FCT’s infrastructural development fulfilling Tinubu’s vision – Wike
By Angela Atabo
The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Mr Nyesom Wike has described the ongoing infrastructural development in the FCT as a “fulfilment of President Bola Tinubu’s vision” for the nation’s capital.
Wike said this on Monday, while inaugurating the construction of Mohammed Isa Road Extension in Asokoro District, Abuja.
He faulted critics who claimed that Tinubu was not working saying, “you cannot say FCT is working and Mr President is not working. It doesn’t make sense.
“He is working through us. We carry out the directive; we carry out instructions; and we carry out the vision of Mr President and one of the visions is that FCT must compete favourably with other cities of the world. That is what we are doing”.
The minister urged Nigerians to be truthful to themselves, stressing that if the ongoing infrastructural developments were done before now, the Tinubu administration would have channeled the resources to other things.
The minister pointed out that the way Abuja was two years ago is not the way it is today, assuring that it would not be the same tomorrow.
He appealed for continued support to the present administration, noting that Tinubu had demonstrated leadership and commitment to change the lives of Nigerians.
Wike explained that the ongoing massive investment in schools’ rehabilitation and other interventions in transport and other sectors was to ensure balanced development across the FCT.
“We have touched transport, we have touched roads, we have touched sports, we have touched education, and now we are touching the health sector.
“I assure you, no sector will be left untouched. All we need to do is just to be patient, and to be patient means to give us time,” he said.
The minister, however, pointed out that all planned development efforts largely depend on the availability of resources and urged residents to support the administration by paying their taxes.
“All these good roads, good drainage system, and the street lights, wouldn’t be possible if you don’t pay taxes.
“Try and pay your taxes so we can provide more of these roads, connect the drainages and keep our environment clean,” he said. (NAN)
Edited by Yinusa Ishola and Yakubu Uba
Wike assures timely completion of ongoing road projects in FCT
By Angela Atabo
The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Mr Nyesom Wike, on Saturday, assured timely completion of ongoing road projects across the FCT.
Wike gave the assurance in Abuja, while inspecting the ongoing constructions of Wuye to Ring Road II Road and the dual carriageway from Airport Road to Kuje.
He reassured residents of Kuje and its environs that the ongoing Airport–Kuje dual carriageway would be completed before the third anniversary of President Tinubu’s administration.
He said that the project has recorded significant progress, especially in rock blasting and landscape preparation.
He commended Arab Contractors for the quality of work, stressing that upon completion, the road would transform transportation and housing options for Kuje residents.
“By the time this road is commissioned, which is not less than eight lanes, it won’t take 15 to 20 minutes to reach the city centre.
“That means residents of Kuje no longer need to relocate to the city before enjoying urban living.
“That is what development and the Renewed Hope Agenda are all about,” Wike said.
The minister also vowed to improve security and waste management in the city and satellite towns.
He acknowledged that occasional incidents occur but maintained that Abuja remained one of the safest cities in Nigeria.
Wike linked ongoing infrastructure projects, such as the “Light Up Abuja” initiative, to security improvements.
“Light Up Abuja is not just to beautify the city but also to enhance security.
“Security challenges happen everywhere, even in developed countries like the U.S. But Abuja has been relatively safe, and security agencies deserve credit,” he added.
Wike also addressed the challenge of indiscriminate refuse dumping along major corridors, including Airport Road and the Nyanya-Karshi axis.
He disclosed that the FCT Administration is set to award a new waste disposal contract within two weeks, emphasising that only competent contractors with the required capacity would be engaged.
“We are not happy with the situation, but everything is being done to ensure proper refuse disposal.
“We will no longer allow political contractors without capacity to handle such an important service,” he assured.
Residents of satellite towns also appealed for intervention in dilapidated road networks, especially in Federal Housing Estates.
The minister also reiterated his administration’s commitment to infrastructure renewal, improved urban services, and balanced development across the six area councils of the FCT. (NAN)
Edited by Muhammad Lawal
Wike inaugurates transit way project, pledges more investment in schools, health
By Angela Atabo
The Federal Capital Territory Administration (FCTA), has inaugurated the construction of Transit Way (N2) road, linking Wuse Zone 3 to the Central Area, with assurances for more projects in the area.
Speaking during the ceremony on Friday, the FCT Minister, Nyesom Wike, said that road infrastructure remains the backbone of every modern city for investments and accelerating growth.
