News Agency of Nigeria
Trans-Saharan Superhighway will unlock economic opportunities- FG
General News

Trans-Saharan Superhighway will unlock economic opportunities- FG

240 total views today
By Collins Yakubu-Hammer
The Federal Government says the Calabar-Ebonyi Trans-Saharan Superhighway, when completed, will unlock economic opportunities, boost regional integration and enhance connectivity across different regions of the country.
Minister of Information and National Orientation Mohammed Idris disclosed this when he led the Federal Government delegation on the inspection of projects in Abakaliki on Friday.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that Idris went to see the ongoing work on the 118km Calabar–Ebonyi section of the Trans-Saharan Superhighway alongside media heads in the Information Ministry.
The Superhighway is being constructed by Infouest Nigeria Ltd at a cost of ₦445 billion with a rigid concrete pavement.
The minister described the superhighway as “one of the signature projects” being implemented under the Renewed Hope Agenda of President Bola Tinubu.
“The construction of the 700-metre, 12-span bridge on the superhighway will address decades-long flooding challenges in the N’dibe Beach area and restore access for affected communities.
“This project when completed, will connect Calabar, Ebonyi, Benue, Nasarawa, and Abuja and unlock economic opportunities, boost regional integration and enhance connectivity and prosperity across different regions of the country.
“For the first time, Ebonyi State is hosting multiple major federal government projects simultaneously; a testament to the administration’s commitment to equitable development,” Idris said.
He urged contractors to uphold quality and expedite delivery, assuring citizens that the government remained focused on infrastructure that tangibly improved lives and livelihoods across the country.
NAN reports that the Minister and his team were in the South-East for a project tour and citizens engagement with the people of the region especially Enugu and Ebonyi. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)
Edited by Maureen Atuonwu
Agric: Nwifuru tasks FG on youth engagement
Agriculture

Agric: Nwifuru tasks FG on youth engagement

285 total views today

By Douglas Okoro

Gov. Francis Nwifuru of Ebonyi has urged the Federal Government to intensify efforts to engage youths in practical agriculture, noting that hunger and idleness fuel online anger and misinformation.

 

Nwifuru made the call on Friday in Abakaliki when the Minister of Information and National Orientation, Alhaji Mohammed Idris, paid him a courtesy visit during the minister’s tour of federal projects in the state.

 

He said that engagement of youths in practical agriculture would properly channel their energy and potential in meaningful ventures and deter them from engaging in destructive social media activities.

 

He called for the imposition of restrictions on social media usage to curb the spread of unfounded information about national development.

 

The governor said that while government was not out to control the youths, it had a responsibility to protect them from misinformation and the negative impact of false social media reports.

 

“While growing up as a young man, it was always a thing of joy to own a farm but these days, youths hardly engage in agricultural activities.

 

“It is high time we put serious restrictions especially on unfounded stories.

 

“You go to social media and see posts declaring someone dead while the person is hale and hearty, yet the writer faces no sanction. This is not how a country should operate,” Nwifuru said.

 

On the performance of the President Bola Tinubu administration, Nwifuru said activities of several ministries were under-reported, giving the impression that only the Ministries of Works and the Federal Capital Territory were active.

 

According to him, this is the first time since Nigeria’s independence in 1960 that an Igbo man has been appointed Minister of Works, describing the current minister, Chief David Umahi as vibrant and committed.

 

“He left his signature in Ebonyi which will be very hard for anybody to erase and we are proud and confident that he will leave same signature in the Federal Ministry of Works,” the governor said.

 

He expressed confidence that with Tinubu’s achievements in physical infrastructure and human capital development cutting across the length and breadth of the country, his re-election in 2027 was guaranteed.

 

The governor pledged the full support of Ebonyi people in achieving the goal.

 

He lauded the president for establishing the Nigeria Education Loan Fund (NELFUND), which he said, had attracted over 400,000 student beneficiaries.

 

The governor also commended the Ebonyi postgraduate scholarship scheme aimed at training indigenes at Masters and Doctorate levels in local and foreign universities.

