NEWS AGENCY OF NIGERIA
FCT bus terminals ‘ll boost security in public transportation – Tinubu
Metro

FCT bus terminals ‘ll boost security in public transportation – Tinubu

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By Philip Yatai

President Bola Tinubu says the newly constructed bus and taxi terminals by the Federal Capital Territory Administration (FCTA) will address the insecurity associated with public transportation in the territory.

Tinubu said this while inaugurating the Kugbo Bus and Taxi Terminal, as part of activities to celebrate his second year in office.

Represented by Senate President Godswill Akpabio, Tinubu said that the terminals align with the development goals of transit-oriented cities equipped with smart mobility, compact living spaces and parking management.

“We heard your concerns; we understood your fears and we acted. With your compliance, you will no longer suffer from one chance by the roadside,” he said.

Tinubu added that the terminals, a meticulously planned transportation hub, would add to the numerous jobs being created by his administration in different sectors.

He explained that the terminals would equally boost trade, bring orderliness, safety and bring comfort to commuters.

“At the swearing-in of my government two years ago, I swore to uphold and defend the constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria and its people.

“With the security reports on the several menaces of one-chance robberies, kidnapping, and thuggery that characterised public transportation in FCT, I directed the FCT Minister, Nyesom Wike to put in place measures to address that situation.

“Here and now, you will find an organised system where vehicles and drivers are properly identified and registered, significantly reducing the risk associated with the normal informal transportation.

“The presence of advanced security features, including comprehensive CCTV surveillance, ensures that your journey begins and ends in a secure environment,” he said.

He said that the Kugbo bus terminal alongside its counterpart in Mabushi and that of the Central Business District under construction, would contribute to his government’s determination to turn around the fortunes of the people.

This, according to him, is being achieved through improved connectivity, reduced travel time and increased economic growth thereby creating opportunities.

“The decision of my administration to prioritise high-impact transportation infrastructure, among which is this bus and taxi terminal, is based on the undeniable fact that no nation around the world has been recorded to have made any noticeable progress without modernisation and expansion of its critical public mobility and public utilities.

“As encapsulated in the “Renewed Hope Agenda” of my administration, my solemn promise to rebuild and revitalise our nation’s infrastructure, enhance the lives of Nigerians, create an environment where security and efficiency become the order of the day, are being fulfilled, one step at a time.

“You will all agree with me that the Mabushi and now Kubo Bus Terminals meet with global principles of sustainable urban development in the area of transportation.

“This will automatically erase the ugly experiences of chaotic public transportation in our capital city, previously fraught with challenges.”

He commended Wike-led FCT Administration for yet again making his government proud by judiciously utilising scarce public resources towards initiating and completing within record time, this iconic public transportation infrastructure.

He equally thanked the National Assembly for support so far, which has enabled his administration to fulfil its renewed promises to Nigerian citizens.

In his remarks, Wike thanked Tinubu for supporting the ongoing transformation in the FCT, including public transportation through the construction of bus and taxi terminals.

He said that with the bus terminals, residents do not need to be waiting on the road side for vehicles, exposing them to once chance criminal operators.

“Here, when you come into this place you are sure of the vehicle; you are sure of the driver.

“If you enter a vehicle here, the driver is known. So, if anything happens, we will be able to know that this passenger entered so so and so vehicle, and the driver of the vehicle is also known.

“You have time to unwind, go to the cinema if you want. The loading bays are there, and that is what we see in civilized countries,” Wike said.

He said that terminals would be handed over to the private sector to operate, adding that additional terminals would be constructed in Gwagwalada, Bwari and Kuje. (NAN)

Edited by Abiemwense Moru

Tinubu int. conference centre fully booked till 2027 – Wike
Metro

Tinubu int. conference centre fully booked till 2027 – Wike

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By Philip Yatai

The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Mr Nyesom Wike, says the recently rehabilitated Bola Ahmed Tinubu International Conference Centre is fully booked till 2027.

Wike disclosed this in Abuja on Thursday, during the inauguration of the Kugbo Bus and Taxi Terminal by President Bola Tinubu to celebrate his second year in office.

He recalled that the FCT Administration came under criticism for spending huge resources to rehabilitate and upgrade the conference centre to international standard.

He said that some people condemned the decision to refurbish the centre, adding that Tinubu had just hosted an ECOWAS meeting at the centre.

According to him, people and organisations are now rushing the edifice to hold their events.

“You know Nigerians can pretend. They like good things, but they pretend as if they don’t.

