NEWS AGENCY OF NIGERIA
Education

Tinubu’s agenda reviving university education – Wike

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By Christian Njoku

Mr Nyesom Wike, Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), said that President Bola Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda is revitalising Nigeria’s university education system.

Wike said this on Saturday in Calabar, at the 37th convocation ceremony of the University of Calabar (UniCal), where he received an Honorary Doctorate Degree in Law.

Commending the President’s dedication to higher education, the minister said ongoing interventions are reshaping the landscape of tertiary education across the nation.

According to him, the Nigerian Education Loan Fund (NELFUND) has eased financial burdens on students, ensuring no willing individual is denied access to quality education.

He added, “The Students’ Start-up Innovation and Entrepreneurship Grant empowers youths to convert knowledge into enterprise.

“Universities’ removal from IPPIS has further advanced institutional autonomy.”

Wike noted that universities’ exclusion from IPPIS has restored their financial independence, allowing them to operate more efficiently and with greater flexibility.

He also highlighted that allowing TETFund research funds to remain within institutions enables them to engage in innovative and groundbreaking research.

The minister said these progressive policies are positioning Nigeria’s universities to respond effectively to the needs of the 21st century.

Expressing gratitude to the University of Calabar for the honorary degree, he said the recognition inspires him to continue contributing meaningfully to national progress.

“I am truly honoured by this recognition. UniCal has inscribed my name in its golden records, and I accept this honour with immense responsibility,” he said. (NAN) 

Edited by Kamal Tayo Oropo

Metro

Wike to pay medical bills of Karu accident victims

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By Philip Yatai

The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Mr Nyesom Wike, has pledged to cover all medical expenses for the victims of Wednesday’s accident near Karu Bridge along the Abuja-Keffi Expressway.

Wike made the announcement in a statement issued on Thursday in Abuja, signed by his Senior Special Assistant on Public Communications and Social Media, Mr Lere Olayinka.

Sympathising with the victims, Wike described the accident as “avoidable.”

“It was painful that precious lives were lost, and vehicles were destroyed in an accident that could have been avoided,” he said.

He condoled the families of those who lost their lives and directed continued treatments of those who sustained injuries.

The minister said he had directed the Mandate Secretary, Health Services and Environment Secretariat, Dr Adedolapo Fasawe to ensure prompt treatment of the injured.

“Following my directive, Fasawe visited Asokoro District Hospital on Thursday morning and was part of the medical team that attended to the 17 casualties brought to the facility.”

“She informed me that after initial stabilisation, seven were referred to the National Hospital, while six with minor injuries were treated successfully,” Wike said.

He further explained that three victims suffering from severe burns, inhalation, and crush injuries were still receiving treatment at the hospital.

“Regrettably, one of the casualties with third-degree burns passed away while undergoing resuscitation,” he added.

Wike emphasised the need for stricter adherence to traffic regulations, particularly by heavy-duty vehicle drivers, urging them to be cautious and comply with speed limits.

He also called on the Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC) and other relevant agencies to intensify efforts to enforce traffic laws and ensure the safety of road users.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the accident occurred when a truck driver lost control near the Karu Bridge and collided with several vehicles in a traffic jam, causing a massive explosion.

The incident resulted in the deaths of 10 people and left more than 30 others injured, who are now receiving medical attention. (NAN)

Edited by Abiemwense Moru

Politics

Use FCT to test run state police, lawmaker urges FG

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By Ikenna Osuoha

The lawmaker representing AMAC/Bwari Federal Constituency, Rep. Chinedu Obika, has urged the federal government to experiment with state police in the FCT.

Obika made the call in Abuja on Thursday, in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN).

He said that the FCT was an ideal place to experiment the age-long agitation of Nigerians for state police.

“Nigerians have been agitating for state police; in the issue of Abuja, you don’t need a two-third majority.

“Only the President’s pronouncement is what is needed because Abuja has no House of Assembly.”

The lawmaker who called for an improved security network in Abuja, said that migration could be one of the causes of insecurity in the capital territory.

