News
Ambode Has Performed Satisfactorily – Buhari
…Unveils Airport Road, Oshodi Transport Interchange, 820 Buses
…With These Projects, The Future Of Lagos Is Secured- Ambode
…Says Airport Flyover Open For Public Use May 10 After Quality Assurance
Nigeria’s President, Muhammadu Buhari on Wednesday commissioned the remodeled Murtala Mohammed International Airport Road, the world class Oshodi Transport Interchange and the 820 high and medium capacity buses for public transportation, stating emphatically that State Governor, Mr. Akinwunmi Ambode performed satisfactorily.
Buhari, who commissioned the three impactful projects at a well-attended ceremony, said he was delighted to unveil the projects as they aptly reflected the drive and success of government in pursuing policies and programmes that will positively impact on its citizen.
“Earlier this morning, I commissioned the Ayinke House of the Institute of Maternal and Child Health and also the Lagos Theatre in Oregun.
“Your Governor, Akinwunmi Ambode has performed satisfactorily and we should all commend him for his contribution to the growth and development of Lagos State,” the President said.
President Buhari said the coming on board of the projects had clearly demonstrated the need to continue to provide high impact projects for the development of infrastructure and opportunities for job creation at all levels, just as he said that the development was in sync with the efforts of the Federal Government to improve infrastructure especially in the transport sector.
“To complement Oshodi Transport Interchange, the Federal Government has recently approved the reconstruction of the Apapa-Oshodi Expressway up to Oworonshoki and Old Toll Gate which was last attended to 40 years ago.
“We have recently commissioned the new International Airport Terminals in Port Harcourt and Abuja, as well as the rail lines from Abuja to Kaduna. The Lagos to Ibadan Rail Line is under construction. Our government will continue to prioritize high impact infrastructure which will vastly improve the lives of our people,” he said.
The President also seized the occasion to thank Lagosians for their support at the 2019 general election, recalling that it was his second working visit to Lagos in the last one year.
In his remarks, Governor Ambode thanked the President for his direct influence and support towards the projects which made it a reality, saying that it was on record that the State has never enjoyed such measure of support from the Federal Government as it had done in the last four years.
He said the Murtala Mohammed Airport Road and the U-Turn Flyover would be open for public use immediately, while the two flyovers would be open for use from May 10 after the quality assurance work is completed.
Governor Ambode said the Terminal 3 of the Oshodi Transport Interchange will become fully operational on May 1, while Terminals 1 and 2 would become operational by the end of May.
He said that the projects were part of his administration’s promise to deliver people-oriented programmes and projects, saying that the development plan of the State has been positively affected through the projects, including the Maternal and Child Health Centre, popularly called Ayinke House, which the President commissioned earlier in the day.
“In our promise to deliver people-oriented projects and programmes, a closer look at all the projects indicate that nearly all the different pillars of our development plan as a State have been affected positively through these projects. The Institute Of Maternal and Child Health at LASUTH contributes to our health and education sectors simultaneously.
“The Lagos Theatre, Ikeja is about our Social Development Sector while the Oshodi Transport Interchange and Buses come under our Transport, Infrastructure and Commerce sectors. The Murtala Mohammed International Airport Road is an Infrastructural Development project.
“All these projects together form the thrust of our vision as a government and the end result is to make life better for all our people, irrespective of gender, tribe or political leanings,” he said.
He said his administration invested the second tranche of the Paris Club refund, in addition to the refund by the Federal Government on Federal road projects executed by States to the construction of the Murtala Mohammed International Airport Road and the Oshodi Transport Interchange, the first of its kind in Africa, while the first tranche of the Paris Club refund to States approved by the President was utilised to pay the 40 per cent down-payment for the 820 buses.
“This is our report card, Mr. President. We have used your approval and releases judiciously because we believe strongly in you, in your leadership and in your vision for our country. This is our modest contribution to the growth and development of our State and to the country in general.
“Mr. President, we believe strongly that the projects being commissioned today are our own modest contributions to the national development of Nigeria. As I said earlier, these projects would not have been possible without Mr. President’s quiet but impactful decision to approve and release the payments of the Paris Club refund and the refund on Federal Road projects incurred by the States,” he said.
Governor Ambode said he was fully optimistic that with the coming on board of the projects, the future prosperity of the State is secured, saying that the level of investment in the last four years in strengthening the social and physical infrastructure base of the State were becoming evident in all sectors of the economy.
“With the completion of these projects and given the level of commitment of the next administration as well as the continuous support of the Federal Government, I am assured that the immediate and future prospects of our State is very bright.
“Mr. President, Lagos State will continue to support your aspirations to move Nigeria to the Next level. The business community in the State are desirous of partnering with your government in moving our economy forward,” he said.
The President, after the commissioning, went on a bus ride with dignitaries to tour the facility and also drove through the remodeled Murtala Mohammed International Airport Road.
