Ward Chairman of Minna South of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Salihu Ibrahim, has said that the inability of the palliatives committee to reach out to the people for the distribution of the food items as stipulated by the state governor was due to the late release of the money by the government.
The ward chairman who disclosed this while speaking with our reporter who was on a fact finding visit to some of the polling units today in Kpakungu area of Chanchaga LGA of Niger state, where palliatives were expected to be distributed to the people, said that the committee members received the money on Monday night.
According to him, on receiving the money, they have to go to the market to purchase the food items that will be shared among the people, adding that the process was yet to be completed between yesterday, which was Wednesday and today Thursday.
Sahihu Ibrahim, however, disclosed further that the trucks of rice to be given to each ward as announced by the Executive Governor could not be found anywhere in Minna.
This development, according to him, was also a problem, saying the government should have made all of these items available before making the pronouncement.
The APC ward chairman informed Newsline that residents of all the 41 polling units under Minna South Ward, which were under his watch, "all came out in their large numbers waiting to receive their share of palliatives, but no committee members were forthcoming, so nothing happened between yesterday and today".
He, however, said that he only appealed to the people to remain calm and be patient while efforts were being made to come to their aid with the distribution of palliatives.
Efforts to speak with the Chairman of Chanchaga Local Government Council, Hon. Aminu Ladan, who, according to the ward chairman, was a member of the palliative committee constituted by the governor, were not successful as he refused to respond to phone calls put to him by this reporter.
Meanwhile, some of the residents of the Kpakungu community who spoke with Newsline on the issue of palliatives on condition of anonymity, however, heaped blame on the government for not being sincere on the distribution arrangements, saying that sending money meant for the exercise to each ward was not the right thing to do and rather the government should have taken full responsibility of using the money to purchase all the expected food items to be distributed.
According to them, the receivers of this money will only enrich themselves while the masses will be left out of the whole thing without seeing anything, and they called on the state government to do the needful by addressing the lapses.
In a contract signing ceremony held yesterday, Fulus Group Limited was announced as one of the prominent contractors entrusted with the responsibility of spearheading the long-awaited 3-arm zone project in Minna.
The ambitious initiative aims to construct and redevelop infrastructure, office complexes, and housing facilities for members of the legislature, executive, and judiciary. The project, which has been stalled for many years, received a much-needed boost with the involvement of Fulus Group Limited and three other reputable contractors.
The contract signing ceremony that took place at Government House, Minna, yesterday was supervised by the Governor of Niger State, Hon. Mohammed Umaru Bago.
It marked a significant milestone in the realisation of the 3-arm zone project. Governor Bago expressed his confidence in the selected contractors, emphasising the importance of quality delivery and professionalism in executing the project.
During the event, the Managing Director of Fulus Group Limited, Dr. Babagana Mohammed Adam, spoke about the company's commitment to ensuring the successful completion of the project. Dr. Adam highlighted Fulus Group's extensive experience in handling similar large-scale projects and its financial capability to swiftly commence the construction process.
In an exclusive interview, Dr. Adam stated that "we are honoured to be chosen as one of the key contractors for this prestigious project.
"Fulus Group Limited has a proven track record of delivering high-quality infrastructure projects, and we are determined to bring our expertise to the table. Our team of professionals is fully prepared to tackle the challenges and complexities of the 3-arm zone project, he said.
He further added that "we understand the significance of this redevelopment in providing modern and sustainable facilities for the legislatures, executives, and judiciary. Fulus Group Limited is committed to upholding the highest standards of construction and ensuring that every aspect of the project is meticulously executed".
The 3-arm zone project holds immense potential to transform the administrative landscape of Minna and enhance the working environment for government officials.
It is expected to boost efficiency and productivity while providing state-of-the-art infrastructure and housing facilities.
Also, in the side interview with the Commissioner for Housing and Urban Renewal, Hon. Abubakar Umar, he said the project will definitely transform and renew the landscape of the urban city of Minna.
He said this was the beginning of many things to come, as the ministry under him will spare nothing to ensure the quality of work executed. He commended the governor for reviving the 3 Arms Zone project.
The involvement of Fulus Group Limited, known for its expertise in executing large-scale projects, has instilled renewed hope among the stakeholders. With their financial capability and commitment to quality delivery, the project is poised to move forward swiftly, bridging the gap created by the years of delay.
The Minna redevelopment project is anticipated to generate employment opportunities, stimulate economic growth, and improve the overall quality of life for the people of Niger State.
As the construction phase commences, all eyes will be on the contractors to fulfil their promises and deliver a project that aligns with the aspirations of the state government and its citizens.
The commissioner for housing and urban renewal said that with Fulus Group Limited at the forefront, the 3-arm zone project is set to redefine the landscape of Minna and establish a benchmark for future development endeavours in Niger State.
"The collaboration between the selected contractors and the government has laid a strong foundation for a successful and transformative project that will benefit generations to come", he affirmed.
