News Agency of Nigeria
FCTA reinforces commitment to inclusive, effective healthcare mgt.
Health

FCTA reinforces commitment to inclusive, effective healthcare mgt.

By Philip Yatai

The Health Services and Environment Secretariat of the Federal Capital Territory Administration (FCTA) has reaffirmed its commitment towards a more accountable, inclusive, and effective health management for quality service delivery.

The Mandate Secretary of the secretariat, Dr Adedolapo Fasawe, said this in Abuja on Wednesday during a capacity development training for health managers in FCT.

Fasawe explained that the training was initiated by the Federal Minister of Health and the Sector-Wide Approach (SWAp) Coordination Office.

She said that the training was part of efforts at leadership health strengthening and planning towards a rational, realistic, pragmatic, and comprehensive plan that informs health budgets for FCT residents.

“This underscores a shared commitment to building a healthier, more resilient FCT, and one that can serve as a model for the nation and contribute to the National One Health conversation.

“The diverse and dynamic territory, where urban pressures meet rural realities, fragmented efforts and siloed planning can no longer support the scale of transformation we seek.

“The SWAp allows us to align donor resources, government policies, and community needs under one cohesive strategy, anchored in the Health Sector Strategic Blueprint.

“It’s about giving our system the structural backbone it needs: better coordination, data-driven decisions, local ownership, pooled funding, and results that speak to real improvements in people’s lives,” she said.

Fasawe stressed that the training marks the beginning of a movement toward more accountable, inclusive, and effective health management.

She added that the training would sharpen essential leadership and technical skills among health managers.

She identified the leadership and technical skills as strategic health planning with a systems lens, use of data to inform decision making, and participatory budgeting and equitable resource allocation

Other areas included monitoring and evaluation for service improvement, stakeholder engagement across sectors and communities, and the new digital Annual Operation Plan (AOP) tool.

“These tools will help us tackle unique challenges in the FCT, from improving referral systems across health facilities to expanding access in underserved settlements and enhancing digital health infrastructure.

“We are not alone in this endeavour. Our progress rests on strong partnerships among area councils, development partners, civil society, and you, our frontline health managers.

“Each of you brings a wealth of experience, passion, and commitment that will shape this transformation.

“Let this training be a place where ideas flourish, innovations are born, and networks are strengthened.

The mandate secretary said that the efforts would transform FCT to “where every health facility delivers quality care, every community feels heard, and every policymaker is guided by evidence and empathy.

“This is not a distant dream; it is a destination within reach, if we work together.

“Let today mark the beginning of a renewed journey – one of leadership, collaboration, and unwavering commitment to health for all,” she said.

Earlier, Dr Teresa Nwachukwu, the acting Director of Health Planning, Research and Statistics, FCT HSES, noted the challenges in the health sector, ranging from poor access to low human resources for health.

Nwachukwu, who is also the SWAp Coordinator, FCT HSES, added that other challenges included weak coordination and poor use of data to inform decision-making.

She described SWAp as a “management approach that aims to build a more cohesive, effective and sustainable health sector”.

She added that the Federal Government was implementing the approach to advance the National Health Act and associated reforms.

Also, the FCT Coordinator, WHO, Dr Kumshida Balami, said that the training was critical as Nigeria takes a transformation journey towards achieving universal health coverage

The workshop signifies a spirit of collaboration, knowledge sharing, innovation, and enhancing the planning process of AOP. (NAN)

Edited by Emmanuel Yashim

COEASU urges Kaduna Govt. to implement tertiary institutions’ salary structures
Education

COEASU urges Kaduna Govt. to implement tertiary institutions’ salary structures

By Amen Gajira

The Academic Staff Union of Colleges of Education (COEASU), Gidanwaya Chapter, has called on Gov. Uba Sani of Kaduna State to implement the pending salary structures approved for staff of tertiary institutions.

Dr Christopher Yerima, newly elected Chairman of the union in Kaduna State College of Education, Gidanwaya, made the call during his inaugural speech on Monday.

Yerima identified the salary structures as the Consolidated Polytechnic and Colleges of Education Academic Staff Salary Structure (CONPCASS) and Consolidated Tertiary education Institutions Salary Structure (CONTEDISS), whose implementation were long overdue in the state.

