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LAGOS – CALABAR COASTAL HIGHWAY: GOV ENO LAUDS FG, SAYS IT IS A CATALYST FOR ECONOMIC BOOM

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LAGOS – CALABAR COASTAL HIGHWAY: GOV ENO LAUDS FG, SAYS IT IS A CATALYST FOR ECONOMIC BOOM

… drumps up support for President Tinubu

Akwa Ibom Governor, Pastor Umo Eno has praised the President Bola Ahmed Tinubu led – Federal Government over the 750km Lagos – Calabar coastal highway project passing through eight States in the Country.

The Governor conveyed the appreciation at a ceremony to flag-off the Construction of the 65km:3-Lane Dual Carriageway, a component of the 750km Lagos-Calabar Costal Highway, which passes through Akwa Ibom State, at Ikot Asua Village, Nsit Atai LGA.

He said Akwa Ibom people who are beneficiaries of the road construction do not take the gesture for granted as the road would have passed through any other State within the coastal region.

Governor Eno listed the benefits of the project to include unleashing and expanding of the economic horizon and opening up of hitherto unreachable part of the nation for easy movement of goods and services to the urban centre.

“Let me first and foremost thank President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, for embarking on this bold and audacious project that is bound to unleash and expand our economic horizon and open up hitherto unreachable parts of our nation for easy movement of goods and services.”

Governor Eno noted that the mission of President Tinubu on the Lagos-Calabar coastal highway is tied to the importance of road infrastructure which he enumerated to include; serving as a key catalyst for growth and prosperity of the nation as it creates the ease of movement of goods and services.

He said the road when completed would also encourage small and medium scale enterprises, provide employment opportunities, stimulate interstate commerce and create bond among the people as boundaries are easily wiped off when roads passes through communities.

The Governor hinted that sections 3A and 3B of the project which cut across Akwa Ibom and Cross River States, spells huge and enormous benefits for the two states, and thanked the President for his inclusive leadership and prioritization of even development across the nation.

“The economic benefits it will bring to our State are enormous and we thank the President for his inclusive leadership and the prioritization of even development across our nation without resorting to political considerations.”

The Governor who also represented President Tinubu at the flag -off, called on the youths to cooperate with the contractors handling the project, urging them to sustain the peace the State is known for.

He also assured that the State will work with the Minister to ensure that compensations are paid to the beneficiaries as soon as the Federal government releases the funds.

The State Chief Executive appreciated the Minister for his intervention in the deplorable Calabar -Itu highway and pledged to work with the contracting firm, Hitech to ensure the execution of the road project.

Gov Eno pledged the support of the State for President explaining that the stance would enable the President complete the projects he has initiated across the nation.

“Let me end by assuring our President, our people loving president, who will complete eight years, because we are going to stand by him, and this is the truth. He cannot start this work and abandon it, somebody else might not finish it. The hand that has started this work shall complete it. Our prayer is good health for Mr President to finish the work that he has started and commission it,” he added.

The Minister of Works, Senator David Umahi, scored Governor Umo Eno high on the development of infrastructure across the State, describing Governor Umo Eno as a true leader, passionate about quality and people-oriented projects.

He particularly expressed his admiration for the ambiance of the State, saying that the flag-off of the Lagos – Calabar coastal highway project will enhance the economy and accessibility of the State.

On his part, the Member representing the Uyo Federal Constituency in the House of Representatives, Rt. Hon. Mark Esset, expressed the gratitude of the people to President Tinubu for the coastal road project traversing the State and assured the Works Minister of the support and cooperation of the House of Representatives to see to a seamless construction and timely completion of the road project for the good of the people.

The Executive Chairman of Nsit Atai Local Government Area, Hon. Anthony Nyong; Deputy Political leader, Lawrence Udosen; and Paramount Ruler of Okobo, HRM Okokon Ita in their goodwill messages, appreciated the President for his magnanimity, saying that the road will usher in the needed transformation of the areas and pledged the people’s support towards its timely completion.

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Boris Johnson Says He Feels “Perfectly Safe” in Nigeria, Praises Imo State’s Progress

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Former British Prime Minister Boris Johnson has expressed confidence in Nigeria’s security, saying he feels perfectly safe during his visit to the country. His remarks come amid ongoing reports of insecurity in various parts of Nigeria, making his statement a notable endorsement of the nation’s stability in certain regions.

