By Collins Yakubu-Hammer

The Minister of Information and National Orientation, Alhaji Mohammed Idris, says the recent revocation of 1,633 mining licences is to sanitise the sector to fit into the Renewed Hope Agenda of President Bola Tinubu.

Idris stated this when he paid a courtesy visit to the Minister of Solid Minerals, Dr Oladele Alake, on Thursday in Abuja.

According to him, the outcry that the revocation of licences means throwing people out of business and jobs is not true.

“This is because the Federal Government is trying to sanitise the sector. Gone are those days anybody would just carry equipment, enter the bushes, and start digging.

“What the Federal Government is saying is that, organise yourselves, come together, form a cooperative society, and then, you can come back to the Minister of Solid Minerals and get your license back.

“Nobody is being targeted or thrown out of business. Those we are targeting are those harming the economy of the country,

“But if you are there to positively impact the solid mineral subsection and enhance it, the minister is there to give you the necessary support.

“Those who are coming into the sector may probably get a waiver or incentives. This is a sector that President Bola Tinubu wants to grow, and for it to grow, there must be regulations,” Idris said.

The information minister further explained that it could not be business as usual, reiterating that revocation of licences does mean people are thrown out of business.

“Rather you are being helped to organise your business in a way that would fit into the vision of what the government has in developing this critical sector for national benefit”.

Responding, Alake expressed confidence in the capacity and tenacity of Idris to market the Solid Mineral sector to the world to woo investors.

“Given my very close proximity to Idris and knowledge of him and his ways, he is a deep philosopher and a man with attributes of responsible leadership.

“I am happy that he is the one in the driver seat of the Information Sector of the Government. I have confidence in his ability, capacity to achieve the stated objectives of this government,” Alake said. (NAN)

Edited by Muhammad Suleiman Tola

By Philip Yatai

The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Mr Nyesom Wike, has directed the Education Secretariat of the FCT Administration to reconstruct the classrooms of Local Education Authority Primary School, Bagusa, in Abuja.

The school under Abuja Municipal Area Council, with a population of about 200 pupils, had only six classes and a creche built by the community, but without walls, except a zinc roof supported by pillars of wood.

The class has only 16 desks, and of the six classes, only the crèche section had a cement floor, forcing the pupils to sit on the bare floor to learn.

The Mandate Secretary, Education Secretariat, FCTA, Dr Danlami Hayyo, made this known shortly after inspecting the school in Abuja on Thursday.

He told journalists that Wike was concerned about the condition of the school and the challenge it poses to the learning outcomes of the pupils.

He said that for the short and long-term solution to the problem, the administration would complete the construction of existing classrooms built by the community and construct additional classrooms for the school.

This, according to him, will ensure the pupils properly transit from the primary level to Junior Secondary School on the same site.

He added that the construction would be executed swiftly and efficiently to guarantee a conducive learning environment for the pupils.

He said that FCTA would collaborate with relevant authorities and stakeholders like the Universal Basic Education Board on the counterpart funding to expedite construction of the classrooms.

To further safeguard the school land, Hayyo advised community members to keep off the school land.

He explained that the school was established by the previous administration, adding however, that no single structure was erected by the administration since establishment.

He said that the deplorable state of the school was brought to the minister’s attention through a media publication and immediately directed an inspection visit and immediate action.

He added that the school would be converted to a modern school where both primary and junior secondary schools would be situated in the same location to ensure transition from primary to junior secondary school.

“At the secretariat level, we are committed to addressing the underlying issues that led to this unacceptable situation.

“We will work tirelessly to enhance infrastructure and ensure that no child’s education is compromised by inadequate facilities or unsafe conditions,” the mandate secretary said.

The pioneer Head Teacher of the School, Mr Chebawaza Katungu, expressed delight that the school has received the minister’s attention for prompt intervention.

This, according to him, will ensure a safer and more suitable learning environment for quality teaching and learning.

