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I will not abandon projects – Uba Sani

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Governor Uba Sani of Kaduna State has promised to complete all projects within the tenure of his administration, pledging that no project will be abandoned by his government.

The Governor made this known during groundbreaking of township roads at Rigasa ward in Igabi local government of Kaduna State on Friday.

Speaking extempore in Hausa, the Governor said that the road project will be executed without collecting any debt, adding that his administration will not be indebted to any contractor who completes his project.

Sani further said that the four road projects in Rigasa has been awarded to China Civil Engineering Corporation(CCEC), a company he described as versatile and credible.

According to him, the project will be completed within one year as he has already given 50% mobilization fees to CCEC.

The Governor pledged to transform Rigasa into a modern township with quality infrastructure and social amenities.

He described the ceremony as “not just about breaking ground; it is about rewarding hard work. It is about opening up opportunities for the hardworking people of Igabi Local Government.

“Rigasa is one of the largest and most populous wards in Nigeria. It is populated by the urban poor. It has suffered neglect for so long. Its infrastructure deficit is worrisome.”

Governor Sani noted that despite its proximity to the city center and being home to hardworking and resourceful citizens, Rigasa had been overlooked for too long.

He recalled the significant support he received from Rigasa during the 2023 governorship election, noting that 32.06% of the total votes from Igabi LGA came from the ward, adding that “for this, I remain eternally grateful to you.”

Governor Sani emphasized that the project would directly benefit thousands of households in the area.

“In Igabi Local Government lies a large chunk of people who support us through their daily sacrifices as farmers, civil servants, businessmen and women.

“Through their sacrifices, they contribute significantly to our economy as well as our GDP. Investing, therefore, in roads like these will directly improve the livelihoods of thousands of households,” he said.

Similarly, the Governor performed another groundbreaking of the road reconstruction of Zango at Tudun Wada ward in Kaduna South LGA.

According to him, “I have an emotional attachment to this area because I am a product of Kaduna Polytechnic.

“I understand and share in the pains of the inhabitants of this area who have suffered neglect for decades. There is very little road infrastructure in this area.

“The few existing ones are dilapidated. This area is populated by the urban poor who are making huge contributions to the development of our dear State.”

Governor Sani vowed to turn the pains of the residents of Tudun Wada to joy, adding that “today is the beginning of good things for Zango and other parts of Tudun Wada.”

“This road is hugely significant because it passes through several key establishments like Zango Cattle Market, Animal Feed Stores, Sheikh Abubakar Gumi College, Islamic Medical Foundation, and School of Health Technology, as well as its proximity to the Kaduna City Centre and link to the Nnamdi Azikiwe Western By-Pass,“ he added.

The Governor pointed out that his government has made significant progress in road construction and rehabilitation since he assumed office.

“Under our Rural Revitalization Agenda, we flagged off the construction of 85 roads covering 785km in the first phase, with 44 already completed and the rest nearing completion.

“Under the second phase, we are delivering over 50 more roads and bridges totalling 550km,” he added.

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Boris Johnson Says He Feels “Perfectly Safe” in Nigeria, Praises Imo State’s Progress

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Former British Prime Minister Boris Johnson has expressed confidence in Nigeria’s security, saying he feels perfectly safe during his visit to the country. His remarks come amid ongoing reports of insecurity in various parts of Nigeria, making his statement a notable endorsement of the nation’s stability in certain regions.

Johnson made the declaration on Thursday, December 4, 2025, while addressing participants at the Imo State Economic Summit 2025 in Owerri, the state capital. He acknowledged having read travel advisories and news reports highlighting security concerns prior to his trip but said his experience has been reassuring.

He said he feels perfectly safe in the country and emphasized that the summit environment and local hospitality contributed to his sense of security. He also asked the audience if they felt safe, receiving an enthusiastic affirmation.

During his visit, Johnson commended Governor Hope Uzodimma and the Imo State Government for their development initiatives, particularly efforts to provide 24-hour electricity. He highlighted the potential of Nigeria as a hub for innovation and economic growth, noting the opportunities presented by emerging technologies such as artificial intelligence.

While his statements have been welcomed by some as a boost to international confidence in Nigeria, analysts caution that the former prime minister’s experience reflects only a controlled and secure environment within Imo State. Several parts of the country continue to face challenges, including banditry, communal conflicts, and kidnappings.

Nonetheless, Johnson’s visit and remarks are significant, sending a positive message to investors and global observers about Nigeria’s potential for stability and progress. They also underscore the contrast between localized experiences of safety and broader security challenges across the country.

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Dangote to Uzodimma: Just show me where to invest

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Dangote

By Emmanuel Iheaka, OWERRI

The President of Dangote Group, Aliko Dangote has assured Governor Hope Uzodimma of Imo State that his group will be one of the biggest investors in the state.

Dangote gave the assurance at the opening session of the Imo Economic Summit 2025 in Owerri on Thursday.

The renowned Africa’s industrialist urged Uzodimma to indicate his preferred area of investment and forget the rest.

Dangote described the Imo governor as a personal friend of decades and commended him for providing enabling environment for investment.

“We will be one of your biggest investors in Imo. So, please tell me the area to invest and we will invest”, Dangote declared.

He called on entrepreneurs to always invest at home, adding that foreigners cannot drive the economy of any nation more than the nationals.

“What attracts foreign investors is a domestic investor. Africa has about 30 percent of the world’s minerals. We are blessed,” he submitted.

Dangote reiterated that his refinery was set to launch 1.4 million barrels per day capacity, the highest for any single refinery in the world.

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Judge rejects Nnamdi Kanu’s brother court appearance

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Justice James Omotosho of the Federal High Court in Abuja on Thursday declined to accept Prince Emmanuel Kanu’s appearance on behalf of his brother, Nnamdi Kanu, ruling that he is not a legal practitioner.

Nnamdi Kanu, leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), who was recently convicted and handed a life sentence, had filed a new motion asking to be transferred to Sokoto prison.

The application was brought before the court by Emmanuel Kanu.

He informed the court that since it was impossible for Nnamdi Kanu to appear personally to move the motion, the judge should go ahead and hear the matter in his absence.

Kanu argued that it would serve the interest of justice for him to be moved to a correctional facility closer to Abuja so he can properly pursue his appeal.

However, when the case was called, Justice Omotosho refused to recognise the appearance of Kanu’s brother, Emmanuel, who had attempted to stand in for the IPOB leader.

The judge informed Emmanuel that he was not permitted to move the application since he is not a qualified lawyer.

“This ex parte motion cannot be moved on the convict’s behalf because you are not a legal practitioner,” the trial judge insisted.

He advised the applicant to hire a qualified lawyer or seek assistance from the Legal Aid Council of Nigeria for proper legal representation, as provided by law.

“When I said representation, it is not his (Kanu’s) father, brother, sister or relations I meant. I mean his counsel.

“I am not going to the merit of this application now in the interest of justice.

“But you cannot represent a human being when you are not a lawyer; you can only represent a corporate body.

“Therefore, you cannot move the application because you are not a solicitor or advocate of the Supreme Court of Nigeria.

“For you to be qualified as a lawyer, it will take you another six years or thereabout. So get a counsel to move the application,” the judge added.

Understanding the court’s position, Emmanuel then asked for a new hearing date.

Justice James Omotosho subsequently adjourned the motion to December 8.

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