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South East has Potentials to Drive National Economic Growth – Deputy Speaker

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…hail President Tinubu’s support to small, medium scale businesses
By Gloria Ikibah
The Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives, Rep. Benjamin Kalu has said that the South East region has great potentials to drive national and economic development, as it is home to some of the most enterprising individuals and communities in the country, with a rich history of commerce that spans generations.
Kalu stated this while delivering his goodwill message, at the launch of the 5th Expanded National MSME Clinic in Enugu State by Vice President Kashim Shettima on Thursday.
The initiative is one of the federal government’s strategies for ease of doing business in Nigeria, with the first, second, third and fourth editions launched in Benue, Ogun, Ekiti and Jigawa States respectively.
The Deputy Speaker stated that locating the 5th Expanded National MSME Clinic in Enugu is another proof that the South East region holds a special place in administration of Bola Ahmed Tinubu as it recognizes the region’s potential to drive national economic growth through MSMEs.
He also stated that the MSME Hub in Enugu is not just a facility; but a vital and strategic platform that taps into the latent economic power of the South East.
Kalu noted that the hub was well-positioned to bridge the gap between ambition and opportunity, empowering the hardworking men and women of the region to transform their dreams into successful enterprises, even as he expressed optimism that it will serve as a center of innovation, providing entrepreneurs with the resources, training, and mentorship they need to scale their businesses.
The Deputy Speaker also commended President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and Vice President doe their commitment to supporting Nano, Micro, Small, and Medium-Scale Enterprises (NMSMEs), noting that the government’s strategic interventions are directly targeted at removing the obstacles small business owners face, and their efforts has created an enabling environment for  businesses to thrive.
He also commended the Governor of Enugu State, Dr. Peter Mbah for his efforts in prioritizing small and medium scale businesses in Enugu, with collaborative efforts between the Federal Government and the State.
Speaking further, the Deputy Speaker reiterated the commitment to the 10th House of Representatives, under the leadership of the Speaker Rt Hon Tajudeen Abbas, towards supporting economic growth and entrepreneurship using legislative instruments.
He said that the parliament is aware that a conducive legislative framework is critical to the success of initiatives such as the MSME Clinics, hence why they have sponsored an adoption of the famous Igbo Apprenticeship System, the Igba-Boi System into a National Apprenticeship Scheme, adding that the bill is currently at a crucial stage of consideration in the House of Representatives.
Kalu said, “I bring you all warm greetings from the Speaker and all the members of the House of Representatives. This event not only symbolizes our collective commitment to the growth and sustainability of MSMEs in Nigeria. Under the visionary leadership of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, we have witnessed bold steps that are breathing new life into Nigeria’s economy.
“Today, we acknowledge the monumental strides taken with the introduction of various funding schemes tailored to support businesses across the nation. The establishment of three funds totaling N200 billion, including the Presidential Conditional Grant Scheme (PCGS), the FGN MSME Intervention Fund, and the FGN Manufacturing Sector Fund, is a testament to President Tinubu’s recognition of the critical role MSMEs play in driving sustainable growth. The Presidential Conditional Grant Scheme (PCGS), providing financial support to nano business owners with a N50 billion grant, is reaching one million small businesses nationwide. By supporting sectors such as food services, ICT, artisanship, and more, this scheme ensures that even the smallest enterprises are not left behind in the journey toward economic prosperity.
“As we gather here in Enugu for the commissioning of this strategic MSME Hub, we must acknowledge the significance of this location. The South East zone of Nigeria has long been renowned for its entrepreneurship and industrious spirit. It is no secret that this region stands as a beacon of commerce, apprenticeship, and innovation, and establishing this hub is a direct recognition of the entrepreneurial dynamism that flourishes here. In a zone known for its industrious culture, this hub will harness that energy, creating a thriving ecosystem where businesses can flourish, create jobs, and contribute to Nigeria’s economic prosperity. It also feeds into our Peace in South Project (PISE-P) ethos of a non-kinetic approach to engineering peace and prosperity in the South East. Let us leave here today with renewed hope—hope in the potential of our small businesses, hope in the resilience of our people, and hope in the leadership of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and Vice-President Sen. Kashim Shettima, whose commitment to the progress of Nigeria remains steadfast. Thank you, and may we continue to strive toward a prosperous future for all Nigerians.”
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Wike Hails Quality of Abuja Road Projects

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Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Barr. Nyesom Wike, has expressed satisfaction with the pace and quality of ongoing road projects across Abuja, saying residents can now “see governance in action.”

Wike spoke on Wednesday while inspecting ongoing infrastructure projects in Karu, Apo-Karshi and Gbazango, popularly known as Arab Road in Kubwa.

