News Agency of Nigeria
Wike pledges land for farming to tackle food insecurity in FCT
Agriculture

Wike pledges land for farming to tackle food insecurity in FCT

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
General News

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

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
Foreign

Turkish Airlines celebrates 10 years operations in Abuja

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

LGAN North zone golf championship to promote peace, unity, organisers say
Sports

LGAN North zone golf championship to promote peace, unity, organisers say

By Victor Okoye

Organisers of the Ladies Golf Association of Nigeria (LGAN) Northern zone Golf Championship, say the tournament aims to use golf as a tool to promote peace, unity and well-being in the country.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that no fewer than 250 golfers from across the 36 states and the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Abuja have converged in Minna, Niger  for the tournament.

The 18-hole lush green course of the Minna Cantonment Golf Club will play host to the championship as the participants slug it out for honours over the next three days.

Lami Ahmed, the 1st Vice president of the Ladies Golf Association of Nigeria (LGAN), told NAN that the objective of the  championship was to promote unity, peace and well-being through golf.

Ahmed said it also aimed to motivate women to embrace the game and also to increase LGAN’s scope of exposure to the different golf courses in the North.

“We want to be able to show that when we talk about promoting unity, peace, and well-being through golf, it can happen anywhere.

“The inspiration to organise this prestigious championship in Minna came from our president, Evelyn Oyome, who has been preaching about the need for us to embrace inclusiveness.

“She has always stressed the need for us to spread the good news of golf to women so as to increase our membership.

“So, we decided that rather than just staying and enjoying ourselves at the capital, Abuja, it was important for us to share the good news up north.

“This is for women who do not believe that we can play this game, perhaps some of them have never seen a lady in a golf attire before.

“That’s why we decided to go to Kano in 2024, and Minna this year,” she said.

Ahmed noted that the tournament was the first-of-its-kind as it is the first time a zonal open championship was being held in Minna.

“This is because we must spread the good news, and we must give opportunity to every corner of this country and particularly every part of the north.

“We want to motivate women to embrace the game and also to increase our scope of exposure to the different golf courses we have in the north,” she said. (NAN)

Edited by Joseph Edeh

Naval chief tasks personnel on professionalism, protection of democracy
Defence/Security

Naval chief tasks personnel on professionalism, protection of democracy

By Sumaila Ogbaje

The Chief of Naval Staff (CNS), Vice Adm. Emmanuel Ogalla, has charged personnel of the Nigerian Navy to remain professional in the discharge of their duties and remain committed to protecting the nation’s democracy.

Ogalla, represented by the Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer, Admiralty Integrated Farms Limited, Rear Adm. Julius Nwagu, gave the charge at the 2025 Second Quarter Route March, on Saturday in Abuja.

He said the route march was organised as a show of force to prepare personnel to be mentally and physically fit.

According to him, it is aimed at developing personnel physical and mental alertness to meet the dynamics of contemporary security operations as well as fostering esprit de corps and providing an avenue for relaxation.

“I enjoin you to be more professional in the conduct of your duties and day activities.

“Furthermore, I encourage you not to engage in any act of misdemeanor or take laws into your hands that could bring the service into disrepute in the course of your duty.

“Furthermore, I charge you all to show dedication to duty and unflinching support to our democracy and constituted authority,” he said.

Ogalla pledged his commitment to continue to support the personnel by providing all the required needs to function optimally in the area of their responsibilities.

According to him, it is worthy of mention that the Nigeria Navy is primarily responsible for the protection of the nation’s maritime domain.

He said the Nigerian Navy was also a major contributor to the Gulf of Guinea maritime security arrangement, as well as a major participant in internal security duties all over the country.

This, he said, made it imperative for them to be mentally and physically fit at all times.

“Thus, the exercise and physical training remains the bedrock of naval personnel’s daily mental and physical readiness for sea show and ashore duties.

“It is pertinent to state that the commitment of the Nigeria Navy towards enhancing mental and physical fitness has yielded dividends.

