Nigeria to build new ‘Labour Camp’ in Abuja

About 7000 families in the Nyanya labour camp will be relocated.

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The Federal Executive Council, FEC, on Wednesday approved a contract of N14 billion to build a new Labour Camp to replace the ‘deplorable’ one which was built 30 years ago in Nyanya, Abuja.

The contract, with a 36 months ultimatum, will see those living in the Nyanya labour camp relocated to the Gidan Diya Area of Kurudu District of the Federal Capital Territory, Abuja.

Briefing journalists after the weekly Council meeting chaired by Vice President Namadi Sambo, the Minister of information, Labaran Maku, alongside the Abuja Minister of State, Olajumoke Akinjide, said the new camp will house 8,064 flats.

Giving a background of the project, Ms. Akinjide said the Nyanya labour camp was built as a temporary labour camp 30 years ago when Abuja was being built.

“It housed the labour eras who worked to build this great city of Abuja and after that, the houses were sold to the junior workers, some students and security personnel. However, upon review, the FCTA found that the Nyanya labour camp is very over crowded, the houses dilapidated, with poor sanitary conditions, inadequate social amenities and minimal infrastructure,” she said.

“In-fact the UN Habitat declared the Nyanya labour camp as unfit for human habitation.

“As a result, as a responsible administration, we felt it is not right for us to leave our citizens in such a condition. Hence the relocation of the residents of Nyanya labour to the Gidan Daya Site in Kurudu District,” she added.

The relocation site is 152 hectares along the Jikwoyi-Karshi road.

The Minister also said the contract will include the provision of roads, electricity, water supply, and drainage sewage system. She added that support facilities planned for the site will include schools, markets, police station, primary healthcare facilities, fire station and everything that is needed to have a viable community.

The expected population to occupy the new site when fully relocated is about 50,000 inhabitants.

“Not only will we relocate the current residents of Nyanya labour camp, but we will also be able to accommodate some new residents in the Gidan Daya, and all those who are already living in Gidan Daya will benefit from the enhanced infrastructure that is coming into the area,” she explained.

Ms. Akinjide said the project is in keeping with the President Jonathan’s directives that there should be equitable distribution of infrastructure and social amenities throughout Abuja. She said the project will generate employment opportunities for at least 25 professionals, 40 technicians and at least 800 unskilled labourers.

Responding to questions from journalists on compensation for those who already bought the houses at the Nyanya Labour Camp, Ms. Akinjide said those who paid for the houses will be provided with alternative houses.

“As we said, the houses have been declared by the UN Habitat as unfit for human habitation . So this is the first stage of the two-stage process. We first need to put in infrastructure in the chosen site at Gidan Daya. We are going to put standard infrastructure in accordance with the standards of the FCTA (Federal Capital Territory Administration) for the satellite towns. After that, we will then build houses amounting to 8,054 flats, which will be developed.

We have funding for that given to us by the African Development Bank, we are currently undergoing the processes for the procurement of that facility, that is why this memo is simply for the first stage, the infrastructure,” Ms. Akinjide said.

She said the FCTA will not start the relocation process until the new site has houses that will be allocated to owners of homes in the Labour Camp.

She said “those who have not fully paid will probably wait until they complete the payment before they get the houses.

Even those who have not paid anything will be given the rights of first refusal and thus will be given an allocation and be given the opportunity to purchase their houses in the relocation site,” she said.

After the relocation, Ms. Akinjide noted that the old camp site will undergo urban renewal and will be available for use by the FCT in accordance with the land use act that will be developed.

Spanish Princess to face charges

A Spanish judge has formalised charges against Princess Cristina, King Felipe’s sister, in a tax fraud and money laundering case, the BBC reports.

The princess, 49, was questioned in court in February about the business dealings of her husband, Inaki Urdangarin, and could now face trial.

However, an appeal has been lodged against the decision.

The judge’s ruling will come as an embarrassment to Felipe VI, who came to the throne only six days ago.

The tax fraud case was one of several scandals that weakened the popularity of the Spanish monarchy and prompted the abdication of King Juan Carlos.

Princess Cristina’s appearance in court in Mallorca was unprecedented for the royal family and if she goes to trial, she could face up to 11 years in jail.

Judge Jose Castro has been investigating allegations that the princess’s husband embezzled millions in public funds with a former business partner.

Mr. Urdangarin, who is the Duke of Palma, and Diego Torres were alleged to have received 5.6m euros (£4.6m; $7.5m) by overcharging regional governments for organising sporting events as part of a not-for-profit organisation called Noos.

Eagles will stop Messi, say Keshi, Enyeama

Eagles coach Stephen Keshi said yesterday that his side will play for a win in today’s last group game against Argentina in Porto Alegre.

The Super Eagles need just a point to reach the second round for the first time in 16 years. However, a defeat will see them through if Iran fails to beat Bosnia in the other encounter.

