By David Owei,Bayelsa

Following the road mishap involving a heavy duty truck belonging to Dangote Cement Company and a commercial tricycle, popularly known as “Keke” that claimed the life of one of the passengers of the tricycle at the Ekeki axis in Yenagoa, Bayelsa State, the Federal Road Safety Corps has exonorated the corps, describing the earlier rumour that the corps patrol vehicle was the cause of the road mishap as a misinformation.

Speaking to news men shortly after the unfortunate incident at his office in Yenagoa, the FRSC Sector Commander, Bayelsa State Command, Sylvanus Ordu noted that at about 8:30am on Monday, members of the FRSC patrol team were on their usual duty when they suddenly noticed an unsual crowd at the scene of the accident which prompted them to move there and found out that the break systems of the Dangote Cement Company heavy duty truck failed thereby hitting the commercial tricycle and killed one of the passengers on the spot.

Sylvanus Ordu further disclosed that the general perception that it was the FRSC patrol team vehicle that hit the trycle was not true, describing it as a mistaken identity.

The state’s FRSC Sector Commander also pointed out that the accident happened as a result of recklessness on the part of the Dangote Cement Company heavy duty truck driver, insisting that such vehicles should always adhere strictly to a speed limit of 30km per hour to avoid accidents on the roads.

According to him, the truck driver zoomed off just as he noticed that one person had already died in the accident which prompted the FRSC patrol team to pursue him and was apprehended and the truck impounded, stressing that the matter has been transferred to the headquarters of the Nigerian Police Force, Bayelsa State Command for further action.

The FRSC boss in the state urged motorists accros the state to be extremely cautious while plying the roads, especially in the present raining season, adding that speed limit devices should be fixed on not only heavy duty trucks but also other vehicles plying the roads.

He however reiterated the commitment of FRSC to the laid down safety rules and regulations in line with the act and mandate establishing the corps in the country.
An eye witness account said the Trunk of Dangote Cement was unable to control his brake and rammed into the Keke,which led to his death and the driver wanted to escape,but was caught by buy a lawyer who used his vehicle to pursue the truck which led to his arrest ,hence he is detained by the police.
All efforts made to get police reaction has proved abortive

By David Owei, Bayelsa

The leadership of the National Association of Nigerian Students (NANS) vehemently denounces the approval of the upward review of registration fees for examinations conducted by both the West African Examinations Council (WAEC) and the National Examinations Council (NECO) by the Honourable Minister of Education, as well as the proposal of such an increase in the first instance by the Registrars of both examination bodies.

Speaking and lending his voice,the coordinator of NAUS, South – West Zone, Comrade Aladesanmi ,Mr Kiloshele equally rejected the federal ministry of education,s action

According to the statement signed by Dist Comrade Akinteye Babatunde Afeez,GCNS, president, National Association of Nigerian Students, NANS, this is cruelty in its purest form. At this critical juncture, when our nation is undergoing economic reforms that have significantly overstretched the average Nigerian, it is only inhumane to increase fees for national examinations at a time when the government should be putting measures in place to cushion the effects of the economic reforms.

It is deeply painful that the registration fees for both WAEC and NECO have now been increased to #50,000 each, bringing the total to #100,000 even before schools add their own charges. Are we now saying that children of the poor should no longer have access to education? This level of hardship is unbearable. Unfortunately, the consequences and public backlash will ultimately be directed at Mr. President, the President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, who is clearly not part of this decision-making process.

If the Federal Ministry of Education and the leadership of both the West African Examinations Council (WAEC) and the National Examinations Council (NECO) cannot, in good conscience, make these examinations affordable and accessible to the average Nigerian student who intends to sit for them, then the very least they owe this nation is the restraint not to overstretch students and their parents, who are already bent under the weight of economic reforms. This is not the season to test how much more Nigerians can absorb. It is a season that demands relief, not another bill placed at the doorstep of households already choosing, daily, between survival and sacrifice. To increase examination fees at such a time is not merely poor timing; it is a failure of empathy at the highest level of policy-making.

The decision by the Honourable Minister of Education to approve an upward review of the examination fees was taken without due process and without due regard for the economic realities facing ordinary Nigerian students. More disturbing is the fact that this decision was made without engaging the apex students’ body, the National Association of Nigerian Students (NANS), or consulting the leadership of Nigerian students, who will bear the direct consequences of this policy. A decision of this magnitude, affecting millions of students across the country, cannot be made unilaterally by the Ministry of Education. Anything for us, without us, is against us.

