News Agency of Nigeria
Tinubu excited over FCT’s engagement of local contractors in projects execution 
Metro

Tinubu excited over FCT’s engagement of local contractors in projects execution 

By Philip Yatai

President Bola Tinubu has expressed excitement over the engagement of indigenous contractors in the delivery of roads and other projects in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT).

Tinubu gave the nod in Abuja on Wednesday, while inaugurating the dualised and upgraded Ushafa to War College/Army Checkpoint roads and other ancillary roads in the Bwari Area Council.

Represented by Vice President Kashim Shettima, Tinubu described the development as remarkable and worthy of celebration.

He said that the road projects being inaugurated were awarded to an indigenous contractor, adding that the decision by the administration was deliberate.

“It was born out of our belief in the competence, resilience, and ingenuity of Nigerian professionals and businesses.

“We are not just building roads; we are building capacity; we are creating jobs; we are fostering a sense of ownership and pride within our communities.

“Above all, we are demonstrating unequivocally that, given the right support and enabling environment, Nigerian contractors can deliver infrastructure that rivals the best in the world.

“This project, therefore, is not just a success story of development; it is a clear declaration that the Nigerian spirit is alive, capable, and ready to deliver excellence,” he said.

Tinubu noted that for too long, the journey between Ushafa and the War College and Army Checkpoint had been a test of endurance.

He added that every commuter, every trader, every student and every health worker, who has travelled this road had borne the burden of delay and difficulties.

“That story changes today. With this project, we have transformed a path of frustration into a corridor of opportunity.

“The dualised and upgraded roads would not only ease traffic congestion but also breathe new life into economic activities, improve access to education and healthcare, and uplift the overall quality of life for the good people of Ushafa, Bwari, and the neighbouring communities.

“Beyond the concrete and asphalt; beyond the tar and steel, this project, like the others we have commissioned across the nation, is a tangible expression of my administration’s commitment to inclusive growth and sustainable development,” he said.

From left: FCT Minister of State, Dr Mariya Mahmoud; FCT Minister Nyesom Wike and Vice President Kashim Shettima, during the inauguration of dualized Ushafa to War College/ Army Checkpoint Roads and other ancillary roads in Bwari Area Council, Abuja on Wednesday.

The president commended the FCT Minister, Mr Nyesom Wike for his commitment to ensuring that no community in the territory was left behind.

He said that Wike’s vision of an integrated capital city, where development was not confined to the city centre but extended to the suburbs and satellite communities, aligns perfectly with his “Renewed Hope agenda”.

“I am convinced, and I believe you too, that we cannot truly build a modern, functional capital city unless we ensure that every district, every council, every ward is connected and empowered.

“No part of the FCT is going to be relegated. Development must be all-encompassing.

“It is only then that we can say with confidence that Abuja works, and indeed, Abuja is working,” he said.

In his remarks, Wike said that the 16.4-kilometre road project was awarded to Abdul Val Construction Company in line with Tinubu administration’s directive to encourage local contractors.

“I agree with Mr President; we must build our own,” he said.

The minister said he was sceptical about the capacity of the contractor to deliver, adding, however, that after about 15 inspection visits, the contractor had delivered on time and within expected standard.

He commended Tinubu for identifying with residents of satellite towns through execution of various life-impacting projects.

Also speaking, the FCT Minister of State, Dr Mariya Mahmoud, noted that Tinubu’s support had continued to open up new corridors of growth and development across the FCT.

Mahmoud pledged that the FCT Administration would work tirelessly to bring more dividends of democracy to every part of the territory. (NAN)

Edited by Rotimi Ijikanmi

Wike meets area council chairmen, NUT, NANs over teachers’ strike 
Metro

Wike meets area council chairmen, NUT, NANs over teachers’ strike 

By Philip Yatai

The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Mr Nyesom Wike, will meet with chairmen of FCT area councils, leadership of the Nigeria Union of Teachers (NUT) and National Association of Nigeria Students (NANs) on Thursday.

The meeting, according to a statement by NANs in Abuja on Wednesday, is to finalise modalities for the reopening of all public primary schools in the FCT.