Expected to garner support from Brazilians against their arch-rivals who expect 80,000 supporters from across the border, the 51-year-oldsaid his boys will not be intimidated by the predominant support base that Porto Alegre will offer to the Albiceleste.

“We’re here to play, if we have the support of the Brazilians we will appreciate it. But we are not looking at that, we are just here to win our game,” Keshi told reporters.

It is the fourth time both teams will meet in the World Cup, with the South Americans having won all three previous encounters.

All attention is on one man, captain Lionel Messi who has scored twice already and is familiar with the Nigerians. The talisman got a birthday message from the Nigeria coach.

“My team and I want to wish him a very happy birthday. We want to wish him a healthy long life, all his heart’s desires,” Keshi said.

“If there is a way to stop him, it is something that I will share with my players and coaches.”

Goalkeeper Vincent Enyeama, who gave a yeoman performance against Messi at the 2010 World Cup also praised the player but said he is not up against one man but the whole Argentina frontline.

“He’s one of the best players in the world and has made a lot of progress since the last time we met,” Enyeama said.

“It might not be a game between him and me, it’s going to be Nigeria against Argentina. There are other players like [Sergio] Aguero and [Angel] di Maria.

“I watch tapes of opponents, I have done that. We have studied their tapes, their strengths and weaknesses.”

“Every game has its own character. I will study the game but I’m sure tomorrow is going to have a different character,” Keshi said.

European giants Italy, four-time champions, became the latest former winners of the FIFA World Cup to exit Brazil 2014. They lost 1-0 to Uruguay in the last Group D match at the Estadio das Dunas, Natal on Tuesday.

Captain Diego Godin scored in the 81st minute as Uruguay edged 10-man Italy to reach the second round of the World Cup.

The match boiled over in the second half when Claudio Marchisio went in hard on Egidio Rios and was shown a red card.

However, Uruguay were lucky to not be down to 10 men themselves as Luis Suarez seemed to sink his teeth into the shoulder of Giorgio Chiellini as they tussled in the box.

The Liverpool striker escaped punishment and went on to celebrate with Godin as the defender rose highest from a corner to score the crucial goal with nine minutes remaining.

Italy however became the third former World Cup winner to be sent home from the tournament after Spain and England.

With the victory, Uruguay joins Brazil, Germany, Argentina and France as the remaining past winners still in the race.

Ihonvbere on firing line at 58

At 58, Edo State Secretary to Government Prof. Julius Ihonvbere stands before the mirror of history.But, what the future holds for him is more important as the succession battle rages in the Southsouth state. MUSA ODOSHIMOKHE reports.

As Secretary to Edo State Government Prof. Julius Ihonvbere marks his 58th birthday today, he is on the weighing scale.

To many people, the political scientist from Owan West is a professional in politics. Ihonvbere is one of the patriotic Nigerians whose pro-democracy activities heralded the restoration of civil rule in 1999. Thus, the NationalDemocratic Coalition (NADECO) chieftain has paid his due as a university don and activist. When he joined the government, his past activities continued to shape his post-1999 intervention in socio-political affairs of the country.

The eminent teacher has rubbed shoulders in intellectual output with his contemporaries in the advanced world-Canada, United States of America andAustralia. But, in answering the call to duty, he decided to return home to contribute to nation-building.

Today, he is the rallying point for the political class in Owan. Ahead of 2015, the people have urged him to indicate interest in the Senate. They believe that he will add value and make impact in the Upper Chamber. Although there are some elements in Owan who loathe his towering profile, the support he has also garnered from Esan Local Government has silenced his detractors who are jealous of his popularity and track record. A lawyer from Esan Local Government Area, who wondered why a prophet is not honoured at home, said: “Since they don’t know his value, Esan people need him in the next world to come”.

Grassroots politicians in the two councils have been paying homage to Ihonvbere for his leadership qualities. Among them are councillors, supervisors, legislators and other party leaders.

A stakeholder from Sobe, Mr. Joseph Uwaifo, said: “The number one person we are following is Professor Julius Ihonvbere. I am from Sobe and we know the value of good people like Ihonvbere.

Our future will never be the same again, if we follow the right way, which is where we are now.”
A politician, Obazee Osuma from Ward One, said that it in the interest of Owan and Edo State that  scholars like Ihonvbere should constitute the intellectual structure of governance. Lauding the SSG for his loyalty to a rational cause. He advised Ihonvbere to develop a thick skin to the activities of detractors. “The divisive tendency of our people cannot stop us. Our youths are looking up to us.

Professor Ihonvbere is our leader. I want to appeal to him to forgive those who may offend him.No matter the degree of offence, please ,we want you and I personally want to beg you to take such persons as prodigal sons and forgive them.