He explained that people tend to move into Abuja everyday with the belief that it was a safer place to live, compared to other parts of the country.

Obika said that such movement of people from different backgrounds into Abuja, had exacerbated insecurity in the federal capital territory.

According to him, the council chairmen appear to be overwhelmed by the level of insecurity in the FCT and they do not have the capacity to fight it alone.

The lawmaker, therefore called for synergy among security agencies to ensure tight security in Abuja, while calling for a coordinated security network and deployment of technologies to combat insecurity in the city.

“Drones and other effective security gadgets, as well as patrol vans, need to be made available to combat insecurity in the FCT.”

The lawmaker who also blamed poverty for the insecurity being witnessed in recent times, called on the government at all levels to formulate policies aimed at alleviating poverty.

He, however, commended the Minister of FCT, Mr Nyesom Wike for transforming the area.

He described the Minister’s infrastructural landmarks as unprecedented in the history of the FCT.

“I must commend Mr Nyesom Wike for bringing infrastructural development to FCT; I thank him for opening up the rural communities.” (NAN)

Edited by Emmanuel Afonne

Metro

Wike revokes 4,794 land titles over non-payment of ground rent  

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By Philip Yatai

The Minister of Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Mr Nyesom Wike, has approved revocation of 4,794 land titles over non-payment of ground rent for more than 10 years.

Mr Lere Olayinka, Senior Special Assistant on Public Communications and Social Media to the minister announced the revocation at a news conference in Abuja on Monday.

Olayinka said that a total of 8,375 property owners owed a total of N6.97 billion as ground rent as at the end of 2024.

He added that the 8,375 property owners mainly in the Central Area, Garki I and II, Wuse I and II, Asokoro, Maitama and Guzape have not paid ground rent in the last 43 years.

“This is in contravention of the terms and conditions of grant of the Rights of Occupancy, in line with the provisions of Section 28, Subsections 5(a) and (b) of the Land Use Act.

“It is important to state that payment of ground rent on landed property in the FCT is founded on extant legislation.

“It is clearly stipulated in the terms and conditions of grant of Right of Occupancy, and it is due for payment on the first day of January, each year, without demand,” he said.

Olayinka recalled that the FCTA made numerous publications in national newspapers and announcements on broadcast media since 2023, calling on defaulters to pay up all outstanding bills and ground rents.

He said that the publications yielded little response, as several allottees failed to pay.

“Consequently, the titles of the properties in default of payment of ground rent for 10 years and above have been revoked forthwith,” he said.

He added that a 21-day grace has been given to title holders, who defaulted in payment of ground rent for between one and 10 years, after which the affected titles would be revoked.

Also, the FCTA Director of Land, Mr Chijioke Nwankwoeze, explained that the land titles owners who defaulted in payment, were from the 10 oldest districts in Phase 1 of the Federal Capital City.

Nwankwoeze said that the FCTA would be sending revocation notices to the affected allottees in phase I districts from Cadastral Zone A01 to A09, affecting private companies, individuals, including government organisations.

He added that revocation was being done in phases and in categories, adding that phase II, would be next in line, after the revocation of phase 1 was completed.

He said that the phase II comprised Gudu District, Durumi, Wuye, Katampe, Jabi, Mabushi, Utako, and Daki Biyu among others.

The director further said that with the revocation, the properties built on the lands would become FCTA properties, adding that the FCT minister would decide what to do with them.

“Once a title is revoked, the property reverts to the FCTA, so, effectively, all the 4,794 properties have reverted to the FCTA,” he said. (NAN) 

Edited by Rotimi Ijikanmi

Health

FCTA unveils VIP Ward in Maitama Hospital named after Wike

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By Philip Yatai/Aderogba George

The Health Services and Environment Secretariat of the Federal Capital Territory Administration (FCTA), on Thursday, unveiled Barrister Nyesom Wike (BNW) VIP Ward at Maitama District Hospital, Abuja.

