NEWS AGENCY OF NIGERIA
Metro

Tinubu to inaugurate FCT projects May 27 – June 6 – Wike

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By Philip Yatai

President Bola Tinubu has approved May 27 to June 6 as Federal Capital Territory Week for the inauguration of various projects executed under his administration.

The Minister of FCT, Mr Nyesom Wike, stated this in Abuja on Friday, while inspecting some of the projects in preparation for inauguration to celebrate Tinubu’s one year in office.

“By the approval of Mr President, we believe that from May 27, we shall begin the inauguration of various projects and will end on June 6.

“Particularly on May 27, President Tinubu will inaugurate commercial operations of the Abuja Light Rail also known as Abuja Metro Line, and we will carry out the final inspection of the project on May 20.

“From what we have seen, I think we are good to go,” he said.

Wike also expressed confidence that the Vice-President’s residence, located along Aso Drive, would be completed and may be inaugurated on June 6.

He explained that the 9-day inauguration activities would demonstrate to the world the Tinubu-led administration’s determination to renew the hope of Nigerians.

He added: “We have a lot of projects being executed that will be inaugurated. So many projects that I cannot begin to list them.

“We are happy; the contractors are meeting up, and all the promises made they have fulfilled.

“We have also fulfilled our own part, by making sure that we make the needed cash available and none of the contractors is complaining in terms of cash.”

The minister added that other projects like the construction of bus terminals and the FCT Court of Appeal Division and other projects would be inaugurated within the period.

On the non-functionality of some of the streetlights in parts of the city, Wike explained that some of the streetlights were being worked on, while others were being tested.

He assured the residents that the streetlights would come on once the contractors finished working on them,

“As I speak to you, most of the streetlights are being worked on and with the project we are executing, you don’t expect the light to be on.

“The contractors are test running them, so most of the ones that are not working are those that are being worked on.

“We believe that before the inauguration you will see that most of the streetlights will be on,” the minister said.

When asked whether he was being distracted by the development in Rivers, Wike simply said: “I am not distracted.  If I am distracted you won’t see this performance.

“I focus on my work. So, I am not interested. I am the Minister of FCT, and work is going on, why will I be distracted? I don’t even think about it at all.” (NAN)

Edited by Bashir Rabe Mani

Metro

Standardisation: COREN, RMRDC to synergise on raw materials processing

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By Angela Atabo

The Council for the Regulation of Engineering (COREN) and the Raw Materials Research and Development Council (RMRDC) will partner on processing of raw materials to meet standardisation for engineering and industrial use.

COREN President, Prof. Sadiq Abubakar, disclosed this during a courtesy call on Mr Emmanuel Kwaya, the Director-General, RMRDC, on Thursday in Abuja.

Abubakar said that the move was necessary to ensure that operational and production processes were reliable and consistent through standardisation.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN), reports that standardisation is an approach to production that ensures consistency in manufacturing processes to finished products.

It requires adhering to industry standards and certification requirements.

The COREN president said that the collaboration with RMRDC also sought to establish an inventory of engineering-based organisations involved in exploring, acquisition and development into commodities and products for import substitution and export promotion.

He added that the council was seeking partnership with relevant stakeholders in terms of regulating registered and licensed practitioners involved in design and technology development for processing raw materials into products.

”Coming together to address challenges in the sector, to me , is one of the most effective ways to break the silos.

“So let us have a hand shake; form a committee and carefully sit down to develop the terms of reference for the standing committee.

”This is because associations like engineers, technicians, craftsmen, artisans among others really need to come closer to see how we can promote this issue of materials.

”Collaborations are also necessary in various areas like accreditation and licensing of laboratories involved in analysis and certification of raw materials for industrial use.

”Championing the development of codes and standards that will promote the commercialisation and uptake of machineries for processing and value addition of raw materials into commodities and products is also key,’’ he said.

Abubakar said that enhanced synergy with relevant stakeholders to ensure effective raw materials exploration, acquisition, exploitation and development was important.

He added that partnering with relevant agencies in  patenting, registration, upscaling, commercialisation and up-taking of products generated from raw material was another way of improving standards.

On his part, Kwaya said the council’s doors were open for collaborations that would help Nigeria achieve her industrial goals.

He commended COREN as a regulatory body for being alive to its responsibility of sanitising the sector.

Kwaya said that the council had a proven track record of fostering technological advancements through various programmes like engineering competitions, skills, setting up engineering teams to design software, applications development, and design initiatives.

”So COREN will be a very welcome partner in this regard; we are willing to collaborate to take these areas to a new level.

