News Agency of Nigeria
Wike seeks support for Tinubu-led FG 
Metro

Wike seeks support for Tinubu-led FG 

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By Philip Yatai

The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Mr Nyesom Wike, has called on Nigerians to support President Bola Tinubu-led Federal Government to transform the country for the good of all.

Wike made the call in his 2025 Distinguish Personality Lecture, titled, “The Nigeria of our Dreams” delivered  at the Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile-Ife, Osun, on Thursday

He said that no leader, no matter how endowed, equipped or selfless, could truly succeed without the support and cooperation of the citizenry.

The minister advised Nigerians to wake up from years of cynicism, indifference and hopelessness and embrace a new era being birthed by Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda.

According to him, no nation has made any reasonable progress without the robust cooperation and collaboration of its leadership and followership.

“South Africa for instance, under Mandela, achieved independence and made progress as shown in his book’ Long Walk to Freedom’ through this cooperation.

“Dubai is also recording all these great feats through synergy between its leadership and followership.

“The time for belief is here; the time for action is also here. Together with President Tinubu, we can as a people begin the real process of building the Nigeria of our dreams,” he said

The minister also urged  Nigerians to reject the negative narrative that Nigeria would never change for good, stressing that “with the right leadership, nothing is impossible”.

He said that to reclaim Nigeria’s dream, the people must first reclaim the belief in the possibility that the country would be better and reject the defeatist narratives that nothing would change.

According to him, change does not come from the top alone; it bubbles up from the conviction of a determined people.

“The Nigeria of our dreams is not a utopia; it is a Nigeria that works; it is a Nigeria where merit trumps mediocrity, where justice flows like a river.

“The Nigeria of our dream is also where every child, regardless of ethnic group, religion, tongue, or class, has the opportunity to live with dignity and die with honour.

“It is a nation that listens to the heartbeat of its people and allows the soul of democracy to find expression, not only in periodic elections, but in the daily dignity of citizenship.

“It is a place where leaders are not predators on the public purse, but custodians of the people’s trust; where leadership is purposeful, and followership is responsible,” he said.

The minister added that the “Nigeria of our dream is a nation where institutions are stronger than individuals; where the rule of law is not a slogan, but a sacred covenant”.

Wike  emphasised that reclaiming Nigeria’s dream demands a rekindling of its vision and values, stressing that Nigerians must reimagine the country not as victims of its history, but as architects of its destiny.

He also stressed the need to rebuild trust between government and the governed, among ethnic nationalities and across faiths and generations.

The minister also said that to make meaningful progress, Nigerians must rediscover the dignity of labour, the sanctity of truth and the strength of unity.

“Most of all, we must believe again that our country, however flawed, is not beyond redemption.

“This work belongs to all of us. No one is too small to matter or too big to fail.

“Nigeria’s redemption will not be delivered by heroes on horseback, but by ordinary citizens doing extraordinary things: living with integrity, speaking truth to power, raising children with values, and holding firm to hope even when the night is long.

“The dream is not dead. It merely sleeps, waiting for those bold enough, brave enough, and burdened enough to awaken it,” he said. (NAN)

Edited by Buhari Bolaji

Only Tinubu can lead us to Nigeria of our dreams – Wike 
General News

Only Tinubu can lead us to Nigeria of our dreams – Wike 

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By Philip Yatai

The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Mr Nyesom Wike, says the country needs leaders like President Bola Tinubu to achieve the “Nigeria of our dreams”.

Wike said this in his 2025 Distinguish Personality Lecture, titled, “The Nigeria of our Dreams” presented at the Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile-Ife on Thursday.

Wike pointed out that the greatest challenge confronting Nigeria and  militating against its development was the plague of bad leadership.

He agreed with Chinua Achebe, whose seminar, ‘The Trouble with Nigeria’, graphically captured the challenge, when he stated that ‘the trouble with Nigeria is fairly and squarely the absence of proper leadership’.

“This statement, damaging as it may appear, is extremely difficult to controvert.

