NEWS AGENCY OF NIGERIA
Metro

FCT reopens barricaded slip road, begins dry season sensitisation

43 total views today

By Philip Yatai

The Federal Capital Territory Emergency Management Department (FEMD) has reopened the barricaded slip road connecting Goodluck Jonathan Expressway with Ring Road II at Galadimawa Interchange.

The acting Director-General of the Department, Mr Abdulrahman Mohammed, explained that the slip road was barricaded on June 25 to mitigate flooding during the rainy season.

Mohammed stated that the road was reopened to ease traffic flow, as the rainy season had ended.

“The onset of the rain in Abuja is usually in the month of May and the slip road is usually flooded every raining season, hence the need to barricade the road.

“To the glory of God, no life was lost in this area since 2020 because we made it a tradition to block the road during the rainy season,” he said.

He commended residents and stakeholders for their understanding and support throughout the rainy season.

The acting D-G also announced the commencement of the 2024 dry season sensitisation campaign against incessant fire outbreaks in the FCT.

Mohammed advised residents to be cautious while handling cooking gas, petroleum products, electrical appliances, and other inflatable items or chemicals.

He urged residents to keep cooking gas outside their kitchens and avoid storing petrol or inflammable chemicals in cars and in their homes.

He also advised residents to make sure they have fire extinguisher in their cars, homes and offices to control fire during outbreak.

He further urged residents to be careful when burning bushes, adding that anyone who wishes to do so, for whatever reason, should monitor it to prevent spreading to unintended areas.

Mr Richard Dauda, Director of Engineering Services, Federal Capital Territory Development Authority (FCDA), stated that the slip road was part of old road infrastructure in the area.

Dauda explained that the road would be reconstructed and elevated to solve the problem permanently.

He explained that once the ongoing construction of Galadimawa Interchange was completed, a bridge would be constructed to replace the temporary culvert contributing to flooding of the road.”(NAN)

Edited by Abiemwense Moru

Gender , Health

Menopause: FCTA rallies support for women to promote households’ stability, happiness

86 total views today

By Philip Yatai

The Women Affairs Secretariat, Federal Capital Territory Administration (FCTA), has begun mobilising support for women, experiencing menopause for households’ stability and general wellbeing of families.

The Mandate Secretary of the secretariat, Dr Adedayo Benjamins-Laniyi, said that the move was part of the secretariat’s efforts to promote emotional stability in households.

Benjamins-Laniyi spoke on the topic “We Factor”, at a one-day Menopause Awareness programme in Abuja on Wednesday, organised by the secretariat for couples in the FCT.

She explained that the We-Factor embodies the essence of community, support, and shared experiences, particularly during menopause.

She described menopause as the stage in a woman’s life when her menstrual periods stop permanently, and she can no longer get pregnant.

The mandate secretary said that for some women, the menopausal transition could bring various symptoms, including hot flashes, night sweats, trouble sleeping, joint and muscle discomfort, and pain during sex.

Other symptoms, she said, may include moodiness and irritability, forgetfulness, difficultly concentrating, or a combination of all the signs.

According to her, a woman’s emotional instability will affect the husband, the family and if not handled well, will affect family finances and happiness.

“The woman’s emotional state may affect the overall wellbeing of the family, but a happy woman will translate to a happy home.”

She stressed the need for collective support for women experiencing menopause, particularly from men to maintain their emotional stability needed to ensure a happy household.

She said that menopause, often perceived as a solitary journey and a transition that women face independently but doesn’t have to be so.

According to her, happy people are healthy people, and healthy people create wealth and create a strong economy.

“We have come with a message of advocacy, the advocacy of caring, sharing, collective responsibility.

“Let us support our women, care for them and support them to first care for themselves before extending the same to the rest of the family.

“This is because women find it very easy to kind of keep deferring their own self-care in the name of caring for the family and caring for the community.

“So, you have to make sure that as her husband, you help her to care for herself.”

The acting Director, Women Development Department in the secretariat, Mrs Aina Sani, said that the awareness creation was organised because of the effect of menopause on women, homes and workplaces.

