NEWS AGENCY OF NIGERIA
General News

Tinubu spent N300bn on development of FCT satellite towns – Wike

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By Philip Yatai

The Minister of the Federal capital Territory (FCT), Mr Nyesom Wike, says President Bola Tinubu’s administration has expended more than N300 billion on development of FCT satellite towns.

Wike stated this on Wednesday, while inaugurating the nine-kilometre Paikon Kore – Ibwa Road, in Gwagwalada, Gwagwalada Area Council.

He said that the amount, spent between January 2024 and January 2025, demonstrated the importance Tinubu attaches to the development of satellite towns.

According to him, Tinubu is not only committed to the development of Abuja city but also committed to the development of satellite towns.

He said that out of the more than N300 billion spent so far, more than N50 billion was expended in Gwagwalada Area Council alone.

He said that N8.5 billion was expended on the rehabilitation of Paikon Kore – Ibwa Road.

The Minister added that N22 billion was earmarked for the construction of Aguma Palace – Market – Radio Nigeria Road, which would be inaugurated in May 2025.

He added that the FCT Administration also spent N16.5 billion on the rehabilitation and upgrading of five secondary schools in Gwagwalada.

He identified the schools as the School for the Gifted, Government Secondary School (GSS) Gwagwalada, GSS Anagada, Government Science Secondary School, Tungan Maji, and GSS Giri.

“If you calculate the total amount, excluding the two Police Divisions under construction, Mr President has committed to Gwagwalada alone more than N50 billion.

“If you add the six area councils, with Gwagwalada having the least amount, you will see that in just a year, Mr President has committed more than N300 billion to the development of satellite towns.

“It is important for people to have this record as evidence against those claiming that the government was only developing the city with nothing happening in satellite towns,” he said.

He explained that the Paikon Kore – Ibwa Road was rehabilitated following a request by the residents while the construction of Aguma Palace – Market – Radio Nigerian Road was ongoing.

“We thank God we are here today to commission the Paikon Kore – Ibwa Road. In May, God willing, during the second anniversary of Mr President, we will also commission the Aguma Palace Road,” he said.

Wike reiterated Tinubu’s commitment to participatory governance and implementing projects based on the needs of residents and assured the residents of more projects.

He particularly promised to construct the Ibwa bridge following a demand by the Vice Chairman, Mr Saidu Zuba.

Earlier, Zuba described Wike as a blessing to residents of Gwagwalada following the huge investment in rural infrastructure.

He added the security situation had significantly improved in the area following Wike’s interventions to improve security in local communities.

He appealed to the minister to construct the Ibwa bridge, saying, “we lose a lot of students to flooding while trying to cross the bridge during the rainy season.”

On her part, FCT Minister of State, Dr Mariya Mahmoud, urged the benefiting communities to safeguard the road, use it responsibly, and collaborate to ensure more developmental strides in the future.

“May this road bring lasting benefits to our community and serve as a beacon of unity and progress,” she said.

The Coordinator, Satellite Towns Development Department, Mr Abdulkadir Zulkiflu, explained that the Paikon Kore – Ibwa Road was awarded to Setraco Nigeria Ltd, in January 2024.

He said that the road was designed to open businesses and connect communities towards a sustainable development of rural communities. (NAN)

Edited by Abiemwense Moru

INEC Chairman, Prof. Mahmood Yakubu
Elections

INEC fixes Feb. 21, 2026 for FCT Area Council election

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Election

By Emmanuel Oloniruha

The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has fixed Feb. 21, 2026 for the conduct of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Area Council elections.

The INEC Chairman, Prof. Mahmood Yakubu disclosed this during the commission’s first consultative meeting with leaders of political parties on Wednesday in Abuja.

Yakubu, who recalled that the last FCT area council election was held on Feb. 12, 2022, said that by the effluxion of time, the tenure of the current Chairmen and Councillors ends 2026.

He said that voting would take place in all the designated Polling Units (PUs) across the 68 constituencies to elect the six Area Council Chairmen and 62 Councilors.

“In compliance with the mandatory legal requirements, the notice for the election will be published next month i.e. Feb. 26, 2025,” he said.