He lamented the neglect of the state’s owned tertiary institutions, especially the college of education.

“This development and other demoralising working conditions among academic staff of the institution had led to the ongoing brain drain in the college.

“A lot of our colleagues are moving to other institutions due to poor welfare and unencouraging working conditions,” he said.

He also called on the state government to prioritise teacher education in the state and improve infrastructural facilities in the college, including staff offices.

The chairman equally called for the integration of the college into the state’s proposed education reform agenda, among other demands.

He thanked the lecturers for finding him worthy of piloting the affairs of the union and promised to operate an open-door policy, where all issues affecting academic staff would be addressed promptly.

Other officials who took the oath of office are David Madami, Vice Chairman, Victor Bowman Secretary, Grace Alkali, Treasurer, Sadiq Abubakar, Organising Secretary, and Dr Matthew Barde Publicity Secretary.

Also inaugurated were Mrs Loveth Kwas, Investment Officer, Mr Sankey Musa, Assistant Secretary, Ereje Joseph, Auditor, Dr Marajos Alkali, Ex-officio I and Victor Dutse as Ex-officio II.

The executive members will serve for a period of four years.

Inaugurating the executive members, the National President, Dr Smart Olubekun, also called on the state government to improve the welfare of workers in its tertiary institutions.

Olubekun, who was represented by the National Vice-President, North Central and Middle Belt, Noah Barde, urged the new executive members to discharge their duties with zeal, devoid of divisive tendencies based on sentiment.

He also advised the union leaders to act in accordance with the provisions of the union’s constitution,

In his remarks, the Provost of the College Dr Ayuba Aku, called for a good working relationship with the new executives.

Represented by the Deputy Provost, Academics, Mallam Abdullahi Mohamed, the provost promised the management’s full support and cooperation. (NAN)

Edited by Philip Yatai

Wike advises Gov. Okpebholo of Edo against probing Obaseki
Politics

Wike advises Gov. Okpebholo of Edo against probing Obaseki

By Philip Yatai

Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Minister Nyesom Wike has advised Gov. Monday Okpebholo of Edo, against dissipating his energy and resources to probe his immediate predecessor, Godwin Obaseki.

Wike, who gave the advice during his visit to the state, also urged the governor to concentrate on the development of Edo.

The minister said in a statement signed by his spokesman, Mr Lere Olayinka, that probing the former governor would achieve no meaningful results.

Wike stressed that it was better for Okpebholo to deploy his time and the state’s resources towards achieving his developmental goals for Edo people.

“If there is someone who would have encouraged Okpebholo to probe and prosecute Obaseki, that person should be me.

“However, what I suffered in ensuring that he returned for a second term and how he paid me back is now in the past.

“We must pass through this process in life, move on for the development of Edo.

“Therefore, don’t do it. I’m the one that should have told you to pursue this man because I know what I passed through.

“If it were to be his power, you wouldn’t be here, but God has told him, ‘you don’t have it and I have given it to whom I want to give it to’” he said.

The minister also apologised to Sen. Adams Oshiomhole, a former governor of the state, for humiliating him over Obaseki.

Wike said: Leader, I know how pained you are and what you passed through; I know it was like a humiliation to you.

“I was part of it because I humiliated you while supporting Obaseki. I apologised to you on national TV and i am still saying sorry for what I did to you.

“Let Obaseki and his team carry their problems and go. Focus on the development of Edo and you will see what you will achieve at the end of the day”.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that Wike was in Edo to inaugurate the newly constructed Edo Line Terminal in Benin, which is the second phase of the Benin Central Bus Terminal.

The event was, however, cancelled following the demise of former President Muhammadu Buhari. (NAN)

Edited by Ekemini Ladejobi

Climate finance: BRICS leaders endorse Tropical Forests Forever Fund
Foreign

Climate finance: BRICS leaders endorse Tropical Forests Forever Fund

 

The BRICS the heads of state and government have endorsed the Tropical Forests Forever Fund, a Brazilian initiative designed to deliver large-scale, predictable, and performance-based payments to countries conserving tropical forests.

