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Tinubu govt is committed to delivering Eastern Railway Corridor – Idris, Information Minister

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Gov. Peter Mbah (7th from right) with Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mr. Mohammed Idris, on his right, flanked by the minister’s delegation during the visit
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The federal government says the Eastern Railway Corridor from Port Harcourt through Aba and Enugu, in the South-East geo-political zone, to Maiduguri, is a priority of the President Bola Ahmed Tinubu-led administration.

Thus, the federal government recently sought for $3billion for the modernisation of that railway corridor.

The hint was dropped on Thursday night by the Minister of Information and National Orientation Mohammed Idris, fnipr, during a town hall meeting held at the International Conference Centre(ICC), Enugu, the Enugu state capital.

Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris, addressing the audience at ICC, Enugu

The Minister commended Governor Peter Mbah’s commitment to the transformation of Enugu State through the provision of modern infrastructure, which has boosted the state’s economy.

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Mr. Idris who was in Enugu on a one-day inspection of federal government projects in the state, said the exercise was part of efforts by his ministry to connect directly with the people on President Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda.

He said: “Our goal is simple — to bridge the communication gap between government and citizens, block the spread of misinformation, and strengthen participatory democracy through open dialogue.”

He explained that President Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda, was anchored on eight pillars – reforming the economy, securing the nation, and ensuring prosperity for all Nigerians.

Others are boosting agriculture to achieve food security, unlock energy and natural resources for sustainable development, enhance infrastructure and transportation, focus on education, health, and social investment, accelerate diversification through industrialization, digitization, creative arts, manufacturing, and innovation, and also, improve governance for effective service delivery.

Minister Idris enumerated the major policy reforms of President Tinubu since he assumed office on May 29, 2023, to include the removal of fuel subsidy, and the unification of foreign exchange rates.

According to him, “while these reforms brought initial hardship, targeted interventions such as wage awards, higher minimum wage, cash transfers, food security programmes, and cheaper Compressed Natural Gas for transport, are cushioning the impact.”

He said the reforms had led to the availability of more funds to states and local governments across the states to embark on infrastructure and human capital development.

“In the South-East, these funds are delivering tangible impact, such as the laudable infrastructure projects we inspected earlier today across Enugu State, some of which were Federal Government projects, and scores of others by the Government of Enugu State,” he said.

Bayo Onanuga, Presidential spokesman chatting with Minister of Information, Mohammed Idris, and other dignitaries during interaction with Enugu stakeholders at the ICC Enugu

He lauded Enugu state Governor Dr. Peter Ndubuisi Mbah, for defining the sort of harmony required by the centre and the states for national development.

Minister Idris told his audience made up of traditional rulers, captains of industry, civil society organisations, women organizations, students, National Assembly members from the state, that over 1000 primary healthcare centres have been rehabilitated nationwide, including those in the South-East.

He recalled that about two weeks ago, the federal government commissioned a world-class oncology and cancer centre at the University of Nigeria Teaching Hospital UNTH), Ituku-Ozalla, Enugu, saying it’s no longer necessary for cancer patients to travel outside the country for treatment.

Eke-Obinagu Emene flyover nearing completion inspected by the delegation

The minister also recalled the establishment of new development commission in those regions that previously had none, saying the idea is to ensure that no region is left behind in terms of development. .

On security, Minister Idris announced that the Tinubu-led administration has invested in modern equipment, more personnel, and better intelligence gathering, thus weakening criminal networks.

He said that the federal government has created unprecedented opportunities for the youths, “with more young people in the Federal Executive Council, and agency leadership than ever before.”

According to him, about 450,000 students have accessed loans from the Nigeria Education Loan Fund, and nearly 90,000 Nigerians have benefited from the Consumer Credit Scheme.

He said: “Recognizing the South-East’s industrial strength, the government has created three key business funds totalling ₦200bn: the Presidential Conditional Grant Scheme (PCGS); the FGN MSME Intervention Fund, and the FGN Manufacturing Sector Fund.

“I want to call on entrepreneurs to take advantage of these funds and embrace the “Nigeria First” policy that promotes patronage of locally made products.

“It’s delightful to see that Enugu and Imo states are among the 11 states that have received regulatory autonomy to oversee the electricity market in their states, from generation to distribution, thanks to the Electricity Act signed into law by President Tinubu at the inception of this administration.

“We expect other states of the region to key into this policy as soon as possible.

“Indeed, economic stability is returning; food prices are easing, forex markets stabilizing, and global rating agencies are optimistic about our trajectory toward a $1 trillion economy by 2030. While challenges remain, the progress is real.”

