News Agency of Nigeria
Rep Osonwa inaugurates school projects, borehole for constituency
Politics

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
General News

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
General News

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
Metro

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
Economy/Business

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
Metro

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
General News

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

Wike-led FCTA opening Abuja for businesses, housing, investment -Tinubu
Metro

Wike-led FCTA opening Abuja for businesses, housing, investment -Tinubu

By Philip Yatai

President Bola Tinubu says the Nyesom Wike-led Federal Capital Territory Administration is opening the territory for businesses, housing and investment.

Tinubu said this in Abuja on Tuesday, while inaugurating the right-hand service carriageway of the Inter Northern Expressway (INEX), from Ring Road III to Outer Northern Expressway, ONEX (Murtala Mohammed Expressway).

The project was among the 10 so far inaugurated out of the 17 projects outlined for inauguration to celebrate Tinubu’s second year in Office.

Represented by Deputy Senate President Barau Jibrin, the president described the newly constructed INEX as a “critical piece” of the Federal Territory Master Plan.

He added that the road was designed to ease traffic flow, enhance connectivity and improve urban mobility for millions of commuters, residents and businesses in the city.

He commended the FCT Administration led by Wike, for his vision and commitment to quality and timely execution of projects.

“What you have contributed to something larger than the roadway; you have contributed to the future of our capital.

“This vital carriageway we inaugurated today is not just a road; It is a symbol of progress and a reflection of my administration’s Renewed Hope Agenda.

“An agenda committed to building infrastructure that serves the people, unlocks economic potential and supports sustainable development,” he said.

Tinubu pointed out that as traffic volume increases in the FCT, and across the satellite towns, it has become imperative for continuous expansion and maintenance of critical routes.

This road, he said, would not only connect key junctions, but also facilitate safer and faster movement within Abuja transportation corridors.

“It will open more opportunities for businesses, housing, and investment in the adjoining districts.

“It is quite apt to say that projects like these are a testament to what we can achieve when planning, execution and leadership are aligned with purpose.

“We are determined to replicate these sources in every part of the country with roads, bridges, railways and more ensuring that no region is left behind,” he added.

Earlier, Wike said that the 16-kilometre road was awarded in 2014 at the cost of N7 billion but was executed and completed by the current administration at N31 billion due to inflation and variation.

He said that the completion of the project was in line with Tinubu’s renewed hope agenda, to complete ongoing projects that would impact the life and the economy of the people.

He commended Tinubu for the commitment to making sure that a project of this nature was concluded.

“This is the industrial site of Abuja. The Industrial Park is somewhere close, and the developer had not been encouraged until the Tinubu Administration rescued the situation.

“The Industrial Park, when completed, will create 40,000 direct jobs. If we are able to give them support, some of the problems will be solved,” he said.

The minister emphasised that road infrastructure was the driver of any economic growth, stressing that investors would come when there were roads.

He noted that Tinubu has done quite well for the residents and for the development of Abuja and appealed for his continued support.

“I will continue to do the best under the renewed hop agenda for the interest of our country and for the interest of Abuja,” he said.

On her part, the FCT Minister of State, Dr Mariya Mahmoud, noted that the project was another testimony to Tinubu administration’s resolve to deliver impactful and people-centred governance.

Mahmoud said that the road would serve as a symbol of collective determination to build a better, more connected, and more prosperous Nigeria under Tinubu.

Mr Richard Dauda, acting Executive Secretary, Federal Capital Territory Development Authority, said that the INEX was the primary road that bound the inner development corridor of the northern flank of the city.

Dauda said that the full scope of the road in the Abuja Master Plan from Maitama to ONEX was a 32.5 kilometre, 10-lane expressway.

He said that the road was planned to consist of two main carriageways of three lanes each and two service carriageways of two lanes each.

“The Master Plan provides that the expressway commences at Maitama by the IBB Golf Course, traverses through the Central Area, passing between the National Mosque and the Yar’adua Centre in Phase I and continues through Phase II of the city to Wuye and Dakibiyu Districts.

“It then proceeds to Phase III and Phase IV, through the Idu Industrial Area and terminates at ONEX,” he said.

He said that the road was being developed in stages with the first phase being the right-hand carriageway from Ring Road II to Ring Road III, adding that the second stage was the section being inaugurated. (NAN)

Edited by Abiemwense Moru

Helpline unveils project to strengthen cultural rights of FCT original inhabitants 
Metro

Helpline unveils project to strengthen cultural rights of FCT original inhabitants 

By Philip Yatai

Helpline Social Support Initiative (HSSI), an NGO, has unveiled a two-year project to strengthen the cultural rights of the Original Inhabitants (OIs) of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT).

Unveiling the project at a news conference in Abuja on Tuesday, the HSSI Project Manager, Mr Onoja Arome, said that the move was to preserve the cultural heritage of the OIs.

