By Philip Yatai

The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Abuja, Mr Nyesom Wike, says the FCT Administration (FCTA) will pay N825.8 million as compensation for the construction of second runway for Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport, Abuja.

Wike stated this in Abuja on Tuesday, while briefing newsmen at the end of a closed-door meeting with members of the Jiwa community and other stakeholders.

He said that the amount would be paid through the Federal Capital Development Authority (FCDA) for compensation and resettlement of the people of the community affected by the project.

He added that as part of the incentive, 12 people from the community would be employed by the Ministry of Aviation and Aerospace Development and its agencies and 10 by FCTA.

He added that the government would also construct the Tunga Madaki bridge along with a five-kilometre road from the bridge to the community for easy movement of the people.

The minister explained that the project would be captured in the 2024 budget of the FCTA.

Wike also said that FCTA would equally provide a modern health facility to provide quality health care services for people of the community.

He said that an undertaking would be signed based on the agreement between the government and the community.

He identified the signatories as the permanent secretaries of FCTA and ministry of aviation, the Chief of Jiwa, the Chairman, Abuja Municipal Council and the Commissioner, Public Complaint Commission.

“If that is done today, and tomorrow or next tomorrow the money is paid to them, contractors will no longer delay. They have to move to the site immediately and commence work.

“So, the second runway has come to stay,” he said.

He said that the current administration was determined to ensure that the second runway was delivered.

He commended the Chief of Jiwa, Alhaji Isa Idris, for mobilising his people to attend the meeting to resolve the crises.

His counterpart, Mr Festus Keyamo, Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, said that he met the issue on his table, adding that the project ought to have been delivered in July.

Keyamo said that the contractors could not be mobilised because of the issue of compensation.

Earlier, the Permanent Secretary, FCTA, Mr Olusade Adesola, said that the completion of the project requires the support of all relevant stakeholders.

Adesola commended Wike for the intervention to ensure a quick resolution of the issue.

Dr Emmanuel Meribole, Permanent Secretary, Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, said that the project was approved by the Federal Executive Council in March 2022.

Meribole said that the project was awarded to four contractors in April, with CCECC Nigeria Limited as the major contractor.

He, however, said that the project was stalled because of the disagreement over compensation to the affected community members.

Earlier, the Chief of Jiwa, said that the ministry of aviation through its consultant had earlier pegged the compensation at N2.5 million per hectare, for the 12,000 hectares allocated for the project.

Idris further said that the amount was later reviewed downward to N700,000 per hectare when FCTA took over the discussion as the rightful authority to determine how much compensation to be paid.

He said that the community took the matter to the Public Complaint Commission with a view to resolve the issue amicably.

The community leader said that his people were concerned that the N700,000 being offered per hectare would not be enough for the affected persons to acquire another land. (NAN)

Edited by Ekemini Ladejobi

By Abigael Joshua

TEXEM, the UK leadership development organisation, has described the appointment of an architect, Musa Dangiwa, as Minister of Housing and Urban Development by President Tinubu as putting a round peg in a round hole.

In a statement on TEXEM’s website (www.texem.co.uk), Caroline Lucas, TEXEM’s Director of Special Projects, says Dangiwa is also a worthy alumnus of TEXEM, having participated in one of its past programmes, “Leading with Personal Impact During Slow Growth, ” held in March 2020.

Lucas recalls Dangiwa’s journey from an accomplished architect and academic to the former CEO/MD of the Federal Mortgage Bank of Nigeria (FMBN) and now as the Minister of Housing and Urban Development.

She asserted that the accomplishments are proof of the new Minister’s dynamic ability to shape the course of urbanisation in Nigeria.

“Dangiwa’s tenure at the Federal Mortgage Bank of Nigeria (FMBN) is a hallmark of his visionary leadership.

“His mobilisation of an additional N279 billion in contribution to the National Housing Fund (NHF) scheme speaks volumes about his dedication to fostering sustainable housing solutions.