The statement was signed by NANs National President, Olushola Oladoja and the association’s National Public Relations Officer, Adeyemi Ajasa.

The association explained that it had earlier resolved to stage a mass protest Wednesday morning at the Federal Capital Territory Administration (FCTA) Secretariat.

It added that its leadership was invited to a high-level engagement at the Department of State Services (DSS) Headquarters, where the issues at hand were thoroughly discussed in the interest of national security and students’ welfare.

It said that the first meeting at the DSS paved the way for a second strategic meeting with the Chairman, House of Representatives Committee on FCT, Muktar Betara.

NANs said that the engagement revealed the root causes of the ongoing industrial action by the NUT and the efforts made thus far by the Wike-led FCTA.

It added that a third meeting was held with Wike on Tuesday, where the minister explained the issues at hand.

“That the FCT remains the only unit of the federation operating full local government autonomy, hence all salary payments, including that of primary school teachers, are the sole responsibility of the area councils.

“The FCT Administration is not directly responsible for the backlog of teachers’ salaries and therefore should not be held solely accountable for the inadequacies of the area councils.

“In a show of responsibility and commitment to resolving the crisis, Wike intervened by proposing a bailout—with FCTA offering to pay 60 per cent of the outstanding arrears while the area councils cover the remaining 40 per cent.

“When it became clear that this arrangement was not yielding desired results, the FCT minister withheld the Internally Generated Revenue (IGR) of the area councils for the months of May and June, with a plan to utilize these funds to make up the 40 per cent requested of area council to clear the outstanding arrears owed to teachers.

“That based on this intervention, it was expected that the two-month arrears withheld be ready before the end of the week,” it said.

The association said that based on the productive engagements and emerging progress, it hereby suspends the planned protest while keeping close tabs on the implementation of all resolutions reached.

“We reaffirm our commitment to defending the rights of Nigerian students and ensuring that no child is denied access to education due to governmental lapses,” he said. (NAN)

Edited by Sadiya Hamza

FCT emergency department barricades flood-prone slip road in Abuja
Metro

FCT emergency department barricades flood-prone slip road in Abuja

By Philip Yatai

The Federal Capital Territory Emergency Management Department (FEMD) has barricaded the slip road connecting Goodluck Jonathan Expressway with Ring Road II at Galadimawa Interchange, Abuja.

The acting Director-General of the department, Mr Abdulrahman Mohammed, said during the exercise in Abuja on Tuesday, that the move was to prevent vehicular movement due to recurrent flooding on the road.

Mohammed explained that the road was usually flooded every rainy season, adding that the water level on the slip road was already building up.

According to him, barricading the road is part of being proactive to ensure that no life is lost to flooding on the road, thereby saving lives and property.

“Recalled that heavy floods on the slip road in 2019 claimed the life of Director of Finance of the FCT High Court, Mr Tony Okecheme.

“We decided to close the slip road to vehicular movement today due to the rising water level, posing a serious danger to motorists.”

He appealed to residents of the FCT for their understanding, and urged motorists to seek alternative routes.

He further appealed to residents against driving through a pool of water but wait for it to recede, calling on residents to always use the 112 emergency toll free number in the event of a disaster. (NAN)

Edited by Abiemwense Moru

Tinubu promises continued funding of life-impacting projects in FCT
Metro

Tinubu promises continued funding of life-impacting projects in FCT

By Philip Yatai

President Bola Tinubu has pledged his administration’s continued support to the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Mr Nyesom Wike, to continue delivering life-impacting projects in the territory.

Tinubu made the pledge in Abuja on Tuesday, while inaugurating the newly constructed Collector Road CN-8 (Asuquo Okon Street) and other connected roads in Dakibiyu District.

The road stretches from Arterial Road N-5 (Obafemi Awolowo Way) in Jabi District, to the Arterial Road N-1 (Olushegun Obasanjo Way) in Dakibiyu District.

Represented by Vice President Kashim Shettima, Tinubu said this administration remained steadfast in its support for the FCT Administration.

He commended Wike’s efforts, “whose sense of urgency in the execution of projects is well known to Nigerians”.

Tinubu said: The capital of this nation must reflect the strength and dignity of all who call it home.

