NEWS AGENCY OF NIGERIA
Only Tinubu can lead us to Nigeria of our dreams – Wike 
General News

Only Tinubu can lead us to Nigeria of our dreams – Wike 

180 total views today

By Philip Yatai

The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Mr Nyesom Wike, says the country needs leaders like President Bola Tinubu to achieve the “Nigeria of our dreams”.

Wike said this in his 2025 Distinguish Personality Lecture, titled, “The Nigeria of our Dreams” presented at the Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile-Ife on Thursday.

Wike pointed out that the greatest challenge confronting Nigeria and  militating against its development was the plague of bad leadership.

He agreed with Chinua Achebe, whose seminar, ‘The Trouble with Nigeria’, graphically captured the challenge, when he stated that ‘the trouble with Nigeria is fairly and squarely the absence of proper leadership’.

“This statement, damaging as it may appear, is extremely difficult to controvert.

“Our leaders have, in the main, emerged through self-serving conspiracies that have little or nothing to do with national interests and development.

“This has been the case in both military and civilian contexts,” he said.

He, however, said that Tinubu had stood out as the leader the people needed to drive Nigeria to progress and prosperity.

He explained that Nigeria needs a leader that was prepared to lead with sound character and resilience in the face of challenges.

He added that the leader must also be a person who believed in the infinite possibilities that the Nigerian nation exemplifies, while taking solid, proactive, logical and well-informed decisions that would maximally actualise her potential.

This leader, he said, must have the courage and audacity to act, build, innovate and generally expand the frontiers of development with a hands-on approach that would emphasise excellence over mediocrity.

He added that more importantly, the leader of Nigerians’ dream must create a society of free and responsible citizens whose potentials flowed freely and free enterprise thrived.

“Let me make bold at this juncture to state that today, in our country, we have such a leader in the person of Tinubu.

“He has shown in several ways and at different times, a stout commitment to the enthronement of democracy in our country, to the extent of even putting his own life on the line in the process.

“He has shown great capacity for engendering development as captured in the unprecedented rapid and exponential development of Lagos state under his watch and even beyond,” he added.

He also said that Tinubu had demonstrated a rare courage by removing fuel subsidy on his first day, upon being sworn in as President.

According to him, leaders before him all spoke about the evil of fuel subsidy, but none had the courage to dare the blackmail of removing it.

“Tinubu did and is fittingly grappling with the inevitable, unintended and sometimes orchestrated consequences of this removal.

“Today, our states have far more resources to develop, the debts are no longer piling and the price of petrol is gradually but steadily adjusting downwards in tandem with the forces of demand and supply and the strict implementation of regulatory conditionalities.

“Also, the overwhelming cry of over-centralisation of power and resources at the national level and the attendant abuse of the doctrine of federalism is being systematically addressed.

“This is being addressed through the creation of zonal/regional commissions empowered to devolve developmental impetus to the respective zones and regions, so that power can truly return to the people.”

On security, Wike said that the situation was being addressed through proper funding and the training and retraining of security forces.

The minister added that Tinubu’s approval for the recruitment of forest guards across the country to take charge of the nation’s forests, bandits and terrorists would no longer find incubation points and free territories to operate.

“Put simply, the era of banditry and terrorism will soon come to an end.

“These and many other policies and measures are being put together by Tinubu to reposition our country on the path of progress and development,” Wike said.

Earlier, Gov. Ademola Adeleke of Osun, described Wike as a straightforward politician, adding that his wealth of political experience and leadership style was exemplary.

Represented by the Deputy Governor, Kola Adewusi, the governor said that the minister’s infrastructural transformation in the FCT was visionary.

Also, the Vice-Chancellor of the university Prof. Adebayo Bamire, said that the theme of the lecture, ‘’Nigeria of our Dream” was timely and thought-provoking.

“At a critical juncture when our nation’s democratic journey, when the challenges of governance, civic trust, and equitable development are at the forefront of public discourse, this lecture offers a vital platform for reflection, engagement and forward thinking.

