News Agency of Nigeria
Akpabio, Gowon urge Nigerians to emulate Onaiyekan’s inter-religious lifestyle
Metro

Akpabio, Gowon urge Nigerians to emulate Onaiyekan’s inter-religious lifestyle

 

Philomina Attah

Senate President, Sen. Godswill Akpabio and a former Head of State, Gen. Yakubu Gowon, have urged Nigerians to emulate the Christ-like and inter-religious lifestyle exhibited by His Eminence, Cardinal John Onaiyekan.

They made the call in Abuja on Thursday, at a book presentation to mark the 80th birthday celebration of the Emeritus Catholic ArchBishop of Abuja, Cardinal Onaiyekan.

They admonished Nigerians to ensure religious tolerance and harmony, especially among religious leaders and followers.

Akpabio, who chaired the book presentation, described Onaiyekan as an indefatigable advocate of justice and a rare creation of God, whose unwavering commitment to justice had touched the lives of many.

He said that Onaiyekan lived his life worthy of emulation, which had brought about peace to the country, adding that he dedicated his life to the service of mankind.

“Onaiyekan’s leadership and ministry have been marked by a resolute pursuit of justice and equality. In the face of injustice, he has been a tireless advocate for the marginalised and the voiceless.

“He has taught us that true leadership lies not in the pursuit of power, but in the relentless pursuit of justice and the untiring commitment to uplifting the most vulnerable among us.

“But it is not just his actions that inspire us; it is his words that resonate in our hearts,” he said.

Akpabio added that beyond his religious leadership, Onaiyekan had also been a champion for interfaith dialogue and understanding.

He explained that in a world often divided by religious differences, Onaiyekan has tirelessly worked to build bridges of understanding and foster a spirit of unity among all faiths.

“As we celebrate His Eminence’s 80th birthday, we are reminded of the profound impact he has had on the lives of countless individuals, both within and beyond the Catholic Church.

“His legacy is one of compassion, humility, and a deep commitment to the ideals of justice and equality.

“He has shown us that one person can make a difference, that a life dedicated to service is a life well-lived,” he added.

Gowon, who in his remarks corroborated Akpabio, urged Nigerians to reflect on the work of a great person as Onaiyekan and to emulate his exemplary work toward building a greater Nation.

The former military head of state said that the Emeritus Catholic Archbishop of Abuja lived his life worthy of emulation, which had brought about peace to the country.

He said that Onaiyekan had dedicated his life to serving God and left a landmark in our hearts.

He added that his value has bonded us as humble being, adding that his life was a testimony to the church and world at large.

Gowon said that Onaiyekan unwavering commitment to justice had touched the lives of many, which must be emulated by all, especially the youth.

Earlier in his address of welcome, Doma Lulu-Briggs, the host of the occasion, described Onaiyekan as a true icon worthy of celebration.

Lulu-Briggs said that such a man who had championed religious tolerance and peace should be celebrated and emulated by all, especially younger Nigerians.

He called on Nigerians to emulate the teachings and values of Onaiyekan for greater unity and peace among religions.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the book titled, “Religion and Peace Post Retirement Reflection of John Cardinal Onaiyekan on Interfaith Dialogue,” edited by Rev Fr. George Ehusani was reviewed by Prof. Jibrin Ibrahim.

Ibrahim described the book as a true reflection of Onaiyekan’s stand on religious issues till date.

According to him, Onaiyekan preaches that the core value of religion is peace and whoever breaches that flawed the essence of religion.

“Cardinal Onaiyekan is the metropolitan catholic Archbishop Emeritus of Abuja, the immediate past co-chair of Africa council of religious leaders, and former Christian moderator of the world council of religion for peace,” he said.

A former governor of Anambra, Chris Ngige, while unveiling the book, said it was full of satire and would make a good reading.

Onaiyekan in an interview with newsmen at the sidelines of the event said “true religion must reflect peace and that whatever you hurt your neighbor is not religion.”

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that highlight of the celebration was unveiling of the book with the money realised will go to the Cardinal Onaiyekan Foundation for Peace (COFP).

