NEWS AGENCY OF NIGERIA
FG inaugurates FMBN’s board, urges improvement on mortgage disbursement
Metro

FG inaugurates FMBN’s board, urges improvement on mortgage disbursement

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By Angela Atabo

The Minister of Housing and Urban Development, Ahmed Dangiwa, has inaugurated the Chairman and Members of the Federal Mortgage Bank of Nigeria (FMBN) Board.

Dangiwa, while inaugurating the Board on Monday in Abuja, tasked them on mortgage disbursement efficiency.

He described FMBN as the cornerstone of Nigeria’s affordable housing delivery system and implementing institution of the National Housing Fund (NHF) Scheme.

He said through FMBN, Nigerians in both informal and the formal sectors, would access mortgage loans with single-digit interest rates of six to seven per cent with repayment periods of up to 30 years, and equity contributions as low as zero to 10 per cent.

“FMBN must work and it must work better. That is why this board’s role is not just ceremonial. You are here to lead reforms, drive oversight, ensure transparency, and unlock the full potential of the bank.

“I expect this board to holistically reposition FMBN. This means that FMBN under your leadership must transform, it must innovate, and it must lead a new era of inclusive housing finance in Nigeria.

“The board must drive expansion of the NHF contributor base and strengthen its partnership ecosystem.

“The bank must improve mortgage disbursement efficiency. At least 20,000 Nigerians should be able to access mortgage loans annually, with faster turnaround times and a vastly improved customer service culture.”

Dangiwa said the statutory responsibilities empowered the board to act as the bank’s strategic compass setting direction, guiding execution, and ensuring results.

“I expect this board to provide strategic leadership in pushing forward the legislative amendments and institutional reforms necessary to modernise the bank.

“I expect the new board to deepen institutional reforms, strengthen governance, and expand impact in line with the statutory functions outlined in the FMBN Act and the expectations of the Renewed Hope Agenda,” he said.

Dangiwa charged the board to drive some strategic targets in line with the Renewed Hope Agenda like moving forward with the long-delayed ₦500 billion recapitalisation to expand FMBN’s capacity to provide affordable housing finance.

“The board must deepen the bank’s digital transformation journey so NHF contributors could register, check balances, apply for loans, and track application progress online.

He urged the Board to also ensure greater loan performance and accountability and there must be a clear commitment to expanded access to housing, with the bank delivering a minimum of 5,000 new homes annually.

Responding, the Chairman of the board, Dr Nasir Gawuna, commended President Bola Tinubu for finding the board worthy and giving them the opportunity to serve the country.

Gawuna said: “We are lucky to be in this board. We have no reason not to perform. God willingly, we are going to enjoy a lot in terms of cooperation and push for delivery; we will give our best.”

He assured the staff and management of FMBN of the board’s cooperation for the bank to achieve the Renewed Hope Agenda.

“This is because having a roof under your head is something that all will want to have. So, I am giving my word on behalf of the board to the President, that by God’s grace, we shall deliver to his mandates,” Gawuna assured. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Shuaib Sadiq/Joe Idika

FCTA seals PDP HQ over 28-year unpaid ground rent
Metro

FCTA seals PDP HQ over 28-year unpaid ground rent

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By Philip Yatai

The Federal Capital Territory Administration (FCTA) has taken possession of Wadata Plaza, the building used by the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) as its National Secretariat, due to 28 years of unpaid ground rent.

Director of Lands at the FCTA, Mr Chijoke Nwankwoeze, said the action followed the revocation of the property’s land title, which was formally served on the property owner, Sen. Samaila Kurfi, on March 14.

Nwankwoeze explained that the property, located on Plot 1970, Michael Okpara Street, Wuse Zone 5, Abuja, was officially reverted to the FCTA after repeated failure to settle outstanding annual ground rent spanning nearly three decades.

He noted that the revocation notice was properly delivered to Kurfi’s registered address in Kaduna.