Dr Adedolapo Fasawe, Mandate Secretary of the secretariat, explained during the event in Abuja, that the initiative was designed to provide comfortable space to access quality health care services in the FCT.

Fasawe explained that the ward was named after the FCT Minister, Wike, for his commitment to improve access to quality healthcare in a serene environment and curb medical tourism.

She explained that the ward was transformed from a three-bedroom ward to a five-bedroom amenity ward with support from kind-hearted individuals, philanthropists and corporate organisations as corporate social responsibility.

According to her, the establishment and upgrading of physical health infrastructure is very crucial to the Wike-led FCT Administration

“Beyond being a VIP ward, it will equally serve as an amenity ward because every person is important.

She described the BNW as “strategic intervention” to ensure that residents going to private hospitals to see doctors because of the conducive environment and facilities could access similar services in public hospitals.

According to her, the move will ensure that patients, do not stay in the comfort of the homes and practice self-medication, but visit the hospitals to see a doctor in a very comfortable space

“We want our patient to be comfortable.

“As we unveil the BNW VIP Ward today, let me reaffirm Wike’s commitment to supporting initiatives that enhance healthcare infrastructure and improve patients’ care.

“This initiative will serve as a beacon of hope and progress in our continued poise to elevate the standard of healthcare in our dear nation.”

She disclosed that considering the contributions of health workers in healthcare services, doctors and nurses within the HSES system would access the ward’s services free.

The mandate secretary added that while the ward would be open to every resident that could afford to pay, those with health insurance cover would access the BNW ward’s services at subsidised rate.

She said that so far, the ward had been booked till the end of June.

Fasawe also announced that the FCT minister had made provisions for the rehabilitation and upgrade of 14 general hospitals in the FCT in the 2025 budget, including doctors’ call-rooms.

Earlier, the Medical Director of the hospital, Dr Rita Idemudia, explained that the BNW VIP ward was initiated by Fasawe, in line with the Renewed Hope Agenda of President Bola Tinubu.

The WHO Country Representative to Nigeria, Dr Walta Mulombo congratulated the FCTA HSES for the initiative.

According to him, the BNW VIP ward will provide space for Nigerians and those living in the country to access services in a very good environment.

He, however, advised that the ward should not be exclusive to only VIPs but accessible to all Nigerians.

“This is why we are supporting the development of the National Health Insurance so that the scheme can take charge of the expenses for all Nigerians to be admitted in the VIP ward.

Mr Jama Medan, Chairman, National Association of Nigeria Nurses and Midwives, described the provision of a good healthcare environment as “crucial” to the delivery of quality healthcare services to FCT residents.

Similarly, the Chairman, Nigeria Medical Association, FCT Chapter, Dr Emeka Ayogu, commended Wike and Fasawe for the initiative, saying “it will curb medical tourism abroad”.

Ayogu added that the plan to rehabilitate and upgrade FCT general hospitals would equally curb brain drain in health facilities in the territory. (NAN)

Edited by Abiemwense Moru

Foreign

Italy’s Lombardy Regional Govt. to establish vocational training institute in FCT

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By Philip Yatai

The Lombardy Regional Government in Italy, has promised to establish a Vocational Training Institute in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Abuja.

Mr Lere Olayinka, Senior Special Assistant to the FCT Minister on Public Communications and Social Media, made this known in a statement in Milan on Thursday.

Olayinka explained that Lombardy President, Mr Attilio Fontana, promised to establish the institute during a meeting with the FCT Minister, Mr Nyesom, in Milan on Thursday.

He explained that the institute, when established, would strengthen vocational education in the FCT and also facilitate the training of FCT youths in Lombardy.

He added that Fontana also promised to collaborate with the FCT Administration on agricultural development with focus on modern farming technology.

Olayinka quoted Fontana as saying: “You know that Lombardy Region is very strong in industry and battery manufacturing apart from agriculture.

“We are willing to collaborate with you in the education of the future because a lot of education is about software, innovation, technology and it is very important.

