Motorists in Kano, Kaduna and Katsina States have deplored the poor state of road infrastructure.

A cross section of motorists, commuters and stakeholders stated this in a survey conducted by the News Agency of Nigeria, NAN, in the states.

They decried that the dilapidated state of most of the roads was hugely responsible for the recurring road traffic crashes, often resulting in massive losses of lives and property.

According to them, the obnoxious spike in the number of these usually fatal crashes could be drastically curbed if the roads are improved upon.

In Kano State, motorists and commuters have expressed growing concern over the deteriorating state of roads within the state, urging the state and federal authorities to take urgent action.

Key roads highlighted for immediate repair include Gwarzo-Katsina, Kano-Maiduguri, and some sections of the Kano-Zaria highways, as well as several major township roads.

They bemoaned how what should be short trips now take considerably longer time to cover, citing the increasing difficulty in navigating streets due to potholes and lack of proper maintenance.

Some of them who spoke to NAN on the situation of the roads lamented the frequent delay and congestion caused by poor condition of the roads.

A driver, Isa Musa, decried that the situation had contributed to accidents and inefficiency in travels.

He pointed out that local roads, including those in Dakata, Kurna, Kumbotso, Arịrị and Unguwa Uku are particularly problematic.

A motorist, Adamu Aminu, said lack of adequate funding, corruption and mismanagement were also identified as contributing factors to the bad state of the roads.

He called for increased investment on roads and other infrastructure in the state and the country as a whole.

A commuter and legal practitioner, Abdullahi Sani, urged government to fix the roads through Public-Private-Partnership, PPP.

Sani, who lamented the state of some state and federal roads, called for robust funding for road maintenance, improved management and decentralisation to local governments for better infrastructure.

Another driver,  Baba Aliyu, said the roads have become a yearly battle during the rainy season, adding that their effort is no longer enough to solve the challenges.

A staff member of Kano Road Maintenance Agency, KARMA, who pleaded anonymity, stated that the state government had invested significant resources in the repair of township roads and interventions on federal roads.

He revealed that the agency had rehabilitated over 50 roads and cleared drainages across the metropolis.

The roads that had been rehabilitated include; Aminu Kano Way, Lodge Road, Tarauni Road, Airport Road, and the Kano Government House Road, among others.

NAN reports that the federal government recently launched ‘Operation Free Our Roads.’

The project is a joint initiative between the Federal Ministry of Works and the Federal Roads Maintenance Agency, FERMA, as part of efforts to prioritise citizens needs by improving road infrastructure.

Projects carried out under the various interventions include potholes patching, pavement strengthening, repair of failed sections, limited rehabilitation, bridge and culvert construction, and general maintenance.

In Katsina, the state government has awarded a contract for the total rehabilitation of Shargalle-Dusti-Ingawa road worth N13.8 billion to boost agriculture and economic activities within communities along the area.

Speaking at the launch of the project in Shargalle, Dutsi Local Government Area, Governor Dikko Radda, said the project was awarded to MotherCat firm, with a one year duration.

He noted that the road, encompassing a stretch of 39 kilometers, starts from Shargalle, in Dutsi to Ingawa Local Government Area.

Radda said: “The road was first constructed by a former Governor of the defunct Kaduna State, late Alhaji Balarabe Musa.

“The road is crucial for connectivity and economic development of our communities.

“I am aware of the challenges being faced by residents and travellers along this vital road.”

According to the governor, the poor condition of the road has not only hampered the movement of people, but also adversely affected trade, agriculture and other socio-economic activities in our communities.

“It has become imperative for us to take this decisive action. Rehabilitation is a key component of ‘Building Your Future Agenda,’ to enhance infrastructural development across the state.

“Good roads not only facilitate transportation of goods and services, but also foster economic growth by attracting investments, creating jobs and improving access to markets,” the governor added.

According to Radda, government had already paid 40 percent of the contract sum to the contractor.

He urged the contractor to execute a quality job by complying with the stipulated guidelines.

In his remarks on behalf of traditional rulers in the area, the District Head of Dutsi and Marusan Katsina, Alhaji Lawal Sani commended government for awarding the road project.

He explained that the road was constructed during the period of late Governor Musa and it was not rehabilitated until now.

Sani revealed that it was only late President Umaru Musa Yar’adua who reconstructed a collapsed bridge on the road when he was governor.