Also speaking, the Chief of Bagusa Community, Mr Zakka Iyah, thanked the FCT minister for the prompt intervention.

Iyah assured of the community’s cooperation when the construction began. (NAN)

Edited by Muhammad Suleiman Tola

By Philip Yatai

Mr Nyesom Wike, Minster of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), has expressed readiness to partner Mexico to develop the agriculture sector of the federal capital, Abuja.

Wike stated this when the Mexican Ambassador to Nigeria, Mr Alfredo Ortiz, visited him in his office on Thursday, in Abuja.

“Mexico is a country noted for agriculture. A lot of the Mexicans in Nigeria are running a lot of agricultural firms.

“We, as FCT, have always wanted to partner with countries and companies that will contribute to the agricultural development of the FCT and of course tourism,” he said.

The minister said that Abuja has all it takes to become a tourist city of the world in line with the eight-point agenda of President Bola Tinubu.

He explained that the eight-point agenda was designed to grow the nation’s economy, create jobs, wealth, reduce hunger, and bring women and youth to be part of the governance process.

He added that efforts were being made to ensure adherence to the rule of law with a view to attract investors.

“So, for us as a city, we are willing to partner with investors to develop our agriculture sector. Look at Abuja, there is available land for agriculture.

“The residents of Abuja want to see agriculture turning the economy around and providing employment for teeming youths.

“Bureaucratic bottlenecks will no longer be there. So, we are willing to partner with Mexican companies,” Wike said.

The minister said that Mexico and Nigeria have a lot in common, adding that the two countries have what it takes to overcome their problems and set the nations on the  frontline of economic development.

Ortiz assured Wike that with an enabling environment, Mexican investors would be willing to invest in the FCT’s agriculture sector. (NAN)

Edited by Ekemini Ladejobi

By Philip Yatai

The Cuban Ambassador to Nigeria, Ms Miriam Palmero has expressed her country’s readiness to partner with the Federal Capital Territory Administration (FCTA), to eradicate malaria in the federal capital, Abuja.

Palmero disclosed this when she visited the FCT Minister, Mr Nyesom Wike in his office in Abuja on Thursday.

The envoy said that the partnership was critical considering that the nation’s capital is a host to many foreign embassies in the country.

She said Cuba, through Labiofam, a Cuban-based pharmaceutical company, had developed a single anti-malaria dose, which can also be used for some other diseases.

She said Nigeria had signed an agreement with the company in 2016 as part of efforts to eliminate malaria.

The ambassador also offered to partner with the FCT Administration in the area of agriculture and tourism for job creation.

She invited the minister to visit Cuba to see the country’s achievements and decide areas of collaborations.

“We are inviting the minister to come to Cuba to see what we have achieved in the area of agriculture, health, and tourism.

“With this, you will see by yourself and look at the many areas we can collaborate,” the ambassador said.

Responding, Wike, thanked the ambassador for the visit and assured the FCT Administration’s readiness to partner with Cuba.

He directed the FCT Health Secretariat to liaise with the representative of Labiofamo to see how the FCT could benefit from the partnership on malaria treatment.

The minister also informed the ambassador that the nation’s capital has enough arable lands for agriculture, adding that the FCTA would support any genuine collaboration that would ensure the development of the sector.

“However, I don’t believe in signing Memorandum of Understanding for signing sake. I am always interested in how the implementation will follow,” Wike said. (NAN)

Edited by Ekemini Ladejobi

By Philip Yatai

Mr Nyesom Wike, Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) says FCT Administration’s investment in road infrastructure will boost economic activities in the capital city, Abuja.

Wike stated this during an inspection tour of ongoing road construction projects in the capital city on Wednesday.

The minister inspected the Outer Southern Expressway which stretched from A.A Rano, behind the villa through Deeper Life Junction, SARS, Apo roundabout to Wasa District.

The road is being constructed by China Geo-Engineering Corporation (CGC) Nigeria Limited.