“Taking the helm when only N232 billion had accrued over 25 years, he mobilised an astounding N279 billion in additional contributions, averaging N55.8 billion per annum,” Lucas said.

She said Dangiwa’s monumental achievement is a testament to his strategic acumen and ability to galvanise resources towards a greater cause.

Lucas said the new Minister’s accomplishments extend beyond financial milestones, as he initiated and championed the N40 billion FMBN Cities Project, aiming to revolutionise urban living and enhance community well-being.

She added that Dangiwa’s advocacy for the ordinary Nigerian led to innovative measures, including developing the Diaspora mortgage loan and empowering overseas Nigerians to own homes without fear of exploitation.

“Under his guidance, FMBN achieved a record disbursement of N175 billion for affordable housing loans and construction finance.

“Providing NHF mortgage loans to nearly 6,000 beneficiaries and offering home renovation loans to over 77,000 individuals showcase his commitment to enhancing the lives of Nigerians through accessible and affordable housing solutions.

“The provision of affordable housing units nationwide has made a significant impact in addressing the housing deficit in the country,” Lucas said.

The TEXEM Director says Dangiwa’s accomplishments have been acknowledged and celebrated nationally and internationally.

“From being named “Real Estate Personality of the Year” in 2021 to receiving the “Mortgage Banker of the Year” award and Presidential Award for Vocational Service 2021.

“His accolades are a testament to his unwavering commitment and outstanding contributions to housing and urban development.

“His awards range from recognition for his transformative impact to his advocacy for empowerment and disability inclusion, showcasing a well-rounded dedication to community welfare,” Lucas stated.

Furthermore, Caroline Lucas said that “Dangiwa’s appointment should serve as a clarion call to TEXEM and its community of executives.

“First, this appointment is a testament that the organisation is living its values- Insights that inspire and actions that change the world.

“Secondly, it is a reminder of the impact TEXEM alumni can have on the nation and the world when they apply the knowledge and skills they’ve acquired through TEXEM’s programmes”.

Saying the achievement is not just a personal milestone for Dangiwa she added that it represents the calibre of individuals TEXEM nurtures and their transformative impact in their respective fields.

“Thus, it’s a personal victory and a collective success story underscoring the importance of continuous learning, networking, and leadership development,” Lucas said.

Also, in the statement, the British-Nigerian founder of TEXEM, Dr Alim Abubakre, said Dangiwa is a reputable alumnus of TEXEM.

Abubakre recalled that while participating in the leadership development programme of TEXEM in 2020, the new Minister demonstrated impressive humility, a commendable commitment to lifelong learning and a remarkable willingness to collaborate with others.

“Congratulations, Architect Ahmed Dangiwa, on your well-deserved appointment as a Federal Minister!

“Your compelling strategic leadership, lofty achievements and journey as an alumnus have brought you here, and we trust you’ll use this role to create a brighter future for society and consolidate your impact. Keep reaching for new heights!” he said.

Abubakre said that Dangiwa’s appointment as the Minister of Housing and Urban Development is a source of pride not only for him but for TEXEM and the entire nation of Nigeria.

“It underscores the transformative power of education and the immense potential within each TEXEM alumnus.

“Let us celebrate this achievement and look forward to the positive changes and innovative solutions that will emerge under Dangiwa’s leadership.

“TEXEM believes that it is part of its good corporate citizenship to inspire leaders like Ahmed Musa Dangiwa and trusts this appointment inspires others to aspire to excellence, leadership development, good governance, nation building and the pursuit of lifelong learning,” Abubakre said. (NAN) (www nanews.ng)

Edited by Razak Owolabi

By Philip Yatai

Mr Nyesom Wike, Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Abuja, says the FCT Administration has concluded plans to reintroduce monthly sanitation as part of strategies to keep the city clean.

Wike stated this in Abuja on Monday, after a closed-door meeting with contractors handling different projects in the FCT.

He said that he had already briefed President Bola Tinubu on the idea that at least two Saturdays in a month would be declared for sanitation from 7a.m. to 10 a.m.

