The Federal Government says it has officially commenced the construction of two bypasses on the 2nd Niger Bridge, linking the Asaba-Benin and Enugu-Onitsha dual carriageways.

This announcement follows the release of 30% mobilization funds to the construction firms involved.

It also followed an assurance by the federal government that between December 2025 and March 2026, the government would complete the reconstruction of the East-West Road badly damaged by flood incident years ago in Rivers State.

The Minister of Works, David Umahi, disclosed this while speaking with journalists during his inspection of the ongoing federal government road projects in Rivers State.

The Osun Amotekun Corps has debunked claims of fatalities during the recruitment training, affirming that all applicants who experienced health issues were treated and are currently recovering.

The security outfit also refuted allegations of political bias in its recent recruitment exercise, describing the claims as malicious and baseless.

Speaking at a press conference at the NYSC permanent orientation camp in Ede, Osun State, on Friday, the Board Chairman of the Corps, AIG Wale Abass (Rtd), revealed that those who were unconscious during the training are now recovering.

Abass also insisted that the recruitment process was transparent and merit-based, with no consideration for political affiliations.

He further stated that the allegations were the result of certain individuals trying to exploit the situation for political gain.

The security outfit’s response follows the circulation of a video online containing various allegations against it.

In the video, which was viewed by a Ekwutosblog reporter, some individuals claimed that three Amotekun cadets had died and that their names had been replaced with those of cronies, who then chased them out of the recruitment venue at the NYSC permanent orientation camp in Ede, Osun State.

Abass clarified: “It’s not true that three people died in the camp. Those who were unconscious during the training are now recovering. These false claims are attempts to exploit the situation for political gain.”

He also addressed a widely circulated video featuring a woman arriving at the camp with a breastfeeding infant, describing it as a clear violation of paramilitary training policies.

“Paramilitary training does not permit individuals with health conditions or those caring for young children to remain in camp. This is standard practice aimed at ensuring the safety and efficiency of our operations.

“These unfounded allegations claim that the selection process favored a particular political party. Let me state categorically that the Osun Amotekun Corps has always adhered to the highest standards of professionalism, transparency, and fairness,” Abass said.

According to him, the recruitment exercise involved a rigorous multi-stage process, beginning with an online application, followed by submission and verification of academic credentials, physical screening, and fitness tests.

“The 1,000 cadets invited to the training camp were those who successfully passed these assessments. It is, therefore, untrue that political considerations influenced the selection,” he added.

Abass also addressed reports that some unqualified individuals had gained access to the camp, clarifying that immediate steps were taken to rectify the situation.

“Some individuals who were not selected for training gained entry to the camp, and some chosen candidates failed to arrive on time. We ensured that those who had not been selected were sent home, and those with health issues were disqualified for their safety and the integrity of the training,” he stated.

Abass expressed concern over what he described as a “deliberate campaign” to damage the Corps’ reputation, driven by individuals who had been disqualified from the programme.

“It is deeply unfortunate that these applicants, who were rightfully discharged due to health concerns, have chosen to spread false information about the Corps,” he said.

He called on the public to disregard the misleading reports and trust in the integrity of the Amotekun Corps, assuring citizens that the organisation remains committed to serving Osun State without bias.

“We remain dedicated to our mission of protecting and serving the people of Osun State. We will not be distracted by the malicious actions of a few individuals seeking to damage our reputation,” Abass added.

NHS England, the body overseeing the activities of the British National Health Service, is to be scrapped. British Prime Minister Keith Starmer said the move aims to cut unnecessary bureaucracy

British Labour Prime Minister Keir Starmer on Thursday announced that NHS England would be scrapped in order to cut back on bureaucracy.

Ekwutosblog reports that the announcement comes as the country’s National Health Service (NHS), which provides free health care to almost the whole population, increasingly comes under fire for long waiting lists and a number of medical scandals.

What did Starmer say?

“Overstretched, unfocused, trying to do too much, doing it badly,” Starmer said while on a visit to the eastern English city of Hull.

“I can’t in all honesty explain to the British people why they should spend their money on two layers of bureaucracy. That money could and should be spent on nurses, doctors, operations, GP appointments,” he said.

“So today, I can announce we’re going to cut bureaucracy … focus government on the priorities of working people, shift money to the front line.”

“So I’m bringing management of the NHS back into democratic control by abolishing the arms-length body, NHS England.”

Edited by: Kieran Burke

Author: Timothy Jones (Ekwutosblog)