FG PREPARES FOR ANTICIPATED ABUJA–LOKOJA FLOOD GORONYO DIRECTS FERMA TO REHABILITATE LOKO–OWETO–AGATU ROAD IN NASARAWA. The Honourable Minister of State for Works, Mohammed Bello Goronyo, Esq., has directed the Federal Roads Maintenance Agency (FERMA) to immediately commence the rehabilitation of the Loko–Oweto–Agatu Road in Nasarawa State, as an alternative route for commuters. in case of the envisaged Abuja–Lokoja flooding. The directive was issued during a stakeholders’ engagement with the Nigerian Association of Road Transport Owners (NARTO) and the Independent Petroleum Marketers Association of Nigeria (IPMAN),  The Minister further disclosed that the Federal Executive Council (FEC) approved several critical infrastructure initiatives, including the urgent rehabilitation of other strategic bridges such as the Carter Bridge, third Mainland Bridge, and Donga Bridge in Taraba State to strengthen Nigeria’s economic corridors and improve nationwide access for motorists. Speaking at the Minister’s Conference Room on Friday, 15th August 2025, Goronyo underscored the enormous workload of the Ministry, citing major routes such as Abuja–Lokoja, Abuja–Kaduna–Kano, Sokoto–Zaria, and many others across the North, South, East, and West. He commended President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, describing him as “the people’s president”, and lauded his inclusive leadership and unwavering prioritisation of infrastructure as a “key enabler of growth and development” under the Renewed Hope Agenda. He highlighted ongoing interventions, particularly the Legacy Projects, including Lagos–Sokoto, Lagos–Badagry, Lagos–Calabar, Ebonyi–Nasarawa–Abuja, and the Akwanga–Jos–Bauchi–Gombe Trans-Sahara Route, stressing that no state has been left without road maintenance or construction under the current administration. He also applauded the Honourable Minister of Works, Engr. David Umahi, CON, FNSE, FANTE, for bringing engineering excellence and dedication to the Ministry’s projects. Reaffirming the Ministry’s determination to work tirelessly in delivering modern, safe, and durable infrastructure for all Nigerians, in line with the vision of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda, Goronyo acknowledged the need for public re-orientation on road usage and enjoined the leaderships of the two associations on dedication, accountability and selfless service to the masses. “Public office is a burden, and that burden must be discharged with full accountability. There is no time for comfort zones, you must work day and night to deliver on your mandate. This is not a position for enjoyment or status, but for tireless service to Nigerians,” Goronyo stated. Speaking, the MD/CEO of FERMA, Dr. Chukwuemeka Agbasi, outlined the agency’s core focus namely; management of the road network with priority on economic corridors and addressing issues such as vandalism and overuse; and Data Collection, Updating Nigeria’s road corridor map with traffic statistics to guide maintenance planning. This, according to the Agbasi, was supported by a technical working group tasked with preparing a draft of Memorandum of Understanding (MoU). The President, NARTO, Alhaji Yusuf Lawal Othman, praised President Tinubu’s initiative on the delivery of Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) buses, 5 units of 50-seater buses, 20 units of 14-seater buses, and 50 units of 50 -seater buses, which have collectively reduced transportation costs for NARTO operations by over 30%. He also remarked the impact of the Ministry’s collaboration with the Federal Ministry of Petroleum Resources and the Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority (NMDPRA) in enforcing axle load limits, revealing that, effective from 1st October, no truck will be allowed to load more than 45,000 litres, a move expected to reduce road damage and extend infrastructure lifespan. Similarly, IPMAN President, Alhaji Abubakar Maigandi Shettima, pledged full support for the Ministry’s efforts, stating "even a blind man can see this government is doing its best to keep Nigerian roads in order. We stand fully behind your work.” Queenet Iheoma-Hart, For: Director, Press and Public Relations 15th August 2025 ...

NIGERIAN SOCIETY OF ENGINEERS(NSE) HINTS HONOURABLE MINISTER OF WORKS,SEN UMAHI ON SOCIETY'S FORTHCOMING ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING, SEEKS  COLLABORATIVE SUPPORT ON SHARED GOALS The Honourable Minister of Works, His Excellency,Sen. Engr. Nweze David Umahi, CON, FNSE, FNATE has offered assurance of his collaborative support to the shared goals of the leadership of the Nigerian Society of Engineers(NSE). He made this offer of partnership during  the courtesy visit of the leadership of the organization led by its president, Engr. Margaret  Aina Oguntala FNSE, which was held at the Honourable Minister’s office on 12th August 2025. The Honourable Minister alluded to the important role of the Nigerian Society of Engineers as an umbrella organization for engineers and commended the efforts of the leadership of the Nigerian Society of Engineers in enforcing strict standard and professional ethics among its members and in advancing the interest of the engineering profession in Nigeria. He described them as critical stakeholders in the Renewed Hope agenda of revolutionizing road infrastructure in Nigeria. He maintained that engineering best practices and creative innovations are the centrepiece of the policy direction of the Renewed Hope administration of the President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria,His Excellency, Bola Ahmed Tinubu GCFR. Earlier in her remarks,the president said the leadership of NSE was in his office to formally notify him about the forthcoming Annual General Meeting of the Nigerian Society of Engineers(NSE) slated to hold in Ibadan, the capital city of Oyo State  on 1st week of  December 2025.  It is noteworthy  to mention  that the leader of the delegation is the first female president in the history of the organization. Hon. Barr. Orji Uchenna Orji  Special Adviser ( Media) to the Honourable Minister of Works ...

SPORTS MEETS SERVICE: D’TIGRESS STAR EJIOFOR SALUTES LEADERSHIP Nigerian basketball star Blessing Ejiofor of the national women’s team, D’Tigress, paid a courtesy visit to the Honourable Minister of Works, Sen. (Engr.) David Umahi, CON, FNSE, FNATE, and the Honourable Minister of State, Barr. Bello M. Goronyo at the Ministry’s Headquarters in Abuja. She was presented to the leadership of the Ministry by the Chairman, National Sports Commission, Mal. Shehu Dikko. During the visit, Ejiofor presented Engr. Umahi with a customized basketball jersey, praised his exemplary leadership and commitment to national service. She noted that her gesture symbolised the shared values of teamwork, discipline, and dedication that drive both sports and governance. In response, Engr. Umahi congratulated the athlete on her outstanding achievements, applauding her dedication to the sport and her impressive representation of Nigeria on the international stage. He further expressed pride in her role as an ambassador of Ebonyi State and Nigeria, commending her for elevating the nation’s image through her sportsmanship. The Honourable Minister of State, Barr. Goronyo also expressed admiration for her discipline and resilience, describing her as a shining example of how sports can contribute to national development. Born on September 2, 1998, in Ebonyi State, Blessing Ejiofor is a centre player for Nigeria’s D’Tigress with an impressive track record in international basketball. She honed her skills at Vanderbilt University, Chipola College, and West Virginia University, where she earned Academic All-Big 12 First Team honors. Her professional career includes stints with clubs in Spain and France, and she represented Nigeria at the 2024 Women’s Olympic Basketball Tournament in Paris. A key figure in D’Tigress’ fifth consecutive FIBA Women’s AfroBasket title in 2025, Ejiofor has helped cement Nigeria’s dominance in African women’s basketball. Off the court, she empowers youth through her nonprofit, The Muna Foundation. Mohammed Abdullahi Ahmed Director of Press and Public Relations ...