₦airaland Forum

...says no confusion about Rainbow Coalition

The Senior Special Assistant on Public Communications and Social Media to the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Lere Olayinka, has dismissed the large number of presidential candidates for the 2027 general elections, saying many of them are content creators and not serious contenders.

He described the opposition candidates as political aspirants seeking to register their presence on the ballot rather than win the presidency.

Olayinka, who is also a Spokesperson of the Directorate of Media and Strategic Communications of the All Progressives Congress (APC) and President Bola Ahmed Tinubu Presidential Campaign Council (PCC), made the remarks on Thursday while appearing as a guest on TVC's flagship political programme, Beyond The Headlines.

Speaking on the state of the opposition ahead of 2027, he argued that the presence of 19 presidential candidates does not translate to a competitive race against President Bola Tinubu.

Atiku, the African Democratic Congress (ADC) presidential candidate; Obi, the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) presidential candidate; and Sowore, the African Action Congress (AAC) presidential candidate, came under attack during Olayinka’s assessment of the opposition’s preparedness for the election. BuyMaps

Olayinka questioned Atiku’s repeated presidential bids, describing his eighth attempt as evidence of an ambition that had persisted for decades.

He also accused the former vice-president of inconsistency over fuel subsidy policy.

“Someone who started contesting for president since 1993… this is his eighth time. Anytime the whistle is blown, if today they say there should be election of president every month, Atiku would be contesting every month,” he said.

Olayinka also recalled Atiku’s description of fuel subsidy as a fraud in 2022, accusing him of subsequently advocating its restoration.

He turned to Obi, a former Anambra State governor, whom he described as a “content creator”, questioning his political consistency and ability to manage crises.

“Peter Obi is more like a content creator — he says something today, he says another thing tomorrow,” Olayinka said.

He also questioned Obi’s record of managing political parties, citing his departure from the PDP and Labour Party amid internal disputes.

“Someone who has not been able to manage an ordinary political party… does that mean if he becomes president and there is a problem in Nigeria, he will run and go to Cameroon?” he queried.

Sowore, the human rights activist and publisher who is seeking the presidency for the third time under the AAC, was criticised over his performance in the 2023 election.

Olayinka cited Sowore’s 14,600 votes in the last presidential election as evidence, arguing that the AAC candidate’s electoral record did not suggest he could defeat Tinubu in 2027.

“For instance, the candidate of AAC, Omoyele Sowore, had 14,600 votes in 2023. How would that person win the election next year? They know that they cannot win,” he said.

He argued that some presidential candidates were contesting mainly to establish their presence rather than secure victory.

“It is not everybody that contests elections that wants to win. There are people that contest elections just to register their presence,” he said.

Olayinka also questioned the NDC’s grassroots strength, arguing that a presidential candidate needed a broad national structure and sufficient personnel to mobilise voters and protect votes across polling units.

He maintained that electoral success depended on more than public visibility, insisting that candidates needed the organisational capacity to compete effectively nationwide.

On the APC’s preparations, Olayinka said political alliances were being built across states, dismissing concerns over reported disagreements among party stakeholders.

He cited cooperation between the APC and the Accord Party in Osun State, alongside alliances involving other political groups, as part of efforts to strengthen Tinubu’s re-election campaign.

“APC in Osun State and Accord Party are working together. It is a coalition. They are working to deliver votes to the president,” he said.

Olayinka expressed confidence that the APC’s coalition-building efforts and grassroots mobilisation would give Tinubu an advantage over the opposition in the 2027 election.

He said the opposition has failed to present a coherent alternative to the Tinubu administration, with campaigns built on sentiments and social media trends rather than verifiable achievements.

Olayinka cited road construction, urban renewal and reforms in the FCT under Minister Nyesom Wike as evidence of the administration's commitment to development.

The Federal Government of Nigeria confirm one case of Ebola disease in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), following laboratory confirmation today, 20 October 2026.

The patient, a woman who recently arrived in Nigeria on an international flight from Uganda, was admitted to a private hospital in the FCT, where she received care for several days before the diagnosis was confirmed. She is currently in isolation and receiving medical care.

The Federal Minister of Health and Social Welfare and NCDC are working closely with the FCT Health Services Secretariat and other relevant authorities to contain the infection and prevent further spread.

Contact tracing has commenced with 44 close contacts identified presently, with public health teams identifying and monitoring people who may have been exposed, including healthcare workers, patients, caregivers and travel contacts. Surveillance has been intensified, and the hospital is receiving immediate support to strengthen infection prevention and control measures.

The FG calls on all public and private healthcare facilities nationwide to be on high alert. Healthcare workers must maintain a high index of suspicion, promptly identify and isolate suspected cases, observe strict infection prevention and control measures, and immediately report suspected cases to public health authorities.

What Nigerians Should Know and Do
Ebola spreads through direct contact with the blood or body fluids of someone who is sick with the disease or has died from it, or through contact with contaminated materials. A person with Ebola cannot spread the disease before symptoms begin.

We advise everyone to:
1. Remain calm but vigilant. There is no need for panic.
2. Practise regular hand hygiene and avoid contact with the body fluids of anyone suspected to have Ebola.
3. Watch for symptoms, including fever, severe weakness, headache, vomiting and diarrhoea, particularly following possible exposure.
4. Report any possible exposure immediately, even if you feel well. If you develop symptoms, avoid close contact with others and call public health authorities for guidance before visiting a healthcare facility.
5. Cooperate with public health teams. Anyone contacted during contact tracing, including relevant airline passengers, should provide the necessary information and follow public health advice.
6. Avoid rumours and stigma. Share only verified information from official health authorities.

Our Assurance to Nigerians
Nigeria successfully contained Ebola in 2014, and we have the experience and public health systems to respond to this case.

However, containing Ebola requires everyone to play their part.

The Federal Government, FCT authorities and other partners are working together to protect healthcare workers, patients and the wider public. Investigations are ongoing, and we will continue to provide accurate and timely information.

We urge Nigerians to remain calm, stay vigilant and cooperate with public health authorities. Early detection, prompt reporting and everyone's cooperation are critical to preventing further spread.

The Government of Nigeria through the Presidential Taskforce on EVD and NCDC will continue to provide updates.

NCDC free call centre is available 24 hours a day, seven days a week. For information or to report a suspected case, please call NCDC toll-free number 6232.

Prof. Muhammad Ali Pate, CON
Coordinating Minister of Health and Social Welfare

The Save Oyo Movement, SOM, has accused the State Governor, Engr Seyi Makinde, of deploying the State resources into the funding the presidential campaign of former Vice President Atiku Abubakar to divide the votes of President Bola Tinubu.

In the last two weeks, over $3 million (about N4 billion) was delivered to Atiku in cash, the group alleged.

In a statement on Sunday, signed by its Coordinator, Comrade Akeem Oladiti, the group alleged that Governor Makinde was promised the position of Chief of Staff by Atiku, adding that funds are being channeled to the African Democratic Congress, ADC, presidential candidate by the Oyo State Governor through an Abuja based Bureau De Change operator and a notable member of the ADC from Ondo State.

The group chided Governor Makinde, for carrying his anger over the rejection of his ministerial nominee, Bimbo Adekanmbi, to the extreme level of wasting the State resources on Atiku Abubakar, just to get at President Tinubu.

It should be recalled that Makinde has confirmed that he nominated the Allied Peoples Movement, APM, governorship candidate in Oyo State, Bimbo Adekanmbi, for State ministerial slot, but the President rejected his nominee and appointed Adebayo Adelabu instead.

The SOM, which also described the governor's announcement that N6 billion compensation will be paid to property owners affected by the Ibadan Circular Road project as an afterthought, said only a wicked government will render people homeless first, before thinking about paying compensation.

The group described Makinde's promise to spend a single term of four years if elected president in 2027, as a "beer parlour joke", noting that the governor told journalists by himself when he opened his campaign office in Abuja that he knew he cannot win, and that he was only contesting to create an impression.

How can a man who knows that he cannot win an election and only spending public funds to frustrate President Tinubu's reelection just because his ministerial nominee was rejected and also targeting the position of Chief of Staff if Atiku wins be talking about spending one term as President? Is it President of Ikolaba in Ibadan?

The SOM vowed that it will ensure that Makinde is made to account for every kobo belonging to Oyo State that he is wasting on his "arrangee presidential contest."

The Academic Staff Union of Secondary Schools (ASUSS), Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Chapter, has rejected the indefinite strike declared by the Nigeria Union of Teachers (NUT), FCT Wing, directing secondary school teachers and education officers to report to work and continue their normal duties.

The directive followed an emergency meeting of the ASUSS State Executive Council (SEC) to review the NUT’s decision to withdraw services in the territory.

In a statement issued on Wednesday, ASUSS described the strike as premature and warned that the action could disrupt academic activities and negatively affect students.

The union urged its members to disregard the stay-at-home directive, insisting that the academic future of students should not be sacrificed because of an industrial dispute.

ASUSS also addressed the issues raised by the NUT, including vacancies, promotion and the redeployment of education agency directors.

On vacancies, the union said the requirement remains part of the Public Service Rules (PSR) governing establishment control and financial planning.

It argued that any changes to career structures should be addressed through dialogue and administrative engagement rather than industrial action.

On promotion, ASUSS said the administrative arrangements had already been resolved, noting that the 2025 promotion exercise would run alongside the 2026 promotion cycle under the FCT Civil Service Commission, in line with circulars issued in September 2026.

The union also maintained that the redeployment of directors in education agencies to classrooms was within the statutory powers of management to ensure administrative efficiency.

ASUSS further alleged that the strike could disrupt the scheduled 2025/2026 promotion examinations for FCT Education Officers.

It therefore directed all eligible education officers to participate in the examinations according to the published timetable.

The union also appealed to parents and guardians to send their children to school, assuring them that academic activities would continue.

ASUSS directed principals, vice-principals and education officers to keep secondary schools open, ensure teachers report to their classrooms and maintain normal academic and administrative activities.

It further instructed school authorities to disregard directives from what it described as unauthorised bodies where such instructions could disrupt the academic calendar.

The union urged school administrators to monitor attendance and maintain a safe and conducive learning environment, stressing that students should not bear the consequences of industrial disagreements.

ASUSS called for dialogue among stakeholders, insisting that the interests of students must remain the priority in resolving disputes within the FCT education sector.

The Senator Sharafadeen Alli Campaign Organisation has described the Oyo State Governor and Allied Peoples Movement (APM) Presidential Candidate, Seyi Makinde, as clueless and a total embarrassment to the people of the State, saying "for failing to address hunger in Oyo State despite increased funds from the federation account, Makinde has shown that he is more than clueless."

