the ground running and you told me to be courageous in leadership and how to bring out my best and today the projects is an attestation of our best to the people of Kogi state.

“I followed your footsteps in ensuring that projects and infrastructures that have direct impact on the people.”

Bello appealed for the completion of Ajaokuta Steel Company, adding that no country can achieve industrialisation without iron and steel.

“We are still confident that your effort toward revitalisation of the steel company will still be achieved before the expiration of the your tenure,” he said.

BIG STORY

JUST IN: Jigawa State Governor Loses 24-Yr-Old Son A Day After Mother’s Demise

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Tragically, just one day after the passing of his mother, Governor Namadi of Jigawa has now lost his 24-year-old son.

A statement from the governor’s spokesperson, Hamisu Gumel, confirmed that the governor’s son sadly lost his life in a road accident on Thursday.

“To Allah belongs that which He has taken, and to Him belongs that which He has given, and everything has an appointed time with Him.”

“With a heavy heart and total submission to the will of Almighty Allah, His Excellency Mallam Umar Namadi, Governor of Jigawa State, announces the passing of yet another member of his family; his dear son Abdulwahab Umar Namadi.

“He departed this world this afternoon (Thursday, December 26th, 2024) as a result of a ghastly motor accident along Dutse-Kafin-Hausa Road. “The burial rite is taking place at this moment in Kafin Hausa town, in accordance with Islamic traditions.

“A 24-year-old, late Abdulwahab is survived by his parents and many siblings. “To Allah belongs that which He has taken, and to Him belongs that which He has given, and everything has an appointed time with Him.”

 

More to come…

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Sokoto Counters Military, Says 10 Civilians Accidentally Killed In Air Strike

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The Sokoto state government says no fewer than 10 civilians were killed when a military air strike targeted suspected terrorists in Gidan Bisa village, Silame LGA of the state.

Abubakar Bawa, press secretary to Ahmed Aliyu, governor of the state, wrote in a statement issued on Wednesday.

Bawa quoted Abubakar Rana, chairman of Silame LGA, as saying that the incident occurred around 6am on Christmas Day, when two military fighter jets “mistakenly” dropped bombs on the village.

Aliyu, who was accompanied by Aliyu Wamakko, leader of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in the state, and Muhammadu Maigari Dingyadi, minister of labour and employment, attended the funeral prayers for the victims.

Consoling the villagers, the governor described the incident as “unfortunate.”

“The military jets were on their mission to eliminate criminal armed groups terrorising the state and mistakenly bombed innocent people of this community,” he said.

“We consider this a mistake because the same military had on several occasions successfully raided many criminal hideouts in the state.”

Aliyu prayed for Allah’s forgiveness for the deceased and strength for their families.

Muhammad Sifawa, secretary to the state government, announced a relief package of N20 million and 100 bags of assorted foodstuffs for the families of the deceased.

He also assured that the state government would cover the medical bills of the injured.

The military had denied reports of civilian casualties in the bombing.

Reports said air strikes conducted by the air component of Operation Hadarin Daji, targeting the Lakurawa terrorist group, had inadvertently killed civilians in the Gidan Sama and Rumtuwa communities.

However, Abubakar Abdullahi, joint media coordinator for the operation, said the strikes targeted locations confirmed to be linked to the insurgents.

“All military operations are based on thorough intelligence and reconnaissance missions to ensure precision and protect civilian lives,” Abdullahi said.

“The targets struck in the vicinity of Gidan Sama and Rumtuwa were positively identified as associated with the Lakurawa group, reinforcing the justification for the military action.”

Olusola Akinboyewa, spokesperson for the Nigerian Air Force, told TheCable that the missiles were launched following credible intelligence from multiple sources and confirmatory aerial surveillance.

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Adron Homes Celebrates Christmas With Customers, Reaffirms Commitment To Bridging Nigeria’s Housing Deficit

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As the world embraces the joy and warmth of the Christmas season, Adron Homes and Properties, Nigeria’s foremost real estate company, has extended heartfelt greetings to its esteemed customers while reaffirming its commitment to addressing the nation’s housing challenges.

In a message of gratitude and celebration, Adron Homes expressed deep appreciation to its customers for their trust and loyalty throughout 2024. The company highlighted its unwavering dedication to making incredible housing affordable for all Nigerians, in line with its mission of reducing the country’s housing deficit.

“Christmas is a time to celebrate family, unity, and gratitude,” the statement read. “As we reflect on the year, we are proud to have played a role in making homeownership a reality for thousands of Nigerians. Our vision is clear—to bridge the housing deficit by providing affordable, luxurious, and secure homes for all, regardless of income level.”

Adron Homes has continued to lead the real estate industry by implementing innovative solutions that make homeownership accessible, including flexible payment plans and cost-effective housing models tailored to meet diverse customer needs.

As part of its Christmas and end-of-the-year celebration, the company has launched a special festive promotions ‘Lemon Friday’ aimed at encouraging more Nigerians to join its growing community of homeowners.

“We remain committed to transforming dreams into reality. This is not just about building homes; it’s about building futures and creating opportunities for families to thrive in a space they can call their own,” the statement added.

Adron Homes extended warm wishes to all Nigerians and its global customers, urging them to embrace the season’s spirit of love and hope. “May your homes be filled with peace, joy, and prosperity this Christmas and beyond.”

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