NEWS AGENCY OF NIGERIA
Metro

Tinubu approves free 2-month ride on Abuja Rail Mass Transit – Wike

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Tinubu approves free 2-month ride on Abuja Rail Mass Transit – Wike

By Philip Yatai

President Bola Tinubu has approved a two-month free ride on the Abuja Rail Mass Transit, also known as Metro Line, Mr Nyesom Wike, Minister of Federal Capital Territory (FCT), has said.

Wike made the disclosure in Abuja on Thursday, during the Ministerial Sectoral Update on the performance of Tinubu’s administration in the last one year.

He said that the metro line would be inaugurated May 27, by Tinubu, and thereafter, opened for public use for free in the first two months.

He explained that although the building of the Abuja Rail Mass Transit system was commissioned by the immediate past administration, the services were not rendered to the public.

The minister said that the current administration had rehabilitated the system and would be inaugurated for commercial operations.

“So many people have said that the government has commissioned it before. We are not talking about commissioning of buildings; we are commissioning the commercial operations.

“We have commissioned it before, but was it in use? Why was it not in use? he asked.

“So, those of you saying it was commissioned, please don’t make a mistake, what was commissioned was the building, and we are not commissioning the building.

“What we want to commission is the commercial operation and we are going to allow free rides for two months. That is a renewed hope agenda,” he said.

The minister also said that there was no access road to all the train stations, a development he said had impeded the commercial operation of the metro line.

He added that rejuvenating the rail transport system was in line with the directive of President Tinubu, who said he wanted to ride on the metro line.

“To the glory of God, on Monday May 27, Mr President will ride on that metro line.

“So, when Mr President rides on Monday, you will take your turn on Tuesday. It is for you and not for Mr president,” he said.

He said that all access roads to all the stations have been constructed, including car parks where passengers would comfortably park their cars, travel, come back and carry their cars home.

Wike added that the Tinubu administration had equally reduced the contract for the training of the manpower for the operation of the train from 128 million dollars to 75 million dollars.

This, he said, had saved the government 53 million dollars. (NAN)

Edited by Abiemwense Moru

Health

Invest in afforestation for healthy living – Minister urges Nigerians

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Invest in afforestation for healthy living – Minister urges Nigerians

By Philip Yatai

The Minister of State, Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Dr Mariya Mahmoud, has urged Nigerians to increase investment in afforestation, describing it as critical towards building a healthy environment for a healthy living.

Mahmoud made the call in Abuja on Wednesday, at an event organised to commemorate the 2024 World Family Doctors’ Day.

The minister, who was represented by her Senior Special Assistant on Administration and Strategy, Dr Abdullahi Kauranmata, called on Nigerians to embrace afforestation against deforestation for its numerous benefits.

According to her, the health of the people is largely dependent on the status of the planet.

She said that the theme, “Healthy Planet, Healthy People” was timely and strategic, considering the importance of family doctors in any society.

“The contribution of family physicians to the healthcare system, especially in providing basic services is commendable.

“Most of the healthcare burden of Nigerian families are handled by the family physicians who are trained to handle all manner of diseases.

“A well-trained family physician is expected to perform and assist in routine surgeries, provide emergency care, vaccinate patients to prevent and treat diseases, perform patient advocacy roles, and coordinate or manage primary patient care amongst other services,” she said.

She called on family physicians to continue to support President Bola Tinubu to actualise his “Renewed Hope” agenda and pledged the FCT Administration’s continued support to family physicians.

Earlier, President of the Society of Family Physicians of Nigeria, Prof. Musa Dankyau, said that family physicians recognised the interconnectedness of environmental health and human health.

Dankyau equally recognised the key role family doctors play in promoting environment and human health.

He pointed out that Nigeria was currently witnessing the effects of environmental degradation on the health of the populations.

“The effects from air pollution and climate change to deforestation, and water contamination are real, affecting our daily lives from Sokoto to Lagos, Jos to Enugu, Maiduguri to Port Harcourt.

