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N1.62 Trillion 2026 Budget: Enugu to construct 1,200 new urban roads, procure more aircrafts for Enugu Air

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Enugu State Governor, Dr Peter Mbah
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Governor Peter Mbah of Enugu state,  on Tuesday, announced plans by his government to construct 1,200 urban roads and a significant number of rural roads next year.

He also assured that the ongoing 40-kilometre Owo-Ubahu-Amankanu-Neke-Ikem dual carriageway, dualisation of the Abakpa Nike – Ugwogo Nike – Ekwegbe – Opi-Nsukka Road, and the 21.65-kilometre Enugu-Abakaliki Expressway would be completed.

In transportation sector, Mbah announced that the state would acquire 14 additional aircraft to bring Enugu Air’s fleet to 20, noting that three additional planes would arrive before the end of 2025.

Speaker of Enugu State House of Assembly, Chief Uche Ugwu

These were unveiled by the governor while presenting a record N1.62 trillion 2026 budget estimates to the Enugu State House of Assembly.

According to Dr. Mbah, his administration is moving from laying foundation to scaling transformation across every sector.

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He said that the N1.62 Trillion budget represents a 66.5 per cent increase over the N971 billion revised 2025 budget.

Dubbed Budget of Renewed Momentum, Governor Mbah said the budget comprised a Capital Expenditure of N1,296,092,465,000, representing 80 per cent of the total budget, while the Recurrent Component stood at N321,305,000,000, representing 20 per cent of the budget totaling N1,617,397,465,000.

Mbah said the budget would be funded through a projected N870 billion Internally Generated Revenue, IGR, N387 billion would come from the Federal Account Allocation Committee, FAAC, while N329 billion is expected as Capital Receipts.

A sectoral breakdown of the budget shows that the Economic Sector would receive N825.9 billion, representing N51 per cent of the total budget, followed by the Social Sector (N644.7 billion), representing 40.1 per cent of the budget, while Administration Sector, Justice Sector and Regional Sector got N128 billion, N15.8 billion, and N2 billion, respectively.

“Allocating N825.9 billion to the Economic Sector is strategic and deliberate. When we invest in agriculture, industry, and trade, we create jobs, reduce poverty, and generate revenue that strengthens the entire economy. The performance of this sector remains central to our vision of achieving a seven-fold GDP growth in Enugu State,” the governor explained.

Highlights of the Economic Sector include Roads/Infrastructure Sector where the governor plans to construct 1,200 urban roads and a significant number of rural roads, while also completing the ongoing 40-kilometre Owo-Ubahu-Amankanu-Neke-Ikem dual carriageway, dualisation of the Abakpa Nike – Ugwogo Nike – Ekwegbe – Opi-Nsukka Road, and the 21.65-kilometre Enugu-Abakaliki Expressway.

Concerning Transportation, Mbah announced that the state would acquire 14 additional aircraft to bring Enugu Air’s fleet to 20, noting that three additional planes would arrive before the end of 2025.

The administration plans to build five more transport terminals in Emene, Udi, Awgu, Four-Corners (Ozalla) and Obollo-Afor. It equally set aside 15 per cent of the budget for providing 15,000 mass housing units, while ramping up infrastructural development at the New Enugu City.

In the Agricultural Sector, he said the administration would, among others, step up the construction of 20-hectare Farm Estates in the 260 wards of the state, with some already underway.

In the Social Sector, education got the lion’s share of 32.27 per cent of the entire budget, following patterns of the 2024 and 2025 budgets where it also got over 30 per cent.

He said that with the 260 Smart Green Schools already completed or nearing completion, the state would focus on the construction of Smart Secondary Schools and Technical and Vocational Education Training (TVET) Colleges across the state in 2026.

“There are some, who might look at what we spend on education and cringe. But what we spend currently on education is largely insignificant weighed against the future social cost of having a disproportionate population of out-of-school children,” he explained.

He said his administration equally budgeted the sum of N20 billion to clear longstanding gratuities inherited by his administration, noting that “Our workers should not wait years to receive benefits they have earned.”

N11 billion was budgeted to, among others, fund the second phase of the administration’s security surveillance system, Health is to get 10 per cent of the total budget.

2025 Budget Performance

On the 2025 budget performance, Governor Mbah said the administration had so far spent about N806 billion.

“This means that we utilized 97.5 per cent of all the money that came into the state and achieved 83 per cent of the total budget implementation as against the revised budget of N871 billion,” he said.

