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Buhari Swears In Three New INEC National Commissioners

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President Muhammadu Buhari has sworn three new National Commissioners into the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC).
The ceremony was performed briefly before the commencement of the week’s virtual Federal Executive Council (FEC) meeting at the Presidential Villa in Abuja.
Those sworn-in include Dr Baba Bila representing the North-East zone, Professor Sani Adam, North-Central and Professor Abdullahi Abdu, representing North-West.
Buhari is currently presiding over the week’s virtual FEC meeting in the conference room of the First Lady’s office at the Presidential Villa.

The Vice President Yemi Osinbajo (SAN) and Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF), Boss Mustapha, are among those physically attending the meeting.
Also present are the Ministers of Information and Culture, Lai Mohammed; Attorney-General and Minister of Justice, Abubakar Malami; and Water Resources, Suleiman Adamu.
Others include Ministers of Finance, Budget and National Planning, Zainab Ahmed; Works and Housing, Babtunde Fashola (SAN) and Interior, Ogbeni Rauf Aregbeshola.
The Head of Civil Service of the Federation, Dr Folashade Yemi-Esan and other Ministers are attending virtually from their various offices in Abuja.

Insecurity: Buhari Pushes For Arms, Explosives Mop Up

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President Muhammadu Buhari has taken another conscious step towards the mopping up of existing Small Arms and Light Weapons, which have fueled insecurity across the country.
He urged the Senate to pass two bills seeking to control small arms, light weapons and explosives.
Also, Defence Minister Bashir Magashi briefed the House of Representatives Committee on Defence on the recent agreement with Russia aimed at tackling insecurity.
In August, Nigeria and Russia signed an agreement for the Russian Armed Forces to train and supply the Nigerian Armed Forces.
It was signed in Moscow by Magashi and the Director of the Russian Federal Service for Military-Technical Cooperation, Dmitry Shugaev.

Senate President Ahmad Lawan read President Buhari’s letters on the floor during plenary.
The President said the Bill on the control of small arms and light weapons sought to transform the Presidential Committee on Small Arms and Light Weapons into a National Centre for the Control of Small Arms and Light Weapons. The centre will operate under the Office of the National Security Adviser.

Buhari’s letter titled: “Transmission of the control of Small Arms and Light Weapons Bill 2021 to the National Assembly for consideration” reads:
“Pursuant to Section 58(2) of the 1999 Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria (as emended), I forward herewith, the Control of Small Arms and Light Weapons Bill 2021 for the kind consideration by the Senate
“The Control of Small Arms and Light Weapons 2021 seeks to transform the Presidential Committee on Small Arms and Light Weapons into a National Centre for the Control of Small Arms and Light Weapons under the Office of the National Security Adviser.
“National Centre for the Control of Small Arms and Light Weapons, when fully operationalized, would go a long way at expressing Nigeria’s optimism and practical commitment to the global fight against the proliferation of Small Arms and Light Weapons, including the mopping up of existing Small Arms and Light Weapons which have become a significant driver of insecurity across the Federal Republic of Nigeria.”
In another letter titled: “Transmission of the Explosives Bill 2021 to the National Assembly for contribution,” Buhari said:
“Pursuant to Section 56(2) of the 1999 Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria (as emended), I forward herewith the Explosives Bill 2021 for the kind consideration by the Senate
“The Explosives Bill 2021 seeks to repeal the Explosives Act 1964 and enact the Explosives Act, to regulate the manufacture, storage, possession, distribution, purchase, sale, transportation, importation, and exportation of explosives and for related matters.”
At the briefing with the House Committee, its chairman, Babajimi Benson, advised that reporters should not be allowed to cover the event due to security implication.
He said: “The minister is here today to honour our invitation for him to shed more light on the recently executed agreement between the Nigerian government and the Russian Federation and as it affects our fight against banditry, insurgency and kidnapping and all other vices we have in Nigeria and also its implications on national security.”

The wonders of Fenugreek Seeds

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Fenugreek is one of the most highly used medicinal plants. Due to its slightly sweet and nutty flavour, its seeds and powder are used as a spice all over the world.