“However, as family physicians, we are uniquely positioned to address these challenges and advocate for the health of our patients and families, as well as our planet,” he said.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the World Family Doctors Day is being celebrated annually, to recognise the vital role of family doctors in delivering personal, comprehensive, and continuous health care to patients.

It also serves as an opportunity to reaffirm the commitment of family doctors to the health of the planet and the patient. (NAN)

Edited by Abiemwense Moru

Metro

Minister inaugurates 7-man committee for 2024 FCT Hajj operations

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Minister inaugurates 7-man committee for 2024 FCT Hajj operations

By Philip Yatai

The Minister of State, Federal Capital (FCT), Dr Mariya Mahmoud, on Thursday, inaugurated a 7-man committee for 2024 FCT Hajj operations.

Mahmoud said during the inauguration in Abuja, that the committee would be chaired by her Senior Special Assistant on Administration and Strategy, Dr Abdullahi Kauranmata.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the committee is expected to, among other things, ensure effective implementation of the FCT Hajj policies, programmes, and welfare, throughout the Hajj exercise.

The committee will specifically supervise and coordinate all FCT Hajj activities, from Nigeria to Saudi Arabia, until the return of the last flight back to Nigeria.

It will equally provide advice and guidance throughout the Hajj exercise, ensure all the officials perform their duties optimally, and maintain safety and security of the pilgrims.

It is also saddled with the responsibility of ensuring adherence to all the rules, new policies and programmes introduced by the Saudi Arabian authorities for the 2024 Hajj operations.

The committee is expected to submit a report and recommendations that will contribute to the success of the 2024 Hajj exercise.

The minister said that the FCT contingents were among the first three states that were transported to Saudi Arabia for the 2024 Hajj exercise.

She commended the FCT Minister, Mr Nyesom Wike, for the support given to the FCT Muslim Pilgrims’ Welfare Board particularly, in ensuring decent accommodation and other welfare issues.

She also commended the Board for the job done so far, assuring the pilgrims of a smooth exercise.

She expressed confidence in the ability of the committee to succeed in its assignment, saying “I have a feeling that FCT will be the best”.

Responding, Kauranmata, thanked the FCT Administration for the confidence reposed in the committee.

“I want to, on behalf of all of you, inform and assure her Excellency that the 2024 Hajj operation will be a successful, Inshallah.

“We will do all that is necessary to ensure that we deliver on the mandate given to us. I am particularly happy, looking at the calibre of people in the team.

“These are people who have participated in different assignments, including Hajj operations,” he said. (NAN)

Edited by Abiemwense Moru

Metro

FCTA to build 10,000 low-income houses – Wike

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FCTA to build 10,000 low-income houses – Wike

By Philip Yatai

The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Mr Nyesom Wike, says the FCT Administration will build 10,000 low-income houses for the poor in the territory.

Wike disclosed this in Abuja on Thursday, during the Ministerial Sectoral Update on the performance of President Bola Tinubu’s administration in the last one year.

He said that the project would be captured in the 2025 budget, under President Tinubu’s “Renewed Hope Cities” project.

He explained that FCTA would provide the needed infrastructure to build the houses and allocate them to people who could not afford to build, stressing that they were not for the big men.

The minister described land allocation as one of the most difficult problems in the FCT land administration, adding that the department was infested with corruption.

“As I speak to you as a minister, it is one area that I have been battling with. But, I will defeat them.

“Even to make land affordable for people to build houses, which is what we are supposed to do, is a problem,” he said.

Wike frowned at the situation where  developers ask for 300 hectares of land to build 20,000 houses and after getting the allocation, they would not build the houses but allocate the land to people to make money.

He said: “We cannot allow this. It is fraud and then the person brings politics and religion to the issue.

“But we are equal to the task. Just be convinced that we have the political will to implement and do what is right.” (NAN)

Edited by Rotimi Ijikanmi

Metro

FCT: 120km rural roads will be ready before December – Wike

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FCT: 120km rural roads will be ready before December – Wike

By Philip Yatai

Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Mr Nyesom Wike, says 120km roads across the six Area Councils of the capital will be completed and inaugurated before December.