“Menopause is affecting women in their offices and homes in the way they do things, and that is why we want people to be aware and support women during this period.

“We also invited their spouses to know how to assist women during this stage in their lives and know what to do to support their wives during this period,” she said. (NAN)

Edited by Abiemwense Moru

Metro

ASIS International lauds Wike’s commitment to addressing insecurity in FCT

106 total views today

By Philip Yatai

The world’s largest association for security professionals, ASIS International, has commended the commitment of Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, in addressing insecurity in the territory.

The Chairman of the Abuja Branch 273, Mr Edward Orim, gave the commendation during the association’s 2024 Annual General Meeting in Abuja on Tuesday.

Orim, who was re-elected to serve for another year, said that Nigeria has the capacity to adopt the use of technology to strengthen the fight against insecurity.

He, however, added that the absence of political will was a serious challenge to deepening the use of technology to tackle insecurity across the country.

He said that Wike, on the other hand, had in the last one year demonstrated the capacity and the political will to address insecurity and make FCT a great and secured capital city for all.

He said that the minister’s support to security agencies, particularly operational vehicles fitted with latest technology equipment, was a game changer in the fight against insecurity in FCT.

“The FCT Minister is providing the needed support, including technological equipment to strengthen the fight against insecurity with a view to keeping residents of FCT safe,” he said.

He added that Mr Adamu Gwary, Director, FCT Administration’s Security Services Department, was presented with a Certificate of Excellence, in recognition of his support and contributions to the growth of ASIS International in Abuja.

The chairman said that the association would be looking forward to a stronger partnership with the FCTA to improve security in the nation’s capital.

He said that the association has made significant strides in Nigeria’s security sector through impactful initiatives and strategic outreach in 2024.

“The chapter also advanced professional development through its Women in Security webinar, which strengthened engagement among security professionals.

“In line with ASIS International commitment to humanitarian efforts and gender inclusion, Women in Security provided aid to flood victims in Borno State and championed career growth for women on the International Day of the Girl Child.

“For the next one year, we will be looking forward to deepening the use of technology in addressing insecurity, through collaboration and partnership with critical stakeholders,” he said.

Responding, Gwary thanked the association for the recognition, adding that the FCTA was open to more collaboration to strengthen the FCT’s security framework.

Gwari, who was represented by Dr Peter Olumuji, Secretary, FCTA’s Command and Control Centre, noted that in a global community, security was everybody’s responsibility.

“We are happy that ASIS is contributing to addressing insecurity in the FCT.

“The FCT minister has established a robust and standard Command and Control Centre in the territory to respond effectively to security threats.

“The control system will be equipped with the latest and necessary technology to fight insecurity,” he said.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that also elected was Mr Jacob Akinola as Vice Chairman, Amos Itodo as Secretary and Ms Jane Wilson as Treasurer. (NAN)

Edited by Muhammad Lawal

Metro

Minister tasks corps members on creativity, innovation to serve communities better

108 total views today

By Philip Yatai

Dr Mariya Mahmoud, the Minister of State for Federal Capital Territory (FCT), has urged prospective graduates for the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) to be creative and innovative to serve communities better.

Mahmoud made the call during the NYSC pre-mobilisation workshop in Abuja on Tuesday.

She said the world is changing and the needs of communities are equally evolving rapidly.

She stressed the need for prospective youth corps members to be prepared to meet the challenges with creativity, resilience and innovation.

She, however, added that “stakeholders must play a critical role in shaping the experiences of young Nigerian graduates.

“We must ensure that the graduates are equipped with the necessary skills, knowledge and mindset to contribute positively to the society.”

She described the NYSC as “cornerstone” of national integration and development since its inception in 1973, to foster unity among young Nigerians.

Mahmoud said the pre-mobilisation workshop provides an opportunity to share best practices, explore new ideas, and collaborate on
strategies that would enhance the effectiveness of the scheme.

She noted that the theme of the workshop “Strengthening the NYSC Mobilisation Process for Effective Service Delivery”, resonates deeply with the aspirations of the national vision.