“This has been witnessed with the sterling contributions of the Nigerian Navy schedule to national security, peace and prosperity.

“It is in recognition of this fact and desire of the service to keep the personnel physically fit that the route march amongst other physical fitness exercises are sustained in the navy schedule of events.

“As you are aware, the Nigerian navy has just concluded Operation Obangame Express.

“The exercise was aimed at partnering with regional and global maritime stakeholders on the security of maritime domain awareness of littoral states within the Africa continent,” he added. (NAN)

Edited by Ayodeji Alabi

Wike to upgrade IBB Golf Club to international standard 
Sports

Wike to upgrade IBB Golf Club to international standard 

By Philip Yatai

The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Mr Nyesom Wike, says the IBB International Golf and Country Club will be renovated and upgraded to international standard.

Wike disclosed this when he visited the club in Abuja on  Saturday, to assess the facilities.

He said that the renovation would begin with the Club House, where golfers wine, dine and unwind stress, under emergency intervention.

The minister added that the other sections of the club would be renovated and upgraded in phases.

He said that the renovation would be handled by Julius Berger construction company, which built the facilities in 1991.

He said that the club would remained closed until the renovation was concluded, in order to prevent it from degenerating.

“It is better we put the place in order quickly, so that when people come in, they will have where they can relax, have their drinks and rest.

According to him, making the club a tourist centre will attract investments.

“However, I want to advise the Board of Trustees (BOT) to initiate some innovative ideas for revenue generation to maintain the club instead of depending wholly on the government,” he said.

The minister explained that the BoT and the Interim Management Committee (IMC) were constituted to manage the club as government property.

He said that the step became necessary because government is not a good manager of facilities.

He urged the BoT and the IMC members to work as a team towards uplifting the standard of the club to international standard.

“That’s why we will not allow anybody to take what belongs to us. We will not allow that.

“Any move to sabotage what we are doing will not be tolerated,” he said.

Earlier, the BoT Chairperson, Justice Monica Dongban-Mensem, appealed to Wike to renovate the club and upgrade its standard to be at par with the rehabilitated Bola Ahmed Tinubu International Conference Centre.

Dongban-Mensem, who is the President of the Court of Appeal, recalled that the club was built by the Federal Government and opened to the public in 1991.

She added that the club, which began with 29 members, has, at the moment, 5,000 members using same facilities.

She pointed out that the facilities at the club has worn-out due to excessive use over the years.

According to her, if upgraded, the  facility will become a tourist attraction site and in the long run, boost the economy of the country. (NAN)

Edited by Rotimi Ijikanmi

Soldiers must remain mission-ready at all times – Commander
Defence/Security

Soldiers must remain mission-ready at all times – Commander

 

By Sumaila Ogbaje

The Commander, Army Headquarters Garrison (AHQGARR), Maj.-Gen. Maxwell Dangana, has reiterated the commitment of the Nigerian Army to maintain mission ready soldiers at all times through continuous training.

Dangana stated this at the closing of the AHGARR Warrant a officers and Senior Non-Commissioned Officers Competition 2025, on Friday in Abuja.

He said the competition underscored the importance of the senior non-commissioned officers to the operational effectiveness of the Nigerian army.

He commended the participants for the display of precision during the drill competition, the skill and marksmanship at the shooting range, and the tactical awareness during navigation exercises.

The commander also hailed them for the strength and endurance shown in swimming, obstacle crossing, and combat race.

According to him, these activities mirror real battlefield scenarios and are essential in preparing our soldiers to remain mission-ready at all times.

“From what I have seen and witnessed today, and of course, over the few days of this competition, there is no doubt that the competition has actually achieved a purpose for which it was meant.

“The competition is actually in line with the Chief of Army Staff Command philosophy, which is the consolidation of the transformation of Nigerian Army towards bequeathing a well-motivated and combat-ready force that can effectively discharge its constitutional responsibilities within a joint and multi-agency environment,” he said.

“The participants completed drill competitions, shooting, navigation, swimming, and combat races, which concluded today and this morning with obstacle crossing.