The Campaign Organisation, in a statement by Bisi Oladele, Director of Media and Publicity, said Governor Makinde's admittance of more money from the federation account to Oyo State was a confirmation of the success of the economic reform policies of the All Progressives Congress (APC) government of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.

Makinde had admitted in Lafia, Nasarawa State on Monday, that Oyo State received more money from the federation account, but added that he has not been able to reduce hunger in the State.

The Senator Sharafadeen Alli Campaign Organisation, in a statement on Tuesday, said Makinde's statement, though a function of his level of intellectual capacity, is a sad and clear reality of what Oyo State has been going through in terms of purposeful governance in the last seven years.

If through the ingenuity and purposeful leadership of President Tinubu, Oyo State allocation from the federation account has increased tremendously, should it also be the duty of the President to ensure judicious use of the money?

If you have acknowledged that monthly, you have been getting more money from the federation account, who are you expecting to come and help you to fight hunger in your State? Is it President Tinubu?

Most importantly, this same Governor Makinde has deliberately refused to allow local governments in Oyo State to function. He has criminally been everywhere, opposing local government autonomy so as to continue to spend both the State and local council funds.

Therefore, for the people of Oyo State, waiting a day longer to stop the extension of Makinde's cluelessness beyond 2027 is what must not be allowed to happen and on February 6, 2027, the governor and the man through whom he desires to extend his clueless government will be rejected by the people.



Bisi Oladele
Director, Media and Publicity
Senator Sharafadeen Alli Campaign Organisation

The Federal Capital Territory Administration (FCTA) is has approved the immediate renovation, rehabilitation and upgrading of all general hospitals (14) in the territory, with new medical equipment, diagnostic facilities and theatre upgrades, while work is set to resume on the long-abandoned Utako General Hospital.

The decisions were among the major resolutions of the 19th meeting of the FCT Executive Council, presided over by the Minister of the FCT, Barr. Nyesom Wike, and attended by the Minister of State, Dr Mariya Mahmoud.

Briefing journalists after the meeting, the Chief of Staff to the FCT Minister, Hon. Chidi Amadi, said the council considered 20 memoranda from various secretariats, departments and agencies.

According to him, the submissions were critical to the continued infrastructure development and improvement of public services in the nation’s capital.

Giving details of the health-sector resolutions, the Mandate Secretary, Health Secretariat and Environmental Services, Dr Adedolapo Fasawe, said the council approved the immediate commencement of the renovation, rehabilitation and upgrading of all general hospitals in the FCT.

She said the intervention would cover the procurement of new equipment, including X-ray machines and diagnostic materials, as well as the upgrading of hospital theatres.

Fasawe also disclosed that Wike had directed the commencement of work on the Utako General Hospital, which had remained abandoned for years.

She said the intervention would cover the construction, equipping and staffing of the facility.

According to her, the measures are expected to strengthen the availability of quality, affordable and accessible healthcare services for residents of the FCT.

Fasawe added that the administration had continued to meet its financial obligations to health insurance providers and Health Maintenance Organisations through the payment of premiums and capitation.

The council also approved the digitalisation of the FCT High Court, covering about 67 courtrooms across its various judicial divisions.

The General Counsel ,Mr Salman Dako said the project would introduce electronic court recording and case-management systems, replacing manual recording and physical filing of cases with digital processes.

He said the initiative would address challenges associated with manual documentation and handwritten records, adding that implementation was expected to commence immediately, with noticeable improvements targeted within two weeks.

The Education Secretariat also secured approval for two contracts for the provision of examination materials for pupils and students in primary, junior secondary and senior secondary schools across the FCT.

The Mandate Secretary for Education, Dr Danlami Hayyo, said the approval was part of efforts to consolidate the administration’s ongoing transformation of public schools through renovation, rehabilitation, improved classroom facilities and the provision of instructional materials.

Hayyo said the improvement in public school infrastructure had encouraged some parents to transfer their children from private schools to public schools.

He said the provision of examination materials would ensure that examinations were conducted smoothly across FCT public schools.

The Satellite Towns Development Department, STDD, also secured approval for a N5.703 billion contract for the construction of a 33KVA power supply line from Dawaki to Tukulo and surrounding villages in Bwari Area Council.

The Coordinator of STDD, Hon. Abdulkadir Zulkiflu, said the project was awarded to CGC Nigeria Limited and would be completed within eight months.

The council also ratified two previously completed and commissioned road projects in the satellite towns.

They include the construction of the Gaba-Tukulo Road and two-span river bridge in Bwari Area Council, awarded to Setraco Nigeria Limited for N8.219 billion, inclusive of 7.5 per cent VAT.

The second is the rehabilitation of the Paikon Kore-Ibuwa Road in Gwagwalada Area Council, also awarded to Setraco Nigeria Limited at N8.890 billion, inclusive of 7.5 per cent VAT.

Zulkiflu said both projects had a 12-month completion period and had already been completed and commissioned.

The Department of Land Administration secured approval for three memoranda aimed at improving its operations and strengthening revenue collection.

The Director of Land Administration, Chijioke Nwankwoeze, said the council approved the procurement of utility vehicles and an integrated ICT infrastructure and related accessories for the department.

The ICT upgrade includes desktop computers, workstations, display screens, scanners, network switches, fibre-optic connections, data-centre servers, monitoring systems and cooling systems, among other facilities.

The council also ratified the award of a contract for the printing of customised revenue receipt booklets.

Nwankwoeze said the redesigned receipts would contain enhanced security features aimed at preventing alterations and fraudulent practices in the land revenue collection system.

The Nigerian Security Printing and Minting Company, which produces Nigeria’s currency, will handle the printing of the new receipts.

The Abuja Metropolitan Management Council, AMMC, secured approval for six memoranda, five of which were for ratification and one for fresh approval.

The Overseeing Coordinator of AMMC, Mrs Mary Amina Ahmadu, said the approvals would facilitate maintenance works across the capital, particularly in waterways and other areas affected by environmental challenges.

She said indiscriminate dumping of refuse had contributed to blocked waterways and flooding in parts of the FCT, stressing the need for sustained maintenance and environmental management.

The FCT Water Board also secured approval for two memoranda, including the supply of powdered chlorine, otherwise known as high-test hypochlorite, HTH, for water treatment.

The Acting General Manager of the Water Board, Mrs Chinyere Elechi, said the chemical was essential for disinfecting water and eliminating pathogenic microorganisms before distribution to consumers.

She said adequate treatment of water was necessary to prevent waterborne diseases, including cholera, typhoid and dysentery.

The second memorandum approved by the council concerned the renewal of insurance for facilities associated with the Lower Usman Dam Treatment Plant.

Also speaking , Director of the FCTA Security Services Department, Adamu Gwary has approved the construction of a new Divisional Police Station at the Wasa Informal Sector ahead of the planned relocation of Apo mechanics and artisans to the area. The contract was approved at Tuesday’s 19th FCT Executive Council meeting, with a six-month delivery timeline. Gwary, said the project followed the Minister’s directive to provide adequate security for the sector and surrounding communities as economic activities increase.

Gwary said the Wasa project is part of Wike’s broader security initiative aimed at bringing policing closer to rural and developing communities across the FCT. He disclosed that the administration plans to build two divisional police stations in each of the six area councils, adding that two stations at Ushafa and Saburi had already been completed, furnished and handed over, with each facility also having a furnished six-man staff quarters.

The decisions of the 19th FCT Executive Council meeting cut across health, education, justice, land administration, power, environmental management and water supply, as the administration intensifies efforts to improve infrastructure and public services across the Federal Capital Territory.

The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Mr Nyesom Wike, has announced plans to inaugurate and lead the campaign machinery in Abuja and Rivers State to drive the re-election bid of President Bola Tinubu.

Wike disclosed this in Chikuku, Abuja on Friday, after he inspected the ongoing construction of Phase two of the Kuje-Gwagwalada road dualisation project.

He added that he would personally lead the campaign effort within the nation’s capital and extend the re-election operations to his home state of Rivers.

According to him, political parties across the spectrum are organising their ranks, and supporters of the President are fully prepared to initiate an aggressive campaign.

"The ruling All Progressives Congress (APC), I believe, is putting itself together for an aggressive campaign.

“For us who are supporting Mr President from different political platforms, we have put our machinery ready to fully kickstart.

“Very soon, I will inaugurate the campaign team for Tinubu in the FCT and Rivers State, which I will lead. All elements of the APC are ready, Mr President is ready, we are ready and you can see the enthusiasm.”

Addressing critics and political opponents, Wike argued that visible development projects would serve as the main driver for electoral support in the FCT, dismissing allegations of electoral malpractice ahead of time.

"People are happy, and I don't know who will contest against Mr President as far as this election is concerned.

"This is governance, and this is what people expect. It will translate directly into actual votes,” he said.

Wike expressed confidence that the administration's infrastructure record would secure victory across board in the FCT, including support for Sen. Philip Aduda and the two House of Representatives seats.

"It is very obvious. Nobody will be able to claim rigging in the FCT. The 'rigging' is the projects we are delivering, making the people happy," Wike said.

Commending both the contractor and site engineers for the progress recorded so far, the minister assured stakeholders that adequate funding would be disbursed to guarantee completion by December.

"This is my first time getting to this side of the road, and I can see how highly populated this area is,” he said.

Wike emphasised that delivering functional infrastructure remains the cornerstone of good governance and public satisfaction.

"You can imagine the enthusiasm and happiness on the faces of the people. That is why we say the essence of governance is to make people happy.

“When the people are happy, those in authority are happy," he added, expressing gratitude to Tinubu for providing sustained support for capital projects in the territory.

Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Minister, Barr. Nyesom Wike, has argued that being investigated by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) does not automatically disqualify a person from participating in political campaigns or canvassing votes.

Wike made the assertion on Wednesday, during a media parley in Port Harcourt, Rivers State, while defending the inclusion of individuals facing allegations or investigations in political campaign structures.

His comments followed controversy over the inclusion of former Minister of Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Alleviation, Betta Edu, in the All Progressives Congress (APC) campaign structure for President Bola Tinubu’s 2027 re-election bid.

Edu was listed as Director of Women Mobilisation in the APC Presidential Campaign Council. She was suspended by President Tinubu in January 2024 following allegations of financial impropriety and was subsequently investigated by the EFCC.

Wike questioned the basis for excluding a person from campaigning simply because the individual was being investigated, particularly where no conviction had been established.

“You were asking the moral justification of putting someone who has an EFCC case to be in a campaign council. And I was just watching the lady. The lady doesn’t even know what to say,” Wike said.

He added: “Now, somebody cannot be in a campaign to canvass for votes for a particular person, but somebody who has an EFCC case can contest an election and win an election?”

The minister said there had been instances in which individuals facing criminal allegations or court cases contested elections and emerged victorious.