In the foregoing, we vehemently denounce the upward review of these fees and call on the Federal Ministry of Education to immediately reverse this decision in the best interest of Nigerian students and the nation at large. Furthermore, the Federal Ministry of Education must, henceforth, consult the apex leadership of Nigerian students when making decisions that directly affect them.

The leadership of the National Association of Nigerian Students (NANS) will continue to speak for the overall well-being of Nigerian students.

By Our Correspondent

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has commissioned the newly remodeled Abuja City Gate, describing the landmark as a reflection of Nigeria’s unity, diversity and renewed national pride.

President Tinubu who was represented by the First Lady Senator Oluremi Tinubu, said the commissioning was timed to coincide with two major milestones: the 3rd Anniversary of the current administration and the Golden Jubilee, the 50th Anniversary, of the Federal Capital Territory.

“I crave your indulgence to read his speech as follows,” the First Lady told dignitaries gathered at the City Gate.

“It gives me great pleasure to join you this evening for the commissioning of the remodeled Abuja City Gate,” the President’s speech read. “Today’s event is particularly significant as it forms part of two important national milestones.”

President Tinubu noted that the City Gate stands as “a symbol of our national identity and serves as the gateway to our nation’s capital.”

“Abuja is Nigeria’s diplomatic and administrative center where all 36 states meet,” he said. “Therefore, our city gate is one of the major first impressions of this city that welcomes visitors, reflects the character of our people, and communicates the pride our nation takes in its capital.”

A key feature of the remodel is a water fountain designed to represent the 36 states and the Federal Capital Territory. According to the President, the design “tells every visitor and Nigerians arriving from the airport that they have entered a city built on unity, diversity, and shared aspirations.”

He added that the remodeled gate “can proudly stand side by side with notable gateways and public monuments in many cities around the world.”

The President commended the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Barrister Nyesom Wike, for the upgrade and for ongoing work across Abuja.

“I commend the Honorable Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, His Excellency Barrister Eze Nyesom Wike CON, for remodeling the monument and for your relentless dedication to transforming the general ambience of the Federal Capital Territory,” the speech stated.

President Tinubu also acknowledged other infrastructure work underway, including road construction and expansion, improved public spaces, and renewed attention to critical infrastructure.

“When you share a vision with a man of action, you see results. Minister Wike, you have proven once again to be a true driver of the Renewed Hope agenda. I say well done,” he said.

He said the efforts are contributing to “the transformation of Abuja into a capital city that every Nigerian can be truly proud of,” in line with the administration’s vision of “purposeful leadership, modern infrastructure, sustainable development, and an improved quality of life.”

As he officially commissioned the project “to the glory of God and for the benefit of all Nigerians and visitors to the capital city,” the President urged FCT residents to take ownership of the landmark.

“To the residents of Abuja, I say congratulations, and I encourage you all to protect and preserve this landmark. Public infrastructure belongs to all of us, and its maintenance is a shared responsibility,” he said.

“As we commission this city gate today, may we stand, may she stand, as an enduring symbol of renewal, progress, and national pride. May all who pass through her be reminded of the boundless potential of our nation and be inspired to contribute to its continued growth.”

The event drew government officials, traditional rulers and residents to the City Gate, one of Abuja’s most photographed entry points.

the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Barr Nyesom Ezenwo Wike and Mahmoud Hail Remodeled City Gate as Symbolv of “Renewed Hope” Transformation

Barr Nyesom Wike,praised the remodeling of the Abuja City Gate, describing it as a clear sign of ongoing renewal in the nation’s capital.

Speaking in the same vein, FCT Minister of State, Dr. Mariya Mahmoud praised Senator Oluremi Tinubu for her compassionate leadership, patriotic service and steadfast support for programmes that promote the wellbeing of citizens,” a statement from her office said.

She noted that the First Lady’s attendance “added dignity, significance and national value to the event.”

Dr. Mahmoud described the remodeled Abuja City Gate as “a powerful symbol of the Renewed Hope transformation taking place in the nation’s capital.”

She also commended President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and the FCT Minister, Barrister Nyesom Wike, for what she called their “visionary leadership and commitment to restoring the prestige, beauty and functionality of Abuja.”

According to her, the iconic landmark “stands as a visible expression of a new era of infrastructural renewal, urban rebirth and national pride in the Federal Capital Territory.”

“Under the leadership of President Tinubu and the determined drive of the FCT Minister, Abuja is witnessing the rehabilitation, reconstruction and completion of critical projects aimed at restoring the city to its original master plan and repositioning it as a capital of global standard,” Dr. Mahmoud said.

The remarks followed the official commissioning of the remodeled City Gate, which the President said was timed to mark the 3rd Anniversary of his administration and the 50th Anniversary of the FCT.