N8bn Jattu Dam in Edo to be ready in 2028 – Official

Managing Director of Benin-Owena River Basin Development Authority, Mr Saliu Ahmed says the N8 billion Jattu Dam in Edo will be completed in 2028.

Ahmed made the declaration on Saturday at the dam site in Ayoghena, Etsako West Local Government Area of Edo during site visitation and first meeting report of stakeholders.

At the visitation were officials of the Federal Government, those of Edo State government and the contracting firm – Prospective Multilink Ltd. and Havage Engineering Services Ltd. Joint Venture.

He said Edo State has committed 25 per cent counterpart funding on the project, the contract of which was awarded by the Federal Government in April.

“This is a special project of the Federal Government through the Federal Ministry of Water Resource and co-financed by Edo State government.

“Edo State has committed 25 per cent counterpart funding for the project,’’ Ahmed said.

He thanked Edo’s Gov. Godwin Obaseki for his commitment in ensuring that water supply becomes a thing of the past in the area.

“Public water supply has become cumbersome, so the dam will address the challenge in the area,’’ he said.

In his remarks, Mr Nyamali Joseph, Permanent Secretary, Edo Ministry of Water Resources said the project would help to solve water supply challenge in the area.

He said the state government was committed to working with the Federal Government to ensure that the project is delivered on time.

“We are looking forward to ensure that the project comes to logical conclusion,’’ he stressed.

Earlier, the Project Manager, Eng. Oni Stephen said the project was being handled by Prospective Muiltlink Limited/Havage Engineering Services Ltd. Joint Venture.

He explained that the project covers an area of about 19,600sq. kms with pedestrian bridge, access road, storage reservoir and more than 5,000 hectares of irrigable land, visible downstream of the dam embankment.

“Jattu Dam is located across Ogio River just before the AuchiApana Bridge in Etsako West Local Government Area of Edo,’’ he said.

Stephen said the dam would provide potable water for Jattu and Auchi and their neighbouring communities and promote fishing and other aqua-cultural activities. It would also increase food production through all-season crop cultivation and animal husbandry, he added.

The dam would provide gainful employment for many farming families and support cottage industries in areas of storage, processing and marketing, he stressed.

Stephen said, however, that no payment had been made to the contractor company.

“No advance payment has been made on the project. The work programme for site camp erection and construction work programme has already been submitted to the river basin authority.

“The revision of the work programme may be required depending on the time that mobilisation fees are paid,’’ Stephen noted. (NAN)

Father’s Day: Cleric admonished women to appreciate spouses

From: Femi Oyelola, Kaduna

The Senior Pastor, House of Purpose Ministry, U/ Sunday, in Chikun Local Government Area of Kaduna State, Apostle Yakubu Yusuf, has admonished women to appreciate their spouses for whatever provision they make for the family.

In a message on Sunday to mark the 2023 Father’s Day celebration with the theme “Transformed Fathers; Transformed Homes,” said it is not an easy task to be a father, therefore wives and children should encourage them to fulfil the task.

He, however, urged fathers to lead and discharge spiritual responsibility at home to grow their families in the path of God.

In his sermon titled” Visitation of Divine favour, Pastor Yakubu said it is time for families to start living righteously to enjoy God favour.

Reading from Psalm 5:

12 the Cleric stressed that for any family to be favoured, righteousness must be their watch words.

He advised Couples all over the globe to always embrace love, understanding and absolute devotion to the Almighty God in all ramifications to enable their marriages grow and flourish

Gov. Sani, CLEAP mourns Kaduna lawmaker, Madami

From: Femi Oyelola, Kaduna

Kaduna State Governor, Uba Sani has expressed shock over the death of Madami Garba Madami, the member representing Chikun Constituency in the Kaduna State House of Assembly.

This was contained in a statement signed by his, the Chief Press Secretary to the Governor, Muhammad Lawal Shehu.

Madami died, yesterday, of an undisclosed illness at a hospital in Kaduna.

Although he received his Certificate of Return from the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) after the winning the State Assembly election, but he was unable to attend the inauguration on June 13, 2023 due to the illness that eventually claimed his life.

According to Shehu, the governor commiserated with his immediate family and the people of Chikun Constituency, noting that the lawmaker was known for promoting peaceful coexistence and was greatly respected.

Sani prayed to God to grant the soul of Madami eternal rest and comfort his family, associates, friends, and constituents he left behind.

Similarly, CS-Legislature Engagement & Accountability Platform (CLEAP) said the shocking news is coming just days after the inauguration of the 10th Assembly, saying this is indeed a great loss not just to his immediate family and Chikun Constituency, but also Kaduna State and Nigeria as a whole.

In a statement signed by Yusuf Ishaku Goje stated that CLEAP was looking forward to working with the late legislator, among other former and current legislators as Ambassadors, in championing reforms that promote Open Parliament with a focus on legislative transparency, public accountability and citizens’ engagement.

“ We hereby extend our heartfelt condolence to his entire family, Chikun constituency and Kaduna State. He will be greatly missed. May his gentle soul rest in peace.”

In his lifetime, Madami, served as Member, representing Chikun Constituency, in the Kaduna State House of Assembly; Chairman of Chikun Local Government Area; Commissioner of Planning and Budget and Special Adviser