Wike stated this in Abuja on Thursday, during the Ministerial Sectoral Update on the performance of Tinubu’s administration in the last one year.

He said, “As I speak to you today, before December this year, we are going to commission not less than 120 kilometres of road in the six Area Councils of the FCT.

Wike described the feat as simply taking governance to the doorsteps of the people, particularly those in rural areas.

He added that taking governance to the people was also a demonstration of good governance in line with the “Renewed Hope” agenda of President Bola Tinubu.

“People say government, what is government when people don’t have impact?

“People only hear about the government on radio, people only hear about the government on television.

“Now they are seeing the government and saying oh! You mean this is what government is all about?

“The government can come to our areas, speak to us, ask us of our problems and the government tells us that we are going to this, and they are doing it?

“That is what is called government,” he said.

The minister said that the government goes beyond merely announcing the minister of FCT on radio when the people do not know him.

He said that to address such, he had visited all the area councils, sat with the community people, and asked them about their challenges for the government to address.

“This is the first time a minister can go to the Area Councils and sit down with the people, talk to them, and let them know what the government is doing,” he said. (NAN)

Edited by Sadiya Hamza

Defence/Security

FCT residents can now sleep with their two eyes closed – Wike 

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FCT residents can now sleep with their two eyes closed – Wike 

By Philip Yatai

The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Mr Nyesom Wike says with improved security, residents of the territory “can now sleep with their two eyes closed”.

Wike gave the assurance in Abuja on Thursday, during the Ministerial Sectoral Update on the performance of President Bola Tinubu’s administration in the last one year.

He said the Tinubu-led administration had provided security agencies with all the logistics they required to equip them to do their job.

He added that the FCT Administration had equally provided specialised motorcycles to enable security agencies to navigate difficult terrain in rural communities to improve security.

Wike said that it used to take up to two weeks for security agencies to access the funds they needed to carry out security operations.

“But now, it is different. The money they need for their operations is readily made available. We have provided logistics, vehicles, name them, for the security agencies.

“We cannot say we have gotten it 100 per cent right, because no society is free of crime.

“But are there differences? Certainly yes, and you can attest to the fact that, it is no longer what it used to be.

“This government is doing everything humanly possible, to see that we reduce the level of insecurity in FCT,” he said.

Wike added that the FCT Administration had equally concluded plans to construct three taxi and bus terminals.

He said that the project, which would be concluded in the next eight months, would reduce kidnapping and the operation of “once chance” syndicates within the city.

“In Abuja, you don’t know which one is a taxi; you don’t know which one is a commercial bus.

“With the terminals, if you want to board a bus or a taxi, you will know a particular place to go and you will be free from these criminal elements,” he said

Wike stressed that the terminals would reduce incidences of kidnapping and “one chance” in the FCT. (NAN)

Edited by Rotimi Ijikanmi

Metro

Wike pledges to end harassment of motorists by touts

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Wike pledges to end harassment of motorists by touts

By Philip Yatai

Mr Nyesom Wike, Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), has pledged the commitment of the FCT Administration to end harassment of motorists by touts in the name of revenue collection.

Wike gave the assurance in Abuja on Thursday, during the Ministerial Sectoral briefing on the performance of President Bola Tinubu’s administration in the last one year.

He said that the FCT Administration had reached an agreement with all the Area Council Chairmen to empower FCT Internal Revenue Service to collect all revenues.

He explained that after the collection, the area councils would be given their share, stressing “that is the only way we can have decency in revenue collection in the territory.

“That way, we will reduce touting, harassment and double taxation. After all, the law allows the area councils to take 10 per cent of FCT IGR.

“One of the things in a city is that, everybody wants to survive. So, you find some of these elements from time to time.

