₦airaland Forum

Brendaniel:
This news is somehow, so someone claims Jay-z is his father and takes him to court asking the court to compel him to do a DNA test and Jay-z fights the charge back not to do the DNA test, not that he wants to clear himself of not being the father of the boy but not just wanting to do the DNA test, something sounds fishy here...

I mean, if you have nothing to fear you will speedily tell them to do DNA and all cost should be bore by the person who made the claim, then you can counter sue if you want if the result is negative, but fighting back because you have the right to reject a DNA test looks fishy, looks similar with case of Gov. Sanwo Olu and that boy from Delta state, I thought it was only women who fear DNA test, why are these men now towing the same path?

Conclusion - Only randy men and women fear DNA test.

The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Barrister Ezenwo Nyesom Wike has flagged off the construction of five-bedroom duplexes in Asokoro District to serve as official residential quarters for the Heads of Courts in the FCT.

The beneficiaries of the high-profile project, which also includes a three-bedroom guest house, are the President of the Court of Appeal, the Chief Judge of the Federal High Court, the Chief Judge of the FCT High Court, and the President of the National Industrial Court.

Speaking during the flag-off ceremony in Abuja on Monday, October 13, 2025, Barr. Wike described the project as the "most important" of all the infrastructure projects undertaken by the administration, stressing that providing secure, high-quality residential accommodation was crucial in encouraging the independence of the judiciary and promoting the rule of law.

The Minister revealed that President Bola Ahmed Tinubu initiated the policy upon assuming office, recognizing that judicial officers should not be living in rented homes where their security and comfort could be compromised.

"You can’t afford to continue to see judges living in rented houses... These judges preside over criminal matters and other serious matters, of course, you never can tell what will happen", the Minister noted, recalling a past instance where a presiding justice was forced to squat with a relative for two years.

Barr. Wike emphasized that the project was fully backed by the Federal Government, being provided for in the FCT 2024 and 2025 budgets approved by the National Assembly and assented to by the President.

Crucially, the Minister announced that the newly constructed duplexes, as a policy shift under President Tinubu, will become the property of the Heads of Courts upon their retirement.

"As they are retiring, this property becomes their own. That is the approval of Mr. President, and that is why we issued the C of Os in their names", Barr. Wike affirmed.

The Minister gave a strict deadline, stating that the project, which had commenced, must be completed in 12 months and warned the FCDA and the contractor that there would be no variation.

Beyond the four residences for the Heads of Courts, the Minister restated that the FCT Administration is also building 10 Duplexes for the Judges of the Court of Appeal, 10 Duplexes for the Judges of the Federal High Court, and 20 Duplexes for the Judges of the FCT High Court to provide them with dignified and befitting accommodation.

The Minister equally assured the President of the National Industrial Court that residential accommodation for their judges would also be provided, reiterating that President Tinubu always keeps to his promises.

He further pledged that before the end of the President's first term, no Judge of the FCT High Court will be living in a rented quarter.

“Let me also say what the President has done for the FCT. Before the first tenure of Mr. President ends, no Judge of the FCT High Court will be living in rented quarters. We are making sure that this is done”, he stated.

The Minister specifically thanked the Attorney General of the Federation for his exemplary support, noting that he had changed the narrative regarding the welfare of judicial officers. He said the FCT Administration has included the digitalization of FCT courts in the 2025 budget, through the collaboration of the Attorney General, adding that the General Council of the FCT has already been directed to immediately commence the project.

In his goodwill message, the Minister of Justice and Attorney General of the Federation, Chief Lateef Fagbemi, said the provision of secure and befitting accommodation for heads of courts will enhance operational independence, personal security and institutional dignity, thereby enabling judicial officers to discharge their duties with great focus and authority.

He described the initiative as a tangible expression of President Tinubu’s vision that a robust judiciary is essential to national development and the consolidation of democratic governance, and expressed profound appreciation to the FCT Minister for transforming executive support to practical outcomes that will benefit the justice system and the nation.