“Our leaders have, in the main, emerged through self-serving conspiracies that have little or nothing to do with national interests and development.

“This has been the case in both military and civilian contexts,” he said.

He, however, said that Tinubu had stood out as the leader the people needed to drive Nigeria to progress and prosperity.

He explained that Nigeria needs a leader that was prepared to lead with sound character and resilience in the face of challenges.

He added that the leader must also be a person who believed in the infinite possibilities that the Nigerian nation exemplifies, while taking solid, proactive, logical and well-informed decisions that would maximally actualise her potential.

This leader, he said, must have the courage and audacity to act, build, innovate and generally expand the frontiers of development with a hands-on approach that would emphasise excellence over mediocrity.

He added that more importantly, the leader of Nigerians’ dream must create a society of free and responsible citizens whose potentials flowed freely and free enterprise thrived.

“Let me make bold at this juncture to state that today, in our country, we have such a leader in the person of Tinubu.

“He has shown in several ways and at different times, a stout commitment to the enthronement of democracy in our country, to the extent of even putting his own life on the line in the process.

“He has shown great capacity for engendering development as captured in the unprecedented rapid and exponential development of Lagos state under his watch and even beyond,” he added.

He also said that Tinubu had demonstrated a rare courage by removing fuel subsidy on his first day, upon being sworn in as President.

According to him, leaders before him all spoke about the evil of fuel subsidy, but none had the courage to dare the blackmail of removing it.

“Tinubu did and is fittingly grappling with the inevitable, unintended and sometimes orchestrated consequences of this removal.

“Today, our states have far more resources to develop, the debts are no longer piling and the price of petrol is gradually but steadily adjusting downwards in tandem with the forces of demand and supply and the strict implementation of regulatory conditionalities.

“Also, the overwhelming cry of over-centralisation of power and resources at the national level and the attendant abuse of the doctrine of federalism is being systematically addressed.

“This is being addressed through the creation of zonal/regional commissions empowered to devolve developmental impetus to the respective zones and regions, so that power can truly return to the people.”

On security, Wike said that the situation was being addressed through proper funding and the training and retraining of security forces.

The minister added that Tinubu’s approval for the recruitment of forest guards across the country to take charge of the nation’s forests, bandits and terrorists would no longer find incubation points and free territories to operate.

“Put simply, the era of banditry and terrorism will soon come to an end.

“These and many other policies and measures are being put together by Tinubu to reposition our country on the path of progress and development,” Wike said.

Earlier, Gov. Ademola Adeleke of Osun, described Wike as a straightforward politician, adding that his wealth of political experience and leadership style was exemplary.

Represented by the Deputy Governor, Kola Adewusi, the governor said that the minister’s infrastructural transformation in the FCT was visionary.

Also, the Vice-Chancellor of the university Prof. Adebayo Bamire, said that the theme of the lecture, ‘’Nigeria of our Dream” was timely and thought-provoking.

“At a critical juncture when our nation’s democratic journey, when the challenges of governance, civic trust, and equitable development are at the forefront of public discourse, this lecture offers a vital platform for reflection, engagement and forward thinking.

“It calls us to interrogate the structures that uphold democracy, the principles that guide responsible governance, citizenship and the strategies that can unlock Nigeria’s development potential,” he said.

The Royal Father of the Day, Ooni of Ife, Adeyeye Ogunwusi, said he has deep respect for Wike because of his fearlessness.

He described the minister as an “upright politician” who “said things as they are.

“Hate him; like him – what will be will be.” (NAN)

Edited by Abiemwense Moru

2nd anniversary: Tinubu ‘ll inaugurate 10 of 17 FCT projects – Wike  
Metro

2nd anniversary: Tinubu ‘ll inaugurate 10 of 17 FCT projects – Wike  

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By Philip Yatai

President Bola Tinubu will personally inaugurate 10 out of the 17 projects outlined for inauguration to celebrate his second year in office.

