NEWS AGENCY OF NIGERIA
FCTA building entrepreneurship skill centre for secondary schools – Director  
Education

FCTA building entrepreneurship skill centre for secondary schools – Director  

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By Philip Yatai

The Federal Capital Territory Administration (FCTA) says it is building an Entrepreneurship Skills Development Centre to promote entrepreneurship education in secondary schools.

Dr Mohammed Ladan, the Director/Secretary, FCT Secondary Education Board, disclosed this in Abuja on Monday, on the sideline of a two-day training of FCT teachers on innovation and entrepreneurship education.

Ladan told the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) that the centre, sited at Government Secondary School Giri, was expected to be ready by end of the year.

He said that the centre was being built in collaboration with Brunel University Business School, United Kingdom, which promised to furnish and equip it when completed.

He explained that the centre would serve as hub for entrepreneurship education for the 36 states of the federation and the FCT.

He added that the centre would also be used in the training of stakeholders and other entrepreneurship teachers in skill acquisition centres across the country.

He said “we are tired of students graduating without a job; we are tired of saying no job, no job, no job. Our students, this time around, will begin to create jobs for Nigerians.

“We want to tackle the problem of unemployment with Abuja as the lead.”

The director explained that what the FCTA was doing was to prepare school children to identify societal problems that could be solved with resources in the environment.

According to him, some of the students are already providing solutions, particularly in converting waste to wealth.

He identified some of the products being produced by the students as interlocks using waste nylon and polyethene bags, toilet paper from used cartons, sweet syrup from date fruits, and flowerpots, among others.

He added that the students were being equipped with entrepreneurial skills in welding and fabrication, fashion design, plumbing, brick laying, electrical fittings, shoe making, and hair styling, among others.

The director explained that the teachers training was the third in the series of training conducted to reposition FCT schools for innovation and entrepreneurship education.

“The first training was conducted for school principals, that is the administrators who are the accounting officers of schools.

“The second phase of the training was conducted for vice principal academics, who are the custodians of the entrepreneurship curriculum.

“The third batch, taking place today, is for teachers who would drive the programme and we have more than 400 of them from junior secondary schools, senior secondary schools and teachers from private schools,” he said.

Ladan added that the fourth batch would be organised for artisans to help in deepening skills development and help school children to realise their potential. (NAN)

Edited by Hadiza Mohammed-Aliyu

FCTA reaffirms commitment to vocational, entrepreneurship development in public schools
Education

FCTA reaffirms commitment to vocational, entrepreneurship development in public schools

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By Philip Yatai

The Education Secretariat of the Federal Capital Territory Administration (FCTA) has reaffirmed its commitment to vocational and entrepreneurship development in public schools.

The Permanent Secretary in the secretariat, Mrs Joy Okeke, gave the assurance at the inauguration of the third edition of Ladi Memorial Foundation National Sewing Championship, in Abuja on Friday.

Okeke said that the FCT Minister, Nyesom Wike, had been in the forefront of unwavering support for vocational education and skills development initiatives in the FCT.

She said that the minister was committed to youth empowerment through practical and entrepreneurial skills development.

She said that the invaluable contributions of stakeholders and continuous investment in skills development was fostering innovation and promoting self-reliance among young people.

The permanent secretary commended the organisers of the competition, describing it as a beacon of hope for aspiring young entrepreneurs in Nigeria’s fashion industry.

This, according to her, will promote innovation and economic empowerment.

Earlier, Dr Favour Edem -Nse, Director, Department of Mass Education, FCT Education Secretariat, said that the championship would help in nurturing creativity, innovation, and skills acquisition in the fashion industry.

Edem -Nse highlighted the significance of vocational training in driving economic growth and development.

According to her, the fashion industry plays a vital role in job creation and revenue generation.

She explained that the FCT Education Secretariat’s departments of Mass Education and Science, Technology and Innovation were critical stakeholders in the championship.

She pledged the continued partnership and provision of technical support to the organisers of the competition.

The director further reinforced the departments’ continued commitment to advancing vocational education and empowering young entrepreneurs in FCT.

On his part, Mr Kolawole Olobashola, Director, Department of Science, Technology and Innovation, said that the competition would promote vocational skills and foster entrepreneurship among young talents in the country.

Olobashola disclosed that the FCT Administration had concluded plans to establish vocational knowledge centres in each of the six area councils of the FCT to promote vocational and technical education. (NAN)

Edited by Folasade Adeniran

Public service: FCTA builds leadership capacities of young civil servants
Metro

Public service: FCTA builds leadership capacities of young civil servants

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By Philip Yatai

The Federal Capital Territory Administration (FCTA) has commenced a capacity building programme to nurture leadership abilities of young civil servants for effective public service.

