News Agency of Nigeria
Tinubu promises inclusive devt. to uplift lives of Nigerians
Metro

Tinubu promises inclusive devt. to uplift lives of Nigerians

By Philip Yatai

President Bola Tinubu says his administration will ensure a balanced and inclusive development targeted at lifting the lives of Nigerians.

Tinubu stated this in Abuja on Monday, while inaugurating the newly constructed rural road, from A2 Junction (Abuja-Lokoja Expressway) to Pai community in Kwali Area Council of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT).

The road was among the 17 projects executed by the FCT and being inaugurated to celebrate Tinubu’s second year in office.

Tinubu said that the A2 to Pai road project was one of many that his administration was delivering across the country, “and we will not stop.

“We will continue until every Nigerian can feel the touch of meaningful governance”.

He, however, said that road and infrastructure development were meaningless if they were not developed for the benefit of the people.

“Indeed, this project will continue to elevate our lives if this administration continues to prioritize infrastructure development in all zones.

“The inauguration of the newly constructed road from A2 Junction on Abuja-Lokoja Expressway to Pia town is both symbolic and strategic.

“It is strategic because it opens a new corridor for agriculture, commerce, education, mobility, and other areas, strengthening our national economy from the grassroots up,” he said.

Tinubu added that rural communities such as Pia make an important contribution to Nigeria’s social and economic fabric, especially in food production and local enterprises.

He, however, pointed out that the community potential had been hindered by poor road access, isolation, and neglect for far too long.

“Today, that narrative is changing.

“To the people of Pia, this is your road. I urge the community to take ownership of this infrastructure, guide it, maintain it, and use it to the fullest.

“Let it be a pathway to growth and a bridge to a better life for the youth, farmers, traders, and students who will move with great ease,” he said.

He commended the FCT Minister, Mr Nyesom Wike and his team for what he described as a “wonderful job”.

He added that Wike was thinking about the people and their needs and thinking about the country he represents.

“Nyesom Wike and his team, you are doing a good job for the underserved rural areas.

“Thank you, Nyesom Wike, for all you are doing. We greatly appreciate the efforts you and your team have put in place to achieve this.

“I would not have been here and noted what is here if not for your efforts,” he said.

Earlier, Wike 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.

“We awarded the contract for a road project from Pai to Gumani. So, when we were coming for the flag -off, I was asking, where are we going to flag-off the road?

“I now ask, how do we get to that Pai, when this road is not constructed? It doesn’t make sense.

“All we would have done is, okay, let us construct the road from A2 to Pai, later we can construct from Pai to Gomani, and I thank God that today we are inaugurating it,” he said.

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

He equally said that a 13 km road from Gumani to Yangoje was equally awarded.

On his part, the Coordinator, Satellite Towns Development Department (STDD), Abdulkadir Zulkiflu, said that the road project was awarded to Zeberced Group in November 2024.

Zulkiflu said that the road was already uplifting the wellbeing of the people and stimulating economic activities.

Also, the Village Head of Pai, Alhaji Sani Abubakar thanked Tinubu for appointing Wike as the minister of the FCT saying, “he is the right person for the job”.

He said that communities along the road have been facing challenges of transporting their farm produce, adding the constructed road was already improving economic activities in the area. (NAN)

Edited by Abiemwense Moru

World’s longest hairdressing marathon record holder, T-Jos secures Ighalo’s support
General News

World’s longest hairdressing marathon record holder, T-Jos secures Ighalo’s support

By Philip Yatai

Nigerian barber Joshua Aiyenuro, known as T-Jos, who completed the Guinness World Record for the Longest Hairdressing Marathon, has gained Super Eagles star Odion Ighalo’s support for his youth empowerment initiative.

T-Jos accomplished the marathon, which lasted 154 hours from June 10 to June 17, and met with Ighalo in Abuja on Sunday to gain his endorsement.

During the visit, T-Jos unveiled his ambitious plan to establish 1,000 barbing seats in every state of Nigeria, including the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Abuja.

