NEWS AGENCY OF NIGERIA
Wike-led FCTA opening Abuja for businesses, housing, investment -Tinubu

Wike-led FCTA opening Abuja for businesses, housing, investment -Tinubu

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By Philip Yatai

President Bola Tinubu says the Nyesom Wike-led Federal Capital Territory Administration is opening the territory for businesses, housing and investment.

Tinubu said this in Abuja on Tuesday, while inaugurating the right-hand service carriageway of the Inter Northern Expressway (INEX), from Ring Road III to Outer Northern Expressway, ONEX (Murtala Mohammed Expressway).

The project was among the 10 so far inaugurated out of the 17 projects outlined for inauguration to celebrate Tinubu’s second year in Office.

Represented by Deputy Senate President Barau Jibrin, the president described the newly constructed INEX as a “critical piece” of the Federal Territory Master Plan.

He added that the road was designed to ease traffic flow, enhance connectivity and improve urban mobility for millions of commuters, residents and businesses in the city.

He commended the FCT Administration led by Wike, for his vision and commitment to quality and timely execution of projects.

“What you have contributed to something larger than the roadway; you have contributed to the future of our capital.

“This vital carriageway we inaugurated today is not just a road; It is a symbol of progress and a reflection of my administration’s Renewed Hope Agenda.

“An agenda committed to building infrastructure that serves the people, unlocks economic potential and supports sustainable development,” he said.

Tinubu pointed out that as traffic volume increases in the FCT, and across the satellite towns, it has become imperative for continuous expansion and maintenance of critical routes.

This road, he said, would not only connect key junctions, but also facilitate safer and faster movement within Abuja transportation corridors.

“It will open more opportunities for businesses, housing, and investment in the adjoining districts.

“It is quite apt to say that projects like these are a testament to what we can achieve when planning, execution and leadership are aligned with purpose.

“We are determined to replicate these sources in every part of the country with roads, bridges, railways and more ensuring that no region is left behind,” he added.

Earlier, Wike said that the 16-kilometre road was awarded in 2014 at the cost of N7 billion but was executed and completed by the current administration at N31 billion due to inflation and variation.

He said that the completion of the project was in line with Tinubu’s renewed hope agenda, to complete ongoing projects that would impact the life and the economy of the people.

He commended Tinubu for the commitment to making sure that a project of this nature was concluded.

“This is the industrial site of Abuja. The Industrial Park is somewhere close, and the developer had not been encouraged until the Tinubu Administration rescued the situation.

“The Industrial Park, when completed, will create 40,000 direct jobs. If we are able to give them support, some of the problems will be solved,” he said.

The minister emphasised that road infrastructure was the driver of any economic growth, stressing that investors would come when there were roads.

He noted that Tinubu has done quite well for the residents and for the development of Abuja and appealed for his continued support.

“I will continue to do the best under the renewed hop agenda for the interest of our country and for the interest of Abuja,” he said.

On her part, the FCT Minister of State, Dr Mariya Mahmoud, noted that the project was another testimony to Tinubu administration’s resolve to deliver impactful and people-centred governance.

Mahmoud said that the road would serve as a symbol of collective determination to build a better, more connected, and more prosperous Nigeria under Tinubu.

Mr Richard Dauda, acting Executive Secretary, Federal Capital Territory Development Authority, said that the INEX was the primary road that bound the inner development corridor of the northern flank of the city.

Dauda said that the full scope of the road in the Abuja Master Plan from Maitama to ONEX was a 32.5 kilometre, 10-lane expressway.

He said that the road was planned to consist of two main carriageways of three lanes each and two service carriageways of two lanes each.

“The Master Plan provides that the expressway commences at Maitama by the IBB Golf Course, traverses through the Central Area, passing between the National Mosque and the Yar’adua Centre in Phase I and continues through Phase II of the city to Wuye and Dakibiyu Districts.

“It then proceeds to Phase III and Phase IV, through the Idu Industrial Area and terminates at ONEX,” he said.

He said that the road was being developed in stages with the first phase being the right-hand carriageway from Ring Road II to Ring Road III, adding that the second stage was the section being inaugurated. (NAN)

Edited by Abiemwense Moru

Katsina: NGO begins campaign on climate resilience, disaster preparedness

Katsina: NGO begins campaign on climate resilience, disaster preparedness

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By Abbas Bamalli

A non-governmental organisation, the GoalPrime Organisation Nigeria (GPON), has begun a campaign to strengthen climate resilience and disaster preparedness in Katsina State.

