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Tollgates: We’ll introduce electronic tollgates on highways – FG

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The Federal Government has concluded plans to reintroduce electronic driven toll gates across highways in the country.

Minister of Works and Housing, Babatunde Fashola, disclosed this yesterday while briefing State House Correspondents after the Federal Executive Council (FEC) meeting presided by President Muhammadu Buhari at the Presidential Villa, Abuja.

The minister explained that the idea is to do away with the use of cash in operations of the tollgates and establish efficiency in the system.

Joined by the Minister of Information and Culture, Lai Mohammed, at the briefing, Fashola explained that there was no reason why the Federal Government cannot toll the highways.

According to him: “There was a policy of government to abolish, or as it were, dismantle toll plazas. But there is no law that abolishes tolling in Nigeria today. We expect to return toll plazas. We have concluded their designs. What they will look like, what materials they will be built with, and what new considerations must go into them.”

The Works and Housing Minister noted that what the government was considering at the moment was how the back end of the programme would be handled.

He said: “What we are looking at now, and trying to conclude is how the back end runs and that is important because we want to limit significantly, if not totally eliminate cash at the plazas while ensuring that electronic devices that are being introduced do not impede rapid movement.

“We are also now faced with the need to acquire more land to establish the width of the toll plazas because I believe we are looking at about 10 lanes plazas, so that there are more outlets when they merge. So, we need to acquire more land.

“That is work that is currently being done. But let me also say that the expectation that the collection of tolls will then produce the replacement cost of the roads is perhaps not accurate because, the traffic toll counts that we have done on major highways not suggest that there is enough vehicular traffic across all roads.

“The two or three heavy routes are Lagos-Ibadan, Abuja-Kano, Abuja-Lokoja. Now, Lagos-Ibadan, the heaviest traffic we can find is between Lagos and Shagamu is about 40,000 vehicles. After Shagamu, heading to Ibadan, it drops to about 20,000. So, most of it have gone east ward going towards Ondo-Ore.

“And by the time you get to Benin, the number significantly drops. It reaches up again at the confluence where they are heading towards the Niger. You can see that it is not a static 50,000 all the way. Same thing with Abuja, Kano, Zaria. After Kaduna, the traffic significantly drops. It’s about 40,000 there too. But after Kaduna, it begins to drop.

“By the time you get to Zaria, if you have driven to the road before, by the time you are driving between Zaria and Kaduna, you see how thin the recurring number of vehicles is, and as you begin to head closer to Abuja, the number of vehicles begins to increase. I think it is important to understand this. Not all roads have the traffic counts,” Fashola said.

Fashola also disclosed that FEC, during its meeting, approved a total of N46 billion as new contract amount for the construction and rehabilitation of the Ibadan-Ilesha bye pass, with 22kilometers in Oyo State and the Suleja/Minna/Lambata Road in Niger State.

The minister explained that, “the first one Ibadan-Ilesha bye pass 22 kilometers contract was awarded in 2010. No budgetary provision. So, the rates have become obsolete.

“Contractor wants new rate. So, that has necessitated a revision of the rates by N3.165billion. That means the old contract price of N6.7 billion has now moved to N9.8billion. The same is true of the Suleja/Mina/Lambata Road. The entire road is a 101 kilometers and was awarded in two phases.

“The first phase was awarded in 2010 for 40 kilometers. The second phase, covering kilometer 40 to 101, was awarded in March 2015, but they used the 2010 rates. The contractor is now at a point where he says those rates are not sustainable; he can’t continue and we have recommended that the revised rates be considered and council approved them,” he added.

The minister noted that, “it’s a revision by addition of N12.6billion. So, the contract price moves from N23.6 billion to N36.2 billion. It is important to emphasize that all of these are in keeping first with the desire and determination to focus on projects that can be completed rather than just starting new projects. It is also consistent with the realities of economic rates and market price indices for roads inputs like cement, iron rods and diesel, petrol, lubricant and the changes that have taken place in the national economic stage between 2010 and now.”

Giving reasons for the contract variation, Fashola said that the price of cement, the price of petrol, diesel, minimum wage now is being reviewed, which are all inputs of construction that impact some contracts.

He said: “What is causing variation I think is first of all, economic common sense and reality. Don’t forget that in 2015 when I was done into office, we were reviewing what we met, national budget for roads for the whole of Nigeria was N18 billion.”

Christian Wealth Principles

6 Biblical Money Foundations That Unlock Financial Freedom – What the Bible Really Says About Wealth

You will learn about Godly wealth principles and Christian money tips. It covers managing money, financial freedom and you will also explore Biblical investing, and blessings.

