News Agency of Nigeria
Food for Lagos project ‘ll make Kogi farmers richer – Commissioner

Food for Lagos project ‘ll make Kogi farmers richer – Commissioner

By Thompson Yamput

The Kogi  Government says the Food for Lagos partnership  between it  and Lagos state would further enrich its farmers.

The state also reiterated  commitment to transforming its agricultural sector and improving livelihood of farmers through the partnership,  aimed at creating a robust food supply chain between Kogi and Lagos state.

This is contained  in a statement on  Thursday by the State Commissioner for Information and Communications, Mr  Kingsley Fanwo, who highlighted the strategic steps already taken to actualise the economic potential of the initiative.

Fanwo said that Gov.  Ahmed Ododo has begun implementing concrete measures to boost food production, improve infrastructure, and attract high-value investments into the state’s agricultural sector, less than two weeks after signing the agreement.

“The governor didn’t just go there to sign papers. He had since returned home to roll up his sleeves and make the partnership a huge success.

“With the governor’s efforts, Kogi farmers will earn more from their agricultural produce,” he said.

He revealed that the state Ministry of Agriculture had already mapped out key areas with comparative advantages for specific crops, ensuring that each region contributed meaningfully to the value chain.

Kogi, he said, is already a leading producer of cassava in Nigeria and West Africa, and the administration is working hard to dominate other areas of food production.

“We are not just talking about being the food basket of the nation, we are taking real steps to become one,” he said.

He lauded Ododo as a visionary leader, who  from the outset of his administration, placed agriculture at the center of his development agenda.

“During his campaigns and in his inaugural speech, Ododo  emphasised the need for Kogi to be self-sufficient in food production. Today, he is fulfilling that promise.”

Fanwo also highlighted major government-backed programmes such as RAAMP (Rural Access and Agricultural Marketing Project), which is facilitating the rehabilitation of rural roads to improve access to markets.

He said that ACReSAL (Agro-Climatic Resilience in Semi-Arid Landscapes), also supported by the state government, is channeling investments into rural farming communities.

“Agriculture in Kogi is receiving the biggest attention it has ever received.

“Our youth and women from Ibaji to Gegu and Egbe are now fully involved in the agricultural revival sweeping across the state.”

He noted that the state’s growing success in combating rural insecurity has contributed to increased farming activity and boosted confidence among local farmers.

The information commissioner said that the Food for Lagos Project is a game-changer, not only for food supply in Nigeria’s largest city but also for wealth creation and economic empowerment in Kogi.

“With sustained implementation, this partnership will make Kogi farmers richer and the state stronger economically,”  Fanwo added.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) recalls that the Lagos state government on July 23, signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with the governors of Niger, Taraba, Kogi, and Ogun.

The MOU was signed during the launch of the N500 billion ‘Produce for Lagos’ initiative of the state.

The food for Lagos initiative was aimed at  strengthening food supply chains and tackling rising food costs.

The agreement formalised  an  inter-state collaboration on agricultural production, logistics, and market access to ensure consistent food availability in Lagos state. (NAN)

Edited by Chioma Ugboma

BTG to empower women, advance sustainable climate governance in Kaduna 

BTG to empower women, advance sustainable climate governance in Kaduna 

By Sani Idris-Abdulrahman

Bridge that Gap Hope for Africa Initiative (BTG), an NGO, in partnership with Network of Civil Society in Environment, has unveiled a transformative project designed to empower women and advance sustainable climate governance in Kaduna State.

BTG Executive Director, Mss Gloria Bulus said in a statement in Kaduna on Thursday, that the move was a strategic effort toward tackling the rising climate and development issues impacting communities in the state.

Bulus said that the project would be funded by the Partnership for Agile Governance and Climate Engagement (PACE) Programme, a Foreign Commonwealth Development Office funded initiative.

