The apex Igbo socio-cultural organisation, Ohanaeze Ndigbo Worldwide, has called on President Bola Tinubu’s administration to urgently complete the Port Harcourt-Enugu Expressway, the Port Harcourt-Enugu Standard Gauge Railway Line, and rehabilitate the Port Harcourt, Calabar and Warri seaports, describing the projects as critical to Nigeria’s economic future.

The demand was contained in a communiqué issued after the National Executive Council, NEC, meeting of Ohanaeze held in Umuahia, the Abia State capital.

The organisation said the continued delay in completing the projects have hampered economic growth, increased the cost of doing business, discouraged investment and weakened Nigeria’s competitiveness.

Ohanaeze urged the Federal Government to classify the projects as matters of urgent national economic importance, insisting that the call was based on economic realities rather than regional or political interests.

According to the group, the projects would benefit all parts of the country by improving transportation, boosting trade, strengthening national integration and accelerating industrialisation.

The organisation described the Port Harcourt-Enugu corridor as one of Nigeria’s most strategic economic routes, linking the oil-rich Niger Delta with the commercial and industrial centres of the South-East while serving as a gateway to the North-Central and Northern regions.

It noted that the poor state of the expressway had increased transportation costs, caused accidents, damaged goods and contributed to rising inflation through higher logistics expenses.

Ohanaeze said completing the highway would reduce travel time, improve road safety, lower transport costs, ease the movement of agricultural produce and manufactured goods, and encourage private sector investment.

The group also stressed the importance of completing the Port Harcourt-Enugu railway, saying rail transport remained the most efficient means of moving heavy cargo and passengers, while reducing pressure on federal roads and lowering logistics costs.

It further called for the rehabilitation and modernisation of the Port Harcourt, Calabar and Warri seaports, arguing that Nigeria’s over dependence on Lagos ports had led to congestion, higher shipping costs and delays in cargo clearance.

According to the communiqué, functional eastern seaports would decongest Lagos, reduce import and export costs, improve cargo turnaround time and provide businesses across the South-East, South-South, North-Central and Northern Nigeria with more direct access to international trade.

Ohanaeze said the projects were also crucial for Nigeria to maximise opportunities under the African Continental Free Trade Area, AfCFTA, by positioning the country as a major manufacturing, logistics and maritime hub in West and Central Africa.

The organisation projected that within five years of completion, the infrastructure projects could generate between ₦3 trillion and ₦5 trillion in additional annual economic output, contribute up to 1.5 per cent to Nigeria’s Gross Domestic Product growth and create between 150,000 and 250,000 direct and indirect construction jobs.

It added that long-term operations in transportation, logistics, manufacturing and shipping could sustain between 500,000 and one million permanent jobs over the next decade.

Ohanaeze further estimated that rehabilitating the eastern seaports could increase government revenue by between ₦700 billion and ₦1.2 trillion annually through customs duties, port charges and related earnings.

The group also projected that improved infrastructure would attract between $5 billion and $10 billion in domestic and foreign investments over the next decade, particularly in manufacturing, petrochemicals, agro-processing, logistics and export industries.

The NEC urged the Federal Ministry of Works, the Federal Ministry of Marine and Blue Economy, the Federal Ministry of Transportation, the Nigerian Railway Corporation, the Nigerian Ports Authority and other relevant agencies to fast-track the projects.

While acknowledging what it described as the Tinubu administration’s developmental efforts across the country, Ohanaeze said the era of promises on the projects should come to an end.

“The time for decisive action is now. These projects are not merely infrastructure; they are strategic investments in Nigeria’s future prosperity, unity, economic resilience and enduring greatness,” the communiqué stated.

Complete Portharcourt-Enugu road, rail projects, revive eastern seaports now – Ohanaeze to Tinubu

Former Real Madrid forward, Karim Benzema, has expressed his joy at the prospect of Zinedine Zidane being named the new manager of France.

He further stated that the ex-Real Madrid coach is among the greatest in the history of football.

In an interview with the French media outlet, Konbini, Benzema was asked for his opinion on Zidane potentially taking over as France’s next manager. He admitted uncertainty regarding whether the 54-year-old will indeed assume the role but emphasised their strong relationship.

