By Philip Yatai

The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Mr Nyesom Wike, says the FCT Administration will deal squarely with land grabbers, no matter how highly- placed.

Wike gave the warning when officials of the Real Estate Developers Association of Nigeria (REDAN), FCT Chapter, visited him in Abuja on Thursday.

“Land grabbing is not new. Some of your people are part of it, some staff of FCT are part of it.

“As a government, we will do all we can to see that we deal squarely with anybody that is involved, no matter how highly- placed he or she might be.

“It is  a terrible situation we found ourselves in. People grabbing land; people illegally acquiring land, just for the purpose of becoming rich overnight,” the minister said.

He pointed out that everyday ,people write  the FCTA, demanding for land allocation to develop a certain number of houses in the city.

He, however, said that many people were doing that just to obtain a land title and at the end of the day, nothing was developed.

“They will do all they can; take our land and sell it to people for development.

“For me, that is not helping us to reduce the housing deficit, no. That is just a way of taking government land and enriching yourselves at the expense of the government,” he said.

The minister added, “Yes government cannot sell land, so why will the government give out land for the purpose of housing estate and then you are selling the land?

“The government can as well sell the land itself if that is the case.”

Wike said that to address the challenge, the FCTA had decided that developers must show financial capacity before land would be allocated to them in FCT.

He added that a reputable commercial bank must also write an undertaking that the developer has the financial capacity for such development.

“Two, you will write an undertaking that the project will commence and be completed within a specified time without any condition attached to it.

“Three, that failure to develop the land, the government is entitled to take back its land. It does not matter what form of development you are putting there.

“If that is done, then we will be convinced and give you our land allocation with proper documentation,” he said.

He said that the  measures were necessary to ensure that developers do not steal from the government in the name of development.

The minister said that there were currently over 1000 litigations in different courts over land matters, with kore being recorded on daily basis.

The minister also berated real estate developers for not meeting up to their obligations to the government, particularly in the payment of taxes relating to land.

“Even when you sell your properties, you don’t remit part of which belongs to the government.

“So, I want to partner with you but on good faith, not partnership that one party would be detrimental to the other, no. It has to be mutual and symbiotic,” Wike said.

Earlier, REDAN Chairman, Dr Ehikioya Okoruwa, assured Wike of the association’s readiness to partner the FCTA to bridge housing deficits in the territory.

Okoruwa said that to that end, the association planned to build 15,000 houses.

He further said that REDAN would invest N262 billion in the housing sector, adding that the FCTA would gain a lot  if they supported the project.

Okoruwa  said that REDAN was working with security agencies to address land racketeering, emphasising the association’s commitment to ethical practices and accountability.

“This meeting sets the stage for a potential partnership between the FCT Administration and REDAN, but with clear terms and expectations for accountability and transparency,” he said. (NAN)

Edited by Buhari Bolaji

Protest

By Philip Yatai

The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Mr Nyesom Wike, has cautioned traders in Apo Mechanic Village against arbitrary protests without following due process.

Wike gave the warning while responding to the traders, who besieged the entrance of the FCT Administration Secretariat in Abuja on Thursday.

The traders had explained that the protest was to push the minister to sign the 2015 lease agreement with the FCTA to enable them to move to their permanent site at Wassa District.

Wike, who described the action as attempted intimidation, berated the protesting traders for not writing to his office to discuss the delay in implementing the lease agreement.

The minister said that there was no basis for the protest, alleging it might have been sponsored by unknown persons.

“Is this the way you support the government by barricading the road and obstruction of traffic without informing me of anything?

“You never wrote to me that you want to see me, and we refuse to see you.

Then what you will do is to wake up in the morning, barricade the road, barricade the gate and then you are saying you are supporting me?

“Then I don’t need your support.

“What I don’t like is intimidation. If you have a problem, channel your problem to me and if I don’t solve it, then you can take another step,” the visibly furious minister said.