Yakubu said that primaries for the election would hold from June 9 to June 30, 2025, while the candidate nomination portal would open from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. from July 21 to Aug. 11.

“The final list of candidates will be published on Sept. 22, 2025. Campaigns in public by political parties will end at midnight of Thursday Feb. 19, 2026,’’ he said.

The INEC boss added that the detailed timetable and schedule of activities for the election as well as the list of constituencies and type of elections in the FCT would be uploaded to the INEC website before the end of the meeting.

He also reminded leaders of political parties that the primaries for the Nov. 8, Anambra governorship election would commence on March 20 to April 10.

He advised political parties to forward their schedule of activities for the election to the commission before the end of the week.

This, according to Yakubu would enable INEC to plan better for the deployment of personnel and resources for the monitoring of party primaries and campaign activities.

Yakubu, who said that 2025 would be a busy year for INEC, noted that the commission would soon come up with plans for other routine activities such as the resumption of nationwide Continuous Voter registration (CVR) and the conduct of outstanding by-elections.

In his remarks, the National Chairman, Inter-Party Advisory Council (IPAC), Yusuf Dantalle, urged INEC in preparation for Anambra governorship and 2027 general elections to immediately put in place requirements in due time.

Dantalle also urged stakeholders to support INEC in discharging its statutory duties essential in consolidating and strengthening Nigeria constitutional governance.

He said that stakeholders must continue to work together in ensuring electoral integrity, the sanctity of the ballot box and the mandate of the people.

“Similarly, the council urged the National Assembly to expedite action in the on-going Constitution and Electoral Act Amendments, as time is of the essence; as well as ensure diligent and speedy consideration and passage of the 2025 appropriation bill.

“We also urge citizens to be alive to their civic responsibilities and ensure that those they voted into office should give genuine account of their stewardship.

“Their performance will determine their fate in future elections,” Dantalle said.(NAN)

Edited by Yinusa Ishola and Yakubu Uba

Metro

Tinubu’s govt committed to rural devt – Wike

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By Philip Yatai

The Minister of the Federal Capital (FCT), Mr Nyesom Wike, on Tuesday, said that the President Bola Tinubu-led administration was committed to the development of rural communities in the territory.

Wike stated this while inaugurating the newly constructed 11-kilometre Yangoji – Sukuku – Ebbo Road in Kwali Area Council of the FCT.

He said that the communities in Kwali were the first to have newly constructed roads fitted with streetlights.

“That is to tell you that the government of Tinubu is committed to the development of our people.

“Therefore, all we urged you to do is just to be patient. If you are patient, at the end of the day, you will benefit from this administration.

‘Sometime last year, the Minister of State and I visited Kwali for a stakeholders’ meeting and in that meeting, you told us what your problems were.

“One of the requests you made that day was for us to construct this particular road.

“Thank God Almighty that we made that promise and today it is a promise made and a promise fulfilled,” Wike said.

The minister also said that the promise to build additional Police Stations in the area was being fulfilled, adding that the construction would be complete soon.

He equally promised to construct a bridge at River Ebbo to connect more communities in the area council, as requested by the council’s Chairman, Mr Danladi Chiya.

“Mr Chiya because you have led your people well; because you have supported this administration; and because your people are happy with you, let me tell you, that bridge will be done.

“Mr President said anything you want you should tell me and we will do it for you,” he added.

The  minister thanked Gilmor Construction Ltd, for completing the road project in time and for renovating Sukuku Primary School.

Also, the FCT Minister of State, Dr Mariya Mahmoud, said that though the 11km road may seem like a modest undertaking, “but its impact will be far-reaching.”

Mahmoud said that the road would enhance connectivity, reduce the challenges of insecurity, and open up opportunities for trade and commerce.

“It will also improve access to education and healthcare, thereby, empowering our rural population to lead healthier and more prosperous lives,” she said.

Earlier, Chiya thanked Wike for changing the landscape of rural communities in FCT.

He said that the road construction projects in the area council had connected several communities in the area and appealed for the construction of a bridge at River Ebbo to connect other communities.

According to him, the road network has significantly improved security in the area, saying, “We celebrated our Christmas without any hitch.