The Advocacy Officer, Miss Maimunat Muhammad-Kabir, said at the opening of a three-day campaign in Katsina, that the North-West region was facing multiple natural and human-induced challenges.

Speaking at the campaign titled: “Climate Information, Disaster Risk Concepts, and Anticipatory Action Plan Development”, Muhammad-Kabir said that conflicts, displacement, insecurity, and climate change impact were plaguing the region.

The GPON official said that the challenges in the region had disrupted learning, increased vulnerability, and weakened the resilience of both host and displaced communities, especially in Katsina and Zamfara States.

“Children, girls, and those with disabilities are the worst hit, this campaign aims to strengthen community-led anticipatory actions to improve climate resilience.

“Our targets here are vulnerable schools and communities in Musawa Local Government Area of Katsina, and Anka in Zamfara.

“The participants are guided through hands-on sessions to help them to develop localised anticipatory action plans.

“These are plans designed to identify key hazards, triggers, and early actions tailored towards their specific local government areas,” she said.

Muhammad-Kabir further said that the goal of the campaign was to strengthen coordination among stakeholders to ensure disaster risk reduction and early warning response.

She said that GPON was a national NGO dedicated to improving the lives of children, young people and caregivers through partnerships and culturally sensitive approaches.

Also speaking at the event, Miss Beatrice Ama-Noah, the Climate Action Lead, said that the campaign would improve stakeholders’ understanding of climate risk, anticipatory action frameworks, and emergency preparedness.

Ama-Noah said that the plans developed during the campaign would enhance collaboration between stakeholders and trigger effective preparedness for climate-related emergencies.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the campaign is being organised in collaboration with Save the Children International under the Education Cannot Wait (ECW) First Emergency Response project.

It brought together government officials, technical agencies, and community leaders to improve knowledge and coordination around climate risk and early warning systems. (NAN)

Edited by Ehigimetor Igbaugba and Azubuike Okeh

Helpline unveils project to strengthen cultural rights of FCT original inhabitants 

Helpline unveils project to strengthen cultural rights of FCT original inhabitants 

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By Philip Yatai

Helpline Social Support Initiative (HSSI), an NGO, has unveiled a two-year project to strengthen the cultural rights of the Original Inhabitants (OIs) of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT).

Unveiling the project at a news conference in Abuja on Tuesday, the HSSI Project Manager, Mr Onoja Arome, said that the move was to preserve the cultural heritage of the OIs.

Arome said that the project would be supported by the MacArthur Foundation, through the Resource Centre for Human Right and Civic Education (CHRICED).

He explained that the project was designed to train 100 vulnerable women and youths in cultural attire production.

This, according to him, is to increase the cultural identity awareness of the OIs and create job opportunities through skill acquisition in arts and craft.

He added that the project was to advocate the resettlement and adequate compensation of OIs whose land had been encroached upon or taken over by developers without adequate compensation.

He said “it will also create awareness of their presence as OIs whose voices are gradually going into
extinction.

“These, among others, are what the Helpline Social Support Initiative shall be engaged with in the next 18 months of the project.”

Arome said that the 1973 decree that created the FCT came with a lot of consequences for the OIs.

He noted that the OIs were forced to relinquish their ancestral land for the development of the nation’s capital.

He added that “the development scattered the indigenous people, with many of them losing most of their economic trees and farmlands, thereby causing high unemployment rate among the OIs.

“This was why the MacArthur Foundation stepped in, through CHRICED, and in 2021 supported HSSI to implement the first phase of the project.”

The manager said that the project recorded huge success with a total of 200 vulnerable women and youths trained and empowered to preserve their cultural identity.

He said the beneficiaries were now making a living by producing cultural attire as entrepreneurs.

On awareness creation, Arome added that 39 jingles were produced and aired in OIs local languages, while advocacy visits to the department of resettlement and compensation were carried out.

He said “today, we make bold to reiterate that CHRICED has deemed it fit to continue on the project, thereby supporting us again to continue with the second phase of the project.

