News
Indigenous Contractors Will Continue To Get Our Support ——-Gov. Obaseki
FROM Lateef Taiwo
Edo State Governor, Godwin Obaseki, said his administration will continue to support the growth and development of indigenous contractors in the state , as he promised to ensure that all State jobs are handled by them for the total benefit of the citizens of our dear State.
He made the promise at the 6th edition of the late G. O. Aiwerioba Lecture Series organised by the Benin branch of the Nigerian Society of Engineers(NSE) with the theme ‘Empowering Indigenous Contractors For Local Content Development. The Governor Godwin Obaseki Template’ which was held last weekend.
The governor, who was represented at the occasion by the Permanent Secretary of the State Ministry of Mines and Energy, Ferguson Enabulele said: “We can authoritatively assert that the Edo State Indigenous Contractors can now compete and execute construction projects to standard at the sub-national and national level.”
Going further, he asserted that “as a Government, we will continue to support the growth and development of our indigenous contractors through the implementation of favorable policies. Therefore, it is our hope that before we leave office, 80percent of the construction works in our State will be handled by our own indigenous contractors for the total benefit of the citizens of our dear State and it is expected that other governments will emulate the Edo State Tested and Trusted Template.”
In her address the keynote Speaker, Sarah Esangbedo Ajose-Adeogun, the Special Adviser to the Edo State Governor on Strategy, Policy, Projects and Performance Management, said: “The history of local content acts, policies, and laws in Nigeria is marked by key milestones
that aimed to promote indigenous participation and economic growth.
Adeyinka said in 1972, the indigenisation policy transferred ownership of foreign businesses to Nigerian entrepreneurs, ensuring greater local control. The Nigerian Oil and Gas Industry Content Development Act of 2010 significantly improved the role of Nigerians in the oil and gas
industry, with Nigerian companies executing contracts once held by multinational
corporations.
According to her, the Presidential Executive Order 5, signed in 2018, focused on
enhancing local content in public procurement with science, engineering, and technology
components, supporting Nigeria’s developmental goals and fostering innovation.
Adding that,Since the adoption of the local content act in the country, more and more indigenous companies have been able to execute contracts that were in the past opened to foreign
companies.
Adegun further stated that Nigerian companies participate in big ticket contracts in the oil and gas industry. Some of these contracts now executed by Nigerian companies were the exclusive reserve of multinational service companies in the past. As a result of the local content law, Nigerians now occupy strategic positions in oil and gas companies.
In his own contribution, Engr. Tasiu Sa’ad Gidari-Wudil, President of the Nigerian Society of Engineers(NSE) stated that the lecture is apt “as it is coming at a time NSE is keen on the promotion and implementation of the Presidential Executive Order Number 5, for Planning and Execution of Projects, Promotion of Nigerian Content in Contracts and Science, Engineering and Technology signed by former President Muhammadu Buhari on Friday, February 2, 2018.
Chairman of the NSE Benin branch, Engr. Evukowhiroro Ojegba, in his welcome address said: “empowering indigenous contractors for local content development brings with it a multitude of benefits. It creates employment opportunities for our skilled workforce enabling them to contribute to the nation’s growth and development.
Talking to reporters on the sideline of the lecture, Engr. Promise Nnadi, the Publicity Secretary of the NSE Benin branch said that the body is that the programme was aimed at let Nigerians know that “we have seasoned engineers and persons in the construction industry that can handle whatever kinds of construction jobs in Nigeria over time.”
Going further, he stressed that “politicians have been using expatriates but these expatriates still depend on local engineers to do whatever they’re doing whenever they come to Nigeria to work. They use our artisans, our resources and manpower we have to do these jobs.
“The Nigeria Society of Engineers through this programme wants to let everybody knows that we have local engineers that can do every single thing that these expatriates are doing and even much more.”
Highlights of the programme include the induction of 32 new members into the NSE; award of scholarships to three engineering students and bestowing of the NSE honourary awards on some prominent personalities which included Governor Godwin Obaseki; the President of the Council for the Regulation of Engineering in Nigeria (COREN), Engr. Sadiq Zubair Abubakar; Sarah Esangbedo Ajose-Adeogun and 15 others.
