By Salisu Sani-Idris

A CSO, Independent Hajj Reporters, has urged the new Chairman of National Hajj Commission of Nigeria (NAHCON), Jalal Arabi, to design a comprehensive sustainable hajj policy.

The National Coordinator of the CSO, Malam Ibrahim Muhammed, gave the advice in a congratulatory message to the chairman, on Thursday in Abuja.

” As a retired Permanent Secretary in the Federal Civil Service, it is expected that the new NAHCON Chairman will put in place a comprehensive and sustainable Hajj policy that focuses on efficient service delivery for Nigerian pilgrims.

” And see to its implementation at every stage.”

Muhammed also urged the chairman to immediately mobilise the needed tools to launch a massive public enlightenment to educate prospective pilgrims on the short time available for registration for the 2024 hajj pilgrimage.

He added, ” As a seasoned civil servant, the new NAHCON helmsman comes onboard with a technocratic experience which we believe will come to bear as he assumes duty.

” We also note that the new chairman is coming into office at the right time with a timeline of activities regarding Hajj 2024, just picking up.

” We urge that he hits the ground running by continuing where the immediate past board of NAHCON stopped by ensuring prompt registration of intending pilgrims and engagement of capable service providers for hajj 2024 operation.”

Muhammed commended the immediate past board of the commission for doing well in spite of the numerous challenges.

He particularly paid tribute to the former NAHCON boss, Zikirullah Hassan, for the take-off of the Hajj Savings Scheme and the Hajj Institute of Nigeria.

” While we wish the new chairman a successful tenure of office, we call on him to work in harmony with the State Pilgrims Boards and Agencies as well as Tour Operators to see to the successful registration of pilgrims.

” And the implementation of the Road Map to Hajj 2024, as encapsulated in the programmes and policies being implemented by the Saudi Arabian Ministry of Hajj and Umrah towards Hajj 2024.” (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Bashir Rabe Mani

By Philip Yatai

The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Mr Nyesom Wike, says plans are underway to improve the quality of health services in the federal capital, Abuja.

Wike gave the assurance when the Executive members of the FCT Chapter of the Association of Resident Doctors, led by the President, Dr Rahman Olayinka visited him in Abuja on Wednesday.

He explained that the FCT Administration would ensure necessary provisions in the 2024 budget to improve quality of services in health facilities in the FCT.

“The services at the moment are not encouraging. It is unfortunate.

“I was thinking that since FCT is a capital city it will have the best health facilities, but from what I am told, there is nothing to write home about, but be assured it will be the best.

“We will bring the health system to a standard that everybody will be happy,” he said.

The minister also said that efforts were being made to complete the Utako Hospital, adding that the FCT Administration was doing the best it can to meet the health needs of the people.

On salary increment and allowances to medical personnel, Wike said that the FCT do not currently have the financial resources to support salary increment or allowances.

He said that the current wage bill of the FCTA is N8 billion monthly.

Wike advised the doctors to place emphasis on unpaid increment and allowances while also concentrating on improving facilities for quality services.

He asked the group to work with the Mandate Secretary, Health Services and Environment Secretariat to work out unpaid allowances and salary increments for the administration to strategise how to pay.

He also advised the medical doctors against strike action in the name of salary increment, adding that efforts would be made to settle outstanding allowances and training of medical officers.

Earlier, Dr Olayinka thanked the minister for attending to some of their challenges within a short time in office.

He pointed out that health facilities in the FCTA were challenged by shortage of manpower and called on the minister to consider the health sector when opportunity emerged for recruitment.

He also appealed for the supply of more drugs for hospitals in the FCT to provide the needed services to the residents and those accessing the facilities from the neighbouring states.

“We need doctors, pharmacists, nurses, lab technicians among other critical manpower as FCT is at the receiving end of the “Japa” syndrome.

“We are being owed arrears of hazard allowance which the previous administration promised to pay in tranches,” he added. (NAN)

Edited by Sadiya Hamza

By Philip Yatai

The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Mr Nyesom Wike, has described a well-functioning parliament with the right support systems as a “cornerstone” of democracy.

The minister stated this at the opening ceremony of the 9th National and States Assembly Service Commissions conference, held at the Maryam Babangida Centre for Women Development, in Abuja on Wednesday.

