News Agency of Nigeria
SCO acts to assume greater role in development, governance
Foreign

SCO acts to assume greater role in development, governance

The Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) has drawn a development blueprint at its Tianjin Summit that concluded Monday, which will lead it to play a greater role in maintaining regional peace and stability, and in promoting shared prosperity.

The summit saw the signing and adoption of a number of key documents, including the Tianjin Declaration and a development strategy for the organisation in the 2026-2035 period.

Outcomes of the meeting also include a statement on supporting the multilateral trading system, a statement on the 80th anniversary of WWII victory and of the founding of the United Nations, and 24 outcome documents on strengthening cooperation in sectors such as security, economy and people-to-people ties.

The Tianjin Summit has built consensus, pooled strength, ignited new cooperation momentum in various fields, and contributed wisdom to global governance.

Since it was founded in 2001, the SCO has grown into the world’s largest regional organisation, setting an example for a new type of international relations.

Guided by the Shanghai Spirit, SCO development and cooperation have seen groundbreaking and historic achievements, and significantly promoted peace and development at both regional and global levels.

In line with the evolving international situation, the summit has demonstrated the SCO’s resolve and action to work efficiently to achieve greater development, make the global governance system more just and equitable, and make more contributions to Global South solidarity, cooperation and human development.

In a major highlight of the summit, Chinese President Xi Jinping proposed the Global Governance Initiative (GGI) at the “Shanghai Cooperation Organization Plus” meeting.

The initiative has five principles — adhering to sovereign equality, abiding by the international rule of law, practicing multilateralism, advocating a people-centered approach, and focusing on real action.

The GGI marks the fourth landmark global initiative proposed by Xi over the past several years, following the Global Development Initiative, the Global Security Initiative and the Global Civilisation Initiative.

The GGI will be of great significance to both SCO development and the improvement of the global governance system.

In providing a solution to the global governance deficit, the GGI not only conforms to the common aspirations of people of all countries, but also meets the urgent needs of today’s world.

It was welcomed and supported by the leaders of the countries and international organisations attending the event, and is bound to be widely recognised by the international community.

The Tianjin Summit also witnessed the further expansion of the SCO family, with Laos admitted as a dialogue partner; and more countries are planning to join the organisation, underscoring its dynamism, openness and inclusiveness.

From Tianjin, the SCO has set out on a new voyage with greater responsibility, efficiency and real results, aiming to contribute more to the building of a community with a shared future for humanity.(Xinhua/NAN)

Edited by Ismail Abdulaziz

Leveraging the North-Central Development Commission for inclusive growth
Features

Leveraging the North-Central Development Commission for inclusive growth

By Mark Longyen, News Agency of Nigeria (NAN)

For decades, communities in the North-Central region have endured poor roads, abandoned farmlands, and the scars of violent conflicts that displaced thousands of families.

From the flooding of villages in Niger to the violent attacks in Benue and Plateau, many residents have long felt trapped in a cycle of neglect.

Now, the recent creation of the North-Central Development Commission (NCDC) by President Bola Tinubu has raised fresh hopes that these challenges may finally receive the sustained attention they deserve.

Analysts and stakeholders say the new commission is a long-overdue political and developmental masterstroke.

They argue the commission offers a pathway to combat insecurity, economic hardship, and environmental decline in a resource-rich region that continues to rank among Nigeria’s most neglected.

The North-Central, which comprises Plateau, Benue, Nasarawa, Kogi, Kwara, Niger, and the Federal Capital Territory, is home to about 28 million people, roughly 12 per cent of Nigeria’s population.

Yet, its vast potential has remained largely untapped.

Over the past two decades, Nigeria has continuously resorted to creating regional development commissions as institutional vehicles to tackle localised crises.

For instance, the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC), established in 2000, was designed to address decades of underdevelopment, oil spills, and militancy in the oil-rich Niger Delta.

In spite of challenges of corruption and mismanagement, it has recorded some infrastructural interventions such as road networks, scholarship schemes, and health projects.

Similarly, the North-East Development Commission (NEDC), created in 2017, was born out of the devastation caused by the Boko Haram insurgency.

It has since rolled out resettlement programmes for Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs), rebuilt schools and health facilities, and invested in agriculture and renewable energy to revitalise livelihoods.

In comparison, the newly created NCDC, established in 2024, covers six north-central states and the FCT with an estimated population of 28 million people.

Its take-off budget of N140 billion in 2025 is targeted at infrastructure, agriculture, solid minerals, IDP resettlement, ecological restoration, and security.

