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Reconstruction of Roads Across Enugu To Begin In Next Few Days — Cabinet

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File Photo: Enugu State Governor, Dr Peter Mbah

The Enugu State Executive Council has approved funds for road repairs in the state, saying a total of 1,250 kilometres of roads had been slated for rehabilitation, reconstruction and expansion in the next one year.

Briefing newsmen shortly after the State Executive Council meeting held at the Government House, Enugu, Friday evening, the Commissioner for Information and Communication, Aka Eze Aka, said the road repairs were delayed by the rains, stressing that roads asphalted during the rainy season do not last more than a few years, whereas the state government was planning to build roads with up to 30 years lifespan.

Eze, who was flanked by the Commissioners for Finance and Economic Development, Dr. Nathaniel Uramah; Works and Infrastructure, Engr Gerald Otiji; and the Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice, Dr. Kingsley Udeh, apologized to the people of the state for the pains they were going through due to the poor condition of the roads, urging them to be a little more patient as repair and reconstruction works were about to commence.

Giving more details on the decisions of the Council, the Commissioner for Works and Infrastructure, Engr Gerald Otiji reiterated that a total of 71 urban roads and 10 rural roads would be rehabilitated under the first phase, assuring that work would commence in the next few days and weeks.

“The Executive Council today approved the release of funds for us to commence work. We apologize to Ndi Enugu for the plights they are going through as a result of the potholes on our roads. You will bear me witness that by the time we pronounced the 81 roads for repairs and reconstruction, the rains continued unabatedly. You all should know that the worst enemy of asphalt is water. We have been watching the situation using metrological instruments to know how soon to commence work.

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“I want to also let you know that the governor knows about the plight of our people. He personally joined us in the inspection of all the streets slated for repairs in Enugu metropolis. We went to Emene, we went to Abakpa market, we were at Trans Ekulu, Iva Valley, Coal Camp, Idaw River, Awkunanaw, Achara Layout, Uwani, Kenyatta, Zik Avenue, Ogui Road, New Layout, Premier Layout/Goshen area, the New Enugu area, New Heaven and Independence Layout.

“In all these areas, we have identified the major bottlenecks, the repairs and reconstruction will commence in the next few days and weeks, and we will strictly follow the due process in doing so. The repair works on most of them will go on at the same time”, he said.

Engr Otiji said the Council also approved some strategic rural and inter-local government roads selected to ensure spread across the three senatorial zones of the state, noting that more of such roads would be captured in next year’s budget. He listed the roads as the Owo – Ubahu – Amankanu – Neke – Ikem road, planned as a dual carriageway to connect the Obollo Afor without passing through Enugu city, opening an alternative major traffic corridor to Abuja and the North Central market; dualization of the Abakpa Nike – Ugwuogo Nike – Opi road; the Amechi Idodo – Amagunze road, an entirely new single carriageway with two bridges to link communities in Nkanu East LGA by road for the first time; the Ama brewery junction – Eke – Akama Oghe – Iwollo – Umulokpa road linking Uzo Uwani LGA with a spur to Aguobu Owa in Ezeagu LGA; and the Akwuke Road in Enugu South LGA, from the Police Station through Gariki to the site of the proposed mass housing project in the area.

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He said the Abakaliki road from the airport flyover to the Ebonyi State border would also be dualized in collaboration with the federal government, adding that the state government had held discussions with the Minister of Works, Engr. Dave Umahi, on how to speed up works on the Enugu end of the Enugu-Onitsha expressway.

“The Executive Council also approved funds for ‘Operation Zero Pothole Tolerance’ in Enugu metropolis. Because of the paucity of funds, we would want to touch every single street, but definitely we will do so bit by bit”, he said.

On the recent collapse of a bridge at the Enugu end of the Enugu-Port Harcourt expressway, Engr Otiji sympathized with the people of the state for the hardships they were passing through due to the traffic gridlocks following the collapse, expressing hope that remedial interventions were imminent.

“We are aware of the untold hardship the broken bridge has caused on people and the enormous wear and tear it is causing on our roads. Yesterday, we had meetings with the Minster of Works in Abuja, and as at that yesterday, the integrity of the second bridge was checked. Our intention is to strengthen that bridge so that we can divert traffic on it, repair the collapsed part, and then repair the second one. That is on-going. Only on Wednesday, one of our own, Hon. Nnolim Nnaji representing Nkanu East and West Federal Constituency raised a motion about it on the floor of the House of Representatives and instantly, the House passed a resolution for the minister to access the funds that he needs”, he said.