Mr Grace Adayilo, Head of FCT Civil Service stated this in Abuja on Friday, at the opening of the1st Cohort of the FCT Leadership Enhancement and Development Programme (FCT LEAD-P).

Adayilo explained that the FCT LEAD-P was one of three core training programmes established under the Federal Civil Service Strategy and Implementation Plan (FCSSIP), 2020 to 2025.

She said that the programme specifically targets civil servants on grades level 10 to 14, made up of highly talented individuals deemed essential for the succession planning and transformation of the civil service.

According to her, the programme is strategically designed to attract, recruit, and nurture these individuals through a comprehensive array of training activities.

“LEAD-P is regarded as a pivotal element for the future of public service, with its guidelines informed by the FCSSIP, policies governing leadership management and succession planning in the civil service.

“Establishment of the FCT LEAD-P is a crucial step toward ensuring that we have a pool of highly skilled and capable leaders ready to take on the challenges of governing our vibrant capital territory.”

She disclosed that the FCT LEAD-P aims to train a minimum of 100 officers every year to cultivate a new generation of leaders.

She added that the officer would be equipped not only with the requisite knowledge and skills but also with resilience, adaptability, and a strong commitment to FCT’s shared vision of public service excellence.

Adayilo said that the move would establish a solid foundation for effective succession planning that fosters a culture of self-development, designed to enrich the civil service landscape.

The head of service commended the FCT Minister, Mr Nyesom Wike, for approving the programme, which demonstrated his commitment and visionary leadership.

She encouraged the beneficiaries to embrace the opportunities for learning, networking, and personal growth that lie ahead.

The Permanent Secretary, Common Services, FCTA, Mr Babatunde Ajayi, said that the programme marks a significant and transformative chapter in the journey toward building a dynamic and efficient civil service in the FCT.

“This programme is not just an educational endeavour; it is a gateway to self-discovery and professional growth.

“Our commitment extends beyond mere training; it is about nurturing a culture of leadership that resonates throughout every level of our administration.

“Each successful cohort of this programme will be regarded as the elite crop of civil servants, distinguished by the depth of knowledge and expertise they have acquired,” he said.

On her part, Dr Jumai Ahmadu, acting Director, Reform Coordination and Service Improvement, FCTA, said that the programme was the first of its kind in the history of the FCT.

“This is the first time this is happening in the FCTA to fill the identified gaps in service delivery following a result of a baseline research,” she said.

Ahmadu Said that 975 officers applied for the programme, out of which only 100 would be selected for a 7-months training within and outside the FCT.

She said that the officers would be trained to fill the gap in the next generation of leaders when their time comes to become directors, permanent secretaries or head of service.

She explained that the officer would be trained to work in any of FCTA’s secretariats, departments and agencies, including serving as technical assistants to political appointees. (NAN)

Edited by Ekemini Ladejobi

FCTA approves N36.5bn for projects in capital city, satellite towns
Metro

FCTA approves N36.5bn for projects in capital city, satellite towns

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Projects

By Philip Yatai

The Federal Capital Territory Administration (FCTA) has approved N36.5 billion for the execution of several projects in Federal Capital City and satellite towns.

Mr Abdulkadir Zulkiflu, Coordinator, Satellite Towns Development Department, FCTA, disclosed this in Abuja on Thursday, while briefing newsmen on the outcome of the FCT Executive Committee meeting, the first in 2025.

Zulkiflu explained that out of the amount, 19.6 billion would be spent on the construction of multi-event sport centres and N13.9 billion on the construction of two magistrate courts.

He added that N3 billion would also be spent on the procurement and installation of a 33kv power supply and streetlight system.

The coordinator said that the committee approved the award of contract for the construction of a multi-event sport Complex in Abuja, Lot A and B.

He said that Lot A, sited at Area 3 and Area 10, Garki District, was awarded to Earthgain Energy and Environmental Services Ltd at N9.9 billion.

He added that Lot B, sited at Kafe District, behind Life Camp, was awarded to Tegwa-Tegwa Nigeria Ltd, at N9.7 billion.

Zulkiflu said that the projects were expected to be completed within 12 months.

“The committee also approved the construction of two magistrates’ courts in Asokoro and Garki Districts, at the cost of N7.6 billion and N6.3 billion respectively.

“The projects, expected to be delivered within 15 and 18 months respectively, were initiated to improve access to justice and legal services in the FCT,” he said.

The coordinator further said that a total of N3 billion was approved for the construction of a 33kva power supply for communities from Dawaki to Bwari.

He added that the amount would also cover a contract for the provision of a solar street light system on Arab Road and U-Shape Road in the same locations.

He said that the contract, awarded to CGC Nigeria Ltd would be completed in six months.

