News
Flood: Kogi Govt Opens Alternative Route in Ganaja To Avert Congestion
The Kogi State Government has opened up a 5km alternate route in Nyamanyama Village along Ganaja – Ajaokuta road, to serve as a by-pass incase the original Ganaja road becomes impassable due to flooding.
This proactive step was taken by the Kogi State Flood Disaster Response Team to ameliorate possible hardship should the main Ganaja road be obstructed by flood as the waters approach the danger threshold.
The State Governor, Alh. Ahmed Usman Ododo, had earlier directed the Flood Disaster Response Team, to immediately open up an alternate road to ensure that motorists do not suffer from the hardship of possible blockage of the main road by the increasing level of flood waters in the area.
The Governor reiterated his Administration’s commitment to ensuring that motorists and passengers were not subjected to hellish experience on the road.
The Chairman of the Flood Disaster Response Team and the Deputy Governor of the State, Comrade Joel Salifu Oyibo, said the Response Team, had responded swiftly to the directive of the Governor to quickly open up an alternate road in the area.
The State’s Commissioner for Works and a member of the Flood Disaster Response Team, Engr Mohammed Yusuf, expressed satisfaction with the progress of work on the road.
The popular Ganaja -Ajaokuta road remained the gateway to the Southeast and South-South Nigeria, and it is used by hundreds of thousands of commuters every day.
He stressed that the measure had shown “responsive governance” on the part of the Governor”.
The State’s Commissioner for Information and Communications and a member of the Team, Kingsley Fanwo, spoke to newsmen after he had inspected the work on Sunday.
Fanwo said that the flood had reached a devastating stage at the moment.
He noted that the popular Ganaja -Ajaokuta road remained the gateway to the South- East and South -South Nigeria, and it is used by hundreds of thousands of commuters everyday.
“Over the years, commuters went through hell on that road in flood periods. But this measure is no doubt, a savior.
“The flood is already devastating. Properties worth billions have already been lost. Houses , farmlands and other valuables have been washed away. “Only 25 per cent of Ibaji Local Government is above water level right now.
The remaining 75 per cent are under the water. “Also, the entire Kupa District has been submerged. Ajaokuta, Gegu, Edeha and many other communities are already counting their losses.
“The Federal Government should come to the rescue of Kogi State. Our resources are stretched as we strive to save the situation”, Fanwo said.
The Minister of Works, Senator David Umahi, has directed the immediate reopening of the Independence Bridge in Lagos to vehicular traffic.
The Federal Controller of Works in Lagos, Mrs. Olukorede Kesha, had earlier stated that the closure was for planned maintenance and rehabilitation.
She expressed regret for the inconvenience caused and appealed for public understanding.
The Federal Ministry of Works has clarified that necessary repairs on the bridge would be carried out at a later date.
The new instruction to reopen the bridge is ostensibly as a result of the gridlock caused by the closure which resulted in outcry by commuters since its closure on Tuesday, April 1.
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu will depart for Paris, France, today on a short working visit.
This information was stated in a press release today, April 2, 2025 by Bayo Onanuga, the Special Adviser to the President on Information & Strategy.
Onanuga said during the President’s visit, he will appraise his administration’s mid-term performance and assess key milestones.
“He will also use the retreat to review the progress of ongoing reforms and engage in strategic planning ahead of his administration’s second anniversary”.
“This period of reflection will inform plans to deepen ongoing reforms and accelerate national development priorities in the coming year”.
“Recent economic strides reinforce the President’s commitment to these efforts, as evidenced by the Central Bank of Nigeria reporting a significant increase in net foreign exchange reserves to $23.11 billion—a testament to the administration’s fiscal reforms since 2023 when net reserves were $3.99 billion”.
“While away, President Tinubu will remain fully engaged with his team and continue to oversee governance activities. He will return to Nigeria in about a fortnight, the statement reads.
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs on Wednesday, announced the launch of Air Algérie’s inaugural direct flight service from Algiers to Abuja, set to begin on April 6, 2025.
This is said to strengthen the diplomatic and economic ties between Nigeria and Algeria.
According to a statement signed by the Acting Spokesperson for the Ministry, Kimiebi Ebienfa, the new route, which is the result of the Bilateral Air Services Agreement between the two countries, will be operated by the national carrier, Air Algérie, using a Boeing 737 aircraft.
This new service is expected to boost connectivity, encourage tourism, and facilitate trade and investment between Nigeria and Algeria.
“The Ministry of Foreign Affairs is pleased to announce the commencement of Air Algerie’s inaugural direct flight service from Algiers to Abuja, scheduled for 6th April 2025.
“This historic development marks a significant milestone in the growing diplomatic and economic relations between Nigeria and Algeria.
“It is pertinent to state that it is the implementation of the Bilateral Air Services Agreement between both countries, which culminated in this successful venture,” the statement read in part.
The inaugural flight is expected to carry the Charge d’Affaires of the Nigerian Embassy in Algiers, Nigerian community leaders, and representatives from the Algerian government.
The Federal Government has extended congratulations to Air Algérie and offered its full support to ensure the success of the new service.
With affordable fares and Algeria’s proximity to Europe, the flight also offers Nigerians a convenient gateway to Europe, enhancing Nigeria’s position as a regional hub for business, tourism, and transit.
The statement added, “The Federal Government of Nigeria, through the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and relevant aviation authorities, extends its warm congratulations to Air Algerie and assures all necessary support to ensure the success and sustainability of this new service.
“We believe this initiative will further strengthen the longstanding friendship between Nigeria and Algeria, while opening new opportunities for mutual growth.
“The affordable fare structure and the proximity of Algeria to Europe would also provide Nigerians with a convenient gateway to Europe, thereby enhancing Nigeria’s position as a regional hub for business, tourism, and transit.”
The ministry encouraged citizens and businesses to take advantage of this new connectivity to explore opportunities for trade, tourism and cultural exchanges between the two nations.
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