The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Mr Nyesom Wike said this after inspecting some of the projects in Abuja on Wednesday.

Wike said that the inauguration of the projects, which would begin on June 10 with the rehabilitated Abuja International Conference Centre (AICC), would last to the end of the month.

He said that Tinubu would inaugurate 10 projects by himself, while Vice President Kashim Shettima would represent Tinubu to commission three projects.

He added that Senate President Godswill Akpabio would also represent Tinubu to inaugurate two projects, while the Speaker of the House of Representatives would follow suit and inaugurate two projects.

He said that some of the projects that would be inaugurated by Tinubu, the Vice President, Senate President and Speaker of the House of Representatives would be at the satellite towns

“Mr President has agreed to commission two of the satellite towns projects and then the Vice President and the Senate President.

“So, all of them will have a reason to go to the satellite towns, and let the people see them for the first time.

“The residents are feeling the impact of governance from the federal level and will have the opportunity to see their president and the leadership of the country coming to their domain,” Wike said.

The minister explained that 19 projects were earlier scheduled for inauguration but were reduced to 17 due to time and space.

He added that another arrangement would be made by the FCT Administration to inaugurate the other projects across the FCT.

“We are very happy that Mr President has given an opportunity for us to also contribute to the vision of the “Renewed Hope Agenda”.

“You can see the joy of the children. They are all feeling the impact of Tinubu’s renewed hope agenda”, and that is what it’s supposed to be.

“We are very happy that all the promises we made we have been able to accomplish them.

“Look at the reaction from people and that tells you that if the people are happy, we are also happy,” he said.

Wike commended Tinubu for the continued support to ensure he succeed, adding that while Mr President drives the process, the legislative arm ensures approval of budgets for implementation.

Speaking on the maintenance of the AICC, the minister said that it would be handed over to Julius Berger but under his direct supervision.

“We will have an agreement with Julius Berger for the maintenance of the edifice, and we’ll pay them.

“It is not going to be business as usual where you hand it over to politicians and they do whatever they want to do.

“This time around, it will be under my supervision, and it will be managed and maintained by Julius Berger,” he said. (NAN)

Edited by Abiemwense Moru

2025 budget: Wike to complete 14 ongoing road projects in FCT 
Metro

2025 budget: Wike to complete 14 ongoing road projects in FCT 

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By Philip Yatai

The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Mr Nyesom Wike, has earmarked part of the N1.78 trillion proposed 2025 FCT statutory budget for the completion of 14 ongoing roads projects across the territory.

Wike disclosed this in Abuja on Wednesday, when he appeared before the Senate and House of Representative Committees on FCT, to defend the 2025 FCT proposed budget.

He explained that out of the N1.78 trillion, N1.28 trillion was earmarked for capital projects, representing 72.3 per cent, while N494.1 billion was set aside as recurrent expenditure, representing 27.7 per cent.

He explained that road projects, sited both in the city centre and satellite towns would be handled by the Federal Capital Development Authority (FCDA) and the Satellite Towns Development Department (STDD).

The minister explained a total of N801.5 billion was allocated to the FCDA while N137 billion was allocated to the STDD for execution of capital projects.

He identified some of the projects as the completion of roads B6 and B12 and full scope development of Arterial Road N20 from Northern Parkway to Outer Northern Expressway (ONEX).

Also pencilled for competition is the provision of engineering infrastructure to Guzape Districts, provision of engineering infrastructure to Wuye District and provision of engineering infrastructure to Maitama II District.

“Others are the extension of Inner Southern Expressway (ISEX) from Southern Parkway (S8/S9) to Ring Road II, and full scope development of FCT Highway 105 (Kuje Road) from Airport Expressway to Outer Southern Expressway OSEX with Spur at Kyami District.

“Also for completion are the construction of Northern Parkway from Ring Road II to Ring Road III (6.2Km), full scope development of Arterial Road N20 from Arterial Road N5, and Rehabilitation of Old Keffi Road.

