During a weekend inspection of the ongoing Calabar-Ebonyi-Benue-Kogi-Nasarawa-Abuja Superhighway project, Minister of Works David Umahi directed contractors to open multiple work fronts and increase construction activities [cite: 1, 2]. Umahi emphasized the need for rapid delivery but stipulated that existing buildings along the route must be protected, even if a technical realignment is required [cite: 2, 5].....KINDLY READ THE FULL STORY HERE▶

To overcome significant engineering challenges, such as rivers and swampy sections, the minister insisted that construction must progress simultaneously at different locations without compromising quality [cite: 3, 4]. Specifically, he ordered the contractor for Section Two to establish at least three work fronts and to create temporary motorability in difficult areas while permanent work continues [cite: 5, 7]. Acknowledging the project’s complexity, Umahi stated, “I do not believe in engineering that anything is impossible,” and commended the team for the progress made since his last visit [cite: 5, 8].

Separately, Senior Special Assistant to the President on Community Engagements (South-East), Barrister Chioma Nweze, lauded the Ministry of Works for the initiative. She highlighted the project’s role in connecting regions, creating jobs, and boosting local economies through improved transport of goods and produce [cite: 9, 10].

Option 2: Journalistic Style (More detailed)

UMAHI ON SITE: Minister Slashes Superhighway Timeline, Orders Contractors to Flood Difficult Terrain with Men and Machines

In a decisive move to accelerate Nigeria’s critical infrastructure development, Minister of Works David Umahi has issued a stern directive to contractors handling the massive Calabar-Ebonyi-Benue-Kogi-Nasarawa-Abuja Superhighway project [cite: 1]. During a weekend inspection tour, Umahi ordered the firms to immediately open multiple work fronts and intensify construction efforts, deploying full manpower and resources [cite: 2].

The minister’s directive is a direct response to the challenging engineering terrain along the route, which includes rivers and swampy sections [cite: 3]. To ensure the project stays on schedule despite these obstacles, Umahi mandated that construction must proceed simultaneously at various locations, declaring, “I do not believe in engineering that anything is impossible. We’ve sat this morning and we’ve agreed how to cross the bridge” [cite: 3, 5].

Crucially, Umahi placed a moratorium on the demolition of structures, ordering that no building should be touched solely because it falls within the original alignment without a technical reassessment [cite: 6]. He affirmed that his ministry would execute necessary technical realignments to bypass structures, especially around sharp curves and built-up areas, ensuring that these modifications do not create extra costs for the Federal Government [cite: 5].

The minister specifically instructed the contractor for Section Two to open at least three simultaneous work fronts, with a focus on river crossings and difficult portions to achieve temporary motorability while permanent works advance [cite: 5, 7]. Praising the team for significant progress since his last visit, Umahi concluded that contractors must find engineering solutions to the terrain without compromising the highway’s durability [cite: 4, 8].

The visit also drew commendation from Barrister Chioma Nweze, Senior Special Assistant to the President on Community Engagements, South-East. She praised the Ministry of Works for the transformative project, noting it is already generating employment and will unlock economic potential by connecting regions and facilitating the movement of goods and agricultural produce [cite: 9, 10].

Option 3: Formal Press Release Format

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Minister of Works David Umahi Directs Accelerated Construction on Calabar-Abuja Superhighway, Mandates Protection of Existing Structures

ABUJA, Nigeria – The Honorable Minister of Works, David Umahi, has issued a directive to all contractors involved in the construction of the Calabar-Ebonyi-Benue-Kogi-Nasarawa-Abuja Superhighway to immediately open multiple work fronts and increase the intensity of construction activities [cite: 1].

This directive was delivered at the weekend during a comprehensive inspection of the ongoing project. Minister Umahi emphasized that to accelerate delivery, contractors must deploy sufficient manpower and resources to work simultaneously across different segments of the route [cite: 2].

The minister noted that this multi-front approach is essential to overcoming significant engineering challenges, particularly through rivers and swampy sections [cite: 3]. He stressed that while rapid progress is required, contractors must devise innovative engineering solutions to manage difficult terrain without compromising the quality or long-term durability of the highway [cite: 4].

