Goronyo Receives SPN Membership Certificate, Tasks Professionals on Unity, Mentorship, and National Development at Sokoto Professionals Network AGM The Honourable Minister of State for Works, Rt. Hon. Muhammad Bello Goronyo, Esq., has called on Nigerian professionals to embrace unity, strengthen mentorship, and actively deploy their expertise toward national development, describing professional collaboration as a critical driver of sustainable progress. The Minister made this call while delivering a keynote address at the 3rd Annual General Meeting (AGM) of the Sokoto Professionals Network (SPN) held on 26th December, 2025, in Sokoto State, with activities concluding on 27th December, 2025. Speaking on the theme “Expanding Horizons, Strengthening Bonds,” Rt. Hon. Goronyo noted that the gathering was both timely and strategic, stressing that in an increasingly complex global environment, sustainable development depends on strong professional networks built on trust, shared responsibility, and a common vision. He emphasized the vital role professionals play in shaping institutions, driving economic growth, and translating ideas into practical solutions to societal challenges. According to him, platforms such as the Sokoto Professionals Network provide an invaluable space for mentorship, policy engagement, innovation, and meaningful contributions to community and national development. The Minister highlighted infrastructure development as a major catalyst for economic and social advancement, explaining that quality roads, bridges, and transport corridors are essential enablers of commerce, education, healthcare delivery, security, and national integration. He reaffirmed the Federal Government’s commitment, under the Renewed Hope Agenda of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, to delivering durable and sustainable infrastructure nationwide through professionalism, accountability, and the development of local capacity. Rt. Hon. Goronyo further urged members of the Network to strengthen collaboration between senior and emerging professionals, home-based and diaspora members, as well as between professional bodies and government institutions.  He noted that a united, credible, and solution-oriented professional voice can significantly influence policy direction, innovation, and development outcomes. In recognition of his contributions to public service, infrastructure development, and professional advancement, the Sokoto Professionals Network (SPN) formally presented a Certificate of Membership to Rt. Hon. Bello Muhammad Goronyo, Esq., admitting him as a member of the Network during the closing ceremony of the AGM on 27th December, 2025. The Minister expressed appreciation for the honour bestowed on him and commended the leadership and members of the Sokoto Professionals Network for sustaining a credible, inclusive, and impactful professional platform.  He expressed confidence that the Network’s contributions to the development of Sokoto State and Nigeria would continue to grow in relevance and impact. ...

HR Director Abdullahi Aliyu Bows Out After 35 Years of Meritorious Service The Ministry on Thursday, 11 December, 2025 held a special retirement ceremony in honour of its Director of Human Resources Management, Alhaji Abdullahi Aliyu, who officially retired from the civil service after a distinguished career spanning over three decades. In his heartfelt valedictory remarks, Alhaji Aliyu expressed profound gratitude to Almighty Allah for the gift of life, guidance, and the opportunity to serve Nigeria with dedication. Reflecting on his journey, he recalled joining the civil service in 1990 as a Personnel Officer, never imagining that he would one day rise to the rank of Director and be celebrated by colleagues, friends, and family, upon retirement. He described his service years as a journey filled with “tears, joy, laughter, and many experiences in between,” noting that the Civil Service had given him opportunities he never anticipated, including becoming a homeowner in Abuja through government housing reforms. According to him, “This is one of the blessings of being a Civil Servant and serving my country faithfully.” Alhaji Aliyu also expressed appreciation for the quality of friendships and professional relationships he built over the years, emphasising that true wealth lies not in money but in the people one can rely on in times of need. He thanked colleagues within the Ministry — particularly those he met upon his posting to the then Federal Ministry of Works and Housing in 2022 — describing them as “some of the best Civil Servants I have ever worked with.” He, especially, acknowledged his wife, appreciating her unwavering support “through thick and thin,” and thanked all staff for their cooperation and commitment during his tenure. The retiring Director also used the occasion to reflect on the evolving culture within the Civil Service, urging Officers to uphold discipline, respect, and professionalism — core values, he observed, that were gradually eroding. He encouraged them to work collectively to restore the dignity and ethos for which the Service was once known. The atmosphere at the event was warm and celebratory as colleagues, friends, and family members showered encomiums on Alhaji Aliyu, praising his humility, integrity, leadership qualities, and remarkable contributions to human resource development in the Ministry. Many wished him success in his future endeavours and good health. Earlier, the Permanent Secretary, Mr. Rafiu Adeladan, commended the retiring Director for his exemplary service and wished him a fulfilling and prosperous life in retirement. Mohammed A Ahmed, Director Information and Public Relations.  14 December, 2025. ...