This initiative aims not only to provide barbing services but also to offer skill acquisition opportunities for Nigerian youths.

Describing Ighalo as a major source of inspiration and support, T-Jos shared his journey, growing up as a street kid in Surulere, Lagos, with little hope of success.

He credited several mentors, including the Team Secretary of the Super Eagles, for helping him become the official barber of the National Team, where he eventually met Ighalo.

T-Jos expressed deep gratitude to God and to everyone who supported him throughout his journey.

In response, Ighalo lauded T-Jos for his resilience and determination, pledging his full support for the project.

He noted that T-Jos’ initiative aligned closely with his own philanthropic efforts in Ajegunle, Lagos, where his foundation supported talented young footballers, orphans, and widows.

Ighalo emphasised the importance of giving back to society and promised to assist T-Jos in any way possible to achieve his vision.

With Ighalo’s backing, T-Jos’ initiative is poised to make a significant impact by creating employment and skill-building opportunities for Nigerian youth.

The partnership between these two influential figures is expected to inspire others and drive meaningful change across the country.

As T-Jos embarks on this new chapter, his story stands as a powerful testament to perseverance and the transformative power of support and determination. (NAN)

Edited by Abiemwense Moru

Tinubu lauds Wike for transforming Abuja to world class city
Metro

Tinubu lauds Wike for transforming Abuja to world class city

By Philip Yatai

President Bola Tinubu has commended the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, for keying into his vision of developing Abuja to a world class capital city.

Tinubu made the commendation in Abuja on Friday, while inaugurating the first phase of Arterial Road N5 (Obafemi Awolowo Way), from Life Camp Junction to Ring Road III, to celebrate his second year in office.

Represented by the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Sen. George Akume, the President said that the Arterial Road N5 represented what Nigerians can achieve when vision meets action.

He said that the road represented a symbol of collective progress and commitment to a better future.

“It reflects on our commitment to deliver a modern infrastructure that improves the daily lives of our people.

“With the inauguration of this road, traffic circulation around the districts of Dape, Gwarimpa 1, Kado, Karsana, Idu, and Mbora will greatly ease.

“It will further decongest traffic gridlock around the life camp junction and adjoining neighbourhoods,” he said.

Tinubu also commended the FCT administration, the residents and stakeholders who have been integral to the project.

“Thank you, Mr Wike and all the residents and stakeholders who have made this project a reality.

“I also congratulate the FCT administration for keying into our vision of developing the nation’s capital to a level comparable to that of the world’s top capital cities,” he said.

On his part, Wike urged resident of the FCT to bear with the inconveniences caused by the ongoing infrastructural development, noting that development comes with challenges.

He said that the contract for the extension of the Arterial Road N5 was awarded by the Federal Executive Council in September 2024, but work commenced in October.

He said that the contract was awarded to Julius Berger in two phases, adding that the first Phase was inaugurated, while the second phase would be inaugurated before the end of 2025.

Wike commended the affected communities who lost their houses to the road project for their understanding and support.

He said that compensation was paid to both affected indigenes and non-indigenes in line with Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda.

According to the minister, conversation is ongoing with community leaders to pay them compensation to be able to extend the road to Nnamdi Azikiwe Airport.

He commended the President and the National Assembly for identifying with the FCT.

Earlier, Mr Richard Dauda, acting Executive Secretary, Federal Capital Development Authority, said that the road was a six-lane dual carriageway with a parking lane, making it eight lanes.

Dauda said that the road was one of the major inter-districts roads that traversed several districts in the city.

“As provided in the FCT Master Plan, the Arterial Road N5 starts from the Central Business District, International Conference Centre, passes by the NPC towers and traverses through Wuse District in Phase I.

“It continues through Utako and Jabi District in Phase II and up to Dape and Gwarinpa Districts in Phase III.

“Future development will extend the road up to Phase IV,” he said.