 

Nwifuru added that the state had improved infrastructure and staffing in secondary schools to raise the quality of education.(NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Maureen Atuonwu

Tinubu voted N86bn as fees, upkeep of vulnerable students -Minister
General News

Tinubu voted N86bn as fees, upkeep of vulnerable students -Minister

232 total views today

By Collins Yakubu-Hammer

President Bola Tinubu has voted over N86 billion for payment of school fees and upkeep of over 400,000 students across the country.

Alhaji Mohammed Idris, Minister of Information and National Orientation, disclosed this on Friday during a visit to Gov. Francis Nwifuru of Ebonyi in Abakaliki.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the minister and his team are in Ebonyi for a tour of Federal Government projects, and citizens’ engagement with the people of the state.

According to him, over 400,000 students from all parts of the country, including Ebonyi and states in the south east region have benefited from Tinubu’s NELFUND programme.

“What the President seems to say is that he dislikes the situation, where students who have the requisite qualification to be in school, like tertiary institutions, but were not able to, because their parents or guardians are unable to pay for their fees or upkeep.

“Today, that is the tale of the past. If you get admission into any tertiary institution, you can apply to NELFUND; and you don’t even have to know anybody.

“This is one of such programmes that President Tinubu has designed for all Nigerians to participate in; you don’t have to know anybody to be a beneficiary of the programme.

“I was checking the figures before I came here. Tinubu has voted about N86 billion so far in the payment of school fees and upkeep of over 400,000 Nigerian students whose parents are unable to pay for their school fees.

“That is not the end, because Tinubu has better plans for all and he will ensure that millions of people, including those in the South-East, are empowered,” Idris said.

The minister also commended Nwifiru for providing an office space to the Nigerian Press Council to enhance their operations and deliver on their mandate.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the Minister’s entourage include Special Advisers to the President, and all heads of Federal Government’s media organisation.

Others are the President of Nigeria Institute of Public Relations, Dr Ike Neliaku, National Presidents of RATTAWU, NUJ and other stakeholders.(NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Yakubu Uba

Tinubu to ensure timely completion of projects in S’East
Metro

Tinubu to ensure timely completion of projects in S’East

345 total views today

By Collins Yakubu-Hammer

The Federal Government says President Bola Tinubu is determined to ensure timely completion of all projects in the South-East Region to enhance connectivity and boost the economic prosperity of the people.

 

 

The Minister of Information and National Orientation, Alhaji Mohammed Idris, disclosed this during the inspection of the ongoing works on the 88 kilometres Enugu-Abakaliki-Ogoja Federal Road on Friday.

 

The Minister is in the state for the Citizens Engagement and Tour of Federal Government’s projects in Enugu and Ebonyi states.

 

According to Idris, this is one among the major projects that Tinubu is doing for the region.

 

“As a matter of fact, we want to ensure connectivity, especially in the Southeastern Region. President Tinubu is delivering the dividends of democracy to people of the Southeastern part of the country.

 

 

“He is working hard to ensure that the people of the Southeast are not left behind in his march towards ensuring that there is massive infrastructural development across Nigeria. This is just one of it.

 

 

“We have seen it yesterday. We saw what happened in Enugu State. We saw the massive flyover of about 350 metres.

 

 

“We saw all the roads in Enugu. Now we are beginning to see what is happening in the neighbouring states. Subsequently, we will go to other parts of the Southeast to see what is also happening.

 

 

“What is important is to indicate that President Tinubu will ensure timely completion of all these massive projects, especially in the Southeastern part of the country,” Idris said.

 

 

Also speaking, the site engineer handling the project, Mr Wasiu Femi, said the activities involved massive earthworks, but due to the incessant rains, not much work could be done until after the rainy season.

 

 

“They are doing concrete works now and a little bit of work on the carriageway, but they cannot do much on earthworks now until the rains go.

 

 

“However,  we moved to the paving with the stone base, which falls within the aggregate envelope. Now, we are waiting for the moisture content to be at the optimal level. Then when we run our institute test, we start with our rigid pavement.”

 

 

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the minister and his team started the project tour and citizens engagement on Thursday with a visit to Enugu State Governor, Mr Peter Mbah.