The minister commended contractors handling the various projects, particularly local construction firm Abdul Val and Zeberced, for delivering quality work within schedule.

“With what we have seen today, right from the roads in Karu down to Apo-Karshi and now to Gbazango, which is popularly called Arab Road in Kubwa, we are very satisfied with the level of work that has taken place,” Wike said.

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He praised Abdul Val for the quality of work on the Karu road project, noting that the company had earlier delivered the Ushafa road project commissioned last year by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu through Vice President Kashim Shettima.

“I’m quite impressed. This is the second time. If you remember, the Ushafa road commissioned last year was also carried out by Abdul Val, and they are doing the one in Karu now. They are doing a good quality job,” he stated.

According to him, the Karu road project will be among projects slated for inauguration during President Tinubu’s third anniversary in office.

Speaking on the Apo-Karshi road being handled by SCC, Wike described it as a critical project frequently demanded by residents, expressing optimism that it would be completed before the end of the year.

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He also commended Zeberced for the ongoing Gbazango road project, which he said would also be inaugurated during the President’s third anniversary celebrations.

“If you remember, this company handled the A2 to Pai road commissioned by Mr. President last year. They are also handling the Goma to Yangoji road, which will also be inaugurated during the third anniversary,” he said.

“You can see the quality of work. You can see how happy the residents are seeing us here. Without invitation, they came out to appreciate the fact that they can now see governance in action.”

Wike stressed that beyond quality delivery, meeting project timelines remained equally important.

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“One thing is doing a quality job, another thing is keeping to timeline. I’m very happy. I think the President’s third anniversary will be full of activities,” he added.

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“I don’t play politics of enmity” — Wike defends Visit to APC Chair Yilwatda(Photos)

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The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, has dismissed insinuations following his recent visit to the National Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Professor Nentawe Yilwatda, stating that he does not practice “politics of enmity”.

​Speaking with newsmen during a project inspection on Wednesday, Wike clarified that his interaction with the APC chairman was a matter of personal association and professional courtesy rather than a formal political meeting.

The Minister had inspected the ongoing construction of roads in Karu, Apo-Karshi and Kubwa, to ensure completion as scheduled.

​Responding to questions regarding the lack of a formal briefing after the visit, the Minister maintained that he is under no obligation to disclose details of his private life or social interactions.

​Wike argued that every individual has the freedom to associate with others regardless of political affiliations.

​He maintained that the visit was private, questioning why such a personal act should be announced to the “whole world”.

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​He rejected the idea that members of different political parties, such as the APC and PDP, should avoid each other.

​Wike reminded reporters of his long-standing relationship with Yilwatda, noting that both had served as colleagues when was a minister.

​”We’re all colleagues before he left for the chairmanship of APC. So what I should do anytime I see him is to hide? Anytime he sees me, he should run away so people will not say something?”

​He explained that the visit was a reciprocal gesture after Yilwatda had made several unsuccessful attempts to see him at his office.

Wike noted that as a busy minister, he often receives many visitors, and since the APC Chairman could not secure an appointment at the office, he opted to visit the APC chairman at his residence to hear what he had to say.

​The Minister emphasized that his primary concern remained the fulfillment of his duties and the satisfaction of his “appointor”.

He stated that he remained indifferent to public perception or “what somebody on the road is thinking” as long as he is carrying out his assigned tasks dutifully.

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​”What’s important to me is what I’m doing for my people,” Wike concluded, asserting that the results of his work hold more weight than political speculation.

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Comedian AY narrates how Ekubo was all smiles in his dying moments

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Comedian, AYo Makun, professionally known as AY, has spoken about the late Nollywood actor, Alex Ekubo’s final moments.

Recall that Alex Ekubo died in Lagos hospital on Monday, May 11 2026, after a long battle with cancer.

Alex, who was diagnosed with stage four liver cancer in 2024, underwent a transplant.

In 2026, the liver failed again, and he died from complications hours after being placed on life support.

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Speaking about Alex’s final moments in an Instagram post, Comedian AY, who was present at the hospital, revealed that Alex was smiling when he breathed his last breath.

“Some losses do not feel real no matter how many times you try to process them. Still struggling with the reality that you are gone, Alex.

From the laughter to the conversations, the random moments, the brotherhood, and all the memories we shared in this industry. This one hurts deeply.

“I was there. I saw you still smiling even in death. I saw the tears from friends and family. And honestly, a part of me is still in shock. Rest well my brother. You will be remembered beyond the lights, the cameras, and the fame”, AY wrote.

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Also, Alex Ekubo’s friend, Godwin Nnadiekwe, revealed that Alex prepared his will before his death.

Godwin wrote on his Instagram story “Alex Ekubo. To think you already prepared your will, It’s a heartbreak I can’t quite describe. Rest well, my friend.”

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