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On the sources of funding for the road projects, the Commissioner for Finance and Economic Development, Dr. Nathaniel Uramah said they could not be funded from the meagre accruals from the federal allocations, saying the government was relying on enhanced internally generated revenues.

He said: “The question people have been asking is, ‘how do we finance the road projects that run into billions of naira?’ You can see we are making tremendous efforts to increase our internally generated revenues given the lean resources we are getting from the federation account. We are increasing our revenues by blocking loopholes in revenue collection. We have eliminated the use of contractors for revenue collection. We have also ended manual and cash payments to individuals and introduced the electronic ticketing system for accountability, openness, transparency, and fund traceability.

“We urge the public to cooperate with the Enugu State Board of Internal Revenue so that we can enhance revenue generation and be able to fund these projects. This administration is planning to embark on massive projects, which will require a lot of resources. So, we are imploring the people and residents of our state to support the government in making their little contributions to ensure that our internally generated revenue is collected seamlessly, seeing that what is collected will be utilised for the benefits of the masses. So, that is how these projects will be funded,” Dr. Uramah said.

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President Tinubu Opens New Judges’ Residences, Hails Investment in Justice

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President Bola Tinubu has reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to judicial independence and institutional reforms with the commissioning of a newly completed 10-unit Court of Appeal Judges’ Quarters in Katampe District, Abuja.

Speaking through the Attorney General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Lateef Fagbemi (SAN), Tinubu described the project as a strategic investment in democratic governance and the rule of law.

He emphasized that judicial welfare and infrastructure are essential to strengthening independence, efficiency, and service delivery.

“This event is more than the unveiling of physical infrastructure; it is a tangible demonstration of the Federal Government’s enduring commitment to the welfare, independence, efficiency and dignity of the judiciary,” Tinubu stated.

The President disclosed that additional land has been earmarked for future judicial projects, including facilities for the National Industrial Court, the Code of Conduct Bureau, the Federal High Court, and the FCT High Court, noting that the area could soon be known as “Judiciary Boulevard.”

Tinubu commended FCT Minister Nyesom Wike for executing the project efficiently and urged state governments to emulate the Federal Government by investing in judicial infrastructure.

Wike, in his remarks, stressed that governors must take responsibility for federal judicial institutions within their states, citing his own experience in Rivers State where he facilitated the establishment of a National Industrial Court division.

President of the Court of Appeal, Justice Monica Dongban-Mensem, hailed the project as a milestone, noting that secure housing enhances judicial independence and protects officers from undue influence.

The estate, built by Details to Dots Development Nigeria Limited, comprises 10 fully furnished five-bedroom duplexes with boys’ quarters, an event centre, recreational facilities, paved roads, water and electricity systems, and a secured gatehouse.

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The commissioning follows the recent inauguration of the new Court of Appeal complex in Abuja, underscoring Tinubu’s broader governance reforms through sustained investment in judicial infrastructure.

 

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Senate Cuts Recess Short for Emergency Session on Insecurity

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The Senate has summoned lawmakers for an emergency sitting on June 23 to deliberate on matters relating to national security and other urgent national issues.

In a notice dated June 15 and signed by Emmanuel Odo, clerk of the Senate, lawmakers were directed to reconvene at 11am in the Senate chamber.

The notice said the emergency sitting was convened at the instance of Godswill Akpabio, the senate president.

“The purpose of this emergency sitting is to enable the Senate consider matters of urgent national importance, particularly issues relating to national security and other critical concerns that require
immediate legislative attention,” the notice reads.

“The Senate deeply regrets any inconvenience that this emergency sitting may occasion.

“Distinguished Senators are kindly requested to make necessary arrangements to attend the sitting.”

The emergency session cuts short the senate’s recess. The upper legislative chamber had adjourned plenary on June 11 and was scheduled to
resume on July 7.

The decision comes amid growing concerns over insecurity across the country, including recent attacks and incidents of abduction in several states.

On Monday, the house of representatives also reconvened for an emergency sitting to consider an amendment to the 2025 appropriation act extending the implementation period for the capital component of the budget from June 30 to September 30.

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Lagos Bus Driver Allegedly Beaten to Death by NAF Officers After Collision

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Joseph Okpe, a 43-year-old commercial bus driver, has died after allegedly being beaten by officers of the Nigerian Air Force (NAF) along the Oshodi-Apapa expressway in Lagos.

The incident happened on May 9, 2026 following a dispute over a traffic incident involving a vehicle belonging to the NAF officers.

According to Punch, Innocent Okpe, deceased’s brother, deposed
to an affidavit deposed at the high court of the Federal Capital Territory
(FCT) in the Maitama judicial division, over the matter.

