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Umahi Opens Section Of Enugu-Onitsha Expressway, Urges South-East To Delivers Up To 80% Votes To Tinubu
Umahi Opens Section Of Enugu-Onitsha Expressway, Urges South-East To Delivers Up To 80% Votes To Tinubu
The Honourable Minister of Works, Senator Engr. David Umahi, CON on Thursday, April 2, 2026, officially opened a completed section of the Enugu–Onitsha Expressway, reaffirming the Federal Government’s commitment to improving road infrastructure across the Southeast and Nigeria in general under the leadership of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR.
Speaking during the event, the Minister pondered on the past condition of the road and its importance to the region:
“The journey of Enugu to Onitsha was taking about 7 hours before 2023. The most important road in South East is this road.”
He explained that the project, which was initially under a tax credit arrangement involving MTN Nigeria and executed by RCC, had stalled before quick intervention from the President.
“We inherited this road under Tax credit of MTN and executed for them by RCC but everything was on stand still until I went to plead with President Tinubu.”
According to the Minister, the President’s intervention brought renewed direction and improved construction standards:
“The President didn’t only give acceleration to the construction of this road but he directed that atleast 50% of it must be on concrete and like that of Lagos Calabar coastal Highway.”
He added that the project had earlier been awarded without significant progress before the current administration reviewed and restructured it:
“The project was awarded before the coming of President Tinubu with no meaningful progress made. We reviewed it and allow MTN to continue with their contract sum excluding 72KM.”
Highlighting the scale of commitment, he said:
“It takes a lot of courage to do what President Bola Ahmed Tinubu is doing. The entire road is being reconstructed by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.”
Providing updates on the current status, the Minister noted:
“The first 50km of reinforced concrete pavement is about 97% completed but the President directed me to come and open the road so that the people of SouthEast will not suffer during the Easter period and that why I am here to open the first 15km of the road.”
He further outlined several ongoing and completed road projects across the Southeast:
“The third legacy project is connecting southeast to Abuja in less than 4 hours. The section of that project is going on in southeast, 123km, 455b and it’s being done in reinforced concrete pavement.”
“That is not enough, we have Afikpo-Uturu-Okigwe, 64km, it’s being reconstructed under Dangote Tax credit, 193b, concret work is ongoing.”
“The Aba Ikot Ekpene Road, 1 Carriageway is completed, the second one is being engaged.”
“Umuahia-Ikot Ekpene is 95 percent done.”
“The Umuahia – Aba being executed by Arab contractors is 99% done.”
“The Owerri-Aba road, being constructed by Arab contractors is 70% done.”
“The second Niger By Pass, 17.5km with multiple bridge and flyovers, 174b, being done by CGC, that work is ongoing, 30% being paid for.”
“The Enugu-Abakaliki, 183b, 30% fully paid, that project is ongoing.”
“You come to multiple section, Enugu to Portharcourt. First section from Enugu being done by CGC, 60km dualized, about 70% of that project is done. We have directed that the remaining project of about 64km should be done on concrete. That is being done by CGC and that is 100b.”
“You come to the Setraco section, 99% finished. You come to the Arab contractors from Umuahia to Aba, 99% finished. Infact, we have to change the section in Aba, the last lane to be on concrete.”
“You come to Aba to Portharcourt, it’s being done by CCECC, one full carriageway done, second carriageway redesigned to be done on concrete.”
“Time will fail us to say all that the President is doing in SouthEast.”
“Owerri – Onitsha, that project is ongoing by CGC.”
“You come to one of the biggest Flyover in the country at Ekeobinagu, that project is 99% done. It’s almost 1km of Flyover. You all witnesses to the quality and the beauty and it’s for the President to commission it.”
He also referenced key emergency interventions:
“Talk about the two bridges that collapsed at Artisan section of Enugu State, within 9 months, the President reconstructed them with solar light.”
On the Enugu–Onitsha expressway, he added:
“You can see this Enugu-Onitsha, it’s going to be solar light all through. That’s what’s happening in Lagos Calabar Coastal Highway, that’s what’s happening Sokoto Badagry.”
Speaking on regional development and inclusion, the Minister stated:
“When I boldly say that the Biafra we are looking for is here and that’s President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.”
