News Rider

BY CHIKA OKEKE, Abuja  David Umahi Minister of Works, Engr David Umahi has concluded plans to commission the completed part of Phase I, Section I (30 km of 750 km) Lagos-Calabar Coastal Highway.  The event is scheduled to take place at Kilometre 8 of the project (Jakande Estate Area in Lagos State) today.  Umahi is also expected to virtually commission other completed Renewed Hope signature projects in the South such as Lagos -Calabar Coastal Road Corridor (Phase 1 Section 1: Ahmadu Bello to Eleko Village Area in Lekki Peninsula (Ch.0+000 - CH47 +474; 47.474km). The 30 kilometres project with contract number 8438, is handled by Messrs. Hitech Construction Limited.  He initiated the coastal highway 27 years ago with an enduring vision to expand the transportation ecosystem, improve accessibility along the coastal communities of nine States, foster  regional integration and social cohesion, and stimulate inclusive development.  Other projects line...

BY CHIKA OKEKE, Abuja The Senate President, Godswill Akpabio has indicated interest to attend the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ) 70th anniversary, advising journalists to embrace innovation.  This was even as he pleaded with the leadership of NUJ to reorientate its members to ensure that journalism promotes unity, ethical standards, and combats insecurity, especially in the era of social media. He stated this on Wednesday while receiving a delegation from the NUJ led by its President, Comrade Alhassan Yahaya, alongside other National and State Executives in Abuja.  While emphasising the need for ethical and responsible journalism, Akpabio stressed the importance of accurate, balanced, and fair reporting.  He was worried over the rise of social media journalism that often disseminated fake news.  "For us, we believe in maintaining a cordial relationship with the press, and we always advise that the media must conduct self-evaluation and reorientation,"...

BY CHIKA OKEKE, Abuja  President Bola Tinubu  Minister of Works, Engr. Nweze David Umahi has praised President Bola Tinubu for embarking on infrastructure renewal and reviving ailing economy through transformative leadership initiatives.  He stated this on Thursday during the commemoration of the second-year anniversary of Renewed Hope Agenda led by President Tinubu in Abuja.  News Rider reports that President Tinubu was inaugurated as the 16th President of Nigeria on May 29, 2023, amidst pomp and pageantry at the Eagle's Square, Abuja.  Umahi noted that revolutionising road infrastructure in the works sector, meant to foster economic growth and enhance the quality of life for all Nigerians is bearing fruit.  He informed that within two years in office, the President granted unprecedented attention to road infrastructure through emergency interventions on failed roads and bridges nationwide.  The minister stated that Tinubu increased fundin...

BY CHIKA OKEKE, Abuja Comrade Aisha Ibrahim The President of the Nigeria Association of Women Journalists (NAWOJ) Comrade Aisha Ibrahim has requested for special considerations for female journalists covering the Hajj beat. News Rider reports that Hajj is an annual Islamic pilgrimage to Mecca, Saudi Arabia, the holiest city for Muslims.  In a statement issued in Saudi Arabia, Comrade Ibrahim stated that covering Hajj pilgrimage was fulfilling as one of the five pillars of Islam, which also presented an opportunity to serve humanity.  She noted that reporting about the spiritual exercise remained one of the most difficult beats, given the physical stress that lasted between 35 to 40 days. The President is designated to cover the 2025 Hajj event in Mecca for her home State, Borno. She is also the Director of Information, Borno State Hajj Commission.  Ibrahim emphasised that there are many issues and occurrences concerning women during the Hajj that could best be...

BY CHIKA OKEKE, Abuja    Peter Obi  The 2023 Labour Party Presidential Candidate, Peter Obi has debunked rumors of engaging in private talks with President Bola Tinubu in Rome.  This followed allegations on Social Media platforms that Obi held private meeting with President Tinubu regarding a purported ₦225 billion debt crisis involving Fidelity Bank. News Rider reports that President Tinubu was one of the World leaders that attended the inauguration of Pope Leo XIV on Sunday, May 18 in Rome, where he exchanged pleasantries with Obi.  But in a statement via the microblogging platform, X on Thursday, May 22, 2025, Obi lamented that his solemn spiritual trip to Rome was twisted by blackmailers paid to propagate evil against him.  The statement reads: "It's obvious that the biggest business for blackmailers now is talking about Peter Obi from every negative perspective. Even my solemn spiritual trip to Rome has been twisted into yet another blackma...

BY CHIKA OKEKE, Abuja The Minister of State for the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Dr Mariya Mahmoud has praised female journalists' for their massive contributions in addressing insecurity.  This was even as she described female journalists as critical stakeholders in the fight against insecurity, adding that their work extends beyond reporting. Mahmoud, stated this at the inaugural zonal conference of the Nigeria Association of Women Journalists (NAWOJ) Zone D (North Central) on Thursday in Abuja, with the theme: "Curbing Insecurity: The Role of Female Journalists in National Security." “This conference marks a significant milestone—not just in the advancement of female journalists–but in the broader push for inclusive, ethical, and impactful journalism in our country,” she said. Mahmoud applauded the historic nature of the conference, adding that it was organised at a time when Nigeria continues to grapple with multifaceted security challenges including te...

BY CHIKA OKEKE, Abuja President Bola Tinubu  President Bola Tinubu has extended heartfelt felicitation to two British-based Nigerians, Opeyemi Bright and Jason Jackson on their historic election and inauguration as Mayors in London. He lauded the duo for sustaining the legacy of good works by Nigerians in the diaspora and consistently promoting the values of honesty, integrity, hard work, and commitment to the well-being of others.  Tinubu noted that their stories will inspire countless young people—both at home and in the diaspora—to pursue excellence and serve their communities with distinction. Bright was sworn in as the Civic Mayor of Barking and Dagenham, making history as the borough’s youngest-ever mayor at just 29, following seven years of outstanding service to her community.  Also, Jackson became the first Nigerian-born Mayor of Islington since the borough’s establishment in 1900, following a rapid rise through local government as a councillor and co...