News
EID-EL-KABIR: BELLO BABAYO BELLO COMMENDS TINUBU, SHETTIMA, GOMBE GOVERNOR AS HE FELICITATES WITH MUSLIMS NATIONWIDE
The Executive Director, Networks, Niger Delta Power Holding Company Limited (NDPHC), Engr. Bello Babayo Bello, FNSE, has extended warm felicitations to Muslim faithful across Nigeria, particularly the people of Gombe State, on the occasion of the 2026 Eid-el-Kabir celebration, urging citizens to continue promoting peace, unity, love, and national development.
In a goodwill message released to journalists on the occasion of the Islamic festival, Engr. Bello described Eid-el-Kabir as a sacred celebration that reflects the virtues of sacrifice, obedience, faith, compassion, and gratitude to Almighty Allah as demonstrated by Prophet Ibrahim (AS).
He called on Muslims to use the spiritual significance of the season to strengthen the bonds of brotherhood, support one another, and continue praying for the peace, stability, and prosperity of Nigeria.
Engr. Bello also commended the leadership of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, for his commitment to national development, economic reforms, infrastructural advancement, and efforts aimed at strengthening unity and progress across the country.
According to him, the administration of President Tinubu has continued to demonstrate determination in laying foundations for long-term growth and national transformation through bold policies and strategic governance initiatives.
The NDPHC Executive Director equally praised Vice President Kashim Shettima, GCON, for his loyalty, dedication, and support toward the actualization of the Renewed Hope Agenda of the Federal Government.
He noted that the Vice President has continued to play a vital role in promoting stability, inclusion, and effective coordination within government.
Engr. Bello further applauded the Governor of Gombe State, Muhammadu Inuwa Yahaya, CON, for what he described as purposeful leadership and remarkable strides in infrastructural development, healthcare, education, youth empowerment, and peaceful coexistence in the state.
He said the governor’s developmental policies and inclusive style of governance have continued to attract admiration and confidence from the people of Gombe State and beyond.
“Eid-el-Kabir remains a season of reflection, gratitude, sacrifice, and devotion to Almighty Allah. It is also a period that reminds us of the importance of unity, compassion, tolerance, and service to humanity. As we celebrate, we must continue to pray for our leaders and for the continued peace, progress, and prosperity of our dear nation,” he stated.
Engr. Bello urged Muslim faithful to extend love and kindness to the less privileged, widows, orphans, and vulnerable members of society during the Sallah festivities, stressing that charity and generosity are central teachings of Islam.
He also commended the people of Gombe State for sustaining the culture of peaceful coexistence, harmony, and mutual respect among diverse communities.
The engineering professional and public administrator expressed optimism that Nigeria would continue to witness greater development, unity, and economic advancement under the leadership of President Tinubu.
He prayed for Allah’s continued guidance, wisdom, protection, and blessings upon the President, Vice President, Governor Inuwa Yahaya, and all leaders across the country.
Engr. Bello finally wished Muslim faithful in Gombe State and across Nigeria a peaceful, joyous, and spiritually fulfilling Eid-el-Kabir celebration.
News
Dogara Celebrates Eid El-Adha, Urges Nigerians to Embrace Unity, Sacrifice, and Compassion
Rt. Hon. Yakubu Dogara, former Speaker of the House of Representatives and Chairman of the Board of National Credit Guarantee Company Limited (NCGC), has extended heartfelt felicitations to Muslims across Nigeria and around the world on the occasion of Eid El-Adha.
In his Eid message, Dogara described the festival as one of the most profound moments in the Islamic faith — a sacred season that embodies the enduring virtues of sacrifice, obedience, faith, and total devotion to God, as demonstrated by Prophet Ibrahim (AS). He noted that beyond its spiritual significance, Eid El-Adha serves as a powerful reminder of the values of compassion, generosity, and love for humanity.