Wike pointed out that the lease agreement was entered into in 2015, adding that ministers have come and gone without the traders taking any step until now.

He asked the traders to go back and follow the due process to solve the problem.

“What you should do is write that you want to see me, then we will sit down and talk. I am not one of those ones anyone will come and intimidate.

“Barricading the road is what I don’t like. People coming to tarnish the image of government is not right when we can sit and dialogue.

“If the government had promised to give you land then I will look at the papers,” he said.

Earlier, the Chairman of the traders’ association, Mr Chimezie Ife, said his members were tired of waiting since 2006 to be allocated their permanent business environment, alleging that they have spent over N100 million.

Ife explained the old Apo Mechanic Village was demolished in 2006, adding that the traders were promised a permanent location which never came.

He further said that the traders applied for land in 2011 but it was still not allocated despite the incurred expenses.

According to him, the protest was organised with the hope that Wike will help to address the lingering issue. (NAN)

Edited by Sadiya Hamza

By Salisu Sani-Idris

The National Hajj Commission of Nigeria (NAHCON) has implored members of the 2024
Hajj Media Team to ensure accuracy and objectivity in their reportage throughout the hajj operation.

The Executive Chairman of NAHCON, Malam Jalal Arabi, made the call while inaugurating the National Media Team for
the 2024 Hajj on Thursday in Abuja.

Arabi also emphasised the need for members of the media team to “be upright because so much depends on what you report.

“You are in a position that can make or mar a community. The concern is to ensure that you do what is right to the best of your
ability and conscience.

“I have no doubt in my mind that you have proven your worth in all spheres, but there is no harm in being reminded as to the high
expectations from you to do the right thing throughout the pilgrimage.

“The commission is open to constructive criticisms and guidance.”

Arabi also urged the media team to be participatory, saying “don’t just think you are going as media team only. You also have the
responsibility to participate and guide other pilgrims where necessary.”

Earlier, Prof. Abubakar Yagawal, the Commissioner, Planning Research, Statistics, Information and Library Services, had enjoined members
of the media team to protect the interest of Nigeria and project the image of NAHCON positively.

Yagawal also reminded the media about the principle of information dissemination, set by Prophet Muhammad (Peace and blessings be upon him).

He said Prophet Muhammad said “whoever believes in Allah and the last day should either say what is good or keep quiet.”

Also, the NAHCON Commissioner of Operations, Mr Anofi Elegushi, said the media had been an important part of hajj operations,
adding that “whatever we do in Saudi Arabia must be reported back home.”

Responding, the Chairman of the media team, Mousa Ubandawaki, also the Deputy Director, Information and Publications Division, NAHCON,
assured the team’s readiness to work for the interest of pilgrims and the country. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Hadiza Mohammed-Aliyu

By Philip Yatai

The Department of Development Control, Abuja Metropolitan Management Council of the FCT Administration, has demolished shanties illegally built on a road corridor in Wuse Zone 3.

The Coordinator of the Council, Mr Felix Obuah, told journalists after the exercise in Abuja on Wednesday, that the move was part of efforts to clear all shanties in the city.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the shanties, called by the occupants as Unguwan Yan Lambu, were built over 27 years ago.

The shanties have been demolished several times but were rebuilt by the occupants.

Obuah said that the location was preserved for a road corridor, adding that the illegal occupation has became a security threat, apart from defacing the beauty of the city.

“Also disturbing is that criminals and miscreants have made this location a safe haven.

“So, we decided to come and clear all the shanties and remove the criminals that have taken over the road corridor to give Abuja its desired beauty.

“We can’t allow this again. Our aim is to beautify the city and make Abuja a city we will all be proud of,” he said.

He added that a taskforce would be set up to make sure that none of the illegal occupants rebuild any shanty in the area again.

He also announced plans to relocate the occupants to a permanent location to ensure that no one returns.

“We are going to write a memo to the FCT Minister, Mr Nyesom Wike, to seek his approval and see how far we can go about the relocation plan.

