News Rider

BY CHIKA OKEKE, Abuja President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has approved the rerouting of a section of the Lagos–Calabar Coastal Highway to pass through Ogoniland, in recognition of the late Chairman of the Senate Committee on Works, Senator Barinada Barry Mpigi's selfless service and dedication.  Minister of Works, Engr. David Umahi disclosed this during the Night of Tribute held on Wednesday, April 8, 2026, at the Bola Ahmed Tinubu International Conference Centre in Abuja.  In a heartfelt tribute, Umahi described the death of Mpigi as a profound loss to the nation and the infrastructure sector. The memorial event drew an array of prominent dignitaries and personalities, including prominent politicians, APC and PDP chieftains, and traditional leaders from Ogoniland, among others. Expressing deep sorrow over the demise of Senator Barinada, Umahi noted that his death remains painful and difficult to accept, given his invaluable contributions to national development. Reflectin...

BY CHIKA OKEKE, Abuja   President Bola Tinubu President Bola Tinubu has expressed deep sadness over the loss of the brave soldiers of the 29 Task Force Brigade, Operation HADIN KAI, who were killed by Boko Haram on their camp in Benisheikh, Borno State. He expressed heartfelt condolences to the military and the families of the soldiers, urging them to take heart in the face of the unfortunate loss. The Defence Headquarters confirmed the attack and tragic loss of lives, which occurred early Thursday, April 9, 2026.  President Tinubu praised the courage and heroism of the soldiers who fought valiantly to repel the terrorists and ensure that Boko Haram could not overrun the communities the soldiers protect. While mourning the death of the gallant soldiers, President Tinubu urged the leadership of the Armed Forces and all soldiers on the frontline not to be discouraged, but to draw strength from the nation’s deep appreciation for their sacrifices. "From the reports I h...

BY CHIKA OKEKE, Abuja The newly created Southeast Ex-governors Forum has praised President Bola Tinubu's astute leadership for embarking on infrastructure revolution nationwide.  Minister of Works, Senator Engr. David Umahi joined other former governors to formally launch the South East Former Governors Forum in Enugu recently.  Speaking after the maiden meeting, Engr Umahi explained the purpose of the forum.  He said: "You must have been wondering what is going on. What was going on and is still going on is that we now have the birth of a forum of former South East governors. Today, the April 7, 2026. "Many of the former governors, some are outside the country for medical checkup and some on engagement but in our next meeting, we are sure that over 90 percent of the former governors of South East will be in attendance." According to him, the forum is meant to work hand-in-hand with serving governor, adding that: “The body is to support our presiding gove...

BY CHIKA OKEKE, Abuja There was massive excitement as the people of Bodo-Bonny communities celebrated milestone road and bridge projects constructed by the Federal Government. To this end, the Federal Government reaffirmed its determination to deliver critical road infrastructure across all regions in the country. This played up at the Medallion Award Ceremony organised by the Bodo-Bonny Road & Bridges Peace Committee in Abuja.  The event brought together national leaders, whose vision and sustained commitment contributed to the delivery of the landmark infrastructure project, alongside senior government officials, traditional rulers, key stakeholders, and representatives of the Bodo-Bonny communities. The Minister of State for Works, Bello Muhammad Goronyo, Esq. represented the Minister of Works, Engr. David Umahi. He reaffirmed the Renewed Hope Administration’s resolve to deliver critical infrastructure across all regions of the country. The minister described Bod...

BY CHIKA OKEKE, Abuja The Nigeria Association of Women Journalists (NAWOJ) FCT Chapter, has expressed readiness to collaborate with Vaccine Network for Disease Control (VNDC) on Market Place Advocacy, aimed at creating awareness on social,  economic and democratic rights of women and girls, while integrating critical health awareness into their everyday lives. Chairperson of NAWOJ FCT, Comrade Bassey Ita Ikpang stated this during a courtesy visit to the Executive Director of VNDC, Dr. Chika Offor in Abuja. Comrade Ikpang reiterated NAWOJ FCT's commitment to promoting gender equity, amplifying women's voices, and using media as a tool for advocacy and social change.  "We aim to champion issues affecting women and children, especially in health, education, and economic empowerment," she said. The chairperson commended Dr. Offor's contributions to the health sector, particularly in advancing vaccine awareness and strengthening public health systems. She a...

BY CHIKA OKEKE, Abuja The Minister of Works, Engr David Umahi has begged the people of Southeast to re-elect President Bola Tinubu for another four-year in office.  Umahi, who made the appeal at the reopening of completed section of the Enugu–Onitsha Expressway, reaffirmed the Federal Government’s commitment to improving road infrastructure across the Southeast and Nigeria generally.  He pondered on the past condition of the road and its importance to the region, adding that: “The journey of Enugu to Onitsha was taking about 7 hours before 2023. The most important road in South East is the Enugu-Onitsha expressway." He explained that the project, which was initially under a tax credit arrangement involving MTN Nigeria and executed by RCC, had stalled before quick intervention from the President. According to the minister, the President’s intervention brought renewed direction and improved construction standards.  “The President didn’t only give acceleration to...