According to him, the celebration offers an opportunity for reflection and renewal, urging Nigerians to recommit themselves to the ideals of unity, peace, and mutual understanding. He observed that the true essence of Eid lies not merely in celebration, but in the willingness to serve others selflessly and uplift the less privileged.
“Eid El-Adha reminds us that greatness is found in sacrifice, service, and compassion for one another. It is a season that calls us to strengthen the bonds of brotherhood, extend kindness to those in need, and renew hope for a better and more united nation,” Dogara stated.
The former Speaker stressed that the lessons of Eid should transcend religious and ethnic boundaries, especially at a time when Nigeria needs collective commitment to peace, justice, and national cohesion. He called on citizens to rise above division and work together in the spirit of patriotism and shared destiny.
“As we celebrate this sacred festival, may the spirit of sacrifice inspire us to build bridges of understanding, promote harmony across our communities, and work collectively for a more peaceful, just, and prosperous Nigeria,” he added.
Dogara further prayed that the blessings of Eid El-Adha would bring joy to families, healing to communities, and progress to the nation. He encouraged the faithful to use the occasion as a time for spiritual renewal, deeper devotion to God, stronger family ties, and renewed commitment to the common good.
“As families gather in prayer and celebration, may this Eid remind us of our shared humanity and our collective responsibility to serve with humility, love, and sincerity. May the Almighty accept our prayers and sacrifices, bless our homes with peace and happiness, and guide our nation toward greater unity and prosperity,” he concluded.
Dogara wished all Muslim faithful a peaceful and joyous Eid El-Adha celebration filled with divine blessings, love, hope, and renewed faith in the future of Nigeria.
News
Ukhomunyio Community Seeks Edo Government Intervention Over Insecurity
A group of concerned stakeholders in Ukhomunyio Community, Okpella, Edo State, has called on the Edo State Government and security agencies to strengthen security presence in the area following recent security concerns and incidents of violence.
In a statement jointly signed by community stakeholders, the group said that the once-peaceful Ukhomunyio Community had in recent weeks experienced growing tension and insecurity.
The statement was jointly signed by Sam S. O. Afemikhe, Roland Ediawe, Dr Henry Idogun, Kasimu Sunday, Mark Adogah, Friday Ododeh, Omoreige Usman, Dr Victor Balogun, and Prince Haruna Ahmed.
The stakeholders urged the government to deploy more security personnel to the community and surrounding areas to help maintain peace and prevent further breakdown of law and order.
“We therefore call on the Edo State Government, security agencies, and all relevant authorities to immediately intervene by strengthening security presence within Ukhomunyio Community and surrounding areas,” the statement said.
They also called for a thorough investigation into recent incidents of violence and disturbances linked to the annual Olimi Festival.
According to the statement, the community recently recorded tragic incidents involving residents of Kalaba and Imioko villages, while some persons were reportedly abducted during the attacks and later reunited with their families.
The group described the incidents as unfortunate and contrary to the community’s peaceful traditions.
“We strongly condemn these acts, which are completely alien to the long-standing peaceful tradition of our community,” the statement added.
The stakeholders further expressed concern over violence that erupted during the recent Olimi Festival, saying some individuals allegedly used firearms during the celebration.
They said the violence resulted in casualties and injuries, with some affected persons currently receiving medical treatment.
“The Olimi Festival has historically been a symbol of unity, peace, celebration, and cultural heritage among the people of Ukhomunyio and Okpella in general,” the group stated.
According to the statement, the festival had historically symbolised unity, peace, and cultural heritage among the people of Ukhomunyio and the wider Okpella community.
The group also appealed to authorities to ensure that all investigations and security operations are carried out lawfully and fairly to avoid escalating tensions within the community.
Beyond strengthening security, the stakeholders called on authorities to prevent further violence and restore peace and confidence within the community.
They warned that continued insecurity could affect economic and social activities in the area, including operations linked to major industries.
As part of efforts to support investigations, the group announced a N1 million reward for credible information that could assist security agencies in identifying those behind the recent incidents.
Another N1 million reward was offered for information that could help authorities identify individuals connected to the violence during the Olimi Festival.
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