“We are saying thank you for what you have done to the Kwali Area Council.”

On his part, the Coordinator, Satellite Towns Development Department, FCT Administration, Mr Abdulkadir Zulkiflu, said that the project was awarded in January 2024.

“This project stands as a significant milestone and reflects the Administration’s dedication to bringing the gaps of infrastructure, ensuring that no community is left behind in the quest for progress and sustainable development.

“This is part of the FCT Minister’s commitment to change the face of rural communities through quality leadership.

“The road will significantly improve the living conditions of the residents who are predominantly agrarian by facilitating smoother access to market and vital services.

“This is a game changer for the people of Kwali, in line with the global goal for inclusive development and sustainable growth,” he said. (NAN)

Edited by Bayo Sekoni

Metro

Etsu Kwali rates Wike high on schools’ rehabilitation across FCT

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By Philip Yatai

Mr Luka Nizassan, Etsu Kwali, Kwali Area Council of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), has rated FCT Minister Nyesom Wike high on school rehabilitation and upgrade across the territory.

Nizassan stated this in an Interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Abuja on Sunday.

NAN reports that Wike had on March 21, 2024, inaugurated the rehabilitation, upgrade and reconstruction of public secondary schools across the FCT.

The Minister had explained that the move was part of President Bola Tinubu administration’s efforts to improve access to quality education in public schools.

The Kwali traditional ruler said that so far, renovations were ongoing in more than 75 schools across the six area councils of the FCT with some already completed.

He said that as of mid-2024, the Wike-led FCT Administration had renovated Government Technical Secondary School, Kwali, and Junior Government Secondary School, Pai.

He added that renovation of Government Secondary School, Kwali, was equally ongoing.

According to him, the rehabilitation programme is already improving access to quality and inclusive education in public schools across the FCT.

He particularly commended the FCT Minister for improving schools’ infrastructure, including provision of water and sanitation facilities.

“The resolve of the honourable Minister to improve access to quality education and ensure equity for all learners in FCT, including rural residents, is remarkable.

“Learning spaces are now safer and conducive. These potent learning opportunities are already yielding great results.

“Also, ensuring that all students in urban and rural areas have access to quality education is particularly empowering the natives and residents of FCT to live quality lives in the future.

Nizassan equally said that Wike’s schools’ intervention was already addressing inequality in the education sector by providing equal access to education and vocational training.

This, he said, was empowering the natives of FCT to lead sustainable lives and make decisions that improved their quality of life.

Describing Wike as “God’s sent”, the traditional ruler said that the Minister was realising the full vision of Tinubu’s administration for the people of FCT.

“The Minister’s achievements in just a year and few months had surpassed that of previous administrations put together.

“Wike’s remarkable achievements should be lauded and emulated by all duty bearers,” he said. (NAN)

Edited by Abiemwense Moru

Metro

Gwagwalada residents laud Wike’s rural transformation projects

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By Philip Yatai

Some residents of Gwagwalada in Gwagwalada Area Council of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) have commended FCT Minister Nyesom Wike’s rural transformation projects.

The residents gave the commendation in separate interviews with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Gwagwalada on Sunday.

NAN recalls that Wike had on Feb. 1, 2024, inaugurated the construction of nine-kilometre Paikon Kore to Ibwa road in Gwagwalada.

Wike had explained that the project was one of several road projects to be constructed in rural areas across the six area councils of the FCT.

He added that the projects were designed to make rural dwellers comfortable and open rural communities for development.

Eight months later, the Minister, again, inaugurated the rehabilitation of the Aguma Palace – Radio Nigeria – New Market Road, also in Gwagwalada.

The residents described the projects as “life changing”, adding that the impact on the socio-economic life of the people was overwhelming.

One of them, Mr Ibrahim Makeri, particularly said that the completed Paikon Kore – Ibwa road would impact significantly on agricultural production in the area.

Makeri added that before the road was constructed, most residents along the road corridor were cut off from Paikon Kore during the rainy season, due to flooding water.

He said that pupils who transited primary schools in Ibwa to junior secondary schools located in Paikon Kore were majorly affected.