He said that Phase I and II had been fully developed, adding that the potion being inaugurated was in Phase III section of the road, from Life Camp Junction up to Ring Road III. (NAN)

Edited by Kadiri Abdulrahman

ANRiN project exceeds target, delivers 6m services, tasks stakeholders on sustainability
Health

ANRiN project exceeds target, delivers 6m services, tasks stakeholders on sustainability

By Sani Idris Abdulrahman

The Accelerating Nutrition Results in Nigeria (ANRiN) project, has rolled out its achievements in improving the health and well-being of children under five, adolescent girls, pregnant and lactating women in Kaduna State.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the first phase of the ANRiN project would end on 30th June 2025, while the second phase, 2.0, would begin on July 1st, 2025.

The ANRiN 2.0, which has three components, would entail; basic package of nutrition services, convergence with food systems and
data-driven multi sectoral coordination and accountability.

Delivering a presentation at a four-day sustainability workshop in Kano, the Project Manager of the ANRiN project in Kaduna, Dr Zainab Muhammad-Idris, said over the course of it first phase, the project delivered a total of 6,267,880 services, exceeding its target of 5,784,983.

Muhammad-Idris said that the services provided by the project included vitamin ‘A’ supplementation, deworming, micronutrient powder distribution, and counseling on Maternal, Infant, and Young Child Nutrition (MIYCN) practices.

She added that the project provided contraception services, including Short-Term Methods (STM) and Long-Acting Reversible Contraception (LARC), to adolescent girls.

Muhammad-Idris said a total of 146,897 adolescent girls received child spacing and family planning services, with 23,578 opting for LARC and 123,319 choosing STM.

At facility level, the project manager said that the project trained 60 Master Trainers, 120 Secondary Health Facility workers, and 510 Primary Health Care workers on various aspects of healthcare delivery.

She added that over 300,000 pregnant women were reached with MIYCN counseling, iron and folic acid supplementation, and intermittent preventive treatment for malaria.

Muhammad-Idris said the project established and strengthened 23 Grievance Redress Committees (GRCs) across the state, which serve as a platform for communities to provide feedback on the project’s services.

Speaking further, she recalled that the ANRiN project also provided emergency support to the Tudun Biri community (Drone attack victims) with food items, livestock, seedlings, agricultural inputs, among others.

The Chairman, Kaduna State Committee on Food and Nutrition (SCFN), Bashir Muhammad,stated that the project’s achievements demonstrated the impact of collaborative efforts in improving the health and well-being of children, adolescent girls, pregnant and lactating women in Kaduna State.

Muhammad stated that such collaborative approach would be crucial in ensuring that the benefits of the project were felt for years to come, and that the health and nutrition needs of the state’s most vulnerable populations continue to be met.

He, therefore, said it was imperative that the stakeholders continue to work together to ensure that the gains were sustained for the betterment of the state and nation in general.

Muhammad restated the SCFN’s commitment to supporting initiatives that improve nutrition outcomes in Kaduna State, emphasising the committee’s role in coordinating efforts to address malnutrition.

The State Nutrition Officer (SNO), Ramatu Haruna, lamented that malnutrition was a major public health issue in the state contributing to over 50 per cent of under-five deaths.

Haruna was represented by Jibril Isah, the Reproductive, Maternal, Newborn Child and Adolescent Health (RMNCAH) Monitoring and Evaluation Officer at the State Primary Health Care Board.

He said that key MIYCN indicators revealed critical gaps with only 13 per cent of newborns receiving timely breastfeeding.

She explained that 41.1 per cent of infants were exclusively breastfed, and 12.3 per cent of children aged six to 23 months met proper feeding standards.

Haruna said that the state had 1,063 Primary Healthcare Centres (PHCs), 31 Secondary Health Care Facilities, with 162 offering Integrated Management of Acute Malnutrition (IMAM) services and 560 delivering MIYCN interventions.

Similarly, she said that one tertiary hospital and 31 secondary facilities served as Severe Acute Malnutrition (SAM) stabilisation centers, supported by community-based Infant and Young Child Feeding (IYCF) services in all the 23 LGAs to strengthen capacity.