“We hereby call on stakeholders in this venture to empathise and sympathise with the OIs and join us in this venture to create an incredible impact that will out-leave us and usher new generations to a life of ease in the FCT.” (NAN)

Edited by Hadiza Mohammed-Aliyu

Hunger, poverty fuelling national security threats – CDS

Hunger, poverty fuelling national security threats – CDS

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By Sumaila Ogbaje

The Chief of Defence Staff (CDS), Gen. Christopher Musa, says hunger and poverty are no longer mere social challenges but have become national security threats.

Musa stated this at the opening of the 14th National Security Seminar organised by the Alumni Association of the National Defence College (AANDEC), on Monday in Abuja.

The seminar with the theme: “Combating Hunger and Poverty for Sustainable Peace and Development in Nigeria,” was organised in collaboration with Office of the National Security Adviser (ONSA) and National Defence College (NDC).

The CDS, represented by the Chief of Defence Training, Rear Adm, Ibrahim Shetimma, called for a unified national approach to combating hunger and poverty, stressing their growing impact on Nigeria’s internal security.

He commended the organisers for creating a strategic platform for critical dialogue on Nigeria’s security and developmental challenges.

“Insecurity today is not only defined by weapons but also by economic deprivation, food insecurity, and social dislocation.

“Hunger and poverty are no longer mere social challenges – they have become national security threats.

“The North Central region, particularly Benue once considered Nigeria’s food basket, is a clear example of how banditry, displacement, and farmer-herder conflicts have devastated agricultural productivity,’’ he said.

Musa noted that the disruption of farming communities and illegal occupation of farmlands contributed to food inflation, displacement, and mass migration, thereby destabilising both the economy and national cohesion.

He called on communities to deny criminals and terrorists sanctuary by supporting intelligence gathering, timely reporting and community vigilance.

The CDS called for urgent investment in grassroots agricultural development, and urged government and stakeholders to reposition farming as a noble and rewarding profession by enhancing access to credit, infrastructure, and market linkages.

“With the migration of rural youth to urban centres, agricultural productivity is declining.

“We must make farming attractive again—not as a last resort, but as a national duty and a prestigious calling,’’ he added.

Musa also praised President Bola Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda, particularly its emphasis on financial autonomy for local governments, which he described as vital for responsive and community-driven development.

“I assure you, the Armed Forces of Nigeria, in collaboration with other security agencies and with the support of the people, remain resolute in overcoming all security threats.

“We must build a Nigeria where every citizen can live in peace, engage in productive livelihood, and enjoy the dividends of democracy,” he said.

In his remarks, President of AANDEC, Retired Air Commodore Darlington Abdullahi, underscored the need for sustained investment in education, economic empowerment and social inclusion as critical non-kinetic responses to Nigeria’s deepening insecurity.

Abdullahi said that hunger and poverty were not just humanitarian crises but strategic threats to national stability.

He quoted the timeless wisdom that says “the children of the poor you fail to train will never let your children have peace,” stressing that neglecting the socio-economic wellbeing of the population creates fertile ground for instability and extremism.

“When millions suffer from hunger and poverty, they become vulnerable to exploitation by those with ill intentions.

“We must therefore invest in our people— especially in education, livelihoods, and skills development.

“Economic initiatives that foster inclusion and bring communities together can be effective tools for peacebuilding. They create an atmosphere of stability and discourage violence,” he said.

The AANDEC president praised the members of the association – retired military officers and senior public servants as patriots committed to safeguarding Nigeria’s peace and unity beyond the battlefield.

He advocated for the creation of a dedicated vocational and leadership development centre for widows and children of fallen heroes, describing it as a necessary step in empowering vulnerable populations and promoting national healing. (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Augusta Uchediunor / Isaac Ukpoju

2025 LGAN golf championship: Agbo emerges best gross winner

2025 LGAN golf championship: Agbo emerges best gross winner

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By Victor Okoye

Teenage golfing sensation, Grace Agbo of the IBB International Golf and Country Club, Abuja, is the champion of the 2025 Ladies Golf Association of Nigeria (LGAN) Northern zone Golf Championship.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the championship that commenced on Wednesday ended on Sunday in Minna, Niger.

No fewer than 250 golfers from across the country jostled for honours at the unique and lush green course of the Minna Cantonment Golf Club (MCGC).

Agbo emerged the best gross champion after she returned a total gross score of 246 over three days to beat 45 other lady golfers who made the final cut in the ladies handicap 0-18 female category.

