
President Bola Tinubu has launched N137 billion road rehabilitation projects in Borno State, aiming to boost trade, agricultural activities, and security operations. The projects involve the rehabilitation of the Bama鈥揃anki Road and the Dikwa鈥揋amboru鈥揘gala Road, which are critical for restoring trans-Saharan trade between Nigeria, Chad, and Cameroon, previously disrupted by insurgency. Represented by Vice-President Kashim Shettima, President Tinubu emphasized that improved roads enhance security by facilitating patrols and protecting citizens. The Dangote Group, led by President Alhaji Aliko Dangote, is executing these projects as part of 12 major road initiatives across Nigeria under the Federal Government鈥檚 Roads Infrastructure Tax Credit Scheme. These projects, valued at approximately N3 trillion in total, are expected to open up the economy, support military operations, improve security, and attract investment. Minister of Works David Umahi stated that the projects, initially awarded in 2021 for N55 billion, were delayed by insecurity and are now valued at N70 billion for Bama鈥揃anki Road and N67 billion for Dikwa鈥揋amboru鈥揘gala Road. The roads will utilize concrete pavement technology for durability and lower maintenance. Borno State Governor Babagana Zulum highlighted the projects' importance for the state's recovery and economic expansion with neighboring countries.
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This summary was AI-generated from a story originally published by Punch Nigeria.

United Kingdom-based cultural storyteller, creative curator, and co-founder of Odyssey Media House, GbolaJesu Amusa, stated that her passion for storytelling was inspired by her father. She explained that her father intentionally used storytelling to connect her to her roots, instilling a sense of identity, belonging, and cultural pride. Amusa noted that these early experiences highlighted storytelling's power as a tool for preserving heritage, shaping identity, and building community. After moving to the UK for her master's degree, Amusa observed that Africa was often perceived as a single country rather than a diverse continent. This realization, coupled with the lack of authentic African stories, motivated her to launch the YouTube series "African Entrepreneurs in Diaspora" and co-found Odyssey Media House. Her work aims to preserve and promote African culture, ensuring younger Africans in the diaspora see stories that reflect their experiences and celebrate their heritage. Amusa has supported projects like the Bradford African Festival of Arts, where she served as Media Lead, overseeing storytelling and audience engagement. She also contributed to The Alternate Experience and the Pedal Power Youth Programme. Amusa highlighted the challenge of young Africans in the diaspora becoming disconnected from their cultural heritage due to adapting to new environments. She is currently working on "City in Frames," an initiative using photography workshops to empower communities to
Must ReadComrade Ayodele Olawande, Minister of Youth Development, has initiated comprehensive reforms for the National Youth Service Corps NYSC, a scheme established in 1973 by General Yakubu Gowon to promote national unity. The NYSC had reportedly deviated from its founding ideals, with issues such as non-merit-based deployments, insecurity discouraging postings, and ineffective Skills Acquisition and Entrepreneurship Development programs. Olawande, upon assuming office, formed a reform committee that launched a nationwide survey in 2025 to gather public input, though participation was low. The approved reforms include a technology-driven call-up process for transparency, risk-sensitive deployment for corps members' safety, a redesigned six-week orientation focusing on leadership and digital skills, skills-based primary assignments, civilian operational leadership with military support for camp security, improved orientation camp standards, and the introduction of a graduation ceremony. The reform process involved extensive consultations with various ministries and stakeholders. The success of these reforms will depend on government commitment and active participation from Nigerians, particularly the youth, in monitoring implementation and providing feedback.

Mobility and urban services platform inDrive has named media personality and content creator KieKie as its new "Chief Wahala Officer." This appointment is part of a campaign to highlight daily transportation issues in Lagos, such as traffic congestion and unreliable transport. The company stated that the campaign received over 450 applications. As "Chief Wahala Officer," KieKie will lead the #inDriveCWO campaign, encouraging residents to share their commuting experiences to foster public discussion on urban mobility. Timothy Oladimeji, Country Manager of inDrive Nigeria, commented that KieKie was chosen for her authenticity, humor, and relatability, making her ideal for connecting with people's everyday experiences. KieKie expressed enthusiasm for the role, seeing it as a creative way to bring attention to the difficulties faced by Lagos commuters and promote broader participation in discussions about improving mobility.