He explained that the move would enable companies supporting the FCT with logistics to go to market, and other public places to evacuate refuse.

According to him, for Abuja to be clean, everybody has to cooperate.

“We must all make sacrifices. There is nothing like we are going to suffer. You also contribute to refuse.

“So, if you spare three hours on a Saturday at home, to clear the refuse and bring them out for us to evacuate and dispose, then that is the little way you can help.

“We are appealing to you (residents) to cooperate with us so we can achieve our goals.”

On streetlights, the minister said that there were some improvements: “We are not there yet, but I can assure you that everywhere in Abuja will be lit up.”

For those who have distorted the Abuja Master Plan, Wike said that the issue would soon be addressed.

He added that the Federal Capital Territory Administration was working out which areas the parks and the greens were supposed to be and those that were built on.

He also said that the government would look into those who refused to develop their plots for many years.

Wike said that the President Tinubu-led administration would not continue to allow undeveloped land across the city where criminals were taking refuge.

“How can you have empty land in the city and allow people to build shanties on them because you did not develop them.

“Some properties were built for 20 years but not completed. Go and see what is happening there, criminals have taken over the place and as a serious government, we will not allow that.

“We want to make Abuja a safe environment, but we can’t do it alone; we require the support of every stakeholder,” the minister said.

He also said that attention would be given to satellite towns beginning with a visit to the areas to determine the needs and decide on what can be done to improve their facilities and infrastructure.

He pointed out that there was no funding to intervene in all the satellite towns at the same time but one at a time subject to the availability of funds.

“It is unfortunate that contracts were awarded in virtually all the satellite towns but where is the funding?  The finding is not there,” Wike said.

He said that what was approved for FCT in the 2022 national budget was N15 billion for “not less than a trillion naira worth of contracts”, stressing the need for the ministry to prioritise its spending. (NAN)

Edited by Idris Abdulrahman

By Ahmed Ubandoma

The Federal Government has advised state governments in frontline areas to take necessary measures towards mitigating the potential impact Lagdo Dam floodgate.

Dr Betta Edu, Minister of Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Alleviation, gave the advice while issuing flood warning alert during meeting of Presidential Committee on coordination and implementation in Abuja.

Edu said, the call became necessary following an alert by the Cameroonian authorities to release the water from the country’s Lagdo Dam.

The minister who spoke at the instance of the Minister of Water Resources and that of Environment expressed the need for effective implementation of policies and rescue missions aimed at mitigating against the impacts of the flooding.

Edu while acknowledging the State Government’s zeal in tackling emergencies, urged them to ensure immediate evacuation of Nigerians living in flood front areas to safer destinations.

”State Governments have done quite a number of preparedness, we also appeal to the Nigeria Governors’ Forum (NGF) on the need to step up actions by ensuring immediate evacuation of Nigerians from various communities to safer destinations.

”Lagdo Dam floodgate has been opened by the Cameroonian authorities and that all the frontline States may experience flooding within the next seven days” she said.

She also pledged the readiness of the Ministry to work with Subnational and Local Governments towards  providing shelters for the affected Citizens.

”Because, some of the people living in most of the communities who may be affected are afraid of losing their ancestral homes, despite the warning” she said.

She therefore assured Nigerians on the resolve of President Tinubu-led administration to put necessary measures in place to safeguard the lives and properties of Nigerians.

Also, the Minister of Environment, Dr Iziaq Salako said the ministry has already activated the necessary flood warning alerts being release on hourly basis.

”Especially, on the water level of River Benue and River Niger as well as vulnerability level of the affected areas” he said.

Salako also said, the ministry has designed a veritable platform that will provide regular and real time information to Environmental Corespondents on the floor warning alerts without waiting for the Ministry.

He noted that recommendations on long term measures and solutions will be presented to Mr. President as part of ongoing efforts towards finding lasting solution to the menace of flooding.