“But bear it in mind that, it is part of our responsibility. We are going to rid them off, but it cannot be done immediately,” the minister said.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that motorists in the FCT were being harassed by touts who claimed to be working for a ministerial taskforce against illegal parking.

Others claimed to be revenue collectors from AMAC.

The touts usually force themselves into private vehicles and forcefully remove the car keys from ignition in the name of illegal parking or other purported  infractions.

Edited by Rotimi Ijikanmi

Foreign

Netherlands to strengthen relations with Nigeria – Ambassador

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Netherlands to strengthen relations with Nigeria – Ambassador

By Yahaya Isah

The Ambassador of the Kingdom of the Netherlands to Nigeria, Wouter Plomp, has reaffirmed the commitment of his country to strengthening bilateral relations with Nigeria.

Plomp communicated this when he led a delegation from the Netherlands on a courtesy visit to the Minister of Interior, Dr Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, on Wednesday in Abuja.

He said that the relationship between the two countries had spanned over several decades especially in areas of irregular migration and human trafficking.

“The reason for my visit is to further inform you that the two countries have been partners against irregular migration which I feel is very important in our bilateral relationship.

“Especially, on the contribution of the Interior Ministry in the fight against the menace and other worthy areas of interest to the two countries,’’ he said.

The ambassador also used the opportunity to tell the minister that his tenure would soon come to an end and appreciated the minister for his contributions to the Renewed Hope Agenda of President Bola Tinubu.

He explained that based on his country’s relationship with Nigeria, it had in recent time trained some personnel of the Nigerian Immigration Service (NIS) in the Kingdom of Netherlands on various skills bordering on their professions.

Plomp added that the Netherlands had very good relations with Nigeria which he described as excellent.

He urged for sustainability for the mutual benefit of the two countries.

In his remarks, Tunji-Ojo recalled that Nigeria has one of the best relationships with the Kingdom of the Netherlands, especially in areas bordering on irregular migration and human trafficking.

The minister assured the ambassador that Nigeria would not relent in its quest to continue to keep a very good relationship with the Kingdom for the benefit of both countries.

“Keeping the excellent relationship afloat with your country is key and very important to us as a country.

“You see, there is no gain saying that every country will want to continue to keep a very healthy relationship with a country that is determined to keep a healthy relationship with you.

“I also have to give thanks to the International Organisation for Migration (IOM) for what they have been doing to stem the tide of irregular migration and human trafficking in the country.’’

The minister also thanked the ambassador for what his country had been doing for Nigeria, especially in the area of training as well as capacity building for NIS personnel.

“So, we are very grateful for the partnership because the battle against irregular migration can never be won by a country alone; it has to be a cocktail of ideas.

“We must bring our ideas together from the different parts of the globe. We must be united in our methodology of approach and strategy being the only way out.

“With cross fertilisation of ideas, we will be able to get the result that we all needed.

“I want to assure you that on behalf of the Federal Government, we will continue to collaborate with you for prosperity,” he said. (NAN

Edited by Benson Iziama and Chijioke Okoronkwo

General News

Group seeks end to looting, vandalisation of gov’t properties

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Group seeks end to  looting, vandalisation of gov’t properties

By Angela Atabo

A group, Noble Minds Initiative for the Discouragement of Vandalisation of Public Equipment has condemned the frequent looting and vandalisation of government properties across the country.

The Chairman of the organisation, Ikechukwu Chukwu, told the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Abuja on Wednesday, that such acts hamper national development.

Chukwu said that efforts should be put in place by individuals, corporate organisations and non-governmental organisations across the country to ensure that the issue of vandalisation of public equipment comes to an end.

He said that such a move was necessary for Nigeria to attain the desired development, stressing the need to end vandalisation of government properties henceforth.

Chukwu said: “Noble Minds Initiative will be involved in the advocacy to sanitise refiners and miners of minerals, Oil and Gas curb looting and vandalisation of government properties so as to boost the economy of the country.