“This person had an EFCC case in court, charged to court. He contested an election and became a governor,” he said, without identifying the individual.

Wike also took his argument further, saying even a person serving a prison sentence could express political support for a candidate and canvass votes through others.

“Listen. Even a prisoner… maybe they have somebody in prison. I go and visit the person. The person can tell me, ‘My brother, I want you to support so-and-so candidate.’ A prisoner has canvassed for vote,” he said.

The minister also referred to an unnamed individual allegedly linked to a coup plot, questioning the criticism generated when such a person was said to have supported a political candidate.

“I was watching, when Channels, when Sunrise, who came up to say, ‘Ah, how can somebody who’s being looked for as a coup plotter is now canvassing for votes for so-and-so government?’ Somebody EFCC is looking for is now canvassing for votes for so-and-so person,” Wike said.

He maintained that an ongoing investigation should not, by itself, prevent a political party or candidate from accepting an individual’s support during an election campaign.

“But a party, or a candidate cannot, simply because EFCC is investigating the person, cannot be a member of the campaign council to campaign for votes,” he said.

Edu has not been publicly declared guilty of any offence arising from the EFCC investigation.

Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Barr. Nyesom Wike, has assured that all capital projects initiated under President Bola Tinubu’s administration in the nation’s capital will be completed before the end of the administration’s tenure.

Wike gave the assurance during a media chat in Port Harcourt, Rivers State, where he said the administration had recorded unprecedented progress in infrastructure development across the FCT.

The minister said the Tinubu administration had commissioned 107 capital projects in the territory, adding that 76 of the projects had already been completed.

According to him, 10 additional projects are expected to be commissioned before the January elections, while the remaining projects would be completed before the expiration of the current administration.

“The President’s administration under Bola Tinubu commissioned 107 capital projects. We have completed 76. Before the January election, we will commission 10, and before the end of his tenure, we would have commissioned all the projects,” Wike said.

He said the FCT Administration had also made significant progress in completing projects inherited from previous administrations.

According to Wike, of the 25 projects inherited from the administration of former President Muhammadu Buhari, 23 had been completed, while two were ongoing.

He added that six out of eight projects inherited from the administrations of former Presidents Goodluck Jonathan and Umaru Musa Yar’Adua had also been completed, with work continuing on the remaining two.

“We inherited 25 projects from President Buhari and completed 23, while two are currently ongoing.

“We inherited eight projects from the administrations of President Jonathan and President Yar’Adua. We have completed six, while two are ongoing,” he said.

Wike said the Tinubu administration remained committed to ensuring that projects initiated under the Renewed Hope Agenda in the FCT were completed within the President’s tenure.

“Before this tenure expires, every project started under Bola Tinubu would have been completed,” he said.

The minister challenged critics to compare the performance of the current administration in the FCT with that of previous administrations, insisting that the territory had witnessed unprecedented development under Tinubu.

“In the history of the FCT, no government has done what we have done in Abuja. I challenge anyone to come out,” Wike stated.

The Federal Capital Territory Administration (FCTA), in collaboration with the Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC) and other sister agencies, has commenced a sustained special enforcement operation against traffic light violations, driving against traffic and other road offences across Abuja.

The Mandate Secretary, FCTA Transportation Secretariat, Mr Chinedum Elechi, disclosed this on Thursday during a special joint intervention press conference in Abuja, Nigeria's Capital.

The Secretary who said that Taskforce to that effect will start patrol and arrest perpetrators added that offenders would face the full weight of the law.

Elechi said the enforcement exercise was necessitated by increasing disregard for traffic rules by some motorists, particularly following the expansion of the FCT road network under the urban renewal programme of the administration of the FCT Minister, Barr. Nyesom Wike.

He said the FCTA was particularly pleased with the collaboration with the FCT Sector Command of the FRSC and other relevant agencies, describing the initiative as a major step towards restoring sanity to the territory's traffic management system.

“We are extremely happy to have this special collaboration with the Sector Command of the FCT. I think this is the first time that we're having this kind of collaboration,” Elechi said.

He added that the joint efforts of the FCT Security Department, Traffic Control Department, FRSC and other agencies would make the future of traffic management in Abuja brighter.

According to him, the FCT Administration's massive urban renewal programme, which includes the expansion of existing road networks and construction of new roads, has improved mobility and connectivity but also created new traffic management challenges.

“With some drivers taking advantage of the improved road infrastructure to disregard traffic rules and regulations,” he said.

Elechi listed the major targets of the enforcement exercise to include disregard for traffic lights and other traffic control devices, route violations and unauthorised use of restricted routes, including driving against traffic, illegal parking on major roads and at junctions, under bridges and on pedestrian crossings.

He warned motorists and commercial transport operators to obey traffic rules, use designated routes and park only in approved areas.

The Mandate Secretary said the exercise would be sustained, stressing that apprehended offenders would face appropriate sanctions under relevant national and FCT traffic regulations.

He said the enforcement would also include mandatory medical and psychological evaluation where applicable, in line with the National Road Traffic Regulations 2012 and the FCT Road Traffic Regulations.

“Offenders will have to face the full weight of the law when they involve in the dangerous exercise of driving against traffic or breaking traffic lights,” Elechi said.

He, however, stressed that the exercise was not intended to harass law-abiding motorists but to promote safer roads, smoother traffic flow and protect lives and property.

Making his remarks, the FCT Sector Commander of the FRSC, FCT Command, Corps Commander Tijjani Iliyasu, said the command was concerned about the rising cases of excessive overloading, traffic light violations, route violations, driving against traffic and indiscriminate parking.

Iliyasu said the offences contributed significantly to traffic congestion, obstructed the free movement of vehicles and endangered the lives and property of road users.

He said the situation required sustained enforcement, public enlightenment and cooperation among relevant stakeholders.

The FRSC Sector Commander disclosed that offenders apprehended for applicable offences, particularly excessive overloading, traffic light violations and route violations, including driving against traffic, would henceforth undergo prescribed medical and psychological evaluation before prosecution.

He cited Regulation 176, Sub-regulation 5 of the amended National Road Traffic Regulation 2012, which, according to him, mandates persons suspected of committing applicable offences to undergo medical and psychological evaluation at an approved government hospital before prosecution at their own expense.

Iliyasu said the measure was aimed at addressing dangerous driving behaviour and promoting responsible road use, insisting that it was not designed to intimidate or harass members of the public.

He urged motorists to obey traffic lights, road signs and markings, refrain from overloading vehicles, avoid driving against traffic and use only authorised routes.

He also advised road users to avoid indiscriminate parking and activities that obstruct traffic flow, while using designated motor parks, bus stops and approved loading and dropping points.

The FRSC commander further urged motorists to comply with directives issued by accredited traffic management and enforcement personnel and exercise patience, discipline and courtesy, particularly during peak traffic periods.

“Always remember that time saved by risking a life is not worth it,” he cautioned.

Iliyasu assured residents that the FRSC FCT Sector Command would continue to adopt a coordinated approach involving enforcement, public education, stakeholder engagement, engineering interventions and inter-agency collaboration to improve road safety and traffic management in Abuja.

“Our message is simple: obey traffic regulations, respect other road users, and make safety a personal responsibility,” he said.

The joint enforcement exercise, the officials said, is expected to continue across strategic locations in the FCT as the authorities intensify efforts to reduce traffic violations, improve vehicular movement and safeguard lives and property.

Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Minister Nyesom Wike has challenged the impartiality of Cardinal John Onaiyekan, accusing the Archbishop Emeritus of Abuja of taking sides during the 2023 general election.

Speaking during a media parley on Tuesday, Wike addressed the recent clash between the Presidency and Onaiyekan following the Catholic Bishops’ Conference of Nigeria's (CBCN) closed-door meeting with President Bola Tinubu.

After the meeting, Onaiyekan publicly suggested that aides were painting a "rosy picture" for the President while he remained focused on 2027—a statement the Presidency criticized as an abuse of privilege.

Wike argued that religious leaders undermine their credibility when their commentary is purely negative.

While acknowledging that constructive criticism is valid, the minister insisted that leaders must also recognize government achievements to remain objective.

He said while it was appropriate to criticise the government where necessary, leaders should also recognise areas where progress had been made.

"If a religious leader is seen taking a side, it becomes difficult for people to see their comments as helpful. Onaiyekan's political leanings in 2023 were not hidden.

“I am aware of the position of Cardinal Onaiyekan; all of us know, it’s not hidden, whom he supports; everybody knows that".

“It’s not every time you say things are bad; nobody has heard you say the government has done this well.

“The point I am trying to make is that, as a leader, commend the government when it has done well in certain areas; criticise but acknowledge areas of progress ‘but you should improve in these other areas.”

He concluded that consistent, one-sided criticism naturally leads the government to view such remarks as politically motivated rather than objective advice.

“It’s not every time you say things are bad; nobody has heard you say the government has done this well", Wike said.

The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, has defended political style, saying his faith does not require him to operate like a cleric.

Speaking during a special media chat in Port Harcourt on Saturday, Wike said politics and religion are governed by different principles, insisting that his critics fail to appreciate the realities of political engagement.

The former Rivers State governor dismissed suggestions that he should model his political conduct after his father, who was a gospel preacher.

“Politics is not like church. I’m a Christian but not a pastor. That my father is a pastor does not make me a pastor,” Wike said.

Drawing a comparison with his own family, the minister added, “I am a lawyer but my second son is not a lawyer, so because his mother is a judge, does that make my son a judge?”

According to him, every profession has its own standards and expectations, stressing that politics cannot be judged by the same yardstick as religious ministry.

“The point is that, if you want to be a politician, there are rules and if you want to be a pastor, there are rules.

“That is why when I hear people saying they are angry because this happened, that happened, I say you are talking theory,” he stated.

Wike’s remarks come amid continued criticism of his political style, particularly following his prolonged rift with Rivers State Governor Siminalayi Fubara.

The minister was responding to claims that his actions in the state are driven by a desire to retain control over Rivers’ political structure despite leaving office as governor.

...Says Tinubu's Govt Will Meet January Deadline On FCT Projects Completion



Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Barr. Nyesom Wike, on Monday declared that there would be no slowdown in the execution of critical infrastructure projects in Abuja, insisting that the administration remains under obligation to fulfil promises made to residents before President Bola Tinubu's first term ends.

Speaking after inspecting the ongoing Apo-Karshi and Bwari-Kubwa road projects, Wike said the successful commissioning and flag-off of projects in the FCT was not the end of the administration's infrastructure drive, stressing that several strategic projects must be completed before January.

He said public confidence in the Tinubu administration must not be taken for granted, noting that the government would continue to monitor contractors to ensure projects are delivered on schedule.

