Dave Umahi, The Minister of Works, on Saturday in Lagos, flagged off the demolition of a section of the Landmark Beach, the Mami Chula Beach Lifestyle, to give way to the Lagos-Calabar Coastal Highway.

Umahi began the demolition after he inspected kilometres 13, 16 and 20 to ensure the most economical and viable way to access the coastal roads without much damage.

He noted that the demolition was necessary since the landmark centre was on the federal government’s Right-of-way.

The minister stressed that several structures would be affected by the demolition, adding that compensation would be provided.

Mr Umahi said, “So with the utmost fear of God, gratitude to God Almighty and the commitment to President Bola Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda in our infrastructural development agenda in particular, I wish to flag off this demolition.

”It’s in a right-of-way within the coastal corridor, which is the legitimate right-of-way of the federal government.

“Before the flag-off of the landmark’s demolition, I graciously increased the grace period by another seven days and yet another four days, and here we are because the project stopped because of a lack of demolition.”

The minister acknowledged that some people opposed the project and insisted it was necessary for economic development.

He assured those affected by the demolition that they would be adequately compensated and added that documentation would start between May 2 and 3.

Mr Umahi also assured that he would be available throughout the week to address any confirmation or payment issues related to the demolition.

Responding, the chief executive officer of Mami Chula Beach, Bolaji Ariyo, acknowledged the project’s necessity for development, even when it causes inconvenience for a small number of people.

The American International School Abuja (AISA) yesterday provided additional information and context to clarify the issues around its decision to refund the school fees paid by former Kogi State Governor, Yahaya Bello, to the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC).

The Head of School, Greg Hughes, said the school actually turned in the funds in compliance with the commission’s request and denied any wrongdoing.

He also reaffirmed the institution’s commitment to upholding institutional integrity and respect for institutions in the country.

Hughes said: “Our compliance to remit these funds underscores our commitment to upholding institutional integrity and our respect for the national institutions of Nigeria.

“Upon learning that the school fees we accepted in good faith were, in fact, part of an ongoing case with the EFCC, we turned over these funds in compliance with this federal commission’s request.”

Citing the subjudice status of the issue as a result of the ongoing case between the EFCC and Bello, the school averred that “we will refrain from making any further comments at this time.”

The statement dated April 26, 2024, read: “Recent media reports have highlighted issues between the Economic Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), AISA and a family with children enrolled at the school, stemming from an investigation carried out in 2022.

“As a school, we did accept an advance payment for school fees, and duly documented these fees in our records.

“Upon learning that the school fees we accepted in good faith were, in fact, part of an ongoing case with the EFCC, we turned over these funds in compliance with this federal commission’s request…”

It added: “At no point has the school been accused of any wrongdoing about this case, and we are cooperating fully with the EFCC to address matters currently before the courts.

“As these legal matters are being resolved within the Nigerian judicial system and involve one of our families, we will refrain from making any further comments at this time.

“As an institution, we remain committed to providing excellent service to our school community in line with our core values, vision and mission,” the statement explained.

Prince Bassey Otu, Cross River governor, has initiated a large-scale rice project, spanning 50,000 hectares.

The endeavour is supported by a credit scheme, which sees the state allocating a whooping N150 million monthly, towards agricultural development initiatives.

The ceremony marking the commencement of the project took place in Ndok community, Ogoja local government area of Cross River, weekend.

Otu, at the event, affirmed his administration’s readiness to revolutionise the agricultural sector.

He stressed the need for a direct collaboration with rice farmers to meet the cultivation of the extensive 50,000 hectares.

“We are engaging with groups of farmers as part of our agricultural revolution, focusing initially on short-term cash crops like rice, cocoa, and cassava.

“We are also progressing towards the development of oil palm and rubber plantations,” the governor remarked.

Continuing, Otu said, “we are committed to working along with every farmer while ensuring the provision of essential resources and I extend this assurance to the traditional leaders based on our long-term commitment to this course.”

On a credit-guarantee scheme established to facilitate financial assistance for dedicated farmers, Otu encouraged individuals to seize the opportunity in order to enhance productivity, emphasising the need for proactive engagement in agriculture.

He charged the citizenry to take advantage of the numerous resources in the state to remain proactive while help in turning Cross River into an industrial hub.

Earlier, Commissioner for Agriculture and Irrigation, Johnson Ebokpo Jnr, informed of government’s strategic approach to agricultural development, explaining the various policies put in place to attract private sector investments, while making agriculture the cornerstone of the state’s economy.

Ebokpo said: “Significant investments have been made in acquiring new tractors to enhance mechanisation efforts. The tractors, being distributed across the local government areas in Cross River will be managed by cooperatives, comprising men and women.”

According to the Agric Commissioner, “the initiative aims to empower the youths while supporting small-holder farmers in scaling up their operations.”

Chairman, Cross River Rice Farmers Association, Emmanuel Anoh, projected a minimum rice yield of 6 tonnes per hectare, translating to 140 bags of 50kg rice per hectare, hinting that the significant increase in production capacity was poised to transform the food industry in Nigeria.

Anoh also applauded government’s agricultural initiatives as he expressed hope that the result would tremendously benefit the populace and boost the sector.