Category: PM News

Infrax Tech (www.infranalyze.tech), a Nigerian-based IT company, has released the first version of Infranalyze AI (app.infranalyze.tech), an artificial intelligence-powered civil engineering platform designed to support infrastructure planning, engineering analysis, design recommendations, and project decision-making.

The initial release marks a step in Infrax Tech’s effort to integrate artificial intelligence into practical civil engineering workflows, providing infrastructure professionals with digital tools for assessing project sites, evaluating terrain conditions, analysing proposed road corridors, and developing preliminary engineering recommendations.

Infranalyze AI combines geospatial information, satellite mapping, terrain visualisation, and engineering-focused AI capabilities to help civil engineers and infrastructure developers assess project locations, identify infrastructure requirements, and support planning and design decisions.

The platform’s core capabilities include project site assessment, road alignment and analysis, terrain assessment, soil profile and composition analysis, cut-and-fill calculations, drainage planning, culvert design and positioning, quantity summaries, and bridge analysis and design support. It also provides chainage-related information to support road planning and preliminary engineering assessments.

Through its in-chat ‘Discuss with AI’ feature, users can explore potential borrow-pit locations and material sources, estimate construction quantities, and obtain indicative construction costs based on Nigerian market conditions and state-specific pricing considerations. These capabilities are intended to support early-stage project planning, resource assessment, and cost evaluation.

Infranalyze AI also includes reporting and spreadsheet export features to facilitate technical documentation, review, and further evaluation by engineering professionals.

Developed with the Nigerian infrastructure sector in mind, Infranalyze AI is designed to make AI-assisted engineering analysis and infrastructure planning tools more accessible to professionals working on road construction and related infrastructure projects.

The initial version establishes the foundation for Infrax Tech’s broader ambition to apply artificial intelligence to infrastructure development challenges in Nigeria and across Africa.

About Infrax Tech

Infrax Tech is a Nigerian-based IT company focused on developing intelligent solutions for infrastructure and engineering. Its work centres on helping professionals plan more effectively, make better-informed decisions, and pursue more efficient and sustainable project delivery.

The company was founded by Engr. Mazen Kalassina (mazenkalassina.com), a civil engineer and technology entrepreneur with more than 15 years of experience in infrastructure development. Under its vision, Infrax Tech is advancing the integration of artificial intelligence into engineering practice to support smarter, faster, and more sustainable infrastructure solutions.

The company is also associated with Engr. Kam-Selem Alhaji Bukar, FNSE, FNICE, immediate past President of the Association of Consulting Engineering in Nigeria (ACEN), whose professional experience and credentials reflect a strong connection to Nigeria’s consulting engineering sector.

Through its flagship platform, Infranalyze AI, Infrax Tech seeks to contribute to the advancement of AI-assisted civil engineering, infrastructure planning, and design decision support in Nigeria and across Africa.

The newly appointed Permanent Secretary of the Lagos State Ministry of Information and Strategy, Mr ‘Tunbosun Ogunbanwo, has assumed duty, calling on staff to uphold professionalism, teamwork and unity of purpose in advancing the ministry’s objectives.

Ogunbanwo formally resumed on Tuesday and embarked on a familiarisation tour of the ministry’s departments and units, accompanied by directors.

The tour covered the Public Affairs Department, Information Production, Social Media, Public Enlightenment, Information and Communication Technology (ICT), Internal Audit Unit, Features Unit, Editing Suite, Camera Unit and Graphics Unit.

During the exercise, Ogunbanwo interacted with management and staff, stressing the need for cooperation, discipline and dedication to ensure effective communication of government policies, programmes and achievements.

He urged employees to support his administration and work collectively to strengthen the ministry’s capacity to deliver on its mandate.

‘I urge everyone to work together with professionalism, unity of purpose and a shared commitment to excellence. I count on your support and cooperation as we collectively work to move the information sector forward and strengthen the Ministry’s capacity to effectively communicate government policies, programmes and achievements,’ he said.

The permanent secretary also encouraged staff to embrace innovation, maintain high professional standards and remain responsive in carrying out their responsibilities.

He said collective commitment and effective collaboration were essential to improving public communication and service delivery, in line with the Lagos State Government’s objectives.