Johnson made the declaration on Thursday, December 4, 2025, while addressing participants at the Imo State Economic Summit 2025 in Owerri, the state capital. He acknowledged having read travel advisories and news reports highlighting security concerns prior to his trip but said his experience has been reassuring.

He said he feels perfectly safe in the country and emphasized that the summit environment and local hospitality contributed to his sense of security. He also asked the audience if they felt safe, receiving an enthusiastic affirmation.

During his visit, Johnson commended Governor Hope Uzodimma and the Imo State Government for their development initiatives, particularly efforts to provide 24-hour electricity. He highlighted the potential of Nigeria as a hub for innovation and economic growth, noting the opportunities presented by emerging technologies such as artificial intelligence.

While his statements have been welcomed by some as a boost to international confidence in Nigeria, analysts caution that the former prime minister’s experience reflects only a controlled and secure environment within Imo State. Several parts of the country continue to face challenges, including banditry, communal conflicts, and kidnappings.

Nonetheless, Johnson’s visit and remarks are significant, sending a positive message to investors and global observers about Nigeria’s potential for stability and progress. They also underscore the contrast between localized experiences of safety and broader security challenges across the country.

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Dangote to Uzodimma: Just show me where to invest

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Dangote

By Emmanuel Iheaka, OWERRI

The President of Dangote Group, Aliko Dangote has assured Governor Hope Uzodimma of Imo State that his group will be one of the biggest investors in the state.

Dangote gave the assurance at the opening session of the Imo Economic Summit 2025 in Owerri on Thursday.

The renowned Africa’s industrialist urged Uzodimma to indicate his preferred area of investment and forget the rest.

Dangote described the Imo governor as a personal friend of decades and commended him for providing enabling environment for investment.

“We will be one of your biggest investors in Imo. So, please tell me the area to invest and we will invest”, Dangote declared.

He called on entrepreneurs to always invest at home, adding that foreigners cannot drive the economy of any nation more than the nationals.

“What attracts foreign investors is a domestic investor. Africa has about 30 percent of the world’s minerals. We are blessed,” he submitted.

Dangote reiterated that his refinery was set to launch 1.4 million barrels per day capacity, the highest for any single refinery in the world.

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Judge rejects Nnamdi Kanu’s brother court appearance

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Justice James Omotosho of the Federal High Court in Abuja on Thursday declined to accept Prince Emmanuel Kanu’s appearance on behalf of his brother, Nnamdi Kanu, ruling that he is not a legal practitioner.

Nnamdi Kanu, leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), who was recently convicted and handed a life sentence, had filed a new motion asking to be transferred to Sokoto prison.

The application was brought before the court by Emmanuel Kanu.

He informed the court that since it was impossible for Nnamdi Kanu to appear personally to move the motion, the judge should go ahead and hear the matter in his absence.

Kanu argued that it would serve the interest of justice for him to be moved to a correctional facility closer to Abuja so he can properly pursue his appeal.

However, when the case was called, Justice Omotosho refused to recognise the appearance of Kanu’s brother, Emmanuel, who had attempted to stand in for the IPOB leader.

The judge informed Emmanuel that he was not permitted to move the application since he is not a qualified lawyer.

“This ex parte motion cannot be moved on the convict’s behalf because you are not a legal practitioner,” the trial judge insisted.

He advised the applicant to hire a qualified lawyer or seek assistance from the Legal Aid Council of Nigeria for proper legal representation, as provided by law.

“When I said representation, it is not his (Kanu’s) father, brother, sister or relations I meant. I mean his counsel.

“I am not going to the merit of this application now in the interest of justice.

“But you cannot represent a human being when you are not a lawyer; you can only represent a corporate body.

“Therefore, you cannot move the application because you are not a solicitor or advocate of the Supreme Court of Nigeria.

“For you to be qualified as a lawyer, it will take you another six years or thereabout. So get a counsel to move the application,” the judge added.

Understanding the court’s position, Emmanuel then asked for a new hearing date.

Justice James Omotosho subsequently adjourned the motion to December 8.

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