“These are not mere competitive exercises, they are the core of our soldiering ethos, representing the skills, discipline, endurance, and mental alertness that define the strength and reliability of our armed forces,” he said.

The Commander said the senior non-commissioned officer had demonstrated exceptional level of commitment, resilience, teamwork, and regimentation throughout the event.

He said their efforts had strengthened the bond within the garrison and reinforced the vital role they play in upholding standards, enforcing discipline, and mentoring young soldiers.

Dangana urged all competitors to carry forward the lessons learned, continue to build on them, and remain worthy role models for the soldiers under their command.

He congratulated the winners for their outstanding performance and congratulated others not to relapse, but to work harder for future competitions.

“Let us remember that the goal is not only to win trophies, but to build capacity, promote esprit de corps, and improve the readiness of our troops for any eventuality.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the competition commenced on Monday with three teams drawn from AHQ Garrison area of responsibility.

At the end of the competition, Team Alpha (A) emerged overall winner with 380 points, Team Charlie (C) came second with 280 points, while Team Bravo (B) came third with 180 points. (NAN) 

Edited by Sadiya Hamza

Wike promises infrastructure in Wassa for relocation of Apo mechanics 
Metro

Wike promises infrastructure in Wassa for relocation of Apo mechanics 

By Philip Yatai

The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Mr Nyesom Wike, has promised to provide critical infrastructure in Wassa District to facilitate the relocation of Apo Mechanics traders and dealers to the area.

Wike disclosed this in Abuja on Friday, while inaugurating a committee to facilitate the relocation of the traders and dealers to their permanent site in Wassa District.

The minister, who will chair the committee, has the Coordinator of Abuja Metropolitan Management Council, Director of Development Control, Director of Land, Director of Urban and Regional Planning as members.

Other members of the committee are the Director of Survey and Director of Resettlement and Compensation.

Wike noted that several administrations had promised to evacuate the traders and dealers occupying a section of the Outer Southern Expressway corridor to their permanent site in Wassa but failed.

He said that the President Bola Tinubu’s administration had promised to relocate the traders and dealers, adding that the administration had begun the processes to fulfil the promise.

“It’s been promise on promise since 2011 without fulfilment, but Tinubu has promised, and the process has begun.

“As part of the process, on June 27, together with the leaders of Apo Mechanics, we will all visit Wassa, to see the permanent site for the relocation.

“This will enable us to decide on the needed critical infrastructure to be put in place to facilitate your relocation.

“This collective effort is to ensure that Tinubu’s promise is fulfilled,” he said.

The minister advised the traders and the dealers against fighting among themselves, stressing that they will achieve more if they work together.

He pointed out that one of the businesses of the government was to make people happy, adding that the FCT Administration would do everything possible to make the Apo traders and dealers happy. (NAN)

Edited by Joseph Edeh

Tinubu lauds Wike for transforming Abuja to world class city
Metro

Tinubu lauds Wike for transforming Abuja to world class city

By Philip Yatai

President Bola Tinubu has commended the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, for keying into his vision of developing Abuja to a world class capital city.

Tinubu made the commendation in Abuja on Friday, while inaugurating the first phase of Arterial Road N5 (Obafemi Awolowo Way), from Life Camp Junction to Ring Road III, to celebrate his second year in office.

Represented by the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Sen. George Akume, the President said that the Arterial Road N5 represented what Nigerians can achieve when vision meets action.

He said that the road represented a symbol of collective progress and commitment to a better future.

“It reflects on our commitment to deliver a modern infrastructure that improves the daily lives of our people.

“With the inauguration of this road, traffic circulation around the districts of Dape, Gwarimpa 1, Kado, Karsana, Idu, and Mbora will greatly ease.

“It will further decongest traffic gridlock around the life camp junction and adjoining neighbourhoods,” he said.

Tinubu also commended the FCT administration, the residents and stakeholders who have been integral to the project.

“Thank you, Mr Wike and all the residents and stakeholders who have made this project a reality.