COFP is a Non-Governmental Organisation with the mandate to provide a platform for building and strengthening the processes of peace and social change in Nigeria and Africa at large. (NAN)
(www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Isaac Aregbesola

FCT community bestows Warlord, “Sarkin Yaki” title on Wike
Metro

FCT community bestows Warlord, “Sarkin Yaki” title on Wike

By Philip Yatai

A community in Gwagwalada Area Council of  Federal Capital Territory (FCT) has bestowed the traditional title of “Sarkin Yaki” (Warlord), Paikon Kore on the FCT Minister, Mr Nyesom Wike,

The Aguma of Gwagwalada, Chief Mohammad Magaji announced this on Thursday when the Minister inaugurated an emergency construction and rehabilitation of nine-kilometre Paikon Kore – Ibwa Road, in the area council.

Magaji who commended Wike for the giant strides in rural development within a short time he assumed office said they were eagerly expecting his approval for coronation.

While thanking the Minister for taking the bold steps to develop rural communities in the FCT, Magaji expressed the optimism that the project would facilitate development of the area

Inaugurating the project,  Wike said it was part of 30-kilometre roads that would be constructed across the six area councils of the territory.

He assured the residents that President Bola Tinubu’s renewed hope agenda was not mere talk but action.

The Minister explained that the road construction was designed to make rural dwellers comfortable and open rural communities for development.

He added that two additional roads would be constructed in each of the area councils before the end of the year, to add up to three rural roads per area council.

The minister blamed the spate of rural urban migration on lack of roads and other basic amenities needed to make life comfortable.

According to him, the project will not only address insecurity, but improve access to school, enable evacuating of farm produce to the market and boost economic activities.

The minister assured the contractor that funding would not be a problem, stressing that he would accept nothing short of expected quality.

“Funding will not be a problem but do it well; the people are entitled to quality roads.

“I will not tell you when I will come here for inspection. I will not also depend on a report from the director overseeing the project.

“What I will depend on is what I see with my own eyes,” Wike said.

The FCT Minister of State, Dr Mariya Mahmoud, pointed out that lack of access roads in communities had stagnated development in rural areas..

“For too long, the lack of proper road infrastructure has hindered the progress of our rural communities.

“farmers have struggled to transport their produce to markets; students have faced difficulties reaching schools; and medical emergencies have been compounded by the challenges of accessing timely healthcare,” she said.

Dr Olusegun Olusa, Oversite Director, Satellite Towns Development Department, FCTA, said the project, awarded to Setraco Nigeria Ltd, will be delivered before May 29 to mark President Tinubu’s one year in office.

The Chairman, Gwagwalada Area Council, Mr Abubakar Giri, commended the minister for the gesture, which he described as the first rural project to be executed by FCT minister in the area.

Giri said the road, when completed, would improve security in rural communities due to improved access to communities and boost the economy of the people.

According to him, 90 per cent of the people in the area are farmers, who will benefit immensely from the road projects by evacuating agricultural produce to the market.(NAN)

Edited by Rotimi Ijikanmi

Wike working to improve living condition of rural dwellers – Secretary
Metro

Wike working to improve living condition of rural dwellers – Secretary

By Philip Yatai

Mrs Adedayo Benjamins-Laniyi, Mandate Secretary, Women Affairs Secretariat, FCT Administration, says the FCT Minister, Mr Nyesom Wike, is working to improve the living condition of rural dwellers in the territory.

Benjamins-Laniyi stated this when she visited the District Head of Kulo, Mr Solomon Hassan in Kuje Area Council of the FCT on Wednesday.

She said that Wike was making necessary efforts to bring succor to the people in rural communities,  in line with the Renewed Hope Agenda of President Bola Tinubu.

The secretary, who was in the community to assess an abandoned groundnut processing factory in Kulo community, said plans were underway to resuscitate it.

She asked the district head to document the challenges faced by the community,  and assured them  that the minister would find ways to address the challenges.

According to her, Wike is a man of his words and will deliver on his assignment in developing the territory into a world class capital city.

She said   that the visit was facilitated by the minister and the FCT Minister of State, Dr Mariya Mahmoud, to get details of the challenges affecting the community.

According to her, the goal is to find ways to improve the living conditions of the people.