“The full scope development of Arterial Road N1 from Wuye District to Ring Road II, and the provision of access road to Bus Terminals in FCT would also be completed.

“Other ongoing road projects include the dualisation and upgrading of Ushafa War College/Army Check Point Road and other Ancillary Roads, and construction of Pai to Gomani Road in Kwali Area Council and dualization of Kuje to Gwagwalada Road,” he said.

The minister explained that the 14 ongoing projects would be sped up and completed before the end of 2025 fiscal year.

According to him the expansion and rehabilitation of the roads would eventually reduce the travel time and traffic gridlock on roads within and outside the capital city. (NAN)

Edited by Sadiya Hamza

2025 budget: FCTA secretariats, departments to spend N351.2bn on capital projects 
Metro

2025 budget: FCTA secretariats, departments to spend N351.2bn on capital projects 

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By Philip Yatai

The Federal Capital Territory Administration (FCTA) has earmarked N418.9 billion for its Secretariat, Departments and Agencies (SDAs) in the N1.78 trillion 2025 proposed statutory budget.

Out of the N418.9 billion, N351 billion was set aside for capital expenditure and new projects, said the FCT Minister, Mr Nyesom Wike, during the budget defence at the National Assembly on Wednesday.

Wike explained that out of the amount, N79.3 billion was allocated to the Transportation Secretariat with N53 billion set aside for capital expenditure and N27 billion proposed for recurrent expenditure.

He added that out of the capital expenditure, N25 billion was for the Abuja Light Rail Project rolling stock and provisions for other phases of the project.

He also said that N24 billion was earmarked for Bus Terminals development at Kugbo, Mabushi and Centre Business District.

In the education sector, the minister said that N181 billion was allocated to the Education Secretariat, out of which N61 billion was for recurrent expenditure and N120 billion for capital expenditure.

The minister said that the N120 billion include N8 billion set aside as Universal Basic Education Board counterpart fund.

He further said that a total of N54 billion was earmarked for the Health Secretariat, out of which N20 billion was for capital projects.

He added that N34 billion was for recurrent expenditure, of which N1.3 billion was earmarked for Drug Revolving g Fund.

“The FCT Administration, through the budget, seeks to complete the upgrading and rehabilitation of FCT hospitals.

“This will enhance the capacity of some of our hospitals through the procurement of modern hospital equipment and ambulances,” he said.

In the environmental sector, the minister said that the FCT Administration has proposed N22.9 billion for the Abuja Environmental Protection Board (AEPB).

He said that out of the amount, N3.9 was for capital projects while N19 billion was for operations and recurrent expenditure.

He explained that the AEPB was charged with the statutory function of ensuring and maintaining a clean and healthy environment for inhabitants of the FCT.

He disclosed that the city cleaning contracts require more than N12.3 billion per annum, while the maintenance of the Wupa Sewage Treatment Plant requires about N2.7 billion annually.

“We are also reviewing our mode of operations to initiate a more cost-efficient city cleaning strategy in the 2025 fiscal year,” he said.

To improve water supply in the FCT, Wike said that a total of N37.4 billion was set aside to enhance water treatment.

He added that out of the figure, N7.7 billion was earmarked for water treatment chemicals while N29.4 billion was for FCT Water Board”s personnel, overhead and capital expenditure.

“Through the 2025 statutory budget, we shall accelerate the implementation of the Greater Abuja Water Project being executed through a China Exim Bank Loan but for which we are to make counterpart funding provision.

“The completion of implementation of the project will extend water supply to about 26 districts and layouts.

“Noting the wide gap between current revenue generation in the water sector and its inherent potentials, as well as the need to minimise wastages, we are at advanced stage of exploiting Public Private Partnership for the deployment of pre-paid meters for dispensing of water at points of consumption.

“The successful implementation of this initiative will greatly assist in addressing the revenue shortfalls of the Sector,” he assured.

Wike further said that N8.3 billion was proposed for the Agriculture and Rural Development Secretariat to improve agricultural production and engagement of youths in agriculture.