“We are the best region in this. More than 30 per cent of technical education in Italy is here in Lombardy.

“We can establish something on vocational training in your country and you can also come here to learn our kind of education.

“On agriculture, my team will sit with your team, look at your priority areas and see how we can partner and also be of assistance.”

On the take-off of the training institute, the spokesman said that the Lombardy president had assured that it would be as soon as a Memorandum of Understanding was prepared and signed.

The spokesman explained that Fontana’s commitment followed Wike’s request for partnership to strengthen FCT’s vocational training and agriculture development.

He quoted the minister as saying, “We had meetings with your country’s ambassador in Nigeria where we put heads together to see how we can exchange ideas with you and partner with the Lombardy Region.

“We are aware that Lombardy Region is very strong in agriculture and vocational education.

“Ours is to see how we can partner to have investors in agriculture in Abuja, the capital of Nigeria and to also get assistance in the area of vocational education to train our youths and women, especially in ICT and other skills acquisitions.”

He added that Wike had explained to Fontana the vast fertile land in Abuja, which would make agricultural production thrive.

Wike said: “Abuja has more than 800,000 hectares of land, out of which 274,000 hectares is earmarked for agricultural development while 270,000 hectares is for forest reserve.

“Therefore, we are particular about collaboration with your government to develop agriculture in Abuja.

“Also, vocational training for the youths, especially in ICT is key. It provides self-employment and once our youths can employ themselves and are taken off the streets, crime will reduce.

“Basically, these are the two areas we are seeking that we can partner together and also get assistance from your government.”

Olayinka said that the meeting was attended by the FCT Mandate Secretaries for Education, Dr Danlami Hayyo and Mandate Secretary for Agriculture and Rural Development, Mr Lawan Geidam. (NAN)

Edited by Abiemwense Moru

Community

Etsu Kwali commends FCT minister for efforts in improving security

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Security

By Veronica Dariya

The Etsu of Kwali, Mr Luka Nizassan III, has commended the FCT Minister, Nyesom Wike, for his efforts in stabilising security within the FCT and its surrounding areas.

Nizassan made the remarks in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Abuja.

He said the improvement in security, especially in his community, was due to the collaborative efforts between the FCT administration and local community vigilance.

Nizassan said that this partnership had been instrumental in addressing issues like kidnapping and other security threats in the area.

“Before his assumption as Minister of the FCT, some of the communities here were major flashpoints for kidnapping and other crimes.

“The FCT Minister’s collaboration with the community has helped us address these challenges effectively,” Nizassan said.

He also acknowledged the minister’s support, noting that resources, including operational vehicles, had been deployed to aid local vigilantes.

Since his enthronement in May 2024, Nizassan emphasised that he had taken steps to maintain security and tackle theft and burglary in the area.

He explained that one such measure include discussions with scavengers about their role in criminal activities, such as purchasing stolen goods or participating in theft.

In addition, Nizassan said that intelligence officers had been integrated into known criminal hideouts, providing crucial information to security agencies.

“If there is actionable intelligence, it will definitely help address the issue of crime prevention and response,” he said.

He also mentioned that criminal hotspots such as Pai-junction, Mamu, Yangoji, Gada-biyu, and Kwaita were identified as areas frequented by kidnappers’ informants, who often disguise themselves as petty traders.

Nizassan affirmed that his ongoing collaboration with security agencies had significantly reduced kidnapping activities in the region.

He stressed on the importance of continued efforts to ensure the security of life and property in the community.(NAN)

Edited Dorcas Jonah and Abiemwense Moru

Metro

FCT residents laud Wike for opening Karmo District Market

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By Joshua Olomu

Residents of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) have commended Minister of the FCT, Nyesome Wike  for opening the newly constructed Karmo District Market for business.

Some of the residents, especially those living around the Karmo district, including traders, spoke with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on the sideline of the official commissioning of the market on Wednesday in Abuja.

The market was built under Public-Private Partnership by the Abuja Investments Company Limited (AICL), Rural Homes and other partners.