Wike, who was represented by the FCT Minister of State, Dr Mariya Mahmoud, also identified the legislative bodies as the heart of democracy, while individuals who support them were the lifeblood.

He said that the theme for the conference, “Excellence in Parliamentary Services: A Panacea for Good Legislation for Democratic Governance” underscores the pivotal role that parliamentary services play in democratic governance.

According to him, the theme emphasizes the need for excellence, efficiency and effectiveness in parliamentary services to ensure that legislative bodies can optimally fulfil their duties to the people.

“I applaud the work that you do, the sacrifices you make and the commitment you demonstrate daily in the service of our nation”.

He further posited that the conference serves as a unique forum for parliamentarians to deliberate, collaborate, and share experiences and insights.

The minister said that the conference provides the needed opportunity to foster cooperation, exchange best practices, and learn from one another in the collective pursuit of excellence in parliamentary service.

He urged the participants to collaborate with their peers across the country, to identify innovative solutions that can enhance the quality of the legislative process.

Earlier, Mr Ahmed Amshi, the Executive Chairman of the National Assembly Service Commission, called on state governments that were yet to establish the State Assembly Service Commission to do so.

Amshi said that the role of commission includes providing a platform for streamlining operational procedures and adoption of common conditions and schemes of service for parliamentary bureaucracy across the nation.

According to him, the aim is to build an excellent workforce that will provide bureaucratic support for effective legislation for good democratic governance and sustainable development of the country. (NAN)

Edited by Sadiya Hamza

By Philip Yatai

Mr Nyesom Wike, the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), on Wednesday pledged continued support for the maintenance and development of the Abuja National Mosque.

Wike made the promise when the Abuja National Mosque Management Board, led by its Chairman, the Etsu Nupe (the chief of Nupe people), Alhaji Yahaya Abubakar, visited him in Abuja.

The minister assured the board members that the FCT Administration would not hesitate to support the maintenance of the Mosque, having been declared a National Monument.

“No government will hesitate to support the maintenance of a National Monument, be it for Christians or Muslims.

“I will always give support to anything that has to do with Islamic affairs.

“Whatever assistance the previous administration has been helping, if we do not surpass it, we will continue to do that,” Wike said.

The minister also extended the three months grace period for the development of undeveloped plots for the religious body considering how they generate resources for projects.

The extension was for Plot 99, belonging to the National Mosque, which was currently being developed.

“For Plot 99, we will extend the date for you as a religious group because your project depends on donations and support from people,” the minister said.

Wike also gave Mr Shehu Ahmad, the Executive Secretary, Federal Capital Development Authority, 24 hours to explain the position of Plot 63, also belonging to the Mosque, but situated on a road corridor.

He directed Ahmad to consider providing an alternative plot or determine the portion of the land that would be affected by the road, including the compensation.

Earlier, Abubakar explained that the visit was to congratulate Wike on his appointment as the minister of the FCT and pray for God’s wisdom and strength to enable him to deliver his mandate.

He pointed out that the National Mosque had been declared a National Monument, adding that the structure needs to be maintained and sustained.

The chairman disclosed that the FCTA had made a commitment to support the maintenance of the Mosque, noting however that the rehabilitation and renovation of the mosque had stopped.

He added that Plots 99 and 63, belonging to the National Mosque, were among plots that were given three months to commence development or face revocation.

He said that plot 99 was receiving the needed attention, adding however that work on plot 63 was suspended based on the directive of the FCTA.

He said that the suspension was on the ground that an expressway passes through the plot based on the Abuja Master Plan.

“We are hoping that by the time that portion of the land that would be affected is removed, we will know what remains and then how to be compensated by the authority.

“We crave your indulgence to let us have the position of the authority on that land,” he appealed. (NAN)

Edited by Muhammad Suleiman Tola

By Philip Yatai

The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Mr Nyesom Wike, says a total of 30-kilometre roads will be constructed across the six Area Councils of the FCT.

Wike, who stated this when Sen. Philip Aduda and Mr Zakari Dobi visited him in his office in Abuja on Wednesday.

Aduda was the immediate past Senator that represented FCT in the Senate in the 9th Assembly under the Peoples Democratic Party.