The mandate secretary, thereafter, distributed some bags of rice, cooking oil, salt, and undisclosed cash to members of the community.

Earlier, the District Head identified some of the challenges affecting the community as the lack of access road, water, electricity, and employment opportunities for the youths in the community.

Hassan expressed confidence in the leadership qualities of Wike, adding that he was optimistic that he would turn the lives of rural dwellers around.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the Women Affairs Secretariat was established in October 2023 and would be100 days old on Feb. 1. (NAN)

Edited by Joseph Edeh

May 29 delivery of Abuja light rail sacrosanct – Wike
Metro

May 29 delivery of Abuja light rail sacrosanct – Wike

 

By Philip Yatai

The FCT Minister, Mr Nyesom Wike has expressed satisfaction with the progress made so far on Abuja light rail project, reassuring that its delivery on May 29 is sacrosanct.

The minister gave the assurances on Wednesday after inspecting the ongoing construction of access roads to the train stations from Metro Train Station in Central Area to Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport, Abuja.

The minister reassured journalists who accompanied him on the inspection tour that the rail project would be commissioned on May 29 by President Bola Tinubu to mark his one year in office.

NAN reports that the stations visited are, Wupa station close to Idu and Bassanjiwa station close to the airport.

“This is part of our routine inspection of ongoing projects to see what the contractors have been doing.

“We are working day and night to see that we fulfill; the promise we made to President Tinubu and residents of the FCT, that by May, Mr President will ride on the Metro line.

“We want to have access roads to the various train stations, because if you do not create access roads to the communities who will be using the train, then the aim is defeated,’’ he said.

The minister acknowledged the seriousness of the contractors to deliver the project.

“You have heard what the representative of the China Civil Engineering Construction Corporation Ltd. said that they will be working day and night to see that the project is completed.

“For me, it is a major project, so that it can reduce the influx of vehicles into the city. It is going to help us,’’ he said.

On availability of funds, the minister said that FCT Administration was fully prepared and had secured some funding sources to deliver the projects.

Speaking on insecurity that might affect the workers on site, Wike assured that security had improved significantly in the territory.

According to him, if people are working at night in Abuja, it means the city is secured.

Earlier, the minister inspected the ongoing construction of a single lane expressway from Idu Industrial Layout to Zuba, being constructed by Salini Nigeria Ltd.

Wike explained that the project was delayed because it crossed a rail line and required a permission from the Federal Ministry of Transport to proceed.

According to him, if approval is given, then the contractor will be able to do some work and facilitate the speed.  (NAN)

Edited by Rotimi Ijikanmi

Market women donate yams, pepper, onions to First Lady
Metro

Market women donate yams, pepper, onions to First Lady

 

By Philip Yatai

Market Women and Men Association of Nigeria in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), on Tuesday, donated tubers of yam, tomatoes, pepper and onions to the First Lady, Sen. Oluremi Tinubu.

National President of the association, Mrs Felicia Sani, said that the donation was aimed at formally welcoming Mrs Tinubu to Abuja.

Sani said that the donation was also to formally adopt the first lady as a member of the association, in view of her positive contributions to the wellbeing of women nationwide.

According to her, market women, under the President Bola Tinubu-led administration, are excelling in their businesses because of the peaceful environment that he has provided since assumption of office.

She urged the first lady to continue to support market women at all levels with the needed resources to enable them to expand their businesses.

Sani said that market women deserved all the support that would help them expand their trades and add value to the nation’s economy.

She called on Nigerians to work for the good of the country and avoid actions that could ignite a crisis.

“We have adopted the wife of Mr President, Sen. Oluremi Tinubu, because of her love for market women and Nigerians in general.

“We are trying as women but more support from the first lady is needed,” she said.

Responding, Ms Joy Okosa, Assistant Director in the Women Affairs Secretariat, FCT Administration, who spoke on behalf of the Mandate Secretary of the secretariat, Mrs Adedayo Benjamin-Laniyi, pledged the administration’s continued support to women. (NAN)

Edited by ‘Wale Sadeeq

Wike approves N30.9bn for school rehabilitation projects – Secretary
Metro , Education

Wike approves N30.9bn for school rehabilitation projects – Secretary

 

By Philip Yatai

The FCT Minister, Mr Nyesom Wike has approved N30.9 billion for massive school rehabilitation projects in the federal capital.