By contrast, the NEDC, with a population coverage of about 26 million people across six states, had a N55 billion take-off fund in 2019, which rose to N146 billion in 2023.

The NDDC, covering nine Niger Delta states with over 31 million people, began with a N100 billion allocation and has since expanded its funding, focusing largely on infrastructure, environmental remediation, and human capital development.

The NCDC, domiciled under the Ministry of Regional Development, has been tasked with reconstructing infrastructure, providing healthcare and education, tackling ecological degradation, and fostering multi-sectoral growth.

Its take-off budget of N140 billion in the 2025 fiscal year signals strong political commitment.

Beyond physical infrastructure, the commission also carries a peace-building mandate.

For a region scarred by banditry, terrorism, and illegal mining-related conflicts, this responsibility is as critical as road construction or agricultural modernisation.

With its management board now inaugurated, the NCDC is headed by Dr Cyril Tsenyil, a distinguished chartered accountant and former Accountant-General of Plateau, as Managing Director.

He is joined by Cosmas Akyhir (Chairman, Benue), Princess Atika Ajanah (Executive Director, Projects, Kogi), and other representatives from Kwara, Nasarawa, and Niger states.

Observers believe the calibre of the leadership team, coupled with Tsenyil’s track record in revenue reforms in Plateau, inspires confidence that the commission can deliver results.

The region faces enormous challenges.

Illegal mining activities in Plateau and Niger have worsened environmental degradation and triggered devastating floods.

Major highways like the Abuja-Lokoja, Jos-Akwanga, and Ilorin-Jebba corridors remain in poor condition, constraining trade and mobility.

Moreover, decades of industrial decline, such as the moribund Jos tin mines and the stagnated Ajaokuta steel mills, have left thousands of youths unemployed.

Yet, stakeholders see these very challenges as opportunities.

Gov. Abdullahi Sule of Nasarawa, who also chairs the North-Central Governors’ Forum, said the commission’s creation was not just about insecurity but about “all-round development”.

He stressed that states in the zone would work together, alongside consultants, to design strategies tailored to their peculiar needs.

According to him, contrary to the general perception that development commissions are established mainly to address insecurity, the NCDC will be a vehicle to transform the region and bring about all-round development, cutting across all sectors.

He said the region’s leaders had already learned from the mistakes of other development commissions in the country.

The NCDC, he added, would avoid such pitfalls and leverage collaboration for progress.

Sule noted that, to chart the way forward, the commission would collaborate with member states and engage experts and consultants to come up with development strategies peculiar to the region.

“We know our own peculiarity, we know what development means in our own region; therefore, we are going to collaborate and work together in synergy, and engage experts and consultants on development to achieve milestones,” he said.

Also, Abdullahi Haruna, a public affairs analyst, said the establishment of the NCDC was a milestone in Nigeria’s developmental history and a clear demonstration of Tinubu’s foresight and commitment to national development.

According to him, the NCDC is a long-overdue institutional framework to harness the region’s array of natural resources; such as lithium, tin, columbite, gold, agriculture, and waterways and unlock their potential.

Haruna said that for the NCDC to succeed, it must leverage the region’s comparative advantage in solid mineral resources, champion an industrialisation drive that prioritises solid minerals, and fully utilise them for local and international markets.

He said the commission should encourage investment in solid mineral refining, provide incentives for local and foreign companies to set up industries, and transform the region’s mining resources into industrial wealth.

He also urged the NCDC to revive the region’s key industries, such as the moribund Jos tin mines and the stagnated Ajaokuta steel mills, to diversify the economy and reduce reliance on agriculture.

“A well-structured mineral development fund under the NCDC could finance small and medium-scale mining enterprises, ensuring that local communities benefit directly from their natural wealth,” he said.

Omojo Wada, another analyst, urged the commission to prioritise revitalising agriculture, which has long been the backbone of the region’s economy.

He said the NCDC should provide modern farming tools, irrigation systems, and agro-processing industries to raise output and create economic opportunities.

According to him, the establishment of agro-processing industrial parks would cut post-harvest losses, generate jobs, stimulate rural economies, and strengthen Nigeria’s food security.

He said the NCDC must also take the lead in developing inland water transport systems, constructing river ports, and promoting commercial activities along these waterways.

“By investing in smart irrigation schemes, the region’s vast arable land can be cultivated all year round, reducing reliance on rain-fed agriculture and enhancing food production,” he said.

For former Senate President Sen. Ameh Ebute, the creation of the NCDC marked a turning point for a region long plagued by fragmentation.