The 18-year-old overcame initial nerves, which saw her returning a disappointing 90 gross on Day 1 as she dropped to the fourth position on the leaderboard.

She, however, bounced back, returning 83 gross to tie for second with Janet Ali (87, 86) on Day 2.

Agbo carried the momentum to the third and final day, where she played her best golf of the championship, returning an impressive 73 gross to claim an emphatic victory.

“First of all, I want to say thank you to God Almighty for this victory.

“I also want to express my sincere gratitude to my caddy Emmanuel and my coach for their useful tips and guidance throughout the tournament.

“I think this is one of my best wins ever because I came out with a good score, even though I started my game initially on the back foot because I was nervous.

“My greatest challenge was the presence of the mango trees everywhere on the course, but I conquered my fears and anxiety after day 1 and never looked back afterwards.

“My goal is to continue to build on what I have achieved so far in the game as I look forward to becoming a pro very soon, and represent Nigeria in different tours and courses around the world,” she said.

Her closest challenger, Justina Gideon, returned a total gross score of 259 after playing 87, 86, 86 over three days to finish second, beating Janet Ali on count back.

Ali had to settle for the third position after she also returned a total gross score of 259, playing 86, 88, 85 over three days.

Rahama Inusa, who had initially shot to the top of the leaderboard on Day 1 with an impressive 82 gross and maintained her lead on Day 2 with 87 gross, failed to hold on to her lead (-4).

Inusa looked poised to give the other top three lady golfers a run for their money going into the final day.

She, however, cracked under pressure in the crucial moments to finish fourth on the leaderboard after returning a disappointing 91 gross on Day 3 for a total gross score of 260 over three days.

NAN reports that in other results, Bose Ilori emerged winner of the ladies’ handicap 19 – 28 category after she returned a total of 275 gross (93, 93, 89) over three days.

LGAN President Evelyn Oyome was the winner of the ladies’ guest category after she returned a total of 169 gross (85, 84) over two days.

The ladies’ veteran’s category’s top prize went to Saleh Martina after she returned 204 gross (101, 103) over two days.

Also, Habiba Ibrahim emerged winner of the ladies’ special category for handicap 29 – 36 after she returned 115 gross.

The winners of the different categories, as well as all participants, went home with trophies, medals, and beautiful gifts.

Dr Lami Ahmed, LGAN’s 1st Vice President, who was full of praise for all who made the event successful, expressed her gratitude to the LOC, the Commandant, TRADOC and others.

She also thanked all the LGAN vice presidents from the various zones for their presence, which she noted made the event truly special.

“On behalf of the National President, Evelyn Oyome, and the entire team, I want to extend our heartfelt thanks for joining us at the golf tournament at the Minna Cantonment Golf Club.

“We are deeply indebted in gratitude to all our sponsors and stakeholders whose financial contributions and faith in LGAN made this happen.

“I wish us all safe travels back home, and I’m looking forward to seeing you again soon. Thank you for playing the tournament,” she said.

Also, the LOC Chairperson, Maureen Apute, expressed her gratitude on behalf of the 1st Zonal Vice President, Dr Ahmed, and the entire LOC.

Apute noted that the tournament brought together golfers from diverse backgrounds, ages, and skill levels.

“I want to extend our heartfelt thanks to our national president, Evelyn Oyome, for joining us at the golf tournament at the Minna Cantonment Golf Club.

“Your presence made the event truly special, and we hope you had a wonderful time both on and off the course.

“To the captain MCGC and Exco members, we all are most grateful for being our host. We really had fun.

“Our profound gratitude also goes to all our sponsors and stakeholders whose financial contributions and faith in LGAN made this happen.

“To our beautiful lady golfers from all over the country you made this tournament so colourful and enjoyable,

“To our wonderful men and support system, thank you for honouring our invitation to be part of this tournament. Above all, we want to thank God for a successful outing,” she said. (NAN)

Edited by Joseph Edeh

Tinubu’s govt. constructs 150km roads in FCT satellite towns – Wike

Tinubu’s govt. constructs 150km roads in FCT satellite towns – Wike

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By Philip Yatai

The administration of President Bola Tinubu has constructed not less than 150- kilometres of roads in satellite towns of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) between 2024 and 2025.