He recontested the seat along with Dobi, who contested under the All Progressives Congress but lost to Sen. Ireti Kingibe of the Labour Party.

The minister said that the 30-kilometre roads, five in each of the six area councils, would be concluded before May 29, 2024.

This, according to him, is to decentralise development efforts from the city centre to rural communities across the area councils.

“President Bola Tinubu had directed that at least five-kilometre roads must be constructed in each of the six area councils before May 29.

“This is part of his renewed hope agenda to ensure that people in rural communities were not left out in the development efforts of the current administration,” he said.

Wike commended the visitors for working as a team irrespective of political party differences to work for the development of the FCT.

He promised to routinely consult them to tribute their quota in developing the city, adding that the FCT Administration would work with everybody that has something to offer.

The minister explained that the establishment of the Civil Service Commission for FCT was part of the renewed hope agenda by removing every bottle next to carrier progression.

He added that FCT was equally pulled out of Treasury Single Account (TSA) to encourage development in the capital city.

“The goal is to rebuild the lost hope among residents of the FCT,” Wike said.

Earlier, Aduda explained that the visit was to congratulate Wike on his appointment as Minister of the FCT and commend him for the good work he was doing.

He added that the visit was also to thank Tinubu for appointing a son of the soil as a Minister and pledged their full support to the development of the FCT for the interest of all.

“We are also here to commend you for the bold step in establishing the Civil Service Commission for FCT, removing FCT from TSA and establishment of. Women Affairs Secretariat to address women’s concerns,” Aduda said.  (NAN)

Edited by Bashir Rabe Mani

By Salisu Sani-Idris

Alhaji Jalal Arabi, the newly appointed Chairman of the National Hajj Commission of Nigeria (NAHCON), has promised to reposition the commission to key into the Renewed Hope Agenda of President Bola Tinubu.

Arabi made the promise while addressing the management and staff of the commission when he assumed office at the Nigerian Hajj House, on Wednesday in Abuja.

” The time has come for us to turn a new page. The Renew Hope Agenda is genuine. I don’t need to labour it. It’s genuine.

” You all know and I believe all of you can attest that when President Bola Tinubu was going around with some of us it was a privilege to go round with him and with those that spoke on our behalf.

” There was a pledge and indeed a promise at that stage that things will be better and of course in nature certainly there has to be change.

” And change must address things that have gone bad but of course that you want to reposition and you move forward and I believe I need your cooperation in that regard.”

Arabi, who solicited the cooperation of the staff and management of the commission, advised those who are not ready to make sacrifices towards the success of the commission to take their leave.

” But a constitutional provision has come in here, there is a freedom of choice. If you feel that the style is too taught for you or you can’t handle it by all means you will be at liberty.

” We will help you to even open the door because we have our system and we can slow down on that.”

Arabi, who said trust, sacrifice would be his cardinal principles, noted that conducting the affairs of hajj was a trust.

” If we can all reflect to imagine one of the fundamentals of our religion in Islam that requires much more physical than all the others is hajj.

” So for us to be so chosen and privileged to come and participate in the discharge of that responsibility certainly makes us the chosen ones.”

” And I feel it is an opportunity that we shouldn’t allow sleep from. We have our vision, we have our mission and I know it has been pursued vigorously before now.

” But certainly there is always room for improvement in whatever endeavours one finds himself.”

Earlier, the outgoing Chairman of the commission, Alhaji Zikrullah Hassan, while congratulating Arabi said that Arabi assumed office at its critical time.

Hassan was represented by Alhaji Nura Yakasai, outgoing Commissioner, Policy, Personnel Management and Finance of the commission.

” On behalf of the staff and management of the National Hajj Commission of Nigeria (NAHCON) I want to use this opportunity to welcome the new chairman of the commission in person Alhaji Jalal Arabi.

” You step into the National Hajj Commission of Nigeria (NAHCON) at a critical time. Why did I say critical time? You came actually when all the preparations for the 2024 Hajj have already started.

” And unfortunately also this time around the period or time given by the Saudi authorities is different from the traditional one, where we have sufficient time to do whatever we want to do.

” That is to arrange. Unfortunately, you have a very short time. The only assurance that I will give you is that you have a capable staff here that can assist you succeed.”