She said that the six-month project titled “Women Empowerment and Climate Resilience Initiative” would be implemented in three Local Government Areas (LGAs) of the state, namely Zaria, Chikun, and Zango Kataf.

“Reports from these LGAs show high levels of environmental degradation, food insecurity, and limited female representation in governance structures.

“A complex climate landscape in
Kaduna state faces a troubling mix of environmental, social, and economic challenges.

“From extensive deforestation and desertification to resource shortages and ecosystem breakdowns, the impacts of climate change have become severe.

“A report by Global Forest Watch shows that in 2023 alone, the state lost over 5,400 hectares of natural forest, leading to 1.94 million metric tonnes of carbon dioxide emissions.

“These environmental shocks have worsened poverty and eco-anxiety, especially among women who are disproportionately affected but remain underrepresented in decision-making,” she said.

She pointed out that although women play important roles in agriculture, small businesses, and household sustainability, they often lack access to platforms and resources that could help them influence climate policies and local development strategies.

She said that with women at the forefront, focusing on gender inclusion and environmental sustainability, the project aims to strengthen women-led coalitions.

“This will be achieved by improving their policy advocacy skills, providing them with energy-efficient cookstoves, and developing a climate action plan that considers gender and Persons with Disabilities (PWD) in line with the Kaduna State Climate Change Policy.

“This is because women are central to community life. They manage natural resources, care for households, and make significant contributions to the economy.

“However, they still face marginalisation in important decisions about the environment and development.

“The project aims to change this situation by providing women with advocacy tools and encouraging cooperation among policymakers, civil society, and the private sector,” Bulus said.

She explained that the choice of the three LGAs was due to their disturbing environmental records.

Bulus said that Zaria LGA suffers from massive vegetation loss due to fuelwood consumption, which accounts for nearly 40 per cent of its deforestation.

She said that satellite data from 1973 to 2014 shows that over 80 per cent of vegetation in the area has been degraded, highlighting the urgent need for clean energy alternatives and community-led environmental restoration.

She also said that Zango Kataf LGA equally faces challenges from erratic rainfall, rising temperatures, and soil degradation.

She said that women and internally displaced persons were particularly vulnerable to water shortages and land conflicts, worsened by deforestation caused by agricultural practices.

For Chikun LGA, the executive director said that communities like Kakau Daji were experiencing rapid environmental decline due to firewood collection and industrial pollution from nearby petrochemical plants.

According to her, the ecosystem has suffered from biodiversity loss, soil erosion, and toxic emissions.

Bulus said that the project was built around four core objectives, explaining that one of the objectives was to enhance policy advocacy capacity.

This, she said, would be done through training of women’s groups to participate in governance structures and advocate for inclusive climate strategies.

She identified the second objective as the development of inclusive Climate Action Plans to prioritise gender and PWD perspectives in environmental policies.

“The third objective is promoting climate adaptation through implementing grassroots solutions like reforestation, clean energy use, and climate-smart agriculture.

“The fourth objective is strengthening multi-stakeholder collaboration, particularly among women’s coalitions, government agencies, and environmental stakeholders,” she said.

Bulus said that BTG, a nonprofit organisation, was dedicated to building sustainable communities by removing barriers to opportunity and basic rights for vulnerable populations.

She said that the organisation aims to plant 15,000 trees across the three benefiting LGAs, adding that more than 3,000 economic and forest trees have been planted in Chikun LGA.

“Through the Strategic Opportunity Fund from the PACE Programme, an additional 6,000 trees will be planted in the project LGAs.

“Journalists in Kaduna will also receive training to enhance their skills in effective writing and reporting on climate change-related issues,” she said.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the PACE project supports coalitions that influence governments to address climate and governance issues affecting the poorest and most vulnerable communities.

It aims to boost state government revenue from internal sources, integrate climate actions into state policy, planning, and budgets, and enhance election delivery and credibility.

