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Uzodimma recruits 6,000 teachers

Imo State Governor Hope Uzodimma has approved the recruitment of 6,000 teachers to enhance teaching and learning in primary and secondary schools.

Already, the newly recruited teachers have completed a six-week intensive training at the state-owned Ben Uwajimogu College of Education, Ihitte Uboma.

Commissioner for Information, Public Orientation and Strategy, Declan Emelumba, who announced the news in Owerri yesterday, said the exercise was part of a broader strategy by the state government to strengthen education.

He said recruitment was undertaken to fill vacancies as well as ensure there was no gap in teaching and learning across the 27 local governments.

According to Emelumba, this is the first time in a long time that this large number of teachers is being injected into the school system at once.

He said to underscore the importance the governor placed on the exercise; he would address the new teachers at Emmanuel Iwuanyanwu International Conference Centre, Owerri.

The commissioner said the meeting, which will be held today by 10am, will afford the teachers the opportunity to meet face to face with the governor.

He said only teachers who underwent the training at Ihitte Uboma would be allowed to attend the meeting.

How Nigerian founders can use US EB-2 NIW instead of H-1B lottery

The H-1B lottery is exactly that, a lottery. Thousands of qualified applicants enter every year. Many with strong offers and real skills simply do not get picked, purely by chance.

Even a strong candidate with a great job offer can simply not get picked. For founders and highly skilled professionals, there is another route that skips the randomness entirely. The EB-2 National Interest Waiver does not depend on a lottery, an employer, or luck. It depends on proving a specific legal case.

No employer needed to start this process

This is what makes the NIW genuinely different from most US work visas. Most employment-based US visas start with a job offer. This one starts with the applicant’s own case, built independently of any single employer’s willingness to sponsor them.

A founder can file this petition on their own behalf. There is no need for a company to sponsor the application, and no labor certification process required either. This matters enormously for someone running their own startup, since there is no employer relationship to rely on in the first place. The founder controls their own timeline and their own case.

A founder does not need to convince a company’s HR department or legal team to start this process. They simply need to build a strong enough case on their own.

Everything hinges on one legal test

USCIS evaluates every NIW petition against a specific three-part standard from a 2016 case called Matter of Dhanasar.

The first and most important part asks whether the applicant’s specific proposed work has substantial merit and national importance. These are two separate things that both need proving, not one combined idea.

Substantial merit means the work itself has real value, in fields like technology, health, business, or education. National importance means the impact reaches beyond one company or one local market.

The Dhanasar decision specifically moved away from requiring a nationwide, physical footprint. A project can carry national importance through its model or its potential, not just its size.

A vague pitch will not pass this test

Saying ‘I will work as a software engineer’ is not a proposed endeavor USCIS can evaluate.

A specific claim like ‘I will build AI-driven logistics tools that reduce supply chain waste at a national scale’ gives an officer something concrete to assess. The vaguer the pitch, the easier it is to deny. USCIS reviewers see hundreds of these petitions. A specific, well-defined endeavor stands out immediately against a stack of applications describing generic passion for ‘innovation’ or ‘technology.’

This is where many founders undersell themselves. A real, specific plan, backed by real evidence of what has already been built, matters far more than an impressive-sounding job title.

Evidence of traction, actual users, revenue, a working product, or a specific technical breakthrough, does more to support this argument than a polished mission statement ever could.

Independent letters carry more weight than familiar ones

Letters of recommendation are a central piece of nearly every NIW petition. A letter from a current boss or a long-time colleague still helps, but USCIS weighs it less than a letter from someone with no personal stake in the outcome. An independent expert, someone recognised in the field who knows the applicant’s work by reputation rather than friendship, carries real credibility.

This does not mean employer letters should be skipped. It means they should never be the only kind of letter included in a serious petition. Leaning entirely on people close to the applicant is one of the most common weaknesses reviewers flag in a petition.

A mix of both usually works best. Employer or colleague letters can speak to daily work and character, while independent expert letters speak to the broader significance of that work in the field.

The final two prongs still need real proof

Proving the work matters is only the first step. The second part of the test asks whether the applicant is actually well positioned to carry the work forward, based on their track record, education, and past results. The third asks whether the US benefits more from waiving the usual job offer and labor process than from requiring it.