This, according to him, will enhance food security, income and better standards of living in the rural communities.

“With N4 billion earmarked for capital projects, we shall invest in the provision of agricultural inputs such as improved seeds, agro-chemicals and fertilizer among others and developed cluster farm centers in both the livestock and crop production sub-sectors,” he said.

On social development sector, the minister said that a total of N23.7 billion was allocated to promote gender, youths, children development, and other vulnerable groups in the FCT.

He added that funds would also go into promotion and preservation of Nigeria’s art and culture within the FCT.

The allocation, he added, would also be challenged towards the development of sports, through the provision of sporting, cultural and recreational facilities.

He also said that while the FCT Legal Services Secretariat got N7.7 billion, with N5 billion meant for capital expenditure, a total of  N1.5 billion was earmarked for Land Department to cover personnel, overhead and capital expenditure.

He added that the Area Council Services Secretariat got a total of N37.1 billion towards ensuring effective and efficient service delivery for rural transformation, improving quality of lives of the citizens and strengthening traditional institutions.

The minister has earlier explained that out of the N1.78 trillion propose budget, N1.28 trillion was earmarked for capital projects, representing 72.3 per cent, while N494.1 billion was set aside as recurrent expenditure, representing 27.7 per cent. (NAN)

Edited by Sadiya Hamza

NMA commends Wike’s efforts at ending malaria in FCT
Health

NMA commends Wike’s efforts at ending malaria in FCT

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By Philip Yatai

Abuja, April 25, 2025 (NAN) The Nigerian Medical Association (NMA) has commended the Federal Capital Territory Administration (FCTA) for standing strong in the fight against malaria.

Dr Emeka Ayogu, Chairman FCT chapter of the association gave the commendation in Abuja on Friday, on the sidelines of an event organised to commemorate the 2025 World Malaria Day.

The event was organised by the Health Services and Environment Secretariat, FCTA, to offer free malaria testing, treatment, sensitises residents to ways to prevent malaria and how to access free malaria services.

Ayogu told the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) that the Nyesom Wike-led FCT Administration was doing very well in its efforts to end malaria in FCT, through its free malaria testing, prevention and treatment services.

According to him, the health services and environment secretariat is particularly doing exceptionally well in tackling malaria at households and community level.

“I commend FCT Minister Nyesom Wike and the Mandate Secretary, Health Services and Environment Secretariat, Dr Adedolapo Fasawe for standing very strong in the fight against malaria.

“They are doing very well to see how we can tackle malaria at households and community levesl across the FCT.

“The FCTA’s initiative to reinvest in its healthcare systems, reimagine how it fights malaria, and reignite its energy and unwavering commitment to end malaria is particularly encouraging.”

The NMA chairman said that the FCTA’s efforts emphasised the importance of eradicating malaria.

He added that the FCT Malaria Elimination Programme and the Seasonal Malaria Chemoprevention in the territory, were not only creating awareness, but mobilising resources.

Earlier, Fasawe explained that the FCTA was scaling up interventions against malaria and strengthening its monitoring systems.

She added that the secretariat was also collaborating with partners at local, national, and international levels to stem the scourge of malaria in FCT.

She implored residents to take advantage of the free malaria testing services and make good use of the insecticide-treated nets provided.

Also, the Permanent Secretary in the secretariat, Dr Babagana Adam, explained that April 25 of every year was set aside to raise awareness about malaria prevention, testing and treatment.

“Our gathering today shows our commitment to taking action and strengthening the efforts of the FCTA to fight this preventable and treatable disease.

“We recently began a valuable partnership with FAMKLIS to ensure antimalarial drugs are available free of charge in our health facilities.

“Today, we are continuing that effort; everyone here will be able to get tested and receive a free insecticide-treated net,” Adam said. (NAN)

Edited by Rotimi Ijikanmi

Tinubu’s agenda reviving university education – Wike
Education

Tinubu’s agenda reviving university education – Wike

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By Christian Njoku

Mr Nyesom Wike, Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), said that President Bola Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda is revitalising Nigeria’s university education system.

