🇳🇬NigeriaWest Africa
Abia State advances railway and urban development projects in Umuahia and Ohafia
via Punch Nigeria2 min read
The Abia State Government is moving forward with modern transportation, urban renewal, and housing development initiatives, as announced by the Commissioner for Information, Okey Kanu. Discussions are advanced with the Nigerian Railway Corporation for a new train station in Umuahia, which will be integrated with commercial activities and located near the Umuahia Central Bus Terminal. Access roads will also be developed to improve connectivity. In urban renewal, arrangements are complete to relocate traders from Isi Gate to the Relief Market in Afara, with compensation paid to landowners and construction ongoing. Commercial vehicles from Okigwe Park will move to the new bus terminal, and traders will temporarily use Okigwe Park until the Afara market is finished. The Umuahia Central Bus Terminal is nearing completion and will soon be commissioned, along with infrastructure for the Abia Green Shuttle Bus Scheme, including charging stations and bus shelters. Several projects by the Greater Ohafia Development Authority, including roads and a new daily market, are awaiting inauguration. Groundwork for a Federal Housing Authority estate in Umuahia, a joint initiative with the Federal Ministry of Housing, is set to begin on April 21, 2026. The Special Adviser on Media and Publicity, Ferdinand Ekeoma, clarified the state's significant role in the housing project.
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This summary was AI-generated from a story originally published by Punch Nigeria.
The Presidency, through Bayo Onanuga, Special Adviser to President Bola Tinubu on Information and Strategy, has asserted that Nigeria's armed forces are making significant, though often unacknowledged, progress in the country's asymmetric wars. Onanuga cited the recent rescue of 13 kidnapped passengers in Benue State as evidence, arguing against what he described as selective reporting that focuses on isolated incidents of insecurity while overlooking military achievements. The rescued passengers, including students traveling for the Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination, were abducted from a Benue Links bus and later rescued by troops of Sub-Sector 1B of Operation Whirl Stroke. Onanuga also clarified that security sources attributed the Benue attack to local criminal elements, not Fulani bandits, expressing concern about inaccurate threat attribution fueling ethnic tension. Benue State Governor Hyacinth Alia met with the victims and appealed for the rescheduling of examinations for the traumatized students. Beyond Benue, Onanuga detailed military operations across at least seven states within a single week, including arrests of militiamen in Plateau, neutralization of Boko Haram/ISWAP fighters in Borno, apprehension of ISWAP logistics suppliers in Yobe, repulsion of terrorist attacks in Sokoto, destruction of a suspected terrorist camp in Kogi, defusal of IEDs in Imo, and the foiling of a kidnap attempt in Edo. While acknowledging ongoing challenges, Onanuga emphasized
A disturbing video circulating online shows a woman being assaulted by a masquerade during a cultural festival in Delta State, Nigeria. The incident, believed to have occurred during the Urheovware, an Urhobo Cultural Festival in Edjeba, Warri South, depicts a masquerade repeatedly striking a barefoot, distressed woman with a cane-like object as she attempts to crawl away. Onlookers are seen watching the assault. The video has sparked widespread outrage on social media, with many Nigerians calling for an investigation and stricter regulation of traditional festival practices. Users expressed anger, shock, and criticism, questioning the cultural implications and calling for government intervention. Commentators referenced previous incidents in Delta State, including the Alue-Do fertility festival in Ozoro, where women were reportedly chased, stripped, groped, and sexually assaulted. Authorities had arrested suspects in connection with the Alue-Do festival incidents, which drew condemnation from the Delta State Government, First Lady Oluremi Tinubu, and various groups.
The 2025–26 European football season has showcased exceptional attacking talent across the Premier League, La Liga, Bundesliga, Serie A, and Ligue 1. Planet Football has identified the top 10 players with the most combined goals and assists in these leagues. Harry Kane of Bayern Munich leads the list with 37 goal contributions, comprising 32 goals and 5 assists. His teammate Michael Olise follows with 30 contributions 12 goals, 18 assists, and Erling Haaland of Manchester City also has 30 contributions 23 goals, 7 assists. Luis Díaz of Bayern Munich is fourth with 28 contributions 15 goals, 13 assists, while Kylian Mbappé of Real Madrid is fifth with 27 23 goals, 4 assists. Lamine Yamal of Barcelona has 26 contributions 15 goals, 11 assists, and Manchester United's Bruno Fernandes has 26 8 goals, 18 assists. Deniz Undav of Stuttgart is eighth with 23 contributions 18 goals, 5 assists, Igor Thiago of Brentford is ninth with 22 21 goals, 1 assist, and Mason Greenwood of Marseille rounds out the top ten with 21 contributions 15 goals, 6 assists.
The Los Angeles premiere of the Michael Jackson biopic, "Michael," took place on Monday, drawing fans and family to Hollywood. The film, which chronicles the artist's journey from child star to global pop icon, was previously released in Europe and is set to open in US theaters on Friday. Director Antoine Fuqua expressed his appreciation for the support shown by attendees. Jaafar Jackson, Michael Jackson's nephew, stars in the film and described the experience of portraying his uncle as surreal, noting it was his first acting role. Michael's brother, Jackie Jackson, praised Jaafar's performance, stating it brought tears to his eyes and made him feel as if he was watching Michael on stage. Marlon Jackson, another member of the Jackson 5, reflected on the film's potential to offer insight into the family's life, emphasizing that the Jackson family experiences trials and tribulations like any other. Family members present on the black carpet included Marlon, Jackie, Jaafar, and La Toya Jackson, who met the actors portraying them and their parents. Nia Long, who plays Michael's mother Katherine, highlighted the significant role of the women in the family in a male-dominated world. She hopes the film will showcase Michael Jackson as a master artist who deeply cared about humanity. Colman Domingo, who portrays Joe Jackson, expressed his hope that the film would serve as a valuable experience for audiences.