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Oworonshoki-Apapa Expressway: Tinubu, Sanwo-Olu, Umahi hail Dangote, HiTech for ‘excellent’ job’
Nasiru Yusuf Ibrahim
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, Lagos State Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu, Minister of Works, Engr David Umahi, among others hailed President of the Dangote Industries Limited, Alhaji Aliko Dangote, and HiTech Construction for their roles in the completion of the Oworonshoki-Apapa Expreswway.
KANO FOCUS reports that Tinubu, represented by Senate President Godswill Akpabio, enthused that the 37 kilometres road, which commenced in 2018 by the former administration and completed in 2024, is a win for all Nigerians.
He explained that the importance of Lagos State to Nigeria makes it very vital and as such must work for the benefit of all.
“Lagos is home to all, I thank Mr Dangote for coming up with this initiative and in partnership with HiTech have delivered the Tenth Wonder of The World…Lagos is not the only state experiencing growth and development under the renewed hope agenda. I also congratulate the Minister of Works David Umahi for his passionate commitment to structural development across Nigeria,” he said.
Speaking on the “extremely poor” condition of the road before December 2018, Mr Dangote stressed that the road “severely hampered the evacuation of goods and restricted access to the markets, paralyzing the shipping and manufacturing industries and disrupting supply chains across the entire economic landscape.
“Before the completion of this road, it used to take two weeks before we get to the port and in about 18 months, we lost over N60bn in demurrage.
“The successful completion of this project is an example of the positive impact that can be achieved when the public sector collaborate with private sector.
“Utilising the visionary framework of Executive Order 007 in Road Infrastructure Development and Refurbishment Investment Tax Credit Scheme, the Dangote Group has been able to mobilise capital for complete refurbishment of the entire 37 kilometres length of Apapa-Isolo-Oworonshoki road and its expansion to 10 lanes.”
Dangote added that the Group was privileged to partner with the Federal Government in the transformative efforts, reaffirming its commitment to national development and prosperity.
He also stated that it is imperative that the scheme should be revisited to make it more viable for the private sector participants.
“In this case, we have so far recovered only 40 per cent of our investments and the balance is not due until 2027, we consider this project merely as Corporate Social Responsibility.
“We believe that a more commercial interest rate recovery should be allowed in view of the high cost of capital in the Nigerian fiscal environment,” he said.
In his remarks, Engr Umahi also commended the Dangote Group for delivering a well-executed project, adding that the quality of the Dangote Cement is a testament to the value seen on the road.
“I was once trapped for 8 hours on my way to the airport and so, I understand how terrible the road was. We are celebrating this project today because it was well done and a display of new technology. It is fully completed with solar-powered streetlights.
“In the same vein, the Third Mainland Bridge wasn’t just another rehabilitation work, a road that has been standing for about 40 years… in an effort to ensure that our bridges last longer, I’m happy to announce that Mr President has approved the ban on excavation of sands 10 kilometres from bridges across Nigeria.”
The governor of Lagos State, Babajide Sanwo-Olu, represented by his deputy, Obafemi Hamzat revealed that about 20 companies had relocated from the Apapa axis of the state owing to the condition of the road, “the state of the road is unimaginable. We are grateful to Aliko Dangote, HiTech for the excellent job they did. It used to take over seven hours to drive from one end of the road to the other, it now takes around an hour,” he said.
Nasiru Yusuf Ibrahim
Dr Goni Faruk Umar has urged Muslims to embrace Taqwa in their daily lives, describing it as a foundation of Islam and a key to righteous conduct and success in this world and the hereafter.
KANO FOCUS reports that the Islamic scholar made the call while delivering a Juma’a sermon at the New Juma’a Mosque, Rumfa College, Kano.
In the sermon, Dr Goni Faruk Umar explained the meaning of Taqwa using classical Islamic scholarship, including an account involving Umar ibn al-Khattab and the companion Ubayy ibn Ka’b to illustrate the concept.
According to the account cited in the sermon, Sayyadina Ubayy once asked Khalifa Umar bin Khattab whether he had ever walked along a thorny path. When Khalifa Umar bin Khattab answered in the affirmative, Sayyadina Ubayy asked how he navigated it. Khalifa Umar bin Khattab replied that he gathered his clothes and proceeded cautiously to avoid being pricked.
Sayyadina Ubayy then explained that this was the essence of Taqwa: being constantly mindful of one’s actions and carefully avoiding what displeases Allah.
Dr Goni Faruk Umar said Taqwa should not be limited to acts of worship but should also guide Muslims’ conduct in contemporary society, particularly in their use of digital platforms and social media, control of the tongue, and relationships within the family.