He said it gave the region an opportunity to unify, consolidate, develop, and define its political and developmental priorities.

He said, “The North-Central consists of an agglomeration of tribes, which has made it difficult for us to come together. The time has come for us to consolidate and define our political and developmental priorities.

“With the creation of the commission, we must speak with one voice. The presidency has gone round most zones, but the North-Central has never produced a president, so it is time we pressed our political interests”.

Security experts such as Dr Isaac Armstrong believe the commission must prioritise the reconstruction and resettlement of IDPs while investing in community-based security networks.

“The integration of digital tools such as surveillance drones, early warning systems, and data-driven monitoring, they argue, could make the NCDC a model of smart, transparent development governance”.

Experts suggest establishing Innovation and Tech Hubs in cities like Jos, Minna, and Lokoja to empower the region’s youthful population and foster entrepreneurship.

Such hubs, they say could drive digital agriculture, fintech, and renewable energy.

However, cautionary notes remain.

The experience of the NDDC, often tainted by corruption scandals, is a reminder that commissions can easily derail without strict accountability.

Analysts warn that the NCDC must adopt transparent monitoring systems, citizen engagement platforms, and collaborative frameworks with state governments to remain credible and effective.

As Nigeria expands its use of regional development commissions, the NCDC’s success or failure will shape the future of the north-central and test whether such commissions can deliver inclusive development.

For millions in the zone, its creation has already raised high expectations.

The task before the NCDC, therefore, is to transform hope into tangible progress and ensure that the North-Central finally takes its rightful place in Nigeria’s developmental journey.

For residents like John Audu, a farmer from Benue, the hopes are simple but crucial.

“We don’t need big promises. If the commission can give us good roads to take our yams to the market and protect our farms from attacks, that alone will change our lives.

“We are watching and praying they don’t forget us,” he noted. (NANFeatures)

Boosting development in Katsina through Child-sensitive Budgeting
Features

Boosting development in Katsina through Child-sensitive Budgeting

By Zubairu Idris, News Agency of Nigeria (NAN)

There is a popular saying that “children are the leaders of tomorrow”.

Far from being just a feel-good statement, it underscores the fundamental truth that the future of any nation depends on how well it nurtures its youngest population.

For Katsina State, where more than 4.5 million of its estimated 9.6 million people are children, the challenge of securing that future is both urgent and complex.

Poor child health outcomes, low school enrolment, and widespread poverty continue to jeopardise the life chances of millions of children.

Recognising this, stakeholders in the state, led by the UN Children’s Fund (UNICEF), are calling for the institutionalisation of child-sensitive budgeting and planning as a key strategy for improving child development outcomes.

At a recent media dialogue in Katsina, Mr Rahama Mohammed-Farah, Chief of UNICEF’s Kano Field Office, said investment in children was “not only a moral obligation but an economic necessity.”

“Children are not just beneficiaries of our future, they are builders of it.

“This is why we need strategic and adequately funded actions embedded in planning and budgeting systems at every level,” he said.

Notably, Child-sensitive budgeting is an approach that ensures public budgets are planned, executed, and monitored in ways that directly respond to the needs and rights of children.

It involves allocating resources to critical sectors such as education, health, nutrition, water and sanitation, protection, and early childhood development.

Globally, countries such as South Africa, Bangladesh, and the Philippines have made notable progress in integrating child-focused indicators into budget tracking and performance systems.

These efforts are typically guided by the UN Convention on the Rights of the Child (CRC), which Nigeria ratified in 1991.

In Nigeria, frameworks such as the Child Rights Act (2003), and the National Policy on Children (2021), provide policy backing for child-responsive governance.

However, implementation gaps remain significant, especially at the sub-national level.

UNICEF’s latest data on Katsina reveals a sobering reality.

While government commitment has increased in recent years, outcomes for children remain among the lowest in the country.

One in six children (159 per 1,000 live births) do not survive to their fifth birthday, a stark indicator of gaps in child healthcare services.

Only 41 per cent of children are fully immunised, leaving the majority vulnerable to life-threatening but preventable diseases.

Additionally, 75.5 per cent of children are classified as multi-dimensionally poor, lacking access to healthcare, education, nutrition, and other essential services, while 61.2 per cent live in monetary poverty.

The data reveals that about one-third of children are out of school at the primary level, undermining the state’s long-term human capital and economic prospects.

In terms of nutrition, only 23.4 per cent of children aged 6–23 months receive the minimum acceptable diet, and 51.3 per cent of under-five children are stunted.