Five suspected members of a criminal gang accused of abducting 20 prospective National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) members in Imo State have been arrested in a joint security operation led by the Department of State Services (DSS), in collaboration with the military, police and other security operatives.
The suspects were apprehended in Port Harcourt, Rivers State, and Abia State during intelligence-led operations conducted between October 10 and 14.
Three other suspects reportedly escaped with gunshot wounds, prompting a manhunt for the fleeing members of the gang.
The arrests followed the abduction of 20 prospective corps members along the Owerri-Onitsha Expressway in Imo State on October 1, 2026, while they were travelling from Ibadan, Oyo State, to their assigned NYSC orientation camps in Abia and Akwa Ibom states.
The gunmen attacked two buses conveying the prospective corps members and other passengers near Umunoha in the Mbaitoli Local Government Area of Imo State.
The victims were rescued on October 7 during a joint security operation at Amakohia-Ubi Village in Owerri West Local Government Area of the state. They were subsequently taken to the DSS hospital in Owerri for medical attention and necessary checks.
During the search-and-rescue operation, the police had said their operatives located the kidnappers’ camp through drone surveillance but could not immediately advance because the location was reportedly planted with improvised explosive devices (IEDs). Security agencies later intensified efforts to reach the victims and secure their release.
The latest arrests mark a development in efforts to track down those allegedly responsible for the abduction and dismantle the criminal network.
A security source described the arrests as a major relief, saying security agencies had sustained a manhunt for the suspects.
The General Officer Commanding (GOC) 1 Division, Nigerian Army, Major General Abubakar Sadique Wase, has commended three senior officers posted out of the Division for their professionalism, loyalty and contributions to the service.
Wase gave the commendation during a send-off ceremony held at the Headquarters Conference Room in Kaduna, where he urged the departing officers to sustain their dedication to duty and remain worthy ambassadors of the Division in their new assignments.
According to a statement issued on Friday by the Acting Deputy Director, Army Public Relations, 1 Division, Nigerian Army, Lieutenant Colonel Ajemasu Jingina, the GOC praised the officers for their contributions to the formation, popularly known as the “Stallion Family.”
He urged them to remain focused on their respective career paths and uphold the values and standards of the Nigerian Army wherever they were posted.
Speaking on behalf of the departing officers, Brigadier General Oluwasegun Okungbure expressed gratitude to God for His protection and guidance throughout their service in the Division.
Okungbure also appreciated the GOC for organising the ceremony, while thanking the Chief of Staff, commanders, principal staff officers and colleagues for their support and camaraderie.
He assured the GOC that the departing officers would continue to uphold the Division’s values and represent the formation positively in their new assignments.
In a related development, Wase reaffirmed the Division’s commitment to strengthening its partnership with the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) to enhance the safety and security of corps members in Kaduna State.
He gave the assurance on October 15, 2026, while receiving the Kaduna State NYSC Coordinator, Mr Abubakar Bawa, during a familiarisation visit to the Division’s headquarters in Kaduna.
Bawa said the visit was intended to formally introduce himself and strengthen the existing relationship between the NYSC and the Nigerian Army.
He acknowledged the Army’s continued support, particularly in providing security for corps members during orientation exercises, and appealed for sustained cooperation to ensure their safety across the state.
Responding, Wase welcomed the delegation and reaffirmed the Division’s commitment to supporting the NYSC in discharging its statutory responsibilities.
He emphasised the importance of the Scheme in promoting national unity, integration and youth development, assuring the delegation of the Army’s continued cooperation.
The engagements, according to the statement, reflected the Division’s commitment to recognising meritorious service and strengthening partnerships with institutions that contribute to national development and security.
President Bola Tinubu has nominated six persons for positions in the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) and reappointed Dr Bala Bila as a National Commissioner ahead of the 2027 general elections.
The nominations cover four National Commissioner positions and two Resident Electoral Commissioner (REC) positions, with the nominees subject to Senate screening and confirmation.
According to a statement issued on Friday by the President’s Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, Professor Mustapha Aliu has been nominated to replace Professor Abdullahi Zuru as the National Commissioner representing the North-West.
Bashir Muhammed Umar was nominated to replace Professor Muhammad Adamu as the North-Central representative, while Mrs Oluwatoyin Babalola, the current REC in Osun State, was nominated as the South-West National Commissioner.
Babalola is expected to succeed Professor Cornelius Ajayi, whose tenure expires on October 24.
For the REC positions, Tinubu nominated retired permanent secretary Dr Samuel Akinjide Akinleye to represent Ekiti State and Zahradden Basiru Sanusi from Jigawa State to replace Professor Saidu Ahmed Babura.
Onanuga said the nominations were necessitated by vacancies arising from the expiration of the tenures of serving officials.
The President urged the Senate to expedite the confirmation process to ensure the vacancies are filled ahead of the general elections scheduled for January next year.
The nominees will assume their positions subject to Senate screening and confirmation.
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