NEWS
Calabar Coastal Highway: Minister, Stakeholders Visit Progress on Akwa Ibom, Cross River Sections
The Honourable Minister of Works, Sen. David Umahi, members of the National Assembly and other stakeholders in the Nigeria project have paid a working visit to Sections 3A and 3B of the Lagos-Calabar Coastal Highway in Akwa Ibom and Cross River States.
Biztellers reports that they made the visit on Saturday, December 6, 2025.
Recall that Messrs Hitech Africa Construction Company is handling the 71.4-kilometre segment, part of the 750-kilometre highway, flagged off in April, 2025.
Engr. Umahi praised the contractor for maintaining quality standards, utilising advanced equipment, and employing skilled workers. He also commended them for completing and commissioning Section I, Phase I (Ahmadu Bello Way-Eleko Village) in Lagos State, in June 2025, ahead of schedule, with the ceremony presided over by the President, His Excellency, Ahmed Bola Tinubu, GCFR.
He urged them to replicate this performance on Sections 3A and 3B, directing that construction should proceed both during the day and at night.
The Minister stated, “The God that brought His Excellency, Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR as the President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria to undertake this courageous project is still on the Throne and will sustain him to complete it, setting the country on the path of greatness.” He highlighted that features such as relief stations, solar lighting, and CCTV cameras will be included along the highway, with emergency response times not exceeding 10 minutes.
He encouraged the people of Akwa Ibom and Cross River States, and indeed all Nigerians, to support Mr. President in realising his 27-year-old dream of building a Coastal Highway, similar to those in other countries with coastlines. “He is the actualiser of dreams, including that of former President Shehu Shagari of blessed memory, who about 47 years ago envisioned constructing the 1,068-kilometre Sokoto-Badagry Superhighway, and the colonial-era 465-kilometre Calabar-Ebonyi-Benue-Nasarawa-Kogi-Abuja, the Trans-Saharan Highway, which connects with the fourth Legacy Project at Akwanga-Jos-Bauchi-Gombe. What more can we expect from a visionary leader?”
The Managing Director of the company, Mr. Dany Aboud, expressed gratitude to the President for the opportunity and assured the Minister that they would work day and night, deploying more personnel and resources. He pledged that construction on both segments would be completed within the 36-month contract period.
ALSO READ: ECOWAS Condemns Benin Coup, Deploys Regional Force
On behalf of the Members and leadership of the National Assembly, Senate Committee Chairman on Works, Sen. Mpigi Barinada, commended the quality of the work. He urged Nigerians to appreciate the significant earthwork involved, especially given the swampy terrain, which justifies the project’s huge capital outlay. He assured the public that they will get value for their money and reaffirmed the partnership between the National Assembly and the Federal Ministry of Works to realise the President’s vision.
The newly deployed Permanent Secretary, Mr. Rafiu Adeladan, who previously served as Director of Procurement at the Ministry, emphasised, “the quality of work is very high, quite high. We are very confident that, with the contractor’s commitment and the Minister’s leadership, this project can be completed on time, making Nigerians proud.”
Earlier, the Acting Director, Highways (Bridge and Design), Engr. Musa Sa’idu, and the Federal Controller of Works, Engr. Vincent Okoruwa, briefed the Minister on progress. They confirmed that the contractor is adhering to the approved design and that there are no obstacles to timely completion. Engr. Sa’idu noted the use of grade 40 concrete with Y20 by Y16 reinforcement at 500-metre intervals, adding, “When finished, it will outlive all of us.”
Additionally, leaders from the PDP, ADC, and Action Alliance, set aside party differences to commend the contractor, the Ministry, and the President for spearheading this infrastructure revival. They opined that once something good is happening, it should be pointed out and appreciated by all well-meaning citizens.
The Senior Special Assistant to the President on Community Engagement, South South Zone, Ms. Gift Johnbull, lauded the project, emphasising that “it is about the people, which is what the Renewed Hope Agenda is hinged upon.” She highlighted that completed projects will enable farmers like Mrs. Odeh or Mr. Effiong to transport their yam, palm oil, garri, and other commodities to markets in Lagos, thereby creating more wealth. She describes the project as a generational game changer.