Karim Benzema remarked (as reported by Madrid Zone on X), “Am I pleased that Zidane is the new coach of France? I cannot say for certain if it will be him, but if it is, YES, I AM TRULY HAPPY. He is a legend, he is like a big brother to me.”

France has yet to confirm the next manager of the men’s senior team following Didier Deschamps’ departure after a 14-year tenure. Nonetheless, Zinedine Zidane has emerged as a leading candidate to take charge of the Les Bleus squad.

During his 14 years in charge, Deschamps developed a tactically astute team that achieved significant success, including winning the 2018 World Cup. His record stands at 122 wins, 32 draws, and 33 losses from 187 matches managed.

On the other hand, Zinedine Zidane established himself as one of the top modern managers. He led the Real Madrid first team to three UEFA Champions League titles and two LaLiga championships during two separate managerial periods from 2016 to 2021. Should he be appointed as manager, Zidane is anticipated to enhance France’s performance and guide them to further trophies.

‘He’s my friend, legend’ – Benzema speaks on France’s next manager

Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Barr. Nyesom Wike, on Monday declared that there would be no slowdown in the execution of critical infrastructure projects in Abuja, insisting that the administration remains under obligation to fulfil promises made to residents before President Bola Tinubu’s first term ends.

Speaking after inspecting the ongoing Apo-Karshi and Bwari-Kubwa road projects, Wike said the successful commissioning and flag-off of projects in the FCT was not the end of the administration’s infrastructure drive, stressing that several strategic projects must be completed before January.

He said public confidence in the Tinubu administration must not be taken for granted, noting that the government would continue to monitor contractors to ensure projects are delivered on schedule.

“Has the tenure of Mr. President ended? Certainly not. His first tenure has not ended. His first tenure will end precisely on May 29, 2027. If that is the case, it means the work has also not ended,” Wike said.

While acknowledging that many expected the administration to take a break after weeks of project commissioning, the minister maintained that governance demands continuity.

“We have made promises to the people during the commissioning and flag-off that certain key projects must be commissioned before the end of the year. We cannot afford to disappoint them.”

Expressing satisfaction with progress on the long-delayed Apo-Karshi Road, Wike noted that the project, awarded in 2010, had suffered years of neglect before the current administration revived it.

He commended President Tinubu for providing the support that enabled the project to move forward and praised SCC Nigeria Limited for maintaining a high standard of work.

“My happiness today is that the Apo-Karshi Road, which has been a major concern, is progressing very well. Streetlights are already being installed. I commend the contractor and the host communities for their cooperation.”

On the Bwari-Kubwa Road, the minister directed the contractor to maintain the agreed delivery schedule despite the difficult terrain, warning against unnecessary delays.

“I told the contractor during the Dei-Dei commissioning that this road would be commissioned before the end of the year. I don’t want anybody shifting the goalposts. They have demonstrated commitment, and I believe they will hand over the project as scheduled.”

He assured the contractor that the FCT Administration would continue to release funds promptly to ensure work is not disrupted before the end of the dry season.

Wike disclosed that inspections of other projects recently flagged off would continue this week as part of efforts to sustain the administration’s “promise made, promise fulfilled” agenda.

“When people have confidence in you, don’t allow that confidence to erode. They have seen that we keep our promises, and we must sustain that confidence. We have about eight to ten major projects that must be completed before January, and we are determined to deliver.”

The minister also responded to concerns over illegal motor-racing on newly completed roads in the Federal Capital Territory, saying the administration would not tolerate activities that endanger residents.

According to him, while improved road infrastructure may have encouraged some motorists to engage in reckless driving, public safety would remain paramount.

“If they want to engage in car racing, there are designated places for that, not within residential areas. Their rights have limitations, and life is more important.”

He directed the FCT traffic authorities to investigate the development and take appropriate measures to prevent street racing in residential communities while ensuring the safety of road users.

No rest until key FCT projects are delivered – Wike 

Onome Didih produced a dominant display to win gold in the women’s 53kg weightlifting event at the Commonwealth Games in Glasgow, DAILY POST reports.

After breaking the Commonwealth Games record in the Snatch with 93kg, Didih went on to set another games record in the Clean & Jerk with 113kg, before completing a new games record total of 206kg.

She finished comfortably ahead of India’s Gyaneshwari Yadav (199kg), while Canada’s Rebeka Groulx claimed Bronze with 178kg.