“We are determined to ensure that development knows no postcode, that governance does not discriminate, and that the dignity of our citizens is not defined by their geography.

“We will continue to provide the resources, policy backing, and institutional cooperation needed to ensure that projects like this are delivered on time and to the highest standards.

“Our goal is to build a capital that works for everyone.

“So, as we commission this road, let it be a symbol not just of connectivity but of commitment, not just of movement but of momentum”.

The President stressed that there was no louder proof of a government’s seriousness than the modernisation of its cities.

He added: “When a city works, when its roads are paved, when its lights are on, and when its traffic flows smoothly, it tells the world that its government is not just present but purposeful.

“Infrastructure, after all, is not just about concrete and steel. It is the most persuasive advertisement of leadership, of order, and of vision.

“A modern city inspires confidence, attracts investment, and most importantly, restores the dignity of those who call it home.

“That is why today’s occasion is not just about commissioning a road, it is a grand reassurance that cities must work for their people and that a functioning capital is the foundation upon which a functioning nation is built”.

The president said that, for too long, inadequate infrastructure has choked the aspirations of communities in Dakibiyu District.

He added that the newly constructed roads would breathe life into communities long waiting to be seen and long waiting to be served.

According to him, the dividends of the project are immediate and enduring.

“Communities will flourish, congestion will ease, and most critically, livelihoods will thrive.

“Shops will open, markets will thrive, children will return to school faster, emergency services will arrive quicker.

“This is what we mean when we speak of Renewed Hope; not lofty rhetoric, but practical impact; not policy for the sake of politics, but policy translated into progress.

“Every road we build, every bridge we complete, every community we connect is a firm step towards a more inclusive, more equitable Nigeria,” he said

In his remarks, Wike thanked Tinubu-led Federal Executive Council for approving the project which began in October 2024.

He explained that the project became necessary due to the terrible state of the road leading to several government institutions in the area.

“Your Excellency, I thank you for your continued support, and we will continue to solicit for more,” he said.

Similarly, the FCT Minister of State, Dr Mariya Mahmoud, noted that Tinubu’s “Renewed Hope Agenda” has continued to bring tangible transformation to the FCT.

Mahmoud described the project as, yet another testament to Tinubu administration’s unwavering commitment to infrastructural development and inclusive urban growth. (NAN)