Fenugreek is highly beneficial for improving the overall sexual health of males as it boosts testosterone levels and increases the sperm count. Fenugreek seeds might be useful for diabetics as their daily consumption before breakfast might help lower blood sugar levels. Fenugreek seeds also help reduce pain and swelling in arthritic conditions due to anti-inflammatory property. It is also used for managing menstrual cramps and for postmenopausal vaginal dryness.

Fenugreek seeds are a rich source of protein and nicotinic acid that help promote hair growth. The seeds can be mixed with coconut oil and ground to form a paste that can be applied to the scalp as a shampoo two times a day. You can also apply Fenugreek seeds cream to help keep the skin hydrated.

In some cases, Fenugreek seeds might cause gastrointestinal disturbances like diarrhea, bloating and flatulence.

Fenugreek seeds have been said to have many benefits which includes to enhance male fertility. Here are the numerous benefits of Fenugreek.

Fenugreek seeds can help lower the risk of developing diabetes

Fenugreek seeds contain galactomannan and essential amino acids. Galactomannan lowers blood sugar level and essential amino acids improve insulin level in the blood. Together, this helps in managing diabetes

Tips:

1. Take 1-2 teaspoons of Fenugreek seeds.

2. Boil it in 1 cup of water for 10 minutes.

3. Strain to separate the seeds from the water.

4. Drink this Fenugreek tea 1-2 times a day.

5. Continue this for 1-2 months for better results.

Fenugreek seeds might be useful in constipation.

Fenugreek seeds have high content of soluble fiber called mucilage. When this soluble fiber absorbs water in the intestines, it swells up and increases the bulk in the stool. This triggers contractions in the intestine and pushes the stool smoothly. Thus, consuming Fenugreek seeds along with water eases constipation.

Tips:

1. Take 1 teaspoon of Fenugreek seeds.

2. Boil it in 2 cups of water.

3. Cool and have this mixture (seeds along with water) on an empty stomach in the morning daily.

4. Continue for at least 1-2 months for better results.

Or,

1. Soak 1 teaspoon of Fenugreek seeds for 2-3 hours.

2. When the seeds swell, make a smooth paste.

3. Consume it with 1 glass of water.

Fenugreek seeds might be useful for weight management.

Fenugreek seeds contain galactomannan which curbs your appetite and makes you feel full. This makes you less hungry as a result of which you tend to eat less. Fenugreek seed is also a rich source of soluble fibers which increases your metabolism and triggers fat burning. A study said that Fenugreek seeds have antioxidant and anti-cholesterol properties. This prevents the accumulation of fat and improves the metabolism of lipids and glucose that help in weight loss[9].

Tips:

1. Take 1 teaspoon of Fenugreek seeds.

2. Wash and soak them in 1 cup of water overnight.

3. Separate the seeds from water in the morning.

4. Chew the wet seeds on an empty stomach.

5. Repeat this daily for 1 month for better results.

Fenugreek seeds is believed to be useful for male fertility.

Fenugreek seeds might improve sexual performance by enhancing testosterone secretion and improving sperm quality. Thus it might be effective in male infertility and other sexual disorders like erectile dysfunction.

Tips:

1. Take 1 teaspoon of Fenugreek seeds.

2. Saute it in 1 tablespoon ghee for about 5 minutes.

3. Take it with a glass of milk before going to bed.

Naringenin in Fenugreek seeds might lower the level of bad cholesterol (LDL) or low-density lipoprotein, total blood cholesterol and triglycerides. Fenugreek seeds also contain steroidal saponins which slow the rate at which the liver produces cholesterol as well as prevent the body from absorbing it.

Tips:

1. Dry roast 1 cup of Fenugreek seeds.

2. Let it cool to room temperature.

3. Grind them into a smooth and fine powder.

4. Store it in an air-tight jar or bottle.

5. Prepare a mixture by adding 1/2 teaspoon of this powder to 1/2 glass of water and drink twice daily.

6. Continue for at least 1-2 months for better results.

Fenugreek seeds might reduce pain and improve mobility in patients suffering from gout due to its anti-inflammatory property

Tips:

1. Take 1 teaspoon of Fenugreek seeds.

2. Soak it in 1 cup of water overnight.

3. Take the mixture (seeds along with water) in the morning.

4. Continue this for 1-2 months for better results.

Fenugreek seed has anti-spasmodic, anti-inflammatory, antipyretic and anti-anxiety properties.

