By Adeyemi Adeleye

Prince Taiwo Oyekan, Deputy Leader, Lagos Island Local Government Legislative Council, has called on Nigerians with means, to support the needy and  vulnerable in their various communities.

Oyekan made the call while speaking at an empowerment programme he organised for vulnerable residents of the local government  area.

The News Agency of Nigeria(NAN)reports that cash ,food items ,sewing machines and other empowerment items ,were distributed to widows,elderlies and other vulnerable people at the programme.

Oyekan, representing Ward C1 , said that  he organised the programme to complement government’s efforts  at mitigating the effects of economic hardship at the grassroots.

“I had to save to come up with this  economic empowerment programme because of the hardship in the economy at the moment.

” I had  been thinking of how to give back to the community and to our people before we came up with this We have given out sewing machines, bags of rice and cash to the people.

“This is our own way of supporting what Gov. Babajide Sanwo-Olu and the President, Asiwaju Bola Tinubu, have been doing to alleviate the sufferings of the people.

“This is funded by me. I saved  from my impress and salary as the councillor to give back to the people.

“We have spent over N10million to carry our this mega economic empowerment,” Oyekan said.

The legislator said  that he personally went round to select  the beneficiaries from  the various communities in the council area.

Oyekan, who noted that he had been empowering his constituents since 2017, urged the  latest  beneficiaries to make good use of the gesture.

Speaking ,Oba Rilwan Akiolu, the Oba of Lagos, who was represented by the Head of White Cap Chiefs, Chief Abdul-lateef Aderibigbe-Ajose, said with the programme,the  councillor  had followed the foot steps of his father, late Oba Adeyinka Oyekan, who was also a philanthropist.

Akiolu advised the beneficiaries to use the items judiciously to create wealth for themselves.

Also speaking, the Lagos State APC Chairman, Pastor Cornelius Ojelabi, who was represented by his deputy, Mr Mayegun Moshood, noted that the party was proud of the gesture of Oyekan .

Describing the gesture as great, Ojelabi said that the councillor had keyed into the Renewed Hope Agenda of President Bola Tinubu.

One of the beneficiaries, Alhaja Wulemotu Musa, who prayed for the council legislator, said what she got would help  her at  Ramadan.

“We can’t have this  without saying prayers for the giver. As we eat and feed others, we shall continue to pray for him,” Musa said.

Also speaking, Alhaji Shewu Sanusi-Aka, another beneficiary, also  said that the empowerment items would help him a lot.

Sanusi-Aka said: “This is very fantastic, the Prince has been doing well  and God will continue to help him.

“The last time he did this, I was given  reading glasses and medicine free. He has done a lot for many people..My advice for him is to continue and good will follow him.

Another beneficiary ,Mr Yisa Giwa, also applauded Oyekan, for the gesture saying it  would go a long way to alleviate  sufferings and hardship in the area.

A  beneficiary of  sewing machine, Ms Shakeerat Muhammad from Isale-Eko community, applauded the councillor, saying that the machine would boost  her income and help her family. (NAN) www.nannews.ng

Edited by Buhari Bolaji

By Philomina Attah

The Abuja Municipal Area Council (AMAC), on Thursday in Abuja, unveiled a crescent named after Gov. Umo Eno of Akwa Ibom.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the crescent, located in the Idu industrial area of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), was named after Eno in recognition of his track record as governor.

The naming of the crescent is seen as a fitting tribute to the governor’s achievements and a testament to his contribution to the advancement of the area.

Speaking during the unveiling of the crescent, the Chairman of AMAC, Christopher Maikalangu, described the governor as a “son of the soil” whose achievements in road construction, agriculture, education, and other sectors have been remarkable.

The AMAC chairman, represented by the council’s Supervisory Councillor on Special Duties, Mr Emmanuel Inyang, praised the governor’s commitment to development and expressed gratitude for his contributions to the progress of the community.

“He has done very well within the shortest time of his tenure in office.

“In terms of road infrastructure, in terms of agriculture, in terms of education, in terms of other activities that he has been able to put in place.

“Arising from your numerous contributions to your fatherland, AMAC has deemed it fit to recognise your contribution and issue a ‘symbol of award of the street name’ in your honour in appreciation of your commitment to developing the country.

“We see this as an opportunity to encourage you to do more for the people of your state.

“We wish you more grace as you discharge your responsibility and give enviable service to your fatherland,” the chairman said.