Wike said that the N2 road project was one of the major infrastructure efforts lined up for President Bola Tinubu’s third-year anniversary
He said that the FCTA is positioning Abuja as a model modern city through roads, schools, health facilities and investor-friendly initiatives.
“There is no development in any city without a good network of roads.
“When all the cities are linked with good roads, then you can talk about development. Road infrastructure attracts investment.”
Wike said that Abuja has already caught the attention of international investors, citing a Dubai-based company that had committed to replicate the Dubai City Walk project in the FCT.
He explained that the N2 corridor which would be supported by two strategic bridges, evolved from a citizen-led initiative around the TY Danjuma Foundation.
He said that the FCTA took over and expanded the scope to connect the Central Area with Wuse District.
The Minister assured of strict supervision of the contractors handling projects for the government.
He announced fresh plans to rehabilitate not less than 40 additional schools across the FCT to complement 70 ongoing school projects, out of which about 45 have already been completed.
He added that attention would soon shift to healthcare facilities, stressing the urgency of timely project delivery.
“Time waits for nobody. If you don’t know how to meet up, go and ask those who know how to beat up with the speed I work with,” Wike warned
He urged top officials to keep their phones on 24 hours for effective coordination.
The Minister noted that projects Inauguration activities would run until late October, after which more projects vital to the economy and the city’s landscape would be unveiled from November.
Also speaking, the Minister of State for FCT, Dr. Mariya Mahmoud, described the project as a milestone in strengthening connectivity, easing traffic congestion and promoting seamless movement within Abuja City centre.
She noted that the N2 Transit Way is another demonstration of the Renewed Hope Agenda translating into visible dividends for residents.
Mahmoud further applauded the National Assembly for their consistent support through collaboration and legislative backing.
“Your role in ensuring that the FCT receives the needed budgetary attention and oversight is highly commendable and today, we are witnessing the fruits of such partnership,” she stated. (NAN)
Edited by Francis Onyeukwu
FCTA unveils health projects to improve maternal health, clean air
Projects
By Angela Atabo
The Federal Capital Territory Administration (FCTA) has launched the distribution of the ‘Renewed Hope Mother–Baby Kits Initiative’ and the ‘Abuja Breathe Fresh Air Project’, aimed at improving maternal health and household air quality.
FCT Minister of State, Dr Mariya Mahmoud, inaugurated the two projects on Wednesday at Asokoro District Hospital, Abuja, as part of activities marking Nigeria’s 65th Independence Anniversary.
Mahmoud explained that the initiatives, tagged “Wike Renewing Hope: One Baby at a Time, One Home at a Time,” were being implemented in collaboration with IHS Nigeria.
She described them as a holistic approach to healthcare and environmental sustainability, protecting mothers and newborns during childbirth while reducing the dangers of household air pollution.
“No woman should face childbirth without the tools and support she needs, and no child should begin life without adequate care,” she said.
According to her, the free Mother–Baby Kits contain essential medical supplies and consumables to support safe labour, delivery, and neonatal care across the FCT.
Highlighting the environmental aspect, Mahmoud described the Abuja Breathe Fresh Air Project as a “bold, forward-looking” initiative to reduce indoor air pollution in vulnerable households.
”Under the project, polluting fuels like firewood, charcoal, and kerosene will be replaced with smart, efficient Liquefied Petroleum Gas (LPG) cookers.
“This will help tackle one of the silent but deadly health risks in the home, respiratory diseases caused by smoke inhalation,” she added.
The minister also noted that the FCTA had strengthened its health workforce through better working conditions and consistent training.
She added that the administration had made significant investments in infrastructure, ranging from hospital renovations to the establishment of a Public Health Emergency Operations Centre.
On the occasion of Nigeria’s Independence Anniversary, Mahmoud called on citizens to recommit to “building an FCT where every home is healthier, every birth is safer, and every breath, cleaner.”
Earlier, Dr Adedolapo Fasawe, Mandate Secretary, FCT Health Services and Environment Secretariat, decried the country’s persistently high maternal and infant mortality rates.
“Too many women still die during childbirth, and too many newborns never see their first birthday,” she said.
Fasawe emphasised that one of the main causes of preventable deaths was the lack of access to clean, safe, and essential delivery supplies.