The programme is being implemented in Kaduna, Kano, and Jigawa states in northwestern Nigeria and strategic engagement at both federal and regional levels, with BTG as a consortium partner. (NAN)

Edited by Philip Yatai

Procurement: PPDC unveils ,500 grant to empower grassroots project monitors

Procurement: PPDC unveils $7,500 grant to empower grassroots project monitors

By Jacinta Nwachukwu

The Public and Private Development Centre (PPDC) has unveiled an application portal for the 7,500 dollars ‘Budeshi Mini Grant’ designed to empower grassroots actors monitoring public procurement projects.

Speaking at a news conference on Thursday in Abuja, the Chief Executive Officer of PPDC, Mrs Lucy Abagi, said that members of every participating group or organisation would be given 300 dollars and training to enhance their skills.

The initiative, according to Abagi, is aimed at supporting community advocates and ensuring that service delivery reaches the communities that have been left behind.

“Today, we officially opened the application portal for the $7,500 Budeshi mini grant, a major step in our efforts to localise transparency and empower civic actors at the grassroots level.

“This initiative, launched in partnership with Devon Technologies through the Budeshi platform, is designed to support community advocates.

“It covers public procurement monitors, a grassroots organisation or a citizen advocate passionate about tracking public projects and ensuring service delivery reaches the unreached communities left behind.

“The Budeshi grant application portal is an open, transparent digital platform designed to support local organisations across Nigeria in applying for and managing small grants dedicated to tracking public procurement projects in their states.

“Built by Devon Technologies Ltd. and powered by PPDC, this new system ensures that the grant process is inclusive, accountable and citizen-centered, from registration to reporting,” she said.

According to her, what truly drives change is when that access is paired with action, adding: “That’s why this mini grant is more than just funding, it’s an opportunity.

“It’s an opportunity for citizens to dig into the data, raise their voices, engage public institutions and hold duty bearers accountable,” she stated.

Abagi said that the initiative would be expanded across Africa, building a pan-African accountability movement, driven by technology, transparency and the power of local communities.

“We want to see Budeshi replicated, adapted and led by African citizens across borders. We believe that when citizens are equipped with the right tools, information and support, they don’t just track projects, they shift the system.

“So, as we begin today’s conversations and demonstrations, I invite you to engage deeply, ask questions and imagine with us: What could governance look like if transparency truly belongs to the people,” she said.

Also speaking, the Programme Officer of PPDC, Precious Adigwe, said that 37 institutions were expected to participate in the programme across the country.

Adigwe also said that there would be a new platform to ensure that the impact of the project was achieved.

“On the platform, we’re going to teach them on how to collect data, mine this data, use this data for policy advocacy, utilise the use of FOI and engage with their leaders in their communities, teaching them an all-encompassing advocacy strategy for policy advocacy.

“At the end of the day, we are not just empowering them with this stipend but also empowering them with skills that they will forever remember; that will not only build their organisations but also build the individual,” she explained.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that while the programme is being sponsored by PPDC, it still looks forward to seeing well-spirited Nigerians and donor agencies that will partner with it for sustainability. (NAN)

Edited by Wale Sadiq

Rep Osonwa inaugurates school projects, borehole for constituency

Rep Osonwa inaugurates school projects, borehole for constituency

By Naomi Sharang

Rep. Ibe Osonwa, member representing Arochukwu/Ohafia Federal Constituency in the House of Representatives, has inaugurated strings of people-oriented projects for his constituency.

The projects include brand-new classroom blocks in Ukwa Nkporo, Abam and Abia Ohafia, as well as a historic solar-powered borehole in Umuye, Ihechiowa.

Osonwa made this known in a statement on Thursday in Abuja by his Legislative Aide, Arua Goodluck.

He emphasised the importance of equitable development and education, noting that every part of his constituency deserves to feel the impact of good governance.

“Education is the bedrock of any society. This project is part of our commitment to building a better future for our children,” he said.

Osonwa assured the constituents that water projects were already underway, with a geological survey completed and contractors set to be mobilised.