“As I speak to you, that conference centre has been booked now till 2027. No space.

“In fact, I saw the application by the Deputy Speaker on constitutional amendment but there is no space, no day, but I’m trying to adjust if he can pay on time, because it’s not free.

“There’s nothing like a national assembly this or that, you have to pay something for us to sustain the facility.”

He commended Tinubu for taking a decisive decision to move the country forward.

He noted that there could be some challenges being experienced in the country, adding that and that’s the essence of leadership.

According to him, no leader can succeed without taking decisions that might come with criticism.

“No leader can succeed without taking a decision because people will say something – people must say something because if you don’t take that decision, people will say something.

“If you take the decision, people will say something. Therefore, do something.

“For me, that’s all about what we are doing in FCT. We are not here to make only big men happy; we are here to make big men and poor people happy.

“That’s what will move this country forward and that’s what the President has shown.”

He explained that the Kugbo bus and taxi terminal being inaugurated, alongside its counterpart in Mabushi and that of the Central Business District under construction would sanitise public transportation in the FCT. (NAN)

Edited by Abiemwense Moru

Nigerian Navy unveils farm to boost food security
Defence/Security

Nigerian Navy unveils farm to boost food security

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By Sumaila Ogbaje

In a bid to contribute to the Nigerian Government’s drive to boost food security, the Nigerian Navy has embarked on an innovative agricultural initiative to cultivate crops and promote self-sufficiency.

The Chief of Naval Staff (CNS), Vice Adm. Emmanuel Ogalla, disclosed this during the unveiling of Admiralty Integrated Farms Limited (ADIFAL) Coordination Centre and Logo, in Abuja on Wednesday.

Ogalla, represented by the Chief of Policy and Plans (Navy), Rear Adm. Ibrahim Dewu said the occasion marked a significant milestone in their collective effort to contribute meaningfully to the nation’s development, which is in line with the President’s visionary directive.

According to him, the President has emphasised the importance of the Armed Forces engaging actively in farming initiatives.

Ogalla said the directive aims to address some critical issues confronting the nation such as the persistent conflicts between herders and farmers, banditry and kidnapping and the urgent need to boost food security.

“It is heartwarming to see our naval personnel taking up this challenge with dedication and patriotism, exemplifying the spirit of service and commitment that defines our Armed Forces,” he said.

Ogalla commended the management and officers and men of ADIFAL for their efforts and dedication, urging them to continue with the vigor and resolve to meet the lofty goals set before them.

He added that the initiative underscored the importance of civil-military cooperation to foster a spirit of collaboration and understanding with the civilian counterparts.

“Our interactions should be fair, respectful and rooted in the shared goal of national development.

“Civil-military synergy is crucial in achieving sustainable solutions, especially in areas such as agriculture where the benefits extend across all facets of the society.

“Let me reiterate that the success of ADIFAL hinges on our collective resolve and unwavering commitment.

“Your efforts will not only contribute to food sufficiency but will also promote peace and stability in our communities and the entire country,” he added.

In his brief, the Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of ADIFAL, Rear Adm. Julius Nwago, said that food, nutrition and security were prime goals that governments seek to achieve globally.

Nwago said that one of the options adopted by some countries to achieve food security was the engagement of the military into agriculture.

According to him, military agricultural farm facilities in the world consider size, production, sustainability practices, and specific focus areas.

He said the farm would adopt a comprehensive precision agriculture model that begins from the earliest stages of farm planning-right from land clearing and crop selection-through planting, crop nurturing, harvesting, storage, and processing.

According to him, Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Machine Learning (ML) are key enablers in each stage, providing data-driven insights that help maximize yield, reduce waste, and improve decision-making.

“To facilitate this, ADIFAL has developed the ADIFAL Agro-precision Farming Platform – a centralised digital system that guides onboarded farmers in practicing precision agriculture.

“This platform draws on data from Satellites, Radar, Drones, and Live Visual/Audio Feeds to deliver intelligent recommendations throughout the agricultural lifecycle.

“The platform which is the Centerpiece of ADIFAL’s innovation is housed at the centralised ADIFAL Coordination Centre.

“The platform features Predictive Al models and Generative Al tools that provide real-time responses to farmers’ questions and concerns during the farming season,” he said. (NAN)

Edited by Benson Iziama

Nigeria committed to national sugar master plan objectives – FG
Economy/Business

Nigeria committed to national sugar master plan objectives – FG

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By Lucy Ogalue

The Minister of State for Industry, Sen. John Enoh, says Nigeria’s sugar industry must meet its domestic production target in line with the objectives of the National Sugar Master Plan (NSMP).

