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President Tinubu pledges federal support for Enugu's infrastructure, including Parako-Enugu rail link
via Punch Nigeria4 min read
President Bola Tinubu has pledged the Federal Government's support for critical infrastructure in Enugu State, specifically mentioning a rail link from Parako to Enugu. This promise was made during a meeting with a delegation of Enugu State political leaders at the Presidential Villa in Abuja. President Tinubu praised Governor Peter Mbah's development record in the state and acknowledged Mbah's defection to the All Progressives Congress in October 2025. The President addressed Enugu's long-standing request for federal infrastructure investment, particularly the rail corridor, which he views as central to unlocking the economic potential of the South-East. He noted that Nigeria's historical infrastructure deficit stems from a structural funding mismatch, with past attempts to finance long-term projects using short-term funding. President Tinubu also referenced past administrations, stating that leaders who privatized electricity gave "darkness and descent," and his administration is working to build a nation of "bright hope and joyful people." He encouraged Governor Mbah to stay focused, stating, "When you are succeeding, and they are angry, leave them in their corner." The President expressed pride in Mbah's membership in the "progressive family" and assured the governor of continued support, acknowledging the challenges but expressing confidence in navigating them to bring prosperity to Nigeria. Governor Mbah, leading the delegation which included three former governors, a f
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This summary was AI-generated from a story originally published by Punch Nigeria.
The Oyo State Government has initiated a Climate Literacy and Awareness Programme to educate teachers on environmental education and climate action, with over 300 educators expected to participate. This program, a collaboration between the Global Impact Sustainable Development Enterprise, the Oyo State Ministry of Education, the University of the West of England, Bristol, and the Carbon Literacy Project, aims to enhance teachers' understanding of climate change and environmental sustainability. Ademola Aderinto, the Commissioner for Environment and Natural Resources, highlighted teachers as crucial for promoting climate awareness among children, emphasizing their role in shaping future generations. He noted that while climate literacy is not yet a standalone subject, teachers can integrate environmental consciousness into their lessons. The Commissioner also warned about various climate threats beyond flooding, such as heatwaves, land degradation, erratic weather, and food insecurity, stressing that education and proper environmental practices can mitigate their impact. The state has also strengthened environmental regulation enforcement and introduced a whistleblower mechanism for reporting violations. Olusegun Olayiwola, the Commissioner for Education, Science and Technology, represented by Permanent Secretary Toyin Oyinloye, described the program as a strategic investment. Lulu Akindele, Chief Sustainability Officer of Global Impact Sustainable Development Enterprise, stat
The Association of Licensed Telecommunications Operators of Nigeria ALTON has urged the Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Commission FCCPC and the Nigerian Communications Commission NCC to establish a clear framework for regulating airtime and data credit services. ALTON Chairman Gbenga Adebayo made the call following a Federal High Court judgment in Lagos that affirmed the FCCPC's authority to regulate these services alongside the NCC's powers. The court ruled that the relationship between the two regulators is complementary, stating that "concurrency means coexistence, not displacement." The judgment preserved the NCC's exclusive responsibility for telecommunications licensing and technical regulation while affirming the FCCPC's powers under its 2018 Act. Adebayo welcomed the decision, noting it provides clarity for operators, and urged both commissions to engage industry stakeholders through formal consultations before taking enforcement actions. He highlighted that 40 million Nigerians rely on these services and referenced the Presidential Enabling Business Environment Council's directive requiring Regulatory Impact Assessments for significant regulatory changes.
Lie Siu Luan, 70, the leader of a baby trafficking ring operating in Indonesia and Singapore, has been sentenced to seven years in prison. Presiding judge Gatot Ardian Agustriono stated that Lie was found guilty of committing crimes for exploitation. The sentence is less than the 10 years prosecutors had sought. Lie had previously admitted to the court that she sent at least 12 babies to Singapore. According to the indictment, she trafficked a baby to Singapore for adoption in 2022, earning approximately S$17,000. Another defendant, Astri Fitrinika, received a sentence of six years and seven months for a similar charge. The arrests occurred last year after a parent reported a baby kidnapping in West Java province. Police rescued several infants held by the syndicate before they could be sold, while other children, rejected by clients in Singapore, were sold within Indonesia, including to adoptive parents in Jakarta.