She commended the leadership of the NYSC for the unwavering commitment to improving the quality of service rendered by youth corps members.

She said, “your dedication to training and preparing our youth for the responsibilities they will undertake is commendable.

“By investing in their development, we are investing in the future of Nigeria.”

The NYSC Director-General, Brig.-Gen. Yusha’u Ahmed, said the scheme had been the vanguard of nation building, fostering unity among different nationalities, as well as playing critical role in national development.

According to him, the imprints of the scheme are all over the landscape of the nation from the mega cities to every rural community.

Ahmed explained that the mobilisation process is a critical component of the service year that deserved all seriousness.

He pledged the management’s commitment to ensuring that the right things were done at all times for Nigerians to get the best out of the scheme. (NAN)

Edited by Hadiza Mohammed-Aliyu

Metro

Brunel University, FCTA partner to commercialise students’ entrepreneurial ideas

122 total views today

By Philip Yatai

The Education Secretariat of the Federal Capital Territory Administration (FCTA) and Brunel Business School, Brunel University, London, have partnered to strengthen entrepreneurship among secondary school students.

Ainurul Rosli, Professor of Enterprise and Entrepreneurship, Brunel University, stated this in Abuja on Monday, at the unveiling of the Brunel-FCT Innovation Challenge, towards building a better Abuja.

Rosli said that the partnership was designed to transform students’ ideas to bankable products that solved societal problems.

She explained that the challenge was to encourage young Nigerians in Abuja to explore their local environment, identify needs and gaps and develop innovative solutions to improve their community.

“The students will assess what their local area offers, identify what is missing, and propose improvements or future development for the community to benefit through entrepreneurship.

“They will also explore science and technology-based products, services and innovations to address local challenges.

“The main goal is towards building a better Abuja for everyone, making it a safer, fairer, greener and more prosperous city for all Nigerians,” she said.

She said that the programme, which would run from January to March 2025, would be opened to all secondary schools in FCT.

According to her, the students will work in groups of five, to find solutions to local problems entrepreneurly.

Rosli added that Brunel team would mentor the students, through monthly online sessions, and guide the teachers and the students to upgrade and make their ideas commercial.

“The goal is to make sure that our students are equipped to become entrepreneurs by choice.

“This will not only support the economy of Nigeria but also empower communities to collaborate in solving local problems.

“Nigerian students have spectacular ideas, but the next step is how to support them to grow these ideas – how can we commercialise it; how can we make it better, and I think that is what we came here to do,” she said.

She said that making a better Abuja and better Nigeria was not only about coming up with a product, but the product that addressed community needs.

She, however, said that in doing this, the product should not hurt the environment and the people it was designed to help.

According to her, most of the previous entrepreneurship narrative is all about coming up with products to make money.

“I think entrepreneurship for better Nigerian and better Abuja is about the community and about the heart of Nigeria, in line with the nation’s anthem.

“If we can get children to solve the problems at the heart of Nigeria in Abuja, we will see a better Abuja and a better Nigeria.”

She disclosed that the partnership had also reached out to several partners, such as banks, government agencies, Abuja Chambers of Commerce, and Lagos Chambers of Commerce among others.

“These are the intermediary partners that we will be working with, and hopefully, some of the pitch that the students would come up with, would be commercialised with their support,” she said.

Also speaking, Mr Olobashola Kolawale, Director, Science, Technology and Innovation, FCTA Education Secretariat, said that the partnership had reinforced entrepreneurship training in FCT secondary schools.

Kolawale noted that entrepreneurship training in FCT schools was not yielding the desired results because of the gap between transforming ideas to reality.

He said that principals of secondary schools had been trained under the partnership on how to entrench practical aspects of entrepreneurship training in secondary schools.

“The partnership with Brunel University is already changing this narrative, because it has equipped us with practical knowledge on how to support students bring their ideas to fruition,” he said.

One of the trainees, Mr Musa Zuru, Principal, Government Secondary School, Kubwa, said that the training had helped him to support students to practicalise what they have learned.