Commissioner for Works, Housing and Transport, Alhaji Sani Magaji said the road would  boost socio-economic activities in the areas.

He assured that the ministry would ensure that the contractor adheres strictly to the terms of the contract agreement.

The contractor, Mr Maroun Ghostine promised to do a quality job and complete it within the stipulated period.

In Kaduna State, some residents commended the efforts of the state government in the rehabilitation of some roads within the metropolis.

The residents said although some of the roads are yet to be attended to, government’s efforts deserve commendation.

Mr Lazarus Anche, who resides in Barnawa, said the present administration is‘doing well’ especially with the rehabilitation of Kaduna township roads.

Mr Ibrahim Hamza, a resident of Karmin Mashi, said although township roads are being rehabilitated, equal attention should be accorded to rural areas.

On his part, Kaduna State Secretary, National Union of Road Transport Workers, NURTW, Mr Suleiman Bature, told NAN that there are ongoing efforts by government to make the roads better. (NAN)

From Nwogha Ndubuisi, Abakaliki 

Ebonyi State Government has announced the introduction of unified e-ticketing for revenue collection from tricycle riders and commercial motorcycle operators in the 13 local government areas of the state.

The technical consultant and Board of Internal Revenue Service, King Jibe made the disclosure during a press briefing in Abakaliki.

Jibe, who explained that the profiling of commercial tricycle and motorcycle operators started on the first week of November, adding that the new innovation was in line with the State Executive Council’s decision to reduce leakage in revenue collection and curb insecurity.

He enjoined all riders to embrace the new innovation as it would help in reducing crime while addressing harassment and abuse.

“In streamlining the form of collection of  revenue of our dear state, Ebonyi state as approved in EXCO meeting of 8th October,2024 that all the revenues in Ebonyi state has to be automated for proper accountability and avoiding leakages, and so forth.

“So, in this direction, we have come with this e-ticketing which is a form of collection of revenue using automated system against the hand to hand method and the purpose is to see that we know the number of genuine Okada and Keke riders in Ebonyi state.

“And His Excellency is also interested that all sorts of revenue are streamlined and done seamlessly, also, to make sure that security is fostered especially in this our state, you will agree with me that our governor, His Excellency, Rt Hon Francis Ogbonna Nwifuru since inception that Ebonyi state has relative being in peace than ever,” Jibe stated.

Noting that the staff of Internal Revenue Service were currently in the 13 local government areas, Jibe urged the operators to comply with them in ensuring that they are all registered.

By Ismaila Jimoh, Abuja

Federal Capital Territory Administration (FCTA) has reiterated it’s commitment towards ensuring that education of children at all levels and ages in the territory received a necessary boost.

This assurance was given by the FCT Minister of State, Dr. Mariya Mahmoud during the hosting of school children that came first in the various competitive event at the 2024 National Festival of Arts and Culture in Abuja.

She said the exceptional performances of the students in the just concluded competitive events showed hard work, dedication and passion for academic pursuit.

The minister who was represented by her Special Adviser on Social development, Helen Zamani, said as a mother the feat achieved by the children doesn’t only make their families, states or schools proud but it inspires and motivate their peers to also strive for excellence.

She also dolled out gifts to the children that came first as well as others that participated in the competition.

Mahmoud said, “I am pleased of your sterling and exceptional performances in the just concluded competitive events at
the on-going NAFEST 2024.

“Evidently, your ingenuities are
attestation to hard work, dedication and passion and i must say that I am very proud of you. I am very thrilled
to host you in other to recognize and reward your exceptional efforts haven emerged as the best in the various events you competed for and won the first
positions.

“The feat you have achieved does not only make your families, your state or your schools proud, it inspires and motivate your peers to also strive for excellence and
greatness”

In the essay writing competition, participants from Ekiti state came first, Lagos came second while Enugu state came third.

For cultural Quiz competition, Taraba emerged winner, followed by Benue state with Ekiti state coming third.

Children’s story telling competition, students from Lagos state emerged winner, Ekiti came second while Nasarawa state came third.

In the area of children arts and crafts competition, first position went to Bayelsa, Ogun second with Lagos state come third.

End.

With harmattan hitting Kano, second-hand clothing dealers, popularly known as Yan’gwanjo, are recording increase in sales, as people kit themselves for the period.

A News Agency of Nigeria, NAN, correspondent who visited various markets in the metropolis yesterday observed a rush for second-hand warm clothes, blankets and head warmers in response to the intense cold weather.