This indicates chronic malnutrition with long-term effects on physical and cognitive development.

Although budgetary allocations to sectors like education and health have increased in recent years, actual releases and utilisation remain inconsistent.

Mr AbdurRahman Abdullahi, Chairman of the Coalition of Civil Society Organisations (CSOs) in Katsina, shared his thoughts.

He said budget performance tracking from 2022 to 2024 revealed that actual releases for children-focused interventions were often lower than the approved allocations.

He identified limited fiscal autonomy, weak inter-agency coordination, and revenue constraints as major hurdles hampering effective implementation.

“The mismatch between budget approval and actual release has weakened impact, especially in rural areas,” he said.

“We need timely, adequate, and transparent financing”.

In response, the Katsina State Government has reaffirmed its commitment to child-sensitive financing.

Speaking at the media dialogue, the Commissioner for Budget and Economic Planning, Mr Malik Anas, said the 2026 appropriation would reflect stronger integration of child-focused planning.

Anas was represented by the ministry’s Permanent Secretary, Mr Tijjani Umar.

“Our ministry will ensure that all MDAs provide meaningful child-centred allocations during the upcoming budget cycle,” he said.

He added that training and budget review mechanisms were being strengthened.

Gov. Dikko Radda also made commitments during the 2025 Children’s Day celebration, where he hosted orphans and children with special needs.

He pledged that his administration would continue to protect children’s rights and prioritise their welfare.

“Every child is our responsibility. We will continue to ensure that their rights to education, health, and overall well-being are fully protected.

“As a government, we are your parents and we are here to serve you.

“I want to assure you that we will continue to associate with you and give special attention.

“All children deserve the opportunity to reach their full potential, and we will do everything within our power to make that possible,” Radda assured.

Participants at the media dialogue also stressed the crucial role of journalists in budget tracking, amplifying children’s voices, and holding leaders accountable.

Representatives of various media houses pledged to report consistently on child development indicators, funding trends, and service delivery gaps.

They also committed to translating complex budget data into compelling stories that the public can easily understand.

Equally important are the contributions of communities, religious leaders, and traditional institutions, who often serve as first responders to the needs of vulnerable children.

Stakeholders urged these groups to remain engaged and proactive in advocating for quality education, primary healthcare, child protection, and youth development at the grassroots level.

UNICEF and other development partners including Save the Children, the World Bank, and the European Union, have supported child-focused initiatives in Katsina over the years.

These initiatives include immunisation campaigns, school feeding programmes, and nutrition projects.

However, stakeholders stressed that the long-term sustainability of child-focused programmes depends largely on the ability of local governments to incorporate these priorities into their own budgeting and planning processes.

Mohammed-Farah emphasised the need to shift from reliance on donor support to increased domestic resource mobilisation.

“It’s time to move from donor dependency to domestic resource mobilisation.

“Investing in children today helps prevent higher social and economic costs in the future,” he said.

He noted investment in children’s welfare was the most strategic decision the government can make.

“It is an investment in Katsina’s future workforce. It is an investment that can break the cycle of poverty, enhance community resilience, and promote lasting peace and development,” he added.

Mohammed-Farah also warned that insufficient and poorly planned investments in children could lead to serious long-term consequences.

“Malnourished and uneducated children are less likely to become productive adults. Children without adequate protection are more vulnerable to abuse, exploitation, and recruitment by criminal groups,” he said.

He further explained that addressing the outcomes of neglect; such as poverty, illiteracy, malnutrition, and insecurity, costs far more than making early, preventive investments in child development.

“That is why we say prevention is cheaper than cure,” he noted.

In conclusion, stakeholders emphasised that child-sensitive budgeting is not merely a financial exercise but a clear demonstration of the government’s commitment to protecting and improving the lives of children.

They noted that if the Katsina State Government fully implements its child-focused budget plans, it can lead to measurable improvements in child health, education, and protection.

This, they said, requires timely release of allocated funds and a strong commitment to transparency in public spending.

They further stressed that effective coordination among relevant ministries and agencies is essential to ensure that resources are used efficiently and reach the intended beneficiaries.

Such an approach, they added, would help lay a solid foundation for inclusive and sustainable development in the state. (NANFeatures)

***If used, please credit the writer and the News Agency of Nigeria.

 

Wike reels out contributions to devt of UNIPORT, state university 
Education

Wike reels out contributions to devt of UNIPORT, state university 

By Philip Yatai

The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Mr Nyesom Wike, has reeled out his contributions to the development of University of Port Harcourt (UNIPORT), Rivers State University and the legal profession.

