News

Plateau Govt moves to resolve disruption of work at British-American flyover

Published

4 years ago

May 6, 2022

Preport

Plateau govt moves to resolve disruption of work at British American flyover

Plateau State Government has taken swift action to resolve the attempt to disrupt ongoing construction work at the British-American flyover by some aggrieved workers who protested against the company for inadequate payment.

In a statement signed by the Commissioner for Works, Hon. Pam Bot-Mang said the ministry has held a separate meeting with the aggrieved workers to resolve the issues.

The statement said, “The attention of the Plateau State Ministry of Works has been drawn to a purported demonstration by some workers on the construction of the British-American Flyover and Dualisation to Lamingo Roundabout Junction which took place on Thursday 5th May 2022.

Bot-Mang said the demonstration was said to have been carried out by some aggrieved workers of the construction company who were expressing their grievances against the contractor, Craneburg Nigeria Ltd.

“As a result of the demonstration, work was reportedly interrupted at the construction site as some of the aggrieved workers sought to have their demands addressed by the management of the construction firm.

“On getting the information, the Ministry of Works summoned a meeting separately with the aggrieved Staff and Management of the company with the view to hearing from both sides and also intervening.”

He explained that some of the grievances of the workers include demand for increment of salaries, payment of overtime allowances, provision of canteen and other support amenities among others.

“The Management of Craneburg Construction Company has also given its side of the story by providing evidence to show that they have paid overtime allowances to deserving workers as well as consistently paying every staff the amount indicated in their letter of employment as an when due.

“While more discussions are on going to ensure that the matter is resolved amicably, it is important to state that the Plateau State Government through the Ministry of Works pays every seriousness to the progress of the flyover project and the welfare of all workers.

“Indeed, the Ministry of Works on the directive of His Excellency Governor Simon Bako Lalong insisted that a substantial number of workers must be employed from the State as a way of empowering the citizens. This was achieved as the company complied.”

He said Government wishes to reassure the workers that everything possible will be done to ensure that the rights and privileges of workers are protected while the work goes on.

“At the same time, it will also work to ensure that the company’s interests and ability to carry out the work unhindered and according to the terms of agreement is not compromised.”

He warn that it will not allow underground political interests to truncate the laudable project as it is in posession of intelligence reports that indicate that some individuals and groups are bent on instigating disharmony using the workers to ensure that the project does not progress.

“It is important to remind the citizens of Plateau State in general and the workers in particular that the construction of the British-American Flyover is a major economic decision by the Rescue Administration whose benefits are enormous for the State and nation at large.

“All citizens particularly workers of the construction company must be vigilant and guard against the antics of mischief makers and enemies of Plateau State who take joy in sowing seeds of discord to score cheap political points.”

News

“Four-Day Journey Made It Tough, But I Came for the Title” – Ogundiran, Nigeria Fastest Woman

Published

15 minutes ago

June 23, 2026

Preport

USA-based sprinter Blessing Ogundiran overcame travel disruptions and an exhausting four-day journey from the United States to emerge as Nigeria’s fastest woman after winning the women’s 100m title at the Commonwealth Games Trials in Lagos on Monday.

Competing at the Yaba College of Technology Sports Complex, Ogundiran produced a brilliant run of 11.12 seconds (-0.5m/s) to claim victory in a highly competitive final and secure the national crown.

Read Also: President Federation Cup: FC Robo Queens Eye Historic Final Spot Against Heartland Queens in Benin

The newly crowned champion revealed after the race that her preparation for the event was far from ideal, having endured a lengthy trip caused by weather-related challenges in the United States.

“It was a tough time getting here after traveling for almost four days due to what happened in the US (storm), but I am grateful to God that I am going back with the title,” Ogundiran said.
She added that the advice from her coach before the race played a key role in helping her stay composed under pressure.

“When I was at the start block, I was thinking of what my coach told me—that I should just execute my race and not panic—and that was exactly what I did.”

Ogundiran was pushed all the way by the impressive Miracle Ezechukwu, who clocked a personal best of 11.15 seconds to finish second.

Her performance also earned her qualification for the Ben Aghazu Excellence in Athletics Prize, an initiative established to reward outstanding performances by home-based athletes.

Another USA-based sprinter, Olayinka Olajide, completed the podium places with a time of 11.28 seconds.
Ezechukwu’s remarkable run received special praise from Athletics Federation of Nigeria (AFN) Second Vice President, Akuchukwu Aghazu, the initiator of the Excellence in Athletics Prize.

“This is exactly what the Excellence in Athletics Prize was created to achieve – to inspire our athletes to push beyond limits and believe in their abilities,” Aghazu said.

“Seeing Miracle Ezechukwu achieve the benchmark with a personal best performance is rewarding. It shows that when athletes are given motivation and a platform to compete, they respond positively.”
Aghazu reiterated her commitment to supporting athletes based in Nigeria and hailed the overall quality of competition on display.

