News
Concern Grows Over Lokoja–Abuja Road as Tinubu’s Aide Demands Faster Execution from Contractors
Joel Ajayi
The Presidency has expressed concern over the slow pace of work on key federal road projects in Kogi State, urging contractors to accelerate construction to meet agreed timelines.
The Special Assistant to the President on Community Engagement, North Central, Dr. Abiodun Essieti, raised the concern on Monday during an inspection tour of major road projects across the state.
She described the level of work observed as unsatisfactory and far below expectations, considering the stipulated completion periods.
The inspection covered critical infrastructure projects, including the Lokoja–Abuja Road, the Anyigba road embankment, and the Abajana flyover. Dr. Essieti was accompanied by directors from the Federal Ministry of Works and members of the press.
She stressed that timely completion of the projects is crucial to easing transportation challenges, improving safety, and boosting economic activities within the North Central region.
Recall that the Minister of Works, Engr. David Umahi, had last year terminated four federal road contracts in Kogi State due to poor performance by contractors. During a subsequent inspection, the minister directed contractors handling ongoing projects to mobilize additional equipment and personnel to fast-track delivery.
However, months after the directive, little improvement has been recorded. Contractors, including Gitto and Sail-Through, were observed to have failed to meet project timelines and showed no visible signs of increased deployment of equipment at their respective sites.
The Presidency has therefore warned that continued delays will not be tolerated, reaffirming the Federal Government’s commitment to ensuring value for money and timely delivery of critical infrastructure projects.
News
FG Targets 50,000 Youths for Digital Jobs, Deepens Partnerships for Nationwide Empowerment Drive
Joel Ajayi
Federal Government has intensified efforts to empower young Nigerians through strategic partnerships, digital skills development, and inclusive programmes aimed at creating sustainable employment opportunities nationwide.
The Honourable Minister of Youth Development, Comrade Ayodele Olawande, made this known during a media interview with African Independent Television (AIT), where he outlined a renewed policy direction focused on measurable impact, transparency, and large-scale youth engagement.
At the core of this effort, he explained, is a landmark partnership with the Digital School (TDS), supported by the Government of the United Arab Emirates, targeting the training of 50,000 Nigerian youths in globally competitive digital skills.
The Minister noted that the initiative is expected to produce at least 5,000 internationally certified and job-ready youths within the first six months of implementation.
Comrade Olawande also highlighted the Ministry’s sector-specific collaborations, including its partnership with the International Institute of Tropical Agriculture (IITA), aimed at boosting youth participation in agriculture. He added that this is being complemented by expanded programmes under the Nigerian Youth Academy and other key youth empowerment initiatives.
He further disclosed that the government is scaling up internship, gig economy, and startup support programmes to reach a wider range of beneficiaries across the country, while also intensifying efforts to promote digital literacy through The Digital School (TDS) initiative, being implemented in collaboration with the National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA) and the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC).
To enhance transparency and ensure merit-based access to opportunities, the Ministry has introduced a digital engagement platform, “Nigerian New Tech.” He added that ongoing reforms in youth health, financial inclusion, and social protection are also broadening opportunities for young Nigerians.
During the interview, the Honourable Minister said:“We are moving away from fragmented and tokenistic approaches to youth development. Our focus is to build sustainable systems that empower young Nigerians at scale and with real impact.”
“Through our partnership with The Digital School and the UAE Government, we are not just training youths; we are preparing them for global opportunities, whether they choose to work remotely or internationally.”
“For too long, many young Nigerians, especially those in the informal sector, have been excluded from structured opportunities. This administration is committed to ensuring that no young person is left behind.”
“Our role as government is to create an enabling environment where young people can thrive, innovate, and contribute meaningfully to national development.”
“Transparency and merit are at the core of all our programmes. Access to opportunities should not depend on who you know, but on your capacity and readiness to grow.”
The Honourable Minister reaffirmed that youth development remains central to Nigeria’s economic growth, assuring that the Ministry will continue to deepen partnerships, expand programmes, and implement sustainable frameworks for the benefit of present and future generations.
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