He expressed optimism that by the end of President Tinubu’s first term, “the benefits of reforms will be clearer, as the federal government remains committed to transparency, accountability, and delivering the dividends of democracy to all Nigerians.”

Speaking on behalf of traditional rulers, the Chairman, Enugu state Traditional Rulers Council, HRM Igwe Sir Samuel Ikechukwu Asadu, urged for the creation of roles for traditional rulers in the constitution.

He thanked President Tinubu for approving the appointment for the first time an indigene of Nsukka political zone, Prof. Simon Ortuanya, as the Vice Chancellor, University of Nigeria, Nsukka, (UNN).

The Minister of Science and Technology, Uche Nnaji, expressed satisfaction over President Tinubu’s developmental strides in Enugu as well as the South East, and urged the people to queue behind the Renewed Hope Agenda of the administration.

Minister Idris had on arrival in Enugu, paid a courtesy visit to the state Governor Dr. Peter Mbah at Government House.

He later embarked on an inspection tour of completed and on-going federal government projects in the state, including the multi-billion Naira Eke-Obinagu flyover, linking the state with Ebonyi and Cross Ruvers States and the ongoing rehabilitation of Enugu – Port Harcourt Expressway.

The minister who was welcomed by jubilant residents of the area, urged the people to protect federal government investments in the state, and also support the administration’’s efforts at promoting their standard of living.

The minister also visited the Oncology Centre established by the federal government at the UNTH for the treatment of cancer, where patients thanked President Tinubu for taking ample interest in the improvement of the health sector.

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BREAKING: Tension as Video Shows Islamic Group Members Allegedly Calling for AK-47 to Kill Christians in Enugu, Jos

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The JIBWIS members on parade (Screenshot)
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Tension has heightened following the emergence of a viral video purportedly showing members of an Islamic volunteer group chanting lyrics calling for an AK-47 rifle to attack Christians in Enugu and Jos, the Plateau State capital.

The footage, which has sparked outrage and concern on social media, reportedly features members of the Agaji volunteer wing of Jama’atu Izalatil Bid’ah Wa Iqamatus Sunnah (JIBWIS), popularly known as Izala.

The video, shared by counterterrorism expert Zagazola Makama, gained traction on social media, particularly X, on Sunday.

It shows a group of young men dressed in brown uniforms and blue berets, with one of them leading a chant containing violent references to obtaining an AK-47 rifle to attack people described as “infidels” in the two cities.

In one section of the chant, the singer calls for a rifle to enable an individual to travel to Enugu and attack Christians while they are worshipping in church.

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“He should be given AK-47. He would then go to Enugu, the land of the infidels. On Sunday, when they are worshipping and clapping, he would then open fire, so that he can kill the infidels,” the lyrics state.

The chant subsequently references Jos, with another call for an AK-47 to attack people described as infidels.

“He asked to be given an AK-47 again, so that he can go to Jos and kill more infidels. That is the training,” the singer says.

The video has triggered widespread concern among Nigerians, with many calling on security agencies to investigate the footage, identify those involved and take appropriate action to prevent any potential threat to public safety.

The references to Enugu and Jos, alongside the explicit calls for armed attacks during Christian worship, have raised concerns about the safety of residents and worshippers in the affected cities.

However, as of the time of filing this report, the governments of Enugu and Plateau states, as well as the relevant security agencies, had yet to issue official statements on the video.

It remains unclear when and where the footage was recorded and whether the individuals featured in it have been identified by security authorities.

Watch video here

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Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala loses mother

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Late Prof Kamene Okonjo, Queen Mother, Matriarch of Umu Obi Obahai Royal family, Ogwashi Uku commu
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Prof. Kamene Okonjo, matriarch of Umu Obi Obahai Royal Family, mother of Obi Ifechukwude Okonjo ll, traditional ruler of Ogwashi Uku community in Delta has passed on.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) recalls that the matriarch, and mother of the Director- General, World Trade Organisation, Dr Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala, died on Friday at the age of 96.

The late Kamene Okonjo was the beloved wife of late Obi (Prof.) Chukwuka Okonjo, the immediate past traditional ruler of Ogwashi-Uku community, with whom she shared 66 years of marriage.

This is contained in a statement by Chief Ifeakanachukwu Emordi, Palace Secretary of the community on behalf of the royal family on Sunday.

According to the statement, the late Okonjo was an extraordinary woman, whose remarkable life was defined by intellectual brilliance, humility, compassion, dignity and an unwavering commitment to the advancement of humanity.