The heads of state and government of the BRICS bloc endorsed the initiative at the 17th BRICS Summit held in Rio de Janeiro.

The fund aims to expand global forest cover while securing long-term environmental and climate stability, according to a report by the official website of the 2025 Brazil BRICS Presidency.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the Tropical Forests Forever Fund is set for official launch at COP30, scheduled for November 2025 in Belem, Brazil, under the country’s presidency.

The BRICS Leaders’ Framework Declaration on Climate Finance, also released during the summit, highlighted the Tropical Forests Forever Fund as a promising blended finance instrument capable of generating predictable, long-term financial flows for forest protection.

Speaking at the summit, Brazil’s Minister of the Environment and Climate Change, Marina Silva, emphasised that the Global South is constructing a strategic mechanism that leverages public resources to attract private investment at a ratio of 1 to 4.

According to the source, unlike traditional mechanisms, the Tropical Forests Forever Fund functions as a revenue-generating investment mechanism rather than relying on donations.

It pays for measurable results, rewards preserved forests instead of avoiding deforestation and integrates indigenous and traditional communities into decision-making processes.

At least 20 per cent of national payments will be allocated to these groups, in recognition of their essential role in forest stewardship.

Participating countries will receive payments proportionate to the area of preserved tropical and subtropical moist forest, with satellite-based verification ensuring deforestation remains below agreed thresholds. Penalties will be applied for degraded or cleared land. (TV BRICS/NAN) 

Edited by Emmanuel Yashim

FCT area council workers suspend strike following Wike’s intervention 
Metro

FCT area council workers suspend strike following Wike’s intervention 

By Philip Yatai

The Federal Capital Territory (FCT) chapter of the Nigeria Union of Local Government Employees (NULGE) has suspended its three-month strike following the intervention of the FCT Minister, Mr Nyesom Wike.

The suspension was announced by the union in a statement, jointly signed by its President, Ibrahim Kabir and Secretary, Andulmumini Sa’ad, in Abuja on Monday.

The union explained that its State Executive Council (SEC) resolved to suspend the strike effective from midnight after exhaustive deliberation on Monday.

It said that the development followed Wike’s directive to utilise area councils’ 10 per cent Internally Generated Revenue (IGR) to offset the workers’ three months’ salary arrears.

The union said that another resolution was for NULGE to work with the Special Committee constituted by Wike to harmonise all outstanding arrears within two weeks.

This, according to the union, was to ensure a holistic resolution through the National Assembly House Committee on FCT and Ancillary Matters.

The workers added that the union would engage with the area council chairmen to address outstanding issues.

“NULGE is committed to sustaining industrial peace and harmony within the council and FCT at large.

“The union expresses its profound gratitude to the FCT minister, the traditional council of FCT, and all relevant stakeholders for their efforts in resolving the industrial action,” the workers said.

The union identified the outstanding issues as 40 per cent peculiar allowance from January 2023 to date and 25 per cent and 35 per cent salary adjustments from June 2023.

Other issues are N35,000 wage award for six months from August 2024 to date, unremitting pension deductions, promotion arrears and other outstanding entitlements.

“The union remains committed to engaging with the area council chairmen on the remaining entitlements and looks forward to a swift resolution of all outstanding issues,” the statement said. (NAN)

Edited by Abiemwense Moru

210 beggars detained as operation sweep Abuja enters day 4
Metro

210 beggars detained as operation sweep Abuja enters day 4

By Philip Yatai

The Federal Capital Territory Administration (FCTA) has apprehended 210 beggars, under its Operation Sweep Abuja of miscreants, street beggars, traders, scavengers and other criminal elements, which commenced on Monday.

Mrs Gloria Onwuka, acting Director, Social Welfare, Social Department Secretariat, FCTA, disclosed this in Abuja on Thursday, at the end of day four of the exercise.

Onwuka said that the operation was in line with the directive of the FCT Minister, Mr Nyesom Wike.

She explained that the 210 beggars, made up of 80 men 58 women and 72 children, were camped at the Bwari Rehabilitation Centre.