"Has the tenure of Mr. President ended? Certainly not. His first tenure has not ended. His first tenure will end precisely on May 29, 2027. If that is the case, it means the work has also not ended," Wike said.

While acknowledging that many expected the administration to take a break after weeks of project commissioning, the minister maintained that governance demands continuity.

"We have made promises to the people during the commissioning and flag-off that certain key projects must be commissioned before the end of the year. We cannot afford to disappoint them."

Expressing satisfaction with progress on the long-delayed Apo-Karshi Road, Wike noted that the project, awarded in 2010, had suffered years of neglect before the current administration revived it.

He commended President Tinubu for providing the support that enabled the project to move forward and praised SCC Nigeria Limited for maintaining a high standard of work.

"My happiness today is that the Apo-Karshi Road, which has been a major concern, is progressing very well. Streetlights are already being installed. I commend the contractor and the host communities for their cooperation."

On the Bwari-Kubwa Road, the minister directed the contractor to maintain the agreed delivery schedule despite the difficult terrain, warning against unnecessary delays.

"I told the contractor during the Dei-Dei commissioning that this road would be commissioned before the end of the year. I don't want anybody shifting the goalposts. They have demonstrated commitment, and I believe they will hand over the project as scheduled."

He assured the contractor that the FCT Administration would continue to release funds promptly to ensure work is not disrupted before the end of the dry season.

Wike disclosed that inspections of other projects recently flagged off would continue this week as part of efforts to sustain the administration's "promise made, promise fulfilled" agenda.

"When people have confidence in you, don't allow that confidence to erode. They have seen that we keep our promises, and we must sustain that confidence. We have about eight to ten major projects that must be completed before January, and we are determined to deliver."

The minister also responded to concerns over illegal motor-racing on newly completed roads in the Federal Capital Territory, saying the administration would not tolerate activities that endanger residents.

According to him, while improved road infrastructure may have encouraged some motorists to engage in reckless driving, public safety would remain paramount.

"If they want to engage in car racing, there are designated places for that, not within residential areas. Their rights have limitations, and life is more important."

He directed the FCT traffic authorities to investigate the development and take appropriate measures to prevent street racing in residential communities while ensuring the safety of road users.

...Ends 30-Year Abuja Technology Village Stalemate


President Bola Ahmed Tinubu on Thursday declared that Nigeria is open for business and ready to welcome both local and foreign investors as he officially launched the Sales Office and Experience Centre for the multi-billion-dollar Abuja City Walk development, describing the project as a major milestone under the Renewed Hope Agenda.

Represented by Vice President Kashim Shettima at the ceremony in Abuja, Tinubu said the launch marked not just the opening of a building but the unveiling of "a window to a multi-billion-dollar future" that would redefine the Federal Capital Territory as a global hub for commerce, innovation and modern urban living.

"It is with deep pride and optimism that I welcome you all to the official launch of the sales office and experience centre for the landmark Abuja City Walk project development," the President said.

"Today, we are not just opening a building; we are unveiling the window to a multi-billion-dollar future. We are presenting a tangible manifestation of our Renewed Hope Agenda, sculpted in concrete, innovation and unwavering determination."

Tinubu recalled that his administration had pledged economic transformation and infrastructure renewal upon assuming office, stressing that the project demonstrates the government's resolve to fulfil those promises.

According to him, the Abuja City Walk development, situated along the Abuja Airport Expressway corridor, is one of the most ambitious private-sector investment projects in Nigeria's history and will become the country's foremost gateway to the world.

While inspired by globally acclaimed developments such as Dubai City Walk, the President said the project had been adapted to Nigeria's unique environment and aspirations.

"This experience centre stands as proof that our administration does not just make promises; we execute them with determination," he said.

Tinubu noted that sustainable national development could only be achieved through strong collaboration between government and the private sector, describing the Abuja City Walk as a shining example of such partnership.

He disclosed that granting the corridor Free Trade Zone status would eliminate trade bottlenecks and encourage regional commerce, medical tourism, premium retail businesses and high-end hospitality investments.

The President assured investors that Nigeria remains committed to creating a secure investment climate.

"Let me reassure both domestic and international investors: Nigeria is open for business, and your investments are safe. Our legal, physical and financial frameworks are continuously being optimised to protect capital, guarantee returns and eliminate unnecessary administrative bottlenecks," he said.

Tinubu commended the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Barr. Nyesom Wike, for reviving the long-abandoned Abuja Technology Village corridor through decisive reforms and efficient land administration.

"For 20 years, the Abuja Technology Village corridor lay dormant. Today, through aggressive land administration reforms and the eradication of bureaucratic inertia, it is being transformed into a bustling construction hub," he stated.

He added that the administration had ended the era of land speculation and abandoned projects in Abuja, insisting that land should serve as a catalyst for development rather than speculation.

The President charged the FCT Administration and the project developers, Master International Links, to ensure that the launch of the experience centre translates into rapid physical construction.

Beyond its luxury residences, five-star hotels and commercial towers, Tinubu said the project would create tens of thousands of direct and indirect jobs for engineers, artisans, professionals and young Nigerians while stimulating supply chains across the FCT and neighbouring states.

Describing Nigeria's youthful population as one of its greatest assets, he urged investors to take advantage of the country's demographic strength.

"This experience centre is an invitation to be a part of Nigeria's future. It is a physical declaration that we possess the courage to conceive big dreams and the discipline to bring them to life," he said before formally declaring the facility open.

Earlier, FCT Minister Barr Nyesom Wike said the project aligned with President Tinubu's efforts to attract investment into Nigeria and revealed that it was initiated after discussions with development partners introduced through the Deputy Governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria, Emem Usoro.

Wike recalled his initial scepticism after years of receiving proposals that never materialised but said he became convinced after the developers demonstrated commitment and accepted immediate inspections of the proposed site.

He disclosed that the 250-hectare site, originally designated for the Abuja Technology Village over three decades ago, had been overtaken by land grabbers and fraudulent land claims before the FCT Administration intervened.

"I put my foot down and said this is government property and I must drive this development to come to the FCT," Wike said.

The minister explained that he personally chaired the implementation committee to eliminate bureaucratic delays and ensure strict compliance with agreed timelines.

He said government fulfilled its obligations by issuing all statutory approvals within days, constructing access roads through CGC Nigeria Limited and coordinating relevant agencies to fast-track project execution.

"The whole essence of government is to provide an enabling environment for investors to come in and develop. There are a lot of jobs that will be created here," Wike said.

He, however, warned the developers that failure to meet agreed milestones would result in the withdrawal of the land allocation.

"I'm not interested in theories and theories. I'm interested in keeping to our agreement in terms of what we have said. If the timelines are not met, we'll take back our land," he declared.

In his welcome address, Executive Director of Link Developments Master, City Walk, Dr. Kassim Gidado, described the commissioning of the Experience Centre as a major milestone in delivering the Abuja City Walk vision.

He said the facility was designed to provide investors and stakeholders with an immersive preview of the development through physical models, interactive digital displays and fully furnished prototype apartments.

According to him, the master plan envisions a "city within a city" spanning 250 hectares, featuring a Google Tech Village, Knowledge Park with two universities, healthcare facilities, city walk malls, five-star hotels, exhibition centres, residential communities, parks, police and fire stations, places of worship and what is projected to become West Africa's largest indoor multipurpose arena.

Gidado said the project aims to create a modern, climate-responsive and walkable mixed-use district where innovation, commerce, culture and community life converge, positioning Abuja as a leading destination for global investment and sustainable urban development.

Tinubu Commissions Bwari Water Project, Pledges Clean Water for All FCT Satellite Towns


President Bola Ahmed Tinubu on Tuesday, commissioned the Bwari Township Water Supply Network Project, declaring that his administration will extend potable water to all satellite towns in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) as part of its Renewed Hope Agenda to decentralise development and improve living conditions in underserved communities.

Represented by the First Lady, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, at the commissioning ceremony in Bwari, the President described access to clean water as a fundamental right and reaffirmed his administration's commitment to ensuring that infrastructure development reaches every part of the nation's capital.

"The Renewed Hope Agenda is not a slogan. It is a contract. It is a deliberate, calculated, and unyielding commitment to governance that works for the people," Tinubu said.

He noted that previous administrations had concentrated development in Abuja's city centre while satellite communities remained neglected, insisting that his government had resolved to change the narrative.

"For too long, the narrative of Abuja has been a tale of two cities a glittering centre surrounded by underserved communities. We said no. That era is gone. Nigeria belongs to all of us, and development must be decentralised," he stated.

Tinubu said the newly completed 198-kilometre water pipeline network, constructed by China Geo-engineering Construction (CGC) Limited, would provide potable water to Bwari, Ushafa and surrounding communities by linking them directly to the Lower Usuma Dam treated water source.

He recalled that after reviewing the proposal submitted by the FCT Minister, Nyesom Wike, he immediately approved the project to address years of dependence on untreated boreholes and streams.

"I gave him a direct order: 'Go out there, mobilise the best, and fix it.' Today, we are commissioning this massive, state-of-the-art 198-kilometre water pipeline network," the President said.

According to him, the project will improve public health by reducing waterborne diseases, eliminate the costly reliance on private boreholes and create new economic opportunities.

Tinubu disclosed that more than 1,600 direct and indirect jobs were created during the execution of the project.

He assured residents that the water expansion programme would continue across the FCT.

"Last year, it was the Lower Usuma Dam Phase II rehabilitation; last month, it was the Karu water network; today it is Bwari. Before our tenure is through, this water revolution will fully cover Kuje, Kwali, Gwagwalada and Abaji," he pledged.

The President commended the FCT Minister for accelerating infrastructure delivery across the territory, describing him as "Mr. Project."

"From boosting the FCT's Internally Generated Revenue to executing 31 landmark projects simultaneously across the territory from roads to housing and now water you have proven to be a reliable champion of the Renewed Hope Agenda," Tinubu said.

He urged residents of Bwari to protect the facility from vandalism, stressing that it was built with public funds for the benefit of the people.

Earlier, FCT Minister Barr Nyesom Wike said the project fulfilled President Tinubu's directive that modern water infrastructure should be extended beyond Abuja's city centre to satellite towns.

According to him, the Bwari project is the third major water intervention completed under the current administration after the rehabilitation of the Abuja city water system and the recently commissioned Karu satellite town water project.

"Since Mr. President came into office in 2023, he has provided water for the city centre, water for Karu and neighbouring communities, and today, water for Bwari. Let people know that we are not concentrating only on roads; we are making sure other sectors are also being touched," Wike said.

The minister disclosed that the administration had now officially commissioned 50 major projects since Tinubu assumed office in May 2023 and announced plans to inaugurate another 10 projects before the commencement of election campaigns next year.

He attributed the pace of development in the FCT to the President's unwavering support.

