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Zungeru hydro-dam project to go operational soon – Niger Gov Bello
The 700MW Zungeru Hydro-Eletric power dam being constructed by the Federal Government will soon become operational, Gov. Abubakar Sani-Bello of Niger, has said.
This is contained in a statement by Mrs Mary-Noel Berje, the Chief Press Secretary to the governor, in Minna on Friday.
Bello made this known when he visited the dam site in Zungeru in Wushishi Local Government Area of the state alongside other government officials.
Represented by his Chief of Staff, Alhaji Ibrahim Balarabe, Bello said the visit was to inspect the ongoing impoundment of one of the four turbines in December.
He said that the other three would be delivered in 2022.
“This is a major milestone and to us in Niger state, it is worth celebrating, we do hope that when the project is delivered, it will improve electricity generation, improve economic activities and host of others,’’ the governor said.
He said the impoundment was a sign that the project would be completed within the specified time but raised concerns over the refusal of communities to vacate part of the area even after being compensated.
“These communities have been fully compensated, resettlement sites have been allocated to them, monies for construction given to them, I wonder what they are still doing there,’’ he added.
Mr Babatunde Adewumi, Consultant De-Crown West Africa Company Ltd and Representative of the Federal Ministry of Power, commended the state government for educating the communities on the importance of the project.
Adewumi said that in spite of security threat in the state, no incident had been recorded in the site and lauded the federal and state governments for providing adequate security.
He said the divergence channel had been closed to allow the reservoir to begin harvesting the water needed for power generation in December and assured that the deadline for the project would be met.
Our correspondent reports that the hydroelectric facility being built with Chinese assistance on the upper and middle reaches of Kaduna River in the Niger State of Nigeria.
Our correspondent reports that the Federal Ministry of Power and Steel of Nigeria is the owner and implementing authority of the project.
Estimated to cost 1.3 billion dollars, Zungeru is the biggest hydropower project under construction in Nigeria.
It is also one of the biggest power projects in Africa to avail preferential loan facility from the Export-Import Bank (Exim Bank) of China.
Construction works on the power plant started in May 2013 and were expected to take 60 months for completion.
The Zungeru project is estimated to generate 2.64 billion kWh of electricity a year, which will meet close to 10 per cent of Nigeria’s total domestic energy needs.
Apart from electricity generation, the project also intends to provide flood control, irrigation, as well as water supply and fish breeding facilities.
The project was expected to provide employment opportunities to more than 2,000 people during the peak construction period.
The Zungeru hydroelectric project site is located on the Kaduna River near Zungelu in the Niger State, approximately 150km away from Abuja, the capital city of Nigeria.
Investigations by Nigerian Concord Newspaper reveal that the Executive Secretary of the Nigerian Shippers Council, Mr. Pius Akutah, has allegedly misappropriated public funds for a lavish lifestyle.
According to our findings, within months of assuming office, Akutah allegedly purchased a bulletproof SUV valued at approximately N850 million. In addition, he is reported to have acquired over twenty exotic SUVs for use as a convoy.
Akutah is also said to have acquired multiple high-value properties, including three in Abuja’s Maitama and Asokoro districts worth over N2 billion, and two in Lagos’ Banana Island valued at N1.8 billion. These acquisitions appear far beyond the scope of his official salary and allowances.
Further investigation suggests that Akutah may be using public funds to support political ambitions, including allegedly grooming militants across 23 local government areas in Benue State for a potential 2027 gubernatorial bid.
Staff of the Shippers Council reportedly claim that Akutah frequently accesses the council’s treasury without proper authorization. Some insiders have indicated that a petition will soon be filed with the EFCC, ICPC, and the Presidency to report his alleged misconduct.
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Investigations by Nigerian Concord Newspaper reveal that the Executive Secretary of the Nigerian Shippers Council, Mr. Pius Akutah, has allegedly misappropriated public funds for a lavish lifestyle.
According to our findings, within months of assuming office, Akutah allegedly purchased a bulletproof SUV valued at approximately N850 million. In addition, he is reported to have acquired over twenty exotic SUVs for use as a convoy.
Akutah is also said to have acquired multiple high-value properties, including three in Abuja’s Maitama and Asokoro districts worth over N2 billion, and two in Lagos’ Banana Island valued at N1.8 billion. These acquisitions appear far beyond the scope of his official salary and allowances.
Further investigation suggests that Akutah may be using public funds to support political ambitions, including allegedly grooming militants across 23 local government areas in Benue State for a potential 2027 gubernatorial bid.
Staff of the Shippers Council reportedly claim that Akutah frequently accesses the council’s treasury without proper authorization. Some insiders have indicated that a petition will soon be filed with the EFCC, ICPC, and the Presidency to report his alleged misconduct.
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I am writing to felicitate with Your Excellency, Atku Abubakar, GCON, former Vice-President of Nigeria (Zege Mule u Tiv & Wazirin Adamawa)
on the occasion of your 79th birthday anniversary.
I join your teeming admirers globally in celebrating you on this special day, an adorable Statesman and my Boss.
I recall with nostalgia, how countless generations have benefited from your generosity, wealth of experience and benevolence including being my key benefactor even as a young lawyer for my professional success.
Your Excellency, may your special day be filled with grandeur befitting your illustrious career.
I wish you continued success, prosperity, and an unending stream of accolades.
It takes a remarkable kind of fortitude to remain active in public life well into one’s golden years. Your dedication and patriotism remain truly exceptional.
May you enjoy a day of reflection on your many years of fruitful service to humanity. It is my prayer that God Almighty grants you many more healthy, fruitful, and fulfilling years ahead, and continues to endow you with wisdom, strength, and the grace to keep contributing to our nation-building.
Happy Birthday, Your Excellency.
Michael Kaase Aondoakaa SAN.
Former Attorney General of the Federation and Minister of Justice
TAU reaffirms commitment to globally competitive learning
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