Edited by Rotimi Ijikanmi

ALGON calls for implementation of local govt. autonomy
Metro

ALGON calls for implementation of local govt. autonomy

By Okon Okon
The Association of Local Governments of Nigeria (ALGON) has called for the implementation of local government autonomy to strengthen grassroots governance structure.
ALGON National President, Mr Bello Lawal, made the call during the 2nd Quarter Stakeholders and Citizens Engagement Forum, organised by the Ministry of Special Duties and Intergovernmental Affairs in Abuja.
Lawal, who was represented by Mr Emmanuel Akala, a former Chairman of Karu Local Government Area, Nasarawa State, commended President Bola Tinubu for initiating the autonomy process.
“We at ALGON, and many stakeholders here, believe that the local government system is supposed to be the strongest tier because it is the closest to the people.
“Every Nigerian resides in a local government, not at the state or federal level,” he said.
He expressed appreciation to civil society organisations and the ministry for advocating financial autonomy and lauded President Tinubu for approaching the Supreme Court to pursue direct funding for local governments.
“It’s almost a year since the judgment was delivered. We are hopeful that implementation will commence soon, and we urge the implementation committee to fast-track action,” he said.
Lawal highlighted ongoing national programmes by ALGON aimed at enhancing grassroots development, including the ALGON Primary Healthcare Revitalisation and Operationalisation Programme.
According to him, the initiative seeks to make primary healthcare centres the first point of medical access for all citizens, thereby reducing maternal mortality and improving healthcare for women and children.
He said the programme seeks collaboration with federal and state governments, private sector actors, development partners and traditional institutions.
ALGON is also championing a National Integrated Local Government System, focusing on digital registration of births, deaths, marriages, and indigenisation processes.
Also speaking, the Director-General, Committee of Youth on Mobilisation and Sensitisation (CYMS), Chief Obinna Nwaka, decried the poor monitoring of constituency projects, and called for urgent renovation of the National Merit House.
“The Merit House is in a state of disrepair. It is not befitting for the calibre of events it is meant to host. The ministry should urgently liaise with the FCT Minister to renovate the facility,” he said.
Nwaka also raised concerns about impersonation during the National Merit Award processes, alleging fraudulent activities by individuals posing as ministry officials.
He recalled a previous case in which CYMS worked with the Department of State Services (DSS) to expose a syndicate collecting large sums from unsuspecting individuals under false pretences of award nominations.
According to him, CYMS remains a critical stakeholder in programme monitoring, mobilisation, and policy implementation and should be carried along in future engagements.
Also, the President of the Forum of Heads of Local Government Administration in Nigeria, Alhaji Abdulrahman Marafa, represented by Mr Attahiru Ibrahim, urged the ministry to involve grassroots administrators in monitoring and evaluation of projects.
“We are the technical people on ground and understand the challenges at the local level. It is important that we are involved in project supervision and assessments,” he said.
Responding to concerns raised, Mrs Mercy Musa, Acting Secretary of the Nigerian National Merit Award (NNMA), clarified the nomination process for the national honours.
“Nominations are free and open. Advertisements are placed in newspapers and on our website from Dec. 15 to March 31 every year.
“Nominees are assessed by over 50 independent assessors and if found worthy, are confirmed by the President,” she said.
In his remarks, the Minister of Special Duties and Intergovernmental Affairs, Mr Zaphaniah Jisalo, represented by the Permanent Secretary, Dr Onwusoro Maduka, said the engagement forum was designed to deepen stakeholder participation in the ministry’s activities.
“This forum is a platform for interaction, mutual understanding, and feedback.
“The Tinubu administration is committed to improving the lives of citizens through health, infrastructure, education, and more,especially at the grassroots,” he said.
Jisalo assured stakeholders that the ministry would ensure more inclusive and collaborative efforts moving forward.
“Going forward, we will build more robust relationships with stakeholders.
“We will engage communities and carry stakeholders along to ensure value for money and evidence-based project implementation,” he said. (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)
Edited by Rotimi Ijikanmi
NBC moves to build border community resilience for economic devt   
Metro

NBC moves to build border community resilience for economic devt   

By Philip Yatai

The National Boundary Commission (NBC) says it is building border community resilience for economic development through cross border cooperation.

The Director-General of the commission, Mr Adamu Adaji, stated this at the commemoration of the 2025 African Border Day, in Abuja on Monday.

The theme of the event was “Building Border Community Resilience and Economic Development through Cross Border Cooperation”.

Adaji said that Nigeria’s security and economic prosperity were directly interconnected with close neighbours.

He added that over the years, the country had systematically cultivated good relationships with its neighbours as strategies for national security and economic prosperity.

He said that the NBC has championed the engagements in a series of trans-border cooperation workshops to build confidence and downplay the weight of borders.

“The NBC is committed to a transformation process and effective border governance through the definition and determination of Nigeria’s territorial borders.

“This is because good fences make good neighbours.

“In addition to the effective efforts to demarcate and delimit all our boundaries with our neighbours to prevent conflict and disputes, the Commission champions the facilitation of equitable utilisation of transboundary resources.

“Our activities of cross border cooperation with our close neighbours are always inclusive of our border communities,” he said.

Adaji said that the NBC engages and works in close collaboration with the border communities, the local border authorities and traditional institutions.

According to him, the stakeholders are key in building community resilience, social cohesion, and in helping to secure territorial borders as well as enhancing the prospects for economic development of the country.

The NBC boss explained that the African border day was being celebrated by member states to raise awareness on the critical role international borders play in promoting peace and security.

He added that the day was also used to promote regional integration and inclusive socio-economic development across the continent.

“The day is also used to highlight the significant role of the African Union Convention on Cross-Border Cooperation in the integration of countries across the continent.

“The essence of today’s celebration is to bring together all relevant stakeholders to reflect on the day and to celebrate African Border Day.

“The theme is in line with the African Union’s all-embracing theme of the year:

“Justice for Africans and People of African Descent Through Reparations”, he said.