Providing an overview of the project, the Acting Executive Secretary of the FCDA, Engr. Richard Yunana Dauda, stated that the FCT Administration, in line with the Abuja Master Plan, made provision for the development of four fully furnished and serviced accommodations for Heads of Courts to address the dearth of accommodation confronting the judiciary, which he said was impeding the optimal performance of the third arm of government.

Engr. Dauda disclosed that the project located in Asokoro District, Cadastral Zone A04 was awarded to Messrs. Detailed 2 Dot Development Nigeria Limited and would be completed within 12 months, while the contractor had already mobilized to site.

He said the scope of work includes the Construction of four residences, each featuring a five-bedroom duplex (main house) with a three-bedroom guest house, service quarters, worship centers, a swimming pool, full furnishing and servicing, fencing, external works, landscaping, car parks, water supply, and power supply facilities.

The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Barrister Ezenwo Nyesom has promised FCT residents that the upcoming year will usher in a massive infrastructure shift, unlike anything witnessed since the FCT was created.

The Minister made the pledge on Thursday, October 9, 2025, during the flagging off of the construction of Collector Road CN2 in Katampe District, a vital project aimed at opening up the Gishiri area.

Barr. Wike noted the significance of the timing, as the FCT attains its golden age of 50 years by February next year, and pledged that it will “be a different year altogether that will really see massive infrastructure turnaround in the FCT, something nobody has seen since FCT was created”.

Speaking on the Collector Road CN2 road project, the FCT Minister recalled that after the commissioning of the Gishiri interchange and dualization project in June, he urged the contractor, Chinese Geoengineering Construction (CGC), to begin the linking of the road even before the contract was formally awarded, to ensure the project's maximum impact.

He commended the contractor for demonstrating faith in President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s administration, saying, "To the glory of God, they went ahead. Now we are in the process of awarding the contract and look at what they are doing. I want to commend CGC for having that trust and confidence in the government of President Tinubu".

The Minister also stated that the road project, along with others, is earmarked for inauguration during President Tinubu's third anniversary, adding that its completion is expected to significantly appreciate the value of real estate in the area, thereby allowing economic activities to thrive.

“This is one of the projects we have earmarked for Mr. President to inaugurate on his third anniversary celebration, and I know they will not fail us”, he stated, noting that the CGC is also executing other major FCT projects, including the water supply project in Karu, Karshi, Orozo, and Bwari, as well as the dualization of the Outer Southern Expressway (OSEX), which is an eight-lane road leading to Apo/Wasa District.

Barr. Wike further urged the company to continue utilizing local content to provide employment opportunities for FCT residents and solicited the support of residents to ensure the timely completion of the project

The FCT Minister also used the opportunity to issue a renewed warning about potential sabotage and vandalism targeting the "Light-Up Abuja" program, a project aimed at enhancing security across the city. He cited a recent incident where lights were out on the Airport Road despite repeated warnings, and urged the CGC, which is also involved in the lighting project, not to be discouraged by the acts of sabotage, which, he said, were intended to distract the administration.

“I urge you not to relent. There may be some sabotage, including vandalism, but know that all those things are just to distract us. I can assure you that my team and I are very determined. If there is one project we must achieve, it is the light-up Abuja”, Barr. Wike said.

Earlier, while delivering the vote of thanks, the Acting Head of Service, FCTA, Madam Grace Sabanti Nathan, thanked President Tinubu for his continuous support, which, she said, was enabling the FCT to deliver on the promises of the Renewed Hope Agenda.

She also extended gratitude to the National Assembly for its unwavering support for the FCT Administration and thanked the FCT Minister for his pragmatic and dynamic leadership, which had visibly changed the landscape of the FCT.

In his project overview, Executive Secretary of the Federal Capital Development Authority, Engr Richard Yunana Dauda, said that the Collector Road CN2 was an inter-district road that connected Mabushi District to Katampe District, thereby facilitating movement within the various neighbourhoods of the districts.