”One of the requests we are making to some of our colleagues in other institutions of engineering is that  most often when there are programmes we give them requests to assist in one way or the other.”

He said that engineers were needed to synergise to put teams together to solve some of the national problems and add value to Nigeria’s raw material.

According to him, some materials in the country are only unique to Nigeria and cannot  be found anywhere else.

”There are crops we have in Africa that we don’t have anywhere else like acha and others; so we can’t leave the work to strangers because they will not be able to develop something from what they do not know.

”So there is a lot we need to do taking our colleagues in order to arrange institutions along, so that when they come up with project proposals we can support them without a headache.

”That way we will be solving our problems in this country and the institutions will be better funded; so it is a win-win for all of us,’’ he said

The director-general encouraged stakeholders to look inward to solve the nation’s problems.

He added that such an attitude would prove to the government that Nigerian engineers were equal to the task of carrying out designs and implementing them for national development like their counterparts in other climes. (NAN)

Edited by Deborah Coker and Chijioke OKoronkwo

Metro

NSE confers fellowship on 63 engineers

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By Angela Atabo

The Nigerian Society of Engineers (NSE), has conferred its fellowship on 63 engineers across various sectors in Nigeria.

Its President, Margaret Oguntala, conferred the fellowship on them at the Society’s Special Dinner on Wednesday in Abuja.

Oguntala, in a remark, said that the conferees had made exceptional contributions to the field of engineering, and urged them to continue to adhere to the codes and ethics of the profession.

She said they had been at the forefront in the drive for progress and development across various sectors including infrastructure, energy, healthcare, information technology, among others.

She also said they had overcome challenges and pioneered solutions with their unwavering commitment to excellence, tireless pursuit of knowledge and dedication to the advancement of the profession.

“Each fellow being conferred represents the epitome of engineering excellence and serves as an inspiration to us all.

“As we celebrate, we must acknowledge the challenges that lie ahead. The world is evolving at an unprecedented pace driven by technological advancements and societal changes.

“As engineers, it is our responsibility to adapt to these changes, to embrace innovation and to continue pushing the boundaries of what is possible.”

Oguntala called on the conferees to remain steadfast in NSE’s commitment to promoting diversity and inclusivity within the profession.

According to her, engineering is a collaborative endeavour that thrives on the contributions of individuals from diverse backgrounds and perspectives.

“By fostering an environment that values and respects diversity, we not only enrich our profession, but also ensure that our solutions are equitable and sustainable.

“Undoubtedly, the expectations of NSE and the larger society from our honourable conferees are high, with regards to the strict adherence to professional codes and ethics.”

Oguntala said the NSE reserved the right to revoke and withdraw the Fellowship certificate of any member enmeshed in breaches, if such breaches are brought to the notice of the NSE.

She added that the conferment of fellowship was an opportunity to be of greater service to NSE by supporting its projects and programmes and providing mentorship to our young engineers.

She charged them to continue to prove themselves as worthy ambassadors of the NSE.

Also speaking, the Chairman, Board of Fellows, Kamila Maliki, congratulated the conferees for their exceptional and extraordinary prowess in the engineering field.

Maliki said that the conferment of the fellowship by NSE represented the pinnacle of achievement for any engineer, and urged them to use their ideas to contribute to the infrastructure and economic development of Nigeria.

Responding on behalf of the conferees, James Arukhe commended the NSE for counting them worthy of the fellowship.

Arukhe said that engineers held the keys to driving the society forward through innovative solutions.

He pledged the commitment of the conferees towards upholding the highest standards of ethics and integrity of the profession.

“There will be no need to withdraw the fellowship from any of us; no form of wrong doing shall be found among us,” he said.(NAN)

Edited by Ephraims Sheyin

Metro

FCTA begins demolition of 500 illegal structures in Karmo market

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By Philip Yatai

The Department of Development Control, Federal Capital Territory Administration (FCTA) has begun demolition of over 500 illegal structures at the popular Karmo market, Abuja.

The director of the department, Mr Mukhtar Galadima, explained during the exercise on Wednesday, that the demolition followed the expiration of the 24-hour demolition notices issued to the traders.

The News Agency of Nigerian (NAN) recalls that the department had on Monday, served 24-hour demolition notices to operators of the illegal markets and shanties marked for demolition along Karmo – Dei-Dei  road corridor.

Galadima, who was represented by Mr Garba Jibril, an Assistant Director and the Sector Monitor in charge of Karmo and other districts, said that the demolition exercise followed due process.

He added that the operators of the illegal markets and owners of the illegal structures and shanties have been duly notified and given enough time to evacuate their valuables.