All three parts need to be satisfied together. Missing even one is enough for a denial, no matter how strong the other two are.

A brilliant, nationally important idea proposed by someone with no relevant track record still fails this test. The applicant’s own credentials and results need to make their claim to advance the work believable.

There is no formal appeal process built into a straightforward denial, which makes building a careful, well-evidenced case the first time far more valuable than rushing to file quickly.

Premium processing speeds up one part of a longer road

It is possible to pay for a faster decision on the initial petition stage. Premium processing currently guarantees a response, approval, denial, or a request for more evidence, within 45 business days, for a separate fee. This only covers the I-140 petition itself, not the full green card process that follows.

That fee currently sits at $2,965, and it buys speed and certainty, not a better outcome. A weak petition processed quickly is still a weak petition; premium processing simply answers the question sooner.

The rest of the journey, including visa availability and the final green card application, still depends on separate timelines that a faster I-140 decision does not shortcut.

Someone in a genuine hurry, perhaps nearing the end of another visa status, often finds real value in this speed even so, since a faster answer, even a denial, is easier to plan around than years of uncertainty.

FAQs

What specific advanced degrees fulfill the baseline educational requirement for the US EB-2 NIW visa? A US master’s degree or higher, or a foreign equivalent, generally satisfies this requirement on its own. Someone with only a bachelor’s degree can still qualify by showing at least five years of progressive, post-degree work experience in the field, or by separately demonstrating exceptional ability under a different set of criteria.

How long does the USCIS take to process an expedited National Interest Waiver application? With premium processing, USCIS guarantees a response, which can be an approval, a denial, or a request for more evidence, within 45 business days, for a separate fee currently set at $2,965. This only speeds up the initial I-140 petition stage. It does not guarantee approval, and it does not shorten the separate visa availability and green card application steps that follow.

Can an approved EB-2 NIW applicant legally bring their spouse and children to live in the United States? Yes. A spouse and any unmarried children under 21 can be included as derivative beneficiaries on the same green card process. They generally do not need to independently qualify under the NIW criteria themselves, since their eligibility is based on their relationship to the main applicant.

Expert raises concern over consumer habits, poor hygiene fueling E.coli outbreaks

A global research team led by Dr Victor Oluwatomiwa Ajekiigbe, a public health researcher, has warned that consumer behaviour, unsafe fast-food preparation practices, and poor hygiene awareness are contributing to recurring Escherichia coli (E. coli) outbreaks and therefore called for stronger collaboration among food businesses, regulators, and the public to reduce the burden of foodborne diseases.

The warning is based on a new scientific review led by Dr Victor Oluwatomiwa Ajekiigbe, a medical doctor, public health researcher, and research leader at Imperial Research Academy and Helix Biogen Institute, together with an international team of researchers.

The study examines how modern lifestyles and increasing dependence on fast food have changed eating habits while exposing consumers to greater risks of bacterial contamination.

Although most E. coli strains naturally live in the human digestive system without causing harm, the researchers noted that dangerous strains, such as E. coli O157:H7, can cause severe illness, including bloody diarrhoea, kidney failure, and, in some cases, death.

According to Dr Ajekiigbe and his research team, the rapid growth of the fast-food industry-driven by urbanisation, busy work schedules, and demand for convenience-has created new food safety challenges. Improper cooking, poor hygiene among food handlers, cross-contamination, and inadequate food storage remain major causes of E. coli transmission.

The research found that contaminated ingredients can enter the food chain at several stages, from farms and processing plants to restaurant kitchens. Even small amounts of harmful bacteria can trigger widespread outbreaks because of the low infectious dose of some E. coli strains.

The study reviewed several major outbreaks over the past four decades, including the 1993 Jack in the Box hamburger outbreak, the 2011 European outbreak linked to contaminated fenugreek sprouts, the 2018 romaine lettuce outbreak, and the 2024 McDonald’s outbreak linked to slivered onions used in Quarter Pounder burgers.

The 2024 outbreak affected 104 people across 14 U.S. states, leading to 34 hospitalisations, four cases of severe kidney complications, and one death. Investigators traced the contamination to fresh onions supplied to affected restaurants.