Dr Danlami Hayyo, Mandate Secretary, Education Secretariat, FCT Administration, stated this at a news conference in Abuja on Tuesday.

According to Hayyo, the gesture is a testament to the priority the minister placed on the education sector.

He said that out of the fund, N13.3 billion was approved for the renovation and rehabilitation of 40 schools, which would be completed in 100 days.

The mandate secretary said that N13.1 billion was also provided for an accelerated whole-school rehabilitation approach, beginning with 18 schools.

Hayyo said the school rehabilitation approach was designed to rehabilitate the entire school infrastructure and facilities including toilets, hostels, dining as well as provision of furniture and water.

He further said that four schools would also be renovated in the second batch of the whole-school rehabilitation approach at the cost of N4.5 billion.

He listed the schools to include Government Science Technical College, Kwali; Government Science Technical College, Maitama; Government Secondary School, Kuje and Government Secondary School, Wuse II.

According to him, the projects are expected to be completed before May 2024, adding that it would be part of the project that would be commissioned by President Bola Tinubu to mark his one year in office.

The mandate secretary also commended the minister for addressing the lingering crisis between primary school teachers and the Area Council Secretariat.

He explained that the minister has committed to settle 40 per cent of the N7 billion minimum wage arrears owed the primary school teacher by the six area councils.

Hayyo further said the area councils would settle the remaining 60 per cent of the amount, which would be paid within the next three months.

He said that the amount to be paid by the area councils would be deducted from source to ensure compliance.

Hayyo, who assured that all necessary procurement procedures would be followed, complained that the renovations were massive because the previous administration did not do much in the sector.

“The previous administration neglected the education sector. No meaningful intervention by the previous administration in the education sector of the FCT.

“That is why the huge work is going to be done by the current administration. That is why the minister took education as a serious matter and earmarked about N30 billion,” he said. (NAN)

Edited by Rabiu Sani-Ali

Inner-southern road project will be completed in December – Wike
Metro

Inner-southern road project will be completed in December – Wike

 

By Philip Yatai

The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Mr Nyesom Wike, has promised to complete the Inner-Southern Expressway project by December 2024.

The minister gave the assurance after he inspected some ongoing road projects within the FCT on Monday.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the project is a four-way 13.193- kilometre road with 10 lanes, starting  from the Southern Parkway to Ring Road II (Galadimawa roundabout).

The road, if completed, would stretch from AYA to Galadimawa roundabout.

Wike, who described the project as an ”ambitious” one, said that with adequate funding it would be completed by December this year.

“You can see how huge the inner southern carriageway project is; it is an ambitious project

“We are not afraid of tackling it. By the grace of God and with adequate funding, the project will be completed, and this will change the landscape of the FCT.

“We believe that if the contractors get adequate funding, which we will provide, the project will be delivered by December.

“We are happy with what the contractors are doing, and we believe that if they fast track the job before the rain comes, we will achieve quite a lot.

“We are happy with the ongoing transformation in the FCT and with the support President Bola Tinubu is giving us, we have no choice but to make the residents happy,” he said.

The minister also visited the construction site of a 15-kilometre Left-Hand Services Carriageway of the Outer Southern Expressway Stage II, from Ring I Junction to Wasa Junction.

He expressed confidence that the two projects, when completed, would decongest the gridlock usually experienced along the roads.

Earlier, Mr Shehu Ahmad, Executive Secretary, Federal Capital Development Authority, explained that the Left-Hand Services Carriageway project begins from Apo roundabout to Wasa Junction.

Ahmad said that the project was awarded at the cost of N17.6 billion, adding that so far, N5.1 billion had been paid to the contractors.

He said that currently, the project was at 57.8 per cent completion, adding that it required over N12.5 billion for its completion.

On the Inner Southern Expressway, Ahmad explained that it was an extension from Southern Parkway to Ring Road II.

He added that the project, currently at 30 per cent completion, was awarded at N91.8 billion.

He explained that N26.7 billion had been paid to the contractors, leaving an outstanding liabilities of N14.1 billion.