He said the road, which started from Ahmadu Bello Way, near the Next Cash and Carry Junction, continued as a crescent connecting back to N11 by the Mabushi Bus Terminal. He added that the road further extends into Katampe District up to N16 Junction by Gishiri Village, connecting the Wole Soyinka Way and Shehu Shagari Way.

Engr. Dauda explained that construction work on the road, which totals 3.8km, includes earthworks, surface water drainage system, roadworks to asphalt pavement, water distribution network, ducts for power and telecommunication, as well as street lighting.

He revealed that when completed, the road will improve accessibility of residents within the districts, reduce travel time, enhance the overall development of Katampe District, and improve security, among other economic benefits.

Committing to the project, the Deputy Managing Director, China Geo-engineering Corporation (CGC) Nigeria Limited, Mr Lv Haiming, commended the Honourable Minister of the FCT for his concern for the people of Abuja. Highlighting the need to prioritize road construction, Haiming said roads were necessary to create wealth. He therefore pledged to complete the project in eight months, expressing the hope that the road would bring more wealth and opportunities to the local people, while assuring that at least 500 job opportunities would spring up with the commencement of work.


https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JFJWLaD77Is?si=-6vzmFOkQQtlPXkh

The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Barrister Ezenwo Nyesom Wike, has called on residents to continue to support President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, asserting that the administration has fulfilled every promise made to the people.

Barr. Wike made the call on Tuesday, October 7, 2025, while officially flagging off the rehabilitation of the 15-kilometer Old Keffi Road, from Kado Village to Dei-Dei junction on the Outer Northern Expressway, Abuja, stressing that residents have had only the best from the present government. He added that the Tinubu-led administration was doing its best to change things for the better for Nigerians and the Abuja people.

The Minister said, “I will urge you to also continue to support this government. Every promise Mr. President has made, particularly to the people of Abuja, we have always done it to show you our government is a government of making promises and fulfilling promises.

“I urge you to continue to support the administration of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, Grand Commander of the Federal Republic of Nigeria (GCFR). Don’t bother about those who are not serious. Don’t bother about those who had the opportunities to contribute to bringing meaningful development to this country and to Abuja but did not do it.

“Today, Mr. President is changing the narrative as far as Abuja is concerned. Do not make the mistake of looking for people whom we don’t know what will happen to us if we give them a third chance. We gave them the first chance, and they failed us. We gave them a second chance, but they failed us. If you make the mistake of the third chance, they will kill you”.

Highlighting the scale of development in the FCT under President Tinubu’s administration, the Minister stated that 73 out of the 105 schools in the FCT were undergoing rehabilitation with 33 more set to be flagged off for rehabilitation, adding that the FCT Administration had mapped out 27 days for project flag-offs in the nation’s capital, an achievement he described as the first of its kind.

The Minister pointed out that the rehabilitation of the old Keffi Road was in fulfillment of a promise made during the commissioning of the Saburi I and Saburi II emergency roads, which were among the first projects approved by President Tinubu upon assuming office.

"To the glory of God, we have come to fulfill that promise that the administration of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has made”, he said, stressing that the road will enhance connectivity and ease traffic flow when completed.

Barr. Wike further disclosed that the contract was awarded to Messrs. Lubrics Construction Company, the same contractor who executed the Saburi I and II road projects, due to the FCT Administration’s confidence in their capacity and quality of work, and urged the contractor to “prioritize the employment of local youths and residents, both men and women, for the project to help them fend for their families".

The Minister, while recalling how the Chairman of the Abuja Municipal Area Council (AMAC), Hon. Christopher Maikalangu, specifically requested the rehabilitation of the old Keffi Road, along with the Ketti to Kabusa and Kabusa to Takushara roads, during the commissioning of the Saburi roads, used the occasion to also emphasize the importance of electing good representatives.