"You can be a minister, but without the support of the President, it is difficult to perform. Mr. President has given the FCT all the support required to change the narrative, and we will not disappoint him," Wike added.

In her vote of thanks, the FCT Minister of State, Dr. Mariya Mahmoud, described the Bwari Water Supply Network as another milestone in the implementation of the Renewed Hope Agenda.

She said the project would improve access to safe drinking water, enhance public health and restore confidence in government while reaffirming the administration's commitment to expanding people-centred infrastructure across the FCT.

Also speaking, Acting Executive Secretary of the Federal Capital Development Authority (FCDA), Engr. Richard Yunana Dauda, said the project, originally scheduled for completion in December, had been substantially completed ahead of schedule.

He noted that, beyond providing potable water to Bwari and neighbouring communities, the project generated significant employment opportunities during construction and would improve the health and well-being of residents through reliable access to safe drinking water.

The long-awaited relocation of mechanics, artisans and traders from the Apo Mechanic Village to the Wasa District in Abuja has finally become a reality, ending years of unfulfilled promises by successive administrations.

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, on Friday, commissioned the access roads, power and water infrastructure for the Informal Sector Layout in Wasa District, paving the way for the relocation of thousands of traders and mechanics to the new site.

Represented by the Speaker of the House of Representatives, Rt. Hon. Tajudeen Abbas, the President said the project fulfilled a commitment that had remained unrealised for more than a decade despite repeated assurances by previous governments.

"The relocation to Wasa District was a promise long delayed by previous administrations. Today, under this administration, that promise has been fulfilled," Tinubu said at the commissioning ceremony in Abuja.

According to him, the project is a key component of the Renewed Hope Agenda aimed at ensuring that infrastructure development benefits ordinary Nigerians and supports economic growth.

For years, mechanics, artisans and traders operating along the Outer Southern Expressway (OSEX) corridor had complained about inadequate facilities and uncertainty over relocation plans tied to the Abuja Master Plan.

Tinubu noted that beyond the construction of roads, electricity and water supply, the project represents an investment in the livelihoods of thousands of Nigerians who depend on the informal sector.

"What we are commissioning today goes far beyond the provision of access roads, erecting electricity poles or laying water pipes. This is an investment in human dignity and economic freedom.

"The informal sector is the true engine of our economy, sustaining millions of livelihoods. By providing premium infrastructure here in Wasa, we are transforming this district into a modern, vibrant commercial hub that will boost Abuja's Internally Generated Revenue and lower the cost of doing business," he said.

The President reiterated that his administration remains committed to inclusive development and ensuring that no group is left behind.

"When we took the oath of office and presented the Renewed Hope Agenda to the Nigerian people, we made a solemn pledge that no segment of our society would be left behind and that infrastructure would not be built for only the elite, but as a ladder for the economic empowerment of the everyday Nigerian," he said.

Tinubu also acknowledged the economic challenges facing Nigerians, describing the ongoing reforms as painful but necessary steps toward building a more resilient economy.

"I am deeply aware of the current economic realities across our nation. As your President, I feel your pain, I hear your concerns and I carry the weight of your daily struggles.

"The economic reforms we have initiated are undoubtedly painful, and their immediate impact has been heavy on households and businesses alike. However, these decisions were not made lightly; they are difficult but necessary surgeries required to save the patient," he said.

He assured Nigerians that his administration would continue to implement social intervention programmes, invest in agriculture and expand infrastructure development to create jobs and stimulate economic growth.

Speaking earlier, Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Barr. Nyesom Wike, said the completion of the project demonstrated President Tinubu's resolve to fulfil promises made to residents.

Wike recalled that shortly after assuming office in August 2023, the FCT Administration held consultations with stakeholders, including the Apo Mechanic Traders Association, on the need to relocate them to the designated informal sector layout in Wasa.

He noted that while previous administrations had repeatedly promised the relocation, Tinubu's government moved beyond promises by providing the required infrastructure.

"Every government that came promised that Apo traders and mechanics would be moved here because staying along the road was not conducive. Those promises were never fulfilled.

"But when Bola Ahmed Tinubu became President, he made the promise and approved the project. The contract was awarded in November last year, and today we are commissioning it. It is not even up to one year," Wike said.

The minister urged members of the association to resolve internal disagreements and prepare for a smooth relocation to the new site.

"Now that the government has fulfilled its own agreement, I hope you will fulfil yours. Put your house in order so that you can comfortably move here and enjoy the environment," he said.

Wike also commended CGC Nigeria Limited for delivering the project and thanked host communities, the National Assembly and Area Council chairmen for supporting the execution of infrastructure projects across the Federal Capital Territory.

Also speaking, Minister of State for the FCT, Dr Mariya Mahmoud, described the project as another demonstration of the administration's commitment to infrastructure renewal and economic empowerment.

She said ongoing rehabilitation and completion of critical projects across Abuja were restoring confidence in governance and repositioning the Federal Capital Territory as a modern capital city in line with global standards.

Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Barr. Nyesom Wike, has revealed that about 70 per cent of the projects completed by the FCT Administration under President Bola Ahmed Tinubu were abandoned contracts awarded 15 to 16 years ago.

Wike said the projects were revived and completed in line with Tinubu's directive that no viable government project should be abandoned.

Speaking during his monthly media chat on Thursday in Abuja, the minister said the administration deliberately focused on inherited projects before embarking on new ones.

According to him, allowing the projects to remain abandoned would have denied residents the benefits of critical infrastructure and wasted public resources.

"The President said we can't abandon old projects. While we cannot abandon old projects, we must also carry out new ones.

"I can tell you that about 60 per cent of the projects we have executed in the last three years were projects awarded 15 to 16 years ago but abandoned.

"If we had allowed that, people would still be asking questions about those abandoned projects. So, we first made sure they were completed, and we have achieved that with not less than 70 per cent of them," Wike said.

The minister stressed that while inherited projects were being completed, the FCT Administration also initiated new road and infrastructure projects across Abuja and the satellite towns.

He attributed the pace of development in the nation's capital to President Tinubu's support, particularly the decision to remove the FCT Administration from the Treasury Single Account (TSA), which, according to him, made funds readily available for infrastructure development.

Wike maintained that the administration would continue executing projects aimed at improving transportation, opening up new districts and enhancing the quality of life for residents of the Federal Capital Territory.

#WikeMediaChat
#WikeSpeaks

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu on Wednesday declared that the ongoing transformation of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) is a reflection of his administration's broader vision for Nigeria, promising sustained investments in cities, satellite towns and rural communities to deliver the dividends of good governance across the country.

The President made the declaration while commissioning Collector Road C01 and a bridge linking the Body of Benchers, Nile University and Baze University in Abuja's Institution and Research District, describing the project as another fulfilled promise under the Renewed Hope Agenda.

Represented by Vice President Kashim Shettima, Tinubu said the completion of the road underscored his administration's commitment to translating campaign promises into tangible projects.

"When we came into office, we made a solemn pledge to the Nigerian people. We promised not to allow governance to become a series of abandoned dreams and half-hearted efforts. We promised Renewed Hope.

"And today, as we stand on this newly constructed Collector Road C01, complete with its bridge, we are not just looking at the physical road; we are looking at a promise kept," the President said.

He disclosed that the extension of the corridor toward RR III and other parts of Abuja had already been flagged off, adding that the project would integrate the Institution and Research District into the capital city's wider road network.

According to him, the expanded connectivity will reduce travel time, eliminate traffic bottlenecks and strengthen links between educational institutions, residential communities and commercial centres.

"One road becomes a system. That is how connectivity scales," he said.

Tinubu noted that the Institution and Research District was conceived in the Abuja Master Plan as the intellectual hub of the nation's capital but had suffered years of infrastructure deficits that hampered access to key institutions, including the Body of Benchers, Nile University and Baze University.

Recalling complaints raised by the Body of Benchers during the Nigerian Law School Call to Bar ceremony last year, the President said his administration responded swiftly by approving the project through emergency procurement.

"When the Body of Benchers cried out to us during the Nigeria Law School Call to Bar ceremony last year for relief from traffic gridlock and lack of access, we listened.

"I told my Minister, the 'Mr. Project' of our time, Nyesom Wike, 'We cannot have the legal luminaries of our nation navigating potholes to train our future advocates. We cannot have students arriving late to lectures because of a lack of a simple bridge.'

"We did not just talk about it. We approved it under emergency procurement. And today, just months later, here we are," he said.

Tinubu said the project had restored ease of movement, improved safety and created a more conducive environment for academic and professional institutions to flourish.

He added that the construction had generated hundreds of direct and indirect jobs, describing infrastructure as a catalyst for economic growth.

"Infrastructure is the greatest enabler of economic prosperity. When you build roads, you open up districts. When you open up districts, you invite investment. And when investment comes, Nigeria grows," he said.

The President commended the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, for what he described as his commitment to delivering projects across the territory.

"You have proven once again that when you are given a job, you do not sleep until it is done. This marathon of project commissioning across the FCT is a clear testament that this administration is firmly in action mode," he said.

Tinubu urged the management, students and staff of Nile University and Baze University, as well as the Body of Benchers and residents of the district, to protect the infrastructure.

"This road belongs to you. Protect it. Cherish it. Let it serve as a daily reminder that your government believes in your future and is committed to building the infrastructure that will carry your dreams forward," he said.

He reaffirmed that the administration would continue investing in infrastructure nationwide.

"This administration will not stop. We will continue to invest in our cities, our satellite towns and our rural communities because every Nigerian deserves the dividends of good governance.

"The transformation of Abuja is a microcosm of the transformation we are bringing to the entire Federal Republic of Nigeria," Tinubu added.

Earlier, FCT Minister Barr Nyesom Wike thanked the President for the support that has enabled the FCT Administration to execute multiple infrastructure projects across the territory.

He attributed the rapid pace of project delivery to Tinubu's decision to remove the FCT Administration from the Treasury Single Account (TSA), thereby improving access to resources.

"We thank you for your support. We thank you for the resources made available by removing us from the TSA. That's why today we are having so many projects to be commissioned," Wike said.

The minister noted that the road project was part of the administration's commitment to ensuring balanced infrastructure development across all districts of the Federal Capital Territory.

"Every district will receive the attention of the present government. We have gone round so many districts, both in the city and the satellite towns. Today, we are here to commission this important project," he said.

President Bola Tinubu has said that Nigeria cannot build a world-class legal system with dilapidated infrastructure.

Tinubu stated this in Abuja on Monday, while inaugurating the newly constructed 10-units of four-bedroom Staff Quarters for the Nigerian Law School, Bwari, by the Federal Capital Territory Administration (FCTA).

Represented by the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Senator George Akume, the president said that his administration is addressing dilapidated infrastructure affecting the legal system.

