The Minister of Works, David Umahi, has said the 750-kilometre Lagos-Calabar Coastal Highway is expected to be completed within the next three years.....KINDLY READ THE FULL STORY HERE▶

Umahi reportedly made the disclosure during an appearance on Arise Television, where he suggested that the project could be completed around 2029.

The minister defended the Federal Government’s decision to prioritise major infrastructure projects despite concerns about the poor condition of existing federal roads across the country.

He also addressed concerns over the contract award process for the coastal highway, acknowledging that the project was awarded without public bidding but insisting that the direct procurement method used was lawful.

“There was no public bidding, but there was direct procurement. It’s within the law. That’s all I’ve just said,” he stated.

When asked about the expected completion date of the 750-kilometre highway, Umahi said the government was working towards delivering the project within the next three years.

“We have four years plus by God’s special grace. So we are looking at three years,” he said.

Asked whether he was confident that the entire highway would be completed within that timeframe, the minister attributed his optimism to his faith and confidence in President Bola Tinubu’s administration.

“I’m a child of God. Faith is the evidence of things not seen. Okay, so I’m giving you the faith I have and the president that I know, that I believe that within the next three years plus, the president will be able to complete that project,” he added.

However, Umahi did not provide a detailed construction schedule or disclose specific completion dates for individual sections of the highway during the interview.

Defending the government’s infrastructure spending priorities, the minister said his ministry was currently handling the construction and reconstruction of about 17,000 kilometres of roads, excluding major legacy projects.

“Out of about 35,000 kilometres of our federal roads, the one that is before me in the Ministry of Works, if you remove the few legacy projects we are constructing, we are constructing 17,000 kilometres of roads presently,” he said.

Umahi further disclosed that the ministry had completed approximately 1,700 kilometres of roads since the current administration assumed office. He added that more than six kilometres of flyovers, bridges and underpasses had also been completed.

Harry Kane has revealed that his family is growing anxious over the outcome of the 2026 Ballon d’Or, with his wife particularly eager to know whether the Bayern Munich striker will emerge as the winner ahead of Monday’s ceremony in London.....KINDLY READ THE FULL STORY HERE▶

The England captain disclosed this after Bayern Munich played out a 2-2 draw against Arsenal in the UEFA Champions League, admitting that the uncertainty surrounding the award had created tension within his family.

According to football journalist Fabrizio Romano in a post on on Friday, October 23, Kane said his family was finding it difficult to wait for the official announcement.

“My wife would prefer to know the result now, and my family is very nervous,” he said.

Kane acknowledged that France Football, the organisers of the award, wanted to keep the winner’s identity secret until the ceremony to ensure that the nominated stars attended the event.

However, he admitted that he would prefer to know the outcome in advance rather than wait throughout the evening.

“I understand France Football wishes to keep silent so that all the stars can attend, but from my point of view, of course I would like to know the result without having to wait all evening. I will surely enjoy the evening,” he added.

The 2026 Ballon d’Or ceremony is scheduled to hold at the London Palladium on Monday, October 26. The event will mark the first time the prestigious football award ceremony has been hosted outside Paris.

The occasion will also celebrate the award’s 70th anniversary, with a tribute to Sir Stanley Matthews, who became the inaugural Ballon d’Or winner in 1956.

Kane enters this year’s contest following an impressive 2025–26 campaign, during which he reportedly scored 73 goals for club and country and helped Bayern Munich secure a domestic double while maintaining his strong performances for England.

His remarkable displays have placed him among the leading contenders for the individual honour.

If successful, Kane would become the first English player to win the Ballon d’Or since Michael Owen claimed the award in 2001. He would also become Bayern Munich’s first winner since Karl-Heinz Rummenigge won it more than four decades ago.

Other prominent contenders include Barcelona youngster Lamine Yamal, Real Madrid forward Kylian Mbappé and reigning Ballon d’Or holder Ousmane Dembélé.

Despite the growing speculation surrounding his chances, Kane has maintained that his primary focus remains on Bayern Munich’s performances and objectives.

However, he admitted that avoiding discussions and rumours about the award has not been easy.

“I try not to think about it. Obviously it is hard not to. There are always rumours and stuff flying around, so you try to stay away from it,” he said.

“We’ll have to just enjoy it and try not to stress out too much.”

President Bola Tinubu has described the death of veteran Nollywood actor Francis Duru as a painful loss to the Nigerian film industry and the country’s creative community.....KINDLY READ THE FULL STORY HERE▶

reports that Duru died at the age of 57 following a brief illness, leaving colleagues, fans and other stakeholders in the entertainment industry mourning his passing.

In a statement issued through his Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, Tinubu expressed sadness over the actor’s death and extended his condolences to Duru’s family, friends, colleagues and admirers.

The President also sympathised with the Nigerian film industry over the loss of an actor whose talent and dedication contributed to the growth of Nollywood.

Tinubu acknowledged the significant role played by veteran actors such as Duru in developing the country’s movie industry, noting their contributions to its artistic identity and the nurturing of emerging talents.

He further highlighted how Nigerian actors have helped promote the country’s stories, culture and values to audiences both locally and internationally.

According to the President, Duru’s contributions to Nollywood would remain an important part of the industry’s history and Nigeria’s cultural heritage.

He noted that the legacies of artists who dedicate their lives to entertaining, educating and inspiring society continue to endure even after their death.

Tinubu prayed for the peaceful repose of the late actor’s soul and asked God to grant his family, friends, colleagues and fans the strength to bear the loss.

The President also reaffirmed his administration’s recognition of the contributions of the arts and entertainment industry to national development, cultural preservation and Nigeria’s international image.