"What this means is that in choosing those to represent you, choose people who know what you want", he advised, and praised the AMAC Chairman as a "good and true representative" worthy of re-election to ensure continuity in prioritizing the needs of the people.

Delivering the vote of thanks, the FCT Minister of State, Dr Mariya Mahmoud, said the rehabilitation of the vital road would enhance the quality of life for residents and thanked President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for the positive impact of his Renewed Hope Agenda in the FCT.

Dr Mahmoud also extended appreciation to the FCT Minister for his tireless efforts in infrastructural development and creating urban growth, while also thanking the leadership of the National Assembly for their invaluable support.

In his overview of the project, Executive Secretary, Federal Capital Development Authority, Engr Richard Yunana Dauda, went historical when he revealed that the Old Keffi Road predated the creation of Abuja as the Federal Capital Territory. He said the road used to be the major connecting route from Suleja in Niger State to Keffi in Nasarawa State and other northern cities via Old Wuse Village and Old Maitama Village.

Apart from being historically significant during colonial times, he explained that the road was equally strategic due to its socioeconomic impact in boosting commerce by providing access to regional markets in Dei Dei, Gwagwa, as well as the Pantaker markets, cutting across eight districts.

He said, on completion, the road would improve the socioeconomic lives of the inhabitants of communities in the area, improve infrastructure to the people, while enhancing general traffic circulation and safety of road users. He added that the 15km road was expected to be completed in 18 months and commended the contractor for having mobilized to the project site.

In his statement of commitment, Technical Manager, Lubric Construction Company, Engr. Anthony El-Khoury, thanked the Minister for his support and confidence in the company and promised to work with all stakeholders to ensure the timely delivery of the project in accordance with specifications.

The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Barr. Ezenwo Nyesom Wike has reassured residents that Abuja is a safe and secure city, while also highlighting significant progress on key infrastructure projects in the Wuye District and Kuje Area Council.

The Minister made these statements in Abuja on Saturday, October 4, 2025, following a routine inspection of ongoing work on the Wuye District Infrastructure and the Federal Highway 105 from the Umar Musa Yar'Adua Expressway to Kuje township.

Responding to a question about security concerns in the nation’s capital, Barrister Wike, emphasized that there is improved security in the FCT compared to what obtained in the past, stressing that isolated incidents of insecurity do not define the city’s overall safety.

"If there is one safe city in this country, I think Abuja is that city," the Minister stated, noting that the "Light Up Abuja" program, which involves installing solar streetlights across districts and expressways, is also a strategic initiative to further enhance security.

He said, “The problem we have here is that when one incident happens, we forget that three months ago, nothing happened. You should give us and the security agencies credit that we are doing quite a lot to make Abuja safe, and Abuja has been safe.

“We do agree that something may happen but that does not mean that Abuja is not safe…I don’t want us to take that to mean that the city is not safe. If there is one safe city in this country, I think Abuja is that city”, Barr. Wike added.

Speaking on the projects inspected, the Minister expressed satisfaction with the pace and progress of work, noting that Arab Contractors, the firm handling the Wuye District infrastructure, has assured that the project is nearing completion, with the road expected to be finished within 10 days.

Barr. Wike also praised the work on the Airport Road to Kuje dual carriageway, which he had visited multiple times, noting that the 8-lane road will significantly reduce travel time, allowing Kuje residents to reach the city center in just 15 to 20 minutes. He expressed confidence that the road will be inaugurated during President Bola Ahmed Tinubu's third anniversary celebration.

He said, “For a regular passerby who knows this area very well, if you come here now, you will give it to them; Arab Contractor has done a good job. You can see how beautiful the landscape is. We believe that, God willing, just as they have promised, with our support, and we will continue to support. Latest, during the third anniversary of Mr. President, we believe that this road will be one of the roads that will be inaugurated to the delight of residents of Kuje and the entire people of Abuja, and of course to the happiness of all Nigerians”.