When asked whether the PDP had been notified, Nwankwoeze clarified that the FCTA did not deal with tenants, but only with the rightful property owners recorded in its database.

The property, he said, was among 4,794 titles revoked in March due to unpaid ground rent totaling more than N6 billion.

“The PDP property is the sixth to be sealed so far. This enforcement exercise will continue until all revoked properties are addressed,” he added.

Also speaking, Mr Lere Olayinka, Senior Special Assistant to the FCT Minister on Public Communications and Social Media, rejected any political interpretation of the action.

He emphasised that the operation was purely administrative and conducted in line with the provisions of the Land Use Act.

“This is not a political witch-hunt. It’s an enforcement of land administration regulations,” Olayinka said.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that other sealed properties include a Total petrol station, Access Bank, the Federal Inland Revenue Service (FIRS) office, Ibro Hotel, and Mamuda Group Warehouse, all located in Wuse Zone 5, Abuja. (NAN)

Edited by Abiemwense Moru

Ground rent: FCTA seals FIRS, Access Bank, Chinese centre others
Metro

Ground rent: FCTA seals FIRS, Access Bank, Chinese centre others

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By Philip Yatai

The Federal Capital Administration (FCTA) has sealed the premise of Federal Internal Revenue Service (FIRS), Access Bank and Total Energy in Wuse over unpaid ground rent.

The FCTA also sealed the Chinese Cultural Centre, Wuse, belonging to Jade Garden Restaurants, for nonpayment of ground rent for 19 years.

The Director of Land, FCTA, Mr Chijoke Nwankwoeze, explained during the exercise in Abuja on Monday, that the properties have reverted to the FCTA.

Nwankwoeze said that the exercise marks the commencement of taking possession of more than 4,794 revoked properties by the FCTA, over unpaid ground rent amounting to more than N6 billion.

He explained that the FIRS building on Plot 627, Wuse Zone 5, owed the FCTA ground rent for 25 years.

He also said that Access Bank building, on Plot No. 2456, Wuse I, Cadastral Zone A02, Abuja, belonging to Rana Tahir Furniture Nig. Ltd, had also not paid ground rent for 34 years.

He said that the property has thus reverted to the FCTA who has now taken possession thereof.

Earlier, the enforcement team sealed Total Energy Petrol Station on Plot 534 Cadastral Zone A02 Wuse Zone 1, belonging to Total PLC, over unpaid ground rent for more than 10 years.

The Director, Development Control, Mr Mukhtar Galadima, who led the task force, said that the action was to take possession of the property which had been revoked in March.

Galadima recalled that the FCTA has announced its decision to take possession of the more than 4,000 revoked properties in the territory for non-payment of ground rent for more than 10 years.

“So, today is just to comply with what we have said that we are going to take over all the revoked properties and we are starting with Plot 534 Cadastral Zone A02 at Wuse Zone 1, owned by Total PLC,” he said.

Also sealed is the office premises of the National Agency for the Prohibition of Trafficking in Persons on Plot 2028, Dalaba Street, Wuse, belonging to Nigeria Sugar Company Ltd for the same offence.

Grand Ibro Hotel, on Plot 2359, Wuse Zone 5, whose land title belongs to Dubabi and Company, was also sealed over 26-year unpaid ground rent, including Mamuda Group Warehouse.

However, shortly after FIRS premises was sealed, the seals were removed, which Galadima described as a criminal offence, adding that the FCTA would take legal action. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Sadiya Hamza

Nasarawa Govt. to establish first electric vehicles production factory in Nigeria
Metro

Nasarawa Govt. to establish first electric vehicles production factory in Nigeria

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By Sunday John

The Nasarawa State Government says it will sustain efforts to utilise lithium resources in the state towards establishing the first electric vehicles factory in Nigeria.

Gov. Abdullahi Sule stated this at an event organised by the Abdullahi Sule Gidan-Gidan Support Group to commemorate his six years in office.