“In 2027, the people of SouthEast must be very strategic. We want these projects to be completed.”
“God already told me, you know this is David, the only man that is both Priest and king. And God has told me that President Tinubu will win again, he will win again.”
“It’s important that our people are strategic. We will not mount the seat of presidency by foul language, by mere wish, nobody will give it to us. We have to be strategic.”
“I will not stop telling the southeast, no matter who has the presidential ticket of other political parties, Southeast people must be strategic to support the president.”
On concerns about marginalization, he noted:
“The marginalization we are talking about, it’s over, for the first time, your son is Minister of Works.”
Speaking to leaders of South East, he said:
“I want to plead with leaders of SouthEast, we need to be vocal in telling the people what the president is doing for us. No more marginalization.”
“We never had service chiefs before but this administration, we have two, one before and one now. So, all the marginalization we are talking about is over now. It may not be 100% but the president have just begun. And so we have to support him.”
He also referenced earlier political agreements:
“Yes, South East deserves to be president but in 2023, we gave that right, Southern president to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu. We all met in Asaba, all the Southern Governors and we said it’s our turn, Emilokan, Emilokan will be over in 2031.”
On political engagement and unity, he said:
“My mouth will not close in telling the people of South East, in leading them, in appealing to them for us to be wise.”
“Anybody that is not supporting who you are supporting, you start attacking them, what sort of politics is that?”
“We vote for our brother in SouthWest, when it’s our turn, they will vote for us, that’s the strategy.”
On the economy and governance, he stated:
“The president has done extremely very well. You have to understand the kind of economy Mr. President inherited but the macro economy are all breathing very very well. They are all alive, the worst is over, the president is dealing with the micro economy.”
“When you talk about fuel economy and so on and so forth, strategic meeting was held yesterday on how to handle the unfortunate incident of the Iran war which has brought hardship on our people, so, the president is not asleep on this.”
He further called on regional leaders:
“I want our leader the Governor of Imo State to charge all the leaders of South East to be very vocal about supporting the President.”
“We will not support the President keeping quiet. Leaders must meet. We must collectively proclaim what President Bola Ahmed Tinubu is doing for us.”
“And I am bold to say that all the Governors of southeast are supporting President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.”
“But we have to take it down to our supporters, let them know what the president is doing for us.”
“Let them know that when we appreciate what he has done for us, he will do more for us.”
He emphasized the essence of governance:
“Governance is about development. Governance is about infrastructure. Governance is about fairness, equality and justice.”
“For the first time, we are part of being at the helm of affairs. As we are developing other regions through the support, finances, leadership of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, South East for the first time is not left behind.”
He concluded with remarks on leadership, courage, and ongoing work:
“Even if our son becomes president at the right time, unless people like me and many people like me who get courage, I get courage, I don’t fear, that’s the only person that can attempt to do what the president is doing for us. Not anybody.”
“I have directed on this road to review all the failed asphalt sections on this road so that we can review it.”
“I have directed full solar light from Enugu to Onitsha.”
“I have directed full tree planting from Enugu to Onitsha.”
Umahi Opens Section Of Enugu-Onitsha Expressway
“That is the proof of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu. He will do more for us.”
“We should not be aiming to give him anything less than 80 percent. Do that and leave the rest for us. We will boldly go to negotiation table.”
“Let nobody split our votes. Let nobody mislead us.”
“I was shouting it when I was Governor like John the Baptist, prepare the ways of the Lord. This time I am shouting it again. Be strategic in voting for President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.”
“If you are not being vocal to let the people know what the president is doing for us then you are not for us.”
“We need our leaders to begin to be very vocal and to be bold and begin to declare this divine president as a gift to the people of South East.”
“And he has asked me in furtherance to his love and commitment to the people of South East to come and open this road.”
“This first section is very strategic in the life of our people.”
“No more trailers falling at Ugwu Onyema, no more people suffering.”
“And we are going to put all the road architecture and our people will be very happy with what Mr. President has done for us.”
Francis. Nwaze, FIPMD
Senior Special Assistant (Media) to the Honourable Minister of Works.
April 3, 2026
Why Southampton Expelled From Championship Playoff Final
Southampton F.C. have been expelled from the EFL Championship playoff final after admitting to spying on three teams during the season.