“The level of infrastructure is such that we have not seen before, and everybody will attest to the fact that if you are living in Kuje, you don’t need to go and find a house in the city to live. By the time this road is commissioned, which is not less than 8-lane dual carriageway, in about 15 or 20 minutes, you are already in the city centre and that’s what development is all about. That’s what the Renewed Hope Agenda is all about. So, we are happy”, the Minister stated.

Addressing sanitation challenges, Barr. Wike also confirmed that the FCT Administration is actively removing dumped refuse, particularly along Airport Road and in the Nyanya/Karshi area. He revealed plans to award new contracts for refuse disposal within the next two weeks, promising to select only competent contractors with the capacity to ensure that the city remains clean.

“We believe that in the next two weeks, the contract will be formally awarded for refuse disposal. That, I can tell you, will help us quite a lot”, the Minister stated.

The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Barr. Ezenwo Nyesom Wike, has officially flagged off the construction of access roads to the Renewed Hope City and other Estates within the Karsana District, Abuja.

In his address during the flag-off ceremony on Friday, September 26, 2025, the Minister described the initiative as a major breakthrough in the FCT Administration's commitment to fulfilling President Bola Ahmed Tinubu's directive to provide essential infrastructure for housing developments.

He noted that the commencement of the project was a promise kept under the Renewed Hope Agenda, stressing that a robust road infrastructure was key to attracting investors, providing a foundation for other facilities, such as hospitals and schools.

The Minister said: "What we cannot run away from is that no city can be said to be a city without a good network of roads. That is basic. What qualifies a city first is the network of roads, then you talk about other facilities. All these houses you are seeing, without a good network of roads, it makes no sense. If you want to build a hospital here without a road, it makes no sense. If you want to build schools here, without a road, it makes no sense. So, the first thing you must provide to attract even investors is the road network, and that is what we are doing”.

The FCT Minister commended the contractor, Messrs Lubrik Construction Company Nig Ltd, for mobilizing to the site even before receiving payment, describing it as a show of confidence in the FCT Administration. He expressed hope that the company will keep its promise to deliver a quality project in good time for inauguration during President Tinubu's third anniversary, assuring residents that funds will be made available to ensure timely completion.

“Let me assure the residents of Karsana District that we have discussed with the contractors. We will do everything within our own power to see that funds are made available so that during the third-year anniversary of Mr. President, we will inaugurate this road network. I hope the contractors will keep to their promises”, the Minister stated.

Acting Head of FCTA Civil Service, Nancy Sabanti Nathan, in her vote of thanks, expressed profound gratitude to President Tinubu for prioritizing the development of the FCT in line with the Renewed Hope agenda and thanked the FCT Minister for his unmatchable leadership style in the FCT.

She added that the road project will ease traffic congestion and provide a vital link between Karsana District and other parts of the city, thereby boosting commercial activities and residential development, contributing to the growth of Abuja as a model city.

Giving an overview of the project, the Acting Executive Secretary of the Federal Capital Development Authority (FCDA), Engr. Richard Yunana Dauda, explained that the road network to the Renewed Hope estate and other estates within Karsana West begins at the outer Northern Expressway (Murtala Mohammed expressway) through the arterial road N40 within the Karsana North District and eventually connects with the arterial road N11 (Ahmadu Bello Way).

He said the contract for the project was awarded by the Federal Executive Council in March 2025 and is expected to be completed within 18 months.

Engr. Dauda further disclosed that the scope of work includes the construction of 10.5 kilometers span of road networks, as well as the provision of modern drainage systems, solar street lighting, and other engineering facilities.

He highlighted the extensive benefits of the project, including the creation of job opportunities, reduced travel time, and improved security in the area, adding that the new roads will not only provide access to the Renewed Hope estates but also open up Karsana district for further development, contributing to the city's overall growth.

Technical Manager, Lubrik Construction Company, Engr. Anthony El-Khoury expressed gratitude for the opportunity and pledged to work closely with all stakeholders to deliver the project within budget and on schedule.