In his remarks, the Deputy Governor of Bayelsa, Sen. Lawrence Ewhrudjakpo, Chairman, Nigeria’s Coastal Border Platform, called for the creation of special funds for the boundary platforms to function.

Ewhrudjakpo also advocated the establishment of marine corps for intelligence gathering and ensuring safety along Nigeria’s coastal borders.

Also, the Deputy Governor of Sokoto, Mr Idris Gobir, Chairman, Nigeria -Niger International Border Platform, stressed the need for construction of border fences to ensure the safety of citizens.

According to him, strengthening cross border cooperation will not yield the desired results if Nigeria’s borders remain porous and accessible to all kinds of criminal elements.

The event was attended by stakeholders from across the country, including representative of security agencies. (NAN)

Edited by Abiemwense Moru

Wike taking governance closer to FCT residents – Tinubu
Metro

Wike taking governance closer to FCT residents – Tinubu

By Philip Yatai

President Bola Tinubu says the leadership quality of the Minister of Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, is taking governance closer to the residents of the territory.

Tinubu stated this in Abuja on Monday while inaugurating the newly-constructed access roads in Giri district, executed by the Wike-led FCT Administration.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the project was the13th so far inaugurated, out of the 17 outlined for inauguration to celebrate Tinubu’s second year in office.

Represented by the Speaker of the House of Representatives, Abbas Tajudeen, the president said that Wike’s work speaks for itself in every corner of the FCT.

“From the vast-spaced districts of Maitama, Jahi, Katampe, Wuye, Mabushi and the likes, to the towns of Gwagwalada, Kwali, Bwari and Abaji, and the growing communities of Kabusa, Ketti and now Giri district, your leadership has brought progress closer to the people.

“You have not only embraced the visions of my administration’s “Renewed Hope Agenda”, you have localised it, made it meaningful and made it real.

“Your actions have brought quality and excellence to the dual states of communities long laid in the shadows.

“Honourable minister, on behalf of myself, my administration and the good people of the FCT, I say thank you for reminding us that good governance is not about fanfare, but about footsteps,” he said.

Tinubu said that the newly-constructed access roads were not just infrastructural achievements, but a statement of intention to open up Giri district and the FCT.

To the residents of Giri, Tinubu said: “May these roads lead you to greater opportunities; may they carry your children to school, farmers to markets, families to healthcare and dreams to reality.”

In his remarks, Wike said that the district houses University of Abuja, Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) Academy and other institutions.

He said that EFCC would be the first beneficiary of the access road, as it would encourage it to commence construction of its academy.

“Most of the problem we’re having here is that sometimes, when you allocate land, there are no facilities, no infrastructure, and people are not encouraged to develop the allocated land.

“So, we will do everything we can to see that basic infrastructure is provided in Giri to become an important district that will attract so many investors,” he said.

The minister further stated that efforts had begun to construct the critical road network in the district.

He said that he had already asked the acting Executive Secretary of Federal Capital Development Authority (FCDA), Mr Richard Dauda, and other experts to begin working on the details.

Wike added that the road network would help to stop land grabbing by University of Abuja, adding that the university had grabbed 11,000 hectares without authorisation.

“So, I have told the director of land and other relevant agencies to carve out 4,000 hectares and give it to the university.

“The other ones would be reallocated because we are going to provide the roads here, and that is the true situation,” he said.

On her part, the FCT Minister of State, Dr Mariya Mahmoud, described the project as yet another shining example of the Tinubu-led administration’s commitment to infrastructure development, connectivity and inclusive growth.

According to Mahmoud, the Giri road is part of a broader initiative to open up under-served communities and stimulate economic activities within the area councils.

Earlier, Dauda said that the project was awarded in November 2024 to provide access roads to the district, planned to be an institutional area.

He stated that the proposed main sewage treatment plant for the city at Giri was also located within the district. (NAN)

Edited by ‘Wale Sadeeq

PDP chieftain hails Tinubu on infrastructure, cautions against malicious criticism
Metro

PDP chieftain hails Tinubu on infrastructure, cautions against malicious criticism

By Angela Atabo

Mr Segun Showunmi, a chieftain of opposition Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), has lauded President Bola Tinubu on infrastructure development and cautioned against malicious criticism of the administration.