“It calls us to interrogate the structures that uphold democracy, the principles that guide responsible governance, citizenship and the strategies that can unlock Nigeria’s development potential,” he said.

The Royal Father of the Day, Ooni of Ife, Adeyeye Ogunwusi, said he has deep respect for Wike because of his fearlessness.

He described the minister as an “upright politician” who “said things as they are.

“Hate him; like him – what will be will be.” (NAN)

Edited by Abiemwense Moru

CTA, NEITI urge stronger FOI Act to boost transparency
General News

CTA, NEITI urge stronger FOI Act to boost transparency

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By Naomi Sharang

The Centre for Transparency Advocacy (CTA) and the Nigeria Extractive Industries Transparency Initiative (NEITI) have called for stronger Freedom of Information (FOI) Act to boost transparency in Nigeria.

The Freedom of Information (FoI) Act, enacted in 2011, is an Act to make public records and information more freely available for public access to public records and information.

Executive Director, CTA, Faith Nwadishi and the Executive Secretary, NEITI, Dr Orji Ogbonnaya Orji made the call at “The North-Central Regional Roundtable on the FOI Act in Nigeria” held in Abuja on Wednesday.

The theme of the event is “14 Years of FOI and Extractives Transparency in Nigeria: Strengthening Access, Accountability and Citizen Engagement”.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the roundtable is part of efforts under the Strengthening Accountability and Governance in Nigeria Initiative (SAGNI).

It is a 12-month project CTA is implementing with support from the Rule of Law and Anti-Corruption Programme (RoLAC) and funding from the European Union through International IDEA.

In her address, Nwadishi said that the conversation was not just symbolic but was timely because the challenges around access to public information in Nigeria have reached a critical stage.

“Particularly in the extractive sector, which remains the economic lifeline of our country.

“Even with NEITI reports, it is still one of the most difficult sectors to obtain clear, timely and complete information from.

“The extractive sector—which includes oil, gas and solid minerals—is far too important to remain shrouded in secrecy with the huge revenue and foreign exchange earnings that come from the sector.

“It is also the sector most vulnerable to corruption, illicit financial flows, and opacity around contracts and revenue allocation.

“This is why NEITI’s reports are not just documents; they are vital instruments for FOI implementation,” she said.

She noted that there had been progress with the FOI Act since 2011 when former President Goodluck Jonathan signed the Act into law but added that implementation remained weak.

Also speaking, the Executive Secretary, NEITI, Dr Orji Ogbonnaya Orji said that the FOI Act marked a transformative moment in Nigeria’s democratic evolution.

He proposes an amendment to the FOI Act that introduces sanctions for those who weaponise it through falsehood, blackmail or institutional harassment.

“This law must protect access—and punish abuse. If we do not act, the FOI Act risks losing its moral force and democratic utility”

Orji recommended the enactment of legal penalties for FOI misuse involving false identities, misinformation and blackmail.

On her part, Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Justice, Mrs Beatrice Jeddy-Agba said that the extractive sector relied heavily on transparency to foster sustainable development.

Jeddy-Agba was represented by Mariah Obafemi in the ministry.

She said: “The extractive industry is doing a lot well in the area of transparency and even in the area of complying with the FOI Act.

“The Attorney-General, by virtue of Section 29 of the Act, is mandated to submit annual compliance reports to the National Assembly.

“I can tell you that the extractive industry is doing well. They’ve been complying over the years,” she said.

Similarly, Programme Manager EU/RoLAC, Dr Emmanuel Uche, called for the deepening of the implementation of the FOI Act in Nigeria.

He urged civil society organisations and non-state actors to join hands again, to revive whistleblower’s laws, witness protection laws and public interest disclosure laws.(NAN)

Edited by Sadiya Hamza

Buratai urges Nigerians to support FG, counter terrorists, bandits’ propaganda
Defence/Security

Buratai urges Nigerians to support FG, counter terrorists, bandits’ propaganda

175 total views today

By Collins Yakubu-Hammer

The Former Chief of Army Staff, retired Lt.-Gen. Tukur Buratai has called on Nigerians to support the Federal Government’s policies and counter the propaganda of terrorists and bandits.