The latest case happened on May 7 after Southampton’s intern analyst William Salt was reportedly caught near Rockliffe Park, where Middlesbrough were training 48 hours before the playoff semifinal first leg match between the two sides.
According to reports, Mr Salt was seen standing behind a tree while pointing his mobile at the training session with in-ear headphones on. Middlesbrough alleged he was likely live-streaming their activities via video call.
Eereporter.com
When a Middlesbrough official approached him, he quickly fled the scene, but a club photographer managed to take his picture, which was later matched with a photo of Mr Salt on Southampton’s website.
In a verdict on Tuesday, after the case was heard by an Independent League Arbitration panel with three new members, Southampton were booted out of the playoffs.
Four points would also be deducted from their tally next season.
Middlesbrough, which Southampton defeated in their doubleheader semifinal tie, will now replace the Saints in the final against Hull City on Saturday.
The EFL stated, “An Independent Disciplinary Commission has today expelled Southampton from the Sky Bet Championship Play-Offs after the club admitted to multiple breaches of EFL Regulations related to the unauthorised filming of other clubs’ training.
“In addition, the club has received a four-point deduction that will be applied to the 2026/27 Championship table.
“The effect of today’s order is that Middlesbrough are reinstated into the 2026 Play-Offs and will proceed to the Play-Off Final against Hull City. The final remains scheduled for Saturday 23 May, with the kick-off time to be confirmed.”
Southampton recorded no wins from the three games against the teams they had spied on, suffering a 2-1 defeat at Oxford and settling for draws against Ipswich (2-2) and Middlesbrough (0-0).
Southampton
Meanwhile, Southampton are reportedly preparing to appeal the decision on Wednesday and would argue that the punishment is disproportionate.
“We believe this sends out a clear message for the future of our game regarding sporting integrity and conduct. As a club, we are now focused on our game against Hull City at Wembley on Saturday.
Ticket information for our supporters will be available shortly,” Middlesbrough said in response to the verdict. Eereporter.com
Lagos Leads Africa’s Digital Economy, Says Sanwo-Olu
Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu, the governor of Lagos State says the state has strengthened its position as Africa’s digital economy hub through deliberate investments in technology and enabling infrastructure.
Mr Sanwo-Olu spoke during the inauguration of the Kasi Cloud Hyperscale Data Centre Campus in Lekki on Tuesday.
He described the facility as a major contribution to Nigeria’s digital infrastructure and economic transformation.
The governor urged foreign investors and development partners to support infrastructure projects in Lagos, citing the state’s investment-friendly environment.
“Lagos is open for infrastructure investment, and we honour the commitments we make.
“If you are building cloud infrastructure, Lagos wants to work with you. If you are building AI infrastructure, Lagos wants to work with you.
“Enabling infrastructure is not charity; it is economic strategy,” the governor said.
Mr Sanwo-Olu said Lagos had evolved into Nigeria’s leading technology ecosystem and data centre hub over the past decade.
Eereporter.com
According to him, the state continues attracting innovation, enterprise demand and investment despite operational and infrastructure challenges.
“Over the past decade, Lagos has established itself as the beating heart of Africa’s digital economy.
“This is the city that produced unicorns; the city where fintech evolved from experiments into global enterprises.
“Our innovators looked at power constraints, connectivity gaps and every operational obstacle and still chose to build,” he said.
According to Mr Sanwo-Olu, Lagos currently accounts for a significant share of Nigeria’s installed data centre capacity.
He added that the state remained strategically positioned to lead the next phase of the global digital economy.
“Today, Lagos is already the data-centre capital of Nigeria. Connectivity lands here. Enterprise demand lives here.
“Innovation grows here. Capital gathers here. But we are not satisfied.
“The next phase of the global digital economy will be led by cities deliberately building enabling infrastructure at scale,” he said.
Mr Sanwo-Olu said the government had sustained policies supporting industrial growth, advanced manufacturing and digital infrastructure development.
He listed the Lagos State Electricity Law, fibre-optic expansion projects, digital skills programmes and innovation funding initiatives among key reforms.
The governor said, “Great infrastructure does not arrive in a vacuum. It is attracted by policy.
“That is why our administration has been deliberate about creating an enabling environment.”
