By Wilfred Framcis

Lagos, Nigeria – Minister of Works Senator Dave Umahi has expressed confidence in China Harbour Engineering Company Limited (CHEC) to deliver the 7th Axial Road project in the Lekki Corridor of Lagos. The project, a key cargo handling route for the Lekki Deepwater Port, is being constructed behind the Dangote Refinery and connects the Lekki Corridor with the Sagamu route.

During his inspection tour, Umahi praised CHEC for its successful delivery of the Lekki Deepwater Port and the high-quality progress on the Makurdi-Enugu road reconstruction and expansion project. He instructed that the roadbed filling work for Project LOT1 be completed by the end of April and directed the project team to accelerate resource input and tangible works to meet the deadline.

The 7th Axial Highway is expected to complement key infrastructure projects like the Coastal Road, Dangote Road, and Lekki Port, creating a comprehensive transportation hub model and boosting Nigeria’s port economy and industrial corridor. Umahi emphasized the need for environmental protection agencies to ensure efficient construction and steady progress while maintaining ecological safety.

A CHEC representative stated that the company would maintain a high level of resource input, implement the Minister’s directives, and coordinate safety, quality, and environmental protection to ensure the project’s timely and high-quality completion.

By Anne Azuka

Former Deputy President of the Senate, Senator Ovie Omo-Agege, has called for a thorough investigation into the disruption of a political meeting at the Petroleum Training Institute (PTI) Conference Centre in Effurun, Delta State, warning that rising political violence could affect the credibility of the 2027 general elections.

In a statement issued by his Special Adviser on Strategy and Communications, Godwin Anaughe, Omo-Agege condemned the reported attack on an APC Delta Central leaders and stakeholders’ meeting, where suspected thugs allegedly disrupted proceedings and injured the Delta State Government’s Senior Special Assistant on Protocol, Temple Mudi.

The former senator described the incident as a threat to democratic participation and urged security agencies to identify and prosecute those responsible. He also appealed to political actors to embrace peaceful engagement.

Omo-Agege further referenced an earlier incident involving Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) governorship candidate Deacon Chris Iyovwaye, who he said was allegedly prevented from accessing his community’s town hall in Agholokpe. He urged authorities to investigate both incidents.

He specifically called on the Delta State Police Command, the Department of State Services (DSS), and the Inspector-General of Police to conduct comprehensive investigations. He also appealed to the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), civil society organisations, and the international community to monitor political developments in Delta State.

Omo-Agege reaffirmed his commitment to peaceful democratic participation, stating that violence should not be allowed to undermine the electoral process.

By Ogenyi Ogenyi, Uyo

The Chairman of the Nigeria Medical Association (NMA) in Akwa Ibom State, Prof. Aniekan Peters, says about 75% of newly qualified doctors leave Nigeria within two years of graduation, citing poor remuneration and working conditions as major reasons for the trend.

Speaking with journalists in Uyo during activities marking the association’s Annual General Meeting and Scientific Conference, Peters called on the Akwa Ibom State Government to establish at least seven medical training institutions to help address shortages of healthcare professionals. He said the migration of doctors, often referred to as the “Japa” phenomenon, has made it increasingly difficult to recruit and retain medical personnel in the state.

According to Peters, doctors earning about ₦400,000 monthly in Nigeria can earn significantly more abroad. He said the NMA is proposing a 2,000% increase in doctors’ wages in the state to improve retention.Peters also noted that recent recruitment exercises failed to fill approved vacancies. He said only about 50 doctors were recruited despite approval for 400 positions, while authorities also struggled to recruit 700 nurses until entry requirements were adjusted.

He commended Governor Umo Eno for approving a medical school at Akwa Ibom State University but argued that more institutions are needed. Peters said the state should expand medical education by upgrading existing health facilities, including the General Hospitals in Ikot Ekpene and Eket, as well as the Ibom Specialist Hospital, into medical training centres.