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kwara Spends N6.5bn On Water Scheme In Eight Years

Published

5 years ago

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Eniola Olayemi

 

“The water project has never functioned. Not a single drop of water has come out from it so it has no benefit. People have turned it to a relaxation spot,” Tajudeen Quadri of Oja Gboro said.

Residents of Ilorin, the Kwara State capital, have refuted claims by the Kwara State Government that it spent N6.5billion on Water Reticulation Project to provide water for residents of the state.

Residents of Oja Oba, Maraba, Abdulazeez Attah, Jebba and environs denied the existence of the project in their communities, contrary to claims by Abdulfatah Ahmed, Governor of Kwara State.

The Governor had claimed that the project would supply water to 48,000 homes in the state capital, adding that residents would now have access to water within 500-metre radius of their homes.

“With the completion of this phase, it is safe to say that we have recorded significant milestones in our effort to ensure that every resident has access to water within a 500-meter radius. This project also takes us closer to achieving one of the targets of Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) No. 6 which aims to achieve universal access to safe and affordable drinking water for all by the year 2030,” the Governor had said.

However, findings by the Elites Network for Sustainable Development (ENetSuD), a Kwara-based Civil Society Organisation (CSO), reveal that the project was not executed and, in some places, partly executed. In other places, the projects were found to be out of order.

According to Dr. Abdullateef Alagbonsi, Coordinator of ENetSuD, the Ilorin water reticulation project was initiated in 2009 during the Bukola Saraki government.

“Ilorin water reticulation project is one of the major projects inherited by the current administration of Alhaji Abdulfatai Ahmed from his predecessor, Dr. Abubakar Bukola Saraki. The project started in year 2009 and has remained one of the most controversial projects since that time. It has gulped several billions of naira since almost a decade that it commenced but it’s sad that the light has not been sighted at any end of the tunnel,” Alagbonsi said.

The water project was said to be 98 per cent completed in 2014 by Yomi Ogunsola, the then Senior Special Assistant to Governor Abdulfatah Ahmed on Investment Promotion and Strategy, But four years down the line, the government is yet to complete the supposedly remaining 2 per cent. The water project was commissioned on November 22, 2018 and listed areas where the completed water projects were located. However, a visit to the locations provided by the state government contradicted claims by the state government.

Residents who spoke on the water project lamented the inefficiency of the government to keep the project running. They said the only time it functioned was during the commissioning. Kadija Usman, a resident of Sabo, said since its completion, the borehole has only functioned during the rainy season.

“The only time we get water from this tap is only during the raining season. Now that it is in dry season, it is not flowing. The time we need water the most is during the dry season. They should make it function every time,” she said.

Bolakale Olateju, a resident of Oja-Oba in Ilorin, said the government’s claim that the project was done in Oja-Oba area was totally false. He also said residents were hopeful of the project coming to their community because of lack of water.

“There is nothing like that in this environment,” Olateju said.

“There is actually one in Ita Ajia and Ile Film but not in Oja-oba, Apalando and Gbagba, there is nothing here. We have been hoping for a long time that the government will come here but we couldn’t contact those in charge to tell them that we need the project in our environment. Our effort was in vain. If you go round, you would not see one in this neighbourhood. We beg the government to look into it because we are badly in need of water in our community.”

Residents of Coca-Cola road, Unity, University of Ilorin Teaching Hospital (UITH), Flower Garden and Offa road all maintained that the project was not initiated in their communities as announced by the state government.

“We are yet to see anything regarding to that. Nothing has been done at all. We advised them to move closer to the people and give us what we need. Those doing it did not get here at all. Nothing was done here. We usually suffer before getting water in our neighbourhood,” said Eze Julius.

On his part, Mr Bello Abdulmojeed said: “I have been staying in Flower Garden for over 20 years and for so long time, we’ve been suffering from the absence of water that most residents decided to do a borehole to serve themselves. The government did not do anything here.”

Mustapha also expressed the same fate saying, “I don’t think the water was done here because from CBN to flower garden, there is nothing here”.

He urged the government to ensure they do projects budgeted to bring development to the state.

In some parts of the state, where boreholes were found, residents complained that they rarely supplied water.

Lukman said residents of Ita Amodu junction were happy when the project was announced. However, since the borehole was built, it never supplied water.

“We were happy when they announced they will provide water for us, because that is one of the things we are suffering from — lack of water. Since it was completed, it has never worked. They lied to us,” he said.

Prince M.A. Edogu, who lives in Taiwo Isale, said it only worked when it was commissioned but after that, it stopped supplying water.

Mustapha Abdulniyi, a resident of Gambari said: “We have not benefitted from this project because since it was done, we only got water from it twice. The first time was when it was newly built and once after then. They should not make the project a camouflage as it would amount to waste of resources.”