In a significant directive concerning affected communities, Minister Umahi ordered that no buildings should be demolished merely because they fall within the proposed alignment. He stated clearly, “My directive is that no building should be touched. Even if it’s within the alignment, I have to come and realign it” [cite: 6]. The ministry will perform necessary technical adjustments to the alignment, particularly in built-up areas and around curves, provided such modifications do not result in additional costs to the Federal Government [cite: 5].

Furthermore, the minister specifically instructed the contractor for Section Two to prioritize work around river crossings and other challenging portions, aiming for temporary motorability where necessary to facilitate movement while permanent construction proceeds [cite: 5, 7].

Minister Umahi expressed satisfaction with the progress observed since his last inspection and commended the project team for their execution of the work to date [cite: 8].

Also speaking during the site visit, the Senior Special Assistant to the President on Community Engagements, South-East, Barrister Chioma Nweze, commended the Federal Ministry of Works for its intervention in connecting communities across the nation’s regions [cite: 9]. Barrister Nweze noted that the project is already creating direct and indirect employment opportunities while unlocking economic potential by enhancing connectivity for people and goods, particularly agricultural produce [cite: 10].

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As part of the 66th Independence Day celebrations, the Kaduna State Government organized special prayers for the peace, stability, and economic prosperity of Nigeria at the Sultan Bello Mosque [cite: 1, 6]. The supplications were led by the Deputy Chief Imam, Malam Abdullahi Aliyu, following Jumaat prayers and attended by the Secretary to the State Government, Dr. AbdulKadir Muázu Meyere, senior officials, and the Muslim faithful [cite: 2].....KINDLY READ THE FULL STORY HERE▶

During the service, Imam Aliyu prayed for divine wisdom and guidance for President Bola Tinubu and Governor Uba Sani to effectively lead the country and the state, respectively [cite: 3]. He also delivered a sermon urging political leaders and citizens to embrace integrity, truthfulness, and trustworthiness, reminding them that worldly power is temporary and that honesty is a divine obligation in all aspects of life, including governance and commerce [cite: 4, 5].

The Commissioner for Information and Culture, Malam Ahmed Maiyaki, outlined the remaining activities for the celebration, noting that an inter-denominational church service will be held on Sunday at Living Faith Church, Barnawa, to be attended by the Attorney General representing the Governor [cite: 7]. The week of events will culminate in an official parade at Murtala Mohammed Square on Thursday, October 1, to be presided over by Governor Sani [cite: 8].

Option 2: Formal Press Release Format

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Kaduna State Government Commences 66th Independence Day Celebrations with Special Prayers for Divine Guidance and National Stability

KADUNA, Nigeria – The Kaduna State Government has officially begun the countdown to Nigeria’s 66th Independence Day by hosting special supplications for the nation’s peace, stability, and economic prosperity. The religious service was held at the historic Sultan Bello Mosque [cite: 1, 6].

The prayers were led by the Deputy Chief Imam, Malam Abdullahi Aliyu, immediately following Jumaat prayers. The event was graced by the Secretary to the Kaduna State Government, Dr. AbdulKadir Muázu Meyere, alongside a delegation of senior government officials and the Muslim community [cite: 2].

In his sermon, Deputy Chief Imam Aliyu offered prayers for President Bola Tinubu and Kaduna State Governor Uba Sani, beseeching Allah(SWT) to grant them the wisdom and guidance necessary to steer the affairs of the nation and the state during these critical times [cite: 3].

The cleric took the opportunity to address both leadership and the citizenry, stressing the paramount importance of upholding trust, truthfulness, and integrity as the foundational pillars of national development. He reminded the congregation that political office and earthly power are transient [cite: 4].

‘’God tests us with trust, our wealth, our families, and the positions He has given us, whether big or small, to see how we will manage them—whether or not we will act with honesty, truthfulness and fairness,’’ Malam Abdullahi stated [cite: 4].

He further emphasized that honesty is a divine obligation applicable to all areas of life, from governance to commercial activities [cite: 5].

Providing details on the forthcoming schedule of events, the Commissioner for Information and Culture, Malam Ahmed Maiyaki, announced that the celebrations would continue with an inter-denominational church service on Sunday at Living Faith Church, Barnawa. The Governor will be represented at the service by the Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice, Dr. James Kanyip [cite: 7].