He urged worshippers to exercise restraint in their speech, act responsibly online and uphold their obligations to family members in accordance with Islamic teachings.
The cleric also highlighted the spiritual and worldly benefits of Taqwa, including relief from hardship, ease in personal affairs, forgiveness of sins and increased rewards in the hereafter.
Quoting verses from the Qur’an, he cited Allah’s promise in Surah At-Talaq, verses 2 and 3, that whoever fears Him will be granted a way out of difficulties and provided for from sources they could not have anticipated.
He also referred to Qur’an 65:4–5, which promises ease in affairs, the removal of sins and the multiplication of rewards for those who maintain Taqwa.
The scholar reminded Muslims that worldly life is temporary and that the hereafter is their permanent destination. He therefore urged them to regard Taqwa as the best provision for the journey beyond this life.
Citing Qur’an 2:197, he emphasised that the best provision for the hereafter is Taqwa, urging believers to remain conscious of their responsibilities to Allah.
The sermon also featured prayers and salutations upon Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him), his family and companions, in accordance with the Qur’anic instruction in Surah Al-Ahzab, verse 56.
Dr Goni Faruk Umar concluded by encouraging Muslims to remain steadfast in faith, follow the guidance of the Prophet and make righteousness a guiding principle in their daily lives.
Nasiru Yusuf Ibrahim
Political allies and loyalists of former Managing Director of the Nigerian Ports Authority (NPA), Arc Aminu Dabo, have begun resigning from the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Kano State following his withdrawal from the ruling party.
KANO FOCUS reports that the supporters, operating under the political group Dabo Alheri Ne, reportedly include members across Kano State’s 44 local government areas.
Barely two days after Dabo announced his resignation from the APC, a prominent stakeholder of the group, Garba Zakiru Dambatta, said members had welcomed the decision and were showing solidarity by submitting their resignation letters to their respective ward party chairmen.
Dambatta, a former APC chairman in Dambatta Local Government Area, said the group’s members were disappointed with what they described as the prolonged marginalisation of Mr Dabo and his supporters within the party.
According to him, despite Mr Dabo’s contributions to the APC and efforts to strengthen the party and manage disagreements among its members, some key stakeholders had continued to sideline him and his loyalists in party activities.
Dambatta reaffirmed the group’s commitment to standing by Mr Dabo’s political decisions and supporting his future political journey.
He also urged the former NPA managing director not to succumb to political pressure or reverse his decision to leave the party.
“This step you have taken, we have the conviction that it is the beginning of a new chapter of goodness in your life,” Dambatta said.
Among the prominent members of the group identified as supporting Mr Dabo’s decision are Abba Rabee’u, a former Senior Special Assistant on Political Awareness; Almustapha Jilani Danmalam, a former Senior Special Assistant on Education; Jamilu Abdullahi Zangon-Mata, a former Senior Special Assistant on Entrepreneurship; and Fahd A. Dabo, a former Special Assistant on Youth Mobilisation.
The individuals reportedly served during the second term of former Kano State Governor Abdullahi Umar Ganduje.
The group also said several other party loyalists and supporters were backing Dabo following his resignation.
However, the statement did not provide the number of members who had formally resigned from the APC or indicate whether the party leadership had responded to the development.
Nasiru Yusuf Ibrahim
Five players of Kano Pillars Amputee Football Club have been invited to the national camp of Nigeria’s Special Super Eagles ahead of the 2026 Amputee Football World Cup in Mexico.
KANO FOCUS reports that invited players are Isah Yusuf, Abba Musa, Habu Friday, Emanuel Betel and Usman Ahmed. They are currently in Abuja with the national team as preparations intensify for the global tournament.
The Team Manager of Kano Pillars Amputee Football Team, Jamilu Uba Adamu, disclosed this in an interview with Ashiru Rabiu Gidan Tudu, Information Officer of the Kano State Sports Commission.
Adamu described the invitation as recognition of the players’ dedication, discipline and outstanding performances.
He expressed confidence that the players would represent Kano State and Nigeria with honour at the championship.
According to him, the call-up also demonstrates Kano Pillars’ commitment to nurturing talented amputee footballers and contributing to the development of the sport in Nigeria.
The 2026 Amputee Football World Cup is scheduled to take place from November 13 to 22 in San Juan de los Lagos, Mexico. A total of 24 countries, including seven African nations, are expected to participate.
The Executive Chairman of the Kano State Sports Commission, Muhammad Tukur Babangida, congratulated the five players on their invitation, describing it as well deserved.
Babangida expressed confidence that they would justify the confidence reposed in them by the national team selectors.
He assured the players of the commission’s continued support and urged them to remain focused, disciplined and committed to making Kano State and Nigeria proud on the international stage.
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