Enoh made this known during a high-level stakeholders’ meeting on Wednesday in Abuja.

The National Sugar Master Plan, introduced in 2012 and currently in its second phase, aims at achieving self-sufficiency in sugar production, creating jobs, and conserving foreign exchange

Enoh reaffirmed the Federal Government’s commitment to the full implementation of the master plan as the guiding framework for the sugar industry’s operations.

He said the core goals of the NSMP remained the significant ramp-up of local raw sugar production and a corresponding reduction in the country’s dependence on sugar imports.

“The ministry gives a firm commitment that the National Sugar Master Plan and its guiding rules are sacrosanct.

“Quota allocations to industry participants will be strictly based on their actual performance under the plan’s Backward Integration Programme (BIP), and no other consideration will apply,” he said.

The minister noted that imports of refined sugar by any participating company would count against their annual quota allocation, warning that infractions would not be tolerated.

According to Enoh, efforts by the National Sugar Development Council to tie import allocations to performance in 2024 marked a turning point.

He disclosed that some players still violated the guidelines.

“To address this, I will request the Minister of Finance and Coordinating Minister of the Economy, to direct the Nigeria Customs Service and the Federal Inland Revenue Service to recover all outstanding duties and levies on sugar imports,” he said.

Enoh also called for intensified investment in backward integration and skills development, adding that a more disciplined focus was required to deliver the master plan’s objectives.

He disclosed that the government would embark on nationwide visits to BIP project sites to verify performance claims using a standardised information-gathering template.

The minister stressed the importance of transparency, urging the creation of a public dashboard to track sectoral progress, encourage compliance, and enhance credibility among stakeholders.

“We must strengthen our monitoring and accountability systems. Just like what was done in the cement industry, the sugar sector can also become a success story if we remain consistent and firm,” he said.

The Executive Secretary of the National Sugar Development Council (NSDC), Mr kamar Bakrin, expressed the council’s commitment toward addressing the various challenges encountered by operators in the sector.

Bakrin reiterated the importance for stakeholders to act decisively to reverse years of poor performance of the sugar industry in the country.

He acknowledged that operators had consistently flagged some issues as factors hampering the execution of their BIP projects.

He listed some of the challenges to include loopholes in the Free Trade Zone (FTZ) regime, delays in clearing equipment at ports, sugar smuggling, and resistance from host communities.

He noted that all of these issues had either been resolved or were being actively addressed through government interventions and policy reforms.

“With the ongoing amendment of the NSDC Act and the recently passed Fiscal Reforms Act, the loopholes in the FTZ regime are being firmly closed,” he said.

He added that delays at ports were also being tackled through regular NSDC engagement with the Nigeria Customs Service, while the Council was working with the Department of State Services to curb sugar smuggling.

On the issue of community unrest, the NSDC boss explained that grievances in key locations such as Noman in Adamawa State had been fully resolved.

“There is currently no BIP project where host community opposition has restricted access to significant portions of land,” he said.

Bakrin stressed, however, that the time for excuses was over, as the sector could no longer afford further delays or underperformance.

“We believe that operators must immediately halt the decline in their current output, especially in agronomic and factory practices, which remain below global standards,” he said.

He also called on industry players to urgently scale up expansion of their brownfield BIP operations, adding that the sector was already a decade behind the timelines initially set by the NSMP.

“We have all the data. While we will respect confidentiality on individual cases, the fact remains that there must be an aggressive approach to project expansion if Nigeria is to meet its sugar self-sufficiency targets,” he said.

In his remarks, the Chairman of Golden Sugar, Mr John Coumantaros, admitted the industry’s failings and backed the minister’s reform stance.

“The sector has underperformed. Investments of  four billion dollars is required to replace the 1.6 million tonnes of sugar Nigeria imports yearly.

“With strong enforcement and collaboration, the industry can deliver significant economic benefits including saving $800 million annually in foreign exchange and employing up to two million people directly and indirectly,” he said.

Coumantaros likened the situation to the cement sector’s successful turnaround under a similar backward integration policy.

“It took strong government enforcement and industry commitment to transform cement from an import-dependent sector to a self-sufficient one. The sugar industry can do the same,” he said.

He pledged the company’s readiness to expand its Sunti operations and invest in additional projects, provided government enforces policy and level playing field.