On revenues performance, the governor said “The money coming into Enugu State has grown in ways we have never seen before.”

“Our internally generated revenue is set to exceed ₦400 billion by the end of the year. It is not yet where we ultimately want to be, but it is already the highest IGR in the history of Enugu State – a 221.6% increase over 2024,” he said.

He commended President Bola Tinubu’s economic policies, saying it had revved up the FAAC allocations to Enugu State.

“Our FAAC inflow did not just meet expectations – it exceeded them by more than half. We projected about ₦150 billion but we received ₦230 billion – over 50 per cent above projection.

“This is not accidental. It reflects the impact of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s bold economic reforms.

“The removal of fuel subsidies, unification of foreign exchange rate and other fiscal measures have strengthened key macro indicators – inflation has declined and continues to trend downwardly, interest rates have eased, and the exchange rate has stabilised. And our foreign reserve has continued to be strengthened, and recently hit the $46 billion mark,” he said.

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Terror attack rumour: UNN beefs up security on Nsukka Campus, bans okada riders

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The management of the University of Nigeria, Nsukka (UNN), has assured staff, students and parents of adequate security on campus, dismissing as false and unsubstantiated reports circulating on social media about an alleged impending terrorist attack and mass abduction of students.

In a statement issued on Saturday by the Acting Public Relations Officer of the university, Mr. Inya Agha Egwu, the institution said there was no credible security intelligence or verified threat supporting the claims contained in the viral social media post.

The university, however, disclosed that it had adopted additional precautionary measures to further strengthen security across the Nsukka campus.

According to the statement, personnel of the Nigerian Police Force and the Nigerian Army have been deployed to strategic entry points within the university to complement the efforts of the institution’s security unit.

Management also announced the temporary closure of some access gates to the campus to enhance monitoring and regulation of movement into and out of the university.

As part of the new security measures, motorcycle operations within the campus have been suspended with immediate effect. Only motorcycles belonging to authorised security personnel will be allowed beyond the university gates.

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Staff members who use motorcycles for transportation have been advised to park them at designated locations outside the campus before proceeding to their offices.

The university urged members of the academic community to remain calm and continue their normal activities without fear, stressing that there was no known security threat to the institution.

It also cautioned against the spread of unverified information capable of causing unnecessary panic and anxiety among students, staff and the general public.
While reiterating its commitment to maintaining a safe environment for teaching, learning and research, the management encouraged students and staff to remain vigilant and promptly report any suspicious movement or activity to the University Security Department or relevant security agencies.

“Security is a collective responsibility, and the cooperation of all staff, students and stakeholders is essential in maintaining the peaceful and secure environment for which the University of Nigeria is known,” the statement said.

The university further advised the public to treat anonymous social media posts and unverified online messages with caution, particularly those containing sensational claims intended to generate fear and uncertainty.

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How police rescued Adelabu’s sister and her twin sons in kidnappers’ den (Video)

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The rescued victims
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A video circulating online has shown the moment operatives of the Nigeria Police Force (NPF) rescued the abducted sister of the Minister of Power, Chief Adebayo Adelabu, Mrs. Olaide Busayo Adegoke John-Paul, and her 12-year-old twin sons, Peter and Paul, from suspected kidnappers in Oyo State.

The footage captured heavily armed operatives storming a suspected hideout where the victims were allegedly being held after spending several days in captivity.

In the video, a suspected kidnapper was seen attempting to evade arrest by hiding inside the ceiling of the building.

However, police operatives discovered his location during the raid and brought him down before securing the premises.

It was gathered that during the operation, two suspected kidnappers were fatally wounded during a gun battle with security personnel, while several others escaped with gunshot

The victims were subsequently rescued unharmed and evacuated from the scene.

Police confirm rescue operation

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Confirming the development, the Force Public Relations Officer, DSP Anthony Placid, said the victims were rescued during a coordinated operation by the Force Intelligence Department–Intelligence Response Team (FID-IRT).

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In a statement issued late Saturday, Placid said the rescue followed days of intensive intelligence gathering and surveillance.

“The Nigeria Police Force announces the successful rescue of Mrs. Olaide Busayo Adegoke John-Paul and her 12-year-old twin sons, Peter and Paul, who were abducted on June 3, 2026, in Ibadan, Oyo State,” he said.

According to the police spokesperson, the operation took place at about 7:30 p.m. on Saturday, June 6.