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Introduction

Is money evil? Should Christians be rich? What does the Bible really say about wealth?
Many believers struggle with finances due to mixed messages. But Scripture provides clear wisdom about money management. In this post, discover 6 Biblical money foundations that help you enjoy wealth without guilt and handle finances God’s way. This will help you in Faith and finances. You will learn about Godly wealth principles and Christian money tips. It covers managing money God’s way as well as spiritual and financial freedom. You will also explore Biblical investing, tithing, and blessings.

Watch the full video breakdown on our Faith & Fortune Finance YouTube channel [embedded below].

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1. God Owns Everything—We Are Just Stewards

Psalm 24:1 – “The earth is the Lord’s, and everything in it.”

God owns it all—your money, house, gifts, even your ideas.
You’re not the owner. You’re the steward.

Action Steps:

  • Shift from ownership to stewardship
  • Ask God how to manage what He’s entrusted to you
  • Use wealth to glorify God, not just yourself

Quote:

“When we see money as God’s, we handle it differently—with purpose, peace, and power.”


2. Diligence and Hard Work Bring Prosperity

Proverbs 10:4 – “Lazy hands make for poverty, but diligent hands bring wealth.”

Financial laziness is mental, physical, and spiritual.
Avoid laziness in planning, learning, and building wealth.

Example: Oprah Winfrey built a global empire through diligence—not luck.
Biblical Application: Psalms 1:3 – “Whatever he does prospers.”

Faith + Action = Prosperity

Action Steps:

  • Show up early. Learn. Network. Execute.
  • Serve God in your work, not just in church.
  • Work is worship when done with purpose.

3. Avoid Debt and Live Within Your Means

Proverbs 22:7 – “The borrower is slave to the lender.”

Debt leads to anxiety, stress, and missed opportunities.
God’s people are called to financial freedom.

Real-World Example:
Chris Hogan teaches the power of debt-free living in Everyday Millionaires. These everyday millionaires became wealthy by saving. They also budget carefully and avoid debt.

Action Steps:

  • Budget with a plan, not emotion
  • Buy only what you can afford
  • Practice the “banana principle”: Don’t chase what’s ripe today but rotten tomorrow.

4. Tithing and Generosity Invite God’s Blessing

Malachi 3:10 – “Bring the whole tithe… see if I will not throw open the floodgates of heaven.”

Generosity invites God into your finances.

Real-World Example:
Bill Gates’ philanthropy helped eradicate diseases and feed nations. He gave to bless, and the blessing multiplied.

Action Steps:

  • Tithe as an act of faith
  • Give beyond money—give time, wisdom, love
  • Be a blessing to others

5. Invest and Multiply What God Gives You

Matthew 25:14–30 – Parable of the Talents

God expects you to grow what He gives you. Don’t bury your potential.

Real-World Examples:

  • Warren Buffet invests long-term with wisdom and restraint
  • Ray Dalio succeeds through planning, research, and principles

Action Steps:

  • Start small—just start
  • Learn to invest: stocks, skills, businesses
  • Multiply resources for Kingdom impact

6. Practice Contentment—Avoid the Love of Money

1 Timothy 6:10 – “The love of money is the root of all evil.”

Wealth is a tool, not a goal.

Real-World Example:
Dave Ramsey lives and teaches contentment after rebounding from financial failure. He preaches peace over pressure.

Action Steps:

  • Be content with what you have
  • Avoid comparison and consumerism
  • Focus on eternal rewards over earthly riches

🎯 How to Apply These Biblical Money Foundations Today

✅ Recognize that God owns everything
✅ Be diligent and hardworking
✅ Avoid debt and impulse purchases
✅ Tithe and give generously
✅ Invest wisely
✅ Practice contentment daily


Watch Full Teaching on YouTube

👇Watch this full video breakdown with real-life case studies and extra teaching only on Faith & Fortune Finance:


Conclusion

God’s financial principles aren’t just spiritual—they’re practical. Apply them and you’ll see peace, purpose, and prosperity flow into every area of your life.

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Finance & Business

As Nigerians Battle Pains Of Soaring Petrol Price

This is more than just about fuel; it’s about the larger picture of governance failure. The fact that a country as oil-rich as Nigeria can’t provide affordable fuel for its people is a tragedy.

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BY IFEANYI MOGBOLU

The Daily Times-The latest fuel price hike in Nigeria is beyond frustrating. Every time we think it can’t get worse, it does, and yet again, ordinary Nigerians bear the brunt of it.

It’s like a never-ending cycle, where the government’s promises of reforms or stabilisation always end up as empty rhetoric. The cost of living is already sky-high, and now, with fuel prices rising again, transport fares, food prices, and basic commodities are bound to follow suit.

It’s enraging because it doesn’t feel like anyone is truly considering the everyday citizen who is struggling just to survive.

This is more than just about fuel; it’s about the larger picture of governance failure. The fact that a country as oil-rich as Nigeria can’t provide affordable fuel for its people is a tragedy. The subsidies are gone, and now we’re left in a situation where the prices of everything keep climbing, while salaries remain stagnant or non-existent for many.