The FCT Minister, Mr Nyesom Wike disclosed this in Abuja on Monday, during the inauguration of the newly constructed rural road from A2 Junction (Abuja-Lokoja Expressway) to Pai community in Kwali Area Council of the FCT.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports road was among the 17 projects executed by the FCT Administration and being inaugurated to celebrate Tinubu’s second year in office.

Wike said that the 150km roads consisted of both completed and ongoing projects.

“This shows that the emphasis is not just to improve infrastructure in the city, but also to improve life and other infrastructure in satellite towns,” he said.

He explained that the 15-km A2 to Pai road was executed under emergency intervention after the contract for the construction of Pai to Gumani was awarded.

He added that the Pai to Gumani, another 15-km road, was ongoing and would be completed before the end of the year.

The Minister added that a 13 km road from Gumani to Yangoji had been equally awarded.

“At the end of the day, along the stretch of this road, we will have done about 45 km,” he said.

The minister equally recalled that Tinubu approved six emergency roads in the six area councils of the FCT in the 2024 National Budget.

According to him, the six road projects had been completed and inaugurated in 2024.

“When we were appointed in August 2023, in our supplementary budget, we included six emergency roads in the six area councils, and you provided funds for them in the national budget.

“I want to inform you that these roads have all been completed and inaugurated.

“We are providing these data so that doubting Thomas can go and check whether they are in existence or they are just mere propaganda.”

He identified the roads as the 9km Paikon Kore to Ibwa Road in Gwagwalada Area Council, and 7.2 km Gaba and Tokulo Road in Bwari Area Council.

Also completed and inaugurated were the 5km dualised Kuje township road from Tipper Garage to LEA Secretariat in Kuje Area Council and the 11km Sukuku-Ebo-Yangoji. Road, in Kwali Area Council.

Others are the 5km access road to Saburi I and II in Abuja Municipal Area Council and another 5-kilometre road in Abaji Area Council.

“For the 2025, we will also inaugurate the completed 10km of Aguma Palace, Radio Nigeria and Market Road in Gwagwalada.

“There is also the 18km Nyanya Karshi dual carriageway.

“We are equally going to inaugurate the 7.4 km Dutse Alhaji to Usuma Dam Road and the dualised Ushafa to War College and Army Checkpoint Road, a 16.4 km road and other roads in Bwari Area Council.

“If you calculate the ongoing roads and those completed, within the satellite towns, we have constructed not less than 150 km of roads,” the minister said.

He said that the roads were strategic not only in improving the lives of rural dwellers and economic activities but also in improving security response in satellite towns. (NAN)

Edited by Rotimi Ijikanmi

Tinubu promises inclusive devt. to uplift lives of Nigerians

Tinubu promises inclusive devt. to uplift lives of Nigerians

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By Philip Yatai

President Bola Tinubu says his administration will ensure a balanced and inclusive development targeted at lifting the lives of Nigerians.

Tinubu stated this in Abuja on Monday, while inaugurating the newly constructed rural road, from A2 Junction (Abuja-Lokoja Expressway) to Pai community in Kwali Area Council of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT).

The road was among the 17 projects executed by the FCT and being inaugurated to celebrate Tinubu’s second year in office.

Tinubu said that the A2 to Pai road project was one of many that his administration was delivering across the country, “and we will not stop.

“We will continue until every Nigerian can feel the touch of meaningful governance”.

He, however, said that road and infrastructure development were meaningless if they were not developed for the benefit of the people.

“Indeed, this project will continue to elevate our lives if this administration continues to prioritize infrastructure development in all zones.

“The inauguration of the newly constructed road from A2 Junction on Abuja-Lokoja Expressway to Pia town is both symbolic and strategic.

“It is strategic because it opens a new corridor for agriculture, commerce, education, mobility, and other areas, strengthening our national economy from the grassroots up,” he said.

Tinubu added that rural communities such as Pia make an important contribution to Nigeria’s social and economic fabric, especially in food production and local enterprises.

He, however, pointed out that the community potential had been hindered by poor road access, isolation, and neglect for far too long.

“Today, that narrative is changing.

“To the people of Pia, this is your road. I urge the community to take ownership of this infrastructure, guide it, maintain it, and use it to the fullest.

“Let it be a pathway to growth and a bridge to a better life for the youth, farmers, traders, and students who will move with great ease,” he said.