The director added that scavengers, ‘one chance’ syndicate and other criminals that were apprehended were detained by the police.

She said that the beggars, who were caught in the act in different locations were being profiled and would be deported back to their various states.

The director said that some of the children begging on the streets were brought in from Kano, Katsina and other states by unidentified individuals simply to beg and hand over the proceeds to them.

She added that some of the women that were caught with children, begging on their behalf were not their biological children.

“Begging is now run like a business. People will go and hire people’s children from other states, put them in vehicles very early in the morning, come to Abuja and start begging.

“The families they are hiring these children from don’t even know that this is what they are using their children to do.

“We have caught so many of them like that.

“Also, some of the beggars will even tie a bandage on their legs claiming injuries but it’s all lies.

“There is a woman we caught who claimed she has cancer of the breast, but when we loose the bandage, there was no single wound on her breast,” Onwuka said.

On his part, Director, Security Services Department, FCTA, Mr Damy Gwary, said that the operation had so far covered the city centre, Kubwa, Gwarimpa, Asokoro, Garki and Wuse among other locations.

Gwary explained that the activities of the beggars, scavengers and other criminal elements have become a source of great concern to FCT residents.

Represented by Dr Peter Olumuji, Secretary, FCTA Command and Control Centre, the director said that the operation was to rid the city of all forms of criminal elements.

He pointed out that beggars pose security threats and constitute a nuisance in the city.

He added that Wike had directed the Commissioner of Police (CP) in the FCT and other security agencies to tackle all forms of security threats across the territory.

He added that the CP would provide updates on the progress so far, adding that the operation would continue as long as security threats exist in the FCT. (NAN)

Edited by Rotimi Ijikanmi

Tinubu int. conference centre generates N700m in 3 weeks – Wike
Metro

Tinubu int. conference centre generates N700m in 3 weeks – Wike

By Philip Yatai

The newly rehabilitated Bola Ahmed Tinubu International Conference Centre, Abuja, has generated more than N700 million in three weeks.

The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Mr Nyesom Wike, disclosed this on Sunday, during a Thanksgiving Service at St. James’ Anglican Church, Asokoro, Abuja.

The thanksgiving was for the successful completion of project inaugurations by President Bola Tinubu to celebrate his second year in office.

Wike disclosed that the person that was managing the centre before the rehabilitation was remitting only N50 million to the FCT Administration annually.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) recalls the public uproar when Wike announced that N39 billion was earmarked for the rehabilitation to upgrade the centre to international standard.

Bola Ahmed Tinubu International Conference Centre

The minister said that the move was finally paying off, with more than N700 million so far generated in just three weeks after it was reopened for public use.

“When we visited the centre in 2024, Tinubu described the centre as an eyesore, stressing that this is not the international conference centre that Nigeria should be presenting to the global community and directed that we rehabilitate the edifice.

“We shut the place down and within seven months we rehabilitated the centre.

“The shocking thing is that the man who was running it from Adamawa was paying the government N50 million a year.

“But in just three weeks that we opened it after the renovation, we have made over N700 million,” he said.

He added that when the FCT Administration took over the centre to carry out the rehabilitation, the person that was managing it called him all kinds of names.

The minister said that when he decided he would not allow the centre to be run down, some people painted all kinds of pictures and told all kinds of stories.

“These are people who claim that they want to rescue Nigeria,” he said.

He called on Nigerians to disregard people who had opportunities to be in government for several years but could not facilitate critical infrastructure in their states.

Wike explained that the thanksgiving service became necessary to thank God for the successful inauguration of 17 projects in 16 days by Tinubu to celebrate his second year in office.

“It was not easy. Nobody lost his life, no accident going from here to outside the city – Kwali, Gwagwalada and Bwari. It has not been easy.

“We thank God for the grace; we thank God for the strength given to all of us. It’s teamwork and we did it successfully,” he said. (NAN)

Edited by Yakubu Uba

Tinubu’s administration transforming FCT to a befitting nation’s capital – Wike 
Metro

Tinubu’s administration transforming FCT to a befitting nation’s capital – Wike 

 

By Philip Yatai

The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Mr Nyesom Wike says President Bola Tinubu’s administration is transforming FCT to a befitting nation’s capital.

