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Minister of Regional Development urges commissions to complete projects and end inter-agency rivalry
via Punch Nigeria2 min read
Abubakar Momoh, the Minister of Regional Development, has instructed regional development commissions to finalize ongoing projects before initiating new ones. Speaking at a two-day sectoral retreat in Benin, Edo State, Momoh emphasized the need to eliminate duplication of efforts and inter-agency rivalry, which he identified as recurring challenges. He reminded commission heads that their establishment by President Bola Tinubu was rooted in a strategic commitment to geo-spatial development, focusing on a multi-sectoral, area-based approach to drive regional economic and social transformation. The minister urged commissions to prioritize critical infrastructure such as roads, bridges, transportation links, and digital infrastructure, alongside investments in healthcare, security, and youth and women empowerment. He also suggested exploring the establishment of centers of excellence. Momoh announced plans for a peer review system among commissions to foster competition and continuous improvement. Edo State Governor, Monday Okpebholo, represented by Deputy Governor Dennis Idahosa, encouraged participants to collaborate to achieve the President's Renewed Hope Agenda.
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The English Football Association has reaffirmed its support for head coach Thomas Tuchel following England's 2-1 defeat to Argentina in the FIFA World Cup semi-final. This loss prevented England from reaching their first men's World Cup final since 1966. Despite criticism regarding Tuchel's substitutions, the FA is standing behind the German coach, who is expected to remain in charge through UEFA Euro 2028. Tuchel signed a two-year contract extension in February after becoming England manager in January 2025. FA Chief Executive Mark Bullingham expressed support for Tuchel and the team, acknowledging their effort despite the defeat. England will now play France in the third-place play-off. Tuchel reiterated his commitment to leading England into the home European Championship, viewing the semi-final appearance as an achievement despite the immediate disappointment.
Must ReadArgentina could face disciplinary action from FIFA after players displayed a banner stating “Las Malvinas son Argentinas” The Falklands are Argentine following their World Cup semi-final victory against England. The incident occurred after Argentina secured a 2-1 win in Atlanta, earning a spot in the final against Spain. The Falkland Islands, a British Overseas Territory, have been central to a sovereignty dispute between Britain and Argentina, leading to the 1982 Falklands War. FIFA has previously sanctioned Argentina for a similar act in 2014, fining the Argentine Football Association £20,000 for breaching regulations on political messages. Argentina’s Vice-President, Victoria Villarruel, commented on the victory and the Falklands, stating, “The Falklands are Argentine. They banned bringing them to the stadium and forgot that we carry them in our blood and our hearts.” She had also described the match as being “about putting the invaders in their place.” Despite these actions, Argentina head coach Lionel Scaloni had previously emphasized keeping football separate from politics, acknowledging the sad period of history but stating, “it is a football match – we shouldn’t confuse the two.” The semi-final itself was played under heightened security due to historical tensions between the two nations.
Anambra State Governor, Professor Chukwuma Soludo, stated that President Bola Tinubu is intentionally working towards the reconstruction of the South-East through significant infrastructure projects. Soludo described the President's recent approval for two major federal roads as a historic achievement for the region. On his X handle, Soludo expressed excitement over the Federal Government's approval for the design and procurement of the Otuocha–Anam–Abaji Road, which links Anambra to Kogi State, and the Oba–Nnewi–Uga–Ihube Road, connecting Anambra and Imo to the Enugu–Port Harcourt Expressway. The governor noted that these projects highlight Tinubu's dedication to rebuilding the South-East and addressing long-standing infrastructural deficits. Soludo mentioned that he met with President Tinubu on July 1, after which the Minister of Works, David Umahi, requested details of the discussed road projects. Soludo submitted the details on July 3 and received confirmation on Tuesday, July 15, that the President had approved both projects for design and procurement. He described the roads as transformative, expecting them to significantly improve connectivity across the South-East, South-South, and North-Central regions. Soludo concluded by thanking the President, stating that history would be kind to him.