“This is why, concurrently, we have constructed the Abuja division of the Court of Appeal and constructing Magistrate Courts across the FCT.

“We are also constructing state-of-the-art residential quarters for our judges in the heart of the city—to safeguard their security, protect their autonomy, and guarantee their comfort,” he said.

Tinubu described the legal profession as the “sentinel of Nigeria’s democracy and guardian of the rule of law”.

According to him, the next generation of legal minds would not be properly molded if the teachers, the instructors, and the administrators who shape them were left without decent, dignified shelter.

“These 10 units of four-bedroom flats are not an isolated gesture. They represent the first phase of a broader commitment to judicial and educational welfare.

“In addition to this, we are funding a brand-new auditorium for the law school and building new hostels for students of the school.

“We are also actively pushing for the full digitisation of the school’s administrative and academic operations, mirroring the technological leap we are already executing within the FCT High Courts”.

The president commended the FCT Minister, Mr Nyesom Wike, for correcting a longstanding structural and historical failure in the legal institution.

In his remarks, Wike disclosed Tinubu’s approval to construct 20 additional housing units for the law school.

He added that the ongoing construction of female and male students’ hostels in the school would be completed soon.

The minister directed Mr Richard Dauda, acting Executive Secretary, Federal Capital Development Authority to get the contractor back to site.

“These two buildings must be completed before the end of the year. Every kobo owed to the contractors must be paid this month.

“Mr president, I want to thank you for giving us the support to intervene. Luckily for us, what we do is to provide public buildings for public institutions,” he said.

FCT Minister of State, Dr Mariya Mahmoud, described the project as a strategic investment in legal education and institutional development, noting that the Nigerian Law School occupies a central place in Nigeria’s legal and educational architecture.

Mahmoud said the institution remains the critical bridge between legal education and professional practice, producing generations of lawyers who continue to serve the nation in diverse capacities and strengthen the justice system.

She noted that the delivery of the staff quarters reflects the FCT Administration’s broader resolve to support institutions that shape human capital, promote service delivery and contribute to sustainable national growth.

The Director-General of the Nigerian Law School, Dr Olugbemisola Odusote, thanked Tinubu and the FCT minister for the intervention in the legal profession and the judiciary.

Odusote said that the housing units directly responded to the acute accommodation deficit previously faced by dedicated senior members of staff of the school.

“For an institution that shapes the minds of thousands of aspiring legal practitioners annually, the environment provided for both our learners and the faculty who shape them is not a luxury. It is a critical component of professional excellence.

“You cannot build a premium, 21st-century legal mind without supporting the dedicated staff who drive this vision, and this infrastructural rebirth provides the solid foundation required to achieve that goal,” she said.

Earlier, Dauda said that the project was awarded in November 2024 to help address a shortage of suitable accommodation for officers and academics of the Nigerian Law School.

He said that five of the blocks of the housing units were located on the northern side of the school, while the other five were sited on the western end of the school.

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu on Friday, disclosed that he directed the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, to provide roads and other engineering infrastructure to the 3,112-unit Renewed Hope City in Karsana before residents could occupy the estate, and the minister wasted no time in carrying out the directive.

The President, represented by Senate President Godswill Akpabio, made the disclosure while commissioning the 10.5-kilometre Access Roads to the Renewed Hope Cities and Estates in Karsana West District, Abuja.

He said the completion of the road network fulfilled the directive he gave during the groundbreaking of the housing project, stressing that no housing estate could function without access roads and supporting infrastructure.

"When I performed the groundbreaking for the 3,112-unit Renewed Hope City here in Karsana, I gave one clear directive: provide the roads, provide the engineering infrastructure, and unlock this district for development. Housing without access is a blueprint without a building.

"For too long, Abuja's story was 'awarded and abandoned contracts'. Today, we are ending that story with roads that open, not ones that stall," he said.

Tinubu said he specifically instructed Wike to immediately open up the district because "civil servants, families and investors cannot live in houses they cannot reach."

"I gave that assignment to a Minister who treats deadlines as duties. I told the Honourable Minister of the FCT, Barrister Nyesom Wike, CON, that civil servants, families and investors cannot live in houses they cannot reach. 'Open Karsana, and open it now.' He took that brief, set the pace and delivered.

"When urgency meets quality, results follow. That is what you are standing on today."

The President said the newly completed Arterial Roads N11, N16, N40 and Special Important Local Street 03 have linked Karsana West to the Outer Northern Expressway, making thousands of affordable housing units accessible, livable and secure.

He praised Wike for what he described as the visible transformation of the Federal Capital Territory, saying the minister had turned stalled projects into completed infrastructure.

"You took stalled corridors and made them active corridors. You brought the same urgency to Karsana that you brought to other districts and the area councils. You measure contractors by output, not promises. Minister, you have earned my trust and you have my commendation," Tinubu added.

He also commended Minister of State for the FCT, Mariya Mahmoud, engineers and officials of the FCT Administration for ensuring the project was completed on schedule and according to specification.

The President further praised Lubrik Construction Company for delivering the project after it was awarded the contract in February 2025, assuring contractors that his administration would continue to honour prompt payment for jobs delivered on time and to specification.

Earlier, the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Barr. Nyesom Wike recalled that Karsana was inaccessible when Tinubu performed the groundbreaking for the Renewed Hope Estate in 2024.

"For those of us who were here that day, I was imagining how anybody would come and live in this area because there was no road," he said.

The minister disclosed that developers had expressed fears that their investments would become worthless without access roads, but he assured them the government would intervene.

"I told them, 'It is Renewed Hope. Go home and sleep. We must construct the road in this Karsana district.' Today, it is a different story."

Wike said the project became possible because the Federal Government ensured prompt payment while the contractor fulfilled its obligation by delivering within schedule.

He also announced that the FCT Administration would next Wednesday, July 8, flag off the construction of Kaba- Kagini - Zaudna road following recent request by residents over its deplorable condition.

In her remarks, FCT Minister of State, Mariya Mahmoud, described the project as another milestone in the implementation of President Tinubu's Renewed Hope Agenda, saying the roads would boost economic activities, improve connectivity and expand access to affordable housing across the territory.

While celebrating the successful completion of the access roads, Mahmoud called on residents and stakeholders to take collective ownership of public infrastructure by protecting and preserving it for the benefit of present and future generations.

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu on Thursday, directed the immediate expansion of road infrastructure to more communities in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), declaring that his administration would continue to extend development to underserved areas while ending the era of abandoned projects in the nation's capital.

Tinubu, who gave the directive while commissioning the rehabilitated over 16-kilometre Old Keffi Road, linking Kado Fish Market to Dei-Dei Junction through Life Camp, approved the construction of the Kaba - Kagini - Zaudna road, after residents displayed banners highlighting the poor state of access roads in their communities.

Represented by Senate President Godswill Akpabio at the ceremony held along the Gwagwa Rail Station Road in Abuja, the President said his administration remained committed to ensuring that every district and community benefited from the dividends of the Renewed Hope Agenda.

"We are not slowing down. Across the FCT, from the centre to the area councils, we are building for inclusion, for safety and for growth. Every district deserves access. Every citizen deserves to feel the impact of government where they are," Tinubu said.

He declared that the completion of the Old Keffi Road signalled the end of abandoned infrastructure projects in the FCT.

"When we assumed office under the Renewed Hope Agenda, we told Nigerians the era of abandoned projects in Abuja was over. Some doubted. Today, doubt has no ground to stand on.

"From Saburi 1 and 2, to this corridor, and to many others we started unveiling last month to mark the third anniversary of this administration, the pattern is clear: we identify the pain, we fund the solution, and we deliver."

The President described the newly rehabilitated road as a practical demonstration of government's resolve to improve the daily lives of residents.

"It gives great honour today to open a road that restores dignity to daily movement.

"The fully rehabilitated 15-kilometre Old Keffi Road, from Kado Village through Life Camp to Dei-Dei Junction by the Outer Northern Expressway, is now open for use. This is not a promise on paper. It is asphalt you can drive on, lights you can trust after dark, and drainages that serve both homes and markets."

Tinubu explained that the project was initiated after the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Barr. Nyesom Wike, reported the deplorable condition of the strategic economic corridor serving Kado, Saburi, Gwagwa, Karmo, Idu and Dei-Dei.

"He brought the report to me. We acted," the President said, adding that the Federal Executive Council subsequently approved the project and awarded it to Lubrik Construction Company Limited based on its proven capacity.

"Under this government, we do not reward patronage. We reward competence. If you deliver, you get more work. If you fail, you are out. Lubrik has delivered again."

Tinubu also commended Wike for transforming the FCT through visible infrastructure development.

"Minister, you have turned the FCT into a site of visible results. You inspect, you decide, you follow through. You have matched development in the city centre with development in the districts and area councils so that no community is left behind.

"Mr. Projects' is not a slogan. It is the record of roads opened, lights installed and deadlines met. I trust you. I rely on you. And Abuja is better because you are at the wheel."

He equally praised the Minister of State for FCT, Dr. Mariya Mahmoud, and the FCT Administration for delivering the project within schedule without compromising quality.

The President described the road as "an economic artery" that would reduce travel time, lower transportation costs and improve commercial activities by linking Kado, Saburi, Gwagwa, Karmo, Idu and Dei-Dei directly to the Outer Northern Expressway.

He added that the integrated streetlights under the Light Up Abuja initiative would improve security and support night-time economic activities.

Tinubu urged residents to protect the infrastructure by preventing vandalism of streetlights and keeping drainage channels free from refuse.

"This infrastructure belongs to you. Guard it. Do not vandalise streetlights. Do not block drains with refuse. Report any damage early."

Earlier, FCT Minister, Barr. Nyesom Wike said the project fulfilled a long-standing promise made to residents and traders who had repeatedly appealed for the rehabilitation of the Old Keffi Road after the successful completion of the Saburi Road.

He recalled that during the Area Council election campaign, traders had appealed to him to tell President Tinubu that completing the road would earn their lasting appreciation.

"They told me, 'Please tell Mr. President, if he completes this road for us, Mr. President should go home and sleep with his two eyes closed,'" Wike said.

The minister noted that the promise had now been fulfilled with the commissioning of the road.

In a dramatic moment during the event, Wike invited residents of Kaba, Kagini and Zaudna, carrying banners requesting another road project to come forward and announced that President Tinubu had approved immediate intervention.

"I have told the Executive Secretary of the FCDA to direct Lubrik Construction Company to move to this area immediately and construct the road," Wike announced.

He said the decision reflected the true essence of the Renewed Hope Agenda.

"The whole essence of the Renewed Hope Agenda is to bring back hope where people have lost hope. Once Mr. President becomes aware of critical infrastructure needs that will improve connectivity and economic activities, he acts."