The SNO also said that 585 health workers from 162 PHCs had been trained on IMAM, alongside 1,620 community volunteers who have established 14,580 support groups statewide.

Earlier, Nutrition Specialist for ANRiN project in Kaduna, Hauwa Usman, said the workshop, which strategically brought stakeholders from various MDAs, was to review the achievements and lessons learned.

She added that the meeting was to strengthen capacity for sustainability planning and encourage multi-sectoral collaboration

NAN reports that ANRiN is a state-led and World Bank-funded performance-based project which aims to increase the utilisation of quality, cost-effective nutrition services for pregnant and lactating women, adolescent girls, and children under five years of age.

Primarily, the project focuses on increasing access to and utilising a community-based Basic Package of Nutrition Services (BNPS) according to established targets to reduce malnutrition in Nigeria.

The programme is currently being implemented in 12 high malnutrition burden states in Nigeria.(NAN)

Edited by Bashir Rabe Mani

Discrimination, violations against PWDs: NGO inaugurates Rights in Action project
Health

Discrimination, violations against PWDs: NGO inaugurates Rights in Action project

By Angela Atabo/Justina Auta

CBM Global Disability Inclusion, a Non-Governmental Organisation (NGO) has inaugurated the” Rights in Action” project to address intersectional discrimination and human rights violations against Persons with Disabilities (PWDs).

Inaugurating the project on Tuesday in Abuja, Mr Abdulazeez Musa, Country Director, CBM Global Disability Inclusion, said the project aimed to address all forms of marginalisation against PWDs.

According to Musa, the project which is an Organisation of Persons with Disabilities (OPDs) advocacy project is funded by the Finland Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

“The project is being facilitated by CBM Global Disability Inclusion and implemented by our technical partners, Joint National Association of Persons with Disabilities (JONAPWD) and Inclusive Friends Association (IFA).

“What the project aims to achieve is to help PWDs to be able to achieve their goals and live their lives with dignity, to enjoy their full fundamental human rights just like anybody else.”

Musa added that the project also aimed to make PWDs have the ability and the capacity to self-advocate.

“On this project, we will be focusing largely on the marginalised groups because even among PWDs we have those that are also further marginalised.

“So you can imagine the layer of marginalisation and discrimination. An example of such a group is persons with learning difficulty or challenges and sometimes even the deaf community,” he said.

The country director explained that the organisation would work with such groups to strengthen their organisational capacity with a view to designing projects, mobilising their members and speaking out for themselves.

He said the OPDs would come up with the priorities themselves and design the interventions as they see fit and the technical partners would provide the needed support.

He added that a key aspect of the project would be to analyse how the community sees PWDs which is at the core of the issues.

Musa noted that Nigeria was not short of laws because it had passed the Disability Rights Act, adding that implementation had been the issue as people continue to see PWDs as persons that cannot contribute to nation building.

“So this project aims to address that; and we hope to see that this law is now being fully implemented by being allocated funds during the budgeting process and PWDs are living just like any other person in Nigeria,” said.

He disclosed that the project would run for two years, commencing in two pilot states of Adamawa in the Northeast and the Federal Capital Territory.

In the same vein, one of the implementing partners, IFA, said the project would aid in closing the marginalised gaps against and among PWDs.

The Executive Director, IFA, Grace Jerry, said the expectation of IFA would be to spotlight the most marginalised organisations that haven’t really been made part of major policies to drive inclusion processes in Nigeria.

“So for us, it is spotlighting those organisations and empowering them to drive policies for themselves, by themselves, and for the general good of the marginalised group.

“For instance, you talk about the deaf-blind community. This is a community of persons with disabilities who haven’t really gained much recognition in terms of their needs and their rights.

“This project, therefore seeks to amplify such marginalised groups and, of course, other groups giving them an opportunity to drive policy for themselves.