He also reiterated the resolve of the present administration towards working with Cameroon authorities towards ensuring that the impacts of the release of Lagdo Dam floodgate do not result to loss of lives and property as well as ensure that the damages are minimized.

On his part, the Minister of Water Resources and Sanitation, Prof. Joseph Utsev, tasked Nigerians on the need to take necessary steps toward clearing drainages while government at all levels play their roles.

Utsev assured Nigerians that his ministry will on the long run ensure construction of dams as well as dredging of Rivers across the country with the view to end the menace of annual flooding, which has led to loss of several lives and property.

He also noted that the Ministry is already meeting with relevant stakeholders at various levels in the bid to control the waters.

The committee also assured Nigerians of its resolve to provide necessary medical support to Nigerians who may be affected by the flooding, including scourge of malaria and other water borne diseases.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the Cameroonian authorities said they will open the dam “in days ahead, due to heavy rainfall around the dam catchment area in Northern part of the country.

A letter dated Aug. 21, and signed on behalf of the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Umar Salisu, Director, African Affairs, addressed to the Director General of the National Emergency Management Agency (NENA).

NAN reports that the letter noted that “ it is pertinent to note that when the release of water becomes necessary, the authorities of Lagdo Dam will be releasing on modulated variable mall amount of water at a time.

” This is with a view to mitigate and avoid damages that the released water may cause along the River Benue basin both Cameroon and in Nigeria.(NAN).(www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Sadiya Hamza

By Philip Yatai

The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Mr Nyesom Wike, says he will get all contractors back to site under his direct supervision and office of the Minister of State.

Wike, who stated this at the opening of a meeting with contractors handling different projects in the FCT, added that Abuja would soon become a construction site as promised.

“After our inauguration, we outlined our short-, medium-, and long-term plans to reposition the capital city, after which we went out to inspect projects that were awarded before us but abandoned for one reason or the other. Now time has come for action.

“First of all, on the metro light train, President Bola Tinubu has given us a matching order that he wants to ride on the metro light train. So, it is a key project that we must achieve,” he said.

Wike added that Tinubu had equally complained about abandoned projects, particularly roads which were part of critical infrastructure.

Describing road networks as “key infrastructure” that makes a city, the minister pointed out that the issue of sanitation, streetlights and shanties were being addressed.

“But the roads are very key and so, we are trying to see how we can map out strategies and structure funding so that we do not have problems with completion.

“I am determined to get every contractor back to site with direct supervision from my office and the office of the Minister of State.

“The major problem we are having in this country is the problem of supervision and so we are not going to tolerate anything below standard.

“If there are people you have been working with that have compromised standards, too bad, too bad; not with me. I am not going to accept anything that is below standard,” he said.

The minister said that together with the contractors, they would restructure how to fund projects so that all contractors could go back to site and work.

He added that the ministry would not fund projects depending only on the national budget, adding that projects would also be funded with resources from the Internally Generated Revenue (IGR).

“I want to achieve results so I will not award a contract when I do not have money to fund it.

“We are going to fund you and you will tell us the time within which the project will be completed. If we agreed three months, it is three months; If I give six months, it is six months.

“We do not want to hear this happened and this did not happen. I do not want to hear any excuses at all,” Wike told the contractors.

He assured the commencement of all abandoned projects in all sections of the FCT, stressing that the measure would create employment.

He noted that when contractors are working, they create more employment but sack staff when they are not working, thereby creating problems for the country. (NAN)

Edited by Vincent Obi

By Philip Yatai

The Federal Capital Territory Administration (FCTA) on Monday, demolished a multimillion naira duplex built on plot 226, in Wuse Zone 6, an unapproved land.

Mr Mukhtar Galadima, Director, Department of Development Control, said that the building was illegally developed against all warnings.

Gidado said that his team had carried out extensive investigation to ascertain the original owner of the plot, given varying claims that were being put forth by the parties.

He added that investigation revealed that the developer was not the owner of the plot, adding, “that is why we had to remove the building.”