The event held on Sunday in Lafia.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the state’s lithium reserves have garnered significant attention, particularly with the recent inauguration of a lithium processing factory in the state.

The factory was built by Avatar New Energy Materials Company Limited.

Sule said that the development aligns with the Federal Government’s efforts to promote clean energy and reduce reliance on fossil fuels.

He added that his government would ensure that all mineral resources, including lithium produced in the state were processed there before being exported or transported to other states and countries.

The governor added that in spite of government’s efforts, it was only the first stage of lithium processing that is currently taking place in the state.

“We will continue to engage investors and strategic partners to ensure that the second stage, which is the production of battery and assembling of vehicles in the state is done.

“My administration’s desire is to achieve this milestone,” Sule said.

Sule, who feared that his administration may not complete the project, assured that his predecessor would bring it to fruition.

Sule thanked President Bola Tinubu for his impressive economic reforms, promised to key into the president’s reforms for the overall development of the state.

The governor also promised to use the remaining two years of his administration to better the lots of the citizens.

Earlier, Hajiya Hussaina Sule and Chairperson of the support group, said that the event was to celebrate the achievements of the governor in the last six years.

Sule, who is the governor’s daughter, commended him for executing a lot of legacy projects across the state.

She listed some of the critical projects to include flyovers and underpasses in Lafia and Akwanga, and the State Secretariat complex in Lafia.

She added that the governor had also constructed over 600 kilometers of urban and rural roads, among others. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Benson Ezugwu/Polycarp Auta

Alia revitalising 98 PHCs across Benue – Commissioner
Metro

Alia revitalising 98 PHCs across Benue – Commissioner

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By Emmanuel Antswen

Gov. Hyacinth Alia is revitalising 98 Primary Healthcare Centres (PHCs) across Benue to boost healthcare service delivery in the rural areas.

The State Commissioner for Health and Human Services, Dr Yanmar Ortese, made the disclosure at Akpegede, Otukpo LGA, during the tour of projects executed by the governor in the last two years.

Ortese said the 98 health facilities were receiving simultaneous revitalisation attention across the state.

The commissioner explained that the aim was to provide adequate healthcare services delivery in the state, especially in the rural areas, to reduce maternal mortality and morbidity.

He stated that maternal mortality and morbidity have been a problem in the country and beyond.

“About 98 primary healthcare centres in Benue are being revitalised simultaneously across the state.

“It is expected that at the end of this process we would have a level one primary healthcare moved to level two primary healthcare with the expansion of the old facilities with accommodation for staff, a motorised borehole, solar lights and a fence.

“The idea is that any time a pregnant woman walks into the clinic, she should be attended to, and at the end, go back home with a live baby, healthy and strong,” he said.

Ortese said the World Bank Impact Project was a project in collaboration with the Benue Government, adding that the government was paying every kobo that was being spent.

He said all the projects would be completed by 23rd July.

The commissioner further disclosed that a memo was before the State Executive Council seeking approval to recruit more health workers in the state.

Also, the Director of Primary Healthcare Centres, overseeing Benue South, Mrs Agnes Okoh, said they have recruited ad-hoc health workers to support the existing ones.

Okoh explained that those engaged were midwives and community health extension workers.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the tour of projects is facilitated by a team from Timbuktoo Media Solutions led by the former Minister for Information, Labaran Maku, and Dr Mike Omeri, a former DG of the National Orientation Agency. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Peter Amine

Gov. Nwifuru constructs 600km roads, other projects within 2-yrs
Metro

Gov. Nwifuru constructs 600km roads, other projects within 2-yrs

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By Christian Ogbonna

The Ebonyi Government on Sunday, said it has constructed over 600 kilometres of road across communities in the state within the two years period of Gov. Francis Nwifuru in office.

Mr Felix Igboke, the Commissioner for Project Monitoring in the state, told reporters in Abakaliki that two kilometres of roads were being spread in 67 communities across the 13 local government areas (LGA) of the state.