This helps to reduce premenstrual symptoms like nausea, vomiting, headache, diarrhea, mood swings and fatigue.

Tips:

1. Take 2-3 teaspoons of Fenugreek seeds.

2. Add them to 1 bottle of hot water.

3. Let it stand overnight.

4. Strain this mixture to separate the seeds from the water.

5. Drink this Fenugreek water on an empty stomach in the morning daily for the first 3 days of the menstrual period.

6. You can add honey to remove the bitterness of this drink.

Fenugreek seeds might provide relief in case of sore throat.

A study states that Fenugreek seeds contain a compound called mucilage which lowers the pain and irritation associated with a sore throat.

Tips:

1. Take 1 teaspoon of Fenugreek seeds.

2. Boil it in 2 cups of water till it comes to a rolling boil.

3. Simmer the flame and allow it to boil for another 15 minutes.

4. Once the water changes color (after 15 minutes), remove it from the flame and allow it to cool to a drinkable warm temperature.

5. Use this water while it is still warm to gargle.

6. Repeat it twice a day.

7. If the sore throat is severe, you can use it to gargle three times a day.

Fenugreek seeds might lower the pain and discomfort associated with heartburn. A study states that Fenugreek seeds contain a soluble fiber called mucilage which coats the inner lining of the stomach and soothes gastric inflammation and reduces irritation.

Tips:

1.Take 1/2 teaspoon of Fenugreek seeds.

2. Soak them overnight in a glass of water.

3. Consume (water with seeds) on an empty stomach in the morning.

Precautions when using Fenugreek Seeds

Due to its hot potency, a high dose of Fenugreek seeds can lead to burning sensation in the stomach.

Fenugreek seeds should be taken in a small amount or for a short duration in patients suffering from piles or fistula.

Moderate Medicine Interaction

Fenugreek seeds might slow blood clotting and may increase the risk of bruising and bleeding. So it is advisable to consult your doctor while taking Fenugreek seeds along with anti-coagulant or anti-platelet drugs.

Other Interaction

Fenugreek seeds might decrease the blood potassium levels. So it is generally advised to monitor the blood potassium levels regularly while taking Fenugreek seeds along with potassium-lowering drugs.

Patients with diabetes

Fenugreek seeds may lower blood glucose level in people with diabetes. So it is generally advised to monitor the blood glucose level regularly while taking Fenugreek seeds along with anti-diabetic drugs.

when using Fenugreek seeds, or any herbs or spices for that matter, one should always take precautions and use in moderation and consult your medical practitioner if you are on any medication.

Fenugreek seeds are beneficial in many ways that help improve health and our everyday lives.

Buhari Seeks House Approval For Fresh $4b, €710m Loans

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President Muhammadu Buhari has written to the House of Representatives for approval to borrow $4 billion and €710 million loans to fund the 2021 budget.
He also sought the approval of grant components of $125 million.
The President, in a letter read by the Speaker, Femi Gbajabiamila, during plenary on Wednesday, said the loan request is an addendum to the 2018-2021 Federal Government External Borrowing Rolling Plan.
The President said the need to borrow more funds was to meet emerging needs of some critical projects.

“The projects listed in the addendum to the 2018-2021 Federal Government External Borrowing Rolling Plan are to be financed through sovereign loans from the World Bank, French Development Agency, China Exim Bank, International Fund for Agricultural Development (IFAD) and Credit Suisse Group and Standard Chartered/China Export and Credit (SINOSURE), in the total sum of $4,054,476,863 plus Euro 710,000,000 and grant component of $125,000,000.00,” the letter read.
The National Assembly in July approved approved $8,325,526,537 and €490 million loan requests by President Muhammadu Buhari.

Father Accuses Varsity Of Frustrating Investigation Into Son’s Disappearance

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A financial consultant, Oni Olajide, has lamented the disappearance of his son, Oluwanifemi, on the premises of Caleb University, in the Imota area of Lagos State.

Oluwanifemi, an undergraduate studying Computer Science in the institution, suddenly sent disturbing messages to his elder sister, Stella, on a messaging App that some suspected cultists wanted him dead.

The 21-year-old was said to have cautioned Stella against disclosing the information to their parents.