He further said that N65.1 billion would be required to complete the project.

Speaking on behalf of the contractors, Mr Fan Jin, the Deputy Director of CGC Nigeria Ltd, blamed the delay in the inner southern expressway project on the large number of bridges on the road, among other reasons.

He said that the road has four interchanges, eight bridges, 15 river bridges, five pedestrian bridges and other ancillary facilities.

Jin, who said that the project was initially designed to be completed in 2027, however, assured the minister of the possibility of completing it soon if properly funded. (NAN)

Edited by Polycarp Auta

FCT primary teachers resume work after Wike’s intervention
Metro

FCT primary teachers resume work after Wike’s intervention

By Philip Yatai

Primary school teachers  in the FCT resumed work on Monday following the intervention of the FCT Minister, Mr Nyesom Wike.

The teachers embarked on indefinite strike to press home demands for the implementation of 40 per cent Peculiar Allowance and payment of 25 months minimum wage arrears, amongst other arrears.

The Secretary of the FCT chapter of the Nigerian Union of Teachers (NUT), Mrs Margaret Jethro, made this known in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN), in Abuja on Monday.

Jethro said that the strike, which was suspended with effect from today (Monday), followed the intervention of Wike to settle part of the minimum wage arrears owed the teachers.

She explained that Wike promised to settle 40 per cent of the over N7 billion minimum wage arrears, while the area councils would settle the remaining 60 per cent.

She said that the payment would begin from January and complete by March.

“We have suspended strike with effect from today and teachers are already in class.

“Wike had promised that the deduction of the 40 per cent minimum wage arrears will begin this January and the area councils too will bring their own deductions for the three months.

“So, based on that, we are giving him the benefits of the doubt,” she said.

On the N8 billion 12-month Peculiar Allowance debt, Jethro said that the area councils had argued that primary school teachers were not entitled to it.

She added that the minister said he would write to the National Salaries, Incomes and Wages Commission for clarification.

“The area council chairmen insisted that primary school teachers are not entitled to it, but the circular that came from the National Salaries, Incomes and Wages Commission says all staff on consolidated salary, and primary school teachers are on consolidated salary.

“So, the minister said he is going to make clarification himself and do the needful.

“We decided to take what he has given to us and give him time to make the clarification,” she said.

The official, however, said that if nothing was done, “we will take the next line of action.”

NAN reports that the teachers had on Jan. 15 began an indefinite strike.

The strike was a continuation of an earlier one suspended in 2023 over non-payment of 40 per cent Peculiar Allowance and 25 months minimum wage arrears, among other issues

The NUT suspended the strike on Oct. 2, 2023, to allow for the resolution of the issues within six weeks which was not achieved. (NAN)

Edited by Sadiya Hamza

FCTA inaugurates table stand Creed to guide ethical conducts, professionalism
Metro

