The Minister Of Transportation, Mu’azu Sambo, has commended the Plateau State government on the completion of Federal Government road projects in the state.
A statement by the ministry’s Director of Press and Public Relations, Henshaw Ogubike, quoted Sambo as saying this when he led the Presidential Committee for the Verification of Federal Roads Intervened to the Plateau State government.
The Projects inspected are Heipang-Mararaban Jama’a and Mararaban Jama’a British American Junction, Polo Roundabout to Farin Gada, Secretariat Flyover, and British American Junction Flyover.
The minister said the four projects were in order, assuring the state reimbursement would be made.
The statement read in part,”This visit is by a team that constitutes part of the ministerial committee to assess road projects that were undertaken by the Plateau state government on designated Federal highways.
“It is also for the purpose of reimbursing the state government with monies expended in carrying out such projects.
“We have seen the projects, four of them. As somebody who knows Jos very well, I am highly impressed because if I had come alone, I probably would have missed my way due to the quality of flyovers and roads that I saw.
“The state government needs to be commended and for this project, the reimbursement is timely and in order,” he said.
The Deputy Governor of Plateau State, Prof. Sonni Tyoden, said the verification of the projects being carried out by the presidential committee was evidence that the state government has been working.
He said, “As stated by the minister, the four projects are in order in terms of quality and usefulness to the people and as a state, we are looking forward to the reimbursement by the Federal Government.
“Coming at this time, it will help the state and the citizens of Plateau state. However, the state government will not relent in completing projects which would be of benefit to the people.”
Former Super Eagles defender Godwin Okpara has said the absence of Victor Osimhen and Ademola Lookman for Nigeria’s upcoming friendly matches against Poland and Portugal presents a major opportunity for other players to step up and prove themselves.
Speaking ahead of the international friendlies, the former Paris Saint-Germain F.C. defender explained that it was important to allow some key players rest after demanding club seasons.
“After such long seasons, it is good to allow some players rest,” Okpara said.
According to the former Super Eagles star, the coaching crew and Nigerian supporters already understand the quality Osimhen and Lookman bring to the national team.
“We already know what those players can offer,” he implied.
Okpara stressed that the absence of established stars should motivate other members of the squad to seize their opportunities.
“This is the time for others to step up,” he noted.
The former defender also challenged the current players in camp to create a difficult selection situation for coach Eric Chelle.
“They must give the coach a selection headache,” he added.
Nigeria’s upcoming friendly matches are expected to provide opportunities for several new and fringe players to impress ahead of future competitive fixtures.
“The games could help reveal more options for the team,” many football observers believe.
The Super Eagles continue rebuilding under Chelle as competition for places within the squad grows stronger.
“Every player now understands that opportunities are available,” supporters continue to say.
For Godwin Okpara, the message is clear.
Resting key players is understandable.
New players must maximize their opportunities.
And healthy competition can only improve the Super Eagles moving forward.
Because successful teams grow stronger when every player is ready to deliver when called upon.
BY NKECHI NAECHE -ESEZOBOR—The Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) has officially inaugurated a new committee dedicated to fast-tracking the countrywide migration to Internet Protocol version 6 (IPv6). The establishment of this specialized board, which took place during an industry event in Ikeja, Lagos, marks a decisive regulatory effort to modernize the nation’s digital infrastructure and secure its electronic future.
A prominent telecom executive, Olusola Teniola of ipNX, has been appointed to the newly formed panel. He joins a distinguished group of private sector pioneers and public sector representatives, including Funke Opeke, panel chairman Muhammed Rudman, vice chairman Chris Uwaje, Mary Uduma, Gbenga Adebayo, Lanre Ajayi, and Latif Ladid. Together, this collaborative body will work alongside key government institutions to oversee the technological shift.
Reflecting on the initiative, Teniola emphasized that upgrading the nation’s internet framework is an immediate necessity rather than a long-term goal. He noted that with skyrocketing data usage and the rapid proliferation of next-generation technologies like 5G, artificial intelligence, and the Internet of Things (IoT), Nigeria must build a scalable, secure, and globally competitive foundation to support its expanding digital economy.
The newly formed committee is charged with a comprehensive mandate, which includes drafting a national deployment blueprint, monitoring adoption metrics, and providing regular progress updates. Additionally, the team will focus on overcoming existing structural bottlenecks, enhancing local technical capacity, and recommending policy incentives to encourage universal participation.
Achieving widespread implementation will require deep alignment across network operators, internet service providers, corporate enterprises, academia, and state authorities. Industry leaders stress that this transition is a collective responsibility, requiring deliberate investment in public awareness and skill development to ensure Nigeria remains a frontrunner in the global digital landscape.