Buratai made the call during his remarks at the 2025 Voice of Nigeria (VON) Forum on Tuesday in Abuja.

The forum with the theme, “Renewed Hope Agenda: Citizen Engagement and National Security” was organised by VON with support from the Ministry of Information and National Orientation.

According to him citizens engagement and national security is very fundamental, stressing that such has not been formalised over the years.

He gave a narration on how Sweden coordinated its activities which enhanced citizens’ engagement, that led to a national force and that also gave birth to the Navy Seal we have in the world today.

“Citizens engagement is a force multiplier, be it intelligence or cyber activities that affect our nation’s strategic assets and installations. It is important to engage the citizens, especially vibrant youths who are into cyber security.

“It is good to engage them to dispel negative information and counter damaging propaganda by terrorists and bandits. Engaging them will also help in national security.

“Also, citizens should be engaged to support the policies of the government, to counter the propaganda of bandits and terrorists.

“This is because the terrorists and bandits are also in the media space and the social media space.

“And it is good to bring them down, deal with them responsibly so that they will understand that the whole nation is against banditry and terrorism, ” Buratai said.

He commended the Renewed Hope Agenda of President Bola Tinubu, describing it as “true renewed hope agenda under renewed hope administration”.

Buratai explained that unlike before, the Tinubu-led administration has brought in policies that have a long term effect that would be felt for the betterment of the country.

“Renewed Hope Agenda is fundamental. It is not like a palliative approach. This is a complete departure. And we hope that as time goes on, the impact will be felt and Nigeria will be much better.

“We need a better environment for economic activities to thrive and for the society to grow. I congratulate the Director-General of the Voice of Nigeria, Malam Jibrin Ndace for organising the forum,” Buratai said. (NAN)

Edited by Sadiya Hamza

2nd anniversary: Tinubu ‘ll inaugurate 10 of 17 FCT projects – Wike  
Metro

2nd anniversary: Tinubu ‘ll inaugurate 10 of 17 FCT projects – Wike  

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By Philip Yatai

President Bola Tinubu will personally inaugurate 10 out of the 17 projects outlined for inauguration to celebrate his second year in office.

The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Mr Nyesom Wike said this after inspecting some of the projects in Abuja on Wednesday.

Wike said that the inauguration of the projects, which would begin on June 10 with the rehabilitated Abuja International Conference Centre (AICC), would last to the end of the month.

He said that Tinubu would inaugurate 10 projects by himself, while Vice President Kashim Shettima would represent Tinubu to commission three projects.

He added that Senate President Godswill Akpabio would also represent Tinubu to inaugurate two projects, while the Speaker of the House of Representatives would follow suit and inaugurate two projects.

He said that some of the projects that would be inaugurated by Tinubu, the Vice President, Senate President and Speaker of the House of Representatives would be at the satellite towns

“Mr President has agreed to commission two of the satellite towns projects and then the Vice President and the Senate President.

“So, all of them will have a reason to go to the satellite towns, and let the people see them for the first time.

“The residents are feeling the impact of governance from the federal level and will have the opportunity to see their president and the leadership of the country coming to their domain,” Wike said.

The minister explained that 19 projects were earlier scheduled for inauguration but were reduced to 17 due to time and space.

He added that another arrangement would be made by the FCT Administration to inaugurate the other projects across the FCT.

“We are very happy that Mr President has given an opportunity for us to also contribute to the vision of the “Renewed Hope Agenda”.

“You can see the joy of the children. They are all feeling the impact of Tinubu’s renewed hope agenda”, and that is what it’s supposed to be.

“We are very happy that all the promises we made we have been able to accomplish them.

“Look at the reaction from people and that tells you that if the people are happy, we are also happy,” he said.