He commended the FCT Minister, Mr Nyesom Wike and his team for what he described as a “wonderful job”.

He added that Wike was thinking about the people and their needs and thinking about the country he represents.

“Nyesom Wike and his team, you are doing a good job for the underserved rural areas.

“Thank you, Nyesom Wike, for all you are doing. We greatly appreciate the efforts you and your team have put in place to achieve this.

“I would not have been here and noted what is here if not for your efforts,” he said.

Earlier, Wike explained that the 15-km A2 to Pai road was executed under emergency intervention after the contract for the construction of Pai to Gumani was awarded.

“We awarded the contract for a road project from Pai to Gumani. So, when we were coming for the flag -off, I was asking, where are we going to flag-off the road?

“I now ask, how do we get to that Pai, when this road is not constructed? It doesn’t make sense.

“All we would have done is, okay, let us construct the road from A2 to Pai, later we can construct from Pai to Gomani, and I thank God that today we are inaugurating it,” he said.

He added that the Pai to Gumani, a 15-km road, was ongoing and would be completed before the end of the year.

He equally said that a 13 km road from Gumani to Yangoje was equally awarded.

On his part, the Coordinator, Satellite Towns Development Department (STDD), Abdulkadir Zulkiflu, said that the road project was awarded to Zeberced Group in November 2024.

Zulkiflu said that the road was already uplifting the wellbeing of the people and stimulating economic activities.

Also, the Village Head of Pai, Alhaji Sani Abubakar thanked Tinubu for appointing Wike as the minister of the FCT saying, “he is the right person for the job”.

He said that communities along the road have been facing challenges of transporting their farm produce, adding the constructed road was already improving economic activities in the area. (NAN)

Edited by Abiemwense Moru

Wike pledges land for farming to tackle food insecurity in FCT

Wike pledges land for farming to tackle food insecurity in FCT

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By Philip Yatai

The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Mr Nyesom Wike, on Monday, promised to allocate lands in satellite towns to farmers for agricultural production to combat food insecurity.

Wike made the promise in Abuja on Monday, during the inauguration of the newly constructed rural road from A2 Junction (Abuja-Lokoja Expressway) to Pai community in Kwali Area Council of the FCT.

The road was among the 17 projects executed by the FCT Administration and being inaugurated by President Bola Tinubu to celebrate his second year in office.

The minister, who said that the road network had opened up the hitherto locked rural areas to economic activities, particularly agriculture, reaffirmed FCT Administration’s support to farmers.

“Look at the vast area of land and we are talking about food insecurity.

“With these vast lands, those of you who want to be farmers, real farmers, we are willing to pay compensation to communities and give you farmlands to cultivate.

“This will help us to come out of the food insecurity which the Federal Government is trying to solve,” he said.

Wike, however, said that only real farmers would be considered and not political farmers.

According to him, political farmers will keep the land as speculators and when development comes to the area, they will find ways to sell the lands.

Similarly, Tinubu noted the untap potential of the vast arable land in satellite towns and pledged his administration support to boost agricultural productivity.

“On our way here, we saw opportunities, prosperity, and the need for the establishment of ranches and rural development to uplift the lives of our rural people.

“I observed the need for our great farmers and livestock owners to establish opportunities for grazing and do what is necessary.

“We will help you. We will work with you.

“We will combat what used to be a liability and a source of conflict and turn it into a means of prosperity,” Tinubu said. (NAN)

Edited by Abiemwense Moru

World’s longest hairdressing marathon record holder, T-Jos secures Ighalo’s support

World’s longest hairdressing marathon record holder, T-Jos secures Ighalo’s support

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By Philip Yatai

Nigerian barber Joshua Aiyenuro, known as T-Jos, who completed the Guinness World Record for the Longest Hairdressing Marathon, has gained Super Eagles star Odion Ighalo’s support for his youth empowerment initiative.

T-Jos accomplished the marathon, which lasted 154 hours from June 10 to June 17, and met with Ighalo in Abuja on Sunday to gain his endorsement.

During the visit, T-Jos unveiled his ambitious plan to establish 1,000 barbing seats in every state of Nigeria, including the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Abuja.

This initiative aims not only to provide barbing services but also to offer skill acquisition opportunities for Nigerian youths.

Describing Ighalo as a major source of inspiration and support, T-Jos shared his journey, growing up as a street kid in Surulere, Lagos, with little hope of success.