“Now our students are thinking and promising solutions to environmental and community challenges profitably,” he said. (NAN)

Edited by Abiemwense Moru

Metro

Dev’t of Abuja satellite towns sacrosanct, says Wike

659 total views today

By Philip Yatai

The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Mr Nyesom Wike, says the FCT Administration’s efforts to develop satellite towns and rural areas of the territory is sacrosanct.

Wike gave the assurance during the inauguration of the construction of Asuquo Okon Road (Road CN8), from Obafemi Awolowo Way (Arterial Road N5), to Olusegun Obasanjo Way (Arterial Road N1), in Abuja on Thursday.

The project will also include other adjoining roads within the sector centre, Daki Biyu District.

The Collector Road CN8, the 4th in the series of road projects that were inaugurated for construction in the Abuja city centre this week, is expected to be completed in May 2025.

He said that besides the ongoing construction of roads in the six area councils, the FCTA would inaugurate the construction of four additional road projects in satellite towns beginning from Oct. 28.

According to him, the provision of road infrastructure outside the city center is a key driving the needed transformation of the rural economy.

He added that the measure demonstrates the importance President Bola Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda attaches to the development of FCT rural communities.

The Minister said that the efforts would ensure that the people who reside outside the city feel the impact of governance.

He recalled that Tinubu had directed that development of the FCT should not be concentrated only within the city where the big men live.

“Mr President insisted that development should also be taken to the rural areas where those who are considered not too wealthy reside,” he said.

“FCT Administration is committed to ensuring that development reaches all parts of Abuja,” he said.

Earlier, Me Shehu Ahmad, Executive Secretary, Federal Capital Development Authority, explained that the Asuquo Okon Way was an inter-district road connecting the Obafemi Awolowo Way in Jabi District to the Olusegun Obasanjo Way within Daki Biyu District.

Ahmad added that the project, when completed, would open up the sector centers of Jabi, Daki Biyu, Utako, and Wuye Districts and equally increase economic activities within the areas.

Also speaking, Abdurrahman Ajiya (APC-FCT), representing Abaji, Kwali, Gwagwalda and Kuje Federal Constituency in the House of Representatives, noted the importance of good road networks to the overall development of any city.

He commended Wike for the development strides in the nation’s capital and urged him to do more considering the huge population movement into the city. (NAN)

Edited by Abiemwense Moru

Metro

Tinubu approves owner-occupier housing scheme for judges in FCT

374 total views today

By Philip Yatai

President Bola Tinubu has approved owner-occupier housing scheme for judges in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT).

FCT Minister Nyesom Wike stated this at the groundbreaking of 40 housing units Judges’ Quarters project, at Katampe District, Abuja on Monday.

The 40 housing units was for judicial officers of the Court of Appeal, Federal High Court and FCT High Court.

Wike said that 70 per cent of the project’s budget, which covers furnishing has been provided, adding that the contractor was expected to hand over the completed project in 15 months.

The gesture,  he said, was part of ongoing efforts to improve the welfare of judicial officers in the country in line with Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda.

He said that Tinubu was working tirelessly to ensure the independence of the judiciary, through improved welfare packages and condition of service.

The minister said that another condition of service that was very critical in insulating the judiciary from interference and manipulation by the executive and legislative arms of government was housing.

Wike said the president had approved the owner-occupier housing for the judges so they could have their own home at retirement.

“With that, it will be difficult for anybody to manipulate or interfere with their duties. When you have a home, what are you afraid of?

“When you know that salaries and allowances will be paid when you are retired, when you know that your tenure of office is guaranteed, anybody would be firm, anybody would be courageous to do his work or her work,” he said.

Wike said the gesture was also part of FCT Administration’s efforts to render services to every Nigerian, who comes to FCT to carry out businesses or want to reside in Abuja.

He said that 20 additional houses would be provided in 2025 to the FCT judiciary and the Industrial Court, so they could also benefit from the Renewed Hope Agenda.

The minister explained that the land, upon which the houses would be built was revoked from Julius Berger for failing to develop it, 20 years after it was allocated to the company.