According to the residents, opening the market, which took over seven years of construction, is a commendable feat by the Wike-led FCT administration, as it will boost economic activities in the area.

Mr Francis Adamu, a dealer on fabrics, expressed joy that  finally, the Karmo market was officially inaugurated.

“This means that more developmental activities will spring up here.

“I think we need to thank the FCT minister for working to ensure that the long wait is over, and other  partners, especially the Rural Homes must also be commended,” Adamu said.

A dealer on electronics and furniture, Mr Ike Ekeka,  said: “I have bought a shop here because of the uniqueness of the market  and proximity to my home.

“There is no doubt that Rural Homes and the AICL have built a world class market here in Karmo, and we are especially grateful to ‘Mr Project’, the FCT minister.”

On her part, Mrs Rahab Isa, a resident in the area, said that Karmo was a developing area, adding that the market would surely boost economic activities here.

“We will no longer have to go to other markets in Wuse and Garki and that is why we are happy that the minister is formally opening the market today,” she said.

While commissioning the market, Minister of State for FCT, Dr Mariya Mahmoud, who represented Wike, said  the  project was part of the government’s efforts to promote economic growth in the territory.

“This project is a clear demonstration of our administration’s commitment to fostering economic growth, empowering businesses, and creating a conducive environment for trade and commerce in the city of Abuja.

“Markets are the heartbeat of every community, they are not just centres for buying and selling, they represent the strength of our local economy and the resilience of our people.

“This district market is designed to serve as a hub for business activities, providing traders with modern facilities and ensuring the residents have access to quality of goods and services.

“The integration of this market would undoubtedly boost local commerce, creating employment opportunities for our youth, and enhance the livelihood of our people in line with the renewed hope agenda of  President Bola Tinubu,” she said.

The minister expressed optimism that the market would contribute significantly to revenue generation for the FCT.

“It’s my conviction that the market will contribute significantly to the revenue generation for the FCT and improve the business environment in the district.

“While we celebrate this achievement, I wish to urge all traders and residents to make proper use of this facility by ensuring cleanliness, orderliness, and mutual respect remains our word,” she said.

Sa’adatu Aliyu, Managing Director of Rural Homes said the market is developed on 9.9 hectares of land, with over 2,500 units of well-organised shops for different categories of goods and services.

She said the market sections include the cold room and meat sections of the farmers’ market, with over 150 stalls and over 100 enclosed units.

“We have duplexes here for offices, including banks, clinics and fire service, and all of these make it a complete business hub.

“The shops here are very affordable because before we started this project, we went around Abuja to see how this market is going to tally with other developments, and we have done that consistently over the period.

“We discovered from our findings that our shops are priced lower than other markets, and there are flexible payment plans available,” she said.(NAN)

Edited by Muhyideen Jimoh

Economy/Business

Lawmakers canvass tax incentives for small businesses in FCT

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By Naomi Sharang

Some members of the House of Representatives have advocated for tax incentives for small businesses in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) to thrive.

The lawmakers made the call at the unveiling of an entrepreneurial centre, Dreamskin Luxe Empire, in Abuja on Friday.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the unveiling of the centre was to commemorate St. Valentine’s Day.

Rep. Chinedu Obika, representing Abuja Municipal/Bwari Federal Constituency, specifically described FCT as a thriving environment for businesses.

Obika called on the FCT Minister, Nyesom Wike and others to prevail on tax administrators not to multi-tax small scale business owners.

He said that multiple taxes would discourage entrepreneurship and development in the area councils, as some of the tax administrators collected tenement rates, business premises tax and all kinds of taxes.

According to him, they should be able to harmonise the taxes in order not to put too much pressure on businesses and force them to close down.

“This is because when businesses are closed, the people who are engaged in them will fall back to the streets; and an idle mind is a devil’s workshop.

“So the area councils, it is their duty to make sure that the businesses are encouraged through tax rebates or tax reduction.