Wike commended Tinubu for the continued support to ensure he succeed, adding that while Mr President drives the process, the legislative arm ensures approval of budgets for implementation.

Speaking on the maintenance of the AICC, the minister said that it would be handed over to Julius Berger but under his direct supervision.

“We will have an agreement with Julius Berger for the maintenance of the edifice, and we’ll pay them.

“It is not going to be business as usual where you hand it over to politicians and they do whatever they want to do.

“This time around, it will be under my supervision, and it will be managed and maintained by Julius Berger,” he said. (NAN)

Edited by Abiemwense Moru

Mokwa flood: RIMSON calls for national orientation in disaster prevention, mitigation 
Environment

Mokwa flood: RIMSON calls for national orientation in disaster prevention, mitigation 

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By Philip Yatai

Risk Managers Society of Nigeria (RIMSON) has stressed the urgent need for intensive orientation in disaster prevention, readiness and mitigation at national and local level.

The society’s President and Chairman of Governing Board, Dr Abbas Idriss, made the call in a statement in Abuja on Wednesday.

RIMSON’s call followed May 27 downpouri in Mokwa, that led to flooding the following morning, claiming 160 lives so far, with property worth millions of Naira destroyed.

Idris attributed the incident to heavy rainfall, poor drainage system, deforestation and land use changes, soil erosion, river overflow and climate change.

Condoling the Nigeria Government, people of the state and the victims, the president advocated strengthening of the state’s early warning system, reforestation programme, community education and land use planning.

He also recommended development of emergency response plans, and strengthened partnership with non-governmental organisations.

These, according to him, will help in strengthening the state preparedness, mitigation and drastically reduce the risk of flooding and improve recovery efforts.

He said the recommendations would also help Niger government to significantly reduce the incidence and impact of future flooding in the state.

At the national level, Idris recommended the creation of the Office of Risk Management of the Federation to coordinate and monitor risk management efforts across the country as a national security issue.

“There is also the urgent need to ensure disaster management agencies at the national, state and local government levels are manned by qualified risk management professionals.

“There is equally the need to upskill and equip all existing disaster management personnels for greater efficiency.

“The federal government also needs to evaluate existing early warning systems, evacuation plans and structural readiness, and review town planning and ensure strict enforcement of violations.

“There is also the urgent need for incorporation of disaster awareness and education into the national educational curriculum and the National Youth Service Corps scheme,” he said.

The president of the society also called for an upward review of budgetary allocations towards disaster prevention and providing relief to survivors.

He expressed confidence that the implementation of the aforementioned recommendations would  enhance existing disaster management efforts and proactively reduce the avoidable tragic human and economic losses.

He commended the sustained efforts of all stakeholders, especially NiMet in providing regular weather forecasts.

He reiterated RIMSON’s  commitment to sustained advocacy in promoting risk management awareness and education till it becomes a national culture that results in a more resilient, safe and prosperous nation. (NAN)

Edited by Abiemwense Moru

TAS, organised labour, others want Nigeria’s electoral system overhaul
Politics

TAS, organised labour, others want Nigeria’s electoral system overhaul

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By Emmanuel Oloniruha

Abuja School of Social and Political Thought (TAS) and organised labour have unveiled a `National Action Plan on Electoral Reform’ (NASAER), with a call for overhaul of Nigeria’s electoral system.

Executive Director of TAS, Dr Sam Amadi, who presented the initiative in Abuja, said that NASAER outlined a comprehensive strategy to strengthen Nigeria’s electoral process, ensuring transparency, fairness and inclusivity.

Amadi described NASAER as an initiative by the TAS, the Political Committees of the Nigerian Labour Congress (NLC) and the Trade Union Congress (TUC).

Other partners are Coalition of United Political Parties (CUPP) and the Inter-Party Advisory Council (IPAC).

Amadi said that the reform was to guarantee credible, free and fair general elections in 2027 and beyond.

He added that the initiative further demonstrated the commitment of the organisations to electoral justice and deepening of democracy in Nigeria through electoral integrity.