The resident explained that most of the children do not go to school during rainy season because the rains usually flooded the road.

“With the road successfully constructed, anybody can go wherever he or she wishes to go,” he said.

Makeri appealed to the minister to extend the road beyond Ibwa to connect 70 other communities along the road corridor.

 Senior Project Manager, Setraco Nig. Ltd, Mr Senaka Rupanetti (2nd right) and some locals, employed by the company for the execution of Paikon Kore – Ibwa road in Gwagwalada, Gwagwalada Area Council of FCT

The story was no different for Japhet Adamu, 23, Daniel Gaji, 20, and Yahaya Abdullahi, who were among the 75 locals employed by Setraco Nigeria Ltd, while executing the projects.

They told NAN that the development had transformed their lives for good.

Abdullahi, who held a Higher National Diploma in Quantity Survey, said he was recruited as one of the surveyors, adding that it was his first major job since graduation several years ago.

The Senior Project Manager of the company, Mr Senaka Rupanetti, told NAN that the project was completed in December 2024, two weeks before the delivery date.

Rupanetti explained that the nine-kilometre toad project, with about 17 culverts, was delivered before the delivery timeline because Wike ensured that they get paid on time.

Speaking on the Aguma Palace – Radio Nigeria – New Market Road project, the affected residents on the market road corridor said that the project has turned things around in the area.

One of them, Mr Charles Eyo, who sells curtains, window blinds and other accessories on the road corridor, said that the road project has revamped businesses in the area.

“I have been paying rent for the past four years without making profit because the road was abandoned, leading to closure of most businesses.

“However, businesses are springing back to life since the commencement of the road project, and we thank Wike for that,” he said.

 The ongoing construction of Market Road in Gwagwalada, Gwagwalada Area Council, FCT

Also, Mr Obi Nicodemus, who sells traveling bags, said politicians have been using the road to campaign for votes only to turn their back once they were voted into office.

“We are happy that Wike has finally wiped our tears and as you can see, businesses are coming back to life due to the ongoing road project,” he said.

Similarly, an Okada rider, Mr Monday Onoja said, “for ten years we have been suffering from this road, even those walking on legs finds it difficult to walk on the muddy road.

“We are grateful to Wike for smiling at us.”

The contractor, Mr Ebere Owhonda, Executive Director, Okmas Nig. Ltd, said that the project, expected to be completed in August had reached 40 per cent completion.

On his part, one of the community leaders, Mr Umar Abubakar, commended Wike for the resilience to improve the quality of life of rural dwellers.

Abubakar said that the Paokon Kore and that market road projects were abandoned by the previous administration.

‘However, in less than two years, Wike has done remarkably well for the people of Gwagwalada,” he said. (NAN)

Edited by Muhammad Lawal

Metro

How Wike’s road project promotes socio-economic activities in FCT community 

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By Philip Yatai

Residents of Saburi I and II communities in Abuja Municipal Area Council, have described the recently constructed road in the community initiated by the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Minister, Nyesom Wike, as a “game changer.”

Some of the residents told the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on Sunday in Abuja, that the road project had significantly improved socio-economic activities in the area.

NAN correspondent alongside other members of the Ministers’ Press Corps, visited the  community to assess the impact of road projects on FCT communities.

NAN recalled that Wike had on Jan. 21, 2024, inaugurated the construction of a 5-kilometre access road, connecting Saburi 1 and 11 and Dei Dei International Market.

The minister had said that the road, from Murtala Mohammed Expressway to Dei DeI International Market, was designed to ease the suffering of the people, particularly during the wet season.

The residents told NAN that the road had improved their businesses and triggered enormous socio-economic activities and other developmental strides in the area.

One of the residents, Mr Emmanuel Ogboh, a shop owner, said that businesses in the community had improved owing to the increased vehicular movement since the construction of the road.

The visibly excited Ogboh thanked Wike for extending his developmental agenda to Saburi community.

Also, Mrs Justina Ocheche, who sells beans cake, popularly known as Akara, said that her business had improved since the completion of the road.

Ocheche said that when the road was not completed her akara business suffered due to heavy dust particularly during the dry season and mud during the raining season.