The traditional ruler of Ukwa, Ezeogo Mba Nkuma, lauded the lawmaker for his integrity and for delivering on his campaign promises.

The Leader of Ohafia Legislative Council, Arua Arua Anyim, called for further intervention in water supply in the area.

The community, in recognition of Osonwa’s outstanding service and delivery of democratic dividends, conferred on him the prestigious chieftaincy title of “Omeroha 1 of Abia Ohafia. (NAN)

Edited by Chidi Opara

Tinubu to initiate more projects in North- Information Minister

Tinubu to initiate more projects in North- Information Minister

By Collins Yakubu-Hammer

The Minister of Information and National Orientation, Alhaji Mohammed Idris, says President Bola Tinubu will initiate more developments in the Northern Region through positive people-oriented policies and programmes.

 

 

Idris stated this in an interview on the sidelines of a two-day Interactive Session on Government-citizens’ Engagement on Tuesday in Kaduna.

 

 

The theme of the event is ‘Assessing Electoral Promises: Fostering Government-Citizens Engagement for National Unity’.

 

 

The programme was organised by the Sir Ahmadu Bello Memorial Foundation.

 

 

The minister explained that before Tinubu’s election, he was in Kaduna, and engaged with the leaders from the Northern part of the country and made promises ranging from security, to agriculture, economy and governance.

 

 

“Now that the Sir Ahmadu Bello Memorial Foundation has invited us; Tinubu said we should come here in our numbers, all of us from the Northern part of the country, that he has appointed to deal with some of these issues.

 

 

“We have come here to answer their questions. We have come here to lay down all those things that the President said he was going to do, when he made those promises.

 

 

“The President has already fulfilled many of them. Many of them are still being awaited and he will instigate more developments for the Northern Region through positive initiatives and people oriented policies and programmes.

 

 

“Remember that this is just the midterm of the administration. We believe that by the time the President ends his first term, we would have answered most of the questions that they have asked.

 

 

“By then, we will have kept most of these promises. Already, many of them have been kept. And you can see from the mood in the hall; almost everyone here is happy,” Idris said.

 

 

The minister further reiterated that over 60 leaders from the northern part of the country, serving in the current administration, have been invited to the event.

 

 

He stated that they were at the event to tell Nigerians, especially people of the North, what the government of Tinubu said it was going to do, what it has done and more it would do.

 

 

“Very senior people from the northern part of the country are all happy that we have come. They are happy that we are engaging in this high-level manner.

 

 

“This is unprecedented. It is the first time that Ministers in this high number will come here to talk to the citizens in this kind of manner; please note that, is not going to be a one-off thing.

 

 

“We’ll continue to engage the people from time to time, because, this is the best form of having better collaboration between the government and people in the position of leadership,”Idris said.

 

 

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN)reports that while the first plenary session concentrated on national security, the second was governance and the economy.

 

 

The Federal Government’s team on defence, security, governance and economy did justice to the topics through presentations of the laudable achievements of the Tinubu-led administration. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Bashir Rabe Mani

Nigeria4H2 project to unlock vast, untapped green hydrogen potential – Shettima

Nigeria4H2 project to unlock vast, untapped green hydrogen potential – Shettima

 

By Emmanuella Anokam

Vice-President Kashim Shettima says Nigeria4H2 Project is designed to unlock Nigeria’s vast and untapped potential in green hydrogen, to revolutionise the economy and secure Nigeria’s place in the 21st-century energy market.

Shettima said this while opening the Nigeria4H2 Project Results Workshop and End of Project Stakeholders’ Interaction on Friday in Abuja.

The Nigeria4H2 project was initiated by the West African Science Service Centre on Climate Change and Adapted Land Use (WASCAL), Federal University of Technology, Akure, Afe Babalola University and Federal University of Technology, Minna.