In the affidavit, the deceased’s brother said Okpe was driving his commercial bus when he was accosted by NAF personnel travelling in a Coaster bus with registration number GO 1–14AF.

The officers allegedly accused him of hitting their vehicle and demanded N100,000 as compensation for the damage.

The officers were alleged to have started beating and punching the commercial bus driver’s face when could not provide the money.

Okpe, a father of three and a wife, was said to have nearly lost consciousness during the punching of his face by the NAF officers

The officers reportedly stopped the beating after passers-by and other commercial bus drivers intervened.

The passers-by were said to have offered N50,000 compensation to the NAF personnel.

According to the affidavit, Okpe was rushed to several hospitals where he was reportedly rejected after the NAF personnel left the scene and continued their journey.

A source told the publication that Okpe was eventually taken to Charing Cross Clinic in Mushin, Lagos, where he was pronounced dead at about 5pm.

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A medical certificate of cause of death signed by Okechukwu Ogboo, a medical doctor at Charing Cross Clinic, Mushin listed the primary cause of death as “severe head injury,” while the secondary cause was stated as
“pulmonary failure until his death”.

NAF SPEAKS

When TheCable reached out to Ehimen Ejodame, NAF
spokesperson, for enquiry over the matter, Ejodame said the airforce was
currently investigating the case.

Ejodame said the suspected NAF personnel involved in the
case were immediately taken to the custody.

“The Nigerian Air Force is aware of the reported incident and is deeply saddened by the loss of life,” the NAF spokesperson said.

“Upon receiving information on the matter, the personnel suspected to be involved were immediately taken into custody, and the case is currently under investigation by the appropriate civil and military authorities.

“The NAF has also extended its condolences to the family of the deceased and visited them to express sympathy and support during this
difficult time.

“As investigations are ongoing, it would be inappropriate to make further comments at this stage. The Nigerian Air Force remains committed
to due process, accountability and the rule of law.”

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I Prostrated for My Wife, She’s in Charge at Home – Actor Elesho

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Adewale Elesho, the ace Nigerian actor, has revealed that he regards his wife as the head of his household.

“My wife is my leader,” he said in an interview on African A-List.

The actor also disclosed that he prioritises his wife’s opinion in family matters, particularly when it involves extended relatives.

Elesho, popularly known as Baba Elesho, recounted a situation where his mother developed an eye problem and expressed discomfort while staying with one of his younger siblings. He said he decided to bring her to his home in Lagos.

The film star said when he got home, he went upstairs, prostrated for his wife and told her he had come with a visitor

“My mom had an eye problem and I brought her to my home. The day I went to carry her from my younger sibling’s house, she told me she wasn’t comfortable with where she was. So I brought her to Lagos,” he said.

“Despite the fact that she’s my mother, she is an emergency visitor. When I got home, I drove in. It was a Sunday, I went upstairs and went to prostrate for my wife and told her I had come with a visitor.

“She asked, who? I replied Alhaja. She asked what happened and I explain everything to her.”

He said he consulted his wife before bringing his mother inside because he sees her as the “owner of the home”.

“My wife said if it was her mother that was in that situation, she would also bring her home,” he said.

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“She then asked where she was. I said she is inside the car and I came to speak to her first because she had to be happy about it. She owns the home, and her reaction matters.”

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NAFDAC Warns Nigerians Over Contaminated Children’s Drug Recalled in US

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The National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) has alerted Nigerians against children’s ibuprofen oral Suspension, which was recalled in the United States.

In a post on X, NAFDAC said it received notification that the United States Food and Drug Administration had announced the recall of approximately 90,000 bottles of the drug due to the presence of foreign
material in the product.

NAFDAC said that Strides Pharma Inc initiated the recall after consumers complained of a “gel-like mass” and “black particles” in the oral suspension.

The agency said that the product was manufactured by Strides Pharma Inc. in India for Taro Pharmaceuticals USA Inc.

NAFDAC said the affected batches are lot numbers 7261973A and 7261974A, with an expiry date of January 31, 2027.

The agency cautioned that the presence of foreign material in medicinal products could compromise their quality, safety, and effectiveness.

NAFDAC said administering contaminated oral suspensions may
result in adverse reactions among children, and could pose choking or
gastrointestinal risks depending on the nature of the contaminant.

The affected product is children’s ibuprofen oral suspension, USP, 100 mg/5 ml, packaged in 120 mL (4 fl. oz.) bottles, and were distributed nationwide in the US.

