By Philip Yatai

The Federal Capital Territory Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) has reopened the barricaded slip road interchange and four other roads in the FCT, Abuja, to ease the flow of traffic.

The roads are Galadimawa interchange, Dogon Gada, Dogon Ruwa, Apo-Dutse, and Gada Biyu.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the roads were barricaded during the rainy season as a mitigating measure against flooding and to prevent loss of lives and properties.

Mrs Florence Wenegieme, Director, Forecasting, Response and Mitigation, FEMA, told journalists after the exercise in Abuja on Saturday, that opening of the roads would ease the flow of traffic in the affected areas of the city.

Wenegieme said that the roads were barricaded on May 11, because of the recurrent flooding of the roads during the rainy season.

“The onset of the rain in Abuja is usually in the month of May hence the need to barricade the roads. You are all aware of what has been happening around this slip road every year.

“To the glory of God, no life was lost in this area from 2020 to 2022 because we made a tradition to block the road during the rainy season.

“It has become part of our mitigating measures to save lives and properties in the FCT by making sure that this slip road and other vulnerable roads are barricaded.

“This is to stop vehicular movement, pedestrians and those using motorcycles from using this road during the rainy seasons.

“Now we decided to open them to ease traffic since the rainy season is over,” she said.

She commended stakeholders and residents for their understanding and support throughout the raining season, adding that the removal of the temporary barricades would reduce traffic gridlock in the affected areas.

The director also announced the commencement of 2023 dry season sensitisation campaign against incessant fire outbreaks in the FCT.

She pointed out that the season was characterised by fire outbreaks, stressing the need for residents to be cautious while handling cooking gas, petroleum products, electrical appliances, and other inflatable items.

She urged residents to switch off all electrical appliances, keep a fire extinguisher at homes and shopping malls and advised against keeping petroleum and other flammable substances at homes and shops.

Wenegieme also warned residents against bush burning and operating businesses under high tension electric cables.

She appealed for the full cooperation of residents during rescue efforts in the FCT. (NAN)

Edited by Ekemini Ladejobi

By Aderonke Ojediran

Lagos, Nov. 24, 2023 (NAN) The Bread of Hope Foundation, through its subsidiary Children of the Slum (COS), took no fewer than 150 children from Makoko to the Silver Bird Cinema, at Ikeja City Mall.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that in the spirit of the Christmas season on Friday children aged between two and 17 years were taken to experience the thrills of the the cinema scene.

NAN reports that Bread of Hope is an international registered Non-Profit Organisation (NGO) working globally in low income earning communities.

The NGO,  founded two years ago by Vivian Okojie, has the mission to empower children and build their confidence in life.

Okojie expressed joy as she and her team were able to put a smile on the faces of the children.

“Today was an opportunity to help children living in Makoko, often unseen, often unheard to see beyond their present circumstances, to dream bigger.

“I believe if a child can see it, a child can be it. But in order to become, he or she must be given a clear picture of the possibilities. Today was a day of many firsts for 150 children.

“But it is also the beginning of Bread of Hope’s commitment to make sure children in underserved communities are heard, are seen, and are inspired to become more,” she said.

The children were treated to a Disney movie title Wish and given carbonated beverages and popcorn to nibble on while they watched the movie.

Deborah Adebisi, an 11 year old girl, told NAN she was excited to visit the Ikeja City Mall, adding that “I want to say a big thank you to our sponsors. I have never seen a place like this”.

Similarly Richard Maseka, a 17 years old Primary four student, told NAN he had never stepped outside of Makoko community.

“Even in my dreams I can’t picture this because I have never seen a place like this. Since I’ve been born I have never been out of Makoko. I will forever cherish this experience,” he said.

The children were taken for some ice-cream and pizza at the Domino’s pizza and a fun day at the DLA Amusement Park Ikeja.

Oludare Adebiyi, the Project Manager of Bread of Hope, told NAN that the NGO is focused on giving children from the slum the possibility to dream big and not be confined because of their environment.

“This won’t be a one-off thing. Hope is all we all need most especially children, learning for them shouldn’t just be about the classroom. Their enthusiasm for this movie outing is contagious.

“Some of our challenges is the fact that everything is being monetised, by the same community we are trying to help, for instance we were told to pay before we got on the boat.

“We hope to have more partners get involved and give us their support,” he said.

Similarly, Temple Lawrence told NAN that the joy on the faces of the children shows that there’s hope for them in the future.(NAN) (www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Ismail Abdulaziz

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