The Chief Justice of Nigeria, Justice Kudirat Kekere-Ekun, lauded the gesture, describing it as a significant milestone in the federal government and FCT Administration’s efforts to enhance the welfare of judicial officers in the territory.

According to her, the judiciary plays a critical role in safeguarding the rule of law, upholding justice and protecting the rights of citizens.

“In fulfilling this rule, judicial officers must have the right tools and environments to carry out their duties with independence, impartiality and integrity.

“Beyond the courtroom, a supportive and conducive living environment is essential to the ability of judicial officers to focus on the heavy responsibilities entrusted to them.

“Judicial officers require peace of mind, security and comfort in their residences to fully dedicate themselves to the rigorous task of interpreting and applying the law.

Kekere-Ekun said that the construction of the houses was a practical step towards ensuring that judicial officers were well supported.

She said that the houses would provide a secure and tranquil environment, enabling the judicial officers to perform their duties with greater focus, efficiency and clarity of mind.

“By making this investment, the FCT Administration has demonstrated a commendable understanding of the unique needs of the judiciary,” she said.

Also, Dr Mariya Mahmoud, the Minister of State, FCT, described Wike’s commitment towards enhancing infrastructure for the judiciary as “invaluable and inspiring”.

Mahmoud urged for stakeholders’ support to create a space that reflects the nation’s values and commitment to justice. (NAN)

Edited by Rabiu Sani-Ali

Metro

FCTA begins post-development audit of  buildings in FCT

488 total views today

By Philip Yatai/Angela Atabo

The Federal Capital Territory Administration has begun a post-development audit of buildings in the FCT.

Chief Felix Obuah, Coordinator of the Abuja Metropolitan Management Council (AMMC), made this known while inaugurating a Ministerial Committee on Post-Development Audit of Buildings in the FCT.

Obuah explained while inaugurating the committee in Abuja on Thursday that the Abuja Master Plan, developed in 1979 provides the roadmap for the orderly development of the nation’s capital city, Abuja.

According to him, the overarching goal is to build one of the most prestigious and modernist cities in the world.

He pointed out that over the years, the FCTA has been able to develop many phases of the city, districts and neighbourhoods.

“We have equally been able to develop critical infrastructures that provide circulatory road systems, metro lines and stations, sewer lines and drainages, among others.

“Today the city can boast of many iconic landmark developments such as the National Mosque, the National Christian Center, the National Assembly Complex, and the Supreme Court Complex.

“Others are the World Trade Centre, Abuja – the tallest building in the city with 22 floors, the CBN Complex, and many other iconic buildings of international repute and reference points for tourists.

“All these attests to the fact that our city has come to stay; our city has developed substantially from Phase 1 through Phase 3 while the other phases are equally being developed.

“Nonetheless, it becomes imperative too, that at this juncture of the city’s development, we take a cursory look at our journey in terms of what we have so far developed, the trend and chart a more robust course for the city’s development,” he said.

He said that it was on these grounds that the FCT Minister Nyesom Wike approved the constitution of the committee to audit the post- development of the city’s buildings.

He said that the committee, which would be chaired by Mr Mukhtar Galadima, Director, Department of Development Control, would be expected to provide accurate records of all development permits issued.

This, he said, would reduce the cases of unapproved development, illegal conversion of land use, and land grabbing.

He added that the committee would also provide data on the consumption of the city’s utilities and services such as water, electricity and connectivity to sewer lines.

This, according to him, will expose illegal connections to the facilities which is denying the government its due revenues.

“The committee will also provide data for accurate taxation and enhanced revenue generation by bringing all buildings and properties to the FCT Internal Revenue Tax Net.

“This will generate billions of Naira for the FCT Administration.

“Another task for the committee is the provision of data on research on city planning, development and management.

“Some of the buildings will be subjected to integrity tests to reduce cases of building collapse and hazards,” he said.

The coordinator said that members of the committee were drawn from all the departments in the FCTA and expected to conclude the tasks in six months.

He assured the committee members of the FCT Minister’s commitment to providing the necessary logistics to ensure the success of the exercise.

