2025 | Page 73 of 144 | Trendbrio.com

Enugu Signs Deal to Establish Industrial Hub Eyes $30 Billion GDP Growth

Our Reporters2 months ago2 months ago05 mins

The Enugu State Government has signed a landmark Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Lion Business Park Limited to establish a world-class industrial and commercial hub within the Enugu Industrial Park Free Trade Zone; a strategic step aimed at boosting the state’s GDP from $4.4 billion to $30 billion. Governor Peter Mbah, speaking at a brief event on Tuesday at the Government House in Enugu, announced that the project would leverage the incentives of operating within a Free Trade Zone to attract foreign direct investments. He added that the initiative would promote human capital development, stimulate innovation and technological advancement, and create employment opportunities, contributing to shared economic prosperity for Enugu State, the South-East region, and Nigeria as a whole. Governor Mbah emphasized that the industrial hub aligns with his administration’s economic blueprint, which aims to expand the state’s economy and position Enugu as Nigeria’s leading destination for investors. Government’s commitment to infrastructureHe further said that the state’s proposed exponential growth could only be possible with investment deals, such as the one executed with the Lion Business Park. “The Enugu State Government has committed to increasing its stake in this going concern by providing all the necessary infrastructure that is required in order for this business park to be fully functional,” he said. Strategic location for logistics and tradeThe governor highlighted that the location of the park was carefully chosen based on strategy, innovation, and due diligence by a team of economic experts in the administration. “The business park is strategically located three hours from Onne Sea Port in Rivers, less than two hours to Asaba in Delta, and less than 25 minutes to Akanu Ibiam International Airport, Enugu, “Mbah explained. Creating an investor-friendly climateGovernor Mbah assured that his administration will continue to make Enugu attractive for investors by offering key incentives such as reliable electricity, paved roads, and other critical infrastructure. He also appreciated the support of the host communities and urged them to continue cooperating with investors to ensure the project’s success.Earlier, the Chairman of the firm, Dr. Okechukwu Mbonu, commended Governor Peter Mbah for his visionary leadership, remarkable developmental strides, and the notable achievements of his administration within a short time in office.Speaking on the objective of the partnership, Mbonu stated that the company is committed to developing an industrial and commercial hub that will stimulate trade and industry, drive economic growth, and generate employment opportunities for the youth. “This strategic collaboration aligns with Your Excellency’s bold economic agenda to grow Enugu State’s GDP from $4.4 billion to $30 billion, ultimately benefiting the people of Enugu and Nigeria as a whole,” he said. Mbonu also urged the business community, private sector leaders, and global investors to seize the unique opportunities the park aims to offer and become part of Enugu’s unfolding economic revolution

Lagos Records Over Two Million Passengers on Blue Line Rail

Our Reporters2 months ago2 months ago24 mins

The Lagos State Government has revealed that over Two Million passengers have been transported on the Blue Line Rail since its launch, while state-run buses move an average of 42,000 commuters daily. Commissioner for Transportation, Mr. Oluwaseun Osiyemi, disclosed this during the Year 2025 Ministerial Press Briefing held at the Bagauda Kaltho Press Centre, Alausa. The event marked the second anniversary of Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu’s second term, showcasing major strides in the transport sector under the THEMES Plus Agenda. Osiyemi highlighted that the Lagos State Transport Policy, launched in May 2024, is now in its implementation phase, focusing on inclusivity, safety, affordability, and sustainability. On rail developments, he noted that Phase I of the Blue Line (Marina to Mile 2) has served over two million passengers, with Phase II (Mile 2 to Okokomaiko) in progress, adding that Phase I of the Red Line (Agbado to Oyingbo) is now operational with eight stations and additional rolling stocks procured, while Phase II (Oyingbo to link Blue Line at National Theatre) is underway. In the State-owned bus operations, he revealed that over 60 million commuters have been served since 2019, with daily ridership exceeding 40,000, noting that plans are on to deploy new buses with Quality Bus Corridors under construction. The Abule Egba Bus Terminal has also been commissioned. For water transport, Osiyemi stated that 15 locally-built Omibus Ferries have been launched and are in operation, with the Ijegun Egba Terminal now open. He said the OMI EKO project, in partnership with the French Development Agency (AFD), will deliver 25 terminals and 78 electric ferries. Over 280,000 passengers have used ferry services in the past year, and 12 boats have been upgraded to meet safety standards. On road infrastructure and traffic management, the Commissioner said 49 junction improvement projects have been completed, including ongoing ones at Ikorodu, Iju, and Allen-Opebi-Toyin. He added that solar-powered Traffic Signal Lights, road markings covering 67.9km, new medians, laybys, and 3,941 parking slots have also been provided. Additionally, Osiyemi announced that the deployed Automatic Number Plate Recognition (ANPR) cameras have detected over 470,000 traffic violations, stating that the Vehicle Inspection Service issued over one million roadworthiness certificates, while LASDRI trained more than 32,000 drivers. He also mentioned that LASTMA has trained over 800 personnel, evacuated over 100 broken-down vehicles, and revived its school safety advocacy programme across 59 schools.