The disparity between the elites and the masses is growing, and it feels like nobody in power truly cares about the suffering of the people.

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The anger isn’t just about fuel; it’s about the entire state of living. Nigerians are exhausted. There’s no sense of security; power supply is erratic, basic infrastructure is crumbling, and inflation is at an all-time high. How do we live like this? Every day is a battle to make ends meet, and the government seems utterly disconnected from the struggles on the ground.

It’s infuriating that while politicians and elites live in luxury, the rest of us are left scrambling for the bare minimum. The state of living is unbearable, and the lack of empathy or real action from those in power only adds salt to the wound.

There’s a deep sense of anger and betrayal that comes with seeing your country’s wealth mismanaged, while the people continue to suffer. It’s hard not to feel like we are constantly being taken for granted, pushed further into hardship without any hope of relief. Something has to give, because this state of affairs is unsustainable.

QUOTE:

The anger isn’t just about fuel; it’s about the entire state of living. Nigerians are exhausted. There’s no sense of security; power supply is erratic, basic infrastructure is crumbling, and inflation is at an all-time high. How do we live like this? Every day is a battle to make ends meet, and the government seems utterly disconnected from the struggles on the ground. It’s infuriating that while politicians and elites live in luxury, the rest of us are left scrambling for the bare minimum.

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Finance & Business

Nigeria To Receive $5.600,000 From Bill Gates, For Health And Agricultural Reforms, GMOs

Alongside the activities surrounding the 79th United Nations General Assembly in New York, Vice President Kashim Shettima held a meeting with the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation leading to the announcement of the donation by the Foundation’s head of Global Development.

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Bill Gates, GMOs, KASHIM Shettima

Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation is giving Nigeria through Vice President Kashim Shettima, a $5.600,000 funds to speedy up health and agricultural reforms in favour of the GMOs in Nigeria, and flood relief.

Through the Foundation’s head of Global Development Programme, Dr Christopher Elias, Bill Gates pledged $5 million grant approved for Lagos Business School and partners to develop the agricultural economics they called “industrial cassava” and $600,000 for flood relief in Borno State and other health sector initiatives.

Alongside the activities surrounding the 79th United Nations General Assembly in New York, Vice President Kashim Shettima held a meeting with the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation leading to the announcement of the donation by the Foundation’s head of Global Development.

Recall that on 4 September, Bill Gates had described the Nigeria’s economy as “stagnated” and proposed agricultural reforms for faster and increased growths in crops, fruits, vegetables amongst others to enhance nutritional values of the Nigerian citizens through the agricultural sector.

In that meeting Chaired by Vice President Kashim Shettima, Bill gates urged Nigeria to adopt “innovative crop varieties with shorter growing periods, higher yields, and better pest resistance” pointing to the GMOs to address the food crisis.

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Moreover, at the 79th UN General Assembly in New York, VP Shettima reaffirmed to the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation, the commitment of the administration of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu prioritizing health, nutrition, and agricultural development in Nigeria’s national agenda.

In a statement by Senior Special Assistant to the President on Media and Communications, Office of the Vice President, Stanley Nkwocha, Shettima said: “we are deeply committed to addressing the pressing developmental challenges facing our nation, particularly the significant malnutrition crisis”.

He emphasised the Federal Government’s dedication and urgently working to secure locations for maize production under the Telemaze programme.

VP Shettima, promising swift action to the Gate’s Foundation on import permits for certified seeds, the VP said, “We recognize the critical importance of food security and industrial agricultural development. The Cassava Accelerator programme, in particular, holds immense potential for our economy.

“We are pursuing a whole-of-government approach to digitisation and data exchange systems, which we believe will revolutionise our public services,” he added while reiterating the government’s focus and commitment to digital transformation.

“With the expertise” of Nigeria’s ministers, “and the continued support of partners like the Gates Foundation,” the nation remains confident in its “ability to drive meaningful change and improve the lives of all Nigerians.”

In his response, President of the Global Development Programme at the Gates Foundation, Dr. Christopher Elias, said the Foundation is burdened with worries of the severe flooding in Borno, and is “committed to supporting Nigeria in times of crisis.”

Speaking of Polio, the Foundation said, “We’re impressed by the national task force’s efforts to eliminate variant polioviruses by year-end,” Dr. Elias noted.

Also, President of Global Growth & Opportunity Division at the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation, Rodger Voorhies, detailed plans for scaling up drought-tolerant maize production and advancing the Nigeria Cassava Investment Accelerator programme emphasizing that a $5 million grant has been approved for Lagos Business School and partners to develop the agricultural economics of industrial cassava.

In his words, “Industrial cassava presents a multi-billion-dollar opportunity for Nigeria,” Voorhees stressed.

He requested import permits for 5,000 metric tons of certified GMO maize seed to build a foundation seed system in Nigeria.

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