It was Team Nigeria’s second goal medal in the weightlifting event.

Earlier, Edidiong Joseph Umoafia claimed gold in the men’s 71kg.

The West Africans have so far won nine medals at the Glasgow 2026 Games – five gold, and four silver medals.

Glasgow 2026: Didih breaks Commonwealth Games record to win weightlifting gold

The Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps, NSCDC, Delta State Command, has arrested five suspected members of a vandalism syndicate in Kwale, Delta State.

The command through its PR unit described the recorded arrest as another major breakthrough in its sustained campaign against the vandalisation of critical national assets within the state.

A press release issued by the command stated that the operatives acted on credible intelligence, in collaboration with the Utagba Ogbe Vigilante Group, to carry out a targeted operation in the area.

The command said the five-man gang was arrested for their alleged involvement in the vandalisation of electricity power line cables and other critical power infrastructure.

The recovered exhibits have been secured as evidence, while investigations continue to identify and apprehend other members of the syndicate, including those involved in receiving and trading the stolen items.

Preliminary investigations indicate that the suspects allegedly involved in the vandalisation, possession, purchase, and sale of stolen electricity power line cables, an act of economic sabotage that undermines public infrastructure and threatens the nation’s electricity supply.

The arrested suspects were named to include; Mbube Godwin Anioh, 20 years old, Ekeanys Onyemechinyi, 19 years old, Muhammadu Atamnu, 37 years old, Chibuke Anah Ehiya, 20 years and Nworomu Ekpede, 17 years old.

The command has assured the public that all suspects found culpable will be prosecuted in accordance with the law upon the conclusion of investigations.

NSCDC Delta Command arrests five suspected vandals, recovers stolen power line cables

Osun State Governor Ademola Adeleke has declared Tuesday, July 28, 2026, a public holiday to enable civil servants and other public workers to collect their Permanent Voter Cards (PVCs) ahead of the state’s governorship election.

The governor announced the work-free day in a statement issued on Monday by his spokesperson, Olawale Rasheed.

According to the statement, the decision is aimed at giving public servants enough time to collect their PVCs before the voter card collection exercise closes.

The directive, which has been circulated across the state’s public service, said the holiday would allow workers to fulfil their civic responsibilities ahead of the forthcoming governorship election and future elections in the state.

The statement, however, noted that workers providing essential services, including medical personnel and security officers, should make suitable arrangements among themselves to ensure the holiday does not disrupt critical services or affect the wellbeing of residents.

Governor Adeleke also urged public servants and workers in the informal sector who are yet to collect their PVCs to do so without delay.

“The next month’s governorship election is important to the future of our state. I encourage all eligible voters to take advantage of the public holiday to collect their permanent voter cards and be ready to exercise their right to vote,” he said.

Gov Adeleke declares public holiday for PVC collection ahead of Osun election

Akwa Ibom State Police Command says its operatives have busted an illegal firearms fabrication syndicate in the state and arrested three suspects in connection with the crime.

The Command’s Spokesperson, DSP Timfon John, who disclosed this in a statement in Uyo, on Monday listed the suspects arrested as Miracle Udo, 27 years, Edet Okon and Kufre Stephen, 35 years 

‘She said, ‘Operatives of the Command, through a well-coordinated and intelligence-driven operation, arrested one Miracle Udo, 27yrs, a native of Cross River State but resident at Ikot Obio Offong, Ibesikpo Asutan Local Government Area, on 24th July, 2026. A locally fabricated double-barrel cartridge gun was recovered from the suspect at the point of arrest.

“During interrogation, the suspect confessed to being in possession of the firearm and identified one Edet Okon as the individual who supplied him with the weapon. Further investigation led to the arrest of Edet Okon. The Command’s investigation was further intensified, leading to the arrest of the suspected fabricator of the firearm, identified as Kufre Stephen, 35yrs, a native of Nsit Atai Local Government Area.

”A search conducted during the operation led to the recovery of several tools and materials suspected to be used in the illegal fabrication of firearms, confirming the existence of an illicit arms production operation.

“Investigations have further revealed the involvement of another suspect, believed to be a welder who regularly assisted in the fabrication process. Efforts are ongoing to apprehend the fleeing suspects and dismantle every link in the criminal network.”