He credited several mentors, including the Team Secretary of the Super Eagles, for helping him become the official barber of the National Team, where he eventually met Ighalo.

T-Jos expressed deep gratitude to God and to everyone who supported him throughout his journey.

In response, Ighalo lauded T-Jos for his resilience and determination, pledging his full support for the project.

He noted that T-Jos’ initiative aligned closely with his own philanthropic efforts in Ajegunle, Lagos, where his foundation supported talented young footballers, orphans, and widows.

Ighalo emphasised the importance of giving back to society and promised to assist T-Jos in any way possible to achieve his vision.

With Ighalo’s backing, T-Jos’ initiative is poised to make a significant impact by creating employment and skill-building opportunities for Nigerian youth.

The partnership between these two influential figures is expected to inspire others and drive meaningful change across the country.

As T-Jos embarks on this new chapter, his story stands as a powerful testament to perseverance and the transformative power of support and determination. (NAN)

Edited by Abiemwense Moru

Turkish Airlines celebrates 10 years operations in Abuja

Turkish Airlines celebrates 10 years operations in Abuja

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By Mark Longyen

Turkish Airlines has celebrated ten years of its operations in Abuja, describing it as a celebration of “dreams taking flight.”

Its General Manager, Mr Akin Carkci, stated this in Abuja, at a dinner organised to mark ten years of direct flights between Istanbul and Abuja since 2015.

Carkci also described the event as a celebration of “challenges turned into achievements,” as well as partnerships, which succeeded in helping the airline to fly higher than ever before.

According to him, looking back at where the operational journey started, especially amid some formidable challenges, it is amazing to see how far it has fared to date.

“2015 was the year that the first flight of Turkish Airlines landed in Abuja. Tonight, we’re not just marking an anniversary, we’re celebrating years of dreams taking flight.

“We’re celebrating challenges turned into achievements, and partnerships that have helped us fly higher than ever before.

“When we look back at where we started, it’s amazing to see how far we’ve come,” he said.

Carkci disclosed that Turkish Airlines had made more than six thousand flights in and out of the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport, Abuja, since its inception.

“We have formed a brand that everyone is proud of, and created a service experience that reflects the Heart and soul of Turkish Hospitality,” he said.

Carkci lauded the Nigerian government for creating an enabling environment where aviation can grow, adding that none of the airline’s streams of successes would have been possible without Nigeria’s support.

He also expressed appreciation to industry partners and the airline’s travel agency partners for believing in Turkish Airlines, and for bringing travelers to it with confidence and loyalty.

Carkci noted that the achievements made by the airline were not given on a silver platter but due to deliberate efforts that were put in place toward achieving them.

“Of course, the skies haven’t always been clear. In recent years, our industry has faced some of its toughest times -global crises, operational challenges and changes in expectations.

“However, we all stood together. We adapted, we innovated, and we pushed forward. Pandemic tested our limits, but it also reminded us why we do what we do.

“We are not just in the business of transport, we are in the business of connection, business of bringing people closer to what matters to them most: their families, their businesses and their homelands,” he further said.

Carkci announced that Turkish Airlines had built a flight network of 353 destinations in 131 across the world.

He said that just last week the airline won the Skytrax 2025 Awards, winning eight different awards, including the Best Airline in Europe for the tenth time.

Carkci said that the airline had continued to grow from new destinations to a fleet of 485 cutting-edge aircrafts, from digital innovations to award winning experiences.

“We are also embracing technology, to offer smoother, smarter, and more comfortable journeys. And we are developing our people, because they are the heart of everything we do.

“No journey is made alone. As we look to the future, we know we will need the same spirit of partnership, innovation, and determination that brought us here tonight.

“So, we are committed to growing together. We will continue to develop international connectivity, and keep working side by side with our travel agents to deliver value and unforgettable experiences,” he said.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that Turkish Airlines began operating in Nigeria through direct flights to Lagos in 2006, and later launched direct flights between Istanbul and Abuja in 2015.

The event was attended by top dignitaries, including the Turkish Ambassador to Nigeria, Mehmet Poroy, his deputy, Elif Durdu, and officials of Nigeria’s Ministry of Aviation and Foreign Affairs, travel agencies, among others. (NAN)

Edited by Isaac Aregbesola

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