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“An internationally recognised and foremost sociologist, Prof. Kamene Okonjo distinguished herself through her outstanding academic accomplishments, intellectual contributions and lifelong advocacy for women’s rights and empowerment.

“She was a woman of exceptional intellect, yet possessed a rare gentleness of spirit, humility and grace that endeared her to everyone privileged to know her.

“Her achievements transcended the boundaries of Ogwashi-Uku and Nigeria, earning her admiration and respect within academic and intellectual circles internationally.”

The statement added that the late Okonjo represented the very finest qualities of scholarship, womanhood, motherhood and service to society.

“Beyond her considerable professional accomplishments, she was a devoted mother, grandmother, great-grandmother and a cherished pillar of the royal family.

“Her wisdom, kindness, quiet strength and exemplary character will remain an enduring inspiration to generations yet unborn.

“While we mourn her passing, we celebrate a life exceptionally well lived.

“At 96 years, Okonjo left behind an extraordinary legacy of scholarship, service, family values and advocacy for the dignity and advancement of women.

“We take comfort in our Christian faith and the assurance that she is resting peacefully with the Lord, haven completed her earthly journey with grace and distinction,” it said.

The statement said the entire Umu Obi Obahai family extended its deepest and most heartfelt condolences to the Obi of Ogwashi-Uku, her beloved children; Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala, Dr Njideka Okonjo-Udochi, Onyema Okonjo and Chichi Okonjo.

The family also extended their condolences to their spouses, sons and daughters in law, her grandchildren, great-grandchildren and the entire extended Okonjo royal family.

It also enjoined the people of Ogwashi-Uku to join the family in celebrating the extraordinary life and enduring legacy of their remarkable daughter, mother, scholar and matriarch, whose contributions to humanity would never be forgotten. (NAN)

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NCDC Reports Two Suspected Ebola Cases as Contacts Rise to 53

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The Nigeria Centre for Disease Control and Prevention (NCDC) has reported two suspected Ebola cases as the number of people being monitored following the country’s confirmed infection rises to 53.

The development has heightened the urgency of efforts to contain the virus and prevent further transmission.

The Director-General of the NCDC, Dr Jide Idris, disclosed this on Sunday, October 25, 2026, during a press briefing in Abuja, where he provided an update on the country’s surveillance and response measures.

“We have established two additional suspected cases and 53 primary contact links. They are primary contacts. We have an isolation centre and a quarantine centre,” Idris said.

However, details surrounding the two suspected cases remained unclear, as other accounts of the briefing indicated that authorities had investigated two cases, including the confirmed infection in Abuja and a suspected case in Rivers State that subsequently tested negative.

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The reported suspected cases should therefore not be interpreted as additional confirmed infections without laboratory confirmation.

Providing details of the contact-tracing exercise, Idris said the 53 contacts comprised 44 people linked to the healthcare facility where the confirmed patient received treatment and nine others identified through further investigations.

The additional contacts included three members of the patient’s household, three healthcare workers who attended to her at an earlier medical facility and three personnel involved in collecting samples.

According to the NCDC, the identified contacts had been classified according to their exposure risks and placed under monitoring. None had tested positive for Ebola or developed symptoms as of the briefing.

Idris explained that public health teams would monitor the exposed individuals for 21 days after their last possible exposure, in line with established protocols for detecting and responding promptly to potential infections.

He also disclosed that approximately 12 public and private laboratories were available to conduct Ebola testing in Nigeria as authorities continued to strengthen the country’s diagnostic capacity.

The NCDC director-general urged healthcare facilities nationwide to reinforce screening, patient assessment and infection prevention measures.

He stressed the need to provide healthcare workers with adequate personal protective equipment and ensure the prompt reporting of suspected infections.

Idris further appealed to individuals contacted by public health officials to cooperate with investigators and provide accurate information about their movements, possible exposure and symptoms.

Nigeria confirmed its first Ebola case in the current regional outbreak on October 20, 2026, after a woman with a recent travel history to Uganda tested positive for the Bundibugyo strain of the virus in Abuja.

According to the World Health Organisation, the woman developed symptoms on October 7 and sought treatment at a private health facility on October 11 before laboratory tests confirmed the infection.

The initial contact-tracing exercise identified 44 people, but the figure subsequently increased to 53 as investigations expanded.

The Federal Government has maintained heightened surveillance while strengthening laboratory testing, isolation arrangements and infection prevention protocols.

Health authorities have urged Nigerians to remain vigilant, cooperate with public health officials and avoid spreading unverified information as investigations and monitoring continue.

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