It was learnt that Oluwanifemi, who finished his examination on Friday, August 13, 2021, requested some money from his father to visit his mother in Ibadan.

The aggrieved father told news correspondent that that was the last time he heard from his son, adding that Oluwanifemi never acknowledged receiving the money.

Oni said, “He requested money for transportation on Monday, August 16, 2021, and I sent N5,000 to him. But I did not see any debit alert since it’s my ATM card he is using. I became worried and called a staff member of the school to check on him and the worker told me that the boy had left for Ibadan to see his mum.

“But I did my findings and discovered that he never arrived in Ibadan or signed out of the school. We are of the opinion that he was abducted by the cultists he told his sister about..

“The school has just been trying to put itself in a clean shape despite being 100 percent culpable about my son’s disappearance.

“The reason my child did not go to a state university was because of cultism. I took him to Caleb University after accessing that CCTV was installed everywhere. But I am surprised that after my son went missing, they refused to give us access to the CCTV footage.”

The 51-year-old explained that he advised the school authorities to paste Oluwanifemi’s pictures around the school premises, but they refused.

He added, “The school said they found my son’s box with another student, one Nathaniel. The police invited Nathaniel on four occasions, but he refused the invitations. I told them to use their influence to get him to honour the invitation, but they did nothing.

“If the Chief Security Officer of the school calls Nathaniel, he will pick the phone, but if the CSO hands the phone over to the Imota Divisional Police Officer to speak to Nathaniel, he will cut the call.

 “My son has been missing for a month; how will he sneak out without carrying his ATM card, phone, money and box found with Nathaniel? What will he use in feeding when he gets out? Nathaniel is claiming that the school is framing him; when the school was asked to bring security guards on duty when my son went missing to write a statement at the station, it brought guards that were not on duty on the day of the incident.”

The case had been transferred to the State Criminal Investigation and Intelligence Department, Yaba, for further investigation.

When contacted, Both the Dean of Student Affairs, Dr Tayo Olorunlana and the varsity Public Relations Officer, Dr Elvis Otobo declined comment.

The state Commissioner of Police, Hakeem Odumosu, said Caleb University had been frustrating investigation into the case.

He said, “To the best of my knowledge, only the parents have reported to the police, but the school authorities have not written any official complaint to the police, stating the circumstances and the preliminary investigation it conducted so the police can take it up from there.

“If that happens, we will have access to the university to ask questions. The school is the one frustrating our investigation because he got missing on the school premises. We have started an investigation, but we have yet to conclude as we have not been granted access to the scene of crime.”

Prince Harry Receives Birthday Tributes From British Royal Family Members

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The Duke of Sussex turned 37 on September 15 and woke up to a number of social media messages from his royal family in the United Kingdom. 
Harry’s father and step-mother, Prince Charles and Camilla, Duchess of Cornwall, said on social media: “Wishing the Duke of Sussex a very happy birthday today” along with a cake emoji. 
The words were accompanied by a series of photos of Harry with his father over the years.

Harry’s grandmother, Queen Elizabeth, sent him a similar message in addition to using a balloon emoji. 
The photos selected for the post highlighted Harry’s charitable work and also feature his wife, Meghan Markle. 

Harry’s older brother, Prince William, and sister-in-law, Kate Middleton, penned a simple note that said, “Happy birthday Prince Harry!” with another balloon emoji. 

Harry is also celebrating another huge honor on his birthday: being named one of Time magazine’s 100 most influential people.

He and Markle were featured on the cover of the iconic magazine.

California Sheriff Refuses To Enforce Vaccine Mandate, Says Government Lacks ‘Authority’

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A California sheriff said he will not enforce any vaccine mandate on employees of his department, citing the government having “no authority to mandate your health choices.”

“Over the past couple of weeks, the idea of forced vaccination has caused much concern across the entire country,” Riverside County Sheriff Chad Bianco said in a statement released Monday. “I will not enforce the vaccine mandate on Sheriff’s Department employees.”
“The government has no ability and no authority to mandate your health choices,” he said. “As your sheriff, I have an obligation to guard your liberty and freedom.”