Mr Abdullahi Usman, President, JONAPWD, and also the implementing partner of the project, says the dream of the project is to see the underrepresented groups among PWDs get their own rights like others.

“This is because although collectively, PWDs in this country are fighting for their rights, but among us, there are also some PWDs who are also discriminated against within the community.

“For instance, people who have intellectual issues, people with cerebral palsy, the deaf and blind and persons with albinism are often denied their rights because of claims that they are not PWDs.

“So my expectation at the end of this project is to see that other communities of PWDs fully understand that all PWDs have equal rights with people without disabilities,” he said.

A representative from the Ministry of Women Affairs, Ms Sweet Okundaye, Director Legal Services, commended CBM Global Disability Inclusion for the initiative and promised the ministry’s support to the project.

Similarly, Ms Oluchi Adieze, Desk Officer, Rights of Persons with Disabilities, National Human Rights Commission, said the commission was established to promote, protect, and enforce the rights of every human living in Nigeria.

Adieze pledged the commission’s support to the project and urged the implementing partners to leverage its state offices to address human rights challenges from the grassroots. (NAN)

Edited by Deborah Coker

Completion of 0m greater Abuja water supply project excites Wike
Metro

Completion of $470m greater Abuja water supply project excites Wike

By Philip Yatai

The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Mr Nyesom Wike, expressed excitement for completing the 470 million dollars Greater Abuja Water Supply Project eight years after.

Wike expressed his excitement in Abuja on Monday. at the inauguration of the project by President Bola Tinubu to celebrate his second year in office.

He explained that the project was awarded in 2017 under a partnership with the African Development Initiative to take care of loop one, two, five and six.

He added that the Chinese government provided 85 per cent of the funds while the Federal Government and the FCT provided 15 per cent.

The minister added that the project was completed in just two years in office, following Tinubu’s directive to improve water supply in the city.

“Although the project was awarded since 2017, your administration has completed it and today we are inaugurating it to improve water supply in the city,” he said.

Wike recalled that the FCT Administration had in 2024 signed a Memorandum of Understanding with a Chinese company to provide water in FCT satellite towns.

“I want to say today, that we almost completed the procurement process to provide water to residents of Bwari, Kubwa, and Karu among other communities.

“So, Mr President, you are not only providing water to residents in the cities; you are also providing water to residents in satellite towns,” he added.

He thanked Tinubu for the support and assured the President that this project would be completed and inaugurated in 2026 to celebrate his third year in office.

He equally thanked the National Assembly for the tireless support, which he described as “very encouraging”.

Inaugurating the project, Tinubu described it as a “monumental effort” that would ensure safe, sustainable and sufficient water to homes, institutions and communities across the capital city.

According to him, water is not a luxury, but a basic for human right and a foundation for public health, urban development and economic growth.

He thanked Wike for exhibiting a very great virtue of leadership.

“This virtue is when a leader is very conscious of the needs of his people and he goes about, committed with dedication to do it.

“That’s what you have been exhibiting in FCT,” Tinubu said.

The FCT Minister of State, Dr Mariya Mahmoud, thanked Tinubu for his steadfast commitment to the welfare of Nigerians and for making the delivery of essential services a key priority of his “Renewed Hope Agenda”.

“Your excellency, your leadership has breathed new life into long-standing projects such as this one, transforming plans on paper into realities that directly impact the lives of our citizens.

“The completion of these water supply loops clearly demonstrates your administration’s resolve to ensure that no community is left behind in our pursuit of national development,” she said.

Earlier, Mr Richard Dauda, acting Executive Secretary, Federal Capital Development Authority, said that the completed project would significantly improve access to potable water supply in the city.

Dauda said that the project involves the construction of water supply pipes in loops one, two, five and six in line with the provisions of the Abuja Master Plan.

He added that it involves laying of 425-kilometre (km) of ductile iron pipes at various diametres, comprising 256 km of main lines and 169 km of distribution lines.