He explained that demolition was necessary considering the huge traffic gridlock being experienced along the road corridor, especially during market days.

“It is a known fact that people spend hours just to pass through the road, particularly during market days.

“To address the challenge, the Minister of FCT, Mr Nyesom Wike had directed that all illegal structures, shanties, and informal markets along the road corridor should be demolished and removed.

“This will allow free flow of traffic on the road corridor and make life easy for the road users,” he said.

He advised the affected traders to relocate to the fully built and equipped market in the area.

He added that the market operators have agreed to allow the affected traders to occupy a shop free for one year before paying any rent at a subsidised rate, including other incentives.

On his part, Dr Peter Olumuji, Secretary, Command and Control Centre, Department of Security Services, FCTA, said that the clearance would equally improve security in the area.

“There are a lot of shanties and unplanned settlements that people occupy in the area and some of the people commit various types of crime, particularly in the night.

“The demolition will ensure a serene environment that will not be too comfortable for criminals to operate,” Olumuji said.

On the possibility of the traders returning to the road, the secretary said that arrangements have been concluded with the Divisional Police Officer in the area to arrest any trader that operates along the road. (NAN)

Edited by Sadiya Hamza

Metro

Rain: FEMD advises people residing along waterways to relocate

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By Philip Yatai

The Federal Capital Territory Emergency Management Department, Abuja Metropolitan Management Council, has advised people residing along waterways in the FCT to relocate to safer areas.

The acting Director-General of the department, Mr Mohammed Sabo, gave the warning in a statement in Abuja on Wednesday.

Sabo explained that the warning became necessary following the early warning issued by the Nigeria Meteorological Agency (NiMet).

He said that NiMet, in its rainfall forecast bulletin had warned that a moderate to heavy rainfall was expected on Thursday and Friday   in parts of FCT, Niger, and Kogi.

Other states that might also experience moderate to heavy rainfall, according to NiMet, include Nasarawa, Adamawa, Kebbi, Abia, Ebonyi, Imo, Kwara, Bayelsa and Cross River.

He said that the agency’s forecast emphasised the prospect of flash floods because of the moderate to heavy rainfall in the mentioned states.

The acting director-general said that NiMet also warned that strong winds may accompany the rains.

This, according to him, may likely cause hazards like slippery road surfaces, reduced visibility, threats to weak structures, trees, and mast.

He appealed to FCT residents to heed to the NiMet warning by clearing all blocked drainages and removing all infractions obstructing free flow of water.

“The residents should exercise caution on the roads as the onset of the wet season in the FCT sets in.

“Motorists should also desist from driving through flooding water when it rains, stressing that the flooding water may have a strong under-current,” he said.

Sabo also urged the residents to always dial the 112 emergency toll–free number in the event of any emergency. (NAN)

Edited by Bashir Rabe Mani

Religious , Metro

FCTA assures 2024 intending hajj pilgrims improved welfare

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By Philip Yatai

The Federal Capital Territory Administration (FCTA) has assured the 2024 intending pilgrims to Saudi Area from the territory of improved welfare, throughout the Hajj exercise.

The FCT Minister of State, Dr Mariya Mahmoud, gave the assurance, while bidding farewell to the intending pilgrims at the FCT Hajj Camp in Bassa Jiwa, Abuja on Tuesday.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the National Hajj Commission of Nigeria is expected to begin airlifting the intending pilgrims from FCT on Wednesday, May 15, to Saudi Arabia.

Mahmoud said that FCTA and the FCT Muslim Pilgrims’ Welfare Board have taken proactive measures to ensure adequate welfare for the intending pilgrims throughout the exercise.

She expressed confidence that the 2024 FCT Hajj operation would be better than the previous ones.

“To ensure success in the operation, the FCT Administration was proactive in ensuring that all the intending pilgrims complied with relevant policies to participate in the spiritual journey.

“The Administration has successfully concluded all necessary arrangements for the welfare of our contingent to the Holy Land.

“In fact, the early preparations for this year’s Hajj demonstrate our commitment towards recording a hitch-free exercise,” she said.

She urged the intending pilgrims to pray for the unity and progress of the country, with particular attention to the nation’s leaders for Allah’s guidance.

“I urge you all to remember that our country is passing through some economic and security challenges, which require your prayers for our country to remain united in spite of our differences.

“Pray for the peaceful coexistence of our dear nation in support of President Bola Tinubu-led administration in line with his “Renewed Hope” agenda,” Mahmoud pleaded.

The minister further urged the intending pilgrims to be good ambassadors of the FCT and Nigeria by abiding with all the newly introduced policies by the Saudi authorities for the 2024 exercise.