Dr Ajekiigbe said the findings highlight the importance of strengthening food safety systems, improving hygiene practices, and increasing public awareness to reduce the risk of foodborne disease outbreaks.

The research team said these outbreaks show how contaminated ingredients and weak food safety controls can quickly develop into major public health emergencies.

Beyond industry practices, the study found that consumer behaviour also plays an important role in both the spread and prevention of foodborne diseases. Following major outbreaks, many consumers avoid affected food products, choose restaurants with stronger food safety records, and pay closer attention to food labels and hygiene standards.

However, Dr Ajekiigbe and his colleagues cautioned that misinformation on social media can affect public understanding of food safety, leading to unnecessary panic or false confidence in products believed to be safer.

The researchers said preventing future E. coli outbreaks requires shared responsibility. They recommended that fast-food businesses strengthen hygiene practices, maintain proper cooking temperatures, prevent cross-contamination, and implement recognised food safety systems. Consumers should also practice good hand hygiene, cook food thoroughly, prevent cross-contamination at home, and choose restaurants with good food safety standards.

The research team also called for stronger enforcement of food safety regulations, particularly in developing countries where weak sanitation systems and limited regulatory oversight increase contamination risks. They recommended regular inspections, improved supplier monitoring, mandatory food safety training for food handlers, and rapid product recalls when contamination is suspected.

Dr Ajekiigbe and his team concluded that foodborne diseases remain a major global public health challenge. Citing estimates from the World Health Organisation, they noted that about 600 million people develop foodborne illnesses each year, resulting in approximately 420,000 deaths. They stressed that reducing future E. coli outbreaks will require stronger food safety practices, effective regulation, and greater public awareness.

Flood destroys 60 houses, displaces 300 in Ebonyi community

No fewer than 60 houses have been destroyed, while about 300 residents have been displaced, following a flood that ravaged Amaegbu community in Akaeze, Ivo Local Government Area of Ebonyi State.

The disaster, which began on Tuesday, also destroyed farmlands and property worth millions of naira, leaving many residents, including children, homeless.

One of the victims, Chief Michael Uzor, told journalists that the flood washed away his farmlands, television sets, vehicles, certificates, and other valuables.

‘Many houses were demolished in this axis and more houses are collapsing as a result of the flooding. In this particular place, Ndi Ibezeukwu, over 20 houses have fallen down since Tuesday this disaster started,’ he said.

Uzor appealed to the government at all levels to urgently come to the assistance of the affected residents, saying many families had been rendered homeless by the disaster.

Another victim, Mrs Joy Chikezie, said the number of houses destroyed in her area could not be ascertained due to the scale of the devastation.

‘As you can see, many houses are down here. You can’t count the number of houses that have been destroyed by this disaster. We are homeless now and our farmlands have been destroyed too. The losses are enormous. We are sad, we are helpless, we need assistance,’ she lamented.

The Secretary of Amaegbu community, Prince Ette, said more than 50 houses had been demolished in the community, calling for urgent intervention to alleviate the suffering of the victims.

‘We are devastated, we are in pains because the damage the flood caused us is much. Some people didn’t salvage any item from the disaster,’ he said.

Meanwhile, the governorship candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Ebonyi State, Chief Ifeanyi Chukwuma Odii, has expressed concern over the disaster and donated N5 million to the affected residents.

Odii, who was represented by the state Chairman of the party, Chief Chukwuma Igwe, made the donation during a visit to the community, saying it was intended to cushion the impact of the disaster on affected families.

‘We came to tell you that what happened to you also happened to us; we are all affected by this disaster.

‘We have over 54 families affected by this disaster in this axis, and we know that there are other families in other places in the community also affected.

‘Our principal, Chief Ifeanyi Odii has given us this token to give to you people, to show you that what happened to you, also happened to him. He will do more for you,’ he assured.

Also speaking, the PDP candidate for Ohaozara, Onicha and Ivo Federal Constituency, Chief Felix Igboke, described the flood as unfortunate and said improved drainage and other environmental measures would be needed to address the problem.

He promised that, if elected, he would prioritise better drainage infrastructure and other environmental solutions to reduce the impact of flooding in the area.

Sniff them out

Wars are not only fought on the battlefield, with bombs, drones, missiles and rifles. A lot depends on what goes on behind the scenes. Intelligence and surveillance are key to victory.