“The scope of the project includes site clearance and excavation, construction of loops one and two in Phase II, III and part of Phase IV in the norther development corridor and loops five and six in Phase II and III in the southern development corridor of the city,” he said. (NAN)

Edited by Halima Sheji

I have no regret naming international conference centre after Tinubu – Wike
Metro

I have no regret naming international conference centre after Tinubu – Wike

By Philip Yatai

The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Mr Nyesom Wike, says he has no regret naming Abuja International Conference Centre after President Bola Tinubu.

Wike said this in Abuja on Friday, during the inauguration of the completed 15-kilometre left hand service carriage way of OSEX Stage II, from Ring Road I to Wassa Junction.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that criticism followed the naming of the rehabilitated Abuja International Conference Centre after Tinubu, shortly after it was reopened on Tuesday.

Others described expending N39 billion to renovate the edifice as a misplaced priority.

Reacting, Wike wondered why some people were criticising the naming of the conference centre after Tinubu.

According to him, Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport was not built by Azikiwe and Moshood Abiola National Stadium was not built by Abiola.

He added that those criticising the rehabilitation of the centre do not have good taste.

“I have done it, and I have no regret at all,” Wike said.

He said that the only thing that was not changed in the centre was the structure saying, “everything in that centre was changed”.

He expressed dismay that instead of commending Tinubu for doing very well, some people derived pleasure in indulging in baseless criticism.

Wike said those who described the N39 billion spent on the renovation of the centre as a misplaced priority had lost track of time and the changing exchange rate of Naira to a Dollar.

“They said that the centre was built with N240 million, but which year? 1991.

“What was the exchange rate in 1991 compared with today? Look at it, 1991 and we are now in 2025.

“Nobody who loves this country will criticise the rehabilitation of the international conference centre,” he said.

The minister said that Nigeria was seen as the giant of Africa, adding that people must see what makes the country the giant of Africa.

“We deserve the best for the country and Mr President has given us the best,” he said.

Wike promises to dualised Apo to Wassa road  
Metro

Wike promises to dualised Apo to Wassa road  

By Philip Yatai

The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Mr Nyesom Wike, says the FCT Administration will dualise the Outer Southern Expressway (OSEX) from Apo to Wassa Junction.

Wike stated this in Abuja on Friday, during the inauguration of the completed 15-kilometre left hand service carriage way of OSEX Stage II, from Ring Road I to Wassa Junction.

He said that the step was to eliminate any form of traffic congestion on the expressway, increase vehicular movement and promote economic activities.

He said that the left-hand service carriage way of OSEX was awarded in 2017 at N6 billion and after variation in 2021, the contract sum increased to N21 billion.

The minister explained that on assumption into office in August 2023, he noticed that the road was in a bad state, the project was abandoned due to lack of funds.

He said that the right-hand service carriageway was facing heavy vehicular traffic and slowing down economic activities.

The minister explained that the decision to complete the project was part of President Bola Tinubu administration’s commitment to complete all ongoing projects.

“The Apo to Wassa road project is one of such projects.

“I promised the contractor that we will make money available and to the glory of God today, we are here to inaugurate the road,” he said.

The minister said that the completed road would improve connectivity, ease traffic movement from Apo to Wassa and link Takushara and Kabusa communities.

“This is what has been lacking, and Tinubu has made it very clear that his drive is not just to develop the city but to open up rural communities for development,” he said.

He said that part of the funds used in constructing the road was from ground rent and urged FCT residents to continue to pay their taxes to enable the FCT Administration undertake more infrastructural development projects.

Wike thanked Tinubu and the National Assembly for all the support that translates to success being recorded.

The minister also promised to relocate Apo Mechanic traders and artisans from the OSEX road corridor to Wassa, adding that he would not only supervise the process, but chair the exercise.

Inaugurating the road, Tinubu said that the road from Apo to Wassa Junction was a significant addition to the road network in the heart of Abuja.

Represented by Senate President Godswill Akpabio, the president said, “this very vital infrastructure fully demonstrates our commitment which is the voice of the President now.

