Breaking:
Delta State Endorses $27.2bn Escravos Seaport Project.
By Favour Bibaikefie
Warri, Delta State: The $27.29 billion Escravos Deep Seaport Industrial Complex Project in Warri has received a significant boost following the revalidation by the Delta State Government. This development, announced by the lead promoter, Mercury Maritime Concession Company (MMCC), marks a crucial milestone in the project’s journey.
During a press briefing in Apapa, Lagos, the Chairman of MMCC, Rear Admiral Okoja, shared the latest updates. He revealed that, alongside the state government’s revalidation, the company has been assured by the Federal Government that the pending revalidation of the earlier provisional approval is expected soon.
Earlier in June, MMCC had raised concerns about potential investment losses amounting to $27.29 billion due to delays in obtaining final approvals from both state and federal authorities. The delay threatened the involvement of EDIB International of Hong Kong, which had committed to financing the project.
The state government’s reaffirmation, communicated earlier this week, includes the provision of 31,000 hectares of land in Gbaramatu Island/Omadino, Warri South-West Local Government Area. This land is pivotal for the project’s commencement and eventual success.
Okoja noted the project’s extensive scope, which spans multiple ministries, including Solid Minerals, Works, Marine and Blue Economy, and Power. Addressing concerns raised by the Nigerian Port Authority (NPA) regarding potential monopolies and documentation, Okoja emphasized that MMCC is engaging at governmental and ministerial levels, backed by substantial maritime expertise.
Ausbet Udebu, a director at MMCC, detailed the project’s components, highlighting the development of a deep seaport, inland ports across seven states, and an intermodal transport system for cargo evacuation. The infrastructure will include 45 kilometers of coastal roads, a 150-kilometer rail line connecting the Warri-Ajaokuta-Itape railway, and a 600-kilometer marine network.
Furthermore, the project will feature significant power infrastructure, with a 2,000-megawatt independent power project, complemented by two 500-megawatt installations at inland ports and five 250-megawatt units at additional inland ports.
This revalidation marks a critical step towards the realization of the Escravos Deep Seaport Industrial Complex Project, promising significant economic benefits and infrastructural advancements for Delta State and beyond.
By Divine Perezide
Edo State Governor, Monday Okpebholor, has come under public scrutiny following a viral video showing him grappling with the presentation of the state’s 2025 Appropriation Bill. The footage, widely circulated on social media, captures the governor visibly struggling to articulate the budget figures during the session, sparking a flood of reactions online.
One social media user did not hold back, stating, “No wonder he was running away from all TV stations during the campaigns.” Another user shared a mix of criticism and sarcasm, remarking, “The Edo state Governor is highly cerebral and he has shown capacity… The Governor is sweating under AC😂😂😂😂.”
The incident has reignited debates about the preparedness of public office holders, with one commenter questioning, “But people get mind sha… He knew this was going to be part of his duties. Yet, never took any self-improvement classes?”
For some, the governor’s struggles serve as a lesson for aspiring politicians. “Well, aspiring politicians in Burutu should pick the lessons. It’s not enough to win elections. There’re basic duties you must perform when you get into office,” noted one user.
Others attributed the situation to broader political failings. A commenter took aim at the ruling party, writing, “All thanks to Oshobaba and the mediocrity-loving APC.”
The video has drawn attention to the need for effective communication and public engagement skills among leaders. Critics argue that avoiding media appearances during campaigns, as suggested by some commenters, may have contributed to the governor’s unpreparedness for such public duties.
Governor Okpebholor has yet to officially address the reactions, but the episode has sparked broader conversations about leadership, accountability, and the responsibilities of public office holders in Nigeria.
President Biden Withdraws from 2024 Presidential Race
By Tama Peretengboro
In a stunning development, President Joe Biden has announced that he will not be seeking reelection in the 2024 presidential race. This decision comes amid growing pressure from within the Democratic Party for Biden to step aside.
The announcement follows Biden’s underwhelming performance at the CNN presidential debate in June, which raised concerns among Democrats about his ability to defeat former President Donald Trump in the upcoming election. Despite efforts to rally support, Biden struggled to convince his party of his electability.
Former President Trump, in a phone call with CNN shortly after Biden’s announcement, criticized Biden harshly, calling him “the worst president in the history of our country.”
The latest call for Biden to withdraw came from Independent Senator Joe Manchin, who urged the president to “pass the torch” to a new generation of leaders during an interview with CNN on Sunday morning.
This decision marks a significant shift in the political landscape as the Democratic Party will now need to rally behind a new candidate to face off against Trump in November 2024.
President Biden Withdraws from 2024 Presidential Race
By Tama Peretengboro
In a stunning development, President Joe Biden has announced that he will not be seeking reelection in the 2024 presidential race. This decision comes amid growing pressure from within the Democratic Party for Biden to step aside.
The announcement follows Biden’s underwhelming performance at the CNN presidential debate in June, which raised concerns among Democrats about his ability to defeat former President Donald Trump in the upcoming election. Despite efforts to rally support, Biden struggled to convince his party of his electability.
Former President Trump, in a phone call with CNN shortly after Biden’s announcement, criticized Biden harshly, calling him “the worst president in the history of our country.”
The latest call for Biden to withdraw came from Independent Senator Joe Manchin, who urged the president to “pass the torch” to a new generation of leaders during an interview with CNN on Sunday morning.
This decision marks a significant shift in the political landscape as the Democratic Party will now need to rally behind a new candidate to face off against Trump in November 2024.