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FG to toll more roads – Umahi

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The Minister of Works, David Umahi, said on Saturday that more federal roads would be tolled to ensure effective infrastructure maintenance.

Umahi stated this while inspecting the ongoing construction on the Abuja-Kaduna dual carriageway.

He stated that the Federal Government was leveraging Public-Private Partnerships (PPP) to improve road infrastructure across Nigeria for socio-economic benefits.

According to him, major roads within the six geopolitical zones and key economic corridors would be tolled.

“However, we will not toll any road that has not been fully completed. Before tolling, we must ensure the road is 100 per cent finished,” he said.

Umahi explained that where roads were completed years ago but had deteriorated, agreements would be reached with stakeholders on necessary maintenance.

He emphasised that lack of maintenance remained a major issue for Nigerian roads.

“How do you maintain 35,000 kilometres of road? We must involve the private sector in this maintenance effort.

“If a 200-kilometre road has 150 kilometres completed, we must decide on maintenance plans. Without maintenance, those sections could deteriorate.

“That is our focus. However, for now, no unfinished road will be tolled,” the minister said.

He stated that work on the Abuja-Kaduna-Zaria-Kano Expressway would be completed within 14 months.

Umahi added that sections one and three of the road had been awarded to Infoquest Nigeria Ltd., following Federal Executive Council approval.

“The Federal Executive Council approved the construction of these sections on Monday. Infoquest Nigeria Ltd. has commenced work.

“We are not here primarily to assess the volume of work done. Instead, we are holding a side meeting to determine mobilisation levels,” he said.

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Umahi stated that efforts were underway to address failed sections of the road, including depressions along 38 kilometres of section one, from Abuja to Kaduna.

He directed the Permanent Secretary to work with contractors and consultants to assess the entire 38-kilometre stretch and determine the best solution.

While inspecting the Lambata Bridge on the Abuja-Minna road, Umahi said measures had been introduced to deter illegal mining and sand excavation, preventing erosion.

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Atiku Backs Lagos Corper Facing Threats Over Viral Video

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The former Vice President, Atiku Abubakar, has praised National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) member Ushie Rita, who referred to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu as “terrible”, saying she embodies the spirit of a new generation of women championing political participation and advocacy.

Rita has accused the NYSC of allegedly threatening her after she complained about Nigeria’s economic struggles.

In a TikTok post, she expressed frustration over the country’s rising cost of living, lamenting that prices keep increasing, making it difficult for her to survive independently.

The corps member criticised President Tinubu, calling him a “terrible president” and questioning what his administration is doing to address the economic crisis.

Reacting on his X account, formerly known as Twitter, Atiku, who was the presidential candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in the last election, said:

“I deeply admire her boldness and wisdom—her fearless resolve to speak truth to power, undeterred by the weight of opposition.

She follows in the footsteps of formidable trailblazers like Gambo Sawaba, Funmilayo Ransom-Kuti, Margaret Ekpo, and countless other women who have stood resolute in defence of the common good.

Rather than being met with hostility, Rita deserves encouragement and support. She is a shining emblem of Nigerian youth—a testament to the long-held promise that the leaders of tomorrow are already among us, ready to shape a better future.”

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FG Must Stop Threatening Nigerians For Criticising Govt – Amnesty Int’l

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Amnesty International on Sunday said the Federal Government must stop threatening individuals and groups who criticise the current administration.

“The Nigerian authorities must stop responding with violence and threats to individuals and groups who express dissenting opinions — in utter disregard for Nigerian constitution and international law. Holding and voicing dissenting views is not a crime,” the organisation in a statement on its X handle.

It also condemned the alleged threats and intimidation being faced by Lagos-based National Youth Service Corps member, Ushie Uguamaye.

This followed her viral TikTok video where she criticised President Bola Tinubu’s government over hardship Nigerians face as a result of the economic reforms.

The human rights watchdog denounced the reported threats from NYSC officials, emphasizing that Uguamaye was well within her rights to express her frustration over the country’s worsening economic conditions.

“Amnesty International strongly condemns threats and intimidation directed at a lady who posted TikTok video lamenting the current escalating economic hardship. The lady alleged that NYSC officials @officialnyscng threatened her for refusing to delete the video,” the statement read.