In the terror war in Nigeria, as the armed forces are taking the battle to the enemy, so are the terrorists, bandits and insurgents planning and using undercover agents, informants and spies to ambush the gallant soldiers.

The police have now said that the terrorists are stepping up the war by engaging the services of spies, many of them children, women and renegade soldiers. Even traditional rulers. The alert from the police has now indicated that attacks could be launched on schools as children are just resuming from holiday.

While it is good that the general public is warned to be alert, a way of saying that all hands must be on deck, it is the primary responsibility of the Department of State Services (DSS), police detectives and military intelligence to device and mount a robust survey of the schools and build security around them.

This would not have been an emergency if necessary things had been done following support from other countries and world bodies after the abduction of the Chibok girls in 2014.

The Safe Schools Initiative was the response and funds were raised for the purpose. Schools around the most vulnerable areas were meant to have perimeter fencing to deter easy invasion. Cameras were to be installed to monitor movements and troops were to be on regular patrol, even in rural areas.

In cases where these could not be easily achieved as was the case in Borno State, such schools were to be moved to main towns. This was done in Borno, but not in many other states, thus paving the way to regular raids by the terrorists and insurgents.

We acknowledge the role played and still being played by the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) that created a squad for the purpose. There is a need to upgrade the response.

Till date, full account has not been given of the funds for the Safe Schools Initiative, that the committee headed by former British Prime Minister, Mr. Gordon Brown, worked tirelessly to raise the needed funds for. What happened? How were the proceeds expended and where?

Had the plans been executed diligently, perhaps later day mass abduction of innocent school children could have been checked. The agents of terror have realised that whenever they successfully invade schools and ferry away children, some as young as two years, there is mass hysteria in the land and they tend to have what they want, if not from the government, at least from parents and guardians.

Whole communities are mobilised to pay ransom.

Another dimension is that the international community, especially the United States in recent times, is then fed with various narratives that tend to portray Nigeria in bad light. The enemies revel in this and it tends to strengthen their hands on mobilising misguided youths and raising humongous sums in ransom payment.

It is time to check this development. It is obvious that intelligence is at the heart of this war and it must be won at that level. This should not be limited to only schools or their resumption. It must be a whole community approach. As more boots are deployed by all security agencies, it is key to get the people involved in supplying credible intelligence.

It is the way forward if Nigeria is to attain peace.

Delta takes anti-drug campaign to schools

Delta State Government has urged secondary school students in the state to shun illicit drugs, resist peer pressure and make choices that will protect their education, health and future.

The call was made as the state government, in collaboration with the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA), took its Drug-Free Delta Campaign to schools in Ogwashi-Uku and Asaba.

The sensitisation programme, organised by the Delta State Bureau for Orientation and Communications, formed part of the second phase of the campaign, which is targeting select secondary and tertiary institutions across the three senatorial districts.

The campaign team, led by the bureau’s Director-General, Dr. Fred Latimore Oghenesivbe, visited Comprehensive College, Ogwashi-Uku, Okpanam High School and West End Mixed Secondary School, Asaba.

During interactive sessions, the students were educated on the dangers of substance abuse, the influence of peer pressure and the need to make responsible decisions.

Oghenesivbe urged the students not to allow experimentation or peer influence to derail their aspirations, stressing that choices made at a young age could have lasting consequences for their education and future careers.

He encouraged them to remain focused on their studies and aspire to positions of responsibility.

He cited accomplished Nigerians as examples of what could be achieved through discipline, commitment and education.

The programme also featured an anti-drug drama performed by students, portraying the effects of substance abuse on individuals, families and society.

Some participants received cash rewards for their performances.

The NDLEA Deputy State Commander, Mr. Silas Omobhude, educated the students on commonly abused substances and their associated dangers.

Omobhude warned the students against accepting food, drinks or other substances from strangers at social gatherings.

He cautioned that illicit substances could sometimes be introduced into refreshments.

He also urged them to remain vigilant against peer pressure and avoid environments that could expose them to drug use.

The school authorities commended the state government and the NDLEA for taking the campaign directly to students.

They said the interactive approach enabled the young people to receive professional guidance and ask questions about issues affecting them.