Dr Taiwo Fasoranti, the eldest child of late Afenifere leader, Pa Reuben Fasoranti has revealed that his father repeatedly told family members that he had a covenant with God to depart from the world upon attaining the age of 100.

Taiwo, who is the Secretary to the Ondo State Government (SSG), disclosed this when Gov. Lucky Aiyedatiwa paid a condolence visit to the family of the late Afenifere leader at his residence in Akure on Tuesday night.

Pa Fasoranti died on Tuesday evening in his house in Ijapo, Akure.

He celebrated his centenarian anniversary earlier in the year.

‘Baba often told us that he had a covenant with God that whenever he got to 100, he would go. He repeatedly told us that when he died, we should not cry.

‘We are not mourning Baba. We are rejoicing.

‘Baba has left us a big pair of shoes to step into, but we can only thank God for the legacy of firmness, resilience, hard work and love that he left us with,’ he said.

The SSG described his father as a devoted parent who was actively involved in the upbringing and education of his children.

He said the family would greatly miss the wise counsel of the late nationalist, whom he described as a man of few words who communicated his thoughts ‘quietly but effectively.’

He appreciated Aiyedatiwa for identifying with the family during the period, while appealing for prayers to enable the children to sustain their father’s legacies.

Speaking, Aiyedatiwa described the late Pa Fasoranti leader as an epitome of humility, kindness and wisdom whose contributions to governance and national development would remain indelible.

‘Even at that age, Baba was still influencing decisions of government. That is to tell you that he was still mentally sound,’ he said.

Aiyedatiwa described the deceased as a great educator whose positive influence extended across generations, producing prominent personalities within and outside Nigeria.

‘We cannot but celebrate his life and times. We are not mourning. We are just celebrating and thanking God for a life that was well lived,’ he said.

The governor said the late nationalist lived a fulfilled life characterised by humility, kindness, wisdom and dedication to the service of humanity.

Aiyedatiwa urged the family and other Nigerians to emulate the virtues of the deceased and continue to make meaningful contributions to society.

The Presidency has rejected Peter Obi’s clarification of his controversial advice to Nigerians in the United Kingdom to refuse financial requests from people back home, insisting that his original remarks were neither misunderstood nor distorted.

Bayo Onanuga, Special Adviser to President Bola Tinubu on Information and Strategy, dismissed Obi’s explanation in a post on X, describing his statement at a Manchester town hall meeting as callous.

‘Mr Peter Obi, you failed to clarify your Manchester callous statement. Nobody twisted your statement. Thank you for affirming it again,’ Onanuga declared.

The presidential spokesman’s response followed Obi’s attempt to clarify remarks he made on Sunday, October 18, while addressing supporters in Manchester, United Kingdom.

The presidential candidate of the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) had urged Nigerians abroad to reject financial appeals from people at home and instead encourage them to support leaders with proven records of financial discipline.

‘You have people at home in Nigeria today who are begging you for money. Tell them no!’ Obi had told the gathering.

He argued that Nigeria’s persistent economic difficulties were largely caused by poor leadership and corruption, which had left many citizens dependent on financial assistance from relatives overseas.

The remarks sparked controversy, prompting Obi’s media office to issue a clarification denying that he had asked Nigerians abroad to abandon their families.

Obi subsequently issued a personal statement titled ‘My Message Has Been Twisted’, accusing political opponents of deliberately misrepresenting his position.

‘Even though my media office has issued a responsible clarification on the situation, I still find it necessary to add my voice to address the distortion of my message by political opponents,’ he stated.

The former Anambra State governor acknowledged the sacrifices made by Nigerians in the diaspora, noting that their remittances helped families pay school fees, hospital bills, rent and other essential expenses.

‘I never asked them to abandon their loved ones. My concern is that Nigeria should not remain a country where millions depend on relatives abroad for basic survival,’ Obi explained.

He maintained that his message was about building a country capable of providing jobs, affordable healthcare, quality education and economic opportunities.

‘Political opponents may twist my message, but the truth remains clear: I am not asking Nigerians abroad to abandon their families. I am advocating for a Nigeria that will no longer abandon its own people,’ he added.

