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Reps ask Umahi, AGF to submit Lagos-Calaber Coastal highway credit instruments

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The House of Representatives on Thursday, called on the Attorney General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Lateef Fagbemi, the Minister of Finance, Wale Edun, and his works counterpart, David Umahi to transmit all guarantees and credit enhancement instruments for the Lagos-Calabar Coastal Highway for approval.

The resolution of the House followed the adoption of a motion of urgent public importance moved on the floor on Thursday during plenary by the member representing Gwer East/Gwer West Federal Constituency, Benue State, Mr. Austin Achado.

Recall that the 700km highway, awarded at a cost of N4bn per kilometre will cost the nation a total of N15 trn.

When completed, the highway is expected to connect Lagos to Cross River State, passing through Ogun, Ondo, Delta, Bayelsa, Rivers, and Akwa Ibom states.

Moving the motion, Achado, a chieftain of the All Progressives Congress said the house is “disturbed that the contingent liabilities accruing to the Federal Government of Nigeria on this project violate the Debt Management Office (Establishment) Act of 2023, as Section 22(3) states that the minister shall not guarantee an external loan unless the terms and conditions of the loan shall have been laid before the National Assembly and approved by its resolution. The guarantees issued to cover the debt financing component of this project do not have the approval of this National Assembly.”

The lawmaker added, “The Federal Ministry of Works has executed an engineering procurement construction finance contract, in favor of Hitech Construction Company Nigeria Limited, for the delivery of the 700km Lagos to Calabar coastal road and rail project estimated at a rate of N4.33bn per kilometre, using reinforced concrete technology for a carriage width of 59.7metres, to include 10 lanes, shoulders and rail with additional designs of service ducts, street lights, drainages and shore protection.”

He noted that the project  has the prospect of providing easy access for the movement of goods and services across the nation, and has a financing structure, as announced by the Minister of Works, “Which requires the Federal Government to provide 15 percent to 30 percent co-financing, while the private sector counterpart will provide the balance, and toll the road when completed for a minimum period of 15 years, to ensure full recovery of all debts and equity applied for the delivery of the project.”

Regrettably, Achado maintained that the procurement strategy of the project may have violated the Public Procurement Act 2007, Section 40(2) which requires that where a procuring authority adopts to use restrictive tendering approach.

“It should be on the basis that the said goods and services are available only from a limited number of suppliers and contractors and as such, tenders shall be invited from all such contractors who can provide such goods and services,”  he said

Similarly, the lawmaker argued that the procurement strategy adopted by the Federal Ministry of Works for the award of the contract violates the Infrastructure Concession and Regulatory Commission Act 2905, as Section 4 of the Act outlines that, “all approved infrastructure projects and contracts for financing, construction and maintenance must be advertised for open competitive public bid, in at least three national dailies,” adding that Section 5 of the Act further clarifies that “Any direct negotiations with only one contractor could be allowed, only after exhausting the provisions of Section 4.”

He further raised an alarm of a possible creation of contingent liabilities for Nigeria because while promoting the project, the Ministry of Works provided a rate per kilometre for the planned works but failed to provide the private partners’ financing sources, structure, and competitiveness.

Following the adoption of the motion, the House called on, “The Honourable Minister of Works, the Honourable Minister of Finance and the Attorney-General of the Federation and Minister of Justice to ensure that all guarantees and credit enhancement instruments for the Lagos-Calabar Coastal Road Project are sent to the National Assembly for approval.”

It further resolved to set up an ad-hoc committee to investigate the procurement process of the contract for the Lagos-Calabar Coastal Highway project and report to the House within four weeks.

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Step-by-step guide to applying for 2024 MTN scholarship

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MTN Nigeria Foundation on Friday announced scholarship opportunities for Nigerian students to support education and empower the next generation of leaders.

MTN also announced that the online registration portal is now open for interested undergraduate and Postgraduate students.

It has also increased the annual award amount from N200,000 to N300,000 for eligible students.

The scholaship covers tuition fees, accommodation, and other academic expenses.