On his way to Calabar from Uyo, the Minister also inspected ongoing work on the Calabar-Odukpani-Itu Road project, which includes a spur to Ididep Itam and Ikot Ekpene. He expressed concern over the slow progress by one of the contractors, Messrs Raycon and Company (Nigeria) Limited, on a 9.7-kilometre section. The contractor’s claim of not receiving mobilisation funds was rejected, with the Minister reminding him that the Ministry’s policy requires contractors to report to the site and achieve a reasonable level of work certified before mobilisation funds are released.
Based on this, the Minister announced the contract’s termination and directed the Federal Controller of Works in Akwa Ibom to issue a stop-work order. He also instructed a detailed assessment of the work completed to facilitate payment. Furthermore, he ordered Messrs Hitech Africa Construction Company to take over the project on an emergency procurement basis, assuring road users that it would be completed within two months.
International News
WHO Releases Alarming Casualty Figures From US‑Israel‑Iran Conflict
The World Health Organization (WHO) has released a disturbing update on the escalating conflict involving the United States, Israel, and Iran, revealing that thousands of people have been killed or injured in just under two weeks.
WHO Director-General Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus warned that health systems across the Middle East are under “immense strain” and are at risk of complete collapse if the crisis continues.
SEE MORE: US-Israel-Iran War: Day Four Updates from the Middle East
According to WHO reports, Iran has suffered over 1,300 deaths and around 9,000 injuries, while Lebanon has recorded at least 570 deaths and approximately 1,400 injuries.
In Israel, at least 15 people have died and more than 2,100 have been injured since hostilities escalated.
The conflict began on February 28, following a massive joint strike by US and Israeli forces that targeted top Iranian officials, including the country’s Supreme Leader.
The violence has since spread across the region, with retaliatory attacks targeting Israeli sites and US military bases in neighboring countries.
The humanitarian impact is severe. Over 100,000 Iranians and up to 700,000 Lebanese citizens have been displaced, many living in overcrowded conditions with limited access to clean water, sanitation, and medical care.
The WHO warns that these conditions put women and children at particular risk of disease outbreaks.
The organization also highlighted a growing trend of attacks on healthcare infrastructure, reporting dozens of strikes on hospitals and medical facilities across Iran and Lebanon.
Such attacks have not only resulted in deaths but also deprived entire communities of critical medical care when they need it most.
Tedros emphasized the urgent need for all parties to respect international law and protect civilians, calling for unimpeded humanitarian access and immediate measures to prevent the collapse of fragile health systems.
With the conflict continuing to escalate, the WHO has stressed that immediate action is required to protect lives, ensure medical support reaches affected populations, and prevent the humanitarian crisis from worsening.
NEWS
2026 Poll: Osun Ndigbo Backs Adeleke’s Second-Term Bid
Ahead of the 2026 governorship election, the Ndigbo community across the local government areas of Osun State has declared its support for the second-term bid of Governor Ademola Adeleke.
A government house statement in Osogbo on Wednesday night has it that ndi Igbo cited his administration’s developmental strides across the state for their decision.
The endorsement was made during a courtesy visit by leaders of the Igbo community in Osun to the governor at the Government House in Osogbo, where they commended his leadership and commitment to inclusive governance.
ALSO READ: Adeleke on Why he Deserves Second Term
Speaking on behalf of the association, President-General of the Ndigbo in the state, Chief John Dike, praised the governor for the infrastructural and social development projects being carried out across the state.
He particularly commended the governor for appointing some members of the Igbo community as Senior Special Assistants, describing the gesture as a sign of recognition and inclusion of the community in the affairs of the state.
Chief Dike, however, appealed for further inclusiveness, requesting that more Igbo indigenes be considered for appointments into the state cabinet and other employment opportunities within the government.
He also urged the state government to allocate land for the construction of a modern secretariat for the Igbo community and grant approval for an endorsement rally in support of the governor’s re-election bid.
In addition, the Ndigbo leader sought assistance for Igbo farmers operating within the state, while assuring the governor of the community’s unwavering support for his administration and second-term ambition. Members of the delegation also presented campaign caps to the governor as a symbol of their solidarity.
Responding, Governor Adeleke expressed appreciation for the endorsement, noting that the Igbo community has continued to contribute positively to the social and economic development of the state.