The week’s activities will reach their climax on Thursday, October 1, with an official Independence Day parade at Murtala Mohammed Square, which will be presided over by Governor Uba Sani [cite: 8].

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United States Representative Anna Paulina Luna has publicly responded to escalating reports of attacks and abductions in Nigeria, declaring that the violence must be stopped [cite: 1]. In a post on X, Luna tagged incoming Secretary of State Marco Rubio and National Security Adviser Michael Waltz, stating, “This needs to be stopped” [cite: 2].....KINDLY READ THE FULL STORY HERE▶

Luna’s statement referenced specific violent incidents, including allegations that armed groups targeted Christian communities in Plateau State, where she claims security forces are struggling to contain the situation [cite: 3]. She detailed several attacks, including the killing of a pastor and his secretary, the ambush of five Christians, and the abduction of over 100 people from Maburya, a community in Niger State’s Mariga Local Government Area [cite: 4, 5, 6]. While Niger State Police confirmed the September 13 mass abduction, noting that some vulnerable captives were released, Luna further asserted that Truth Nigeria had previously warned of these impending attacks [cite: 7, 8, 9].

Option 2: Journalistic Style (More detailed)

Rep. Luna Urges US Intervention Amidst Reported Nigerian Christian Massacres and Mass Kidnappings

Congresswoman Anna Paulina Luna has added her voice to the growing chorus of concern over the security situation in Nigeria, asserting that the recent wave of attacks and abductions demands immediate intervention [cite: 1]. Using the platform X to address the crisis, Luna directly engaged key figures in the incoming administration, tagging Secretary of State-designate Marco Rubio and National Security Adviser-designate Michael Waltz [cite: 2].

Citing specific reports of brutality, Luna alleged that armed groups are carrying out a targeted campaign against Christian communities in Plateau State [cite: 3]. The lawmaker provided a grim account of the violence, claiming that a pastor and his church secretary were shot dead en route to church, five Christians were ambushed in their vehicle, and a civilian guard was murdered outside his home [cite: 4]. Beyond these targeted killings, Luna highlighted the mass abduction in Niger State, referencing the September 13 invasion of Maburya village, where more than 100 residents were taken captive by suspected bandits [cite: 5]. While the Niger State Police Command has confirmed the incident and deployed tactical teams for rescue efforts, Luna noted that Truth Nigeria had reportedly issued warnings prior to the attacks [cite: 7, 8, 9].

Option 3: Formal Press Release Format

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Congresswoman Anna Paulina Luna Calls on Incoming US Security Leadership to Address Nigeria Atrocities

WASHINGTON, D.C. – United States Representative Anna Paulina Luna has issued an urgent call to action regarding the deteriorating security situation in Nigeria, following disturbing reports of massacres and large-scale abductions [cite: 1].

In a statement posted to social media, Congresswoman Luna highlighted the severity of the crisis, tagging Senator Marco Rubio, the nominee for Secretary of State, and Representative Michael Waltz, the nominee for National Security Adviser. Representative Luna stated unequivocally, “This needs to be stopped” [cite: 2].

The Congresswoman’s intervention comes amidst reports of coordinated attacks against Christian communities in Plateau State, which she alleges have left civilians under grave threat while Nigerian security forces struggle to maintain order [cite: 3].

Representative Luna cited specific instances of extreme violence, including:

• The execution-style killing of a pastor and his church secretary.

• The ambush and shooting of five Christians in their vehicle.

• The murder of a civilian guard outside his home.

• A brutal assault leaving a man and his son critically injured [cite: 4].

Furthermore, Luna addressed the mass kidnapping in Niger State, where suspected bandits abducted over 100 residents from the community of Maburya on September 13 [cite: 5]. While local police have confirmed the abduction and are engaged in rescue operations, Luna noted that independent reporting from Truth Nigeria had provided prior warnings of these attacks [cite: 7, 8, 9].

Congresswoman Luna’s direct appeal to the incoming national security team underscores the urgent need for the United States to address the ongoing violence and loss of life in Nigeria.

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