In several areas, temporary markets and makeshift shops have sprung up to cater to the increasing demand for such items.

Some of the dealers expressed satisfaction with the surge in business.

Musa Saleh, who sells second-hand children cardigans, head warmers and trousers at Kofar-Wambai in Kano metropolis, told NAN that the demand for the items had picked up over the past few weeks.

“The high demand for these items has made business very lucrative. Customers often beg me to inform them when I open new bales,” he said.

Saleh added that he typically earns close to N30,000 or more from sales.

Similarly, another dealer at Sabon-Gari market in Fagge Local Government Area, Mrs Alice John, who specialises in second-hand winter jackets and head warmers, confirmed that the business had been profitable over the past few weeks.

“Since the start of the cold weather, my patronage has doubled. I now open a new bale of clothing every three days,” she said.

Malam Abdul Gwarzo, who sells second-hand women’s clothing at Farm Center in Tarauni Local Government Area, said business had significantly picked up in recent days.

“I make about N25,000 on each bale I open,” he said.

Another dealer at Yankaba market in Nasarawa Local Government Area, Nura Yusuf, explained that he ventured into the second-hand clothing business because it is always profitable during the harmattan season.

He said due to a lack of nearby second-hand markets, he decided to supplement his provisions business by selling warm clothing.

Yusuf also revealed high patronage, with customers flocking to his shop for the items daily.

However, some customers expressed concern over the rising prices of second-hand clothes.

Aisha Abubakar, a shopper at Kofar-Wambai market, lamented the high price.

“The weather is very cold, and I don’t want to compromise my health or that of my family. That is why I am here to buy these clothes. However, the prices are much higher compared to last year,” she said.

Abubakar lamented that last year, she purchased six sets of cardigans for N5,000, as opposed to N7,500 this year.

Similarly, Bala Yakasai, a civil servant, who was shopping for warm clothes for his five children, claimed that sellers were taking advantage of the high demand to increase prices.

Yakasai stated that last year, he purchased seven pieces of warm clothing for N4,500, compared to N7,000 this year.

Two suspected phone thieves were set ablaze by an irate mob yesterday in Plateau State.

The incident occurred in Kabong community of Jos North Local Government Area. 

Eyewitnesses report that the suspects were attacking passersby and road users with weapons, robbing them of phones and other valuables.

Angered by the incident, onlookers reportedly mustered the courage to pursue them.

While some of the suspects managed to escape, two were caught and set ablaze by the mob.

A resident of Kabong community, Mathew Ignatius, who confirmed the incident, said: “It happened this Friday morning. Some persons suspected to be cultists were attacking people and collecting their phones and money.

“This was not the first time, they have been terrorising the community, seizing valuables like phones, laptops and money.

“This morning, when they struck again, a mob gathered and gave them a hot chase. They caught two suspects and burnt them immediately, while others escaped.”

Reacting to the incident, the Plateau State Police Command confirmed the development in a statement issued yesterday by its spokesperson, DSP Alabo Alfred.

The statement reads: “Plateau State Police Command received a disheartening report in the early hours of today, November 29, about a mob action in Jenta Adamu, Jos North Local Government Area of Plateau State.

“The report received through a distress call from a concerned citizen, indicated that at approximately 9:20am, a group of yet-to-be-identified cult members invaded the community, attempting to rob law-abiding citizens of their belongings.

“In response, the commissioner of police immediately ordered the Divisional Police Officer of ‘A’ Division, Jos to deploy officers and detectives to the scene and commence investigation.”

The police added, “Upon arrival, our team discovered that an angry mob had pursued the invaders, attacked them and set two individuals ablaze.

“The police, in collaboration with the leadership of Jos North Local Government Area, evacuated the charred bodies and deposited them at the morgue. Two locally fabricated pistols, believed to belong to the suspected cultists, were recovered from the scene.

“While the police strongly condemn the activities of armed robbers and cultists, the Commissioner of Police, Emmanuel Adesina, equally condemns the execution of jungle justice. As a civilised society, citizens are urged to hand over suspects to relevant security agencies to ensure that justice is served in accordance with the Plateau State Penal Code.

“The commissioner warns that any individual or group found engaging in jungle justice will be dealt with in accordance with the law.

“We urge members of the public to remain calm, as the command has implemented effective measures to ensure the safety and security of all residents.”