“Owan West cannot remain like this.  But, I sympathise with you; you are not supposed to be born here. You are supposed to be born in places like Canada, America, Australia, but today, you are born into Owan West and some people do not respect you or know your value. You have helped so many of them, but they are paying you in bad coin.”

To Prince Osomaye Monday, the Majority Leader of Owan West Legislative Arm, the SSG has the support of the local All Progressives Congress (APC) chieftains. He said: “We are proud of our Professor. Nobody can take him away from us to America or Canada. We are G7 Councilors out of 10 and we are solidly behind Professor Julius Ihonvbere.”

A lawyer from Esan,  Mr. Enereba, advised the people to see ihonvbere as a role model and mentor to the younger generation.

But, a politician Hon. Peter Ologun, said that the younger generation should imbebe his ideology of progressivism. Progressivism, he said, “is the political attitude that favours change or reforms in governmental action; it is the act of enforcing ideas that oppose elitism, subjectivity, conservatism and reactionary governance. Ihonvbere believes in this school of thought.”

Ologun added: “One character that fits this bill in the contemporary Edo State politics is Ihonvbere. He is a man of the people, a philanthropist, teacher and a progressive politician, who has not betrayed the trust and confidence reposed in him.”

A Senior Special Assistant on Media to Governor Adams Oshiomhole, John Mayaki, said: “Professor Ihonvbere represents different things to different people. To some, he is a rare writer who has authored many books that have served and still serving the needs of readers, a respected public commentator, opinion leader, a teacher and mentor.

“To others, he is intelligent and very bold. He is such an enigma and a hugely successful public servant with an uncommon courage and deter-mination to succeed.

“Professor Ihonvbere is among the few in public office who has shunned opulence and personal aggrand-isement. He left a legacy of honour and integrity at the Ford Foundation and the Presidency.

He is one man who sees public office as potent weapon for social change. He is committed to the good of the society. He is the friend of the masses.

Describing Ihonvbere as a man of the future, he advised him to be focussed, honest and loyal to the government and people of Edo State.

“As John Maxwell, the world acclaimed authority on leadership, in his book; The Right to Lead, asked : What gives a man or a woman the right to lead? He provided the answer:  the right to lead is not gained by election or appointment.

Having position, title, rank, or degrees does not come automatically from age or experience either. No, it would be accurate to say that no one can be given the right to lead, the right to lead can only be earned. Ihonvbere has earned the right to lead.”

Search of Tambuwal’s car: NSA orders probe

National Security Adviser (NSA) Col. Sambo Dasuki has ordered an investigation into the alleged search of House of Representatives Speaker Aminu Wazari Tambuwal’s car on Monday at a  conference in Kaduna.

A top security source told The Nation yesterday in Kaduna that the NSA ordered that the incident, which was widely reported in the media, be investigated, adding however that the soldiers on guard never insisted on searching the Speaker’s car.

According to the source, who pleaded not to be named, “there was never an attempt by soldiers and other security agents to search the Speaker’s vehicle as all dignitaries and participants were accorded due respect.”

He explained that what happened was that “detectives from the Department of State Security Services and other security operatives were trying to verify whether or not it was actually the Speaker’s

vehicle when he hurriedly disembarked and walked to the conference hall. The service chiefs parked their vehicles 300 meters away from the venue and trekked.”

The source said the Speaker was aware of such security protocols because anytime “he comes to Mambilla Barracks for Friday prayers, his vehicles are always verified. It is customary.”

He said the presence of security agents at the venue was for the safety of everybody present there, adding that other top dignitaries, including the Governors Mukhtar Ramalan Yero (Kaduna), Mu’azu Babangida Alliyu (Niger), the Deputy Governor of Plateau State, the NSA, service chiefs and traditional leaders had their vehicles searched”.

1,000 PDP Members Decamp To Labour Party In Ogun

More than 1,000 members of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) have decamped to the Labour Party (LP) in Ogun.

During the meeting held at the Ogun East Senatorial office party state Chairman Comrade Niyi Osoba stressed the fact the the Labour Party, which provides good welfare packages for residents, is aimed at liberating people of the state.

According to him, if the Laborers take over control of the state in 2015, they will fulfill numerous educational projects under the Tai Solarin University of Education founded by party leader in the state Otunda Gbenga Daniel, PM News reports.

Meanwhile Otunba Gbenga Daniel addressed LP members having briefed them on the current plans and results of their work.

The official also pledged full support by Ogun Labour Party of for President Goodluuck Jonathan at the 2015 elections.

Meet The Most Beautiful Female Soldier In Nigeria [PHOTO]

This beautiful soldier was among the lot of Soldiers President Goodluck Jonathan sent out to restore peace and order back to Nigeria during the fuel subsidy removal protest. She is so beautiful …

But a pretty young girl in the Nigerian Army???