“From what we can see, there are huge number of people illegally residing here. So, if we can relocate them within a very short possible time, they will not come back here again.

“We are also going to make provisions to make sure that they do not suffer undue hardship.

“You see, some of the occupants are very young; some with children, and out of my pocket, I have donated a small amount of money to enable them to relocate immediately.

“If we don’t take this measure now, they will go to another place and create nuisance,” Obuah said.

Responding to the development, Malam Mohammed Musa, the chairman of the community, said that the area was occupied by about 1,000 people, including women and children.

Musa said that the occupants, predominantly dry season farmers, have been there for about 27 years, with some made up of 15 family members.

He acknowledged receiving a notice of the demolition and thanked the government for allowing them to stay there for over 27 years and to make a living in dry season farming.

He, however, called on the FCT Administration to come to their aid, adding that some of them were displaced from their homes by bandits and other forms of insecurity. (NAN)

Edited by Ismail Abdulaziz

By Angela Atabo

Vice President Kashim Shettima says revamping engineering education is crucial to national development.

The Vice President stated this on Tuesday in Abuja at the Nigerian Academy of Engineering (NAEng) 2024 Public Forum, with the theme: “Engineering Education’’, in Abuja.

Shettima, represented by Dr Sadiq Wanka, his Special Adviser on Power Infrastructure, said empirical evidence had demonstrated the strong interlink between engineering capacity and economic development.

“In Nigeria today, we find ourselves in a global economy, underpinned by digital technologies, and in a world, faced with the reality of climate change.

“We also find ourselves facing rapid urbanisation in the country, as estimates suggest that by 2050, 70 per cent of the Nigerian population would be living in cities.

“Given the nature and scale of the challenges ahead, the strength of our engineering capacity is inextricably linked to our economic and social progress,” he said.

Shettima however, said the good news was that Nigeria is immensely blessed with a young population and resources, among others, to drive the process, in line with President Bola Tinubu’s agenda.

He said it was therefore critical for the government to continue to work with professional bodies like NAEng, to ensure that the quantity and quality of engineers meet the moment and match national needs.

He also called for the need to promote inclusivity, by ensuring the advancement of women in the engineering profession.

The Vice President said, doing so would address historical and cultural biases that had limited girls and women from choosing engineering courses.

The President of NAEng, Prof. Azikiwe Onwualu said, if Nigeria gets engineering and technology right, all other sectors will be taken care of.

Onwualu said the successful development of the various sectors depended on the availability of engineering and technological ideas, tools, processes, facilities, equipment, and skills, required to build facilities, machinery and maintain them.

“Education and training of engineers, technologists, technicians, artisans that drive the economy should therefore receive special attention as that will ensure Nigeria has the right personnel to drive the fourth industrial revolution.

“The state of Engineering Education in Nigeria is definitely not good. Many scholars and practitioners, especially people from the productive sector of the economy have identified many challenges.

“The challenges include the theoretical nature of the teaching and learning for engineering graduates, inadequate laboratories and workshops, poorly executed industrial training, poor curriculum, and high unemployment rate for engineers and so on”, he said.

Onwualu said the forum would provide major inputs for policy formulation, policy adjustment and more importantly policy implementation guidelines for the relevant MDAs involved in engineering education.

The Speaker, House of Representatives, Abbas Tajudeen, represented by Inuwa Garba Chairman House Committee on Science and Engineering, commended NAEng for its unwavering commitment to advancing the field of engineering in Nigeria.

“As representatives of the People, the House of Representatives is committed to supporting initiatives that promote the advancement of engineering and technological innovation in our nation.

“Together, let us work hands in gloves to harness the power of engineering for the betterment of our society and the Prosperity of future generations,” he said.

The Minister of Steel Development, Shuaibu Audu, represented by Mr Jeremiah Adejoh, Assistant Director in the ministry, said there was a need to enhance the quality of engineering curriculum in Nigeria.

