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GOV. OTU HAILS TINUBU AS CONSTRUCTION OF LAGOS-CALABAR COASTAL HIGHWAY BEGINS IN CROSS RIVER

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Governor Bassey Otu has described the commencement of construction on Section 3A/3B of the Lagos-Calabar Coastal Highway as a historic breakthrough for Cross River State and the South-South region.

Section 3A/3B is about 65km to 70km long and the Section 3A of the road is linking Cross River and Akwa Ibom States, and other states in the South-south and South Eastern part of the country.

Speaking on behalf of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu during the flag-off ceremony in Awi, Akamkpa Local Government Area on Monday, the governor lauded the project as “a bold and visionary move that will transform the economic fortunes of our region.”

According to Governor Otu, the highway will restore Calabar’s status as a maritime hub while enhancing connectivity by land, air, and sea. “This is not just a road project—it is a corridor of prosperity that will unlock vast economic opportunities, create jobs, promote cultural integration, and connect our Special Agro-Industrial Processing Zone to national and global markets,” he stated.

He reaffirmed the full support of the government and people of Cross River State for the project and for President Tinubu, whom he described as “a leader making the right decisions to build a better Nigeria.” The governor praised the President’s economic reforms in infrastructure, agriculture, and public policy, noting that they are “being implemented fairly and without ethnic or regional bias.”

Governor Otu also commended the Federal Ministry of Works and HiTech Construction for their prompt and transparent mobilization to site. “HiTech has proven itself not only capable but also committed to the national interest. This is the kind of partnership we need,” he said.

However, he used the occasion to urge the Federal Government to accelerate work on other abandoned or delayed federal road projects in the state. “Many of our federal roads are in deplorable condition. Contracts were awarded years ago with little to no progress. Our people deserve better,” the governor stressed.

In his remarks, Minister of Works, Senator David Umahi, described Governor Otu as “a disciplined, no-nonsense leader who is focused on development and loyal to the vision of a new Nigeria.” He noted that the coastal highway is “a legacy project 27 years in the making,” and commended President Tinubu for “beginning this long-awaited project from Calabar—a powerful statement of inclusion for the South-South region.”

Umahi assured Nigerians that he would personally oversee every aspect of the project. “I take full responsibility for the alignment, the cost, and the contractor. This is a national investment, not a political favour,” he declared. He also warned underperforming contractors that delays would no longer be tolerated, while praising HiTech for “mobilizing to site without a single naira in mobilization funds—proof of their patriotism and commitment to the Renewed Hope Agenda.”

Commenting on the nation’s economic trajectory, Umahi said: “The worst is over. The reforms are working. Fitch and the World Bank have already acknowledged the signs of our recovery. Nigeria is rising again under President Tinubu.”

The Permanent Secretary of the Federal Ministry of Works, Engr. Olufunso Adebiyi, stated that the 65-kilometre stretch—38 kilometres of which lies within Cross River State—will be constructed using Continuously Reinforced Concrete Pavement (CRCP) technology. “This project is not just about infrastructure—it’s about integration, growth, and access to essential services,” he said.

He noted that the highway will include dual carriageways and a provision for a future railway line within a 190-metre-wide corridor. He also called on host communities to cooperate fully to ensure the smooth execution of the project.

Others who spoke at the event were the Minister of State for Works Bello Muhammad Goronyo, the APC State Chairman Alphonsus Eba, Col. PAM Ogar (rtd), Prof. Eyo Etim Nyong, and Senator Florence Ita-Giwa among others.

They all expressed strong support for the project and called on the Federal Government to urgently rehabilitate other neglected federal roads in the state, emphasizing that “infrastructure equity is essential to national unity and development.”
— NSA GILL

EVENTS

Arthur Nzeribe: The Arms Dealer Who Supplied Both Sides of Nigeria’s Civil War

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When people think of Arthur Nzeribe, the late Nigerian businessman and politician, most remember his flamboyant lifestyle, vast wealth, and eventual role as a senator. But one of the most controversial chapters of his life remains his activities during the Nigerian Civil War (1967–1970).

The Business of War

The Nigerian Civil War, also known as the Biafran War, erupted when the southeastern region declared independence as the Republic of Biafra. The three years of bloodshed left over a million people dead, mostly from famine and starvation.

Behind the battle lines, a young Arthur Nzeribe—already showing the sharp instincts that would define his career—saw opportunity in the chaos. He became a middleman in the shadowy world of international arms trade, using his contacts in Europe to source and supply weapons.

Playing Both Sides

What makes his role particularly controversial is that Nzeribe allegedly sold arms to both the Nigerian federal government and the secessionist Biafran side. While most businessmen aligned with one camp or the other, Nzeribe navigated between both, dealing in weapons and military hardware. To some, he was an opportunist who fueled the conflict for profit; to others, he was simply a pragmatic businessman operating in a brutal environment.