Bianco added that he was inspired to release the statement after he conducted a podcast on forced vaccinations, and said a local newspaper would use “cherry picked” comments from “supposed” health officials “in an attempt to paint me and the Sheriff’s department in a negative light.”
“This is nothing but sensationalism trying to gain readership and further divide us as Americans.”

Bianco has been vocal during the pandemic on the government’s involvement restricting people to their homes during lockdowns and refused to enforce Gov. Gavin Newsom’s coronavirus stay-at-home order last year. 
“These closures and stay-at-home orders are flat-out ridiculous,” Bianco said at the time. 
“The Riverside County Sheriff’s Department will not be blackmailed, bullied or used as muscle against Riverside County residents in the enforcement of the governor’s order,” he added.

He also slammed the state’s liberal governor as “hypocritical,” citing the controversial photos of Newsom last fall dining in a swanky restaurant maskless and surrounded by people from outside of his own household. 

Bianco’s comments come after members of the Los Angeles Police Department filed a federal lawsuit over the weekend to overturn the city’s COVID-19 vaccine mandate. While a professor in California also recently filed a lawsuit against the University of California school system’s Board of Regents and president over a coronavirus vaccine mandate, which he argued he does not need because of his natural immunity against the virus.

Plant-Based Sources of Calcium

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Though calcium is easily and abundantly available in several food items, many still don’t meet the recommended requirements.

It’s well-known that calcium helps build and maintain the density of bones. But this mineral plays a role more diverse than that. It plays a pivotal role in muscle contraction, regulates blood pressure, improves nerve transmission, and prevents blood clotting. For adults, the daily intake should be 1,000 mg. But if you are aged above 50, you need 1,200 mg. Those aged 4–18 should have 1,300 mg per day. Though calcium is easily and abundantly available in many food items, a large number of people still don’t meet the recommended daily dose, especially those who don’t consume meat and related products.

Here are 5 plant-based sources of calcium

Spinach

Spinach is one of the biggest sources of calcium and iron. It offers about 100 mg of calcium per 100 grams. If you take one cup of cooked spinach, you get around 250 mg of this vital mineral. Remember, however, that spinach also contains oxalate and it may interfere with the absorption of calcium. Boiling spinach reduces up to 90 per cent of oxalate content. You can include spinach to your diet in several ways – as salad, make juice or add in curries. You can also prepare raita using spinach. Click here for a few mouth-watering recipes that are spinach-centered.

Broccoli

Every 100 grams of broccoli provides 50 mg of calcium. The calcium in broccoli is readily absorbed by the body when compared to calcium supplied by milk. Touted as a “superfood”, broccoli also provides vitamin C, vitamin K, and folate to regulate cell growth and reproduction. This green vegetable also offers antioxidants and fibre and helps reduce inflammation.

Orange

Eat the oranges throughout the day. Each one of them has 60mg of calcium. They also supply vitamin C to boost the immune system and destroy free radicals that damage cells damage. Prepare a smoothie or extract juice, oranges are versatile.

Figs

They are a great source of fiber. They also contain minerals, supply multi-vitamins like A, B1, B2, calcium, iron, phosphorus, manganese, sodium, potassium, and chlorine. Just two medium-sized figs contain over 50 mg of calcium. Here are 6 delicious ways to add figs to your diet.

Soybeans

Soybeans are low in saturated fat and high in protein, vitamin C, and folate. A great source of calcium, you can add 100 grams of soybeans in your daily diet. There are various ways to do that. Soybeans also have iron, magnesium, protein, and selenium. Soya is also the only vegetarian food that contains all eight essential amino acids. You can use soy flour, tofu, tempeh, soy milk, soybean oil, or soy chunks.

These foods and more are great source of Calcium which you can add to your diet and enjoy from time to time.

Central Bank Disburses N300 Billion To Over 3.1 Million Smallholder Farmers

President Muhammadu Buhari says N300 billion has been disbursed to farmers while 1.6 million poor and vulnerable households are currently benefiting from the Conditional Cash Transfer programme.

The president revealed this while virtually declaring open the 14th Annual Banking and Finance Conference of Chartered Institute of Bankers of Nigeria in Abuja on Tuesday.

According to him, some of the various initiatives embarked upon to boost agricultural trade in Nigeria include the Anchor Borrowers Programme.

He stated that the Central Bank of Nigeria had made more than N300 billion available to over 3.1 million smallholder farmers of 21 different commodities.