Wike outlined the contributions in Port Harcourt on Saturday, during UNIPORT’s 35th Combined Convocation and 50th Anniversary.

He said that UNIPORT availed him the rich and concrete intellectual foundation upon which his socio-economic and political ascendancy have been fittingly predicated.

He added that he was educated both in character and learning at the university and called on all alumni to give back to the university as a mark of gratitude.

“This also explains why I freely give to this institution whenever I have had the opportunity to do so.

“Throughout my duty tours, I have paid back to this great university sacrificially and to the best of my ability.

“I have done so, not out of convenience but as a deliberate pursuit of commitment to gratitude for a university that gave me so much,” he added.

Wike said that as Minister of State, Education, he established the Faculty of Law for UNIPORT and further built a befitting building for the faculty.

He said that he equally built a separate building for the Faculty of Social Science which had been sharing the same building with the Faculty of Humanities.

Speaking on the convocation arena, Wike said that management of the university approached him while he was the governor of Rivers that: “the institution does not have a befitting convocation arena.”

He added that he built the arena to international standard, adding that similar gesture was extended to the Rivers State University, Port Harcourt where he studied law.

He said that in the same tradition of giving back, he built the Post-Graduate Hostel of the university when he was the Chairman of Obio/Akpor Local Government Area.

“As Minister of State, Education, I raised N500 million through the Tertiary Education Trust Fund, for the development of the university.

“As governor, I completed the construction of infrastructural facilities for Faculties of Environmental and Management Sciences.

“I also completed the Faculty of Law building; built the College of Medical/Mechanical Sciences building, new Senate building, and National Union of Rivers State Students’ building,” he said.

The minister added that he equally built Etche, Emuoha, and Ahoada Campuses, as well as built and furnished facilities of the Basic Clinical and Clinical Sciences building of the university.

Also built were the university’s clinical students’ hostel buildings and Pathology building in the university’s Teaching Hospital.

Wike said that as a lawyer, he equally contributed immensely to the legal profession, first by building the Rivers branch of the Nigeria Bar Association (NBA).

“I was also the only governor that contributed to the building of the National Secretariat of the NBA and to this end, Rivers was allotted a floor to name after its citizens.

“In Rivers, I introduced a robust judicial welfare scheme by insisting that every judge must own a house upon retirement.

“The houses were built with modern facilities and fully furnished with accompanying Certificates of Occupancy.

“All judges also had brand new Sport Utility Vehicles to ease their mobility, and enhance their comfort and service delivery,” he said.

He added that he also constructed the Body of Benchers building in Abuja and the body named a hall after Rivers.

He said that with the approval of the Director-General of Law School, he built hostels and a grand auditorium for the Law School in Yenagoa, Bayelsa.

“We also built a new Law School campus in Port-Harcourt that is far better than the headquarters in Abuja.

“Currently, as Minister of the FCT, I am building an annex for the Body of Benchers and almost completed construction of 10 bungalows for the Nigeria Law School in Bwari, FCT, and almost completed a new Court of Appeal, Abuja Division.

“In addition, we are building 10 residential houses for the Judges of Court of Appeal, 10 for the Federal High Court and 20 for the FCT High Court,” the minister said.

He explained that he took time to enumerate his contributions to the two universities and the legal profession not for self-aggrandisement, but to demonstrate the need to give back to society.

“Those who come after us must be encouraged and inspired by our robust examples to keep this tradition of service and development of our alma mater,” he said.

The minister pointed out that the university has produced prominent leaders in all works of life, asking if they have given back to the university.

According to him, the university must demand this answer from all its alumni, since it provided the foundation upon which all of them soared to prominence. (NAN)

Edited by Muhammad Lawal

FCTA, investor sign MoU to replicate Dubai’s City Walk in Abuja
Metro

FCTA, investor sign MoU to replicate Dubai’s City Walk in Abuja

By Philip Yatai

The Federal Capital Territory Administration (FCTA) has signed a Memorandum of Understanding with MAG International Links Ltd, a private investor, for the development of City Walk Abuja.

FCT Minister Nyesom Wike said during the ceremony in Abuja on Wednesday, that the project would be a replica of City Walk Dubai.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the project, which would cover about 200 hectares, was inspired by the City Walk concept in Dubai.

It will bring together a thoughtfully curated mix of residential, commercial, retail, hospitality, institutional, and healthcare facilities.

Wike said that the MoU was to ensure that the company delivers the project based on agreed work plans and timelines.

