News
Umahi, Niger Governor Strengthen Ties to Drive Federal Road Projects
Joel Ajayi
The Honourable Minister of Works, H.E. Sen. Engr. David Umahi, CON, FNSE, FNATE, has reiterated the Federal Government’s determination to accelerate the delivery of ongoing Federal road and bridge projects in Niger State, following a high-level meeting with the Governor of Niger State, His Excellency, Farmer Umaru Mohammed Bago.
Speaking during the meeting held at the Ministry’s headquarters, Mabushi-Abuja today, 28 January, 2026, the Minister commended Governor Bago for his untiring efforts toward infrastructure development and urban renewal across Niger State.
He noted, with appreciation, that many of the state government’s interventions are on Federal road corridors that directly benefit the citizens.
Engr. Umahi acknowledged the numerous challenges associated with Federal roads in the State, stressing that road infrastructure development is a shared responsibility, irrespective of jurisdiction.
He praised the significant interventions in areas such as Bida, Minna, and Suleja, describing them as impactful urban renewal efforts that have enhanced mobility and boosted economic activities.
The Minister assured the Governor of the Federal Government’s strong support, particularly on key projects including the Minna–Suleja Road (71km), which has received approval from the Bureau of Public Procurement (BPP) and is awaiting consideration by the Federal Executive Council (FEC).
He disclosed that President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, has personally directed that the project be prioritised and assured that any advance intervention funds expended by the Niger State Government would be refunded.
On the Jebba and Lambata Bridges, the Minister informed his August visitor that integrity tests and work on the expansion joints are ongoing.
Engr. Umahi stressed the urgent need to curb indiscriminate parking, trading activities, and traffic congestion on bridges, which accelerate their structural deterioration. “Bridges are not designed to carry static loads but built for the dynamic flow of traffic,” he advised.
He announced plans to engage key stakeholders, including transport unions and tanker drivers, to safeguard national assets and extend the lifespan of bridges.
The Minister further disclosed that all ongoing NNPC-funded road projects, nationwide, have now been approved for takeover by the Ministry, in line with Mr. President’s directive. Funding templates are currently being finalised to ensure the seamless continuation of works on such projects.
He also directed officials of the Ministry to provide comprehensive status reports on all Federal road projects in the state to enable prompt interventions, where required.
Earlier, Governor Bago expressed appreciation to the Minister and his team for their responsiveness and collaborative approach. He highlighted the strategic importance of Niger State as Nigeria’s central corridor linking the North and South, with over 100,000 trucks traversing major routes in the State on a daily basis.
The Governor raised concerns about severe traffic congestion, infrastructure degradation, and security challenges along critical corridors, such as Jebba–Lambata–Minna–Suleja. He called for urgent attention to the structural integrity of the Jebba Bridge and other heavily trafficked bridges, emphasising the need for structural testing, traffic control measures, and accelerated rehabilitation works to avert potential disasters.
Governor Bago also commended the Federal Government for the ongoing concrete pavement works on the Abuja–Kaduna Expressway and urged that similar durable solutions be applied to other major highways in the country.
Both leaders reaffirmed their commitment to sustained collaboration to fast-track federal road projects, enhance road safety, stimulate economic activities, and improve the quality of life for the people of Niger State and Nigerians at large.
News
Eagle Times Newspaper Will Be Voice for Nigerians – Publisher Chukwunyere Vows
Joel Ajayi
The Publisher of The Eagle Times Nigeria, Sir Ikechukwu Chukwunyere, has pledged that the newspaper will promote accountability, credible journalism and public-interest reporting in its coverage of national affairs.
Chukwunyere made the commitment on Thursday, October 1, 2026, during the official unveiling and launch of The Eagle Times Nigeria.
He said the new media organisation was established not merely to add another newspaper to Nigeria’s media landscape, but to provide a platform committed to serving the public interest.
According to him, the newspaper’s guiding philosophy, “The Voice for the People, The Watchdog for the Nation,” places a responsibility on the organisation to listen to Nigerians, tell their stories, highlight issues affecting their daily lives and scrutinise those entrusted with public responsibilities.
“To be a voice for the people means that we must listen to Nigerians, tell their stories, highlight their concerns and give visibility to issues that affect their daily lives,” he said.
The publisher added that The Eagle Times would be guided by accuracy, fairness, professionalism, credibility and responsible journalism, stressing that the newspaper would not publish stories merely because they were sensational.
“We will verify. We will investigate. We will seek the other side. We will correct our mistakes when we make them,” he said.
Chukwunyere further stated that the newspaper would endeavour to give individuals and organisations the opportunity to respond whenever allegations were made against them.
“Our commitment is not to any political party, government or individual. Our primary commitment is to journalism, to truth and to the Nigerian public,” he said.
He noted that the newspaper was launching at a time when the media industry was undergoing rapid transformation, with audiences increasingly consuming news through digital platforms, including websites, television, podcasts and social media.
He said The Eagle Times would therefore operate as a multimedia organisation, combining its newspaper with digital platforms and The Eagle Times TV to reach audiences across different channels.
According to him, the organisation also intends to create opportunities for young journalists, writers, photographers, producers, digital creators and other media professionals to develop their skills and contribute to journalism and national development.
Chukwunyere said the newspaper’s coverage would include politics, governance, business, economy, security, judiciary, education, health, technology, sports, entertainment, lifestyle and international affairs.
He, however, said the organisation intended to distinguish itself not only by the subjects it covered but by the quality and approach of its journalism.
We want to tell stories that matter, we want to investigate issues that require investigation, we want to highlight Nigerians who are making a difference, and we want to give communities that are often ignored an opportunity to be heard,” he said.
The publisher acknowledged the challenges involved in establishing a newspaper, saying the venture required investment, commitment, professional discipline and the courage to pursue an idea.
He expressed appreciation to the management, editorial, reporting, production and digital teams, as well as families, friends, partners and supporters who contributed to the establishment of the organisation.
Chukwunyere also assured readers, viewers and the newspaper’s digital audience that The Eagle Times would strive to earn their trust and remain accountable to the standards it had set for itself.
He said the newspaper’s success would not be measured only by circulation figures, website traffic or social media followers, but also by the confidence Nigerians placed in its journalism.
“Today, we spread our wings. Today, The Eagle Times takes flight,” he said, reaffirming the newspaper’s commitment to its slogan: “The Voice for the People, The Watchdog for the Nation.”
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