“However, since Wike happened, there is no more dust or mud; people are now moving freely and we are experiencing significant patronage.

“God will bless Wike and his generation yet unborn because of what he did for us in Saburi and Dei Dei,” She said.

The akara seller, however, called on the FTC administration to tackle the epileptic electricity and portable water supply in the community.

“Sometimes this community stays two weeks without water supply due to epileptic power supply,”she decried.

Village Head of Saburi, Alhaji Muhammad Yamawo

A furniture maker, Mr Nicholas Emmanuel, said that the dust that before now emanated from the road had affected furniture business in the community.

He explained that furniture  made of fabrics accumulates dust, making it unattractive to prospective buyers.

He added that residents were always putting on nose masks to protect them from the dust and prevent catarrh.

“Now the dust is over and so is our catarrh.

“We thank God that the minister remembered us in Saburi and we pray that God will keep him to continue the good work he has started,”he prayed.

For Mr Akin Akinwande, a car wash owner in the community, said that the road network was a game changer for his business.

“Before now, you barely see 20 cars pass through this community in a day, but now more than 100 ply this road daily.

“This is good for our businesses and we thank Wike and President Bola Tinubu for this gesture,” he said.

Mr Emeka Oduma, a truck driver, said “I am very impressed with what Wike did for us in this village; I am happy and everybody is happy that our minister is doing a good job.

“I have been in Saburi 1 for close to 10 years and the road was in terrible state, but thank God for Wike who is setting a good example for others to follow,”he said.

Describing Wike as a “good man” , Oduma urged the minister to continue with the good works by opening more roads in rural communities of the FCT.

The Village Head of Saburi, Alhaji Muhammad Yamawo, who could not hide his joy, described the road project as its “new bride.”

“This road is like someone who has never gotten married and when he finally does, he feels like the whole world belongs to him.

“We have suffered a lot due to the absence of a good road in Saburi, but we are happy that Wike has finally wiped our tears,” he said.

The village head also commended the minister for the ongoing construction of a Police Station and a hospital in the community.

NAN reports that the 5-kilometre Saburi to Dei Dei road is among several road projects awarded by the Wike-led FCT Administration in rural communities across the six area councils of the territory. (NAN)

Edited by Polycarp Auta

Defence/Security

Guards Brigade pledges commitment to protection of presidency, FCT

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By Isaac Aregbesola

Guards Brigade Nigerian Army, has pledged its commitment to securing the President and Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces, and the entire FCT and environs.

The Commander, Brig.-Gen. Adebisi Onasanya, said this at the end of 2024 Ascent of Aso Rock by the Guards Brigade to mark the end of the year’s activities on Saturday in Abuja.

Onasanya reiterated the Brigade’s loyalty to President Bola Tinubu and warned individuals with nefarious intentions to stay clear of the FCT and its surroundings.

He assured that the Guards Brigade and units under his command were ready to deal decisively with those seeking to foment trouble.

Onasanya called on law-abiding citizens to celebrate the season with love, emphasising the themes of peace and care.

The commander said that the Guards Brigade had successfully carried out its presidential security duty for the year, ceremonial duty for the year as well as operational responsibilities in the course of 2024.

While noting that the 2024 was marked with surmountable challenges, he gave assurance that the officers and men were well committed and ready to ensure successful discharge of their duty in 2025.

“It has been challenging however, we are able to surmount the challenges in the year 2024, and so looking back we have cause to thank God.

“I want to commend the officers and soldiers of Guard brigade for their loyalties, for their perseverance and dedication to duty, it is not easy but they put in their best within the year to succeed in 2024.”

He described the climbing of the mountain as an annual exercise for the Guards Brigade, noting that the exercise was aimed at making the officers and men ready to protect the Presidency, the FCT and environs.

“The ascent is an annual event, every year the activities in Guards Brigade climax with the ascent of the Aso Rock, to mark the end of each year’s activities.”

He expressed delight that everyone successfully climbed the Rock, considered the most prestigious exercise for the Guards Brigade saddled with the task of protecting the nation’s president.

He commended others that joined in the climbing including some members of diplomatic corps.