According to him, the FCT Administration will not consider the status of any defaulting developer once development rules and regulations are violated.

Gidado said: “We demolished the duplex because somebody built on someone else’s land without valid title and building plan approval.

“We allowed the building to this stage before demolishing it because we had to follow all due processes.”

The director said that the supposed owner of the building was served all the notices to stop work, saying, “but being a disobedient developer, he continued without heeding to the notices.

“After our investigation, we have ascertained the rightful allottee of the plot, so we have to remove the building.

“We are going to consult the legal department to know the next action against the developer.” (NAN)

Edited by Bashir Rabe Mani

A news analysis by Ahmed Ubandoma

Minister of Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Alleviation, Dr Betta Edu, has signalled the desire of President Bola Tinubu administration to ameliorate poverty among the citizenry.

Shortly after her swearing in Abuja, Edu declared: “A lot of interventions will come under the humanitarian plan.

“The important one will be the commencement of Humanitarian Trust Fund where there will be a full-blown resource mobilisation that will help Nigerians meet their need.”

She spoke during her maiden meeting with management staff of the ministry.

She further declared “Federal Government’s unwavering commitment to lifting millions of Nigerians out of poverty in line with the 2030 Sustainable Development Goals target’’.

She also used the occasion to announce part of Tinubu administration’s plans to tackle unemployment, saying the ministry was mandated to create 10 million new jobs in addition to humanitarian interventions.

“Every strata of the society including women, men, children and people living with disabilities would benefit from the various poverty alleviation schemes the government would soon unveil.

“President Bola Tinubu has a clear vision on what he intends to do to eradicate poverty in line with the SDGs which states that poverty should be eradicated by 2030.

“This explains why the president is fully committed to pulling Nigerians out of poverty.

“The President believes that by the end of his administration there wouldn’t be any Nigerian living under one dollar ninety five cents a day.

“The president has put in place a robust poverty alleviation and humanitarian plans that will pull vulnerable Nigerians out of poverty; we will be looking at job creation in their millions“, Edu said.

She said the ministry would achieve the target through different interventions and initiatives aimed at lifting millions of Nigerians out of poverty.

“What is most important is that we will keep our focus on lifting 133 million Nigerians out of poverty; we can do it in phases, a step at a time.

“We will play down on politics.

We are here to face the real business of governance; we need to bring smiles back to the faces of Nigerians.

“We must reach out to those who are underserved and renew their hope” she said.

Similarly, while hosting a delegation from UNICEF led by its Country Representative, Cristian Munduate, Edu pledged swifter and more coordinated response to emergencies.

During the event UNICEF pledged to commit 270 million dollars to support Nigeria’s efforts in humanitarian response and poverty alleviation.

“We will also support the development of a Humanitarian Response Protocol for Nigeria to guide all Humanitarian Actors as this will facilitate effective coordination.

“We will support the establishment of a National Humanitarian Situation Room or Humanitarian Emergency Operation Centre (H-EOC) to monitor, mitigate and prevent Humanitarian Emergencies and build resilience in the system”, she said.

Again, the minister emphasised the aspiration of the government to eliminate poverty from the shores of the country.

“This especially the 71 million extremely poor Nigerians who leave under one dollar ninety-five cents a day“, she said.

She urged UNICEF to as a matter of urgency draw up their plan of action towards supporting the federal government efforts on poverty alleviation.

“Time is of essence and we need to run at the speed of light to roll out social programmes that will bring relieve to the burdens of the poor.

“Nigerians are eagerly waiting for full implementation of the renewed hope agenda and the time for intense action is now” she said.

While receiving another delegation from University of Calabar, the Edu said the government would explore skills development as a tool for fighting poverty and unemployment among young people.

The delegation was led by the Vice-Chancellor of the University Prof. Florence Obi.

“So, the Federal Government is ready to partner with the university to train the trainers with skill acquisition-based knowledge to redistribute wealth and reduce poverty in the country.