It was designed to assess the technical, infrastructural, regulatory, and investment landscape necessary to harness Nigeria’s green hydrogen potential to power transportation, produce electricity and manufacture fertilisers based on green ammonia in Nigeria.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) gathered that one of the key results of the Nigeria4H2 Project is that Nigeria has a potential to produce up to four million tonnes of green ammonia per annum.

Shettima, represented by Dr Tope Fasua, Technical Adviser to the President on Economic Matters, said that the world was moving towards cleaner energy sources, and Nigeria must not be left behind.

In an address titled “Unlocking Nigeria’s Green Hydrogen Potential: A Renewed Hope for a Sustainable Future’’, the vice-president said that the Nigeria4H2 Project represented Nigeria’s strategic and decisive response to this global imperative.

He said that the green hydrogen, produced from renewable sources such as solar and wind power, offered a compelling pathway to diversify the country’s energy mix.

He said that it can also reduce carbon footprint and create new economic opportunities.

“Nigeria is uniquely positioned to become a leader in this burgeoning industry.

“We are blessed with an abundance of sunlight and wind resources that can be harnessed to generate clean electricity required for green hydrogen production.

“Our strategic geographical location and our skilled, youthful population provide the essential ingredients for a successful and scalable green hydrogen economy,’’ he said.

He said that with the global energy paradigm, undergoing a profound and irreversible transformation, the clarion call for a sustainable, decarbonised future was no longer a distant echo but a resonant demand.

Shettima, while commending the Energy Commission of Nigeria for providing a crucial platform to deliberate on the project, described it as a fundamental pillar of President Bola Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda.

“Nigeria 4H2 Project at its core. This project is designed to unlock Nigeria’s vast and untapped potential in green hydrogen.

“It IS a clean, versatile and abundant energy carrier that can revolutionise our economy and secure our place in the 21st-century energy market.

“The Nigeria 4H2 Project perfectly embodies this principle. It is an intricate mosaic of public-private partnerships, international collaboration, and domestic innovation.

“This is not a task for the government alone. It requires the collective genius, capital and unwavering commitment of every stakeholder present today, he said.

According to Shettima, the economic ramifications of the project were colossal.

He said that by positioning Nigeria as a major producer and exporter of green hydrogen, it could create a new stream of revenue, reduce reliance on volatile fossil fuel markets, and attract significant foreign direct investment.

“Beyond the economic calculus, the Nigeria4H2 Project holds immense social and environmental benefits.

“It would contribute significantly to climate change mitigation efforts, helping to meet Nigeria’s international obligations under the Paris Agreement.

“By transitioning to a cleaner energy source, we can improve air quality, enhance public health and ensure a more sustainable future for generations to come.

“This is our moral duty to our children and to the planet,’’ he said.

Shettima described the workshop as a critical step in the project.

He charged the stakeholders to identify potential roadblocks to forge a common path forward by leveraging on collective expertise to develop a comprehensive roadmap. (NAN)

Edited by Kadiri Abdulrahman

Wike taking governance closer to FCT residents – Tinubu

Wike taking governance closer to FCT residents – Tinubu

By Philip Yatai

President Bola Tinubu says the leadership quality of the Minister of Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, is taking governance closer to the residents of the territory.

Tinubu stated this in Abuja on Monday while inaugurating the newly-constructed access roads in Giri district, executed by the Wike-led FCT Administration.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the project was the13th so far inaugurated, out of the 17 outlined for inauguration to celebrate Tinubu’s second year in office.

Represented by the Speaker of the House of Representatives, Abbas Tajudeen, the president said that Wike’s work speaks for itself in every corner of the FCT.

“From the vast-spaced districts of Maitama, Jahi, Katampe, Wuye, Mabushi and the likes, to the towns of Gwagwalada, Kwali, Bwari and Abaji, and the growing communities of Kabusa, Ketti and now Giri district, your leadership has brought progress closer to the people.

“You have not only embraced the visions of my administration’s “Renewed Hope Agenda”, you have localised it, made it meaningful and made it real.