Audu said the standard of teaching and learning facilities needed to be improved, adding that there was also a need to foster greater collaboration between academia, industry, and government for greater achievement. (NAN)

Edited by Idowu Ariwodola/Rotimi Ijikanmi

By Philip Yatai

The Federal Capital Territory Emergency Management Department (FEMD) says it is well prepared to prevent residents from dying to flooding in the territory.

The Director of the department, Mr Mohammed Sabo, gave the assurance in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Abuja on Monday.

Sabo explained that the department had all the data required to put prevention and mitigation measures against flooding in the FCT.

“Sometimes in February, the Nigerian Meteorological Agency (NiMet), released the 2024 Seasonal Climate Prediction report.

“The Nigeria Hydrological Services Agency (NIHSA) has equally released the 2024 Annual Flood Outlook.

“These are the documents we used in preparing for the rainy season.

“As such, we have all the critical data needed to adequately prepare our prevention and mitigation measures against flooding,” Sabo said.

He said that based on the reports, FCT might not be in danger, but all the surrounding states of the territory were susceptible to flooding.

He said that in response to the prediction, FEMD had adequately put measures in place to ensure effective response to the likelihood of flash floods in the territory.

“I assure you that we are well prepared to respond to any flood that may occur in the FCT,” he insisted.

The director added that the department would equally mount signposts to enlighten and caution residents on the dangers of flood and install additional barricades in flash flood areas.

“We are ready to collaborate with our stakeholders to ensure that all the roads that experience flash floods during the rainy season are barricaded to prevent vehicles from plying them.

“This is to prevent loss of lives to flooding during rainy seasons,” he said. (NAN)

Edited by Abiemwense Moru

By Collins Yakubu-Hammer

The Federal Government has assured journalists of protection of their rights and support in their mission to protect the environment as the World celebrates the Press Freedom Day (WPFD).

The Minister of Information and National Orientation, Alhaji Mohammed Idris, gave the assurance in Abuja on Friday at a news conference to mark the event.

The conference with the theme, “A Press for the Planet: Journalism in Face of the Environment Crisis” was organised by the Federal Ministry of Information and National Orientation.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the Minister of State for Environment and Ecological Management, Dr Iziaq Adekunle Salako and The UNESCO Country Representative, Mr Abdourahamane Diallo featured at the briefing.

Also present was the Special Assistant to the President on Information and Strategy, Mr Bayo Onanuga.

“This crisis poses a threat not only to our planet but to the very future of humanity.

“Climate change, biodiversity loss, pollution and others are harsh realities that demand immediate and decisive action.

“It is our conviction that Press freedom (PF) is not just a fundamental human right; it is also essential for environmental sustainability.

“Without a free and independent press, we cannot hope to address the complex environmental challenges we face”, he said.

According to Idris, in the face of this crisis, newsmen were guardians of truth and champions of accountability.

“They illuminate environmental injustices, expose wrongdoing, and amplify the voices of those most affected by environmental degradation.

“The 2024 theme resonates deeply with our ministry’s vision and President Bola Tinubu’s priority areas, which prioritise restoring trust, reorienting national values, and creating an enabling environment for the media.

“We also acknowledge the challenges that journalists face in carrying out their vital work.

“As environmental defenders, journalists often confront threats, harassment, and violence for their courageous efforts to expose the environment.

“I wish to reassure you of our continued commitment to tirelessly promote the tenets of PF as well as supporting journalists in their mission to protect our planet,” Idris said.

He urged stakeholders to redouble their efforts to build a future where journalism would thrive, PF upheld, and planet earth safeguarded for generations to come.

He further reaffirmed the Federal Government’s unwavering commitment to protecting the rights of journalists and ensuring their safety and security.

He said that the federal government has provided the most unfettered access to journalists and the enabling environment that had continued to encourage the Nigeria media to grow in leaps and bounds in recent years.