She identified some of the new policies as movement in groups, transportation policy, luggage policy, feeding arrangements, timetable for religious activities, and other policies issued by all relevant authorities.

“Remember that these policies were introduced in your own interest to enable you to perform your religious obligations at ease,” she said.

Earlier, the Director, FCT Muslim Pilgrims’ Welfare Board, Malam Abubakar Evuti, said that the Board had a total of 2,977 intending pilgrims for the 2024 Hajj exercise.

Evuti said that experienced and committed officials were mobilised for the operation to ensure optimum service delivery for the pilgrims during the exercise.

He, however, warned against any act of indiscipline, adding the official found wanting would be penalised.

He also advised the intending pilgrims to be law abiding, patient, avoid reckless spending and avoid rumour mongering.

One of the intending pilgrims, Mohammed Habib, who is going to Hajj for the first time, expressed confidence for a hitch-free exercise.

The visibly excited Habib said he was satisfied with all the preparation processes, which he described as impressive.

“I am overwhelmed and very excited because the preparations exceeded my expectations. So, I am looking forward to a fulfilling and hitch-free Hajj exercise,” he said. (NAN)

Edited by Abiemwense Moru

Metro

FCT: Public toilets not shelters for hoodlums – Association

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By Salisu Sani-Idris

The Public Convenience Maintenance Association (PCMA), Federal Capital Territory (FCT), has denied claims alleging misuse of public toilets as shelters by hoodlums in the nation’s capital.

The Secretary of the association, Malam Usman Umar, stated this in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN), on Sunday in Abuja.

Umar said, ” The attention of the association has been brought to a recent report in one of the national dailies alleging misuse of public toilets as shelters by hoodlums.

” The reporter claimed to have visited some public toilets at Area 1 Roundabout and Lugbe close to car wash, alleging that belongings of hoodlums in different bags were seen within the facilities.

” We firmly deny these claims. We want to emphatically state that our inspections haven’t revealed any evidence supporting the reported concerns.”

Umar said that the association would continue to maintain its commitment to providing clean and functional public toilets.

This, according to him, is with a view to eradicate open defecation by year 2025 inline with Presidential Executive Order 009 throughout the FCT.

He reiterated that the association was committed to collaborating with relevant authorities to ensure the safety and proper use of public facilities in Abuja.

Umar said, ” We encourage anyone with real information about misuse of public toilets to contact us directly.

” We also restate our appreciation for the government’s initiative (Presidential Executive order 009) to build public toilets and eradicate open defecation.

” The association uses this opportunity to express its satisfaction with the leadership style of the FCT Minister, Nyeson Wike; the Minister of State, Dr Mariya Bunkure and Executive Director of FCT Rural Water Supply and Sanitation Agency (RUWASSA).

” We are also grateful to the Abuja Environmental Protection Board (AEPB), the FCT Commissioner of Police, Director of DSS and other security agencies for their hard work to secure the lives of FCT residents and keep Abuja clean.” (NAN)

Edited by Taiye Agbaje/Bashir Rabe Mani

Metro

FCTA marks 500 structures for demolition along Karmo – Dei-Dei road corridor  

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By Philip Yatai

The Department of Development Control, FCT Administration (FCTA) has served 24-hour demolition notices to operators of illegal markets and shanties along Karmo – Dei-Dei Road corridor.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that over 500 illegal structures and shanties, sitting on the road corridor have been marked for demolition.

Mr Garba Jibril, the Sector Monitor and Assistant Director in the department who led the exercise in Abuja on Monday, said that the affected owners have been served with several notices.

Jibril added that the Director of Development Control, Mr Mukhtar Galadima, had held a sensitisation meeting with the stakeholders.

He explained that demolishing the illegal structures was necessary because they constituted nuisance on the road in addition to heavy traffic, especially on their market days.

He added that their activities were equally emitting environmental hazards, which the FCT Administration frowned at.

The team lead also disclosed that the FCTA had awarded a contract for the construction of Life Camp – Dei-Dei Road.

He, however, said that the traders’ continuous stay on the road corridor was preventing the contractors from moving to site.

According to him, the 24-hour notice is not to be played with and those who refused to comply will have themselves to blame.

He also said that the traders have been asked to move to the designated market called Karmo Market, adding that the market was fully developed and equipped with necessary facilities.

“But the traders have been reluctant to move.

“We have had several meetings with the relevant stakeholders including traditional leaders in the area to get them to move but they remained adamant.

“We equally held a meeting with the traders and the new market operators, who promised to give the traders some incentives to be able to accommodate them in both the informal and the main shops.