According to him, the initiative is not just on the reform of electoral laws, but on a holistic election management system.

“This will ensure that different agencies and actors in the electoral management ecosystem, particularly the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), can effectively and fairly execute the obligations vested on them by law,’’ he said.

Amadi said that experiences of the 2023 general elections and other off-season elections showed the sources of threats to free and fair elections.

He said that recommendations were made on INEC and judiciary on electoral adjudication to engender integrity and transparency.

“The experience showed that without reforming the institutional settings and procedures for electoral management, we cannot have a guarantee for credible and trustworthy elections.

“The TAS and its partners consider that the problems of electoral integrity in Nigeria require a more radical approach and proposed series of strategic actions,” he said.

“The actions must focus on ensuring a new procedure and institutional reforms in electoral management and engendering an electoral jurisprudence that promotes electoral justice.

“By providing strong incentives for electoral managers and electoral adjudicators, that will protect the rights of the people to elect their leaders,” he said.

Amadi said that they also sought legislative reforms on the Electoral Act to expand the appointment clause for the chairman of INEC and other members of the commission.

According to him, the existing order whereby the president appoints the commission’s chairman and members with the Senate confirmation should change.

“The Uwais Committee report recommended that the appointment of the INEC commissioners should be similar to the appointment of judges and that it should be based on a competitive process with a body similar to the National Judicial Council (NJC), put in place.

“In this case, the President merely makes a routine appointment from the list submitted to him, while another body will review such appointments,’’ he said. (NAN)

Edited by Francis Onyeukwu

Road construction: Wike orders compensation of affected residents in Guzape, Kpaduma
Metro

Road construction: Wike orders compensation of affected residents in Guzape, Kpaduma

180 total views today

By Philip Yatai

The Federal Capital Territory Administration (FCTA) will ensure that residents of Guzape and Kpaduma communities affected by road construction in the area are duly compensated without delay.

The Minister of the FCT, Nyesom Wike, made the pledge during a meeting with the traditional rulers and representatives of Kpaduma and Guzape communities in Abuja on Monday, over the road project.

He explained that the meeting was to address concerns over the delay in relocation of affected villagers living on the road corridor.

The minister expressed concerns over the continued presence of the residents on the road corridor marked for construction to ease traffic and boost connectivity within the FCT.

He assured the traditional leaders and community members of the government’s commitment to ensure justice and fairness to everyone affected.

He promised that every affected individual would be duly compensated, adding that a Right of Occupancy for new resettlement areas would be provided without delay.

Wike directed the Director of Resettlement to evaluate what it would cost to resettle the affected residents.

He pointed out that the compensation rate was too meagre and asked the director to increase it by 100 per cent.

“Increase their rate. If they are supposed to get N50, give them N100.

“We are not here to displace anyone unjustly. This is about building a better Abuja for all.

“We will ensure your people are properly compensated and given legal documents for their new homes,” he said.

He, however, clarified that compensation would be paid for only structures along the road corridor and not the entire community.

The minister emphasised the critical importance of the road project to the overall development plan of the capital city.

He acknowledged the deep-rooted attachment the communities have to their ancestral lands and appealed for their understanding.

According to him, government’s development efforts must sometimes involve difficult decisions.

Responding, the traditional leaders, led by Sa’peyi of Garki, Alhaji Usman Nga-Kupi, commended Wike for his transparency and the willingness to engage them directly.

Nga-Kupi acknowledged the benefits the road project would bring to the area and pledged their resolve to cooperate and support the resettlement process.

“We are grateful for the minister’s assurance and the respect shown to our people.

“We will support this effort in the interest of peace and progress”, the traditional leader said. (NAN)

Edited by Sadiya Hamza

JEE report rates FCT high on immunisation coverage  
Health

JEE report rates FCT high on immunisation coverage  

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By Philip Yatai

The Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Joint External Evaluation (JEE) Report, an Assessment of Health Security Capacities at sub-national level has rated FCT high on immunisation coverage.