Tajudeen Quadri of Oja Gboro said the borehole spot had become a relaxation spot because the residents found it useless.

“The water project has never functioned. Not a single drop of water has come out from it so it has no benefit. People have turned it to a relaxation spot,” he said.

Likewise, Mallam Ibrahim said the borehole supplied water only twice since completion. He added that resident’s were beginning to complain and asking the state government to demolish it.

Meanwhile, Alfa Ahmed Soliu, who lives in Ita Ajia, said water flows from the borehole not every time. “It flows well but it does not come out every time,” he said. “They should make it come out every day for people to enjoy it well.”

There is no place the water project was found to be working.

ENetSuD is demanding that the Kwara State government provides the exact locations the water project was implemented and sustained, and also provide a full breakdown of how the said N6.5billion was spent on the project.

 

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Access Bank Group, Aig-Imoukhuede Foundation Pledge $300m to Transform Africa’s Economic Landscape

Published

4 days ago

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May 16, 2024

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“We can’t wait to be saved; Africans need to solve Africa’s problems. This $300 million commitment reflects this reality’’ – Aig-Imoukhuede

AJAGBE ADEYEMI TESLIM

SPONSORED BY: H&H

The Aig-Imoukhuede Foundation and Access Bank Group have pledged $300 million in charitable commitments over the next 20 years. Access Bank has committed $200 million and Aig-Imoukhuede Foundation committed $100 million.

President Paul Kagame, President of the Republic of Rwanda and Aigboje Aig-Imoukhuede, Chairman, Access Holdings PLC, at the Africa CEO Forum 2024 in Kigali…Thursday.

This will fund African government initiatives with a proven potential to transform national economic performance.

Speaking about the commitment, Aigboje Aig-Imoukhuede, Chairman, Access Holdings and Co-Founder, Aig-Imoukhuede Foundation, said, “We can’t wait to be saved, Africans need to solve Africa’s problems. This $300 million commitment reflects this reality.”

President Paul Kagame, President of the Republic of Rwanda and Aigboje Aig-Imoukhuede, Chairman, Access Holdings PLC, at the Africa CEO Forum 2024 in Kigali…Thursday.

Appropriately, this announcement was made at the Africa CEO Forum 2024 in Kigali, Rwanda, where the theme of this year’s event is ‘At the table or on the menu?’. At the event, CEOs from across the continent joined to discuss how Africa can demand a seat at the global table, rather than continuing to wait to be invited.

The fund will see the creation of an African-led Super NGO in partnership with academics, experts and philanthropists across the globe who are committed to closing the gap between Africa and the rest of the world. The NGO will work with African governments to provide the funding, governance and talent required to successfully execute game changing government reform programs, especially in the delivery of digital public infrastructure.

The development comes at a time when Ajay Banga, President of the World Bank, has warned wealthy countries that it would be short-sighted to “ignore” Africa. This landmark Africa-led initiative could not have been better timed.

Aigboje Aig-Imoukhuede, Chairman, Access Holdings PLC and Co-founder, Aig-Imoukhuede Foundation and Ofovwe Aig-Imoukhuede, Co-founder, Aig-Imoukhuede Foundation, on the sidelines of the Africa CEO Forum 2024 in Kigali…Thursday.

“We African leaders cannot sit back and watch the 4th Industrial Revolution transform the rest of the world while leaving Africa falling further behind. We have to create our own ‘table’ by using technology to unlock the power of our youth, giving Africa a greater voice in the world. It’s today’s leaders who will determine whether or not we grab this opportunity,” Aigboje Aig-Imoukhuede continued.

The availability of digital public infrastructure is a proven and cost-effective way for developing nations to break free of the status quo. It provides citizens with access to the same public goods and services available to citizens of advanced nations.

The India Stack has become a shining example of what can be achieved when visionary public and private sector leaders partner for development.

The Access Bank and Aig-Imoukhuede Foundation inspired NGO will make such partnerships a reality and delivering measurable improvements to the lives of Africans across the continent.

Notes to Editor:
For media inquiries, please contact:
communication@aigafrica.org or +234 808 5716 788
mediarelations@accessbankplc.com or +234 803 320 4315

ABOUT THE AIG-IMOUKHUEDE FOUNDATION
The Aig-Imoukhuede Foundation is a public sector-focused philanthropic organisation founded by Aigboje and Ofovwe Aig-Imoukhuede to improve the lives of Africans through transformed public service delivery and increased access to quality primary healthcare. The Aig-Imoukhuede Foundation accomplishes its mission by supporting the reform initiatives of public sector entities, providing financing, technical support, and capacity-building programmes and resources for the public sector workforce. The Foundation also provides funding and strategic support to drive the work of affiliate organisations such as Africa Business Coalition for Health (ABC Health), the Private Sector Health Alliance of Nigeria (PSHAN), the Nigerian Solidarity Support Fund (NSSF) and others.