The high ground is a large outcrop of granitic rock located in Abuja, which is a 1300 feet prominent monolith with a peak height of 3071 feet above sea level.

The high point of the exercise was the presentation of souvenirs to outstanding individuals who exhibited high morale, leadership ability, strength, and agility during the ascent. (NAN)

Edited by Yakubu Uba

General News

Buhari once rejected land offer during his tenure- Garba Shehu

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By Mufutau Ojo

Former President Muhammadu Buhari once rejected an offer of land in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) during his tenure.

 

Buhari’s spokesman, Malam Garba Shehu, said this in a statement in Abuja on Thursday.

 

He was reacting to reports that a piece of land belonging to the former president was seized by the FCT authorities.

 

” As a person, the former president has a plot of land to his name in Abuja,” he said.

 

Shehu said Buhari rejected the offer of land when he and his cabinet members were invited to fill forms for allocation.

 

He said the former president had insisted he already had land in the FCT and asked the authorities to give to those who did not have.

 

” President Buhari is personally not the owner of the said plot of land which is allocated in the name a “Muhammadu Buhari Foundation,” he stated.

 

Shehu said the foundation was itself floated lawfully by some ‘utilitarian individuals’ around Buhari.

 

The foundation, he added, was supported by some well-meaning persons.

 

He said the promoters of the foundation, however, ran into a ” road block” when the Federal Capital Development Authority gave them an ”outrageous” bill for the issuance of Certificate of Occupancy.

 

Shehu said the bill did not compare with the bills given to similar organisations.

 

” It may have been that this was not erroneous, but a deliberate mistake, making the revocation of land as no surprise to anyone,” he said.

 

He urged those engaging in speculations on social media to ”get their facts right and stop dragging down the name of the former president.” (NAN)

Edited by Ismail Abdulaziz

Environment

Agency celebrates 171 ODF communities in Kwali council

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By Akpan Glory

Abuja, Dec. 2, 2024 (NAN) The FCT Rural Water Supply and Sanitation Agency (RUWASSA) has commended the efforts of 171 communities in Kwali Area Council that have achieved Open Defecation-Free (ODF) status.

Mr Luke Ulom, the overseeing director of FCT RUWASSA, praised these communities during an event marking World Toilet Day 2024, held in collaboration with UNICEF in Abuja on Monday.

He commended the people of Kwali for their commitment to ending open defecation and urged them to continue adopting hygienic practices.

He stated, “This milestone demonstrates that behavioural change, driven by consistent sensitisation, is achievable”.

Mrs Aisha Bakpet from the Sanitation Department at FCT RUWASSA said that 171 communities in Kwali had been certified ODF following two years of sustained campaigns.

She noted the success of the pilot programme in Kwali, which will now be extended to other area councils within the FCT.

She explained that young people in all ten wards of Kwali have been trained as Toilet Business Owners to help sustain these achievements.

According to her, they are responsible for constructing toilets and educating their communities on the importance of sanitation.

Mr Sakiru Otusanya, UNICEF’s WASH Consultant, praised the collaboration between RUWASSA and the people of Kwali, urging residents to maintain their progress in sanitation.

Alhaji Abubakar Pai, the Emir of Pai, called for stronger stakeholder involvement to eliminate open defecation.

Similarly, Abdulaziz Usman, the Emir of Wako, encouraged household heads to prioritise the construction and use of toilets, emphasising the need for stricter sanitation laws to ensure compliance.

The Etsu of Kwali, Ayedo Luka Nizassan II, expressed gratitude to UNICEF and RUWASSA for constructing public toilets in schools and health centres.

He urged residents to continue their efforts to eradicate open defecation.

Mr Daniel Elisha, Head of Administration for Kwali Area Council, assured the public that sensitisation efforts would be strengthened to ensure lasting progress.

The event concluded with the recognition of Gumbo, Pai, and Kwali Central as the wards with the highest number of certified open defecation-free communities.

Signposts were installed in these wards to commemorate the achievement, and committees were established to ensure ongoing progress.

This year’s World Toilet Day, themed ‘Toilet: A Place for Peace’, highlighted the critical role of sanitation in promoting healthier communities.

