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FG Insists on Speed and Quality as Goronyo Inspects Sokoto–Gusau–Zaria Road Project

Published

8 months ago

January 27, 2026

Joel Ajayi

The Federal Government has reaffirmed its determination to ensure the timely and high-quality delivery of the Sokoto–Gusau–Funtau–Zaria Road Project, warning that contractors who fail to meet agreed timelines and specifications risk sanctions.

The Honourable Minister of State for Works, Rt. Hon. Bello Muhammad Goronyo, Esq., stated this on Sunday, 25th January, 2026, during an on-the-spot assessment of reconstruction works along key sections of the 750-kilometre highway spanning Sokoto, Zamfara, Katsina and Kaduna States.

Speaking during the inspection of sections from Dange to Shuni in Sokoto State, and onward through Talata Mafara, Maru and Bungudu in Zamfara State, the Minister stressed that the Federal Government would not tolerate undue delays on projects of critical national importance.

According to him, the inspection exercise was conducted in line with the directive of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, to ensure strict compliance with approved standards, value for money, and early delivery of projects meant to ease transportation challenges and stimulate economic activities.

“I am personally leading senior officials of the Ministry across these states to verify the quality of work being delivered and to ensure that contractors live up to their responsibilities,” Rt. Hon. Goronyo said.

He added, “I am also representing the Honourable Minister of Works, Engr. Dave Umahi, GCON, to assess the level of work done and the degree of compliance with approved specifications.”

While noting that some sections of the project recorded commendable progress, the Minister expressed concern over the overall pace of execution, stressing the need for contractors to accelerate work in order to reduce hardship faced by road users.

He cited the Sokoto–Tureta–Mafara section, which has attained about 27 per cent completion, as relatively encouraging, but expressed dissatisfaction with the Mafara–Maru–Gusau section, where progress stands at approximately 16 per cent, describing it as unsatisfactory.

The Minister warned that the Federal Government is prepared to restructure the project scope on underperforming sections, including restricting contractors to shorter distances and reassigning outstanding portions to more competent firms if noticeable improvement is not achieved.

Rt. Hon. Goronyo explained that earlier challenges linked to compensation for affected properties had been resolved, crediting the intervention of Governor Ahmed Aliyu of Sokoto State for facilitating payments and ensuring community cooperation.

He also acknowledged the role of the National Security Adviser, Malam Nuhu Ribadu, in coordinating security support that has enhanced safety for workers and equipment along the corridor.

Reiterating the Federal Government’s broader infrastructure strategy, the Minister noted that the adoption of concrete pavement technology under the Tinubu administration is aimed at delivering more durable, cost-effective, and long-lasting road infrastructure nationwide.

He further highlighted the ongoing 1,068-kilometre Sokoto–Badagry Super Highway Project as a landmark initiative that revives the long-standing vision of former President Shehu Shagari, adding that it would significantly enhance connectivity, boost trade, and promote national integration.

Rt. Hon. Goronyo commended President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, for infrastructure development the priority it deserves, describing road infrastructure as a critical enabler of economic growth, national integration and shared prosperity.

He noted that the President’s unwavering commitment to revitalising key transport corridors across the country is already yielding tangible results under the Renewed Hope Agenda.
Goronyo also praised the Honourable Minister of Works, Engr. Dave Umahi, GCON, for his hard work, visionary leadership and dedication to delivering the mandate of the Ministry, adding that the ongoing reforms and adoption of durable construction standards reflect a clear focus on value, sustainability and long-term impact.

“The Renewed Hope Agenda is about results. Nigerians deserve roads that last and projects that are completed on time, and this administration is committed to delivering just that,” the Minister stated.

The inspection tour was accompanied by top management staff of the Ministry of Works, including Mr. U.B. Ekong, Director, Highways Construction and Rehabilitation, and Mr. C.A. Ogbuagu, Director, Highways Planning and Development.

The Minister and his team also engaged with host communities, assuring residents that remaining compensation and project-related concerns would be addressed to ensure smooth and uninterrupted execution of the project.
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Eagle Times Newspaper Will Be Voice for Nigerians – Publisher Chukwunyere Vows

Published

2 hours ago

October 2, 2026

The Gleamer

Joel Ajayi

The Publisher of The Eagle Times Nigeria, Sir Ikechukwu Chukwunyere, has pledged that the newspaper will promote accountability, credible journalism and public-interest reporting in its coverage of national affairs.
Chukwunyere made the commitment on Thursday, October 1, 2026, during the official unveiling and launch of The Eagle Times Nigeria.

He said the new media organisation was established not merely to add another newspaper to Nigeria’s media landscape, but to provide a platform committed to serving the public interest.

According to him, the newspaper’s guiding philosophy, “The Voice for the People, The Watchdog for the Nation,” places a responsibility on the organisation to listen to Nigerians, tell their stories, highlight issues affecting their daily lives and scrutinise those entrusted with public responsibilities.

“To be a voice for the people means that we must listen to Nigerians, tell their stories, highlight their concerns and give visibility to issues that affect their daily lives,” he said.

The publisher added that The Eagle Times would be guided by accuracy, fairness, professionalism, credibility and responsible journalism, stressing that the newspaper would not publish stories merely because they were sensational.

“We will verify. We will investigate. We will seek the other side. We will correct our mistakes when we make them,” he said.

Chukwunyere further stated that the newspaper would endeavour to give individuals and organisations the opportunity to respond whenever allegations were made against them.
“Our commitment is not to any political party, government or individual. Our primary commitment is to journalism, to truth and to the Nigerian public,” he said.

He noted that the newspaper was launching at a time when the media industry was undergoing rapid transformation, with audiences increasingly consuming news through digital platforms, including websites, television, podcasts and social media.

He said The Eagle Times would therefore operate as a multimedia organisation, combining its newspaper with digital platforms and The Eagle Times TV to reach audiences across different channels.

According to him, the organisation also intends to create opportunities for young journalists, writers, photographers, producers, digital creators and other media professionals to develop their skills and contribute to journalism and national development.

Chukwunyere said the newspaper’s coverage would include politics, governance, business, economy, security, judiciary, education, health, technology, sports, entertainment, lifestyle and international affairs.

He, however, said the organisation intended to distinguish itself not only by the subjects it covered but by the quality and approach of its journalism.

We want to tell stories that matter, we want to investigate issues that require investigation, we want to highlight Nigerians who are making a difference, and we want to give communities that are often ignored an opportunity to be heard,” he said.

The publisher acknowledged the challenges involved in establishing a newspaper, saying the venture required investment, commitment, professional discipline and the courage to pursue an idea.

He expressed appreciation to the management, editorial, reporting, production and digital teams, as well as families, friends, partners and supporters who contributed to the establishment of the organisation.

Chukwunyere also assured readers, viewers and the newspaper’s digital audience that The Eagle Times would strive to earn their trust and remain accountable to the standards it had set for itself.

He said the newspaper’s success would not be measured only by circulation figures, website traffic or social media followers, but also by the confidence Nigerians placed in its journalism.

“Today, we spread our wings. Today, The Eagle Times takes flight,” he said, reaffirming the newspaper’s commitment to its slogan: “The Voice for the People, The Watchdog for the Nation.”

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