“Our home-based athletes are incredibly talented. They deserve recognition, encouragement and opportunities to excel.

The Excellence in Athletics Prize is about celebrating hard work, dedication and excellence, and today’s performances have justified that vision.”

Elsewhere, Olympian Chukwuebuka Enekwechi claimed the men’s shot put title with a throw of 21.46m, securing the national crown for the fifth consecutive time since representing Nigeria, while Oyesade Oyetayo won the men’s hammer throw with 65.07m.

The men’s 100m competition also gathered momentum, with Favour Ashe, Chidera Ezeakor, Fakorede Adekalu, Tejiri Godwin, and Enoch Adegoke all progressing to Tuesday’s semifinals and final after winning their respective heats.

In the 400m semifinals, top contenders including Patience Okon-George, IyanuOluwa Aderemi (51.86s PB), Taiwo Kudoro, Faith Ezechukwu, Jecinter Lawrence, and Becky Ebiyadi booked places in the women’s final.

In the men’s category, Emmanuel Ojeli, Sikiru Adeyemi, Victor Sampson, Samson Nathaniel, Victory Achakpoekri, and Tyler Johnson advanced to the final.

The final day of the trials will feature the men’s and women’s 200m finals, the 400m finals, as well as the 100m and 110m hurdles events.

The event attracted several athletics legends and stakeholders, including Mary Onyali, Solomon Ogba, Chief Malik Itiako Ikpokpo, Hameed Adio, Gloria Obajimi and Emilia Edet, who witnessed another memorable chapter in Nigeria’s growing athletics resurgence.

Business

Ondo Police Foil Two Kidnap Attempts in Owo, Rescue Victims and Family Members

Published

1 hour ago

June 23, 2026

Preport

BY SUNDAY SAMUEL—The Ondo State Police Command under the proactive leadership of CP Felix Ohagwu psc, mnips, mspsp has successfully foiled two separate kidnap attempts in Owo Local Government Area of the State, rescuing all victims involved and forcing the fleeing criminals to abandon their mission following swift and coordinated security operations.

The incidents, which occurred within a few hours of each other on Sunday, 21st June, 2026, underscore the Command’s proactive operational readiness and the effectiveness of ongoing efforts aimed at combating kidnapping and other violent crimes across the State.

The first incident occurred at about 7:05 p.m. when the Police received a distress call indicating that a six-man armed kidnapping gang had stormed the residence of Pastor Taiwo Taiwo, Chairman of Ojana New Area, Owo, with the intention of abducting him. Acting promptly on the information, the Divisional Police Officer, B Division, Owo, mobilized and led a patrol team to the scene.

Upon arrival, the operatives encountered the armed assailants, leading to an exchange of gunfire. The superior tactical response and determination of the Police operatives forced the criminals to retreat into the surrounding bush, abandoning their plan. The intended victim and his family members were successfully rescued unharmed and subsequently relocated to a safer location for enhanced security and protection.

In a related development later that same night, at about 11:10 p.m., another armed gang attacked one Daniel Ologun, a 39-year-old resident of Gbegun Community along Alhaja Camp, off Housing Estate, Owo. During the attack, the victim sustained a gunshot wound to his left leg while the assailants forcefully took his wife, Mrs. Taibat Ologun, aged 34 years, and their two young children, aged four and two years respectively, into the bush.

Upon receiving information about the incident, the Police immediately launched a rescue operation. The rapid deployment of operatives and sustained pressure mounted on the fleeing kidnappers disrupted their movement and compelled them to abandon the Mr Daniel Ologun. In a coordinated search-and-rescue effort involving the Police and personnel of the Nigerian Army, Mrs. Ologun and her two children were later successfully rescued unhurt from the assailants who escaped with gunshot injurieat about 1:50 a.m.

The injured victim was promptly taken to the Federal Medical Centre (FMC), Owo, where he is currently receiving medical attention and responding positively to treatment.
Meanwhile, joint security teams comprising Police operatives and military personnel have intensified bush-combing operations in the affected areas and adjoining forests with a view to apprehending the fleeing suspects and dismantling any criminal hideouts within the axis. Efforts are ongoing to track down all members of the criminal gangs involved in the attacks and bring them to justice.

CP Felix Ohagwu, psc, mnips, mspsp, has directed that the rescued victims be immediately debriefed to obtain additional information that may assist ongoing investigations and intelligence-gathering efforts aimed at identifying and apprehending the fleeing suspects. Afterwhich all rescued victims be reunited with their families while ensuring that necessary security measures are put in place for their continued safety and well-being.

The CP commends the bravery and swift response of the operatives involved in both operations, as well as the support of the Nigerian Army and members of the public who provided timely information that aided the successful rescue missions.

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