Igboke said that the state government, under the People’s Charter of Needs agenda of the governor, had embarked on building of 3 classroom blocks in each of the LGAs.

“The classroom blocks, when multiplied by 13 LGAs, will give a total number to 39 classroom buildings.

“There are other road projects within the capital city and rural communities. We have 23 kilometres road in Ognaga-Nwofe, completed.

“Some other internal roads are ongoing in Ohaozara, Onicha, Ohaukwu, Izzi local governments among others. We also have Ishielu-Oferekpe-Agbaja roads.

“We have been monitoring these projects and in Okposi, Ohaozara LGA, we have Okposi-Ojigwe road and bridge.

“In total, Ebonyi has 600 kilometres roads constructed in the period under review. Though some are completed while work is still ongoing in some portions.

“The Vincent Agwu Nwankwo (VANCO) road tunnels and flyover is also under construction. The projects are designed to give the state a facelift, return the lost aesthetics of the capital city and decongest gridlock around the axis.

“The tunnel is billed to be completed in 24 months,” Igboke added.

On housing, the commissioner said that the state government, within the period, has built 64 duplexes for traditional rulers in the state.

“Work is ongoing at Ebonyi State Housing Estate along Afikpo Road. The 140 housing units are at various stages of completion.

“The governor is a man of his words. He has promised to prioritise shelter and address housing deficit in the state.

“The 140 duplexes, when completed, will be allocated to civil and public servants, who are exceptional in their fields of endeavour.

“In fact, I must say that our dear governor is fulfilling his campaign promises. We must support him and his policies to move the state forward,” the commissioner advised. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Benson Iziama

Boundary commission begins demarcation of resolved interstate boundaries
Metro

Boundary commission begins demarcation of resolved interstate boundaries

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By Philip Yatai

The National Boundary Commission (NBC) says it has commenced the demarcation of interstate boundaries that have been resolved and defined in the last two years.

The Director-General of the commission, Mr Adamu Adaji, stated this on Sunday in Abuja, while assessing the impact of President Bola Tinubu’s administration after two years in office.

Adaji told the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) that the progress was made possible following the support of the Tinubu-led administration in the last two years.

“We have commenced the demarcation of some boundaries.

“This is because, if the boundaries are not properly demarcated for it to be recognised easily on the ground, you can’t say you have resolved the boundary dispute.

“So, we have commenced the process of demarcating some of the boundaries that have been resolved.

“We have demarcated Katsina-Jigawa boundary; we have commenced the demarcation of Ebuen boundary between Edo and Enugu States and made some demarcation exercises on a few other boundaries.

“We have also demarcated the boundaries of FCT and its neighbours substantially,” he said.

Adaji added that the commission had also improved in the resolution of some aspects of some internal boundaries that require intervention.

He assured that the commission would continue with the demarcation exercises.

Adaji said, before now, more emphasis was on the resolution of contested boundaries with little efforts on demarcation.

He added that the non demarcation of some resolved boundaries have led to some instances of encroachment.

“For the problems to be curtailed, they need to be demarcated, and we have strategised in such a way that we demarcate these boundaries as we make progress.

“We don’t wait until the entire boundary is defined before we demarcate. Once any sector is resolved, we try to commence the demarcation,” he said.

He identified lack of political will on the part of some of the neighbouring local government, states and neighbouring countries as one of the serious challenges affecting boundary demarcation efforts.

The NBC boss, however, said that the commission had been empowered by President Tinubu administration to make a better impact in resolving and demarcating some of the disputed boundaries. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Rotimi Ijikanmi

Blue economy: NBC delineating Nigeria’s maritime boundaries to maximise benefits
Metro

Blue economy: NBC delineating Nigeria’s maritime boundaries to maximise benefits

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By Philip Yatai

The National Boundary Commission (NBC) says it is delineating Nigeria’s maritime boundaries with its neighbours to maximise the country’s growing blue economy.