Wike stated this on Sunday,  during a Thanksgiving Service at St. James’ Anglican Church, Asokoro, Abuja, for the successful completion of project inaugurations by Tinubu to celebrate his second year in office.

The minister said nothing was moving in the nation’s capital until the coming of Tinubu’s administration, pointing out that residents were already confessing the changes.

“This is because you have a government that is determined to make the needed changes.

“If the Tinubu government is not interested, it will be the same thing but because he is interested, he said this is not the kind of capital we should have; this is not the kind of city Nigeria should be boasting of.

“We need to transform Abuja to be like other cities in the world and he gave me a matching order to see that things are working.

“Yes, we cannot say we have completely changed Abuja but you can see the processes and the steps being taken to put Abuja where it is supposed to be,” he said.

He pointed out that most of the infrastructure, particularly roads were in a bad shape, adding that currently things were different.

The FCT minister appealed to residents and Nigerians to be patient and see what Abuja would become in the next one year.

He pointed out that some people resisted his appointment as the FCT minister because he didn’t come from a particular area in the country, which he described as “unfortunate”.

Wike lauded Tinubu for standing firm on his decision to work only with people that would support him and work with him to develop FCT.

“We are contributing our own quota and it is left for the people to judge our performance. We will continue to work hard to improve on what Mr President has promised FCT residents and NIgerians in general.

“Like the Vicar of the Church Ben Idume has said, everybody can attest to the changes Mr President has introduced in the FCT.”

Wike pointed out that for the first time under Tinubu’s administration, the FCT now appoints its Permanent Secretaries (PS) as against posting them from the Federal Civil Service.

He explained that Tinubu’s decision was to ensure that FCT workers’ growth was not retarded as they retired at the rank of directors.

“People who get to the director level retire and do not get to the permanent secretary level, but today, by the grace of God, all the civil servants in the FCT are likely to grow to the level of permanent Secretary.

“Secondly, today, FCT had its own Head of Service, who of course, is a woman and from FCT. All these are things that people should thank Mr President for.

“Also, before now, it will be difficult for FCT to access funds, but Mr President in his wisdom decided that FCT Administration should be pulled out from the Treasury Single Account.

“This has significantly helped us to access funding and execute development and infrastructural projects across the FCT,” he said.

He explained that the thanksgiving service became necessary to thank God for the successful inauguration of 17 projects in 16 days by Tinubu to celebrate his second year in office.

“It was not easy. Nobody lost his life, no accident going from here to outside the city – Kwali, Gwagwalada and Bwari. It has not been easy.

“We thank God for the grace; we thank God for the strength given to all of us. It’s teamwork and we did it successfully,” he said.

Earlier, Idume presented an Award of Excellence to the minister for the exceptional performance in infrastructural development in the FCT.

Idume observed that contrary to the opposition Wike faced, he had proven his detractors wrong as FCT minister from the southern part of Nigeria.

He described Tinubu as a “visionary leader” saying, “he appointed Wike FCTA Minister because he knew he would perform against all odds”. (NAN)

Edited by Yakubu Uba

Group lauds Tinubu for creating South-West Development Commission
General News

Group lauds Tinubu for creating South-West Development Commission

 

By Angela Atabo

The Yoruba Council of Youths Worldwide (YCYW), has applauded President Bola Tinubu for creating the South-West Development Commission.

The President of the Council, Aare Hassan, stated this during a courtesy visit to the Minister of Youth Development, Ayodele Olawande, on Friday in Abuja.

Hassan, represented by Alawode Rahmon, YCYW National Coordinator, said the commission would help to drive  infrastructure development, stimulate economic growth, and enhance social welfare in the South-West geopolitical zone.

“As part of the familiarisation meeting  between the apex Yoruba indigenous people globally, YCYW visited the Ministry of Youth Development.

“This is with the sole aim of cross fertilising ideas on various issues of regional and national development.

“We  salute President  Bola Tinubu on the establishment of the Southwest Development  Commission, and appreciate all his  efforts in supporting youths through the Ministry of Youth Development,” he said.