 

 

They also visited the ongoing works at the Enugu-Port Harcourt Road, flyover bridge on Enugu-Abakaliki Road, the Oncological Centre of the University of Nigeria’s Teaching Hospital, Enugu and many others.(NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Maureen Atuonwu

Tinubu’ll do more for Nigeria- Idris
General News

Tinubu’ll do more for Nigeria- Idris

200 total views today

By Collins Yakubu-Hammer

The Minister of Information and National Orientation,  Alhaji Mohammed Idris says President Bola Tinubu has done well within the two years of his administration and will do more in the next two years and beyond.

 

Idris stated this during a visit to the governor of Ebonyi, Mr Francis Nwifuru on Friday in Abakaliki.

 

The Minister is in the state in continuation of the Citizens Engagement and Tour of Federal Government’s projects in Enugu and Ebony states.

 

He explained that from massive  road projects to healthcare, education, security, agriculture,  economy, regional development, Livestock, humanitarian, women affairs and many others, Tinubu has done well.

 

“Recall that all these achievements of  Mr President has happened only in the last two years.

 

“We still have another two years in the first instance of the  mandate given to Mr President.

 

“We know that if what we are seeing is anything to go by, by God’s grace, Tinubu will be here again after his first term for the circumvention to continue the good work that he has been doing.

 

“I know, and I can see, and I have heard from the people that we have interacted with, that the people of Ebonyi are indeed happy with President Bola Tinubu,” Idris said. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Chioma Ugboma

NAN’s Ariyo, others emerge FRSC celebrity special marshals
Defence/Security

NAN’s Ariyo, others emerge FRSC celebrity special marshals

234 total views today

By Diana Omueza

The Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC) has unveiled Ibironke Ariyo, Senior Correspondent with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN), and 22 other notable Nigerians as its Celebrity Special Marshals (CSMs).

 

The unveiling took place on Thursday in Abuja during the 2025 Road Safety Youth Hangout organised by the FRSC-FCT Command, themed: “Safer Roads, Brighter Future: Youth Leading the Change.”

 

The Assistant Corps Marshal (ACM), who doubled as the Corps Public Education Officer (CPEO), Olusegun Ogungbemide, said that the CSMs were selected to champion road safety advocacy nationwide.

 

Ogungbemide said the initiative was anchored by the FCT Sector Command in line with the policy thrust of the Corps Marshal, Malam Shehu Mohammed, which recognised that road safety was a shared responsibility.

 

“Engagement of youths and influential personalities is crucial in reversing current crash trends.

 

“We believe the youth have a major role to play because they are mostly affected during crashes and with this set of marshals we are certainly going to record lesser road incidents,” he said.

 

Ogungbemide urged the celebrity special marshals to use their influence and social engagement platforms to drive road safety advocacy, influence positive peer behaviour, and promote safe driving culture.

 

He also encouraged the adoption of the FRSC mobile app as a key tool in preventing crashes, noting that its functions empower road users to contribute to safer roads while on transit.

According to him, the functionality of the mobile app is so huge that each feature plays a role in reducing road traffic crashes.

 

“The app is youth centric and we believe adoption of this platform will help accomplish the Corps Marshal’s vision of safer roads,” he said.

 

He said that with youths leading the campaign for safer roads, Nigeria would move forward boldly, safely, and united.

 

NAN reports that according to FRSC records, between January and December 2024, Nigeria recorded 9,570 road traffic crashes, with 31,154 injuries and 5,421 deaths.

 

Meanwhile, global figures record Road Traffic Crashes (RTCs) as the leading cause of death for children and young adults aged 5–29 years, with two-thirds of fatalities occurring among people aged 18–59.

 

Ariyo, one of the celebrity special marshals, expressed gratitude to the FRSC for the recognition of her advocacy against speed, reckless driving, use of phones while driving and other activities that lead to road crashes.

 

“As a journalist, I have reported extensively on road safety to create awareness on dangers associated with road usage and how to avert them.

 

“This is a great responsibility to intensify my advocacy for safer roads and rides and I pledge to support FRSC’s mission to save lives and properties,” she said.