The Minister of Finance and Coordinating Minister of the Economy, Taiwo Oyedele, described the project as a defining moment in Nigeria’s economic modernisation and digital transformation journey.
Mr Oyedele said the facility would strengthen innovation, improve enterprise productivity and position Nigeria competitively in the emerging AI-driven global economy.
“The project is a national infrastructure that strengthens the foundation for innovation and expansion opportunities for enterprise.
“It enhances productivity across sectors and positions Nigeria as a competitive player in an increasingly AI-driven world,” he said.
Lagos State Commissioner for Innovation, Science and Technology, Tunbosun Alake, reaffirmed the government’s commitment to supporting investors and technology-driven businesses.
Sanwo-Olu
Mr Alake said Lagos was investing heavily in fibre optics, data centres, innovation programmes and startup ecosystem development.
“Lagos State, under the leadership of Mr Babajide Sanwo-Olu, is investing in critical infrastructure such as fibre optics, data centres and smart technology funds.
“We are strengthening the startup ecosystem not just so that we will be technology adopters, but technology creators,” he said.
Earlier, Kasi Cloud Founder and Chief Executive Officer, Johnson Agogbua, said the hyperscale data centre was established to support technological advancement and digital innovation in Nigeria. Eereporter.com
Arsenal Win First EPL Litle In 22 Tears After Man City Stumble At Bournemouth
Arsenal have been confirmed English Premier League (EPL) champions on Tuesday night after Manchester City failed to win at Bournemouth.
Arsenal’s German attacker Kai Havertz celebrates scoring the opening goal during the English Premier League football match between Arsenal and Burnley at the Emirates Stadium in London on May 18, 2026.
Eereporter.com
Arsenal have been confirmed English Premier League (EPL) champions on Tuesday night after Manchester City failed to win at Bournemouth.
Pep Guardiola’s Man City drew 1-1 with Bournemouth at the Vitality Stadium to hand Arsenal an unassailable four-point lead with just one match remaining to the end of the season.
The Gunners win the EPL title for the first time in 22 years, since the legendary Invincible side won it in the 2003/04 season.
In the club’s 100th season without relegation from the EPL, the club will celebrate its centenary participation with a league title won on the back of a record 28 EPL wins that surpassed the 26 wins recorded by the Invincibles. The defence prevented opponents from registering a shot on target in six matches, equaling a 23-year league record, and also scored a record 17 goals from corner kicks.
Arsenal fans celebrate their team’s win in the English Premier League outside the Emirates Stadium in London on May 19, 2026. Arsenal were crowned Premier League champions on Tuesday for the first time in 22 years after Manchester City drew 1-1 at Bournemouth. (Photo by Brook Mitchell / AFP)
Mikel Arteta’s tough side has led the table for most of the season before a late mini-collapse, and Man City’s late surge in form nearly threatened their title ambition for a second season in a row.
City’s late resurgence, however, was initially stunned by Everton in early May and completely collapsed against Bournemouth.
Guardiola’s side visited the Vitality Stadium aware that any result other than a victory would seal Arsenal’s title. But they lacked the execution for the mission after falling to a wonderful strike from Junior Kroupi in the first half.
Manchester City’s Norwegian striker Erling Haaland watches on as he scores the team’s first goal during the English Premier League football match between Bournemouth and Manchester City at the Vitality Stadium in Bournemouth, southern England, on May 19, 2026. (Photo by Glyn KIRK / AFP)
City were only kept in the game by Bournemouth’s profligacy in front of goal. When Erling Haaland’s equaliser was squeezed home in the eleventh hour of the game, even the most faithful City supporter knew it was too little, too late.
Arsenal and Arteta secured the league earlier than they would have predicted, giving City a prodigious title run-in.
Arsenal
Manchester City’s Spanish manager Pep Guardiola consoles his players after the English Premier League football match between Bournemouth and Manchester City at the Vitality Stadium in Bournemouth, southern England, on May 19, 2026. (Photo by Glyn KIRK / AFP)
The league triumph is Arteta’s second major title with the North London club since joining in December 2019, adding to the English FA Cup trophy won within six months of his tenure in May 2020.
The 44-year-old Spaniard wins his fourth title overall and can win his fifth — and third major trophy — with victory over Paris Saint-Germain in the UEFA Champions League final next weekend. Eereporter.com
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