“The hostages were rescued during a coordinated operation by the Force Intelligence Department Intelligence Response Team (FID-IRT) in Ibadan at approximately 7:30 p.m. on Saturday, June 6, 2026.”

Placid explained that the victims were kidnapped while Mrs. Adegoke was driving her children to school on the morning of June 3.

“Mrs. Adegoke and her children were abducted while she was driving them to school at about 7:30 a.m. on June 3, 2026.”

Two suspects killed, Rifles recovered

The police said intelligence-driven operations enabled investigators to track the movements of the kidnappers and locate their hideout.

“The rescue was achieved through sustained intelligence gathering, surveillance, and tactical operations. These efforts enabled investigators to track the kidnappers’ movements, resulting in a confrontation with FID-IRT operatives.”

During the confrontation, two suspected kidnappers were fatally wounded.

“During the confrontation, two suspected kidnappers were fatally wounded and two rifles were recovered. The victims were rescued unharmed and are now in safe custody, receiving medical care and support.”

The police added that efforts were ongoing to apprehend other members of the kidnapping syndicate who fled during the operation.

“Security operatives have intensified efforts in the area to apprehend fleeing members of the kidnapping syndicate. Preliminary intelligence indicates that some suspects escaped with gunshot injuries. Operations are ongoing to track, arrest, and bring all involved to justice.”

Family Thanks Tinubu, Makinde, Security Agencies

Meanwhile, the family of Chief Adebayo Adelabu confirmed the safe rescue of the victims and expressed gratitude to Nigerians, security agencies, and government officials for their support throughout the ordeal.

In a statement signed by Adelabu’s media aide, Comrade Femi Awogboro, the family described the rescue as a testament to the effectiveness of coordinated security efforts.

“We are delighted to announce that the victims have been rescued safely and are in good condition.”

“This outcome is a testament to the power of collective action, unwavering commitment, and the resilience of our security institutions when adequately supported by citizens and government at all levels.”

The family also thanked President Bola Tinubu, Governor Seyi Makinde, the Inspector-General of Police, the Department of State Services (DSS), the Oyo State Police Command, and other stakeholders for their intervention.

Rescue Comes Amid Security Concerns in Oyo

The successful operation comes at a time of heightened security concerns in Oyo State following the abduction of dozens of schoolchildren and teachers in Oriire Local Government Area.

About 39 pupils and seven teachers were kidnapped during attacks on schools in the area on May 15, sparking public outrage and protests by education stakeholders and civil society groups.

While celebrating the release of Adelabu’s sister and her children, the family said its thoughts remained with other victims still being held captive across the country.

“This experience has once again demonstrated that insecurity is a challenge that transcends partisan politics, ethnicity, religion and social status. Together, we can build a nation where every citizen feels safe, protected and free to pursue legitimate aspirations without fear.”

The police have assured residents that operations are continuing to dismantle the remaining members of the kidnapping network and bring all those involved to justice.

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ESUT lecturer breaks down in tears as students surprise her with gifts (Video)

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The students with the female lecturer
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An emotional moment unfolded at the Enugu State University of Science and Technology (ESUT) when a female lecturer was brought to tears after her students surprised her with gifts in appreciation of her dedication and impact on their academic journey.

The surprise took place during a lecture session as students presented the lecturer with several gifts, including wrappers, packs of bottled water, a black handbag, household items and other wrapped presents.

Overwhelmed by the gesture, the lecturer became emotional as the students celebrated and applauded her for the positive role she has played in their lives.

Reacting one @nwaeze5056 said, “That’s my lecturer y’all ❤️❤️🤭…the best mother to us ..so kind and looking out for us..she deserves moreeee good things❤️.”

ekeneudemadu wrote, “This method of appreciation is therapeutic and relieving. 👏.”

ak_aifyscollection remarked, “I bought my lecturer a Gold chain n pendant the day I graduated n she cried heavily!! That woman really helped me in life though she later died a yr after we graduated !May her soul continue to rest in peace amen !!!i missed my final day exam n it was her course,that woman gave me a “B” n said her mind told her that I was under an attack for me to wake up n not rember it was my final day exams😭😭😭😭😭I cried heavily that day.”

 

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mumboiz1 noted, “Her children must be proud of her, unlike those Mamas wey dey follow Tinubu dey campaign.. 😀.”

 

abikefabricsng added. “She is indeed a good mother. She still dips her hand in the purse to give them money . God bless her good heart.”

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