FCTA inaugurates table stand Creed to guide ethical conducts, professionalism

By Philip Yatai
The Federal Capital Territory Administration (FCTA) has inaugurated a Creed for civil servants to guide ethical conducts, inspire confidence and promote professionalism.
The creed, produced in a table stand format, was inaugurated in Abuja, during the 2024 FCTA Staff Awards and Recognition Ceremony, as part of reforms to improve service delivery in the Administration.
Inaugurating the Creed, the FCT Minister, Mr Nyesom Wike, pledged the Administration’s commitment to improve the welfare and living standard of the FCT staff and residents of the territory.
Wike, who was represented by Mr Salman Dako, FCT General-Counsel and Mandate Secretary, Legal Services Secretariat, said: “This will be done in line with the Renewed Hope Agenda of President Bola Tinubu.
“We will continue to do the best that we can to improve the welfare of our staff and improve the quality of lives of Abuja residents.”
The acting Director, Department of Reforms Coordination and Service Improvement, FCTA, Dr Jumai Ahmadu, said that the goal was to build a world-class and result-oriented civil service that would guarantee values and efficient service delivery for the citizens.
Describing creed as a set of beliefs, principles, or opinions that strongly influence the way people live or work, Ahmadu said that the government would continue to commit resources into developing the civil service.
She, however, said that there was a need for a commensurate commitment from the workers.
She said that the creed, developed with support from the outgoing Permanent Secretary of FCTA, Mr Adesola Olusade, embodies values and principles essential for effective and efficient delivery of public services to residents.
She emphasised that as workers were being motivated through attractive welfare packages, they also needed to reciprocate the gesture through dedication to duties and responsibilities.
“This initiative underscores the commitment of the department to instill a sense of purpose and professionalism among civil servants.
“It also emphasised the importance of accountability, transparency, and ethical conduct in the daily responsibilities of civil servants.
“By articulating a clear set of standards and expectations, the Civil Servants Creed serves as a guiding framework to inspire and guide employees in upholding the highest standards of service delivery.
“The inauguration of the creed is not only a symbolic gesture but also a practical tool to cultivate a culture of excellence and dedication within the civil service.
“It acknowledges the crucial role that civil servants play in governance, public administration and highlights the significance of their contributions to the development of the Federal Capital Territory,” she said.
She further said that the creed would empower civil servants, nurture a sense of pride and ownership in their work, while promoting a deep sense of responsibility toward the citizens they serve.
She added that the creed reinforces the fundamental values of professionalism, respect, and commitment to public service, noting that it would contribute ultimately to a more efficient, responsive, and citizen-centric administration.
The Permanent Secretary, Mr  Olusade, said that the FCTA’s commitment to the Creed reflects a proactive and forward-thinking approach to strengthening the organisational culture and ethos of public service.
He added that the initiative would inspire a renewed sense of purpose and professionalism among civil servants, and foster a more accountable, transparent, and citizen-focused public administration in the FCT.
“The creed is a pivotal step toward enhancing the overall public sector governance and administration in Abuja.
“By promoting a values-driven approach to service delivery, the Civil Servants Creed aligns with the broader objectives of institutional reform and capacity building.
“This will contribute to the realisation of a more accountable and effective civil service,” he said.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that no fewer than 191 members of staff across all Secretariats, Departments and Agencies of the FCTA were honoured at the event for their outstanding performance and dedication to duty. (NAN)
Edited by Folasade Adeniran
AMAC chairman lauds Wike’s achievements in FCT
Metro

AMAC chairman lauds Wike’s achievements in FCT

 

By Philomina Attah

Mr Christopher Maikalangu, Chairman, Abuja Municipal Area Council (AMAC), has said that FCT minister Nyisom Wike has achieved a lot “in just a few months in office”.

Maikalangu said this in Abuja on Friday at a meeting with stakeholders.

According to him, the minister, in less than one year in office, has transformed the FCT into a haven with a lot of ongoing road projects, and some security initiatives.

Some of the achievements included the rehabilitation of 135 roads to be completed in a few weeks time.

“The minister has exempted the territory from the Treasury Single Account (TSA). This will allow for efficient use of Internally Generated Revenue (IGR) and stimulate the growth and development of the FCT.”

According to him, the establishment of the FCT Civil Service Commission as directed by President Tinubu,  within a short period, is also a laudable achievement.

“I want to welcome you to AMAC for this all important stakeholders engagement over security of lives and properties.

“I want to appreciate the great achievements recorded by the Minister since he assumed office in the FCT.

“In less than one year in office, you have transformed the FCT into a haven of admiration through lots of ongoing projects.

“These include the rehabilitation of 135 roads to be completed in a few weeks, time and the
exemption of the territory from the Treasury Single Account (TSA).

“The implication of this is that it allows for the efficient use of Internally Generated Revenue (IGR) to stimulate the growth and development of the Federal Capital Territory,” he said.

He explained that the Thursday engagement was geared towards rubbing minds and finding lasting solutions to all forms of crime.

Maikalangu presented some requests among which was the establishment of a Police division within the Takushara axis, to provide security presence in the surrounding area.

Maikalangu, however, appealed to the minister to also create access roads to communities like Ketti, Takushara, Burum, Gidan Kwano access road, Leka and Kutasa, “for the good and safety of the people”.

Responding to the Chairman’s request, Wike promised to construct access roads leading to the communities as requested.

“We will also construct the access roads requested by AMAC Chairman, because I believe it will help us combat insecurity, ” he added. (NAN)

Edited by Ephraims Sheyin

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