Wike also inspected the Northern N-20 Expressway in Jahi District being constructed by Gilmor Construction firm.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the minister had on Tuesday inspected roads B12, B6, and Circle Road in Central Area, Abuja as well as Southern Parkway.

According to him, the roads once completed will boost economic activities in the FCT.

“This is what the people want. It is not theory; it is practical. let them see the action. They have lost hope, but hope is coming back through the renewed hope agenda of President Bola Tinubu.

“When I came on board, these roads were abandoned and I had to invite the contractors, and then we sat down and agreed on the way to fund the projects.

“The contractors have assured us that these roads will be completed on time.”

Wike said that some of the projects have been earmarked to mark the President Tinubu one year in office, adding that there would be a lot of road commissioning in Abuja soon.

He commended the contractors for the job done so far and urged them not to lower the quality of work.

“I am pleased that the people are happy as they are satisfied with what President Tinubu administration is doing.

“It is not magic; it is a matter of commitment to satisfy our people. When you do the right thing, the people will jubilate,” the minister said. (NAN)

Edited by Ekemini Ladejobi

By Philip Yatai

The Federal Capital Territory Administration (FCTA) has demolished a popular ‘panteka’ (scavengers) market at Apo-Dutse, Abuja, and cleared surrounding shanties in the area.

Speaking to journalists after the exercise in Abuja on Wednesday, Mr Mukhtar Galadima, the Director, Development Control, FCTA, said the demolition was the second in the area within the year.

Galadima explained that the panteka was one of the biggest scraps, used and new items market in Abuja city.

He explained that the measure was part of efforts to rid the area of criminals to ensure maximum security in the nation’s capital.

He said that the demolition became necessary following several complaints from residents of the area over security threats posed by the activities of the panteka operators.

The director reiterated the department’s resolve to clean up Abuja city and ensure that all developments were in line with the Abuja Master Plan.

He advocated the formalisation of the panteka operators in the FCT considering their environmental and economic benefits.

“This is part of the direction of the new FCT Administration in ensuring that everything we do should have an element of tax.

“This will ensure that people contribute to the development and management of the city.

“I am also an advocate of integrating the informal sector because they contribute a huge percentage to the national economy,” he added.

Galadima said that his team would visit other areas with similar challenges for cleanup.

Earlier, the Secretary, FCTA Command and Control, FCTA, Mr Peter Olumuji disclosed that manhole covers and cables were some of the items recovered in the demolished market.

Others, he said, included stolen vehicle parts and number plates, among others.

Olumuji added that other criminal activities like rape were common occurrence in the area.

Some residents of the area also advocated for the formalisation of the panteka market across the city to curtail security threats.

One of them, Mr Umar Salis, urged the government to designate a specific location for the operators to carry out their businesses in a formal and organised manner.

The Chairman of the Apo-Dutse Panteka Union, Mr Sagir Garba, also appealed to the government to formalise their operations to enable them carry out their businesses legally and without fear.

Garba said that with over 18,000 members, they would contribute to the economic development of the city. (NAN)

Edited by Muhammad Suleiman Tola

By Philip Yatai

The Minister of State, Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Dr Mariya Mahmoud, has urged graduates undergoing the one-year mandatory National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) scheme to channel their talent to productive ventures.

Mahmoud gave the charge during the closing ceremony of the 2023 Batch ‘C’ Stream I Orientation Course, at the NYSC Orientation Camp in Kubwa, Abuja on Tuesday.

She enjoined the corps members to deploy their potential towards building a strong, united, and prosperous nation that focuses not only on consumption, but also on manufacturing.

“Nation building and socio-economic developments are twin areas of vital importance to the country.

“The FCTA trusts that you, as future leaders, will channel your talents and potential towards enthroning a more united, prosperous, and productive nation that focuses on manufacturing.

“In that spirit, I urge you to accept your postings in good faith and settle down quickly in order to contribute to the growth of the nation,” she said.