“I also congratulate the FCT administration for keying into our vision of developing the nation’s capital to a level comparable to that of the world’s top capital cities,” he said.

On his part, Wike urged resident of the FCT to bear with the inconveniences caused by the ongoing infrastructural development, noting that development comes with challenges.

He said that the contract for the extension of the Arterial Road N5 was awarded by the Federal Executive Council in September 2024, but work commenced in October.

He said that the contract was awarded to Julius Berger in two phases, adding that the first Phase was inaugurated, while the second phase would be inaugurated before the end of 2025.

Wike commended the affected communities who lost their houses to the road project for their understanding and support.

He said that compensation was paid to both affected indigenes and non-indigenes in line with Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda.

According to the minister, conversation is ongoing with community leaders to pay them compensation to be able to extend the road to Nnamdi Azikiwe Airport.

He commended the President and the National Assembly for identifying with the FCT.

Earlier, Mr Richard Dauda, acting Executive Secretary, Federal Capital Development Authority, said that the road was a six-lane dual carriageway with a parking lane, making it eight lanes.

Dauda said that the road was one of the major inter-districts roads that traversed several districts in the city.

“As provided in the FCT Master Plan, the Arterial Road N5 starts from the Central Business District, International Conference Centre, passes by the NPC towers and traverses through Wuse District in Phase I.

“It continues through Utako and Jabi District in Phase II and up to Dape and Gwarinpa Districts in Phase III.

“Future development will extend the road up to Phase IV,” he said.

He said that Phase I and II had been fully developed, adding that the potion being inaugurated was in Phase III section of the road, from Life Camp Junction up to Ring Road III. (NAN)

Edited by Kadiri Abdulrahman

FCT Health Secretary honoured for health, environment, climate action
Health

FCT Health Secretary honoured for health, environment, climate action

By Philip Yatai

Dr Adedolapo Fasawe, Mandate Secretary, Health Services and Environment Secretariat, Federal Capital Territory Administration (FCTA), has received three recognitions for her impactful contributions in health, environment and climate action.

Mrs Bola Ajao, Special Assistant to the Mandate Secretary on Media, disclosed this in a statement in Abuja on Friday.

Ajao described Fasawe’s recognition for her dedication to public service as simply “remarkable”.

She said that the mandate Secretary received three major awards in one month for  her outstanding work in healthcare delivery, environmental protection, and climate advocacy.

She said that the first award came during the Annual Conference of the Pest Control Association of Nigeria, held at Radisson Blu in Lagos.

She explained that Fasawe was named the “Amazon of Environmental Health,” at the event, a title reserved for leaders making major strides in environmental health and pest control.

“She was later presented with the “Silent Hero in Healthcare Delivery” award at the 7th edition of the Nigeria Silent Heroes Awards (NSHA) in Abuja.

“The award recognised her impactful but quiet leadership in improving healthcare systems and policies across the FCT.

“The third honour came from her alma mater, the University of Ife (now Obafemi Awolowo University), Osun State, where she received an Award of Excellence in Climate Action during the 2025 International Conference of the Faculty of Social Sciences.

“The three-day event with the theme, “Accelerating Climate Action for Sustainable Livelihoods in Nigeria,” highlighted her efforts in integrating climate-focused strategies into public health and governance,” she said.

She said that dignitaries at the event commended Fasawe’s visible contributions in promoting climate action and celebrated her as a proud ambassador of the university.

“A special reception was later held in her honour by her former classmates,” she said.

Ajao said that the recognitions reflect Fasawe’s consistent record of service, leadership, and commitment to both people and the environment.

She added that Fasawe’s achievements have continued to inspire action toward sustainable development in Nigeria.

Responding, Fasawe attributed her successes to FCT Minister Nyesom Wike’s doggedness in advancing the Renewed Hope Agenda of President Bola Tinubu.

She equally thanked Wike for creating an enabling environment that allows all the Mandate Secretaries in the FCT Administration to explore their potential and deliver the dividends of democracy to FCT residents. (NAN)

Edited by Ekemini Ladejobi

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