The NBC Director-General, Mr Adamu Adaji, stated this on Sunday in Abuja, while assessing the impact of President Bola Tinubu’s administration after two years in office.

Adaji told the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) that the commission had made progress in delineating Nigeria’s maritime boundaries with Equatorial Guinea, Cameroon, Benin Republic and Ghana.

“For Ghana, there has been some stalemate in terms of our efforts to define the boundary, but we’ve gotten them back on track and we are making progress.

“We have plans to meet to continue the progress this year to make sure that we define the boundaries.

“For the maritime boundary between us and Equatorial Guinea, we’re also managing it properly.

“We also have plans, this year, to continue with the discussions towards defining the remaining aspect – the remaining length of the boundary that is still outstanding, about three nautical miles,” he said.

Adaji said that the effort was to make sure that Nigeria’s maritime territories were well defined, secured and protected.

He added that in line with promotion of the blue economy, the resources in the affected maritime boundaries would be defined for proper management.

Speaking on Nigeria’s extended continental shelf beyond 200 nautical miles by the UN, the D-G said that the government would soon roll out plans to harness its resources.

He also disclosed the possibility of Nigeria getting additional extension of the continental shelf.

“After getting more, the government will now commence processes of trying to see how they can maximize all the benefits.

“This is because that area is an area where we have resources that can benefit the country. For example, we have minerals like hydrocarbons and metallic modules that can be of benefit to the country.

“There are other resources, which by the time we start exploration, they will be of great benefit to the country,” he said.

Speaking on securing the maritime boundaries, Adaji said that a committee had been set up under the Ministry of Defence along with Nigeria’s neighbours to provide adequate security for the maritime sector.

Stressing the need for the combined efforts, the D-G said “we are working closely with our neighbours to make sure that we jointly patrol the area and ensure maximum security for the maritime sector. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Rotimi Ijikanmi

Umar-Bago moves to modernise Bida with 20-year dev’t plan
Metro

Umar-Bago moves to modernise Bida with 20-year dev’t plan

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By Mohammed Baba Busu

Gov. Mohammed Umar-Bago of Niger has inaugurated a short-term 20-year development plan for the ‘New Bida Town’.

According to Umar-Bago, the plan is aimed at strategically modernising the city in line with his administration’s vision of ‘Urban Renewal Development’ in the state.

The Governor stated this at a Town Hall meeting and a stakeholders’ engagement on ‘New Bida 20-year Development Plan’ organised by the Ministry of Lands and Survey, in collaboration with the New Niger Development Project, held in Bida on Sunday.

He said that the plan was a short time strategy that would engender rapid development and boost socio-economic activities in the town.

Speaking on the 44km Ring Road dual carriageway, which was aimed at diverting traffic, the governor said a new city would also spring up in the area.

Umar-Bago stated that social amenities as well as a 100 megawatt solar farm would be provided for the people in the area.

He added, “With the thousands of articulated vehicles that pass through Bida, with all the negative consequences, the construction of the ring road, with a setback of 1km on each side, is a necessity for the health, safety, and prosperity of the town.”

Umar-Bago also stated that the development was going to be in phases of 20-year short term and 50-year long term plans.

He added that over 3 million trailers passing through can generate N3 billion revenue monthly, had been left untapped.

The governor promised that he would ensure the speedy development of the state in spite of inadequate financial resources.

Umar-Bago said: “Niger Government has no intention to seize or grab land. We want to establish layouts.

“Wherever you have a house or a farm that falls on the right-of-way, you will be adequately compensated.

“The state government has a development plan, and the concerned MDAs will continue to talk to the concerned people while I am admonishing them not to take laws into their hands.”

He enjoined the people to show understanding and support for the project, stressing that the state government was not collecting anybody’s land.

Umar-Bago vowed, “But the owners of any property that will be affected by the project will be duly compensated.”

The governor, however, cautioned community members to be wary of land grabbers.