The exercise ended with the students joining the campaign team in an anti-drug chant promoting healthy living, education and responsible choices.

PariPesa named Marseille’s Regional Africa Partner

Betting brand PariPesa has become Olympique de Marseille’s Regional Africa Partner under a new agreement aimed at African football fans, the two parties announced.

The deal is intended to bring the French Ligue 1 club closer to supporters across the continent, according to a statement from PariPesa. Terms and duration were not disclosed.

Under the partnership, both sides will run co-branded digital campaigns, competitions, giveaways and original content, the statement said. The content will focus on the link between Marseille and Africa.

OM General Manager Alban Juster said the club has long had a special place in Africa.

‘Africa has always held a special place in Olympique de Marseille’s identity and community,’ Juster said. ‘Through our partnership with PariPesa, we look forward to creating new opportunities to engage with our supporters across the continent and further strengthen this connection.’

PariPesa Africa Chief Commercial Officer Jonathan Namasiku said the company was pleased to join the club.

‘We are delighted to become OM’s Regional Africa Partner and look forward to bringing this partnership to life through exciting content, activations and experiences for our audiences across the continent,’ Namasiku said.

PariPesa said the agreement forms part of its long-term brand development in Africa. It also builds on the company’s existing work with former Ivorian and Manchester City midfielder Yaya Touré, its Brand Ambassador.

How to check 2026 NECO result with your phone

The wait is over for thousands of candidates who sat for the 2026 Senior School Certificate Examination (SSCE) Internal, as the National Examinations Council (NECO) has officially released the results.

According to the council, 84.70 per cent of candidates who sat for the examination obtained at least five credits, irrespective of their performance in English Language and Mathematics.

Registrar and Chief Executive of NECO, Prof. Dantani Wushishi, announced the release on Thursday at a news conference held at the council’s headquarters in Minna, Niger.

Wushishi formally declared the 2026 SSCE Internal results released to the public, urging candidates to pursue their academic ambitions with renewed hope and determination.

With the results now available, candidates can check their performance from the comfort of their homes using a smartphone and an internet connection.

What you need

Before checking your result, make sure you have:

A smartphone connected to the internet

Your NECO examination registration number

Your NECO result-checking token

A web browser such as Chrome, Safari or Firefox

Step 1: Visit the NECO result portal

Open the browser on your phone and visit the official NECO result-checking portal:

results.neco.gov.ng

Step 2: Select the examination year

Once the portal opens, select 2026 as the examination year.

You will also be required to select the appropriate examination type, such as SSCE Internal, depending on the examination you took.

Step 3: Enter your result-checking token

Enter your NECO Result Checking Token in the space provided.

Candidates who do not have a token can purchase one through the official NECO result portal by following the payment instructions.

Step 4: Enter your registration number

Carefully enter your NECO registration number and check the details to ensure there are no errors.

Step 5: Check your result

After entering the required information, click ‘Check Result.’

Your 2026 NECO result should appear on the screen if the details provided are correct.

What to do if your result does not appear

If your result does not immediately appear, check that you selected the correct examination year and type and entered your registration number and token correctly.

Also ensure that your phone has a stable internet connection before trying again.

Candidates are advised to use the official NECO result portal and avoid sharing their examination details with unverified individuals or websites.

2027: Former Rivers ADC governorship candidate Tonte Ibraye resigns from party

Former governorship candidate of the African Democratic Congress (ADC) in Rivers State, Tonte Ibraye, has resigned from the party, citing internal leadership differences and concerns over its 2027 electoral processes.

Ibraye announced his resignation in a letter dated September 24, 2026, addressed to the ADC Ward Chairman in Degema Ward 16, Bille, Rivers State.

In the letter made available to The Nation in Abuja, Ibraye said he had remained committed to the ADC and its principles of internal democracy, fairness and respect for established party structures.

He said, however, that recent developments within the party had made it difficult for him to continue as a member.

Ibraye expressed concerns over changes to party structures and the leadership dispute involving the faction led by former Senate President David Mark, particularly its role in party administration and electoral processes.

He said the ongoing legal issues surrounding the party’s leadership had raised questions for him about how candidates would be selected for the 2027 elections.

According to Ibraye, political candidates emerging from processes affected by unresolved internal and legal disputes could face uncertainty.

