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We’re So Confident Our Re-election Will Be Easy -Lai Mohammed

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The Minister of Information and Culture, Mr Lai Mohammed, has expressed confidence that President Muhammadu Buhari will emerge victorious in the 2019 general elections.

The minister made this known on Tuesday while inspecting the dualisation of the Ibadan-Ilorin road in Oyo state. “We are so confident that our re-election would be easy,” he said. “Whether it is in terms of infrastructure, whether it is in terms of social intervention, every day we are working for the people.” According to Mohammed, the Buhari administration has kept its promises to the people of Nigeria.

He also believes that the President has not lost his goodwill because of the massive projects he says it is embarking on.

In the area of infrastructure, the minister assured the public that there are enough funds to ensure that the road projects are completed at the appropriate time.

He said in addition to the Presidential Infrastructure Fund, the Federal Government also floated a N100 billion Sukuk Bond, which has been shared to the Six Geo-political Zones for intervention in critical infrastructure.

He further stated that the Federal Government would not relent in its promises despite criticism from the opposition Peoples Democratic Party (PDP). “Our response to critics is not to exchange banters,” he said. “There is only one way you can get the electorates to vote for you – by keeping your promises to them and by embarking on projects that touch their lives and this is what we are doing and that is why we are so confident.

The Minister said the road remains very significant because it’s the gateway to the South-Western part of the country from the North and has been under severe strain from heavy-duty vehicles since the collapse of the railways.

On his part, the Federal Controller of Works in Oyo State, Mr Omotayo Awosanya, said the project, which was awarded in 2010, is now 58% completed due to the commitment of the present administration to delivering the project.

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AMVCA 2024: Full Winners List

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Below are the list of winners👇

  • Best Movie: Breath of Life
  • Best Lead Actor: Wale Ojo(Breath of Life)
  • Best Lead Actress: Kehinde Bankole (Adire)
  • Best Indigenous West Africa. Femi Adebayo Jagun Jagun
  • Best writing movie: Fumilayo Rans0me Kuti
  • Best Scripted: Slùm King
  • Best Costume Design: Jagun Jagun (Lola Awe)
  • Best Supporting Actress: Genoveva Umeh (Breath of Life
  • Best Supporting Actor: Ademola Adedoyin (Breath of Life)
  • Best MultiChoice Talent Factory Movie: Our Dàrk Past
  • Best Makeup: Mami Wata (Campbell Precious Arebamen
  • Industry Merit Awards: Iya Rainbow aka Idowu Philips and Richard Mofe Damijo
  • Best Writing Award: Volume
  • Best Director: BB Sasore (Breath of Life)
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Governor Sanwo-Olu Receives Prince Harry & Meghan Markle (Photos) 

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Lagos State Governor, Mr. Babajide Sanwo-Olu, received the Duke and Duchess of Sussex, Prince Harry and Meghan Markle, on Sunday.

The British Royal couple was received by Governor Sanwo-Olu; his wife, Dr. Ibijoke, and some members of the State Executive Council during a courtesy visit at Lagos House, Marina.

Prince Harry, accompanied by his wife, Meghan, is on a three-day visit to Nigeria to promote the Invictus Games, which he founded in 2014. The couples had a stopover in Lagos on Sunday.

The Invictus Games are aimed at raising funds and supporting serving members of the military as well as veterans to overcome their physical and mental illness or injuries, which would help them to develop a sense of belonging and increased self-esteem.

Speaking to journalists after a closed door meeting with Prince Harry and Meghan Markle, Governor Sanwo-Olu praised the British Royal couple for the work they are doing with Nigeria’s military men, especially on issues around mental health.

He said: “We are honoured to receive them (Prince Harry and Meghan Markle) at the Lagos House, Marina. We are excited about the ideas and what they are planning to do, especially with the office of the Chief of Defense Staff, General Christopher Musa, and his wife, Mrs. Lilian Musa.

“For Prince Harry, it has been a very interesting and informative trip to the country. He has seen a lot. And part of the things we are hoping he will take away is the diversity and extent of how big our country is, how we continue to ensure that we live together in peace and harmony, and what role Lagos plays in the whole conversation.

“They have been to Kano, Abuja, and now Lagos. I am sure they have their own experience of what Nigeria looks like. We have extended an additional invitation to them that they can always come back when they want to.

“We are indeed happy for what they are doing, especially for our military men, on the conversation around mental health issues and how they can galvanise their various NGOs to ensure that people who require their support, both in the military and private, can seek that support.

“Mental health issues are all around us. Denial and stigmatisation, are some of the things we talked about. And more importantly, at what point in Nigeria can we have the Invictus Games that Prince Harry is known for so that the true Nigerian competitiveness can also be reflected in those games”

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US Announces African Infrastructure Venture Amid China’s Belt and Road Scrutiny

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In recent developments, the United States has announced plans to embark on its own infrastructure project in Africa, particularly in Zambia, the Democratic Republic of Congo, and Angola. This initiative aims to refurbish and extend the Lobito Corridor, a railway system that will stretch through mineral-rich regions, linking Zambia and the Democratic Republic of Congo to an Atlantic port in Angola.

This move comes at a time when China’s efforts to expand its influence in Africa through infrastructure investments, notably its Belt and Road Initiative (BRI), have faced scrutiny. Despite China’s investments, criticisms have emerged regarding the sustainability and completion of projects, prompting a shift in focus towards more manageable and sustainable initiatives.

The U.S, in collaboration with the European Union and African nations, is taking a proactive approach to ensure the success of the Lobito Corridor project. Key aspects include the involvement of private partners like the Africa Finance Corp., plans for long-term operation and maintenance, and capacity development strategies. This signifies a departure from past approaches and a commitment to transparent and sustainable infrastructure development.

Reflecting on China’s BRI, the U.S initiative seeks to learn from past experiences and avoid pitfalls encountered in previous projects. While China denies accusations of creating spheres of influence through its initiatives, concerns persist regarding the social, environmental, and economic impacts of its projects.

As the Lobito Corridor project progresses, attention is drawn to its potential connection with existing Chinese-built railways in the region, such as the Tazara railway linking Zambia and Tanzania. While the specifics are yet to be determined, the focus remains on practical and sustainable solutions that promote economic growth and benefit local communities.

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