Onanuga, however, rejected the explanation, maintaining that Obi had failed to clarify his original remarks.

The exchange adds to the controversy surrounding Obi’s comments as political activities intensify ahead of the 2027 presidential election.

Governor Abba Yusuf of Kano State has put politics aside to congratulate his erstwhile political godfather, Sen. Rabiu Kwankwaso on the occasion of his 70th birthday.

Yusuf in a statement by his media aide, Sunusi Bature, on Tuesday described the 70th birthday milestone as an important occasion to celebrate Kwankwaso’s life, leadership and contributions to the development of the state and the country at large.

Yusuf also acknowledged Kwankwaso’s role in the state’s political development.

The governor said that the birthday provided an opportunity to reflect on Kwankwaso’s years of public service and his contributions to governance, infrastructure development and the growth of democratic participation in Kano State.

Yusuf prayed to Almighty Allah to grant Kwankwaso good health, long life and renewed strength to continue contributing to the development of the state and the nation.

He also wished him more years of peace and happiness as he celebrates this important milestone.

Kwankwaso was a former governor of Kano State, an ex-Minister of Defence, and the Vice-Presidential Candidate of the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) in the 2027 general elections.

He supported Governor Yusuf’s emergence and election as Kano governor on the platform of New Nigeria’s People Party, NNPP in the 2023 elections.

However, both men have fallen out of ahead of the 2027 elections with Yusuf defecting to the All Progressives Congress to contest for re-election.

Kwankwaso defected to NDC and has emerged the running mate to the presidential candidate of the party while he is supporting another candidate for the Kano 2027 governorship election.

The Nigeria Centre for Disease Control and Prevention (NCDC) has said the condition of the Ebola patient in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Abuja, has worsened.

The Director of Public Health Laboratory Service at the NCDC, Olajumoke Babatunde, disclosed this during an emergency meeting in Abuja on Wednesday.

She said the patient, a diplomat, had developed multiple organ failure.

According to Babatunde, tests confirmed that the patient was infected with the Bundibugyo strain of Ebola. She added that three rounds of molecular tests were conducted to identify the strain.

The World Health Organisation (WHO) also confirmed the strain, which currently has no approved vaccine or specific treatment.

The patient is a woman who travelled from Uganda to Abuja on October 3, 2026. She was admitted to a private hospital in the FCT after developing symptoms similar to malaria.

The Incident Manager of the National Ebola Response, Dr Odianosen Ehiakhamen, said the woman developed symptoms on October 7 and visited the hospital on October 11.

The NCDC said 44 people who had close contact with the patient had been identified. They include health workers, other patients, caregivers and people who travelled with her or may have been exposed during her journey.

The agency said the patient is being kept in isolation and receiving medical care.

It added that surveillance had been increased to monitor people who may have been exposed to the virus and prevent further spread.

Chief Beluolisa Nwofor, Chancellor, Diocese of Awka, Anglican Communion, has demanded N5 billion in damages from the Bishop of Aguata Diocese, Rt. Rev. Samuel Ezeofor, for announcing his removal from office.

Nwofor, a Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN) in a letter dated Oct. 19, addressed to Ezeofor, also demanded the withdrawal of the letter for his removal within 24 hours and a public apology within 48 hours.

In the letter made available to newsmen on Tuesday, he warned that he would institute legal proceedings if the demands were not met.

The letter, titled ‘Demand for Immediate Retraction of the Offensive Letter and Public Apology,’ was a response to Ezeofor’s Oct. 17 letter entitled ‘Removal as the Chancellor of the Diocese of Awka (Anglican Communion).’

Nwofor described the publication as ‘libellous’ and alleged that it was intended to tarnish his reputation.

He argued that Ezeofor, as Bishop of Aguata Diocese, lacked the authority to appoint or remove the Chancellor of Awka Diocese.

According to him, the Constitution and Regulations of the Diocese of Awka, 2023, empower the Bishop of Awka Diocese to appoint the Chancellor and other legal officers.

Nwofor said he was appointed by Archbishop Alexander Ibezim, the suspended Archbishop of the Province of the Niger and Bishop of Awka Diocese, in accordance with the diocesan constitution.