“I wish to say that the company has submitted their drawings which have been approved, and their Certificate of Occupancy (C of O) is ready.

“But we have to sign an agreement such that if you don’t comply within the outlined specification and agreed timeline, then we have the right to revoke the land.

“We are not going to just give you a C-of-O and then nothing happens. We will not accept that again,” he said.

He pointed out that so many people have collected land for mass housing and other developments “but ended up as land speculators, selling our land.

“We will not accept that.

“People have collected 200 hectares, 300 hectares and in 20 years nothing has happened. We have changed that pattern, so we are going to monitor the developments strictly,” he said.

He said that Abuja City Walk would be developed in the area earlier designated for Abuja Technology Village, located along Airport Road, but had remained undeveloped for the past 20 years.

“I want to make it clear that we have had problems with land grabbers in Abuja Technology Village, even those in the technology village are part of the problems.

“In the past 20 years, nothing has happened in the area and therefore, I would not like to lose this opportunity that we have seen investors who really want to invest and develop the land for the good of the city.

“If anybody has gone to Dubai and has seen the City Walk, there is no way you will not appreciate and encourage investors that are willing to do the same in Abuja.

“This is because the whole essence of the “Renewed Hope Agenda” is not only to bring investors, but also to create employment for our people,” he said.

The minister said that the project would be developed in phases, with foundation laying hopes to take place between July and August.

He added that the first phase of the project would be completed and delivered in May 2026, to celebrate President Bola Tinubu’s third year in Office.

Describing the project as “key” to the development of Abuja, Wike assured the investor of full support as directed by Tinubu to encourage investors to invest in the FCT for national development.

He said that the FCT would provide access roads to enable the investor to begin work on the site immediately.

“The Executive Secretary, Federal Capital Development Authority is doing his best to see that there is no delay in this project.

“We have made sure that legally nothing will hinder the company from executing the project.

“To encourage them, Director Development Control is here to make sure that nobody obstructs them and the Director of Land is here to make sure they have access to their land,” he added.

The Executive Director of the company, Dr Kassim Gidado, noted the ongoing transformation in the FCT, which had increased investors’ confidence to make returns on investment.

Gidado assured the minister that the City Walk Abuja would not replicate the one in Dubai but edge it.

According to him, the project will be built to suit local cultural and traditional flavour and transform the Lugbe axis completely.

“This development represents a bold new direction for real estate in Nigeria—blending elegance, sustainability, and economic value to create a truly world-class destination

“The City Walk Abuja; a landmark masterplan will redefine urban experience in the FCT.” (NAN)

Edited by Muhammad Lawal

Wike advises Gov. Okpebholo of Edo against probing Obaseki
Politics

Wike advises Gov. Okpebholo of Edo against probing Obaseki

By Philip Yatai

Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Minister Nyesom Wike has advised Gov. Monday Okpebholo of Edo, against dissipating his energy and resources to probe his immediate predecessor, Godwin Obaseki.

Wike, who gave the advice during his visit to the state, also urged the governor to concentrate on the development of Edo.

The minister said in a statement signed by his spokesman, Mr Lere Olayinka, that probing the former governor would achieve no meaningful results.

Wike stressed that it was better for Okpebholo to deploy his time and the state’s resources towards achieving his developmental goals for Edo people.

“If there is someone who would have encouraged Okpebholo to probe and prosecute Obaseki, that person should be me.

“However, what I suffered in ensuring that he returned for a second term and how he paid me back is now in the past.

“We must pass through this process in life, move on for the development of Edo.

“Therefore, don’t do it. I’m the one that should have told you to pursue this man because I know what I passed through.

“If it were to be his power, you wouldn’t be here, but God has told him, ‘you don’t have it and I have given it to whom I want to give it to’” he said.

The minister also apologised to Sen. Adams Oshiomhole, a former governor of the state, for humiliating him over Obaseki.

Wike said: Leader, I know how pained you are and what you passed through; I know it was like a humiliation to you.

“I was part of it because I humiliated you while supporting Obaseki. I apologised to you on national TV and i am still saying sorry for what I did to you.

“Let Obaseki and his team carry their problems and go. Focus on the development of Edo and you will see what you will achieve at the end of the day”.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that Wike was in Edo to inaugurate the newly constructed Edo Line Terminal in Benin, which is the second phase of the Benin Central Bus Terminal.

The event was, however, cancelled following the demise of former President Muhammadu Buhari. (NAN)

Edited by Ekemini Ladejobi

Tinubu’s administration transforming FCT to a befitting nation’s capital – Wike 
Metro

Tinubu’s administration transforming FCT to a befitting nation’s capital – Wike 

 

By Philip Yatai

The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Mr Nyesom Wike says President Bola Tinubu’s administration is transforming FCT to a befitting nation’s capital.