Wike thanked Tinubu for approving the Old Keffi Road project and pledged that work on the newly approved road would commence without delay.

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu on Wednesday hailed the performance of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Minister, Nyesom Wike, declaring that it has become very evidently clear that all districts in the FCT are now feeling the impact of governance through completed projects that improve the quality of life of residents.

The President, represented by Senate President Godswill Akpabio, spoke while commissioning the Full Scope Development of Akinwumi Ajibola Street, comprising Important Local Streets (ILS) 16, 18 and 19, in Gaduwa District, Abuja.

Describing the project as a practical demonstration of the Renewed Hope Agenda, Tinubu said his administration was focused on delivering projects that address the everyday needs of Nigerians.

"We are here to open a road, but more importantly, we are here to restore access. The Full Scope Development of Akinwumi Ajibola Street is now complete and open for use. In this government, we measure ourselves by finished work. This street is finished work," he said.

According to the President, residents of Gaduwa endured years of hardship despite owning homes in the district because there was no motorable road linking them to their properties.

"For years, families in Gaduwa built homes here in good faith, yet they had no motorable road to reach those homes. When the rains came, the place became impassable. That is not how a capital city treats its citizens. Under the Renewed Hope Agenda, we came to work, and today that promise is visible on these streets," he added.

Tinubu commended the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Barr. Nyesom Wike, for changing what he described as the culture of project delivery in Abuja through effective supervision, prompt funding and timely completion of projects.

"When the Honourable Minister reviewed the files and saw the neglect, he did not issue another memo. He brought contractors back to site, gave clear targets and backed those targets with funding.

"You have changed the culture of delivery in the FCT. You ended the era of mobilisation without movement and abandoned inner roads. You are taking development from the city centre into the districts and satellite towns so that no resident is left behind. You have my confidence and my commendation," the President said.

He noted that the completed road would improve mobility, reduce travel time, enhance property values and provide safer access for residents through the provision of drainage and streetlights.

Tinubu also urged residents to protect the infrastructure by preventing vandalism and ensuring drainage channels remain free of refuse.

"We will not stop here. Across the FCT, from the city centre to the area councils, our task is to finish what matters, connect what was separated and ensure that public funds translate into public value," he said.

Earlier, FCT Minister Barr. Nyesom Wike said the commissioning formed part of the 16th project in the administration's ongoing 31-day project inauguration programme marking President Tinubu's third year in office.

According to him, the President had directed upon assumption of office that every district in the FCT must benefit from government projects, irrespective of whether they are located in the city centre or satellite communities.

"You instructed us that every district in the FCT must feel the impact of this administration. Today, I can confidently say that no district can claim it has been neglected. We have taken development to Jahi, Gwarimpa, Katampe, Guzape, Kwali and now Gaduwa," Wike said.

The minister attributed the rapid execution of projects to the cordial working relationship between the Executive and the National Assembly, which ensured timely budget approvals and releases.

He also cautioned the Abuja Municipal Area Council (AMAC) against naming roads constructed by the Federal Government without due approval.

"If the Federal Government constructs the roads, permission must be obtained before naming them. Do not wait for us to build roads before putting names on them or using them to generate revenue," he warned.

In her remarks, the Minister of State for the FCT, Dr. Mariya Mahmoud, described the commissioning as another milestone in the implementation of the Renewed Hope Agenda.

She said the project reflected the administration's commitment to people-oriented infrastructure that improves mobility, enhances economic activities and raises the living standards of residents.

Mahmoud commended President Tinubu, Wike, the National Assembly, contractors, consultants, traditional rulers, security agencies and residents of Gaduwa for their contributions to the successful completion of the project, assuring that the FCT Administration would sustain the pace of infrastructure development across the territory.

The Federal Capital Territory Administration (FCTA), has provided 48 vein finders and accompanying accessories for distribution to the 14 SHF under the Hospitals Management Board (HMB).

Senior Special Assistant to the FCT Minister on Public Communications and Social Media, Lere Olayinka, in a statement on Wednesday, quoted the Mandate Secretary, Health Services and Environment Secretariat (HSES), Dr. Dolapo Fasawe, as saying that the equipment, which she described as "very essential to health-care delivery" were provided through the FCT Minister, Nyesom Wike.

She said the advanced medical devices were aimed at improving patient care by enhancing the accuracy and efficiency of venous access procedures.

"Vein finders assist healthcare professionals in locating veins for intravenous (IV) cannulation and insertion, facilitating blood sample collection (venipuncture), reducing multiple needle attempts, and improving access to veins in patients with difficult venous anatomy, particularly children, elderly persons, and obese patients.

These machines will make it easy to access a patient’s vein in a quick, painless manner. It will also make it possible for newly trained doctors to set up intravenous access without multiple needle pricks especially for children, thereby making hospital visits less traumatic for patients.

The devices will also help assess superficial vein patterns and contribute to greater clinical efficiency and accuracy.

As part of the distribution exercise, a practical training session was conducted for representatives and relevant healthcare personnel from the beneficiary hospitals. The training focused on the proper handling, application, operation, and maintenance of the vein finders and their accessories to ensure optimal utilization, sustainability, and maximum benefit to patients.

In addition, an in-house practical training was conducted for the representatives and relevant healthcare personnel to enhance their knowledge and capacity in the operation, application, maintenance, and safe handling of the equipment, ensuring effective deployment and long-term sustainability across all beneficiary facilities.

The initiative underscores the commitment of the FCT Administration, under Wike, to equipping healthcare facilities with modern technologies that enhance service delivery, improve patient experience, and support healthcare professionals in providing quality care.

Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, on Tuesday assured protesting teachers and civil society organisations in Abuja that security agencies are intensifying efforts to secure the release of abducted teachers and students, while cautioning against the politicisation of security challenges.

Addressing demonstrators who staged a protest in front at the Federal Capital Territory Adminstration (FCTA) Secretariat demanding the immediate rescue of victims of recent school kidnappings, Wike said the Federal Government remained committed to ensuring the safe return of those in captivity.

According to him, security agencies are actively working to rescue the victims and restore confidence in the country's security architecture.

"We are all concerned about this security situation. The government is on its toes to ensure that those who are kidnapped are rescued," he said.

The minister expressed confidence in the capacity of the nation's security institutions to secure the release of the abducted teachers and students, stressing the need for prompt action.

"I have that confidence that the security system will do all they can to make sure the teachers and the students that are being kidnapped are rescued, and let it be prompt," he added.

Wike, however, warned against turning security concerns into political issues, arguing that insecurity affects all parts of the country and should be approached as a collective national challenge.

He noted that incidents of teacher abductions had occurred in other states without attracting similar protests in the nation's capital, urging citizens to adopt a more unified response to security threats.

"We are all concerned, but let us not politicise issues. That is what I will not support. We are all concerned about the security situation and how the teachers and students should be released," he said.

The minister further disclosed that security agencies were operating within established protocols and had made significant progress in efforts to secure the victims' freedom.

According to him, no responsible government would deliberately allow its citizens to remain vulnerable to criminal elements, adding that authorities were working under challenging circumstances to protect lives and property.

"There is no government that will deliberately say let citizens be kidnapped, but we know where we found ourselves and we know that everything possible is being done," he stated.

Calling for national solidarity, Wike said insecurity should not be viewed through regional or political lenses, stressing that an attack on one community ultimately affects the entire country.

"What concerns you concerns everybody, and what concerns Abuja also concerns everybody. We are all looking at how people should rise up with the same dedication," he said.

The protest followed growing public concern over recent school abductions in parts of the country, with teachers' groups and civil society organisations calling on authorities to strengthen security around schools and ensure the safe return of victims.

Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, on Monday said the construction of roads and water projects in satellite towns and rural communities has significantly helped to reduce insecurity and improve access to farmlands across the territory.

Speaking during a live media chat in Abuja, Wike said his administration deliberately shifted attention to neglected rural communities after extensive consultations with traditional rulers, youths, women and other stakeholders who identified poor road infrastructure as a major factor fueling insecurity.

According to him, communities complained that security agencies often found it difficult to pursue criminals because many rural roads were impassable.

"What we did was to go to the rural areas and interact with the stakeholders the chiefs, the youths, the women and other leaders," Wike said.

"What I found very interesting is that they know their terrain. They told us most of the roads were not passable at all and that even when attacks occurred, security operatives could not effectively respond because the roads were bad. So we took on the task and built the roads they themselves nominated."

The minister said the intervention has yielded positive results, particularly in Kuje Area Council, where several road projects have been completed.

"Those roads have been built, and it really helps in terms of reducing insecurity and in terms of having access to their farmland," he stated.

Wike stressed that unlike previous administrations that announced policies without implementation, the current FCT Administration was focused on delivering tangible results.

"Whatever policies we make, by the grace of God, we will implement them. That is how people are going to see the impact of governance, particularly in the rural areas," he said.

The minister also disclosed that President Bola Tinubu would commission several major projects in satellite towns as part of activities marking the administration's anniversary.

Among the projects are water schemes in Kuje, Orozo, Gwagwalada and Dobi, which he said would improve access to potable water in underserved communities.

"We can't concentrate only on the city. We must also move to the satellite towns and provide them with critical infrastructure," Wike said.

He revealed that the water projects were executed by CGC and are ready for commissioning, adding that two area councils have already benefited from the intervention between 2025 and 2026.

The minister further listed several road projects completed or nearing completion across the territory, including the A2-Pai road, the Bwari-Kubwa corridor, roads in Dei-Dei, and sections of the A3 highway.

According to him, the Bwari-Kubwa road will be completed this year, while work is progressing on the Abuja airport corridor and the Zuba-Airport link road aimed at reducing traffic congestion within the city centre.

Wike also announced plans to review the Abuja Master Plan, saying discussions with the original Japanese designers have been scheduled for July.

"The world has changed. The world is different. You have to conform with current realities," he said, noting that the administration was committed to ensuring development aligns with modern urban planning needs.

The minister urged residents and the media to embrace constructive engagements with government by drawing attention to areas requiring intervention rather than merely criticizing public policies.

"Government can't do everything. If citizens call our attention to certain things and make useful suggestions, we can act on them. Constructive criticism is important," he added.

Wike also disclosed that the FCT Administration is constructing additional hostel accommodation for students at the Nigerian Law School as part of efforts to improve educational infrastructure in the capital city.

Chidi Odinkalu's Advertisement Of Ignorance On Chinda’s Emergence As Rivers APC Guber Candidate

Lere Olayinka

I read what that supporter and promoter of LGBTQ, Online Prof, Chidi Odinkalu's wrote about the APC governorship candidate in Rivers State, Hon Kingsley Chinda, not announcing his defection from PDP to APC publicly.

He went on say that "opposition parties, so-called are all averting their gaze from this issue, possibly as their own excuse for when the political whataboutery begins."