Wike said this on Saturday in Calabar, at the 37th convocation ceremony of the University of Calabar (UniCal), where he received an Honorary Doctorate Degree in Law.

Commending the President’s dedication to higher education, the minister said ongoing interventions are reshaping the landscape of tertiary education across the nation.

According to him, the Nigerian Education Loan Fund (NELFUND) has eased financial burdens on students, ensuring no willing individual is denied access to quality education.

He added, “The Students’ Start-up Innovation and Entrepreneurship Grant empowers youths to convert knowledge into enterprise.

“Universities’ removal from IPPIS has further advanced institutional autonomy.”

Wike noted that universities’ exclusion from IPPIS has restored their financial independence, allowing them to operate more efficiently and with greater flexibility.

He also highlighted that allowing TETFund research funds to remain within institutions enables them to engage in innovative and groundbreaking research.

The minister said these progressive policies are positioning Nigeria’s universities to respond effectively to the needs of the 21st century.

Expressing gratitude to the University of Calabar for the honorary degree, he said the recognition inspires him to continue contributing meaningfully to national progress.

“I am truly honoured by this recognition. UniCal has inscribed my name in its golden records, and I accept this honour with immense responsibility,” he said. (NAN) 

Edited by Kamal Tayo Oropo

Wike to pay medical bills of Karu accident victims
Metro

Wike to pay medical bills of Karu accident victims

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By Philip Yatai

The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Mr Nyesom Wike, has pledged to cover all medical expenses for the victims of Wednesday’s accident near Karu Bridge along the Abuja-Keffi Expressway.

Wike made the announcement in a statement issued on Thursday in Abuja, signed by his Senior Special Assistant on Public Communications and Social Media, Mr Lere Olayinka.

Sympathising with the victims, Wike described the accident as “avoidable.”

“It was painful that precious lives were lost, and vehicles were destroyed in an accident that could have been avoided,” he said.

He condoled the families of those who lost their lives and directed continued treatments of those who sustained injuries.

The minister said he had directed the Mandate Secretary, Health Services and Environment Secretariat, Dr Adedolapo Fasawe to ensure prompt treatment of the injured.

“Following my directive, Fasawe visited Asokoro District Hospital on Thursday morning and was part of the medical team that attended to the 17 casualties brought to the facility.”

“She informed me that after initial stabilisation, seven were referred to the National Hospital, while six with minor injuries were treated successfully,” Wike said.

He further explained that three victims suffering from severe burns, inhalation, and crush injuries were still receiving treatment at the hospital.

“Regrettably, one of the casualties with third-degree burns passed away while undergoing resuscitation,” he added.

Wike emphasised the need for stricter adherence to traffic regulations, particularly by heavy-duty vehicle drivers, urging them to be cautious and comply with speed limits.

He also called on the Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC) and other relevant agencies to intensify efforts to enforce traffic laws and ensure the safety of road users.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the accident occurred when a truck driver lost control near the Karu Bridge and collided with several vehicles in a traffic jam, causing a massive explosion.

The incident resulted in the deaths of 10 people and left more than 30 others injured, who are now receiving medical attention. (NAN)

Edited by Abiemwense Moru

Italy’s Lombardy Regional Govt. to establish vocational training institute in FCT
Foreign

Italy’s Lombardy Regional Govt. to establish vocational training institute in FCT

353 total views today

By Philip Yatai

The Lombardy Regional Government in Italy, has promised to establish a Vocational Training Institute in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Abuja.

Mr Lere Olayinka, Senior Special Assistant to the FCT Minister on Public Communications and Social Media, made this known in a statement in Milan on Thursday.

Olayinka explained that Lombardy President, Mr Attilio Fontana, promised to establish the institute during a meeting with the FCT Minister, Mr Nyesom, in Milan on Thursday.

He explained that the institute, when established, would strengthen vocational education in the FCT and also facilitate the training of FCT youths in Lombardy.