Arome said that the project would be supported by the MacArthur Foundation, through the Resource Centre for Human Right and Civic Education (CHRICED).

He explained that the project was designed to train 100 vulnerable women and youths in cultural attire production.

This, according to him, is to increase the cultural identity awareness of the OIs and create job opportunities through skill acquisition in arts and craft.

He added that the project was to advocate the resettlement and adequate compensation of OIs whose land had been encroached upon or taken over by developers without adequate compensation.

He said “it will also create awareness of their presence as OIs whose voices are gradually going into
extinction.

“These, among others, are what the Helpline Social Support Initiative shall be engaged with in the next 18 months of the project.”

Arome said that the 1973 decree that created the FCT came with a lot of consequences for the OIs.

He noted that the OIs were forced to relinquish their ancestral land for the development of the nation’s capital.

He added that “the development scattered the indigenous people, with many of them losing most of their economic trees and farmlands, thereby causing high unemployment rate among the OIs.

“This was why the MacArthur Foundation stepped in, through CHRICED, and in 2021 supported HSSI to implement the first phase of the project.”

The manager said that the project recorded huge success with a total of 200 vulnerable women and youths trained and empowered to preserve their cultural identity.

He said the beneficiaries were now making a living by producing cultural attire as entrepreneurs.

On awareness creation, Arome added that 39 jingles were produced and aired in OIs local languages, while advocacy visits to the department of resettlement and compensation were carried out.

He said “today, we make bold to reiterate that CHRICED has deemed it fit to continue on the project, thereby supporting us again to continue with the second phase of the project.

“We hereby call on stakeholders in this venture to empathise and sympathise with the OIs and join us in this venture to create an incredible impact that will out-leave us and usher new generations to a life of ease in the FCT.” (NAN)

Edited by Hadiza Mohammed-Aliyu

Tinubu’s govt. constructs 150km roads in FCT satellite towns – Wike
Metro

Tinubu’s govt. constructs 150km roads in FCT satellite towns – Wike

By Philip Yatai

The administration of President Bola Tinubu has constructed not less than 150- kilometres of roads in satellite towns of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) between 2024 and 2025.

The FCT Minister, Mr Nyesom Wike disclosed this in Abuja on Monday, during the inauguration of the newly constructed rural road from A2 Junction (Abuja-Lokoja Expressway) to Pai community in Kwali Area Council of the FCT.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports road was among the 17 projects executed by the FCT Administration and being inaugurated to celebrate Tinubu’s second year in office.

Wike said that the 150km roads consisted of both completed and ongoing projects.

“This shows that the emphasis is not just to improve infrastructure in the city, but also to improve life and other infrastructure in satellite towns,” he said.

He explained that the 15-km A2 to Pai road was executed under emergency intervention after the contract for the construction of Pai to Gumani was awarded.

He added that the Pai to Gumani, another 15-km road, was ongoing and would be completed before the end of the year.

The Minister added that a 13 km road from Gumani to Yangoji had been equally awarded.

“At the end of the day, along the stretch of this road, we will have done about 45 km,” he said.

The minister equally recalled that Tinubu approved six emergency roads in the six area councils of the FCT in the 2024 National Budget.

According to him, the six road projects had been completed and inaugurated in 2024.

“When we were appointed in August 2023, in our supplementary budget, we included six emergency roads in the six area councils, and you provided funds for them in the national budget.

“I want to inform you that these roads have all been completed and inaugurated.

“We are providing these data so that doubting Thomas can go and check whether they are in existence or they are just mere propaganda.”

He identified the roads as the 9km Paikon Kore to Ibwa Road in Gwagwalada Area Council, and 7.2 km Gaba and Tokulo Road in Bwari Area Council.

Also completed and inaugurated were the 5km dualised Kuje township road from Tipper Garage to LEA Secretariat in Kuje Area Council and the 11km Sukuku-Ebo-Yangoji. Road, in Kwali Area Council.

Others are the 5km access road to Saburi I and II in Abuja Municipal Area Council and another 5-kilometre road in Abaji Area Council.

“For the 2025, we will also inaugurate the completed 10km of Aguma Palace, Radio Nigeria and Market Road in Gwagwalada.

“There is also the 18km Nyanya Karshi dual carriageway.

“We are equally going to inaugurate the 7.4 km Dutse Alhaji to Usuma Dam Road and the dualised Ushafa to War College and Army Checkpoint Road, a 16.4 km road and other roads in Bwari Area Council.

“If you calculate the ongoing roads and those completed, within the satellite towns, we have constructed not less than 150 km of roads,” the minister said.

He said that the roads were strategic not only in improving the lives of rural dwellers and economic activities but also in improving security response in satellite towns. (NAN)

Edited by Rotimi Ijikanmi

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