“The need to eliminate looting and vandalism, bunkering, exploitation, hoarding, dubious middlemen, sharp business practices, artificial scarcity and adulteration of fuel products in the chain of distribution needs to end.

“To this end, a commissioner will be appointed in every state of the federation, including the Federal Capital Territory, FCT, as the eye of the organisation and to carry out the organisation’s activities.

“All the 37 Commissioners would be inaugurated on June 11, in Abuja.”

Chukwu said that the organisation, when fully in operation, would protect and encourage youths in the country to engage in legal minerals mining and oil and gas business in all the states and Local Government Areas in Nigeria.

This, he said, would curb looting and vandalisation of government properties.

He added that the organisation would assist and support non-profit organisations to utilise their goals by transforming the social sector landscape in Nigeria through the use of practical training and capacity building.

Chukwu added, “We will also encourage members to build more mineral mining sites, to build modular refineries, filling stations, gas plants, renewable and alternative energy products and consumer shops to meet the increasing demand of goods and services.”

According to him, this will help to stabilise price fluctuations.

The Secretary of the organisation, Innocent Ogu, also told NAN that the organisation would ensure continuous availability, easy access and supply of unadulterated kerosene, cooking gas and fuel.

Ogu, however, expressed displeasure over artificial scarcity of petroleum products from time to time in the country, adding that the group would contribute its quota to tackle it.

He said the organisation leverages free will donations, levy from members and grants from international organisations to do interventions and would judiciously use it for the good of the nation.(NAN)

Edited by Bashir Rabe-Mani

Metro

First Lady urges APC women not to misuse mantle of leadership

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First Lady urges APC women not to misuse mantle of leadership

By Joan Nwagwu

The First Lady, Sen. Oluremi Tinubu has advised the All Progressive Congress (APC) Women in leadership positions not to misuse the mantle of power against their sisters.

Tinubu said this during a symbolic presentation of textile materials in commercial quantities to support businesses of women in politics on Wednesday in Abuja.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the gesture is part of the Renewed Hope Initiative (RHI) on Social Investment Programme.

Tinubu, represented by the Wife of the Vice-President, Hajiya Nana Shettima, said that it was imperative not to misuse the mantle of leadership against fellow women.

“I want to encourage us all to be resilient. For those that are in the mantle of leadership, they must not misuse it.

“What I mean is that let us be our sisters’ keeper, let’s embrace one another. Let us not just put the blames on one.

“No matter what, let us appreciate one another, it is easier to destroy than to build for sure, we all know it takes a long time,”she said.

On the presentation of the fabrics, she urged the women to accept the little package with an open heart, adding that by the grace of God there would be more of such programmes.

She, however, called for support and understanding for the office of the First Lady.

“Her Excellency is compassionate and in this one year of this administration, she has travelled across the federation due to her pet projects.

“She is someone who is truly committed and wants to put a smile on the faces of the downtrodden,” she said.

Tinubu, while commending Dr Abdullahi Ganduje, National Chairman of the party, said that he was gender friendly.

According to her, Ganduje has given a lot of opportunities to the women in the country, and urged them not to misuse such opportunities.

Earlier, Ganduje said that there waa no doubt that the RHI project was also part of the Renewed Hope Agenda of Mr President.

“We are not surprised to see the First Lady coming up with this important programme to support the Mr President agenda,”he said.

Ganduje commended women for their unwavering support to national development.

He said that there was a need to increase women participation in politics, adding that as a party they were already discussing it with the chief executive of the states.

“This is by starting with the grassroots politics, women participation in the local government administration, is the first step for them to be interested and are accepted as well.

“So, this programme which is financial inclusiveness for women has to be promoted,” he said.

He urged the beneficiaries to be honest, transparent, committed and be nationalistic for the good of the country.

Also, Mrs Mary Alile, APC National Women Leader commended the First Lady for her commitment and unwavering support for the welfare of women in Nigeria.

Alile described the gesture as remarkable and true inspiration to all women in the country. (NAN)

Edited by Rabiu Sani-Ali

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