 

Ariyo said that being a celebrity special marshal gives an additional platform to not just report, but actively advocate for safer roads.

 

The NAN reports that other nominees include Munirat Antoinette Lecky of Big Brother Naija, Oyeyemi Ajayi of NTA, Kayode Oyedare of FRCN, Benny Ark of Channels TV, and Ozi Okoli of Arise News. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

Uchediunor and Yakubu Uba

Tinubu made cancer treatment possible in Nigeria– Minister
Metro

Tinubu made cancer treatment possible in Nigeria– Minister

324 total views today

By Collins Yakubu-Hammer

Minister of Information and National Orientation, Alhaji Mohammed Idris, says President Bola Tinubu’s renewed Hope Agenda has made the treatment of cancer possible in the country.

 

Idris stated this when he and his team paid a courtesy visit to the Governor of Enugu State, Mr Peter Mbah, on Thursday in Enugu.

 

Tinubu’s renewed hope agenda, in policies and programmes, has revolutionised the health sector that treatment of cancer can now be done in Nigeria.

 

“There are six treatment facilities in the six zones of the country, including Enugu, with similar machines found in other parts of the world, and experts have been trained to handle them.

 

“So, anyone who wants to go out of the country to treat cancer is doing so based on choice, and not that we don’t have facilities and experts to treat the person.

 

“We must give credit to President Tinubu for the people he put in place to revamp the health sector,” he said.

 

He said that all the information structure of the Federal Government was brought to Enugu to see and report the positive efforts of Tinubu and Mbah.

 

According to him, Tinubu has done so well that one will wonder if he is on his second term.

 

Idris also said he had noticed what Mbah had done in the state, describing Enugu as the heart of the South-East.

 

“We have seen what the governor has done, from the policies and programmes of his predecessor.

 

“Also, we are here to show that President Tinubu is working and to see what his policies and programmes are achieving positively across the region.”

 

The minister added that Tinubu had made it possible for security agencies to synergise and achieve results, hence the improved security situation that the country is currently witnessing.

 

He, however, said that it was not yet over, adding that the president would continue to do more for the country to address all the challenges. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

Edited by ‘Wale Sadeeq

Tinubu’s trn economy goal for Nigeria in sight- Idris
Metro

Tinubu’s $1trn economy goal for Nigeria in sight- Idris

338 total views today

By Collins Yakubu-Hammer

The Minister of Information and National Orientation, Alhaji Mohammed Idris, says the President Bola Tinubu’s vision of making Nigeria a one trillion dollars economy is already in sight.

 

 

Idris said this when he paid a courtesy visit to the governor of Enugu State,  Mr Peter Mbah, on Thursday in Enugu.

 

 

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that Idris is in Enugu for a three-day tour of Federal Government’s projects and citizens engagement in the state and Ebonyi.

 

 

He said Tinubu has demonstrated the quality of a courageous leader by removing the fuel subsidy.

 

 

“At first,  there were skepticism and complaints from some people. (They) did not really understand, but two years down the line, you can see that a lot of successes have been recorded.

 

 

“Now, all state governments have more funds to work and deliver dividends of democracy to their people. That bold decision has freed up resources needed to execute humongous capital projects.

 

 

“Now that people are enjoying the benefits of Tinubu’s bold decision, nobody is asking why fuel subsidy was removed.

 

 

“In the past, about 97 per cent of our budget was used to service and pay debt. Imagine that you have a family, how would you manage the three per cent looking at all the demands of school fees, house rent, other bills, etc,” Idris said.

 

 

He explained that Nigerians would soon begin to see the light of that one trillion dollar economy becoming a reality.

 

 

NAN reports that those in the entourage of the Minister include, the Special Assistant to Tinubu on Communication and Strategy, Mr Bayo Onanuga, Managing Director of NAN, Malam Ali M. Ali and his counterpart from Voice of Nigeria, Malam Jibrin Ndace.

 

 

Others are the Directors-General of the NTA, Malam Salihu Dembos, National Broadcasting Commission,  Mr Charlse Ebuebu, Federal Radio Corporation of Nigeria, Dr Mohammed Bulama and National Orientation Agency,  Malam Lanre Issa-Onilu.