Established by the UN General Assembly in 2013, the annual observance addresses global sanitation challenges. (NAN) www.nannews.ng

Edited by Tosin Kolade

HIV Logo
Health

World AIDS Day: FCT places 61,384 people, children on treatment

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By Philip Yatai

The Federal Capital Territory has successfully placed 61,384 people living with HIV/AIDS (PLHIV) on treatment.

Dr Adedolapo Fasawe, Mandate Secretary, Health Services and Environment Secretariat, FCT Administration, stated this in Abuja on Monday, at a press conference to commemorate the 2024 World AIDS Day.

Fasawe said that the day, with the theme, “Take the Right Path: Sustain HIV Response, Stop HIV Among Children”, calls for renewed focus on addressing pediatric HIV and safeguarding the rights of everyone affected by the disease.

She described the World AIDS Day, commemorated every Dec. 1 as a day to unite efforts, increase awareness, support those living with and affected by HIV/AIDS, and honour the memory of those we have lost.

Represented by the Director-General, Hospital Management Board, Dr Olubenga Bello, the mandate secretary, said that figure represents 223 per cent of the projected number of PLHIV.

Fasawe said that the number included those migrating from neighboring states.

She added that of the 61,384 people placed on treatment, 1,048 were children, representing 3.8 per cent and receiving life-saving antiretroviral therapy (ART).

She said that FCT, with an estimated population of 6.95 million had a HIV prevalence rate of 1.4 per cent, a little over the national figure of 1.3 per cent.

She said that the FCTA was currently expanding and strengthening HIV Services in the FCT.

“Our health sector response has been strengthened by a comprehensive network of 122 service delivery points, offering antiretrovirals across the six Area Councils in the FCT.

“Also, there are 285 other conventional spoke sites and 37 unconventional sites, which provide decentralised community-based care to ensure services reach even the most remote populations.

“The FCT’s decentralised model ensures that no one is left behind, enabling communities to access quality care and support close to home,” he said.

The mandate secretary further said that to address pediatric HIV, the FCT has deployed unique interventions, such as mentor mothers who serve as linkage escorts for pregnant women, guiding them through care pathways.

She added that FCT also trained unconventional caregivers, such as traditional birth attendants on the importance of facility-births, prophylaxis, and early infant diagnosis with samples taken within 72 hours of life.

According to her, community initiatives like the Mothers’ Love Party and the AP3 Initiative also enhance support for Prevention of Mother to Child Transmission (PMTCT) of HIV programmes.

“We also expanded access to Pre-Exposure Prophylaxis (PrEP) for HIV prevention, ensuring that individuals without HIV remain free of the disease.”

Fasawe attributed the successes being recorded to strong partnership and collaborations.

She identified the partners as the National AIDS and STI Control Programme and National Agency for the Control of Aids.

Others, she said, were implementing partners such as the Institute of Human Virology Nigeria, AIDS Healthcare Foundation, Mothers2Mothers, the Association for Reproductive and Family Health, and YouthRISE.

“Together, we have prioritised key populations, women, children, and vulnerable groups, ensuring that every person diagnosed with HIV receives the care, dignity, and support they deserve.

“The FCT AIDS, STI, and Viral Hepatitis Control Programme and the FCT Agency for the Control of AIDS’ leadership in integrating services across the territory have made significant strides in addressing the needs of the FCT population.

“From scaling up PMTCT services to expanding pediatric care and decentralising service delivery, these efforts continue to drive the FCT’s progress in meeting and exceeding national targets.

“While we celebrate these achievements, the work is far from complete. Nigeria’s high burden of pediatric HIV demands sustained efforts to identify cases, link individuals to care, and prevent new infections,” he said.

The mandate secretary, who commended the support of the partners, reaffirmed FCTA’s commitment to ending stigma and discrimination, which remained significant barriers to care.

She also said that the FCTA would intensify efforts to reach the unreached, protect vulnerable populations, and ensure that every child, woman, and man living with HIV had access to quality care and support.

Fasawe said that activities would be rounded up on Tuesday with a road walk from Government Secondary School, Garki, to Old Parade Ground, Garki Area 10. (NAN)

Edited by Abiemwense Moru

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