Wike stated this on Sunday,  during a Thanksgiving Service at St. James’ Anglican Church, Asokoro, Abuja, for the successful completion of project inaugurations by Tinubu to celebrate his second year in office.

The minister said nothing was moving in the nation’s capital until the coming of Tinubu’s administration, pointing out that residents were already confessing the changes.

“This is because you have a government that is determined to make the needed changes.

“If the Tinubu government is not interested, it will be the same thing but because he is interested, he said this is not the kind of capital we should have; this is not the kind of city Nigeria should be boasting of.

“We need to transform Abuja to be like other cities in the world and he gave me a matching order to see that things are working.

“Yes, we cannot say we have completely changed Abuja but you can see the processes and the steps being taken to put Abuja where it is supposed to be,” he said.

He pointed out that most of the infrastructure, particularly roads were in a bad shape, adding that currently things were different.

The FCT minister appealed to residents and Nigerians to be patient and see what Abuja would become in the next one year.

He pointed out that some people resisted his appointment as the FCT minister because he didn’t come from a particular area in the country, which he described as “unfortunate”.

Wike lauded Tinubu for standing firm on his decision to work only with people that would support him and work with him to develop FCT.

“We are contributing our own quota and it is left for the people to judge our performance. We will continue to work hard to improve on what Mr President has promised FCT residents and NIgerians in general.

“Like the Vicar of the Church Ben Idume has said, everybody can attest to the changes Mr President has introduced in the FCT.”

Wike pointed out that for the first time under Tinubu’s administration, the FCT now appoints its Permanent Secretaries (PS) as against posting them from the Federal Civil Service.

He explained that Tinubu’s decision was to ensure that FCT workers’ growth was not retarded as they retired at the rank of directors.

“People who get to the director level retire and do not get to the permanent secretary level, but today, by the grace of God, all the civil servants in the FCT are likely to grow to the level of permanent Secretary.

“Secondly, today, FCT had its own Head of Service, who of course, is a woman and from FCT. All these are things that people should thank Mr President for.

“Also, before now, it will be difficult for FCT to access funds, but Mr President in his wisdom decided that FCT Administration should be pulled out from the Treasury Single Account.

“This has significantly helped us to access funding and execute development and infrastructural projects across the FCT,” he said.

He explained that the thanksgiving service became necessary to thank God for the successful inauguration of 17 projects in 16 days by Tinubu to celebrate his second year in office.

“It was not easy. Nobody lost his life, no accident going from here to outside the city – Kwali, Gwagwalada and Bwari. It has not been easy.

“We thank God for the grace; we thank God for the strength given to all of us. It’s teamwork and we did it successfully,” he said.

Earlier, Idume presented an Award of Excellence to the minister for the exceptional performance in infrastructural development in the FCT.

Idume observed that contrary to the opposition Wike faced, he had proven his detractors wrong as FCT minister from the southern part of Nigeria.

He described Tinubu as a “visionary leader” saying, “he appointed Wike FCTA Minister because he knew he would perform against all odds”. (NAN)

Edited by Yakubu Uba

Group lauds Tinubu for creating South-West Development Commission
General News

Group lauds Tinubu for creating South-West Development Commission

 

By Angela Atabo

The Yoruba Council of Youths Worldwide (YCYW), has applauded President Bola Tinubu for creating the South-West Development Commission.

The President of the Council, Aare Hassan, stated this during a courtesy visit to the Minister of Youth Development, Ayodele Olawande, on Friday in Abuja.

Hassan, represented by Alawode Rahmon, YCYW National Coordinator, said the commission would help to drive  infrastructure development, stimulate economic growth, and enhance social welfare in the South-West geopolitical zone.

“As part of the familiarisation meeting  between the apex Yoruba indigenous people globally, YCYW visited the Ministry of Youth Development.

“This is with the sole aim of cross fertilising ideas on various issues of regional and national development.

“We  salute President  Bola Tinubu on the establishment of the Southwest Development  Commission, and appreciate all his  efforts in supporting youths through the Ministry of Youth Development,” he said.

Hassan explained that the reason for the group’s mission to the ministry was to give full support to the Tinubu administration.

He also disclosed that its members were planning  to deliver over two million votes  in 2027 to support Tinubu’s re-election.

Hassan called on the government to scale up interventions in the areas of food security, national security, youth development and robust economic development.