The Making of a Tycoon

These wartime dealings laid the foundation for Nzeribe’s later fortune. By the 1970s and 1980s, he had built up a business empire spanning oil, property, and investments. His wealth bought him influence, and his influence eventually bought him a seat in Nigerian politics.

Yet, the whispers of his past never fully went away. Many Nigerians continued to view him as a man who profited from national tragedy, even as he tried to reinvent himself as a statesman.

Legacy of a Controversial Figure

Arthur Nzeribe’s life is a study in contrasts—patriot and profiteer, politician and dealmaker, philanthropist and opportunist. His role as an arms dealer during the civil war remains a dark shadow over his legacy, reminding us how the lines between survival, business, and morality can blur during times of conflict.

In the end, Nzeribe’s story


is not just about one man, but about the broader reality of war: while ordinary people pay the price with their lives, others exploit the chaos to secure wealth and power.

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Osun: Amotekun arrests ex-convict, others for theft, burglary, rape of minors

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The Osun State Security Network Agency, known as Amotekun Corps, has arrested nine individuals for various crimes including livestock theft, burglary and defilement of minors.

This was made known by the Osun Amotekun Corps Commander, Isaac Omoyele, according to a statement issued by the spokesperson, Yusuf Idowu Abass, on Thursday in Osogbo.

“In Oriade Local Government Area, a 56-year-old man, Ayo Akinpelu, was caught stealing two goats in Ipetu-Ijesa. Residents reported his suspicious activity, leading to his interception by the Amotekun command.

“Akinpelu was found with the stolen goats concealed inside his Lexus SUV. Community members insisted on inspecting the vehicle before Amotekun arrived to take him into custody,” the statement said.

Akinpelu, during questioning, confessed to have been involved in goat theft for seven years.

The statement revealed that Akinpelu is an ex-convict who was previously jailed for a similar offence.

“He confessed that he uses salt to calm the goats during theft and that he used the animals for pepper soup in his Ondo town beer parlour.

“He admitted to frequently travelling to Osun communities to steal goats.”

In a separate incident in Olaoluwa LGA , Amotekun operatives also arrested two men, 30 year old Sodiq Adeshina and 25 year old Kareem Marouf for burglary at an uncompleted building in Oluponna town

The suspects had stolen electrical appliances and cables valued at over N450,000, intending to sell them to a buyer in Iwo.

The statement stated that they confessed after being caught by operatives acting on intelligence reports.

Also, 26 year old Elijah Olawale of Ijebu-Ijesha town, Oriade LGA of the state, was arrested following complaints by his wife that he sexually abused his nine-year-old daughter.

“He confessed to raping the child three years ago and again recently.”

Also arrested were 26 year old Modakeke-based labour worker, ThankGod Friday, from Akwa-Ibom State, for raping his employer’s 12-year-old daughter twice.

Adeleke Sodiq, aged 60 years from Ode-omu, was caught raping a six-year-old toddler.

It was gathered that he lured the child with money and confessed to the crime, claiming it was his first time.

On September 8, 2025, the Amotekun revealed that three men – Ayo Akanni, 22 years, Bamiwo Sogo, 18 years and Bamiwo Israel, 18 years, were arrested in Ilesa for multiple burglaries at Atakunmosa Market.

“The suspects led operatives to a hideout where electronics, household items, building materials, and provisions worth millions of Naira were recovered.”

Reacting to the arrests, the Osun Amotekun Corps Commander, Isaac Omoyele reiterated the Corps’ commitment to public safety and urged residents to report suspicious activities to security agencies.

“We remain resolute in securing lives and property. Criminals have no hiding place; all suspects will face prosecution,” he added.

He disclosed that all nine suspects remained in custody and will be arraigned after conclusion of investigations.

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Temi Otedola, Mr. Eazi release wedding pictures

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Temi Otedola, the daughter of billionaire businessman Femi Otedola, and singer Mr Eazi, have released pictures of their wedding ceremony .

The couple announced engagement in April 2022 and tied the knot in 2025.

According to reports, Temi and Mr Eazi hosted not one, not two, but three weddings across three countries.

Their first ceremony was a civil wedding held in Monaco on May 9, which coincided with Mr Eazi’s late mother’s birthday.

This was followed by a traditional Yoruba wedding ceremony at the Otedola family home in Dubai, where they celebrated their Nigerian heritage with traditional food, music, and attire.

The final ceremony was a white wedding held in Iceland in August, where the couple exchanged vows in a beautiful church ceremony.

 

The couple’s wedding celebrations were a blend of Nigerian culture and international flair, reflecting their unique love story.

Mr Eazi has spoken about how the weddings have inspired him, saying he wants to create more love songs, particularly stripped-back acoustic tracks that he can perform live at future Nigerian weddings.

The couple’s romance began in 2017, and after five years of dating, Mr Eazi proposed to Temi in April 2022.

Temi recently took to social media to announce her new surname, sharing pictures of the wedding with the caption “Mr and Mrs Ajibade.”

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