She said the Renewed Hope Mother–Baby Kit Initiative was developed to address that gap by providing basic but critical items for hygienic and safe deliveries. (NAN)
Edited by Chinyere Nwachukwu/Abiemwense Moru
ACReSAL marketplace showcases success in restoring degraded landscape
By Abigael Joshua
The Agro-Climatic Resilience in Semi-Arid Landscapes (ACReSAL) says its marketplace for ACReSAL project recorded and delivered huge investment through land restoration.
Dr Joy Agene, Senior Environmental Specialist, World Bank and Task Team Leader, ACReSAL, said this at the ACReSAL Marketplace showcase in Abuja on Tuesday.
According to Agene, the marketplace for ACReSAL is where we have a huge investment that is saving millions of land in targeted watersheds.
“Marketplace is also a technology where water is conserved in dryland to ensure that we are able to produce, sell and make income.”
Similarly, Mrs Ellysar Baroudy, Practice Manager, Environment, World Bank, expressed satisfaction with the project, saying it had really been an example within the whole World Bank portfolio.
She, however, said that the World bank was faced with challenges of climate change, degradation, as well as finance.
Baroudy urged ACReSAL to be resolute in spite of the challenges being faced at the point of discharging their work.
In the same vein, Mr Abdulhamid Umar, National Project Coordinator, ACReSAL said that the project was people-oriented and would sustain livelihoods.
He noted that the project had touched so many lives especially the down trodden in communities.
Dr Segun Babarinde, Director Water Support Services, Ministry of water Resources and Sanitation, said the ACReSAL marketplace had showcased a collaborative effort among the stakeholders.
“I want to thank all the states for being very, resolute in ensuring the achievement of this glorious idea by the government.
Mr George Stanley, Director, International Economic Relations Department, Ministry of Finance, said that there was no doubt that the project had delivered on various aspects of environment, agriculture, water resources among others.
According to him, in special terms, the project has improved the resilience and livelihood of the communities through wide range interventions carefully implemented by institutional partners.
Also, Mr Luka Ayedo, Etsu Kwali, said that the intervention of market place project was already yielding excellent results.
“The project has come to terminate hunger in our community. The intervention has impacted us for good and I want to say the World Bank has invested rightly.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the event which showcased the project’s remarkable impacts and results since its inception in 2022, featured community representatives with notable outputs/products highlighting the project successes. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)
Edited by Deborah Coker
Foundation launches cloth-a-child project in FCT
By Angela Atabo
ATRED Foundation, an NGO has launched the pilot phase of its Cloth-a-Child Project to promote school enrolment, increase retention, and reduce poverty at the family and community levels.
Mrs Victory Akachukwu, Executive Director of the Foundation, announced this at the launch of the project’s pilot phase on Thursday in Abuja, where the initiative officially began in selected public schools.
Akachukwu explained the project would be implemented in four public primary schools across FCT: Mabushi, Sabon Gari, Bwari, Pasali in Kuje, and Mpape under Local Education Authorities.
She said the initiative was a strategic response to the growing number of out-of-school children in Nigeria, especially girls who were disproportionately affected by poverty and cultural constraints.
“The project provides school uniforms, socks, and shoes to underserved children, encouraging enrolment, especially for girls, while reducing absenteeism and promoting retention in public schools,” Akachukwu stated.
She said that the project aimed to empower children with dignity, confidence, and hope, helping them overcome social barriers and complete their basic education without stigma or exclusion.
“This is about restoring hope, breaking barriers, and giving every child a fair chance at education. A simple uniform can bridge the gap between exclusion and opportunity,” she added.
In addition to distributing uniforms, ATRED Foundation awarded scholarships to three children, covering their education until completion, further reinforcing its commitment to long-term educational support.
Akachukwu noted that the foundation took a holistic approach, combining material aid with lasting educational investments, to help children thrive in spite of socio-economic challenges they might face.
She also announced plans to expand the Cloth-a-Child Project to all six area councils of the FCT and eventually into states with high numbers of out-of-school children.
According to her, this scale-up will ensure no child, especially vulnerable girls, is left behind due to poverty or lack of access to basic educational necessities like uniforms and school shoes.
She commended Peace Microfinance Bank, FCT Women Affairs Secretariat, Future Focus, Hassam Foundation, Beyond Border Foundation and Doxa Digital for making the initiative possible. (NAN)
Edited by Abiemwense Moru
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
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 $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