“Your actions have brought quality and excellence to the dual states of communities long laid in the shadows.

“Honourable minister, on behalf of myself, my administration and the good people of the FCT, I say thank you for reminding us that good governance is not about fanfare, but about footsteps,” he said.

Tinubu said that the newly-constructed access roads were not just infrastructural achievements, but a statement of intention to open up Giri district and the FCT.

To the residents of Giri, Tinubu said: “May these roads lead you to greater opportunities; may they carry your children to school, farmers to markets, families to healthcare and dreams to reality.”

In his remarks, Wike said that the district houses University of Abuja, Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) Academy and other institutions.

He said that EFCC would be the first beneficiary of the access road, as it would encourage it to commence construction of its academy.

“Most of the problem we’re having here is that sometimes, when you allocate land, there are no facilities, no infrastructure, and people are not encouraged to develop the allocated land.

“So, we will do everything we can to see that basic infrastructure is provided in Giri to become an important district that will attract so many investors,” he said.

The minister further stated that efforts had begun to construct the critical road network in the district.

He said that he had already asked the acting Executive Secretary of Federal Capital Development Authority (FCDA), Mr Richard Dauda, and other experts to begin working on the details.

Wike added that the road network would help to stop land grabbing by University of Abuja, adding that the university had grabbed 11,000 hectares without authorisation.

“So, I have told the director of land and other relevant agencies to carve out 4,000 hectares and give it to the university.

“The other ones would be reallocated because we are going to provide the roads here, and that is the true situation,” he said.

On her part, the FCT Minister of State, Dr Mariya Mahmoud, described the project as yet another shining example of the Tinubu-led administration’s commitment to infrastructure development, connectivity and inclusive growth.

According to Mahmoud, the Giri road is part of a broader initiative to open up under-served communities and stimulate economic activities within the area councils.

Earlier, Dauda said that the project was awarded in November 2024 to provide access roads to the district, planned to be an institutional area.

He stated that the proposed main sewage treatment plant for the city at Giri was also located within the district. (NAN)

Edited by ‘Wale Sadeeq

Institute automates certification, tightens regulation for standard projects

Institute automates certification, tightens regulation for standard projects

By Lucy Ogalue

The Chartered Institute of Project Managers of Nigeria (CIPMN), has inaugurated a digital registration and certification verification platform.

According to the Registrar-General of CIPMN, Mr Henry Mbadiwe, it is aimed at strengthening professional standards and regulatory enforcement in Nigeria’s project management space.

Mbadiwe said this at the closing of the Institute’s 2025 Mid-Year Training Programme and Induction in Abuja on Thursday.

He said the institute had phased out manual registration and now operated a secure, digital-only process for onboarding new members and verifying all issued certificates and licences.

“We no longer accept paper registrations. Every registration with CIPMN must now be processed through our online portal.

“Every certificate and licence issued is digitally secured and instantly verifiable through QR code scanning.

“Once a project manager presents a certificate or licence, it can be verified on the spot using a smartphone. The system searches the CIPMN database and confirms the authenticity of the presented credentials,” he said.

According to him, this technological upgrade aligns with global best practices and enhances trust in the project management profession in Nigeria.

The CIPMN boss also confirmed that the system complies with Nigeria’s data protection laws, following consultations with the Data Protection Commission.

“None of the data displayed during verification breaches any legal framework. It’s a secure and transparent process that will foster public confidence,” Mbadiwe said.

He stressed the importance of project management in driving national development, saying that it was the tool that translates strategies into actionable and measurable outcomes.

“Project management is not just for construction. Every initiative with a start and end date is a project.

“Without trained and licenced project managers, we waste time and resources. Our report has shown that more than 17 trillion dollars is being lost to unstructured project delivery,” he said.

Mbadiwe said the institute had begun enforcing compliance with its regulatory framework, warning that institutions or individuals managing projects without CIPMN licensure would face legal consequences.