He added that Fontana also promised to collaborate with the FCT Administration on agricultural development with focus on modern farming technology.

Olayinka quoted Fontana as saying: “You know that Lombardy Region is very strong in industry and battery manufacturing apart from agriculture.

“We are willing to collaborate with you in the education of the future because a lot of education is about software, innovation, technology and it is very important.

“We are the best region in this. More than 30 per cent of technical education in Italy is here in Lombardy.

“We can establish something on vocational training in your country and you can also come here to learn our kind of education.

“On agriculture, my team will sit with your team, look at your priority areas and see how we can partner and also be of assistance.”

On the take-off of the training institute, the spokesman said that the Lombardy president had assured that it would be as soon as a Memorandum of Understanding was prepared and signed.

The spokesman explained that Fontana’s commitment followed Wike’s request for partnership to strengthen FCT’s vocational training and agriculture development.

He quoted the minister as saying, “We had meetings with your country’s ambassador in Nigeria where we put heads together to see how we can exchange ideas with you and partner with the Lombardy Region.

“We are aware that Lombardy Region is very strong in agriculture and vocational education.

“Ours is to see how we can partner to have investors in agriculture in Abuja, the capital of Nigeria and to also get assistance in the area of vocational education to train our youths and women, especially in ICT and other skills acquisitions.”

He added that Wike had explained to Fontana the vast fertile land in Abuja, which would make agricultural production thrive.

Wike said: “Abuja has more than 800,000 hectares of land, out of which 274,000 hectares is earmarked for agricultural development while 270,000 hectares is for forest reserve.

“Therefore, we are particular about collaboration with your government to develop agriculture in Abuja.

“Also, vocational training for the youths, especially in ICT is key. It provides self-employment and once our youths can employ themselves and are taken off the streets, crime will reduce.

“Basically, these are the two areas we are seeking that we can partner together and also get assistance from your government.”

Olayinka said that the meeting was attended by the FCT Mandate Secretaries for Education, Dr Danlami Hayyo and Mandate Secretary for Agriculture and Rural Development, Mr Lawan Geidam. (NAN)

Edited by Abiemwense Moru

Monitor influx of suspicious persons into FCT – Wike tells security agencies
Defence/Security

Monitor influx of suspicious persons into FCT – Wike tells security agencies

445 total views today

By Philip Yatai

The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Mr Nyesom Wike, has directed security agencies to monitor the influx of people that could pose security threats into FCT.

The Commissioner of Police in the FCT, Olatunji Disu, disclosed this while briefing journalists on the outcome of the FCT Security Committee meeting in Abuja on Tuesday.

The meeting, which was chaired by Wike, was attended by the chairmen of the six area councils of the FCT.

Disu said that the minister has directed the security agencies to set up a committee to effectively monitor the influx of “Almajiris” and suspicious individuals into the territory.

Amlajiris are children who leave their families to study Islam in Qur’anic schools, mostly in the northern part of the country.

He said that the members of the committee would include all security operatives in the FCT, namely the Nigeria Police, Nigerian Navy, Department of State Services and the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps.

He explained that the committee would work with the chairmen of the area councils to identify Almajiri schools where children were brought to learn.

He added that the committee was also expected to profile the school owners and the content of the training.

The commissioner said that the committee would work with the owners of the school, particularly to find out from them what the government could do for them.

The steps, according to him, will ensure the safety of the children, the schools and the host communities.

Disu explained that the move was part of FCT Administration’s proactive measures in addressing security concerns in the territory.

He said that the committee was giving two weeks to report back to the minister.

He said that clearance operation was ongoing across the FCT, adding that five persons, suspecting could post security threats in the territory have been arrested and were being investigated.

“Meanwhile, we want to enjoin all residents of the FCT to be security conscious and take note of any new person coming into their areas and report to appropriate authorities

“Everybody should be security conscious. Please let us profile people coming into our environment; we need to know them,” he said. (NAN)

Edited by Abiemwense Moru

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