Herdsmen Attack Afia Community In Benue 11 Dead

Our Reporters2 months ago2 months ago03 mins

Barely a week after suspected armed herders massacred over 50 farmers in parts of Benue State, fresh violence erupted in the early hours of Tuesday as gunmen stormed Afia community in Ukum Local Government Area, killing 11 residents and leaving several others injured. The Ter Ukum, His Royal Highness, Chief Iyorkyaa Kaave, disclosed in Makurdi while addressing a security meeting convened to assess the spate of violence in the area. Describing the attack as unprovoked and part of a calculated agenda to displace indigenous farmers, the monarch condemned the continued loss of lives and property in his domain. “As I speak to you, these attacks began on Thursday in Logo and by Good Friday had spread to several communities in Ukum. We are still counting the dead, recovering more corpses and many of our people remain missing,” the monarch lamented. According to him, Tuesday’s attack on Afia was particularly brutal, as the armed assailants stormed the community at dawn, firing sporadically at residents and leaving eleven dead on the spot, while several others sustained varying degrees of injuries. Kaave expressed fears that the armed herders are bent on displacing local populations to seize their lands, noting that the situation has reached a crisis point. “These people are different from the Fulani we knew and lived peacefully with in the 1970s and 1980s. Back then, they would come during the dry season with their families and cattle. But what we are witnessing now are armed men with AK-47s, attacking our people in their sleep, and returning to occupy their homes,” the monarch stated. He urged President Bola Tinubu to take decisive action, warning against any move to negotiate with those behind the killings. “The president should understand this clearly — we do not want to settle with murderers. These people have a hidden but now obvious agenda: to kill, displace and occupy,” he said.

Gunmen Kill NKST Pastor, Wife, and One Other in Benue State

Our Reporters2 months ago2 months ago01 mins

Tragedy struck in Benue State as unknown gunmen shot and killed a pastor of the Nongu U Kristu hen Tiv (NKST) church and his wife. The victims, identified as Rev. B.T. Iorngaghem and his wife, were attacked while serving at Zum Kelase U Gyenku in Sankera, Ukum Local Government Area. In a separate but related incident within the same LGA, another victim, Thomas Tertindi Amuda Kachii, was reportedly gunned down by a local militia group known as “Government UCHA.” According to eyewitness accounts, he was killed in his father’s compound in Mbatyu, Lumbuv, Ucha, during the early hours of the day. The deceased, Thomas, was the son of Zaki Amuda, the kindred head of Mbatyu community. As of the time of this report, security agencies have not issued any official statement regarding the killings. The community remains in mourning as calls for justice and improved security intensify.

Six Months After Rivers Emergency Declaration: What Lies Ahead?

President Tinubu, Fubara in Secret Meeting in London

Our Reporters2 months ago2 months ago04 mins

Nigeria’s President Bola Tinubu met with Rivers State Governor Sim Fubara, whom he suspended on 18 March, according to The Africa Report. Two aides to the president confirmed to The African Report that the meeting took place in London last week, shortly after Tinubu left Paris. The meeting, it was learnt, was at the insistence of Governor Fubara, who has been desperate to return to office since the president declared a state of emergency in oil-rich Rivers State. “It is true. Governor Fubara held a private meeting with the president last week. Fubara has promised to make some compromises. Negotiations are ongoing, but from all indications, his suspension will be lifted before the six-month deadline,” said an adviser to the president who wished to remain anonymous because he was not authorised to speak to the press. Another presidential aide said Fubara is also open to joining the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) to ingratiate himself with the president and then obtain cover. “If Fubara joins the APC, it means the president’s chances of winning Rivers State are much higher,” he said. It was also learnt that Fubara’s estranged godfather, Nyesom Wike, was not part of the meeting and was uncomfortable with such meetings taking place behind his back. However, Tinubu is expected to broker a meeting between Fubara, Wike, and the Rivers State lawmakers to find a lasting solution to the crisis in the state. The president had on 18 March declared a state of emergency in Rivers State for six months, just hours after two oil pipelines exploded. Security officials traced the explosion to a longstanding feud between Governor Fubara and 27 state lawmakers who are loyal to Wike, the current minister of the Federal Capital. The state lawmakers had, at Wike’s prodding, resolved to impeach the governor for constitutional breaches, including the alleged bombing of the state parliament building. With Nigeria relying on oil receipts for about 60% of government revenue and 90% of its foreign exchange, the Tinubu administration decided to declare a state of emergency to save the state from descending into anarchy. He followed up by appointing former naval chief Ibok-Ete Ibas as the sole administrator of Rivers State with full powers to act as governor. Since Fubara’s suspension, however, there have been weekly protests in Rivers State and cases instituted in court, but the governor has been criticised for not taking a tougher stance. In his Easter message, Governor Fubara called on the people of Rivers State to continue to support Tinubu.