 

 

Also in the entourage are the President of Nigerian Institute of Public Relations, Dr Ike Neliaku,  national leadership of RATTAWU,  NUJ, NGE and others.

 

 

NAN reports that the activities will continue with inspection of Federal Government’s projects and citizens engagement in Enugu and Ebonyi.  (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Sadiya Hamza

S’East region has special place in Tinubu’s heart-Idris
General News

S’East region has special place in Tinubu’s heart-Idris

234 total views today

By Collins Yakubu-Hammer

The Minister of Information and National Orientation, Alhaji Mohammed Idris, says the South East Region of the country has a special place in the heart of President Bola Tinubu.

 

Idris stated this when he paid a courtesy visit to the governor of Enugu State, Mr Peter Mbah, on Thursday in Enugu.

 

According to Idris, Tinubu is so passionate about the development of the region, delivery of dividends of democracy, and renewing the hope of all the people in the region.

 

“President Tinubu came to Enugu State in January. He believes that Enugu is a serious State and the governor is doing so well.

 

“Enugu and the South East Region of the country is in his heart, that was why he visited Enugu earlier this year.

 

“We also came to see the ongoing project in the South East. We may not be able to tour all of them in one day because there are too many, but we selected a few to go round and see.

 

“Me and my team will go and see the newly constructed flyover, the Enugu-Port Harcourt Road and many others,” Idris said.

 

News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that those in the Minister’s team include the Special Assistant on Communications and Strategy to Tinubu, Mr Bayo Onanuga, some Special Assistants, the Managing Director of NAN, Malam Ali M. Ali, the Director-General of Voice of Nigeria, Malam Jibrin Ndace.

 

Others are the Directors-General of NTA, Malam Salihu Dembos, National Broadcasting Commission, Mr Charlse Ebuebu, the President of Nigerian Institute of Public Relations,  Dr Ike Neliaku,  the President of RATTAWU,  Mr Emeka Kalu, NUJ representative and many others. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Yakubu Uba

Minister charges new Fire service boss on transformative service
Defence/Security

Minister charges new Fire service boss on transformative service

218 total views today

By Kelechi Ogunleye

The Minister of Interior, Dr Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, has charged the new Federal Fire Service (FFS) Controller-General, Olumode Adeyemi to transform the service.

 

Tunji-Ojo gave the charge while decorating Adeyemi on Thursday at the Civil Defence, Correctional, Fire and Immigration Services Board (CDCFIB) office in Abuja.

 

“Picture where FFS is today and picture where it needs to be because you will be judged by how well you can transform the service,” the minister said.

 

He urged the new CG to be a leader, focused, courageous and determined to serve Nigerians.

 

“Your job is to service Nigerians; FFS is meant to be one of the most impactful agencies of this country.

 

“Don’t expect to have 100 per cent support of your men and if you wait for that you will never do the right thing as leadership is the conviction of doing what is right so don’t think everyone will support you,” Tunji-Ojo said.

 

The minister further said that a new fire service law is being worked on by the National Assembly as the one in use is obsolete.

 

The ministry’s Permanent Secretary, Magdalene Ajani, challenged the new FFS boss to be true to the Federal Government and Nigerians.

 

“Be yourself, work in line with the extant laws of the country and put the country first.

 

“You will have 100 per cent support from the ministry and your colleagues. So, I appeal to Nigerians not to put this new CG under pressure as his job is not to award contracts that will make him compromise,” Ajani said.

 

Responding, the FFS boss appreciated President Bola Tinubu and the Minister for the appointment.

 

Adeyemi promised to work diligently in fulfilling the mandates of the service by changing the narrative of the FFS.

 

“We will do our best by not disappointing the president and Nigerians,” the CG said.

 

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that Adeyemi assumed office as the new CG on Wednesday following the retirement of CG Abdulganiyu Jaji who attained the retirement age of 60.(NAN) (www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Chinyere Nwachukwu and Yakubu Uba

X
Welcome to NAN
Need help? Choose an option below and let me be your assistant.
Email SubscriptionSite SearchSend Us Email