Akariyere Tommy, the Transitional Chairman of Eket Local Government Area of Akwa Ibom, expressed gratitude to the council for recognising the governor’s contributions to the development of the area.

Tommy emphasised the importance of history and how naming the crescent after the governor would serve as testimony to his achievements.

He applauded the council members and staff for their dedication and support.

In his comments on behalf of the governor, Mr Jeremiah Efeh, the Director of Finance, Akwa Ibom Liaison Officer Abuja, thanked the council for finding the governor worthy of the honour. (NAN)

Edited by Emmanuel Yashim

By Philip Yatai

Dr Mariya Mahmoud, Minister of State, Federal Capital Territory (FCT) and Dr Adedayo Benjamin-Laniyi, Mandate Secretary, Women Affairs Secretariat, FCT Administration, have promised accelerated economic progress for women in the territory.

They made the promise through a virtual platform, at a side event, during the celebration of the UN Commission on the Status of Women @68 in New York, U.S.A on Tuesday.

The side event tagged, “The Abuja Accelerator” with the theme, “Unifying Women for Global Impact,” was organised by the Office of the Mandate Secretary, Women Affairs Secretariat in collaboration with the UN Women.

The duo said that the women’s economic progress and full potential would be achieved under the Abuja Accelerator programme, designed to invest in women and accelerate their progress through collaboration and partnership.

Mahmoud reiterated the commitment of the FCT Minister, Mr Nyesom Wike, to advance women’s economic growth and unify their potential for national and global impact.

She described the theme as a powerful concept that underscored the potential for collaboration and solidarity among women worldwide.

Mahmoud said that the Abuja Accelerator programme would serve as a beacon of ‘renewed hope’, offering a platform for women to come together, share their experiences and amplify their voices for meaningful change.

She added that the programme embodied the spirit of empowerment and progress for FCT women from all walks of life.

“It will provide a space where women from various backgrounds can converge, exchange ideas and strategise on how to address pressing issues facing women globally.

“The strength of the Abuja accelerator lies in its ability to foster collaboration among women, by bringing together individuals with different perspectives and expertise.

“The accelerator creates a fertile ground for innovation and collective action, through workshops, seminars and networking.

“Under the programme, participants will be equipped with the skills and knowledge needed to carry out positive change in their communities and beyond,” she said.

The minister added that the initiative equally served as a catalyst for advocacy and awareness creation that highlighted the achievements and challenges faced by women.

She expressed optimism that the programme would help to elevate the status of women in the society and push for policies that promoted gender equality.

According to her, the Abuja Accelerator programme is a shining example of how women can come together to make a difference in the world.

“By preparing women for global impact, the accelerator is not only changing the lives of individual women, but also shaping a more inclusive and profitable future for all.”

On her part, Benjamin-Laniyi said that women in the FCT would be empowered through innovation, inspiration, collaboration and cooperation under the Abuja Accelerator Programme.

She said that the convergence in New York was to mobilise all and sundry to join ongoing efforts towards amplifying the voices of FCT women and to champion their cause.

The mandate Secretary added that the programme was designed by her office, in line with the vision of the FCT Minister, Wike, and President Bola Tinubu’s “Renewed Hope” agenda.

According to her, the goal is to create a future where every woman will realise her full potential, because no one was left behind.

“The programme represents a platform for proffering solutions to global challenges – from climate change to sustainable development – solutions born out of our unique perspective and gender experiences.

“The Abuja Accelerator is our offering for collaboration. Invest your pilot project in Abuja, whatever it is, we are ready,” the mandate secretary said.

Also speaking, the UN Women Representative to Nigeria, Beatrice Eyong, described the FCTA’s efforts towards unifying women from all walks of life as a laudable initiative.

She commended the minister of state and the mandate secretary for always building partnerships and bringing women together to uplift their lives. (NAN)

Edited by Christiana Fadare

By Philip Yatai

The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Mr Nyesom Wike, has advised the newly inaugurated Permanent Secretaries for the FCT Administration to perform, else, they will be sacked.

Wike gave the warning after the inauguration of the Chairman and Commissioners of the FCT Civil Service Commission, FCT Head of Service, and the Permanent Secretaries in Abuja on Monday.

“As a permanent secretary, you are not a political appointee, and you know the implication of that.

“If you perform below our expectations, there is nothing like query him in accordance with civil service rules.