He argued that political parties seeking to present credible candidates should have clear and stable internal structures.

The former governorship candidate also said he was concerned about the broader direction of opposition politics, particularly the emphasis on replacing President Bola Ahmed Tinubu without, in his view, sufficient emphasis on presenting Nigerians with alternative policy proposals and governance plans.

‘I have therefore decided that I can no longer remain on what I consider a sinking political ship,’ he stated.

Ibraye said he would now consult with his supporters, political associates and political leaders across the 23 local government areas of Rivers State before deciding on his next political move.

He expressed appreciation to ADC members and supporters he had worked with over the years.

The former candidate said his resignation would not affect his commitment to the development of Rivers State and Nigeria or his advocacy for accountable and people-centred leadership.

He consequently informed the party that his resignation took immediate effect.

Oyo govt lists over 900km roads completed, ongoing statewide

Oyo State Government has listed more than 900 kilometres of roads either completed, nearing completion, or currently under construction across the state.

The projects comprise major inter-zonal highways, inner-city roads in Ibadan, federal road interventions and rural roads being constructed under the Rural Access and Agricultural Marketing Project (RAAMP).

Among the major completed projects are the 76.7km Iseyin-Fapote-Ogbomoso Road, now renamed the Adebayo Alao-Akala Memorial Highway, which links Oke-Ogun and Ogbomoso zones, and the 65km Moniya-Ijaiye-Iseyin Road connecting Ibadan with Oke-Ogun.

Also completed are the 34.85km Oyo-Iseyin Road, which serves as a major route to the Fasola Agribusiness Industrial Hub, and the 83.83km Saki-Iseyin Road, a federal road that received rehabilitation.

The government also highlighted the 110km Rashidi Ladoja Circular Road in Ibadan as one of its signature projects.

According to the government, the South-East Wing of the circular road, covering 32.2km, is nearly completed, while work is ongoing on the 36km North-East Wing.

High-mast floodlights have also been installed on Bridges 1 and 6, as well as the Onipepeye Bridge section of the circular road.

In Ibadan, the government said 18 inner-city roads approved in 2024 under Lots 1, 2 and 3 have recorded significant progress, with the listed projects largely completed.

They include the 15.53km UI Preboye Junction-Bodija Market-Secretariat-Total Garden-Beere Roundabout road; 11.74km Queen Cinema-Dugbe-Mokola-Sango-Trans Amusement Park Junction road; 10.8km Bus Stop Gate-Oje-Beere-Oja Oba-Molete Under Bridge road; and the 9.3km Molete Under Bridge-Oke Ado-Oke Bola-Queen Cinema, Dugbe road.

Other completed inner-city projects include the 8.5km Mile 110-Ring Road Mobil-Challenge Car Park road; 6.13km Government House-NTA Junction-Ikolaba-JAMB Office-Officers’ Mess-Federal Secretariat road; 5.48km General Gas Junction-Kolapo Ishola GRA-Iyana Church road, with a spur to Dizengoff; and the 3.85km Iyaganku-Seventh Day-Oke Bola Junction/Olubadan Stadium-Vale College-NUJ Press Centre road.

The government also listed the 3.5km Oke Adu-Ode Aje-Aremo-Orita Aperin road, 3.48km Aare Junction-Ashi along Bodija Road, 3.45km Bodija Ojurin-Ashi Bashorun road with a spur to Ojoo, and the 2.99km Oshuntokun-Housing Corporation-Elewure-Awolowo Junction road as completed.

Under Lot 3, completed roads include the 2.8km Idi Arere-Kudeti-Eleta-Idi Aro-Labo Junction-Orita Aperin road; 2.52km Ogbori Efon-Ita Baale-Beyenruka-Ode Aje-Aremo Junction road; 2.15km Oke Ado-Tribune-Imale Falafia-Ososami-Iyana Adeoyo Junction road; 1.95km Yemetu Mobil-Adeoyo Road-Total Filling Station-Idi Ayunre-Oje-Aremo road and the 1.4km Idi Arere-Popoyemoja-Oke Ado-Molete road.