Speaking on behalf of the committee members, Galadima noted the need for the FCTA to document all activities, in terms of structures, services, and facilities.

He said that the committee would deliver on its mandate as expected. (NAN)

Edited by Sadiya Hamza

Politics

Wike, 27 Rivers lawmakers not APC members – APC Chairman 

1,085 total views today

By Angela Atabo

Dr Tony Okocha, Chairman of the All Progressive Congress(APC), in Rivers,  has said that FCT minister Nyesom Wike is not a member of the APC.

He told newsmen on Thursday in Abuja that the 27 Rivers lawmakers currently in a bitter political struggle with Gov. Siminalayi Fubara were also not members of the APC.

“People say Wike has decamped to the APC. They also say that the 27 lawmakers currently fighting with Fubara have defected to the APC.

“I need to make this clear to everyone. Much as I wish to have them in my fold, none of them has agreed to join us.

“I am the one that should  know if they did. But, clearly, they have not.

“What the lawmakers did was a political gimmick.

“I tried to woo them, but they kept vacillating and did not.

“To defect, they must go to their wards, register and get their membership cards. None  of them has done that,” he said.

Okocha was particularly categorical in declaring that Wike would not leave the PDP.

“Wike will never leave the  PDP.

“He has always said that PDP made him what he is. He has always said that he would remain there.

“He is an ardent believer in PDP. He is not likely to leave that group,” Okocha said.

He, however, said that Wike is a member of the Renewed Hope Agenda.

“In Rivers, I am 001 in APC, but in the Renewed Hope Agenda, I am 002. Wike is 001,” he explained.

He also spoke on Wike’s influence on Rivers’ politics

“Wike has done so much for Rivers, so he is strong.

“In the next 10 years, Wike will continue to influence the political direction in Rivers.

“It will be difficult to uproot him.

“Aside from his many projects scattered throughout the state, he has touched people’s lives directly. Such people will always be behind him,” he said.

He described Wike as a politician that could identify with every good cause irrespective of political party.

“Once the cause is good and will give him a platform to serve his people, Wike will be part of it,” Okocha said.(NAN)

Edited by Philip Yatai/Ephraims Sheyin

Environment , Metro

AMMC gives AEPB 48-hour ultimatum to clean up Abuja

622 total views today

By Philip Yatai

The Abuja Metropolitan Management Council (AMMC), has given the Abuja Environmental Protection Board (AEPB) 48-hour ultimatum to clean up Abuja.

The Coordinator of the Council, Chief Felix Obuah, gave the ultimatum after an emergency meeting with management of the board and contractors handling refuse evacuation in Abuja on Monday.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the meeting was held after the coordinator inspected the state of refuse evacuation in Asokoro District.

Obuah expressed disappointment with the slow pace of refuse evacuation in the district, noting that the nation’s capital should be a model city for cleanliness across Nigeria.

He, thereafter, directed the Director of AEPB, Mr Osi Braimah to ensure that Asokoro was thoroughly cleaned within 48 hours.

He added that the efforts should be extended to other major districts, including Guzape, Maitama, Central Business District, Wuse, and other areas within the Abuja metropolis.

He also directed the director to immediately recall casual workers to accelerate the evacuation of refuse across the city.

“I am tired of receiving calls from residents complaining of how dirty the city has become.

“Today, I was forced to go round major areas of the city to assess the state of refuse collection and what I saw was an eyesore.

“I realised that the contractors engaged to clean the city are no longer doing their jobs and AEPB must do something about it,” he said.

He advised the companies to also within 48 hours, clean up their act, or face the wrath of FCT Minister Nyesom Wike, whom he said, was already displeased with the situation.

The coordinator pointed out that the beauty of any city largely depended on its cleanliness.

According to him, Abuja should not only be clean but should also set the benchmark for other cities in the country to follow.

Responding, Braimah assured the coordinator that the board would do as directed. (NAN)

Edited by Maureen Atuonwu

You cannot copy content of this page

X
Welcome to NAN
Need help? Choose an option below and let me be your assistant.
Email SubscriptionSite SearchSend Us Email