Ms Nsikak Inman, Senior Officer, International Health Regulation (IHR), revealed this at the Dissemination of the FCT JEE Report, in Abuja on Monday.

Presenting the report, Inman said that the FCT was rated high on vaccination coverage as part of a state-level programme, as well as vaccine access and delivery.

She added that FCT equally did well in the surveillance system and reporting network and protocol under surveillance and reporting.

She, however, added that the Administration needs to improve on use of electronic tools and surveillance data analysis.

Other areas of strength include case management capacity for health security related events and Emergency Operations Centres capacities, procedures and plans.

Inman also said that best practices observed during the assessment include multi-sectoral representation and participation, transparency, commitment and state ownership.

Others, she said, were available human resource strategy and annual human resource gap analysis.

She however identified some gaps that need to be addressed, particularly suboptimal collaboration across relevant sectors and secretariat departments and agencies.

“There are also inadequate policies, strategies, guidelines and plans to improve health security in FCT.

“Inadequate laboratory capacity should also be addressed while budget allocation for epidemic preparedness should include animal and environmental sectors,” she said.

She explained that the Nigerian Centre for Disease Control and Prevention (NCDC), in its capacity as the IHR National Focal Point, supported state governments in assessing and identifying gaps in the health security core capacities.

She added that working with the FCT Administration, the assessment was conducted from Feb. 19 to 21, 2024, using the adapted evaluation tool for the assessment of subnational level health security capacities.

She equally said that the benchmarks for strengthening subnational health security in Nigeria to validate the self-assessment.

Earlier, the Director-General, NCDC, Dr Jide Idris, said that dissemination of the report marks a new beginning in the renewed commitments to building a stronger, more resilient health security system for the FCT.

Represented by Dr Fatima Saleh, Director, Surveillance NCDC, said that the FCTA has shown ownership and leadership, vital for a collective health security.

“The JEE is a critical component of the IHR 2005 monitoring and evaluation framework, which provides clear evidence of the strength, the gaps in our public health preparedness and response capabilities.

“It is not an end in itself; but a tool for action, a mirror that reflects where we stand today and a map that guides us where we must go,” he said.

Responding, Dr Adedolapo Fasawe, Mandate Secretary, Health Services and Environment Secretariat, welcomed the reports and reiterated the FCTA’s commitment to do better.

Fasawe, who was represented by the Permanent Secretary, Dr Baba-Gana Adam, noted that the indicators of the reports would help the FCTA to plan on how to improve on areas of weakness.

“So, we assure you that by our next report, you will see the action plan that will be done, and evidence provided to deliver and improve on our health security capabilities,” she said.

Also, the FCT Epidemiologist, Dr Lawal Ademola, emphasised that the FCT has the capacity to detect, respond, and prevent all public health concerns.

“The JEE is just a tool that is used globally to assess our strength so that we can see the gaps and work together to strengthen where those gaps are,” he said.

Speaking on the FCT performance on immunisation coverage, Dr Ruqayya Wamako, Executive Secretary, FCT Primary Healthcare Development Board, attributed the feats to the emphasis on disease prevention in the FCT,

Wamako said that the most diseases were vaccine preventable as the first level of defence, stressing that “when children are well immunised, they won’t have diseases that are vaccine preventable”. (NAN)

Edited by Abiemwense Moru

Why there’s partial disruption of water supply in FCT – Wike
Metro

Why there’s partial disruption of water supply in FCT – Wike

213 total views today

 

By Philip Yatai

Minister of Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, says the disruption of water supply in Abuja city and some satellite towns is due to the ongoing major rehabilitation of two water treatment plants.

Wike disclosed this in a statement issued by his Senior Special Assistant on Public Communications and Social Media, Mr Lere Olayinka, in Abuja on Sunday.

He said that the treatment plants were among the four facilities responsible for the production and supply of water to FCT residents.

The minister said that due to the ongoing rehabilitation of the plants, water supply from the two functioning treatment plants would be rationed for a period of two weeks.

