The Senator representing Abia North, Orji Uzor Kalu, has reaffirmed his commitment to rural infrastructure with the ongoing reconstruction of the Akoli Imenyi Road in Bende Local Government Area, describing the project as crucial to boosting economic and social activities across the district.
In a statement on Friday, Kalu, who chairs the Senate Committee on the South-East Development Commission (SEDC), said the road would improve commerce, agriculture, and social interactions in rural communities.
“This project is part of our commitment to improving rural infrastructure, easing transportation, and opening up more opportunities for trade, agriculture, and social development in Abia North,” the former Abia governor stated.
He assured constituents that he would continue to collaborate with relevant agencies to ensure timely delivery of the project for the benefit of the people.
Since his election to the Senate in 2019, Kalu has facilitated numerous interventions, including road rehabilitation, classroom renovations, healthcare upgrades, water supply schemes, and solar-powered electrification across Abia North.
Recent projects include:
- Rehabilitation of Lokpaukwu–Lokpanta Road in Umunneochi
- Reconstruction of Ebem Ohafia township roads
- Ongoing reconstruction of Akoli Imenyi Road in Bende
- Interventions on Ndi Okorie–Item–Amankalu Road and other rural link roads in Isuikwuato
Beyond roads, his initiatives have touched education, healthcare, youth empowerment, and agriculture, with classroom renovations, borehole installations, rural electrification, distribution of farm inputs, skill acquisition schemes, and annual scholarships for indigent students.
Kalu emphasised that his renewed focus on road infrastructure aligns with his broader vision of linking communities, boosting agro-economic activities, and positioning Abia North as a key hub in the South-East.
About the author
Ego, inner competition undermine collaborations in Afrobeats – Joeboy
Afrobeats singer Joeboy has decried the growing impact of ego and inner competition on collaborations among Nigerian artists. He said many artistes now approach joint projects with a mindset of rivalry instead of focusing on making timeless music together. According to him, some colleagues only agree to collaborate when they think they will gain more numbers, clout or validation than the other party. Joeboy noted that this attitude makes it difficult to build sincere, long-term partnerships of the kind that once helped push Afrobeats to global prominence. He explained that behind the scenes, a lot of artistes constantly monitor streams, charts and social media buzz, even while publicly preaching unity and “love” in the industry. This quiet comparison culture, he argued, breeds resentment and silently kills the spirit of true collaboration. Despite these challenges, Joeboy maintained that collaborations remain one […]
Ubi Franklin mourns Alex Ekubo, recalls sister’s death from cancer
Talent manager and media personality Ubi Franklin has penned an emotional tribute to late Nollywood actor Alex Ekubo, saying the news of his death reopened deep wounds from losing his own sister to cancer. Franklin revealed that he received a call around 7pm on May 11 informing him that Ekubo had passed away, a piece of news he initially refused to believe until he confirmed it with family members. In a lengthy post shared on X (formerly Twitter), he wrote that the pain felt hauntingly familiar to the grief he experienced in 2025 when his sister died after a long and courageous battle with cancer. He described Alex as a kind, supportive friend whose humility and love for people reminded him of his late sister’s gentle spirit. Franklin recalled how his sister had been his “backbone” and “biggest cheerleader”, taking […]
Bolaji Ogunmola hails Daniel Etim Effiong’s professional discipline in romantic films
Nollywood actress and filmmaker Bolaji Ogunmola has hailed her colleague Daniel Etim Effiong for his professionalism and discipline when handling romantic scenes on set. Ogunmola, who has shared steamy on-screen moments with the actor in projects such as “Summer Rain” and “The Bloom After”, said their chemistry is the result of craft, not an off-screen romance. Reacting to social media criticism over a viral kissing clip from their promotional material, she emphasised that Etim Effiong remains highly controlled, respectful and focused whenever they work together. She explained that intimate scenes are carefully planned with consent, rehearsals and a full crew present, stressing that both actors treat them strictly as part of their job. Ogunmola said powerful love stories can be told on screen while still maintaining clear professional boundaries. She dismissed claims that their on-screen passion reflects a real-life affair, […]
Nigeria blazes the trail with 16 medals at 2026 African Cycling Championships
Team Nigeria has emerged as the dominant force at the 2026 Confederation of African Cycling Para-Track and Track African Championships, blazing the trail with a total of 16 medals on home soil in Abuja. After just two days of intense racing at the Moshood Abiola National Stadium Velodrome, the host nation surged to the top of the medals table. According to official figures, Nigeria’s cyclists have so far amassed nine gold, five silver and two bronze medals across various para-cycling and track events. The haul puts the country comfortably ahead of traditional powerhouses like Egypt, Kenya, South Africa and Algeria, who are also competing in Abuja. The championships have drawn more than 100 riders from at least eight African countries, all battling for medals, national pride and valuable ranking points. Nigeria, which previously hosted the event in 2021 and 2023, […]
Semi Ajayi set for Championship playoff final at Wembley
Super Eagles defender Semi Ajayi is set to grace the iconic Wembley Stadium after helping Hull City book their place in the EFL Championship playoff final. The experienced centre-back featured for 90 minutes as Hull defeated Millwall 2–0 away in the second leg of their semi-final tie, sealing a 2–0 aggregate victory following a goalless first leg. Ajayi delivered a commanding performance at the back, marshalling Hull’s defence to a crucial clean sheet at The Den and keeping Millwall’s attack at bay. His display has been hailed as a defensive masterclass, with many branding him the “Wall of Wembley” ahead of the showpiece final on May 23. The achievement caps a remarkable turnaround for the 32-year-old, who spent three months on the sidelines with a hamstring injury picked up while representing Nigeria at the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations. Since […]