Police bust illegal firearms fabrication syndicate in Akwa Ibom

The OK Movement has appointed a former Chairman of the Inter-Party Advisory Council, IPAC, Peter Ameh, as its National Director General ahead of the 2027 general elections.

The Movement made this announcement in a statement posted on its verified X handle on Monday.

“The OK Movement is pleased to announce the appointment of High Chief Peter Ameh, as the National Director General of the OK Movement.

“With his vast wealth of experience in politics, leadership, and nation-building, we are confident he will provide the strategic direction needed to strengthen the Movement and lead us towards victory,” the statement read.

This came after the Movement appointed the Director of the Abuja School of Social and Political Thought, Sam Amadi, as its Head of the Advisory Council.

DAILY POST reports that the OK Movement is a political group comprising the supporters of the Nigeria Democratic Congress, NDC, presidential candidate, Peter Obi, and his running mate, Rabi’u Kwankwaso.

2027: OK Movement gets new National Director General

Two suspected drug traffickers have been arrested by operatives of the Edo State Security Corps, ESSC, in Benin City.

DAILY POST reports that the suspects were arrested while selling hard drugs to members of the public around the King Square area of Benin City.

Richard Balogun, the Deputy Commander, Operations of the Corps who confirmed the arrest said the suspects were apprehended during a surveillance operation aimed at flushing out criminal elements from the state capital.

Balogun added that the operation was part of the Corps’ ongoing campaign to rid public spaces of criminal activities and dismantle networks involved in drug trafficking.

According to him, acting on credible intelligence and sustained surveillance, operatives carried out a targeted operation that led to the arrest of two suspected drug dealers in King Square.

“King Square is one of Benin City’s busiest commercial and transportation hubs, bustling daily with traders, commuters and visitors.

“However, some criminal elements have turned the area into a hotspot for the illicit drug trade, preying on unsuspecting residents,” he said.

Balogun, who said substances suspected to be hard drugs were recovered from the suspects, added that investigations are ongoing to determine the level of their alleged activities and possible accomplices.

He said the suspects have been handed over to the Nigeria Police for further investigation.

Edo Security Corps arrest two suspected drug traffickers in Benin

A group of members of the Adamawa State chapter of the African Democratic Congress (ADC) took to the streets on Monday to protest an alleged plot to replace the party’s governorship candidate, Omar Suleiman.

Monday’s protest, organised by the Adamawa Forward Political Organisation, was the second over the same matter in less than a week, following a similar demonstration by another group under the auspices of Frontier Movement 774 last Wednesday, July 22.

The protesters, who alleged that those scheming to displace the duly elected party candidate had not relented, warned that they would take their opposition to the alleged plot beyond street protests.

The Secretary of the Adamawa Forward Political Organisation, Joshua Buba, who spoke to journalists covering the protest and claimed that the plot was being perfected at the national level in Abuja, asserted that the plan would fail.

He said, “We warn all those planning replacement to back out. We won’t take it because we can’t see how anyone who never obtained a nomination form, let alone take part in any primary, would become our candidate.”

Asked about linking the alleged candidate replacement plot to Abuja, Buba said, “We know it’s all an Abuja thing, nobody is into such treachery here; but this protest is only a warning. Anyone who goes from here to Abuja to be a part of it should not return to Adamawa. If they think they can bargain our future, they will find how wrong they are.”

As with the previous protest, none of the Monday protesters accused the party’s leader and son of the soil, Atiku Abubakar, of being complicit. This is perceived to be because of the high regard in which the party’s presidential flag bearer is held, despite accusations by some individuals that Atiku is behind the alleged plot against the Adamawa governorship candidate.

Those who hold this view often point to the fact that the embattled candidate, Omar Suleiman, popularly known as Omarana, was sponsored for the ticket by the party’s former National Vice-Chairman for the North East, Babachir Lawal, who had been at loggerheads with Atiku before leaving the party earlier this year.

The allegations against Atiku have continued, despite efforts by his camp last week to absolve him following the pro-Omarana protest.

Atiku’s camp, describing the claims as entirely false and baseless, said the former vice-president respects internal party democracy.

Atiku’s media aide, Phrank Shaibu, stressed that Atiku never convened any meeting or directed any candidate replacement.

Adamawa ADC members protest alleged plans to remove guber candidate