He maintained that his tenure remained valid, arguing that none of the conditions stipulated in the constitution for terminating his appointment had occurred.

The chancellor also challenged Ezeofor to specify the alleged misconduct and lawful directives he was accused of flouting.

He further disclosed that the dispute over Ezeofor’s appointment was already before the Anambra State High Court in Suit No. A/371/2026, with a motion seeking to set aside the appointment pending in court.

Nwofor demanded that Ezeofor pay N5 billion in damages within seven days of receiving the letter.

He warned that failure to comply with the demands would leave him with no option but to seek redress in court.

Copies of the letter were sent to the Primate, Chancellor and Registrar of the Church of Nigeria, Anglican Communion.

The Special Adviser to President Bola Tinubu on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, has called for the introduction of the death penalty for counterfeiters, insisting that those producing fake products will not stop unless they face the ultimate punishment.

Onanuga made the call on Wednesday while reacting to the discovery of a suspected counterfeit alcoholic drinks factory worth over ?500 million in Aba, Abia State, by the National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC).

In a post on X, the presidential spokesman condemned the activities of counterfeiters, describing them as people without conscience.

‘These counterfeiters certainly have no conscience. Until we start imposing a death penalty on them, they will never stop their nefarious activities,’ he declared.

His reaction followed NAFDAC’s announcement that its operatives uncovered a suspected illegal alcohol production facility at No. 25 Omenazu Street, Aba, following credible intelligence.

According to the agency, the facility was operating under unhygienic conditions, while the suspected operator fled upon the arrival of enforcement officials.

The suspect reportedly abandoned a vehicle containing packaging materials bearing the names of Sir Edwards Scotch Whisky and Scottish Hills Whisky, empty bottles and a drum containing approximately 200 litres of liquid.

A search of the premises also uncovered bottle caps, sealing machines, cartons, tanks containing various liquid mixtures and dirty sieves allegedly used in producing the drinks.

NAFDAC further disclosed that its officials discovered plastic buckets and 200-litre drums containing ethanol, including tree bark immersed in the substance.

The agency warned that the materials raised serious concerns about the safety and quality of the suspected counterfeit products.

It estimated the value of the equipment, materials and other components found at the facility at over ?500 million.

NAFDAC urged Nigerians to report suspected illegal manufacturing activities through its toll-free line, 0800-1-623322, or 0700-1-623322.

Onanuga’s call for capital punishment comes amid concerns about the dangers posed by counterfeit alcoholic drinks to public health.

However, his statement was a call for tougher penalties, not an announcement of a new Federal Government policy or a change to existing law.

The Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) FCT Command has arrested four persons for allegedly vandalising and stealing electrical and armored cables in Abuja.

NSCDC FCT Commandant, Dr Olusola Odumosu, briefed newsmen of their arrests on Wednesday in Abuja.

Odumosu said that the suspects were arrested separately in Kubwa, Abaji and Kwali areas of the FCT.

He added that the male suspects were apprehended by FCT NSCDC operatives following credible intelligence reports by well meaning Nigerians.

The commandant explained that one of male suspects, aged 44, was arrested in Abaji for unlawfully being in possession of high-tension aluminium conductor cables allegedly belonging to the Abuja Electricity Distribution Company (AEDC).

He said that the suspect confessed that the cables were brought to him by two suspects who are at large; to safeguard them pending their sale to prospective buyers.

]’Both suspects are currently at large but efforts are ongoing to apprehend them as well as identify other persons connected with the alleged criminal activity.

‘He was subsequently granted administrative bail to enable him to produce a credible surety as investigation continues.

‘Exhibits recovered were; bundles of high-tension aluminium conductor cables,’ Odumosu said.

Odumosu said that in another operation, two alleged male vandals, both 27 years old were arrested for alleged vandalism and unlawful possession of electrical cables stolen around Government Secondary School, Kubwa, popularly known as ‘Black and White’.

He further said that one of the suspects was apprehended following intelligence reports by some commercial motorcyclists and tricyclists of suspicious criminal activities around the school premises.

The command helmsman said that based on the information, operatives swung into action, which led to the recovery of approximately 38 rolls of electrical installation cables, cutted pieces of power cables concealed in a large sack.