Real Madrid joins race for sensational Zadok Yohanna
Spanish giants Real Madrid have reportedly joined the race to sign highly rated Nigerian youngster Zadok Yohanna following his breakout season with Swedish club AIK. The Bauchi-born winger has been in dazzling form since moving to Europe in 2025, attracting interest from several top clubs across the continent. Reports from Scandinavia and Nigeria indicate that Real Madrid have opened talks with AIK and Yohanna’s representatives over a potential summer transfer. A source close to the deal told SCORENigeria that the Spanish champions are now one of the clubs “ready to sign Zadok” and are discussing what it would take to prize him away from Sweden. Yohanna only joined AIK from Ikon Allah FC in Kaduna in June 2025, signing a four-and-a-half-year contract running until December 2029. However, his rapid rise and performances on the wings have reportedly prompted AIK to […]
Related
More criticism trails Makinde over Wetie comment
Oyo State Governor Seyi Makinde is facing growing criticism over his recent reference to Operation Wetie, a violent episode in the political history of the old Western Region.The governor reportedly used the expression during a political gathering in Ibadan at the weekend, a remark that many now see as irresponsible and dangerous. Opposition figures, civil society groups and concerned citizens have condemned the statement, warning that such language could encourage political thuggery and undermine peace in the state.They argue that referencing a period associated with arson, killings and severe unrest sends the wrong signal ahead of the 2027 election cycle. Some critics insist that leaders must promote calm and constructive engagement instead of inflammatory rhetoric.They stress that Oyo State has enjoyed relative stability in recent years and should not return to a climate of fear or politically motivated attacks. Political […]
Iranian sailors leave Sri Lanka after attack
More than 200 Iranian sailors who had been stranded in Sri Lanka following a naval incident have now returned home after spending over a month in the country. According to Deputy Defence Minister Aruna Jayasekara, a total of 238 sailors were repatriated. This included 32 crew members rescued from the Iris Dena and 206 from the Irins Bushehr. The group departed on Tuesday night after being flown out of Sri Lanka. The incident began on 4 March, when the Iris Dena sank approximately 40 kilometres off Sri Lanka’s southern coast after being struck by a torpedo reportedly launched from a US submarine. The attack resulted in the deaths of 104 sailors. The following day, Sri Lankan authorities took control of the Irins Bushehr after it requested permission to dock due to engine failure. The vessel was allowed into port on […]
China says it ‘welcomes’ Middle East ceasefire agreement
China has said it “welcomes” the ceasefire agreement reached in the Middle East between the parties to the Iran conflict. “China welcomes relevant parties announcing the reaching of a ceasefire agreement,” foreign ministry spokeswoman Mao Ning told reporters at a regular briefing in Beijing. She expressed hope that all sides would “earnestly implement” the truce, which includes a two‑week halt to strikes and a controlled reopening of the Strait of Hormuz to commercial shipping. China reiterated its long‑standing position that hostilities in the region must stop immediately to prevent further escalation and spillover. Beijing’s foreign ministry said the country supports diplomatic efforts and dialogue to resolve disputes, and backs a greater role for the United Nations and Gulf states in promoting regional security. Foreign Minister Wang Yi previously outlined a framework calling for an immediate ceasefire, protection of civilians and […]
Lilian Afegbai apologises to AMVCA for outburst over snub
Nollywood actress Lilian Afegbai has apologised to the organisers of the Africa Magic Viewers’ Choice Awards for her earlier outburst over being left out of this year’s nominations. She had previously gone viral for angrily telling them to eat their award after her name was missing from the list. In a new post on her X page, Afegbai admitted that her apology was overdue and that her earlier reaction was disrespectful. She said her words were driven by hurt and disappointment and did not reflect the respect she has for the AMVCA platform and those who work behind the scenes. The actress, who played the character Idia in Kemi Adetiba’s Netflix series To Kill a Monkey, had initially expressed shock at not being nominated for Best Supporting Actress. She argued that her role was one of the most talked about […]
Court orders final forfeiture of $13m linked to Oceangate Engineering
A Federal High Court in Abuja has ordered the final forfeiture of 13 million dollars linked to Oceangate Engineering Oil and Gas Ltd, a company associated with businesswoman Aisha Achimugu. Justice Emeka Nwite granted the request by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission for the money to be permanently forfeited to the Federal Government. In his ruling, Justice Nwite held that neither Oceangate Engineering nor Achimugu was able to prove that the 13 million dollars was legitimately earned. He said there was no credible evidence before the court to support their claim that the funds came from gifts and earnings from oil and gas contracts. The judge rejected arguments by Oceangate’s lawyer, Darlington Ozurumba, who had insisted that the money was lawfully acquired. Ozurumba had argued that the funds were derived from personal gifts to Achimugu and proceeds of genuine […]
Bandits raid Kwara church, abduct worshippers during service
Armed bandits have attacked a church in Kwara State, abducting several worshippers during a service. The incident occurred at Christ Apostolic Church, Oke Isegun, in Eruku, Ekiti Local Government Area of the state. The attackers reportedly arrived at the church in the evening and opened fire from outside before storming the building. Worshippers fled in different directions as gunshots rang out, while some were seized and taken into the bush by the gunmen. Police authorities in Kwara confirmed the attack and said two people were killed, while a vigilante member sustained gunshot injuries. The victims who died were identified as worshippers who were shot during the raid, and their bodies were later recovered in and around the church premises. The spokesperson for the Kwara State Police Command said operatives, working with local vigilantes, responded quickly after receiving distress calls about […]