Other major completed Ibadan roads include the 12.5km Challenge-Odo Ona Elewe-Elebu-Apata Road, renamed Theophilus Akinyele Way, which has been dualised; the 8.2km Agodi Gate-Old Ife Road-Alakia-Adegbayi Road with an underpass at Onipepeye; and the 7.25km Idi Ape-Basorun-Akobo-Odogbo Barracks Road.

The government also listed the 7.17km selected roads within Old and New Bodija and the State Secretariat, the 4km Beere-Alekuso-Oritamerin-Agbeni-Ogunpa-Lebanon Street-Dugbe Road expansion, and the 3.26km Oke Adu Junction-Agodi Gate-Idi Ape-Iwo Road Interchange as completed.

Other completed projects include the dualisation of the 3.2km Ibadan Airport Road and spur roads, the 16.96km Kolapo Ishola GRA road network, the 3.5km Felele Idi Odo Junction-Splash FM-Onigari Felele Expressway, the 800-metre Bishop Court-Bolajoko Road and the 65-metre General Gas Flyover.

The government said several other projects are either ongoing or nearing completion; these include the 5.5km Adegbayi Junction-Bus Terminal-Iwo Road Interchange, which is nearly completed; the 21km Airport-Ajia-New Ife Express Road with a spur to Amuloko; and the 13.6km Ojoo Interchange-IITA-Moniya Junction-Akinyele Interchange, which is a federal road intervention.

Also ongoing are the 12km Apete-Awotan-Akufo Road, being constructed with rigid pavement; the 6km Mobil-Oluyole Industrial Estate Road Network and the 37.41km Beere-Olorunsogo-Amuloko-Akanran-Dagbolu Road.

The government said the Beere-Dagbolu road has been completed up to Olorunsogo by the state government, while Ona Ara Local Government is continuing.

Outside Ibadan, completed projects include the 9.7km Saki Township Road and Saki-Ilesa-Baruba Road; the 5.2km Gedu-Oroki-Sabo-Asipa Road in Oyo and the 3km Under G-Stadium-LAUTECH Second Gate Road in Ogbomoso.

Ongoing and nearly completed projects include the 45.3km Saki-Ogbooro-Igboho Road, linking Saki West, Saki East and Oorelope local government areas; the 48km Ido-Eruwa Road connecting Ibadan and Ibarapa zones; and the 30km Igboho-Igbope-Kisi Road.

Others are the 30km Okaka Junction-Otu-Igbojaiye-KAP Film Village Road and the 35.53km Ibadan-Iwo-Osogbo Road, which is expected to be handed back to the Federal Government.

Several roads in Ogbomoso North and South are also ongoing, including the 5.7km Owode-Idi Oro-Kere Baya Oje Road, 3.3km General-Orita Naira-Oja Igbo-Abede Road, 2.69km Corpers’ Lodge-Milky Junction Road and 1.7km Aguodo-Olojo-Sekoni-Osupa-Eleko-Bosunla Road.

The government said road construction is also being extended to rural communities and farm settlements through RAAMP.

Projects listed under the programme include the 37.1km Alako-Idiya-Batake-Olowa-Ijaiye Farm Settlement Road in Ido Local Government Area; 21.96km Oloko Oyo Junction-Ikere Road in Iseyin; 8.85km Adebayo-Alata-Obebe-Aba Oje Road in Oluyole; and 8.43km Fasola Farm Settlement Road in Oyo West.

Others are the 6.82km FRSC-Ago Are Saki Link-Okudi Oyada Road, covering Tede, Atisbo and Saki West areas, and the 4.73km Tewure Market-Ila Junction Road in Oriire.

The government also said traffic management improvements had been completed at major junctions including Challenge, Felele, Idi Ape, Civic Centre, Agodi Gate and University of Ibadan Junction.

Rehabilitation of the Iwo Road Roundabout and expansion of the Adegbayi Junction-Bus Terminal-Iwo Road Interchange have also been completed.

It added that the Oyo State Road Maintenance Agency (OYSROMA) was carrying out regular maintenance across 16 local government areas, including roads in Ibadan metropolis, Ogbomoso North and South, Surulere, Oyo East and West, Afijio and Atiba.

The government said the road projects were being implemented as part of a broader plan to support agribusiness and economic expansion by improving connections between the Fasola, Ijaiye and Eruwa Agribusiness Industrial Hubs and major markets.