Showunmi made the commendation and his position known in Suleja, Niger State, during a joint inspection of the Suleja-Minna Road with the Minister of Works, David Umahi.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports the Minister of State for Works, Bello Goronyo, and the Chairman, Senate Committee on Works, Sen. Onyekachi Nwaebonyi, were also on the inspection team.

Showunmi, former spokesperson to Atiku Abubakar, PDP presidential candidate during the 2019 presidential campaign, said he was satisfied with the administration in the area of road infrastructure.

“All eyes have been on the Minister of Works, due to the importance of roads.

“Although I am in opposition, but what I can say is that Mr president , thank you for this one. We have seen this one, we want to see more, like Oliver Twist,” he said.

Showunmi said he had raised questions about some road projects including the Sokoto-Badagry Expressway, Lagos-Calabar Coastal Highway and the Suleja-Minna Road project.

He said he has been concerned about the road projects, but he got positive results.

Showunmi urged Nigerians to stop peddling malicious news but confirm things before believing anything.

“We have our nation’s integrity to protect. We have our nation to jointly build and we have our democracy to defend, protect and keep pushing.

“However, by no means does democracy translate in a global war, to constantly shaming your country, never seeing any good about your country, and instigating people only to hate the government and fight themselves,” he said.

Umahi commended Showunmi for asking questions about ongoing road projects to get clarifications rather than embarking on baseless criticism like some people.

“When he asked questions, I said I will not talk, we have to go and inspect. For me, this is constructive opposition.

“This is very important and I can say that it is a new dawn in our politics because opposition is not about destruction of the nation.

“Opposition is about pointing out certain things you think that the government in power are not doing well.

“I am very grateful to Mr President for his support and commitment in the delivery of road infrastructure,” he said.

Umahi stressed that the Tinubu administration is committed to delivering critical infrastructure to Nigerians under the Renewed Hope Agenda.

The Minister said the administration is delivering road infrastructure with a lifespan of 100 years on concrete pavement.

According to him, the quality of the roads is the same nationwide, including the Lagos Calabar Coastal Highway, the Sokoto-Badagry and others.

NAN reports that the minister declared a state of emergency on the construction of the Suleja-Minna Road.

Umahi explained that the road project was awarded initially to Salini Nigeria Limited, but work had either been done badly or abandoned at some point and efforts to get them to repair the road over a year and a half had been unsuccessful.

Umahi, who said the contract has been irrevocably terminated due to the bad work, said Salini has been sanctioned to use the money owed to government on the project to deliver an assigned portion of the road with strict supervision.

He, therefore, said that if Salini failed to comply with the directive, then the ministry would seek the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC)’s intervention to recover government money.

Sen. Nwaebonyi appreciated President Tinubu’s commitment and Umahi’s performance in the handling and delivery of road projects.

“The one that impressed me most is the Lagos-Calabar Coastal Highway.

“The plan of the president is to open up more roads and by doing so more economic corridors are opened, all geared towards the economic renaissance and prosperity of our country.

“I want to appreciate Mr president and assure him that as parliament we will continue to support all his good programmes and policies all geared towards making Nigerians happy to the glory of God.”

Also speaking, Goronyo, appreciated the president for giving infrastructure its rightful place.

He also commented Showunmi for carrying out opposition’s mandate in the proper way, by investigating what the government of the day was doing.

“This is something that is new in our polity because people in opposition stay in their comfort zones and criticise the government without knowing what is happening.

“You took your time to join us to see for yourself and appreciate what the government of our dear president is doing in this country.

“Let me commend you highly for your patriotism, your vision for this country.

“We pray God Almighty to continue to give us more of your calibre that will come out to speak the truth, no matter who is there because the country is for all of us and we have to appreciate our country.”