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The application deadline is June 12th, 2024.

The MTN scholarship types you can apply for

There are three main academic scholarships available from MTN that you can apply for. These are as follows:

MTN Science and Technology Scholarship (MTN STS): This flagship program, established in 2010, supports 300-level students in Nigerian public tertiary institutions (universities, polytechnics, and colleges of education) who are pursuing Science and Technology-related fields. Each year, 300 students maintaining good grades receive scholarships of N200,000.00, renewable annually until graduation.

MTN Scholarship for Blind Students (MTN SBS): The program began in 2012 for visually impaired students in 200 and 300-level programs enrolled in Nigerian public universities, polytechnics, and colleges of education. 100 high-achieving visually impaired students will each get a ₦ N300,000 scholarship each year until graduation if grade requirements are met.

Top 10 UTME Scholarship: The top 10 scoring candidates of UTME as announced by JAMB, automatically qualify for the top 10 UTME scholarship. The candidates are awarded scholarships from their 100 level through to graduation upon meeting grade requirements and each student will get an annual award amount of N300,000. The Top 10 UTME Scholarship is awarded irrespective of the successful candidates’ preferred course of study or Tertiary Institution – Public or Private in Nigeria.

Below is how to apply for an MTN scholarship:

  1. Check Eligibility

Researching and understanding the eligibility criteria before applying for an MTN Scholarship is important. These scholarships are typically available to undergraduate students at accredited Nigerian higher institutions. Ensure you meet the minimum requirements, including age, educational background, and CGPA (Cumulative Grade Point Average). Review the specific criteria provided by the MTN Foundation to verify your eligibility.

The eligibility requirements for the MTN Scholarships are as follows:

Institution of study

Students enrolled in a Nigerian public tertiary institution (university, polytechnic, or college of education) can apply for either the MTN Science and Technology Scholarship (STS) or the MTN Scholarship for Blind Students (SBS).

Course of Study

The MTN Science and Technology Scholarship is available to undergraduates in Nigerian public universities, polytechnics, and colleges of education who are majoring in science or technology-related fields.

MTN recognises that the academic calendar varies across public tertiary institutions. Therefore, the MTN Science and Technology Scholarship is open to students who have completed their second semester of 200 level and are advancing to 300 level as well as those currently enrolled in 300 level.

The MTN Scholarship for Blind Students is available to blind students in their second or third year of study at any Nigerian public university, polytechnic, or college of education. For law students, whose program spans five years, the MTN Scholarship is available only to those in their third year of study.

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Cumulative Grade Point Average (CGPA)

Students majoring in Science, Technology, Engineering, or Mathematics at a public university or college of education are eligible if they maintain a CGPA of 3.4 (on a 4.0 scale) or 3.5 (second-class upper).

Students in STEM fields aiming to enrol in the Higher National Diploma program at public polytechnics must have a CGPA of 3.0 or higher in their Ordinary National Diploma program.

Direct Entry students seeking to enter the third year of study in a STEM field at the university level must have a CGPA of at least 3.0 (upper credit) in the relevant subject area from the OND program.

MTN Scholarship for blind students

Visually impaired students enrolled in higher education institutions must maintain a CGPA of 2.5 or higher.

Blind students seeking the MTN scholarship at a public polytechnic must have completed the OND program with a minimum CGPA of 2.0 and must be accepted into the HND program.

  1. Gather the required documents

To complete the application process smoothly, gather all necessary documents and ensure all documents are well-organized, up-to-date and meet the specified requirements. These may include:

– Recent passport photograph

– Valid identification card

– Admission letter

– Academic transcripts

– Letter of recommendation from a reputable academic referee

– A concise biography of yourself and an explanation of why you deserve the scholarship

  1. Visit the MTN Foundation Scholarship Portal

Access the MTN Foundation Scholarship portal through the official website at [MTN Scholarships](https://apps.mtn.ng/scholarships/).

Accurately fill in the 7-step application form, including personal details, contact information, and academic background and provide correct and verifiable information to avoid any disqualification.