Arabi was accompanied by the former Chairman of NAHCON, Alhaji Abdullahi Mohammed, and Alhaji Aliyu Modibbo, Special Adviser to the President on General Duties, Office of the Vice- President and other dignitaries. (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Bashir Rabe Mani

By Oladele Eniola

Emmanuel Agbaeze, the Creative Director and organiser of the 2023 Snooker Fest, on Tuesday, said that the event would showcase the talents of the billiard community in Nigeria to the world.

Agbaeze, who spoke with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Lagos, said tha the festival would explore untapped potentials in the billiard community as well as attract investors.

He said that the festival would serve as a platform for the billiard community to strengthen the sports and the tourism sectors in the country.

“There are different ideas behind this festival but the main one is to showcase the enormous talents of the billiard community in the country to the global audience.

“The potential of this particular sport is under-utilised.

“This festival is going to explore ways that the billiard community can play major roles in boosting the sports sector in the country.

“Snooker has the capacity to connect people from different walks of life; so this festival will build a string of positive connection that will contribute greatly to the sports and tourism industry,” Agbaeze said.

He urged the public to attend the festival noting that cash prizes worth N3 million would be won at the festival.

Agbaeze said the maiden event to be produced in partnership with Pesoheti Sports and Hot FM Lagos, would hold on Nov. 4 at Muri Okunola Park, Victoria Island, Lagos.(NAN)

Edited by Chidi Opara/ Olawunmi Ashafa

By Philip Yatai

The Federal Capital Territory Administration (FCTA) has commenced a post-development audit of satellite towns in Abuja, to generate an efficient database for sustainable city development.

Mr Mukhtar Galadima, Director, Development Control, FCTA, said at the commencement of the exercise at Dawaki Satellite town, on Tuesday, that the audit would focus on buildings that were developed with approvals and those without approvals.

Galadima said that the audit marked the resumption of processing and granting of building plan approvals in Abuja satellite towns.

He explained that the FCTA had earlier stopped granting building plan approvals due to the lack of engineering designs in some of the satellite towns.

“Satellite towns like Dawaki, where we are starting now, would begin to have engineering design.

“So, we are commencing the post development audit so that those that built without approvals can now be assessed and be granted approvals if qualified.

“There are over 15 satellite towns like Gwagwalada, Kuje, Karshi, Bwari, Abaji among others, and we want to cover all the Satellite towns,” he said.

On the methodology, the director said that the satellite towns were divided into clusters with staff assigned to specific clusters.

Galadima added that the staff would explain to the owners of properties in the satellite towns the modalities, the essence of the exercise and how they can benefit from it.

He said that owners of landed properties in the areas would be expected to submit requisite information and documents within 21 days for necessary actions in line with the provisions of the extant laws.

“In FCT, you cannot build without approval. So, if you have built without approval, furnish us with necessary information within the stipulated time.

“If it is something that can be done, we can approve it as built, but if it is something that we cannot approve, we will remove it,” he said.

Galadima said that the audit was critical to developing the needed data base of developments taking place in the city, in terms of services to be rendered and other perimeters.

“This includes research on the process of developing a new capital city and at the end of the day, it is going to boost our Internally Generated Revenue (IGR) profile.

“We have already improved on our approval granting processes,” he said.

In a related development, the development control team visited the site of the demolished scavengers’ colony along the road corridor that cut across Mabushi, Jahi and Kado Districts.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that Mr Nyesom Wike, Minister of the FCT had on Oct.10 directed that the colony be demolished to address some recurring security concerns.

Galadima said that the minister had also directed that trees in the area covering about two kilometres should also be cleared and the scavengers dislodged.

He said that the FCTA was taking an inventory of all the plots around the road corridor, so as to get in touch with their owners for them to show presence.

One of the landowners along the corridor in Mabushi, Mr Kayode Olumudeji, commended FCTA for clearing the area

He said, “Nobody believed that this place would look like this. I am very happy, and I want to believe that everybody that has property here will be very happy.

“We are happy with what Wike is doing. This is what we want to see in the FCT.”  (NAN)

Edited by Bashir Rabe Mani

By Philip Yatai

Civil servants in the Federal Capital Territory Administration (FCTA), have commended the FCT Minister, Mr Nyesom Wike, for securing approval for the establishment of the FCT Civil Service Commission.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that Wike had, on Friday, announced President Bola Tinubu’s approval for the establishment of a Civil Service Commission for the FCT.