Police Officer Commits Suicide In Port Harcourt

Our Reporters2 months ago2 months ago01 mins

A heartbreaking incident occurred in the Eagle Island area of Port Harcourt during the early hours of Tuesday, April 22, 2025, as Inspector Maxwell Zabu, a serving police officer, was reported to have died by suicide. As reported by Dez Mayorz News, Zabu, widely recognized as a committed and hardworking officer, allegedly ended his life by shooting himself in his residence. The exact details surrounding the event are still unknown. His sudden death has left colleagues and members of the community in deep shock and mourning, as he was held in high regard by those who knew him.At the time this report was compiled, the Rivers State Police Command had not yet issued an official statement on the matter.

Finnish Court Approves Simon Ekpa’s Extradition to Nigeria in July

Our Reporters2 months ago2 months ago04 mins

In a pivotal development with far-reaching implications for regional security and international justice, Finnish authorities have approved the extradition of Simon Ekpa, the controversial Finnish-Nigerian separatist agitator, to Nigeria. The transfer is scheduled for July 15, 2025, following the ruling of the Päijät-Häme District Court in Lahti on April 18, 2025. Ekpa, who has long styled himself as the “Prime Minister” of the self-declared Biafra Republic Government-in-Exile, has been a central figure in the resurgence of violent separatist rhetoric. Contrary to persistent reports in Nigerian media and some government statements, Simon Ekpa is not affiliated with the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), which has repeatedly disassociated itself from him. IPOB maintains that it has no factions and does not recognize Ekpa’s authority or activities. Instead, Ekpa leads a self-formed group known as “Autopilot,” and has been linked to a criminal armed wing referred to as the Biafra Liberation Army (BLA)—a network accused of kidnappings, assassinations, and enforcing violent “sit-at-home” orders in Nigeria’s southeast. Critics argue that labeling him as part of IPOB is both misleading and dangerous, as it conflates a non-violent group with violent extremists. “We don’t understand why the Nigerian government and media continue to tag him as a leader of a faction of IPOB. That is pure misinformation and deceptive,” an IPOB spokesperson stated. “Simon Ekpa runs his own network of criminals and kidnappers, and his actions have nothing to do with the actual Biafran struggle or IPOB’s ideology of non-violence.” Ekpa was arrested in Lahti, Finland, in November 2024 after months of surveillance and investigation. He is accused by Finnish police of inciting violence from abroad using social media broadcasts, which allegedly led to attacks on civilians and Nigerian security forces. Four other suspects were also detained in connection with financing and facilitating his activities. The Nigerian government, which has sought his extradition since early 2023, hailed the court’s decision as a breakthrough. A senior official from the Ministry of Defence called it “a triumph for justice and a stern warning to those who think they can destabilize Nigeria from foreign soil.” Ekpa’s extradition was not without legal challenges. Finland traditionally does not extradite its citizens outside the EU or Nordic region. However, after Nigeria presented compelling evidence under the Rome Statute—ratified by both nations—a rare agreement was reached. Finnish authorities emphasized that the ruling complied with international law and due process.

Int’l Friendly: Flying Eagles Edge Young Pharaohs in Cairo

Our Reporters2 months ago2 months ago02 mins

Nigeria’s U20 boys, Flying Eagles, on Tuesday defeated their Egyptian counterparts, Young Pharaohs 2-1 in a pre-Africa U20 Cup of Nations friendly at the Cairo International Stadium. Kparobo Arierhi, who scored three goals as Nigeria successfully defended her WAFU B U20 Championship title in Lome in October (including a brace in the final that dashed Ghana’s hopes), scored Nigeria’s first in the 10th minute of the encounter after a good pass from Bidemi Amole. The Young Pharaohs pulled one back in the 65th minute through Ahmed Kaabaka, but a dominant Nigeria side shot into the lead again with seven minutes left on the clock after Precious Benjamin made no mistake from the spot, following a foul on Divine Oliseh in the hosts’ eighteen-yard box. Seven-time African champions Nigeria achieved the morale-boosting victory less than 48 hours after arriving in the Egyptian capital for the 17th Africa U20 Cup of Nations, which gets underway on Sunday. The Flying Eagles’ first match is against Tunisia on Thursday next week, before further games against Morocco and Kenya in Group B. On their part, hosts Egypt, who head Group A, will take on South Africa on Sunday, before further games against Sierra Leone on 30th April, Zambia on 3rd May and Tanzania on 9th May.