“We are taking more decisive steps. This year, we will begin visiting non-compliant organisations.

“After giving warnings, we will seek court orders to shut down sites or stop project execution. The law is clear, you must be licenced to deliver projects in Nigeria,” he said

The Registrar-General likened CIPMN’s role to that of other professional regulators such as the Medical and Dental Council or the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA), noting that project management must now be treated with the same seriousness.

Mbadiwe also revealed that several public and private sector institutions were already complying, including Shell, NLNG, Lagos Business School, and MDAs such as PENCOM, ITF, SON, and the Ministry of Intergovernmental Affairs.
“We are collaborating closely with the Bureau of Public Procurement to ensure that only licenced project managers can bid for and manage government contracts

“No agency, not even our supervisory ministry, can ignore this law,” he said.

He then called for deeper collaboration across sectors to ensure full compliance and reduce project failure rates across Nigeria.

The President and Chairman of CIPMN Council, Mr Emmanuel Afolayan, said the institute was determined to build an “army of professionals” equipped to manage projects across Nigeria with competence, discipline, and efficiency.

“ The goal is to achieve desired results without compromising standards or quality. Project management is a critical tool for achieving economic transformation.

” With proper training and licencing, professionals will be able to deliver value-driven projects that align with national goals.

An inductee, Mr Akins Kinsley, described the training as a turning point in his professional journey.

“I have been supervising projects in the past, but this training has exposed me to better ways of managing them. Now, I understand the importance of delivering projects to international standards from start to finish,” Kinsley said.

Another inductee, Mr Idehai Frederick, said the training had deepened his understanding of project management methodologies, which he intended to apply in journalism and public relations. (NAN)

Edited by Ese E. Eniola Williams

Tinubu impressed with ongoing infrastructural transformation in FCT

Tinubu impressed with ongoing infrastructural transformation in FCT

 

By Philip Yatai

President Bola Tinubu says his administration is proud of the ongoing transformation in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) to pump life into its economy and foster social wellbeing.

Tinubu stated this in Abuja on Wednesday while inaugurating the newly constructed Interchange that linked Wole Soyinka Way (Arterial Road N20) to Murtala Mohammed Expressway.

The Interchange is the 11 projects inaugurated so far, out of the 17 outlined for inauguration to celebrate Tinubu’s second year in office.

Tinubu, who was represented by Senate President Godswill Akpabio, said that the FCT had turned around saying, “we are proud of what is happening in the FCT”.

Declaring that even the blind could see the ongoing transformation, the president commended the FCT Minister Nyesom Wike and his management team for the feat recorded so far.

He said that his administration’s “Renewed Hope Agenda” was built on the bedrock of robust infrastructure for the transformation of the country’s fortune.

He noted that the nation’s infrastructure must be strong, clear and efficient to pump life into its economy, and foster social wellbeing.

According to him, the interchange, strategically linking key areas and easing the flow of traffic, will unlock new opportunities for commerce, reduce travel time.

“This will contribute directly to increasing productivity and a better quality of life for all who traverse these vital routes.

“The interchange, a magnificent piece of engineering, is indeed a testament to our unwavering commitment to progress, a beacon of our collective aspiration for a more connected and prosperous FCT.”

Tinubu noted that while rapid urbanisation was a sign of growth, it had also presented challenges, particularly in ensuring smooth and efficient movement of people, goods and services.

This interchange, he said, was a crucial answer to those challenges, designed to alleviate traffic congestion, enhance safety, and significantly improve the daily lives of residents and commuters in the FCT.

He commended the FCT Administration under the dynamic leadership of the Minister, Mr Nyesom Wike, for their vision, dedication and tireless efforts in bringing the project to fruition.

He added that Wike’s commitment to transforming Abuja into a world-class capital was evident in projects of the magnitude.

In his remarks, Wike explained that the project was awarded in 2020 and was completed by the Tinubu-led administration.