The Managing Director, BUA Foods, Mr Ayodele Abioye, expressed the commitment of the company to accelerate and drive the sector.

Abioye urged the government to take cues from other climes to help the sector thrive.

The meeting ended with commitments from both government and operators to convene quarterly reviews, reinvigorate monitoring mechanisms such as the Central Monitoring Committee and align public-private efforts toward measurable results.(NAN)

Edited by Chinyere Joel-Nwokeoma

NECA hails Tinubu’s economic reforms 
Economy/Business

NECA hails Tinubu’s economic reforms 

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By Joan Nwagwu

The Nigeria Employers Consultative Association (NECA) says President Bola Tinubu’s  reforms in the economic sector align with the desires of the Organised Private Sector(OPS).

Mr Adewale-Smatt Oyerinde, the Director General of NECA said this on Wednesday in Abuja, at the 2025 edition of the Employers Summit, organised by NECA

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports the summit is themed, “Enabling Sustainable Enterprise in a Transiting Economic: Aligning Fiscal,Trade and Regulatory Reforms for Rapid National Development ”

Oyerinde said the reforms being undertaken by the federal government are in alignment with the desires of employers.

He said the summit was apt in bringing the critical stakeholders together to deliberate and agree on the execution of the reforms.

“NECA believes that there is no better time to get the reformers and those that will implement the reforms as well as those that the reform is supposed to reform to have a conversation and engender consensus around those reforms.

“It will also help us to make policy recommendations to the government on those issues where it pinches the private sector and employers.

“This is the avenue where definite solutions or implementation of palliatives or innovation that might ease the pressure on the private sector can come,” he said.

According to the NECA DG, employers play a major role in promoting national development through job creation, payment of taxes and other contributions to economic growth.

He further said that the summit was unique coming at a time when the government was implementing many reforms, such as the tax reform bills.

Vice President Kashim Shettima emphasised the need to build an economy that is resilient, inclusive, driven by private enterprise and enabled by government.

Shettima, represented by Mr Temitola Johnson, Special Adviser to the President on Job Creation and Small, Medium Micro Enterprises (SMMEs), said the organised private sector has contributed positively to socio-economic development of Nigerians.

He said that the contributions were through the millions of jobs that were created, as well as the goods and services they provide.

Shettima added that the vision of President Bola Tinubu-led administration was to build an economy where sustainable business enterprises thrive and create decent jobs.

“One of the comprehensive reforms being undertaken by the government is that, which prioritises prudent expenditure and a more efficient, transparent and equitable tax system.

“We are a nation in transition, navigating our part of bold reforms designed to stir our economy away from volatility into becoming a more stable, sustainable and prosperous one.

“These reforms, though difficult in the short term, are laying the foundation for a more transparent, competitive, diversified and investor-friendly environment,” he said.(NAN)

Edited by Rotimi Ijikanmi

Tinubu impressed with ongoing infrastructural transformation in FCT
Metro

Tinubu impressed with ongoing infrastructural transformation in FCT

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By Philip Yatai

President Bola Tinubu says his administration is proud of the ongoing transformation in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) to pump life into its economy and foster social wellbeing.

Tinubu stated this in Abuja on Wednesday while inaugurating the newly constructed Interchange that linked Wole Soyinka Way (Arterial Road N20) to Murtala Mohammed Expressway.

The Interchange is the 11 projects inaugurated so far, out of the 17 outlined for inauguration to celebrate Tinubu’s second year in office.

Tinubu, who was represented by Senate President Godswill Akpabio, said that the FCT had turned around saying, “we are proud of what is happening in the FCT”.

Declaring that even the blind could see the ongoing transformation, the president commended the FCT Minister Nyesom Wike and his management team for the feat recorded so far.

He said that his administration’s “Renewed Hope Agenda” was built on the bedrock of robust infrastructure for the transformation of the country’s fortune.

He noted that the nation’s infrastructure must be strong, clear and efficient to pump life into its economy, and foster social wellbeing.

According to him, the interchange, strategically linking key areas and easing the flow of traffic, will unlock new opportunities for commerce, reduce travel time.

“This will contribute directly to increasing productivity and a better quality of life for all who traverse these vital routes.

“The interchange, a magnificent piece of engineering, is indeed a testament to our unwavering commitment to progress, a beacon of our collective aspiration for a more connected and prosperous FCT.”

Tinubu noted that while rapid urbanisation was a sign of growth, it had also presented challenges, particularly in ensuring smooth and efficient movement of people, goods and services.