“We are delighted that the university’s Skill Acquisition and Vocational Center would come in handy in training thousands of youths, thereby reducing unemployment and social tension.

“We are going to partner with your university and others across the country in realising this set objectives “, she said.

Previous administrations have failed in their promises to end poverty in the country in spite of various programmes and interventions such as N-Power, Youth Employment Scheme, more famously the National Poverty Eradication Programmes.

Rather than poverty rate chart has been on upward curve.

A 2022 National Bureau of Statistics report says 63 per cent of persons living within Nigeria, representing 133 million people, are multi-dimensionally poor.

Observers say the poverty alleviation assurance and marshal plan by the Tinubu administration is a welcome development and hope that words will be matched with action (NANFeatures)
 
**If used please credit the writer and News Agency of Nigeria.

By Salisu Sani-Idris

Al-Habibiyah Islamic Society has engaged 118 teenagers on basic principles that would guide them against indulgence in corrupt practices.

The National Chief Imam of the society, Sheikh Fuad Adeyemi, stated this while addressing newsmen at the closing of the 11th Annual Teenagers Workshop, held on Sunday in Abuja.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the workshop lasted for over a 10-day period, where the 118 children were engaged in several activities at the camp, which had as its theme, “Moulding minds for a corrupt free Society”.

He said the society was determined to improve the moral tone of the country by producing children who are God conscious.

Adeyemi said the main problem confronting the country was corruption, adding, ” that is why we expose the children to everything that will take their lives out of corruption.

” Our aims and objectives are to produce children who are God conscious, who are economically empowered, socially conscious and politically active with the fear of God.”

Adeyemi disclosed that Al-Habibiyah, with the support of the MacArthur Foundation and Human Rights Radio spent over N11 million to organise the programme.

” Our strength for this year is just to engage 70 children but we ended up having 118 children.

“So, it means people overrated us, I said we don’t have money they said we know you can do it.

” But to the glory of God, MacArthur Foundation Human Rights Radio supported us to this level and that was why we did the programme almost effortlessly.

“For the 2023 programme, we spent about N11 million because we do not manage anything.

“During selection of participants, we announced in the mosque and on the Social Media and we even have children from the United Kingdom (UK), Sudan,” he said

On the impact of the programme, the cleric said some of the beneficiaries were studying abroad, adding that they were doing excellently well.

Adeyemi added: ” For example, one of our products is the current Chief Imam of Nigerian students in Cyprus. Almost everybody that goes to Cyprus use to meet him.

” His room become the Mosque of the Nigerian Muslim students and he graduated with a First Class.This is to let you know that we combine everything.

” Also, somebody because of the work we have been doing got a scholarship to the United States of America and she was offered a job because those who do volunteerism work with us get a certificate.

” So, she was offered a job because of her experience in volunteerism here with us.”

He called on the participants to be good ambassadors of not just Islam but “everything good wherever they find themselves.”

The cleric appealed to wealthy Muslims to support Al-Habibiyah with cash or in kind to ensure the sustainability of the programme.

Adeyemi said: ” I beg that those that Allah has blessed should come and support us. You don’t need to give us money, we will tell you what we want you to use the money for.

” Just do it and we will be glad if we see it and if we don’t have enough funding we might begin to charge for the programme.

” We spent an average of N125,000 on each child that participated in the programme. Our intention is to at least have a minimum of 250 participants per annum.”

Speaking on her experience, Farhanaah Adeyemi-Fuad, the Amirah of Al habibiyyah’s 11th teenagers workshop, described the programme as very educating.

She said: ” We had different sessions, we were lectured by several Professors, we had speakers from the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC), Economic and Financial Crime Commission (EFCC) and NAPTIP.

” They gave us lectures and awareness on several topics and other professionals talked to us about carreer prospects and what you can be.

“Internet doesn’t give you everything, it’s better to have discussions with professionals.” (NAN)

Edited by AbdulFatai Beki/Bashir Rabe Mani