“It demonstrates our commitment to sustainable urban development, enhanced mobility, and improved quality of life for the people of the FCT.

“The OSEX is Abuja’s key transport backbone. It connects the city centre to rapidly growing districts,” he said.

The FCT Minister of State, Dr Mariya Mahmoud, said that the project stands as a testament to the Tinubu administration’s “Renewed Hope Agenda”.

Mahmoud said that the administration was delivering not just roads but new possibilities, enhanced mobility, and economic opportunities for FCT residents.

Earlier, Mr Richard Dauda, Executive Secretary, Federal Capital Development Authority, said that the OSEX was a 10-lane expressway with two main carriageways of three lanes and two service carriageways of two lanes.

Dauda explained that the about 60-kilometre OSEX commences from the Villa Roundabout to Apo through Kuje and connects Abuja to Lokoja expressway at A2 in Gwagwalada.

He said that the road was being developed in stages, adding that the first stage from the Villa Roundabout to Ring Road I was completed and inaugurated in 2024.

“The right-hand service carriageway to Wassa Junction had been completed and now the 15-kilometre left hand service carriageway was equally completed and inaugurated today,” he said.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the left-hand service carriage way of OSEX was the third project that was inaugurated out of the 17 projects outlined for inauguration to celebrate Tinubu’s second year in office. (NAN)

Edited by Yakubu Uba

FCTA to close Apo-Wassa road for project’s inauguration on Friday
Metro

FCTA to close Apo-Wassa road for project’s inauguration on Friday

By Philip Yatai

The Federal Capital Territory Administration (FCTA) has announced that the road from Apo Mechanic Village to Wassa will be closed to vehicular movement between 11 a.m. and 4 p.m. on Friday.

Mr Lere Olayinka, Senior Special Assistant on Public Communications and Social Media to the FCT Minister, said this in a statement issued in Abuja on Thursday.

Olayinka explained that the closure was to allow President Bola Tinubu to inaugurate the completed 15-kilometre left-hand service lane of the Outer Southern Expressway, Stage II.

He said that the road, from Ring Road I Junction to Wassa Junction, would be inaugurated at 2:30 p.m. on Friday.

“Motorists are urged to use alternative routes between 11 a.m. and 4 p.m. tomorrow when the Apo-Wassa Road will be inaccessible.

“Traffic enforcement personnel will be deployed to guide motorists and minimise inconvenience.

“The FCTA appeals to affected road users to bear with the government during this temporary closure,” he said.

Olayinka also said that traders, mechanics, and shop owners in Apo Mechanics Village had voluntarily agreed to close their businesses on Friday to welcome the President and participate in the commissioning.

“They are expected to resume business on Saturday,” he said.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the Apo-Wassa Road will be the third project to be inaugurated out of the 17 outlined to celebrate Tinubu’s second year in office. (NAN)

Edited by Abiemwense Moru

APC will welcome Wike – Tinubu
Metro

APC will welcome Wike – Tinubu

By Salif Atojoko

President Bola Tinubu says the All Progressives Congress (APC) is ready to welcome Mr Nyesom Wike, the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), whenever he decides to join the party.

The President stated this at the commissioning of Arterial Road N16 (Shehu Shagari Way), connecting Ring Road 1 (Nnamdi Azikiwe Way) to Arterial Road N20 (Wole Soyinka Way), along with accompanying interchanges and feeder roads in Katampe District, Abuja, on Wednesday.

The Wike-led FCT Administration executed the projects, Mr Bayo Onanuga, the President’s spokesman, said in a statement.

Commending Wike for his dedication and collaborative approach to governance, the President said: “He could not achieve this alone without your full cooperation as a team builder and player. You have proved that teamwork is the hallmark of good leadership.”

Tinubu acknowledged the support of traditional rulers and local communities, especially in ensuring the smooth relocation of residents affected by the development:

“I commend the Minister for relocating the local communities affected by the development, with peace and good compensation. The government has played its part. I urge you to protect this infrastructure and use it wisely.