“I am appealing to the Area Council Chairmen who represent AMAC and Bwari Area Councils, to look into the way and the model they are using to tax businesses in Abuja.

“Businesses like this that have sprung up should be encouraged. Instead of taxing them more, you should give them tax incentives to encourage them to employ more people or create more businesses.

“This will help to reduce unemployment. So we should be talking to them to make sure that they don’t double-tax these small, young businesses that are springing up,” he said.

Also speaking, Rep. Ikenga Ugochinyere, representing Ideato Federal Constituency, said that the Tax Reform Bills, when passed, would give strong encouragement to small businesses.

Ugochinyere said that they would also ensure that the tax pressure was moved to big businesses, thus limiting the impacts on small businesses.

On her part, Rep. Chinwe Nnabuife, representing Orumba North/South Federal Constituency, called for more public/private partnerships to tackle unemployment in the country.

Nnabuife also called for youth empowerment, saying that it would tackle restiveness and agitations.

“When you empower somebody, you are giving the person the go-ahead to explore and to be self-sufficient,” she said.

Similarly, Rep. Mohammed Jamilu, representing Faskari/Kankara/Sabuwa Federal Constituency, called for collaborative efforts to tackle unemployment in the country.

“Relevant players in the private sector should partner with the government to address unemployment and ensure youth empowerment in order to curb insecurity and other social vices in the society.

Earlier, Mrs Nancy Irole, the Chief Executive Officer of the centre, said that seeing the Spa unveiled was ‘a dream come true’.

“Dreamskin Luxe Empire isn’t just a spa or a beauty lounge. It’s a place designed for Nigerians to check their wellness as they go about their normal businesses.

“It is a space where beauty, wellness and self-care come together to create an experience that leaves you feeling refreshed, confident and completely at ease,” Irole said. (NAN)

Edited by Florence Onuegbu and ‘Wale Sadeeq

Economy/Business

TCN sensitises community on power infrastructure protection

246 total views today

 

By Constance Athekame

The Transmission Company of Nigeria (TCN) on Tuesday carried out a sensitisation campaign in Leleyi Gbari, Kwali Area Council of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) on the protection of power infrastructure.

 

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the campaign was part of the move to curb the incessant vandalism of electricity infrastructure.

 

Speaking at the campaign, Mrs Ndidi Mbah, TCN’s General Manager, Public Affairs, said that vandalism of power infrastructure affects communities and the nation.

 

According to her, vandalism of power installations is a serious setback to socioeconomic development, causing power outages, economic losses, and disruption of essential services.

 

”The consequences of vandalism are far-reaching, impacting not only on  the affected communities but also the entire nation.

 

”I want to emphasise that the security and integrity of our power infrastructure is a collective responsibilities.

 

”As host communities, you have a vital role to play in safeguarding these critical installations,” she said.

 

She said that by working together with TCN, the citizens can help ensure the security and integrity of the transmission towers.

 

”I  urge you to take ownership of these power installations and report any suspicious activities or incidents to the authorities.

 

”Your vigilance and cooperation can significantly reduce the incidence of vandalism and related crimes,” she said.

 

Mr Ismaila Doguwa, Assistant General Manager, Gwagwalada Transmission Station, said that the company had been battling with incessant vandalism.

 

Doguwa said that the campaign was necessary to educate the community on the protection of power infrastructure.

 

He said that security agencies and vigilance groups were doing their best to protect power installations, adding that they should do more.

 

”We know that security agencies are doing their best to protect power installations, but we are appealing to them to do more to ensure stable power supply.”

 

The head of Leleyi Gwari Community, Yusuf Sarki,  appreciated TCN for bringing the campaign to the community.

 

Sarki said that the community was ready to work with TCN and security agencies to protect power installations in the area.

 

”Since you have brought the campaign to our community, we are ready to work with the security agencies and vigilance groups to protect the power installations in our area,” he said.

 

Sarki appealed to the Federal Government to connect the community to the national grid.(NAN) (www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Kadiri Abdulrahman

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