The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Barr. Ezenwo Nyesom Wike has flagged off the full-scope development of the Arterial Road N1 (Olusegun Obasanjo Way), which stretches from the Wuye District to Ring Road II within Abuja.

The project, awarded to Messrs. Arab Contractors Nigeria Limited, has a completion timeline of one year and eight months.

In his address at the flag-off ceremony, Barr. Wike stated that the project demonstrates the FCT Administration's commitment to improving road networks and resolving traffic issues, thereby supporting the city's long-term urban growth in line with the Abuja Master Plan.

He noted that the new road would boost socio-economic activity and improve residents' living conditions and expressed confidence that the contractor, Messrs. Arab Contractors Nigeria Limited, having shown their capacity in the ongoing Federal Highway 105 project from Airport expressway to Kuje, would also complete the work on time.

Reacting to reports that he was sick, Barrister Wike, who recently returned from an overseas trip, dismissed such rumours as false, stressing that they were politically motivated. He explained that he took a deserved break from his busy schedule, emphasizing the need to be healthy to work.

According to him, “It’s unfortunate to hear that they said I was sick, they said you have a heart attack. God will continue to help them to have a heart attack”.

He also decried what he called the undue criticism of President Tinubu on social media, condemning a recent instance where a popular activist referred to the President as a criminal. Wike argued that such unguarded utterances were uncalled for, noting that Nigerians are fortunate to have a President who believes in the rule of law. He drew a parallel with the United States, stating that no matter how much Americans criticize their leaders, they would never publicly label a president a criminal.

He said, “This is a country where somebody will go on social media to say Mr. President is a criminal and nothing will happen. Anybody can wake up in the morning and say all kinds of things, and nothing will happen”.

Regarding a planned demonstration by FCT resident doctors over claims that the FCTA was prioritizing road construction over healthcare, the Minister assured them that their concerns, including allowances and the employment of health officers, were being addressed.

Barr. Wike, who also frowned at reports of purported plans by the workers to disrupt the project flag-off ceremony, cautioned against using the civil service for political purposes. He acknowledged the democratic rights of workers to protest, but warned that it will not stop decisions in the best interest of the administration.

He said, “If you want to enter political party A, you are free to enter and face me when the time comes, but don't use the civil service to play politics”.

He added, “The people in health said we have not paid their allowances. We lost our Head of Service. We’ve just appointed an Acting Head of Service. I said okay, go and check how much they are talking about.

“They said, we’ve not employed doctors. I said, Chairman, Civil Service Commission, go and employ them. I will not be a doctor. Go and employ them. They are now talking about improving the health facilities. The 2025 capital budget for health alone is about N25 billion. Ask them, when did we get our budget? We got our budget in July from the National Assembly”.

Speaking on efforts to improve street lighting in the FCT, Barr. Wike disclosed that the FCT Administration has devised new strategies, including four-year maintenance contracts with companies as well as the introduction of new technologies to prevent vandalism. He warned officials against any acts of corruption that could derail President Tinubu’s "Renewed Hope" agenda in the FCT.

Presenting an overview of the project, the Executive Secretary, FCDA, Engr. Richard Yunana Dauda, explained that the Arterial Road N1 begins from a place called the junction of Arterial Road S1 (Moshood Abiola Way in Garki District), traversing through the Central Business District, through Wuse District in phase one, and continues into phase two, through Wuye and Dakibiyu districts, and eventually terminates at Mbora district in phase three.


He said the segment of Arterial N1 under consideration is a continuation of the road from Wuye District to ring road II, which, when completed, will provide the needed connection of the sectors Centre B, comprising the districts of Wuye, Jabi, Utako and Dakibiyu, in phase 2, to other parts of the city.

Engr. Dauda added that the scope of work includes a dual-carriage road with three lanes in each direction, a five-span bridge, drainage systems, water pipelines, power supply, and street lighting. He said the project is also expected to create numerous direct and indirect jobs for the youth.