“It is perfectly within her right to express discontent peacefully. Instead of threatening her for her opinions on rampant inflation, the authorities should prioritise addressing the country’s economic woes.

“Millions of people in Nigeria are facing extreme poverty. So far, the authorities have failed to put in place effective mitigation measures, leaving millions of people without the hope of getting out of the economic challenges and enjoying their human rights.”

Millions of people in Nigeria are facing extreme poverty. So far, the authorities have failed to put in place effective mitigation measures, leaving millions of people without the hope of getting out of the economic challenges and enjoying their human rights.

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Uguamaye alleged that shortly after the video went viral, she began receiving threats, purportedly from NYSC officials, pressuring her to delete the content.

She expressed fears for her safety, stating that her personal details had been leaked and that she was being pressured to report to the NYSC office.

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IWD: FG Calls For Gender-Responsive Policies To Close Economic Gap

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By Abubakar Yunusa

The Minister of Art, Culture, Tourism, and Creative Economy, Hannatu Musa Musawa has called on governments to implement gender-responsive policies and ensure equal access to education, finance, and leadership opportunities, saying such measures could add $12 trillion to the global economy by 2025.

Speaking at the Junior Chamber International (JCI) Business Meeting in Abuja on Sunday, in commemoration of International Women’s Day, Munasawa, represented by Khadija Ali, a presidential aide on industry, stressed that gender equality is not just a women’s issue but a societal and economic imperative.

“Studies show that closing the gender gap could add $12 trillion to the global economy by 2025. To achieve this, we must all play our part,” she said.

“Governments must implement gender-responsive policies, businesses must commit to diversity and inclusion, and civil society must challenge cultural norms that limit women’s potential.”

Munasawa highlighted the role of creative industries in advancing gender equality, saying she had witnessed first-hand how art, culture, and tourism could empower women and drive inclusive economic growth.

However, she acknowledged that systemic barriers continued to hinder women’s full participation in various spheres of life.

“Africa is a continent of resilience and promise, and Nigerian women are at the heart of our national progress,” she said.

“Yet, the World Economic Forum’s 2024 Global Gender Gap Report ranks Nigeria 124th out of 146 countries, with a gender gap closure rate of just 62.5%. This represents millions of women being denied access to opportunities that could unlock their full potential.”

She called for a shift from gender-neutral policies to intentional strategies that actively level the playing field, as well as greater representation of women in cultural narratives.

“The media and entertainment industries must challenge outdated stereotypes and promote diverse, empowering representations of women,” she said.

“When women see themselves in leadership roles, they are inspired to pursue their own ambitions fearlessly.”

In her keynote address, Dr Stella Okotete, Executive Director of Business Development at the Nigerian Export-Import Bank (NEXIM), underscored the importance of engaging men and boys as allies in the push for gender equality.

“We must challenge social and cultural norms together,” she said.

“We must also strengthen legal protections, ensuring the enforcement of laws against gender-based violence, discrimination, and workplace inequality.”

Okotete urged institutions to be held accountable for implementing gender-responsive policies while calling on women to support one another.

“We must lead the crusade for gender equality by loving and supporting one another. Women in workplaces should see each other as sisters and partners, not competitors,” she said.

She also highlighted progress made by young women in Nigerian politics, noting that female commissioners were now serving in 20 states, alongside young female legislators and councillors in several All Progressives Congress (APC)-governed states.

“We are witnessing a new wave of female leadership in Nigeria, and we must continue to build on this momentum,” she said.

JCI Aso’s 2025 local president, Ambassador Felix Akinyemi, said the event served as a reminder of the remarkable progress women had made across various fields, including science, technology, business, and leadership.

“While we recognise the incredible progress made towards empowering women, we also acknowledge the work that still lies ahead,” he said.

He noted that the event featured a dynamic panel session with inspiring women driving positive change in their communities and a keynote speech aimed at accelerating action towards gender inclusivity.

“At JCI Aso, we believe that empowering women is essential to empowering our community. We are committed to creating a more inclusive and equitable society, where everyone has the opportunity to thrive,” he added.

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