“This is in line with your policy of completing abandoned projects that will impact the lives and economy of the people,” he said.

He commended Tinubu’s impactful leadership style, describing it as crucial to the survival of any government.

“When you provide the right leadership, you will get the right results.

“As the president has provided and is still providing the right leadership and that is why we are seeing the results today.

“There’s no magic. It’s just about commitment. The president has committed to see that good things happen in this country and that’s why we have renewed hope,” he said.

The minister also thanked the National Assembly for the support.

The FCT Minister of State, Dr Mariya Mahmoud, equally gave Tinubu’s visionary leadership credit to the numerous achievements recorded so far in the FCT.

Mahmoud said that he completed interchange stands as a testament to Tinubu’s dedication to improving the transportation network to ease the movement of residents in the FCT. (NAN)

Edited by Abiemwense Moru

Project managers plan indigenous framework to tackle project failures

Project managers plan indigenous framework to tackle project failures

By Lucy Ogalue

The Chartered Institute of Project Managers of Nigeria (CIPMN), says it will develop a homegrown project management framework, to address Nigeria’s long-standing project execution challenges in both the public and private sectors.

The Registrar-General of CIPMN, Mr Henry Mbadiwe, said this at the Institute’s 2025 Mid-Year Training Programme and Induction Ceremony in Abuja on Tuesday.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the framework is called Delivering Unified Controlled Agile Project (DUCAP).

The three-day event is with the theme “Project Management Practices – A Guarantee of Sustained Growth in This Digital Age”.

Mbadiwe said that it was a hybrid model that integrated international standards like PRINCE2 and the Association for Project Management (APM) with indigenous insights and field experiences across Nigeria’s diverse regions.

“It is a project management framework suited for Nigeria.

“We have taken lessons from globally tested frameworks and adapted them to our environment, whether you are delivering a road in Kano or building infrastructure in Lagos,” Mbadiwe said.

He said that widespread failures and delays in Nigeria projects were linked to overreliance on foreign methodologies without contextual adaptation, leading to inefficiency and abandoned outcomes.

“Using foreign frameworks in Nigeria without adjusting for our local realities has not worked.

”DUCAP is designed to change that by making project delivery simpler, more structured, and more effective,” he said.

Mbadiwe further said that enforcement mechanisms would soon be introduced to ensure that only certified professionals oversee and manage projects nationwide.

“We are preparing to activate regulatory frameworks. We are not trying to hinder practitioners, but to improve outcomes. The era of project failures and mismanagement must end.

“Strategy without project implementation is a dream, and project management is the vehicle through which Nigeria can drive sustainable economic development,” he said.

The President and Chairman of the CIPMN Council, Mr Emmanuel Afolayan, said that the Institute had moved from mere awareness to implementation, stressing that compliance monitoring would begin across institutions.

“For years, we have advocated for standardised project delivery. Now is the time for action.

“Change will be gradual, but we are determined to elevate professionalism and enforce project management standards across Nigeria,” Afolayan said.

Also, the Permanent Secretary for Economic Planning and Budget in Lagos State, Mr Olayinka Ojo, commended the Institute for developing a localised methodology to improve project outcomes nationwide.

“This is a turning point in Nigeria’s development trajectory. The initiative provides a structured and professional foundation for executing projects aligned with global benchmarks,” he said.

A former lawmaker, Mr Sani Sha’aban, charged members of the Institute to act with national purpose and professional discipline.

“Project management is a national duty. Cutting corners has hurt our growth. If you remain committed, you will reshape Nigeria’s future,” he said.

The event featured panel discussions, expert presentations and the induction of 604 new and upgraded members, including 60 fellows and 245 chartered professionals.

The CIPMN was established in 2018. It has steadily evolved into a professional institution with a clear mandate to support national development through the formalisation of project execution practices.(NAN)

Edited by Kadiri Abdulrahman

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