In the same vein, Salako said environmental crises were so intense and gargantuan that they were at the core of most of the challenges faced by humanity.

“Ignorance, lack of awareness and appropriate knowledge about the climate crisis is still rampant in our society.

“I call upon you, our dear friends in the media for more support in our drive for environmental advocacy and citizenship, so that all creatures on earth thrive in harmony with the planet.

“The press and journalists constitute the framework for informing, educating, stimulating discussion, mobilising and setting the agenda for the public who are the employers of the government.

“Therefore, we must remain persistent in our advocacy, awareness creation, sensitisation and educating the public,” Salako said.

Onanuga on his part said it was regrettable that newsmen in the country did not focus enough energy on reporting the environment and urged  them to start aggressive reports on the environment and climate change to save it.

Meanwhile, Diallo commended Idris, Salako, Onanuga and the Nigerian media, adding that the WPFD was a reminder for all governments and stakeholders to respect their commitments to press freedom.

“It is also a day of reflection among media professionals about issues of PF and professional ethics.

“It is a day which celebrates the fundamental principles of PF to evaluate it around the world to defend the media from attacks.

“It is also a day to pay tribute to journalists who have lost their lives in the line of their profession,” Diallo said. (NAN)

Edited by Chioma Ugboma/Uche Anunne

By Angela Atabo

The Minister of Housing and Urban Development, Ahmed Dangiwa has inaugurated the Architects Registration Council of Nigeria (ARCON), calling on the National Assembly to urgently amend the 2004 ARCON Act.

At the Inauguration of the Re-constituted Council on Thursday in Abuja, the minister said that the Act, which mandates ARCON to determine the standards of knowledge and skills necessary to practice, is obsolete.

According to him, the 2004 Act, heralded by Decree Number 10 of 1969, which empowers the Council to raise practice standards from time to time as circumstances may permit, has not been adhered to.

“The Architects Registration Council of Nigeria Act 2004 being a statute created by the National Assembly needs immediate and urgent review and update by way of Amendment.

“The Act needs a surgical review to align its mandate with the realities of today and beyond.

“The Ministry under my watch will encourage this Council to urgently begin work on this amendment. We should aim to remove all areas of ambiguities.

” We should incorporate the right to exist and function with the common objective of promoting the profession,” he said.

The Minister drew the attention of the Council to the recurring phenomenon of building collapse in the country, leading to loss of lives, and waste of resources.

According to him, recurrent building collapse had brought shame to the profession and the housing sector.

“As we inaugurate the ARCON Council today, I want to specifically charge the members to ensure that there is peace in the house of Architecture in Nigeria.

“We must demonstrate the ability to organise ourselves. We must show that we can lead the industry. This must be evident in the way our organisations conduct themselves,” he said

Dangiwa recalled that the Council was created as a policy making organ of government to help in promoting the development and growth of the Architectural profession in the country.

He added that ARCON was created because the Government recognised the need to regulate and maintain standards in the built environment, a major driver of economic growth.

The Minister, therefore, tasked ARCON on accountability and transparency through the implementation of initiatives that would enhance good governance in the built environment.

He charged the Council to ensure that registered architects uphold ethical conduct and integrity.

He also urged them to be alive to the expectations of the Architectural profession and contribute meaningfully towards policies that would promote and enshrine standards and quality in the housing sector.

Responding, Umar Murnai-Saulawa, the ARCON Registrar, commended the Minister for inaugurating the Council adding that it was long overdue.

Murnai-Saulawa urged the members to work in peace and unity for the progress and improvement of the architectural profession in Nigeria,

“We have a lot to do because we have lost a lot of ground because of the problems we have been having all along .

“I hope this inauguration will bring a stop to the problems we have had,” he said.

The Registrar also charged members to uphold the responsibilities and tenets of the Council which included training and improvement of the profession.(NAN)

Edited by Rotimi Ijikanmi