He called on Nigerians to shine their eyes and not be misled as the president is committed to economic growth, human capital and infrastructure development, which are key drivers of socio-economic goals and development. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Rotimi Ijikanmi

FG launches life-jacket safety initiative
Metro

FG launches life-jacket safety initiative

Life-jacket

By Diana Omueza

The Federal Government has launched a Life-Jacket Initiative, urging water commuters to prioritise safety and adhere strictly to guidelines to prevent recurring boat mishaps nationwide.

Mr Adegboyega Oyetola, Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, disclosed this in a statement on Friday by Mrs Anastasia Ogbonna, Director of Information and Communications.

Oyetola was represented by Mr Hussieni Shettima, Director of Marine Conservation, Innovation and Technology, at the launch of the Life-Jacket Initiative in Taraba.

He noted that distributing life-jackets is part of the government’s continued efforts to improve safety on Nigeria’s inland waterways.

“The Federal Ministry of Marine and Blue Economy, in collaboration with the Taraba government, has taken a major step to enhance water transport safety.

“A crucial batch of life-jackets was officially handed over to the National Inland Waterways Authority (NIWA), Jalingo Area Office, today.

“This milestone marks an important phase in the ongoing campaign to reduce accidents on Taraba State’s waterways,” Oyetola said.

He emphasised that joint efforts between federal and state bodies would yield concrete, life-saving results for local water users.

Oyetola explained that the jackets would improve safety for those relying on the Benue, Donga, and Taraba rivers for travel and trade.

He stressed that long-term success depended on community compliance, continuous public awareness, and strong regulatory enforcement.

The Minister said providing safety equipment like life-jackets could significantly reduce accidents and ultimately save many lives. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Augusta Uchediunor / Kamal Tayo Oropo

Kabusa-Ketti Road: Tinubu reaffirms commitment to opening up FCT rural economies 
Metro

Kabusa-Ketti Road: Tinubu reaffirms commitment to opening up FCT rural economies 

By Philip Yatai

President Bola Tinubu has reiterated his administration’s commitment to open up economies of rural communities in the Federal Capital Territory through construction of more rural roads.

Tinubu made the commitment in Abuja on Friday, while inaugurating the newly constructed 10-kilometre Kabusa-Ketti Road in Abuja Municipal Area Council, to celebrate his second year in office.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that seven communities were connected by the stretch of the road, which began from Kabusa and terminated at Ketti.

Represented by the Speaker of the House of Representatives, Dr Tajudeen Abbas, the president added that his administration was committed to bringing tangible change in rural areas across the country.

He said that the 10km Kabusa-Ketti Road may appear modest in the eyes of some, but for the people of the area and the surrounding communities, “it is transformational”.

“This vital infrastructure connects communities of large economic potential and affirms our administration’s commitment to equitable developments across every corner of our nation.

“This road not only eases mobility; it enhances trade; it improves access to schools and healthcare, and it ensures that rural and peri-urban communities are not left behind in the march towards progress.

“This project aligns fairly with the “Renewal Hope Agenda” of my administration, which places people at the centre of governance.

“We believe that good governance is not theory; it is action reflected in the daily lives of the people.

“Our government remains steadfast in its resolve to deliver on critical infrastructure: roads, schools, hospitals, power and digital access, not only in city centres but also in the smaller communities that form the backbone of our nation,” he said.

Tinubu assured rural communities in FCT and across the country of more life-impacting projects to come.

He commended the Minister of the FCT, Mr Nyesom Wike for a job well done, and for delivering the project to the satisfaction of the people.

Eelier, Wike said that the project was awarded to a local contractor who began the execution of the project in December 2024.

He commended the contractor for completing the project on time and thanked community leaders and the youths in Ketti for supporting the contractor to deliver the project in record time.

“The importance of the road is why you see the community members coming out in their numbers to celebrate and that is what the government owes to the people.

“When government does its work, you will see the reflection in the faces of the people. I am sure this is the first time the people of Ketti are getting government attention,” he said.

NAN reports that shortly after the project inauguration, Wike visited Wassa District to inspect the permanent site allocated for the relocation of Apo Mechanics’ traders and dealers.

The visit, according to the minister, is to see the site to be able to determine the kinds of infrastructure to be put in place to facilitate the relocation of the traders and dealers from the Outer Southern Expressway corridor. (NAN)

Edited by Muhammad Lawal

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