According to him, the move is to improve the security system of satellite towns. (NAN)

Edited by Rotimi Ijikanmi

FCTA bans scavenging, suspends pantaker operations in Abuja
Defence/Security

FCTA bans scavenging, suspends pantaker operations in Abuja

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By Philip Yatai

The Federal Capital Territory Administration (FCTA) has banned scavengers from operating in the territory.

The Commissioner of Police in FCT, Olatunji Disu announced the ban while briefing newsmen after the FCT Security Committee Meeting in Abuja on Monday.

Disu said that the scavengers were allowed to operate only on dumpsites located in the outskirts of the city and the suburbs.

“All security agencies have been tasked with ensuring that this order is enforced, beginning from Jan. 14,” he said.

The commissioner added that the committee also banned the operation of pantaker markets for two weeks, beginning from Tuesday across the FCT.

Pantaker is a market for the sales of fairly used items and scrap iron, including furniture and home appliances.

He explained that the two weeks suspension was to allow security agencies to profile the pantaker operators.

This, he said, would ensure that only legitimate operators operate in Pantakers across the FCT.

He said that the committee had concluded that everybody arrested for vandalising public infrastructure would be charged to court and tried for economic sabotage and if possible, attempted murder.

He noted that because the punishment for such offences was usually community service or fine, the offenders return to commit more crimes.

“The punishment given to them is so menial that we notice that we are recycling these criminals.

“The activities of the vandals are enough to kill residents of the FCT because when they remove manhole covers on the road, it can cause the death of people driving at night,” Disu said.

According to him, anybody vandalising public infrastructure is vitalising the joint property of all residents of the FCT.

“Numbers have been given out; if you see anything, say something.

“Let’s join hands to ensure that we protect all government infrastructures.” (NAN)

Edited by Mark Longyen

Wike directs contractor to complete road project in 7 months
Metro

Wike directs contractor to complete road project in 7 months

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By Philip Yatai

Mr Nyesom Wike, the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), has directed the contractor executing the construction of access road to Judges Quarters, CGC Nig. Ltd, to complete the project in seven months.

Wike gave the timeline during the official commencement of the construction of the access road from Nnamdi Azikiwe Expressway by N16, to Judges Quarters, in Katampe District, Abuja on Tuesday.

The project also involves the construction of internal roads within the Judges’ Quarters.

The minister explained that the seven months ultimatum was for the project to be ready for inauguration in May, to celebrate President Bola Tinubu second year in office.

He told the contractor that 70 per cent of the contract sum was already provided for in the budget.

“So, you have to work day and night to make sure that Mr President commissioned the project on his second year anniversary,” he said.

Beyond the city centre, the minister said that about 65-kilometre roads would be completed and inaugurated across the six area councils of the FCT.

This, he said, was contrary to the erroneous views that the FCT Administration was concentrating development at the city centre.

He added that several other projects would be initiated across some area councils in a few days.

On education, Wike said that no fewer than 25 schools have been pencilled down for total rehabilitation.

The FCT Minister of State, Dr Mariya Mahmoud, commended judges in the FCT, whose commitment to justice and integrity inspires the FCT Administration to embark on the project.

“We are honoured to enhance your working environment with this new access road to the Judges’ Quarters under construction, which was designed to enhance the functionality of the judicial system.

“We have taken an important step in supporting our judiciary and reinforcing our commitment to justice.

“Let us continue to work together to build a brighter future for our community,” she said.

Also, Mr Shehu Ahmad, Executive Secretary, Federal Capital Development Authority, said that the road, when completed, would open up Katampe District and other adjoining districts.

Ahmad explained that the project was a 2.7-kilometre six lane arterial road connecting Katampe with Shehu Shagari Way, with an interchange over the Nnamdi Azikiwe Expressway.

“Along with this is the provision of engineering infrastructure, embodying water supply, power supply as well as storm water drainage facilities.

“We intend to provide solar street lights to light up the entire stretch of the road,” he added.

The Speaker of the House of Representatives, Rep.Tajudeen Abbas, described the project as a significant stride towards strengthening urban infrastructure and enhancing the quality of life for the residents of Abuja.

Abbas, who was represented by the Deputy Speaker, Rep. Benjamin Kalu, said: “Infrastructure development is not just the foundation upon which economies are built; it is the lifeblood of national progress.

“In a rapidly urbanising world, infrastructure, particularly in urban centres like Abuja, is crucial to fostering sustainable development, enhancing economic growth, and improving the well-being of our citizens.

“The construction of roads, bridges, and other critical infrastructure facilitates the movement of people, goods, and services, which in turn spurs productivity, creates jobs, and improves the living standards of all Nigerians.”

He noted the country’s infrastructure deficit, estimated at about 3 trillion dollars, over the next 30 years to close the infrastructure gap and achieve the level of development required for sustained economic growth.

He identified road network, power supply, housing, healthcare, and education as key areas requiring urgent attention. (NAN)

Edited by Deji Abdulwahab

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