‘A pair of pliers, a screwdriver and other items suspected to have been used in the alleged operation.

‘Preliminary investigation revealed that he got access into the school in the evening through the gate before cutting the school’s wires till about 12 a.m.

‘He was apprehended while trying to climb the fence with the exhibit in an attempt to escape with the intent of selling the items,’ the commandant said.

The commandant explained that during interrogation, the suspect stated that he had already contacted an alleged buyer, who made an advance payment of N35,000.

‘Following intelligence tactics we were able to apprehend the alleged buyer,’ he said.

He however said that both suspects confessed to have been in the illegal act/business since 2024.

In a similar operation, the command, alerted by members of a local vigilante group, successfully arrested a suspect at Berger Roundabout, along the Wuye axis, for allegedly excavating and stealing armoured cable.

Odumosu revealed that recovered from the suspect at the crime scene were armored cables and a digger.

‘The suspect alleged that he was acting alongside two other individuals who reportedly escaped during the arrest operation.

‘The suspect was detained and subsequently granted administrative bail,’ Odumosu said.

He reiterated that the NSCDC FCT Command will continue to intensify efforts to protect all vital Critical Assets and infrastructure within the FCT.

The Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) has picketed Wizchino Engineering Company Limited over alleged anti-worker practices, safety breaches and workers’ deaths.

The NLC’s Acting General Secretary, Mr Benson Upah, issued the warning during the picketing of the company in Abuja on Wednesday.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that protesters carried placards demanding decent wages, workers’ right to unionise and an end to alleged industrial oppression.

Upah demanded improved working conditions, adequate healthcare facilities and recognition of workers’ rights to join trade unions of their choice.

He said the picketing would continue indefinitely and could escalate into wider industrial action involving affiliate unions if management refused to negotiate.

‘If they are not ready to follow the law, they should leave! If they are not ready to follow the law of this country, they should leave.

‘Any company that operates in breach of this should be prepared to face consequences not only on the street, but in the courtroom,’ he said.

The President of the National Union of Civil Engineering Construction, Furniture and Wood Workers (NUCECFWW), Mr Stephen Okoro, alleged that two workers had died at separate locations associated with the company.

‘Of recent, we lost about two workers here. Yes, one worker here and one on the other side. Because there’s no healthcare. They don’t have a clinic,’ he said.

Okoro alleged that the company lacked registered clinics and failed to provide essential protective equipment, including safety boots, helmets and hand gloves.

He said the union had repeatedly written to the company, visited its premises and contacted relevant government agencies over the alleged violations, but management had failed to respond meaningfully.

Okoro, also an NLC vice-president, said the union was demanding recognition of workers’ right to organise, fair remuneration, clearly defined employment conditions and adequate welfare.

He noted that the company was operating a hire-and-fire system, with workers allegedly employed and dismissed without clearly defined conditions of service.

‘They are just doing hire and fire. Today they will employ you, tomorrow they will sack you. And that will not be tolerated in this country.

‘If they are not ready to discuss with us, we will continue here tomorrow. Then tomorrow morning we’ll resume; we will run shifts with them until the writing is done.

‘We will not go until the right thing is done,’ he added.

The NLC’s Deputy General Secretary, Mr Bello Ismail, said the participation of hundreds of workers from affiliated unions demonstrated labour’s determination to defend workers’ rights.

He said workers were entitled to join trade unions, negotiate their employment conditions and participate in collective bargaining under Nigerian labour laws and relevant international instruments.

‘These workers are not slaves. They have a right to form and belong to a trade union, the Construction Workers Union. They have a right to bargain on their conditions of work,’ Ismail said.

He said the alleged denial of these rights could encourage exploitative working conditions, adding that the labour movement would sustain its solidarity with the affected workers.

The General Secretary of NUCECFWW, Mr Ibrahim Walama also pledged to sustain the action until the company addressed the workers’ grievances and respected labour laws.

Some of the workers with the company, expressed sadness over the reported death of their colleague, alleging that inadequate safety equipment exposed workers to danger.

‘We need help. We are not being treated fairly. There are no safety gadgets. We are not even allowed to unionise,’ they said.