This interchange, he said, was a crucial answer to those challenges, designed to alleviate traffic congestion, enhance safety, and significantly improve the daily lives of residents and commuters in the FCT.

He commended the FCT Administration under the dynamic leadership of the Minister, Mr Nyesom Wike, for their vision, dedication and tireless efforts in bringing the project to fruition.

He added that Wike’s commitment to transforming Abuja into a world-class capital was evident in projects of the magnitude.

In his remarks, Wike explained that the project was awarded in 2020 and was completed by the Tinubu-led administration.

“This is in line with your policy of completing abandoned projects that will impact the lives and economy of the people,” he said.

He commended Tinubu’s impactful leadership style, describing it as crucial to the survival of any government.

“When you provide the right leadership, you will get the right results.

“As the president has provided and is still providing the right leadership and that is why we are seeing the results today.

“There’s no magic. It’s just about commitment. The president has committed to see that good things happen in this country and that’s why we have renewed hope,” he said.

The minister also thanked the National Assembly for the support.

The FCT Minister of State, Dr Mariya Mahmoud, equally gave Tinubu’s visionary leadership credit to the numerous achievements recorded so far in the FCT.

Mahmoud said that he completed interchange stands as a testament to Tinubu’s dedication to improving the transportation network to ease the movement of residents in the FCT. (NAN)

Edited by Abiemwense Moru

Project managers plan indigenous framework to tackle project failures
General News

Project managers plan indigenous framework to tackle project failures

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By Lucy Ogalue

The Chartered Institute of Project Managers of Nigeria (CIPMN), says it will develop a homegrown project management framework, to address Nigeria’s long-standing project execution challenges in both the public and private sectors.

The Registrar-General of CIPMN, Mr Henry Mbadiwe, said this at the Institute’s 2025 Mid-Year Training Programme and Induction Ceremony in Abuja on Tuesday.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the framework is called Delivering Unified Controlled Agile Project (DUCAP).

The three-day event is with the theme “Project Management Practices – A Guarantee of Sustained Growth in This Digital Age”.

Mbadiwe said that it was a hybrid model that integrated international standards like PRINCE2 and the Association for Project Management (APM) with indigenous insights and field experiences across Nigeria’s diverse regions.

“It is a project management framework suited for Nigeria.

“We have taken lessons from globally tested frameworks and adapted them to our environment, whether you are delivering a road in Kano or building infrastructure in Lagos,” Mbadiwe said.

He said that widespread failures and delays in Nigeria projects were linked to overreliance on foreign methodologies without contextual adaptation, leading to inefficiency and abandoned outcomes.

“Using foreign frameworks in Nigeria without adjusting for our local realities has not worked.

”DUCAP is designed to change that by making project delivery simpler, more structured, and more effective,” he said.

Mbadiwe further said that enforcement mechanisms would soon be introduced to ensure that only certified professionals oversee and manage projects nationwide.

“We are preparing to activate regulatory frameworks. We are not trying to hinder practitioners, but to improve outcomes. The era of project failures and mismanagement must end.

“Strategy without project implementation is a dream, and project management is the vehicle through which Nigeria can drive sustainable economic development,” he said.

The President and Chairman of the CIPMN Council, Mr Emmanuel Afolayan, said that the Institute had moved from mere awareness to implementation, stressing that compliance monitoring would begin across institutions.

“For years, we have advocated for standardised project delivery. Now is the time for action.

“Change will be gradual, but we are determined to elevate professionalism and enforce project management standards across Nigeria,” Afolayan said.

Also, the Permanent Secretary for Economic Planning and Budget in Lagos State, Mr Olayinka Ojo, commended the Institute for developing a localised methodology to improve project outcomes nationwide.

“This is a turning point in Nigeria’s development trajectory. The initiative provides a structured and professional foundation for executing projects aligned with global benchmarks,” he said.

A former lawmaker, Mr Sani Sha’aban, charged members of the Institute to act with national purpose and professional discipline.

“Project management is a national duty. Cutting corners has hurt our growth. If you remain committed, you will reshape Nigeria’s future,” he said.

The event featured panel discussions, expert presentations and the induction of 604 new and upgraded members, including 60 fellows and 245 chartered professionals.

The CIPMN was established in 2018. It has steadily evolved into a professional institution with a clear mandate to support national development through the formalisation of project execution practices.(NAN)

Edited by Kadiri Abdulrahman

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

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
Environment

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 
Metro

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

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