He  also appealed to the President not to relent in engaging youths and  empowering them to be  strategically positioned to contribute to national development.

Responding, the minister, who was represented by his Chief of Staff, Mr Mohammed Abdullahi, commended the group’s initiative to contribute to governance.

Olawande reiterated the commitment of the ministry to support youth development in the country, adding that the forthcoming national youth confab was a step in the right direction for youth engagement.

He said that a portal had already been opened to that effect for youth registration nationwide, and it would be “youth-led, inclusive, non-partisan and transformational.”

The minister added that the  initiative aimed to “co-create youth-informed, youth-approved, and youth-led solutions” that speak directly to the needs and aspirations of Nigeria’s vibrant youth population.(NAN)

Edited by Mark Longyen

Tinubu reaffirms commitment to urban devt, improved quality of life 
Metro

Tinubu reaffirms commitment to urban devt, improved quality of life 

By Philip Yatai

President Bola Tinubu has reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to urban development and improving the quality of life of residents of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT).

Tinubu stated this while inaugurating the newly constructed Collector Road CN2 (Zakari A. Kyari Street) and other roads, in Abuja on Thursday, to celebrate his second year in office.

The road, from Arterial Road N11 (Ahmadu Bello Way) in Mabushi District to Judges Quarters in Katampe District, and other roads within Katampe, were constructed by the FCT Administration.

Represented by the Deputy Speaker, House of Representatives, Mr Benjamin Kalu, the president said that his administration would continue to invest in critical infrastructure.

He identified key areas to include roads, bridges, housing, transportation, education, and healthcare.

According to him, infrastructure development is not an expenditure, but a good investment for the people.

“I assure you that we are committed to making sure that every Nigerian feels the impact of good governance.

“We will continue to work tirelessly to deliver infrastructure projects that will enhance the quality of life for our citizens.

“This project reflects our administration’s commitment to urban development and improving the quality of life for our citizens.

“We believe that infrastructure development is critical to national growth and development.”

Tinubu commended the FCTA Minister, Mr Nyesom Wike and his team for prioritising infrastructure delivery.

He urged the residents of Mabushi, Katampe, and surrounding areas to protect and preserve the roads while using them.

On his part, Wike said that the construction of the roads was flagged off in October 2024 for completion in 12 months.

He, however, said that the contractor, CGC, was able to deliver the roads in about nine months due to its capacity to deliver quality projects, and in time.

The minister said that the roads would not only improve mobility and interconnectivity but improve the economies of the areas.

He particularly said that prices of land in the areas would significantly increase, which would be beneficial to landowners.

Wike attributed the successes being recorded in the delivery of infrastructural projects in the FCT to the continued support of Tinubu.

Earlier, Mr Richard Dauda, acting Executive Secretary, Federal Capital Development Authority, said that the project was executed by CGC and was flagged off in October, 2024.

Dauda said that the CN2 road was a dual carriageway of two lanes each while the other roads were single carriageway.

He added that road projects were executed to provide infrastructure and open up the Katampe District for development.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that shortly after the inauguration, Wike inspected Judges Quarters under construction in Katampe and the N5 Road (Obafemi Awolowo Way) from Life Camp to Ring Road III scheduled for inauguration on Friday. (NAN)

Edited by Sadiya Hamza

Ethiopia advances rural corridor devt. to boost sustainability, eco-tourism
Foreign

Ethiopia advances rural corridor devt. to boost sustainability, eco-tourism

 

Ethiopia has launched a comprehensive rural corridor development programme to transform local communities, promote sustainable agriculture, and expand eco-tourism infrastructure.

Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed announced the initiative, as reported by Fana Media Corporation (FMC), a partner of TV BRICS.

The rural corridor development project forms part of a broader national strategy to modernise rural areas, improve livelihoods and enhance environmental stewardship, the source said.

During the launch of the initiative, Prime Minister Abiy highlighted the importance of community participation and model practices that contribute to the long-term vision of national transformation.

The initiative also includes a significant eco-tourism component.

Under the leadership of local communities, the transformation of Mount Hambaricho, Ethiopia’s natural and cultural landmark, into an accessible destination for nature tourism has already begun.

A new staircase of 777 steps for climbing was built, making the mountain more accessible to visitors interested in hiking, panoramic views, and bird watching.

According to experts, the rural corridor development project underscores the Ethiopian Government’s commitment to integrated rural development, climate resilience, and the promotion of local tourism as a sustainable economic driver.

Edited by Emmanuel Yashim

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