The elated workers in their numbers gathered in front of the minister’s office on Monday, praising Wike and President Tinubu for taking the bold step to implement the FCT Civil Service (Establishment), 2018.

President of the Joint Unions Action Committee, JUAC, the umbrella body of FCTA and Federal Capital Development Authority, Mr Korede Matilukoro, said that the action had put smiles on the faces of the workers of the FCTA.

Matilukoro, who reflected on the protracted struggle for the FCT Civil Service Commission for the past 20 years, said that the collective efforts and prayers of the staff had finally yielded results.

He regretted that workers of the FCTA had stagnated, not because they were incompetent or failed the prerequisite examination, but because of legal and administrative constraints.

This, according to him, made it impossible for Directors to rise to the position of Permanent Secretaries.

“We just want the Minister to know that we are so excited; we are so happy, and we are saying thank you sir.

“The approval came to workers as a big surprise.

“Coming from the weekend, we decided to bring a DJ to stand by and you will see banners all over the place.

“It is just to surprise you back and to say, “to whom much is given, much is expected,” he said.

He said that President Tinubu had done a beautiful thing, describing it as a hope renewed, in line with his agenda.

“He said he has a vision for Nigeria; he said he knows what he wants to do.

“We believe him now because even without asking, within a twinkle of an eye, he is able to feel our pulse; he is able to deliver on it and put a smile on our faces,” he added.

While pledging the commitment and support of FCTA workers to the Federal Government, Matilukoro sued for improved performance from the workers.

Responding, Wike said the operation of the FCT Civil Service Commission would take effect from next week.

He explained that the implementation of the FCT Civil Service Commission was a demonstration of the renewed hope agenda of Tinubu in the FCT.

“I told Mr President; these people have lost hope. Renew their hope. Tell them that everything’s not lost and the only way you can assure them is by making them grow to the apex of their career.

“That hindrance to the workers’ career development has been removed with this development,” he said.

Speaking on the withdrawal of the FCTA from the Treasury Single Account, the minister said it would allow the administration to better utilise its Internally Generated Revenue for development.

He pointed out that all the projects he did in Port Harcourt were possible because he was able to source for funds and use the state’s internal revenue as collateral. (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)

FDY/ETS

Edited by Ephraims Sheyin

By Philip Yatai

President Bola Tinubu has approved the appointment of Mrs Adedayo Benjamins-Laniyi as the Mandate Secretary for the newly created Women Affairs Secretariat of the Federal Capital Territory Administration (FCTA).

Mr Anthony Ogunleye, Director of Press, Office of the Minister of the FCT, Mr Nyesom Wike made the disclosure in a statement in Abuja on Monday.

Ogunleye said that Benjamins-Laniyi would play a pivotal role in the FCTA’s commitment to promoting the well-being and empowerment of women and children in the Federal Capital Territory.

He expressed optimism that her appointment would further strengthen the formidable administrative team led by Wike and the Minister of State, Dr Mariya Mahmoud.

Ogunleye added that Benjamins-Laniyi, born in 1965 from Ogun, was appointed for her exemplary qualifications and dedication to public service.

“With over 35 years of experience as a communications consultant, social entrepreneur, international mentor, and environmentalist, Mrs Benjamins-Laniyi would bring a wealth of knowledge to her new role.

“She attended Queens College, Lagos, for her secondary school education and a 1989 graduate of English from the University of Ibadan.

“She has made significant contributions to society as a prominent compere and renowned motivational speaker.

“Her passion for social issues, particularly those affecting women and children, is evident in her remarkable work.

“She has also showcased her commitment to women’s political participation by aspiring for a senatorial position in the All Progressives Congress (APC) in 2022,” he said.

Ogunleye added that as the Grand Matron of “Hope Again for FCT Women in Politics”, Benjamins-Laniyi had played a vital role in encouraging and mentoring women in the political arena.

According to him, her deep understanding of the political landscape and her ability to navigate complex policy challenges will undoubtedly contribute to the advancement of women’s rights and well-being in the FCT. (NAN)

Edited by Bashir Rabe Mani