NAFDAC said although the affected products were distributed and recalled within the US, it is taking precautionary measures to prevent them
from entering Nigeria through authorised or unauthorised channels.

The agency said it had directed all its zonal directors and state coordinators to intensify surveillance activities and remove the products from circulation if found in their jurisdictions.

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“NAFDAC remains committed to safeguarding public health and
will continue surveillance activities to ensure the quality, safety, and
efficacy of medicines circulating in Nigeria,” the agency said.

NAFDAC, however, urged importers, distributors, retailers, and healthcare professionals to remain vigilant and ensure that medical products are sourced only from authorised and licensed suppliers.

The agency noted that healthcare facilities should immediately inspect their inventories and quarantine any affected batches if identified.

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I’ll Dialogue With Gumi, Igboho and Others as President – Peter Obi

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Presidential candidate of the Nigerian Democratic Congress, NDC, Peter Obi, has said if elected as Nigerian President, he would negotiate with agitators from different parts of the country.

In an interview on Nevon News hosted by Rufai Oseni, Obi said he would sit down with the Yoruba nation agitator, Sunday Igboho, controversial Islamic cleric, Ahmad Gumi and Biafra agitators for negotiation.

He said, “When I’m elected, I will discuss with everybody. I’m not there to apportion blame on who is wrong or right.

“In solving this problem, I want to sit down with everybody and say, “let’s go this way”. As a president, I will sit down with people and talk, and you will see it.

“I did it as governor, I brought people, including traditional rulers, and talked with them”.

Asked what he would do if Gumi and others fail to listen to him, Obi said, “They will listen to me, they are in the problem. How can you call someone who is sick to come to the hospital, and he says he won’t come”?

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NDC Picks Kwankwaso’s Son as Deputy Guber Candidate in Kano

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Mustapha Rabiu Kwankwaso has been announced as the deputy governorship candidate of the Nigerian Democratic Congress, NDC, in Kano State.

Mustapha will be running alongside Aminu Gwarzo, who is the NDC governorship candidate.

Mustapha Kwankwaso is the first son of the NDC vice presidential candidate, Rabiu Kwankwaso.

This was confirmed by the Spokesperson of the Kwankwasiyya movement, Habibu Saleh Mohammed, in a statement on Monday.

“HE Aminu Abdussalam Gwarzo unveiled Hon Mustapha Rabiu Musa
Kwankwaso as running mate for the 2027 Governorship Election,” he said.

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Tinubu Hails Wike as ‘Mr Fix-It’ Over FCT Projects, Says He Knew He’d Deliver

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President Bola Tinubu has praised the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, for his swift execution of key projects in Abuja, describing him as “Mr Fix-It.”

Speaking at the commissioning of the newly built Court of Appeal, Abuja Division, Tinubu, represented by Vice President Kashim Shettima highlighted Wike’s dedication and efficiency.

Tinubu noted that when he appointed Wike in May 2024, he was confident the minister would not “sleep” until the project was delivered.

By July of that year, contractors were already on site, and within 16 months the complex was completed without delays or cost variations

.“This is not just a building; it’s a statement under the Renewed Hope Agenda that justice must have a befitting home,” Tinubu said.

“For too long, the Abuja division operated from a cramped temporary space. Today, Nigerians can see the difference. Well done, Wike.”

The Court of Appeal complex, located in Dakibiu, is part of Tinubu’s third-anniversary achievements and underscores his administration’s commitment to strengthening the rule of law.

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Nigeria’s Defence Minister Blames Middle East, Ukraine Wars for Arms Shortage

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Nigeria’s Minister of Defence, General Christopher Musa, rtd, has attributed the inability of Nigeria and other countries to procure military equipment needed to tackle insecurity to the ongoing conflicts
involving Israel, Iran, the United States, Russia and Ukraine.

General Musa equally decried the absence of a comprehensive national database, saying it was hindering the efforts of security agencies, particularly the police, in tracking criminals and preventing crimes.

The minister made the statement on Saturday while delivering a keynote address at the Nigerian People’s Strategic Conference and Defence Exhibition 2026 in Abuja.

He noted that global conflicts had disrupted access to military hardware, making it imperative for Nigeria to strengthen local defence
production.

“With the war in Ukraine, Russia, Iran, the U.S. and Israel, it’s been extremely difficult getting equipment.

“Because most times, they do down payment because they have the money and they produce most of these items. So even when you go to get,
they have booked for them, and so it’s difficult.

“The only solution is for us to produce what we need,” he said.

He pleaded with the National Assembly to support the creation of a comprehensive database for Nigerians, describing it as critical
to effective policing and national security.

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