 

  1. Review

 

Once the necessary required information and documents have been provided, review all the provided information and attached documents and make necessary edits or corrections.

  1. Submit

Once you are satisfied with your application, submit it through the portal.

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Peter Obi visits Kano mosque attack victims

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The presidential candidate of the Labour Party in the 2023 general election, Peter Obi, has visited the victims of a mosque attack in the Gezawa Local Government Area of Kano State.

Obi, who posted the pictures of the victims lying in the hospital beds with various degrees of injuries, made this known on his verified X handle on Monday.

He wrote, “Yesterday, Sunday the 19th, as a follow-up to my earlier condolence message regarding those who lost their lives in the horrific and devastating terror attack on May 16, 2024, in the Gezawa local government area of Kano State during the morning prayer session.

“I visited Murtala Mohammed Hospital in Kano to sympathize with those injured and receiving treatment at the hospital. The visit was to physically show solidarity with the wounded, offer support, and wish them a speedy recovery, as well as to thank and encourage the management

“And most importantly, it was to send a message to the victims that we stand together in condemnation of any senseless act of violence and killing in our country.

“Once again, I sincerely send my condolences to the Government of Kano State, the Emir of Kano, Alhaji Aminu Ado Bayero, and the people of Kano over this very sad incident. I extend my thoughts and prayers, especially to the families of the victims,” reports that the Kano State Police Command on Friday confirmed the death of 15 persons in the mosque attack in Gadan village in Gezawa Local Government Area of the state.

A man on Wednesday allegedly sprayed the mosque with petrol, locked its doors, and set it on fire, trapping worshippers.

The state Commissioner of Police, Usaini Gumel, told the News Agency of Nigeria in a telephone interview that so far, 15 out of the 24 victims of the incident died.

Initial reports said one worshipper had died from the attack but the death toll later rose after more victims died while receiving treatment at the Murtala Muhammad Specialist Hospital in Kano.

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Stakeholders, Associates commend Governor Alia at 58th birthday

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By Titus Atondu, Makurdi

Stakeholders and Political associates of the Benue state Governor, Rev. Fr. Hyacinth Alia have commended the Governor for his performance in office within one year of his administration.

Speaking at the 58th birthday celebration of Governor Alia held at the New Banquet Hall in Government House Makurdi, Benue APC acting Chairman, Benjamin Omakolo described the Governor as a remarkable leader, extraordinary man whose journey in life has been that of passion for his people especially in improving their well being.

The All Progressives Congress (APC) National Working Committee led by the Deputy National Secretary, Barr. Festus Fuanter also eulogised the Governor as a man who is giving hope to Benue people in the area of infrastructural development.

“Do not be distracted. The party will stand by you for two reasons, generational and political so we can win the next election. Do not be afraid as nothing good comes easy. We shall stand by you and ensure you surmount every obstacle that comes your way,” he said.

Meanwhile, Senator Barnabas Gemade said that the Governor must have enemies to effectively deliver good governance to Benue people.

He said in politics where the governor has found himself, he cannot run away from political enemies if he wants to develop the State.

The former minister of works who was the Chairman of the occasion said, “In politics whatever you do or say people interpret it differently,” and added “that he must not be afraid of making enemies while bringing good governance to Benue people.”

 ”This business that you are in now is politics and governance, there are enemies you cannot run away from. People will be elevated and others brought down.

“If you are doing something bad, some will want you to do something good and vice versa but search your conscience and do good for the masses and you will have satisfaction,” Gemade stressed.

Responding, Governor Hyacinth Alia also revealed that the Benue State Government would soon build a flyover in Otukpo, the traditional headquarters of the Idoma nation.

Alia said his administration was determined to develop the state and appreciated the virtues of hard work and conscience of the poor masses.

He said the State was currently enjoying relative peace and most of the displaced farmers have returned to their farms adding that more effort would be made by his administration for more peace to be achieved.

The Governor again emphasised that security was not spoken but executed.

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