He said the commodities included Rice, Wheat, Maize, Cotton, Cassava, Poultry, Soybeans, Groundnut, Fish, cultivating over 3.8 million hectares of farmland.

“It is on record that 80% of rice consumed in Nigeria is now produced locally,’’ he said.

He added that the National Social Register of poor and vulnerable Nigerians had 32.6 million persons from seven million poor and vulnerable households identified, imploring bankers to play a stronger role in improving livelihoods.

“From this number, 1.6 million poor and vulnerable households, comprising more than eight million individuals are currently benefiting from the Conditional Cash Transfer program, which pays a bi-monthly stipend of N10, 000 per household,’’ he said.

President Buhari said the National Social Investment Programme was biggest in Sub-Sahara Africa and one of the largest in the world.

To further strengthen recovery and enable more Nigerians, President Buhari said, last year, he approved the establishment of InfraCo Plc, a world-class infrastructure development vehicle, wholly focused on Nigeria, with combined debt and equity take-off capital of N15 trillion.

He said the company was being managed by an independent infrastructure Fund Manager.

“The Solar Power Naija project was launched in April 2021 with the aim of delivering five million off-grid solar connections to Nigerian households.

“In May 2021, the Rural Electrification Agency announced the planned deployment of solar-powered grids to 200 Primary Health Centres and 104 Unity Schools nationwide.

“Under the Family Homes Fund Limited, Social Housing programme incorporated by the Federal Government of Nigeria, more than two thousand hectares of land with title documents have been issued by 24 states with the capacity to accommodate about 65,000 new homes.

“The Central Bank of Nigeria is providing a N200 Billion financing facility, with a guarantee by the Federal Government,’’ he said.

“I salute the Institute and the entire banking and finance industry for the commitment towards charting a practical path for economic recovery and transformation of our country, Nigeria, and by extension Africa as epitomized by the theme of your conference.

“I commend the financial services industry for its interventions and contributions towards the promotion of financial inclusion and literacy in our country.

“And more importantly, the roles played by the banks in fostering economic growth of the country.

“I am confident that the speakers that have been carefully selected to contribute to conference will share insights that will help individuals, businesses and governments at all levels make necessary adjustments and take the right steps towards our collective resolve to position Nigeria as one of the top economies in the world,’’ he added.

The president said a report from the National Bureau of Statistics revealed that Nigeria’s Gross Domestic Product grew 5.01 per cent in the second quarter of 2021; the strongest rise since the fourth quarter of 2014.

“This is cheery news and an indication that the efforts of this administration at repositioning the economy is paying off,’’ he said.

He urged the bankers and financial institutions to leverage on the abundant business opportunities to grow the economy.

President Buhari implored financial institutions to play stronger role in making sure the Nigerian Small and Medium Enterprises were fit for purpose, with support in full implementation of “Agreement”.

“Indeed financial intermediary could not be any more relevant than at a time like this.

“We need you, the banks to drive value creation by developing new technologies, scaling payment infrastructure to serve the diversified economies expected to benefit from this Agreement,’’ he noted.

He said technological innovation was also important in the modern business terrain, noting that most transactions now take place online given the advent of the “Internet of Things”.

The president stressed that as the nation continues to progress towards the next frontiers of digitization, it must harness all opportunities while being mindful of the inherent risks.

Nigeria Begins Emergency Repairs Of Flood-Ravaged Roads In Five States

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The Minister of Works and Housing, Babatunde Raji Fashola has directed the immediate emergency repairs on sections of roads where failure had occurred due to flooding caused by heavy rainfall in five States across the country.

According to a statement by the Director of Press & Public Relations of the Ministry, Mrs Boade Akinola, the Minister gave the directive at a briefing in Abuja.

The roads for repairs include: Ibadan – Ife road; Gombe – Bauchi road; Gombe – Darazo; Bauchi – Ningi, Bida – Lambata, and Tsamiya bridge in Jigawa State.

He also assured of continuous attention to other roads with similar problems.

Stating that the Federal Government is committed to infrastructure development and will respond promptly to complaints from citizens, Fashola however appealed to commuters to be patient with the government as the excessive rains being witnessed has a negative effect on road construction and rehabilitation.