Hassan explained that the reason for the group’s mission to the ministry was to give full support to the Tinubu administration.

He also disclosed that its members were planning  to deliver over two million votes  in 2027 to support Tinubu’s re-election.

Hassan called on the government to scale up interventions in the areas of food security, national security, youth development and robust economic development.

He  also appealed to the President not to relent in engaging youths and  empowering them to be  strategically positioned to contribute to national development.

Responding, the minister, who was represented by his Chief of Staff, Mr Mohammed Abdullahi, commended the group’s initiative to contribute to governance.

Olawande reiterated the commitment of the ministry to support youth development in the country, adding that the forthcoming national youth confab was a step in the right direction for youth engagement.

He said that a portal had already been opened to that effect for youth registration nationwide, and it would be “youth-led, inclusive, non-partisan and transformational.”

The minister added that the  initiative aimed to “co-create youth-informed, youth-approved, and youth-led solutions” that speak directly to the needs and aspirations of Nigeria’s vibrant youth population.(NAN)

Edited by Mark Longyen

Katsina partners PEBEC to accelerate business enabling reforms
Economy/Business

Katsina partners PEBEC to accelerate business enabling reforms

By Abbas Bamalli

The Presidential Enabling Business Environment Council (PEBEC) and the Katsina State Government have engaged business leaders to access and accelerate business enabling reforms in the state.

The business leaders and other stakeholders were engaged at the State Action on Business-enabling Reforms (SABER) Technical Session and Statewide Town-Hall Meeting in Katsina.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the event which brought together key stakeholders from the public and private sectors was organised by PEBEC in collaboration with the state government.

Gov. Dikko Radda, in his remarks, said the event aimed at assessing the state’s performance on business, enabling reforms and strengthening alignment with national economic initiatives.

Radda, represented by his Deputy, Mr Faruk Lawal, reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to tackling bottlenecks and fostering a conducive environment for businesses to thrive in the state.

He added that the state had made significant progress in implementing actionable and revolving business reforms, which had helped to attract investors and promote economic growth and sustainability.

The Governor emphasised that the ease of doing business had become a top priority of the state government and would remain steadfast in achieving the desired goals.

Radda added that the state government had restructured its business framework and created the Katsina Enterprises Development Agency (KASEDA).

According to him, the aim of creating the agency was to support nano, small and medium businesses with resources and tools to grow.

“My administration is creating an enabling environment for business, especially small and medium enterprises, to operate and succeed, and we know the role of the government in creating such an enabling environment for businesses.

“As a government, therefore, we first began our journey by strengthening leadership around the Ease of Doing Business agenda.

“We appointed the Deputy Governor to chair both the Ease of Doing Business and the MSMEs,” Radda said.

In her remarks, the Director-General of PEBEC, Princess Zahrah Audu, explained that the ongoing nationwide sub-national tour was aimed at strengthening state-level ownership of the reform initiatives.

She explained that the PEBEC works closely with state governments to improve the business environment and deepen the implementation of SABER for the sustainability of ease of doing business in the country.

Audu virtually told the  participants that PEBEC was a World Bank-funded project aimed at promoting economic growth and development in Nigeria.

Earlier, the Director-General of the Katsina State Investment Promotion Agency (KIPA), Ibrahim Tukur-Jikamshi, said the meeting was a step towards deepening ease of doing business and economic reforms.

He said that Radda had embraced the SABER reforms framework not just as a compliance requirement, but as a strategic instrument for state transformation and economic inclusion.

He stated that the Radda-led government had waived all Right of Way (RoW) charges for fabric optic development and granted ‘interest-free loans’ to MSMES to simplify business support schemes in the state.

“We have exempted qualifying businesses from selected fees and levies to reduce start-up costs.

“We continued to prioritise transparency and public feedback, with all MDAs now publishing all timelines and costs,” he added.

Tukur-Jikamshi stressed that the government had taken proactive steps in mainstreaming reforms into the fabrics of the state by establishing a high-powered reforms implementation committee to deliver results across all reform sectors. (NAN)

Edited by Abdulfatai Beki/Bashir Rabe Mani

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