FG Temporarily Opens Completed Stretch of Lagos-Calabar Coastal Highway to Traffic In a significant milestone towards enhancing accessibility and connectivity across Nigeria, the Federal Government has temporarily opened the 30-kilometre completed Section I, Phase 1 of the 47.474-kilometre Lagos-Calabar Coastal Highway to traffic. This development is aimed at easing traffic congestion during the upcoming festive periods and providing a world-class road infrastructure for Nigerians. The Honorable Minister of Works, Sen. (Engr.) David Umahi, CON, FNSE, FNATE, opened it to traffic on Friday, 12 December, 2025, on behalf of Mr. President, His Excellency, Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR.  The 750-kilometre Lagos-Calabar Coastal Highway is one of the legacy projects under the Federal Government's Renewed Hope Agenda, designed to transform the nation's transportation landscape. The project, which spans across nine states, including Lagos, Ogun, Ondo, Edo, Delta, Bayelsa, Rivers, Akwa Ibom, and Cross River, is expected to bring numerous benefits, including increased tourism potential, job creation, regional integration, shoreline protection, and improved economic prosperity,” says Engr. Umahi. The temporarily opened stretch commences at the Ahmadu Bello Way Junction in Victoria Island and terminates at the Eleko Village Junction in Lekki, Lagos State. The road, which was awarded to Hitech Construction Africa Limited, features a reinforced rigid pavement dual-carriage highway with accompanying drainage and culverts, median barriers, street lighting, and the relocation of public utilities. The project is being funded under the EPC+F (Engineering, Procurement, and Construction + Financing) model, which allows the contractor to handle both construction and financing. The total cost of the project is N1,067,887,381,148. 61K (one trillion, sixty-seven billion, eight hundred and eighty-seven million, three hundred and eighty-one thousand, one hundred and forty-eight naira, sixty-one kobo). The Minister, while commending the contractor and relevant stakeholders, noted that the occasion is a testament to the Federal Government's commitment to delivering on its campaign promises. "This project is a critical component of our efforts to improve the living standards of Nigerians and provide a world-class infrastructure that will enable economic growth and development," the Minister stated. The Highway is expected to have a positive impact on the economy, particularly in the region. It provides a seamless and efficient transportation system, reducing travel time and increasing connectivity between Lagos and other towns along the West-East Coast. The entire project, which is being executed in phases, is already recording significant progress with work ongoing at the Akwa Ibom and Cross River States end of the corridor. In his remarks, the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry, Mr Rafiu Adeladan, noted that the project is a demonstration of the Federal Government's commitment to improving the nation's infrastructure. “This project is a critical component of our effort to drive economic growth and development, and we are committed to delivering it to Nigerians on time,” he reiterated.. Engr. Olufemi Dare, Federal Controller of Works (FCW), Lagos State, outlined the project's objectives, highlighting its potential to create jobs, improve access, and boost the economy. He described the project as a game-changer for the region, capable of transforming the lives of the people. Engr. Dany Abboud, Managing Director of HITECH Construction Company Africa Limited provided an update on the project's progress, noting that work commenced 20 months ago and sand filling has been completed on the remaining 17.474 kilometres of the alignment. “The entire stretch of 47.474km is expected to be completed before the end of the second quarter of 2026, he reassured Nigerians. He expressed confidence in the government’s commitment to the delivery of the iconic highway on time and with minimal disruptions. He, however, advised motorists to exercise caution, while using the road, as workers would still be on site completing some aspects of the project. The event was also graced by His Royal Majesty, Oba Abdul-Wasiu Omogbolahan, the Oniru of Iruland, other traditional rulers, community leaders, as well as members of the host community. The Oniru expressed gratitude to the President for the temporary opening of the road. He further acknowledged the significance of the project to the region and appreciated the efforts of the Federal Government in bringing this vital infrastructure to his people. Other dignitaries who spoke at the event, including Hon. Engr. Abdullahi Sesan Olowa, Chairman, Conference 57 of Chairmen, Lagos State, and Moremi Ojudu, Senior Special Assistant to the President on Community Engagement, South West, drummed the importance of the highway in promoting regional integration and economic growth. Abiodun J. Owonikoko SAN, Team Leader, Lagos-Calabar Coastal Highway’s Federal Government Legal Team, briefed the gathering on the litigations surrounding the project, disclosing that 27 court cases were filed against the Federal Government, out of which 7 major ones had been won, with most of the remainder being settled out of court  Sen. Barinada Mpigi, Chairman, Senate Committee on Works, pledged that the National Assembly is in support of the President in ensuring the project's completion, through adequate appropriation and oversight. The epoch-making event is a testament to the Federal Government's commitment to infrastructure development and economic growth, underscoring the need for continuity. *Mohammed A. Ahmed* Director Press and Public Relations. 13 December, 2025. ...