The minister admonished the graduates to be peaceful and law abiding as they step into FCT communities for their primary assignment.

According to her, peaceful conduct will draw the people to love, accept and support them throughout the service year.

“My charge to you, therefore, is that you put in your best and future generations will speak well of you.”

While stating that security of lives and property remain paramount in the FCT, she assured the serving corps members of safety of their lives and properties at all service locations.

Earlier, NYSC Coordinator in FCT, Mrs Shokpeka Winifred, had said that the corps members have been posted according to their areas of discipline and specialisation.

Winifred called on employers to ensure judicious utilisation of all corps members posted to their establishments.

She urged the corps members to settle down in their respective places of primary assignments, contribute to nation building and execute viable community development service projects. (NAN)

Edited by Ephraims Sheyin

By Philip Yatai

The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Mr Nysom Wike, says FCT Administration has concluded plans to roll out new buses and taxis for public transportation in Abuja.

Wike, who disclosed this during a high-level meeting with estate developers in Abuja on Tuesday, added that the development would address the problem of “one chance” operators in the FCT.

The minister assured residents of the FCT that the buses and taxis would be rolled out in the next one month.

“I assure you that once the buses and taxis are on the road, the problem of “one chance” will be a thing of the past.

“However, if you make the mistake of going to enter a taxi and a bus that is not our own, it is your own problem.

“The buses and taxis will ply the routes of Maitama, Asokoro and other parts of the city,” he said.

He also said that to ensure maximum security of residents, the FCTA would kick commercial tricycle operators out of Abuja, adding that some of the operators were agents of criminals.

“I know some of you will say, oh! We are struggling. I know they are struggling to have something. I agree, but our interest is to protect our city.

“I will not because you are dying of hunger and allow people to die. I owe a duty to protect the people that are doing genuine businesses in our city,” he added.

The minister explained that a stiff decision was not taken against the tricycle operators because public buses and taxis were not on the roads as alternatives.

He said: “we could not take action without providing an alternative. Now that we have the alternative, we are not afraid to take that action.

“They should move to the rural areas.”

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the incidence of “one chance” is on the increase in the city with many residents falling victim to the criminal acts.

Worst hit are civil servants and journalists.

“One chance” vehicles are used by criminal groups disguised as commercial drivers and commuters operating within Abuja city, particularly during closing hours and late into the night.

They lure their victims by disguising as commercial taxis and dispossess the passengers of their valuables.

Many of the operators use force to empty victims’ bank accounts using point-of-sale machines, according to the account of victims. (NAN)

Edited by Ephraims Sheyin

By Philip Yatai

Mr Nyesom Wike, Minister of the FCT says the FCT Administration has pegged the cost of issuance of Certificate of Occupancy (C- of-O) at N5 million.

Wike made the pronouncement at a meeting he held with estate developers in Abuja on Tuesday.

He said payment could be made within four months of land allocation after which the C-of-O would be handed over to the applicant.

He added that he would seek the approval of President Bola Tinubu to link applicants’ National Identification Number to C-of-Os before issuance.

Wike said the era where three or more persons were allocated the same plot of land with fake C-of-O was over.

“Allocation of land to three or more persons will no longer be allowed because the C-of-O enables you to do business.

“When we make the right decision, some people will be happy, and some will not. The rich will kick against some of our decisions, but anything that will help our people must be done,’’ Wike said.

He promised to ensure orderliness and sanity in land administration system and processes in the FCT.

The minister expressed worries that workers’ salaries at the FCT Administration and the Federal Capital Development Authority gulped N8.9 billion monthly.

Wike said he had saved N110 billion for the FCT barely three months into office and assured that the funds would be attached to specific projects.

Wike inaugurated a taskforce on the issuance of Certificate of Occupancy (C of O) for housing estates and the recovery of land use contravention fees on Nov. 14.

He explained that the measure was to ensure that each unit in the housing estates had its separate C-of-O. (NAN)

Edited by Alli Hakeem