“He’s not a member of my party, not yet. But the day he changes his mind and registers with the Progressives, we will welcome him because we will enjoy him singing as ‘e dey sweet us,” Tinubu said.

He described the project as more than a stretch of road: “It affirms our commitment to transformation under our Renewed Hope Agenda.

“What was once a missing link is now a modern, functional, and durable infrastructure, an artery fully realised through the leadership of the FCT Administration under the Honourable Minister, Barrister Wike.”

He noted that the corridor had remained underdeveloped for years despite being an integral part of the Abuja Master Plan.

“This road will ease traffic congestion around Central Abuja and improve connectivity to developing districts such as Katampe, Jahi, and Bwari.

“It will stimulate housing and business growth while serving as a foundation for future city integration,” he added.

President Tinubu reiterated that infrastructure development was essential to Nigeria’s progress, saying: “Infrastructure is the bedrock of national competitiveness, growth, social integration, and economic opportunity.

“There is no way industrialisation will flourish without good roads. We invest in roads, rail, power, healthcare, education, and digital infrastructure.

“We can only unlock Nigeria’s full potential through this coordinated and integrated development. I promise you, we will.”

Tinubu reaffirmed his administration’s resolve to continue delivering results regardless of political distractions.

“We will continue to build and serve the people, no matter how much the lesser minds pursue their politics,” he said.

Wike commended the President for restoring public trust in government and boosting contractor confidence, which has led to the accelerated completion of key infrastructure in the FCT.

“This road was awarded by the administration. It is not one of those projects we inherited,” he said, noting that the Federal Executive Council approved the project in September 2023 and it was flagged off the following month.

He admitted initially being sceptical about the contractor CGC Nigeria Ltd. until he observed their performance on another project.

“Companies and contractors are competing among themselves to have jobs awarded to them, and they are ready to mobilise to the site without the government paying them for the initial mobilisation.

“That is confidence-building, and that’s what you’ve created.

“No contract awarded by you in the city was abandoned. By the time you do your third anniversary next year, you will see that virtually all the contracts you awarded as the President will have finished, to the glory of God,” he said.

The minister emphasised the importance of the newly completed road, saying it connected critical judicial and administrative zones.

“It leads to the judges’ quarters, the Court of Appeal, the Federal High Court, and the Federal Capital Territory, and the judges’ court is almost ready,” he said.

Wike added that the Tinubu administration’s visible impact had neutralised opposition efforts under the ‘coalition’ movement.

“Your good works have defeated the coalition. I have instructed my people to ensure that every national television station must hook into the inauguration of projects.

“They will see what is happening on national television every day on every television channel. They have no choice but to watch Mr President for the next 17 days,” he said.

Presenting a technical brief, Mr Richard Dauda, the Acting Executive Secretary of the Federal Capital Development Authority (FCDA), explained that the completed Arterial Road N16 starts from Nnamdi Azikiwe Expressway (Ring Road One) near Transcorp Hilton and extends to Arterial Road N20 (Wole Soyinka Way).

“The corridor integrates Maitama, Katampe, Utako, Jahi, and surrounding districts, providing critical linkages for residents and commercial users.

“The scope of work includes the construction of an interchange with two bridges, a flyover with interconnecting loops that link Ring Road One, and a flyover over the Nnamdi Azikiwe Expressway.

“The arterial N16 is a six-lane dual carriageway with covered parking lanes, effectively making it an eight-lane road,” he said.

He added that the 3.7-kilometre road was delivered with complete engineering infrastructure, including underground surface water drainage systems, box and pipe culverts of various sizes, foul sewer and water supply networks, telecommunication ducts and modern street lighting systems.

“The work has been practically completed and is ready to be used. The completion of this project has provided the much-needed circulation and connection within the city, especially linking the 21 districts of Maitama, Utako, Jahi, and others,” Dauda said. (NAN)

Edited by Muhyideen Jimoh

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