“We are hoping that after the demolition, there will be a successful relocation from the road corridor to the main market.

“This will not only maintain a serene environment, but also ensure free flow of traffic in the area,” Jibril said. (NAN)

Edited by Abiemwense Moru

General News , Metro

Streetlight: Contractors attribute darkness in FCT to vandalism, power outages

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By Muhyideen Jimoh

Mr Festus Ugwegbu, Legal Secretary, FCT Streetlights Maintenance Contractors, has attributed the darkness experienced in parts of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) to vandalism and power outages.

Ugwegbu told the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on Sunday in Abuja that the streetlights were properly maintained, functional and ready to shine, but for power outages and acts of vandalism.

“The major problem with streetlights in the FCT is constant power outages and load shedding by the Abuja Electricity Distribution Company (AEDC).

“Furthermore, there is a high rate of vandalism, as mentioned, which obviously affects the total cost of contract execution.

“Otherwise, the streetlights are always active and ready to shine,” he said.

The legal secretary debunked reports in a section of the media that the darkness experienced in parts of the FCT was due to laxity on the part of the contractors.

He said despite failed appeals to the FCT administration to review their two-year contract as a result of inflation, the contractors have continued to optimally deliver on their responsibility.

“To put the record straight, the contract was awarded in August 2022, and it is expected to end by July 31, 2024, with a fixed contract rate from inception, irrespective of inflation and the hike in prices of materials and labour.

“Nevertheless, we have been delivering our assigned responsibilities despite failed appeals to the FCT for a review of the contract, and price variation to reflect the effects of inflation on the cost of executing this project,” Ugwegbu said.

According to him, the fact that the contractors are still being owed has not deterred them from meeting their contractual agreement.

He said the long term solution to the issue was to have a dedicated and independent power source to power the streetlights.

“As professionals, the solution to the problem of darkness in FCT is to provide a dedicated and independent power source to serve and support the illumination of our streets.

“Steps should also be taken by the FCT administration to ensure that areas not currently under the purview of any contractor is duly awarded to an eligible contractor for maintenance and security,” he said. (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Salif Atojoko

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Metro

2024 Hajj: NAHCON’s advance team departs for Saudi, Sunday

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By Salisu Sani-Idris

The National Hajj Commission of Nigeria (NAHCON) says a group of 43 Advance Team of the commission will on Sunday depart Abuja for the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia to mark the commencement of the 2024 pilgrimage.

Malam Mousa Ubandanwaki, Deputy Director, Information & Publications, Division, NAHCON, made this known in a statement on Saturday in Abuja.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the commission had scheduled May 15 for the inaugural flight for the 2024 hajj.

Ubandanwaki explained that the team made up of 35 NAHCON officials and eight Medical Personnel would be in Saudi Arabia for the final preparation to receive the first set of Nigerian pilgrims from Kebbi State, who would be arriving the Kingdom on May 15.

He said that the Executive Chairman of NAHCON, Malam Jalal Arabi, while addressing the team urged them to live up to expectation by discharging their duties in accordance with their mandate.

Arabi noted that the performance of the team could make or mar the success of the exercise.

” You are the first point of call or contact with the pilgrims. Their impression and perception of your action or activities will go a long way towards assessing the commission.

“If you get it right, we get it right and on the contrary, if you get it wrong, the rest will just be about crisis management.

“Therefore, you must be up and doing in order to earn our reward here and that of Allah in the Hereafter, for treating His Guests well.

“They are the reason you are there, so at every point in time, make sure you attend or treat them with courtesy and respect,” he said.

Arabi, however, warned that the commission would take drastic step against anyone who may be reported to have deviated from the rules of engagement.

The NAHCON boss stated that he would not hesitate to recall any staff accused of dereliction of duties.

He further called on them to “take the admonition seriously” stressing, “the bar has been raised and the expectation is high”.

” You have been carefully selected because of the trust we have in you and as such, you need to brace up.

” Laxity and procrastination will not be tolerated.”

Arabi also stressed the need for the medical personnel to respect their patients and pilgrims ” on whose essence they were going there.

Responding on behalf of the team, Alhaji Ibrahim Mahmud, who is the Madina Coordinator, expressed appreciation to the management for the trust and confidence reposed in them.

He assured of their determination and readiness to make this year’s hajj more successful than the previous years.

“We will ensure that pilgrims get value for money and also do everything possible that pilgrims perform their Hajj rites without hitches Insha Allah.”

NAN reports the team is to organise and coordinate the reception, accommodation, feeding and transportation, health and general welfare of the pilgrim held in the Holy land throughout the Hajj period. (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Rotimi Ijikanmi

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