“What is being experienced is a partial and not a total shutdown of the entire water supply to the residents of FCT, as two of the water treatment plants are still in operation.

“SCC Nigeria Ltd. is, however, working 24/7 to ensure that the rehabilitation are concluded before the scheduled time.

“Residents are, therefore, urged to store enough water to cater for their needs during this period, as supply will be rationed,’’ he said.

Wike appealed to the residents to bear with the FCT Administration, assuring that the rehabilitation, when completed, would improve water supply in the FCT.

He, however, said that the two plants undergoing rehabilitation would be temporarily powered to supply water to residents during Sallah celebrations.

“The FCT Water Board operates four water treatment plants of 30,000m3/hour, which are divided into Phases 1, 2, 3 and 4.

“As a result of the inefficiency of the plants, which are currently producing below their installed capacity, a contract was awarded for their rehabilitation to Messrs SCC Nigeria Ltd.

“The rehabilitation works have reached an advanced stage on Phases 1 and 2 where the electro-mechanical equipment, which is the prime mover of the treatment plants, are to be replaced and reinstalled.

“This warranted a total shutdown of the two plants, which are interconnected.

“However, phases 3 and 4 water treatment plants are operational but won’t sustain, meet or cater for the demands of the populace,” he said.

Wike said that the Water Board had made a rationing time-table by alternating between lines 1 and 2 of the distribution network.

This, according to him, will minimise the adverse effects of inadequate water supply to FCT residents. (NAN)

Edited by Maureen Ojinaka/’Wale Sadeeq

Group to equip 14 schools with robotic kits
Science & Tech

Group to equip 14 schools with robotic kits

178 total views today

By Diana Omueza

A group, PanAfricare Nigeria, says it will equip 14 underserved schools in six states with high-tech toolkits to encourage Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) education.

Mr Patrick Adah, the Country Director, PanAfricare Nigeria, said this in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Abuja.

Adah said that the initiative to equip underserved schools was part of its organisation’s newly unveiled “Innovation, STEM, and Partnerships for Inclusive and Relevant Education (INSPIRE) project’’.

“The INSPIRE Box is a high-tech toolkit equipped with 3D printers, robotics kits, laptops, virtual reality headsets, coding software, merge cubes, and lab equipment.

“It is designed to bring interactive STEM learning to schools that have historically lacked such resources.

“The project will be implemented in 14 underserved schools in Abia, Bauchi, Kaduna, Lagos, Rivers, and the Federal Capital Territory,” he said.

He said that in addition to the toolkit distribution, there would be teachers training in modern STEM methodologies, mentorship programmes, and STEM competitions.

These, he said, align with Nigeria’s Education Sector Renewal Initiative and the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) 4, 5, 9, 10, and 17.

Adah said that STEM education would boost healthy youthful curiosity and innovation and re-image students’ classroom learning.

He also said that there would be a deliberate focus on gender inclusion and accessibility with more than 65 per cent of the kits reserved for girls and three per cent for students with disabilities.

He commended the remarkable performances of Nigerian students in international STEM competitions recently.

“Government Secondary School, Garki, won the prestigious INSPIRE award, earning it a place at the World Robotics Championship in Houston, Texas.

“Government Science Secondary School, Maitama, received the Innovation Project Award, qualifying it for the Open Africa Championship in South Africa.

“Government Science Technical College, Garki, secured the Winning Alliance Award, also granting it participation in the World Robotics Championship in Houston,” he said.

Adah said that the outstanding achievements of young innovators in tech challenges in Nigeria should be consolidated by the government and stakeholders.

He appreciated ExxonMobil Foundation for its long-standing support in equipping young individuals with modern learning tools and mentorship.

He also highlighted the need for more sponsorship, partnerships and collaborations to sustain the empowerment of schools and students with the right equipment to enhance STEM prowess. (NAN)

Edited by Fatima Sule Abdullahi/Kadiri Abdulrahman

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