For more information, please visit www.aigimoukhuedefoundation.org.

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AIGBOJE AIG-IMOUKHUEDE APPOINTED PRESIDENT OF FRANCE NIGERIA BUSINESS COUNCIL

Published

5 days ago

on

May 14, 2024

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AIGBOJE AIG-IMOUKHUEDE APPOINTED PRESIDENT OF FRANCE NIGERIA BUSINESS COUNCIL

AJAGBE ADEYEMI TESLIM

SPONSORED BY: H&H

At the esteemed Choose France Summit 2024, held on Monday, May 13, 2024, Aigboje Aig-Imoukhuede, the Chairman of Access Holdings PLC, was formally appointed as the President of the France Nigeria Business Council (FNBC) by the President of the French Republic, President Emmanuel Macron.

Aigboje Aig-Imoukhuede having a handshake and a tête-à-tête with President Macron at the Council’s meeting with the President, and Gilbert Chagoury looking on.

The France Nigeria Business Council (FNBC) stands as a pivotal coalition of Nigerian private sector business leaders, committed to enhancing bilateral relations between Nigeria and France. Its core objectives revolve around the facilitation of trade, investments, infrastructural development, job creation, and cultural integration between the two nations.

Since its establishment in June 2021 under the auspices of President Emmanuel Macron, the FNBC has diligently utilised its member network to champion investments across key business sectors, fostering cultural understanding and driving economic growth between Nigeria and France. Notably, it has catalysed Nigerian businesses’ ventures into investment opportunities within France.

Comprising 13 distinguished members, the Council boasts prominent figures including Aigboje Aig-Imoukhuede (President), Abdul Samad Rabiu, Gilbert Chagoury, Mike Adenuga, Aliko Dangote, Jim Ovia, Tony Elumelu, and John Coumantaros. Additionally, Kola Karim, Leo Stan Ekeh, Daisy Danjuma, Gbenga Agboola, and Jean Haas serve as integral members, with Jean Haas holding the position of Secretary.

Aig-Imoukhuede’s appointment follows the passing of Herbert Wigwe, the Council’s former President, in February 2024.

Aigboje Aig-Imoukhuede having a handshake and a tête-à-tête with President Macron at the Council’s meeting with the President, and Gilbert Chagoury looking on.

The Choose France Summit is an annual gathering that convenes business magnates, investors, and governmental dignitaries to explore investment prospects within France. The highlight of the Summit was the Presidential Dinner, characterised by high-level engagements and mutual commitments between participating parties.

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ACCESS BANK (SL) LTD STRENGTHENS LEADERSHIP TEAM WITH KEY BOARD APPOINTMENTS, NAMES NEW CHAIRMAN

Published

7 days ago

on

May 13, 2024

By

AJAGBE ADEYEMI TESLIM

SPONSORED BY: H&H

Access Bank Sierra Leone Ltd (‘Access Bank (SL) Ltd’) has announced the appointment of new executives to its Board of Directors (‘the Board’), further strengthening its leadership team and advancing the implementation of its growth and transformation strategy.

These appointments also reflect the Bank’s commitment to fostering growth and development while maintaining the highest standards of governance and stewardship.

Joining the Board as Non-Executive Directors are Maurice Nathaniel Cole, Nsikak N. Usoro, Michala Mackay, Ibrahim Khalil Lamin, and Kolawole Augustine Ajimoko.

The appointees boast a wealth of expertise from diverse sectors, including banking, telecommunications, corporate governance, compliance, and finance. Their combined experience and vision will contribute to shaping the future trajectory of Access Bank (SL) Ltd.

Cole will serve as Chairman, following the exit of Alice Marie Onomake and will bring his experience to the fore as Access Bank (SL) Ltd works to consolidate its market position and deliver value for all its stakeholders.

“We are thrilled to welcome our new executives to Access Bank (SL) Ltd,” said Ganiyu Sanni, Country Managing Director, Access Bank Sierra Leone Ltd. “Their leadership and vision will be invaluable as we navigate through challenges and pursue sustained success. We extend our gratitude to outgoing Chairman, Alice Marie Onomake, and Non-Executive Director, Aminata B. Dumbuya, for their dedicated service and contributions to the Bank.”

Access Bank (SL) Ltd remains committed to excellence, transparency, and accountability as it embarks on this exciting new chapter. The Bank looks forward to leveraging the collective expertise of its leadership team to drive innovation, foster growth, and create lasting impact for its customers and communities.

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