He assured them that his administration would continue to promote their welfare and support their progress, while granting the requests presented during the visit.
NEWS
Adeleke on Why he Deserves Second Term
Osun State Governor, Senator Ademola Jackson Nurudeen Adeleke, has declared that his administration’s record of performance and fulfilment of electoral promises justifies a second term in office.
A government house statement in Osogbo on Wednesday has it that the governor made the declaration while hosting a delegation of the Ansar-Ud-Deen Society of Nigeria (ADS), Osun State Council, during a courtesy visit to the Government House, Osogbo.
ALSO READ: CNG: Tinubu Orders Deployment of 100,000 Kits in Three Weeks
It was gathered that the delegation was led by the National Vice President of the society, Asiwaju Justice Adeigbe (Rtd), alongside the Chairman of the Osun State chapter, Chief Daud Oladapo.
Speaking on behalf of the delegation, the State Secretary of the society, Dr Afeez Akande, praised the Governor’s performance and pledged the support of the organisation for the continuity of the administration.
“We have been following what you are doing and your track records. You are wonderful and you are marvelous in our eyes. The monumental works you have been doing in Osun make it look like we have never had a Governor like this before,” Dr Akande said.
He noted that the administration’s projects are known for timely delivery and strategic impact on the lives of residents.
“We have identified that once you embark on projects, they are time-bound. It shows genuine administrative acumen, love for the state and love for the people,” he added.
Dr Akande also cited infrastructural developments, specifically the ongoing dualisation of roads, notably that of Iwo as an example of the Governor’s vision-driven leadership.
“That road project has helped to boost economic activities in the area. Such development can only come from someone with vision who follows through with implementation. We appreciate what you are doing and we are resolved to support the continuity,” he said.
Responding, Governor Adeleke thanked the delegation for the visit and reaffirmed his commitment to people-centred governance.
“Today marks the starting point of campaigning for the August 15, 2026 governorship election. We need your prayers and support for a free and fair election through which the will of the people will prevail,” the Governor said.
Governor Adeleke also unveiled an upgraded Five-Point Agenda that will drive his re-election campaign.
“Our reloaded Five-Point Agenda will focus on integrated youth, women and workers’ welfare and empowerment; infrastructure consolidation for citizens’ social and economic wellbeing; agro-industrial expansion for human development and collective prosperity; affordable and qualitative health and education access; and an improved and secured business environment for job creation,” the Governor stated.
Explaining why he deserves a second term, the Governor pointed to the administration’s record across several sectors.
“When the opposition asked whether I deserve to be re-elected, I told them yes based on my performance in this first term in office,” the Governor said.
“I deserve re-election because of what our administration has delivered for the people of Osun. We have empowered the cooperative movement with almost four billion naira, strengthened community development associations with grassroots health and infrastructure projects, and implemented the Imole Medical Outreach that has benefited almost eighty thousand residents.”
He added that the administration has also revived agriculture and rural development across the state.
“We revived the cocoa revolution through aggressive seedling distribution and new farmers’ initiatives, acquired brand new tractors now serving farmers across the state, and implemented thousands of local projects through integrated rural development under the O-RAMP programme,” he said.
Governor Adeleke further highlighted achievements in governance, infrastructure and economic management.
“We introduced a 45-day window for the acquisition of Certificates of Occupancy, revived the Osun Free Trade Zone with active investors, digitised tax and revenue collection, and implemented the SIFMIS payroll application to ensure transparency in the management of public funds,” he stated.
The Governor also cited major achievements in infrastructure and social services.
“We have constructed over 350 kilometres of roads, developed three major flyover bridges, revived six moribund waterworks, drilled 332 boreholes across wards, rehabilitated schools and health centres, and paid inherited half salaries and almost one hundred billion naira in pension debts,” he added.
Governor Adeleke assured the people of Osun that his administration will continue to deliver inclusive governance and sustainable development if re-elected.
“My promise to the people of Osun is that now and when we are re-elected, we will continue to run an inclusive and forward-looking government that keeps the people at the centre of our programmes and policies,” he said.
Other dignitaries, and political functionaries present included the Deputy Governor of Osun State, Prince Kola Adewusi, and the Head of Service, Elder Ayanleye Aina.