In his remarks, the Etsu Nupe and Chairman, Niger Council of Traditional Rulers, Alhaji Yahaya Abubakar, called on the people to cooperate with the state government in its effort to develop Bida town and its environs.

Hr said, “This will secure a good future for many generations. The construction of the road will save lives and create avenues for greater economic development.”

The Etsu Nupe said that the gesture could not come at a better time than now when Nigerians were facing various challenges, including economic hardship and bad road networks.

He said that Umar-Bago’s gesture would go a long way in alleviating the suffering of the people.

Abubakar lauded Umaru-Bago’s developmental strides in the Emirate and the state in general.

He urged the people to embark on fervent prayers for God to give him the wisdom, sound health and ability to bring meaningful development to the state.

The Etsu Nupe enjoined the citizens to be law-abiding, respect constituted authorities and live in peace with one another, irrespective of their ethnic and religious affiliations.

The Commissioner for Lands and Survey, Mrs Maurice Magaji, explained that the event was a defining moment and a shared commitment to transform Bida into an economically vibrant city.

She added that the plan provided a framework for sustainable growth and environmental resilience, among others.

Retired Maj.-Gen. Mohammed Garba, an APC stalwart in the state, and Prof. Muhammad Kutea-Yahaya, Pro-Chancellor, Abdulkadir Kure University, Minna, among other stakeholders, also spoke at the event.

They were full of commendation to the governor for his developmental strides and called for support from the people to enable him fully achieve his vision. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Bashir Rabe Mani

Achieving peace not just about wielding guns – Jonathan
Metro

Achieving peace not just about wielding guns – Jonathan

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By Folasade Akpan

Former President Goodluck Jonathan says achieving peace in society goes beyond carrying rifles and guns, insisting that justice and equity must prevail.

Jonathan made this known in Abuja, where he was the guest of honour at the President’s Night organised by the Rotary Club of Asokoro.

Represented by former Chief of Defence Staff, Retired Air Chief Marshal Oluseyi Petirin, the former president emphasised that peace was not merely the absence of war, but the presence of fairness.

“You see, he (Jonathan) has this sense of justice, that we must be just. We should not exclude anybody.

“He understood that achieving peace is not just about carrying rifles and guns. In fact, he believed that this accounts for just about 30 per cent of what is needed.

“The remaining 70 per cent involves hard work, people talking, negotiating, agreeing, disagreeing, coming back again to discuss and then finally agreeing,” he said.

According to him, this approach was instrumental in restoring peace to Plateau State during Jonathan’s administration.

He also commended the Rotary Club for its impactful service to humanity.

In his remarks, the 24th President of the Rotary Club of Asokoro, Mr Babatunde Adetoba, said the event was to showcase the club’s contributions to the community.

“Rotary Club is an international organisation that has been established for over 100 years. We focus on seven key areas, including education, water, sanitation, and maternal health,” he said.

Adetoba revealed that the club recently assisted indigent patients with free cataract surgeries and donated five million Naira to a hospital.

“We reached out to Internally Displaced Persons (IDP) camps, donated drugs and medications, conducted free eye screenings, and gave out free glasses.

“Rotary is big on polio eradication. Globally, we have spent over 2.6 billion dollars on the cause, and we continue awareness efforts to ensure Nigeria remains polio-free,” he added.

He described charitable donations as a noble act that did not necessarily require much.

“A small amount can put a smile on someone’s face or change their life forever,” he said.

Adetoba also noted that the club had sustainability measures in place to ensure the long-term impact of its projects.

Speaking on the essence of the President’s Night, he said it was an opportunity for the president to honour friends, associates, and supporters who have contributed to the club’s achievements over the year.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that Stella Okotete, Executive Director of Business Development at the Nigerian Export-Import Bank (NEXIM), and Hajiya Halima Buba, Managing Director of SunTrust Bank, were also honoured at the event for their outstanding contributions to society. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Abiemwense Moru

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