“We have no time for that. We will just send you packing as permanent secretary,’’ he said.

Wike added: “I don’t want to hear that files are unduly delayed.

“We want you to support the government of President Bola Tinubu to realise the Renewed Hope Agenda’’.

The minister reminded the FCT workers of the long struggle for the realisation of the FCT Civil Service Commission since enactment of the law in 2018.

He said as President Tinubu had actualised the dream, it was only fair that workers pay back by being committed and work for the success of his administration.

The minister said the newly inaugurated Head of Service would send out posting letters to Directors as part of his promise to reshuffle them.

Wike also called on the Coordinators of Satellite Towns Development Department (STDD), Abuja Municipal Management Council (AMMC) and Abuja Infrastructure Investment Council (AIIC) to discharge their duties diligently.

He particularly urged the STDD coordinator to pay close attention to the developments taking place in area councils in line with the directive of President Tinubu.

Wike also urged AMMC coordinator to make sure the street lights are working, sanitation are done very well, and public buildings are well repaired.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that those inaugurated are Mr Chidi Amadi, as his Chief of Staff, Mr Emeka Ezeh as Chairman of FCT Civil Service Commission, with six commissioners representing the six geopolitical zones.

The commissioners are, Ahmed Mohammed (North West), Anthony Okeah (South-South), Mohammed Ibrahim (North East), Miskoom Naantuam (North Central), Jide Jimoh (South West) and Barrister Azubike (South East).

Also inaugurated is Mr Udo Atang, the pioneer Head of FCT Civil Service and 10 permanent secretaries.

They permanent secretaries are; Adam Babagana (North East), Wanki Ibrahim (North East), Asmau Mukhtar (North West), Dogo Bodinga (North West), Olusa Olusegun (South West) and Adetoyi Kolawole (South West).

Others are; Grace Adayilo (North Central), Olubunmi Olowookere (North Central), Ibe Chukwuemeka (South East) and Okonkwo Nonubari (South South).

The minister also inaugurated Mr Abdulkadir Zulkarfi as Coordinator STDD and Mr Felix Obuah, Coordinator AMMC.

NAN reports that Mr Oladiran Akindele, who was appointed Coordinator, Abuja Infrastructure Investment Council (AIIC) was absent at the inauguration. (NAN)

Edited by Rotimi Ijikanmi

By Philip Yatai

The Federal Capital Territory Administration (FCTA) has allocated N26.6 billion to FCT Water Board and Abuja Environmental Protection Board (AEPB) to provide clean water and maintain a healthy environment in FCT.

The Minister of the FCT, Mr Nyesom Wike, stated this when he appeared before the Senate and House Committees on FCT, in Abuja on Monday.

Wike appeared before the committees to defend the N1.15 trillion 2024 proposed FCT Statutory Budget.

He said that of the N26.6 billion, N9 billion was earmarked for the water sector to enhance water treatment and supply in the FCT.

He added that out of the N9 billion, N2.2 billion was earmarked for water treatment chemicals while N7.4 billion was for the FCT Water Board personnel costs, overhead costs, and capital expenditure.

“Through the 2024 statutory budget, we shall accelerate the implementation of the Greater Abuja Water Project being executed through a China Exim Bank Loan, but for which we are to make counterpart funding provision.

“The completion of implementation of the project will extend water supply to about 26 districts and layouts, “he said.

He explained that the FCTA had reached an advanced stage in exploiting Public Private Partnership for the deployment of pre-paid meters for dispensing of water at points of consumption.

This, according to him, is to bridge the wide gap between current revenue generation in the water sector, its inherent potential, as well as the need to minimise wastages.

“The successful implementation of this initiative will greatly assist in addressing the revenue shortfalls of the sector,” he said.

The minister also explained that a total of N17.6 billion was allocated to the Abuja Environmental Protection Board (AEPB) to maintain a clean and healthy environment.

“It is worthy to note that the City Cleaning contracts of the FCT require over N7 billion per annum, while the maintenance of the Wupa Sewage Treatment Plant requires about N2.5 billion annually.

“We are also reviewing our mode of operations to initiate a more cost-efficient city cleaning strategy in the 2024 fiscal year,” he said.

Earlier, the Chairman Senate and House Committees on FCT, Ibrahim Bomai, and Muktar Betara respectively, who commended the minister for the development stride in the FCT, assured him the full support of the National Assembly. (NAN)

Edited by Abiemwense Moru