This is one of the reasons I refer to this supporter and promoter of LGBTQ as a mere Online Prof and Human Rice and Beans lawyer.

Where is it written in the Constitution of Nigeria that defection from one political party to another must be announced publicly?

And since Hon Kingsley Chinda obtained APC nomination form, appeared for screening, contested primary election and won, has he attended the sitting of the House of Reps and announced himself as a member of PDP?

Is it not after registration as a member of a new party that a Rep member will write to inform the Speaker of his or her change of political party?

And is it a letter to inform the Speaker of a change of political party that determines someone's membership of a political party or registration as a member of the party and endorsement of the membership card by the ward chairman?

Like I have maintained, a man who at 58, has never been married, with a seller of intimacy gadgets as partner, can never reason like a normal person.

Because he worked against GEJ for standing against legalisation of LGBTQ in Nigeria, Odinkalu was rewarded with the appointment of Senior Team Manager, Africa Program, Open Society Justice Initiative.

Open Society Foundation, owned by George Soros, is one of the Top Ten funders of LGBTQ in the world. Reason Odinkalu was among the top defenders and supporters of Bobrisky then.

So can this kind of person ever make sense on issues other than that of LGBTQ? The answer is no!

ABUJA, NIGERIA — Students of Kabusa Community Secondary School, Abuja, on Thursday experienced a different kind of school gathering as the Drug Free Project brought its anti-drug campaign to the community with a strong message against substance abuse, peer pressure, and youth addiction.

The outreach drew students, teachers, youth advocates, and development partners together in an atmosphere filled with honest conversations about purpose, discipline, and the growing dangers of drug abuse among young people.

The Drug Free Project team, led by its Deputy Chief Impact Officer, Mr. Olabode Olanusi, was joined by representatives of its corporate sponsor, Neoteric LP, alongside supporting partners including Solar Connect, Ocean Consultancy Services Limited, and Sardeep Consulting Limited.

After the school management formally welcomed guests and participants, Drug Free Project lead representative Mr. Olabode Olanusi , addressed the students, warning them not to allow temporary pressure, street influence, or the desire to “belong” destroy their future.

Speaking passionately during the session, Olanusi noted that many teenagers fall into drug abuse not because they are naturally wayward, but because they are misled, curious, emotionally vulnerable, or influenced by the wrong circle.

“You do not need drugs to belong,” he told the students. “The choices you make now can either protect your future or damage it. A lot of people started with ‘just once’ and today their education, relationships, and dreams are paying the price.”



His remarks drew loud reactions from students, many of whom listened attentively throughout the programme.

The outreach featured a sensitisation talk themed “Choosing a Drug-Free Future,” where speakers discussed the effects of drug abuse on mental health, academic performance, behaviour, relationships, and long-term personal development.

Students were encouraged to avoid negative peer influence, speak up when under pressure, and seek help whenever they encounter emotional or social challenges.

The atmosphere became even more engaging during the interactive session as students openly asked questions about peer pressure, social media influence, and the increasing exposure of teenagers to illicit substances.

Facilitators responded by emphasizing self-confidence, mentorship, positive friendships, and the importance of making informed decisions.

One of the major highlights of the event was the presentation of scholarships to selected students based on academic promise, conduct, participation, and leadership potential.

The gesture was applauded by teachers and parents present at the event, who described it as both motivational and impactful for students from underserved backgrounds.

The outreach ended with a Drug-Free Pledge as hundreds of students stood together and publicly committed themselves to staying away from drugs and becoming positive examples within their community.

Teachers and guests at the event commended the initiative, describing school-based sensitisation programmes as one of the most practical ways to address the growing challenge of substance abuse among Nigerian youths.

According to the organisers, the Kabusa outreach forms part of a broader nationwide campaign aimed at taking anti-drug advocacy directly into schools and vulnerable communities while simultaneously creating opportunities for mentorship, education support, and youth development.

With growing concerns over youth drug dependency across different parts of the world, stakeholders at the event stressed the need for stronger collaboration among government agencies, international organisations, civil society groups, and private sector partners willing to invest in the future of young people.

In continuation of its advocacy efforts, the Drug Free Project also announced upcoming outreach visits to Army Day Secondary School, Asokoro, and selected Internally Displaced Persons (IDP) camps within Abuja.

According to the organisation, the initiative forms part of its broader commitment to promoting drug abuse prevention, mental wellness, educational support, and youth empowerment among vulnerable communities.

The organisation disclosed that the outreach programme will provide educational support materials including school fees assistance, school uniforms, bags, notebooks, colouring books, and other essential learning materials for students in need.

Through its Scholar Funding Programme, the Drug Free Project also aims to offer structured academic sponsorship to outstanding but underprivileged students to help them continue their education without interruption.

To support the execution of these initiatives, the organisation is calling on individuals, corporate organisations, and development partners to contribute toward the project.

> “No amount is too small,” the organisation stated. “Every contribution goes directly toward impacting lives, supporting education, and helping young people build a healthier and drug-free future.”


Donation and Partnership Information

Account Name: Drug Free Health Initiative
Bank: STANBIC IBTC
Account Number: 0073052769
Description: The Drugfree Project

The organisation reaffirmed its belief that sustainable youth development requires collective responsibility, proactive intervention, and stronger community support.

Ending the outreach on an inspiring note, organisers shared a message encouraging sacrifice, discipline, and long-term vision among young people and stakeholders alike:

> “He who aims to accomplish little sacrifices little; he who seeks to achieve much sacrifices much; he who strives for greatness sacrifices greatly.”

The Federal Capital Territory Minister, Nyesom Wike, has revealed that the FCT Administration is shifting its focus towards industrial waste recycling to achieve a more sustainable and consistently clean capital city.

​The Minister disclose this during his routine projects inspection within the nation's capital Abuja on Friday.

Speaking after the inspection, the Minister argued that the current culture of monthly environmental sanitation is insufficient for the long-term needs of a modern city.

​Beyond Monthly Sanitation, the Minister questioned the long-term impact of the traditional "Sanitation Saturday," noting that while it provides a temporary facelift, it does not solve the root problem of waste accumulation.

​"If you do it on a Saturday, that Saturday is clean. What about other days?

"For me, that is not a very major issue. Having a dump site is not enough for you to say that the problem is solved."

​He emphasized that true waste management is an industrial necessity rather than just a routine business task.

According to the Minister, the goal is to transition from merely collecting refuse to processing it through modern technologies.

​The Minister disclosed that the FCTA is looking to move beyond the use of landfills and dump sites by establishing specialized factories.

The vision is to turn Abuja's waste into a resource by creating new products, aligning with global best practices.

​ The FCTA is already receiving and reviewing offers from experts who have successfully implemented these systems in other global cities.

​In addition to waste management, the Minister provided updates on critical infrastructure projects slated for inauguration during President Bola Ahmed Tinubu's third year in office.

​Wike expressed high satisfaction with the Judges’ residences, describing the work by Gilmor as "beautiful" and "99% ready."

He also inspected the N5 road project, which is 100% complete, and the Court of Appeal (Abuja Division).

​While the Court of Appeal is 90% complete, the Minister was candid about his expectations for quality, ordering the contractor to correct several "errors" before the official commissioning.
​
​Addressing recent criticisms regarding the executive's role in building judicial residences, Wike dismissed claims that such projects erode judicial independence.

He pointed out the irony of the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) criticizing government-funded infrastructure while simultaneously accepting government sponsorship for their own activities and conferences.

​"The mere fact that the executive constructs does not mean that that will lead to interference in the judiciary," Wike stated, reaffirming that providing comfortable housing allows judges to stay focused on their work without compromise.

​The Minister concluded by reiterating that the FCTA remains undeterred and focused on fulfilling its promises to the residents of Abuja through both physical infrastructure and innovative environmental solutions

The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, has ordered a crackdown on abandoned and poorly developed areas around Jabi Lake, describing the situation as an eyesore unbefitting of Nigeria’s capital city.

Wike’s directive comes amid a viral video in which a popular pastor appealed to the minister to “leave Jabi Lake for Nigerians,” warning against developments that could limit public access to the recreational hub. The cleric had described the lake as a shared heritage and relaxation spot, sparking widespread reactions online and concerns over possible commercialisation.

Addressing the issue during a media chat with journalists in Abuja on Wednesday, Wike dismissed what he termed emotional appeals, insisting that the administration’s actions were strictly guided by law and the Abuja master plan.

“They told us they would build something like what you see in Dubai a city walk, a proper entertainment centre. But what do you find there today? Shanties. Who will come and stay in such a place?” he queried.

The minister said portions of land around the lake, originally allocated for high-end projects, had been left undeveloped for years and taken over by makeshift structures.

“For 15 years, nothing happened. We cannot continue like that. If you are not ready to develop, we will take back the land and give it to those who are serious,” Wike declared.

He disclosed that the FCT Administration had already revoked some of the affected plots, stressing that Abuja would no longer tolerate speculative investors holding on to prime land without development.

“You must sign to develop within a given period. If you fail, the land returns to government. It is as simple as that,” he said.

Responding, Wike clarified that the measures were not aimed at taking the lake away from residents but at restoring order and ensuring proper development.

“We are not taking anything from the public. We are reclaiming land from those who failed to do what they were supposed to do or who converted it to unauthorised uses,” he said.

He also frowned at the misuse of designated land, citing a case where a recreational facility was converted into a place of worship without approval.

“You cannot take land meant for recreation and turn it into something else. That is not how a modern city operates. We will enforce compliance,” he warned.

The minister maintained that the goal is to improve the environment around Jabi Lake and align its development with global standards, while preserving its value as a public asset.

Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, on Wednesday launched a scathing attack on factions within the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), being led by the Oyo State Governor, Seyi Makinde, Taminu Turaki and others, accusing them of fraud and deliberate disregard for court rulings in the lingering leadership crisis.

Speaking during a media chat with journalists on Wednesday in Abuja, Wike dismissed claims of an interim leadership arrangement in the party, describing such moves as illegal and deceptive.

“When will people stop being fraudulent? You cannot disobey court judgments and then turn around to deceive Nigerians that you have a legitimate structure. That is not how democracy works,” he said.

The minister insisted that only a court-recognised leadership can validly run the affairs of the party, warning that any parallel structure amounts to illegality.

“You don’t form a leadership in your bedroom and call it a national structure. Let them open an office anywhere and call it PDP secretariat I dare them. That is how you know what is real and what is not,” Wike stated.

He argued that ongoing attempts to constitute what he described as an “illegal caretaker arrangement” were efforts to mislead party members and the public, stressing that the judiciary had already provided clarity on the matter.

“The court has made it clear who should run the affairs of the party pending a lawful convention. You cannot ignore that and start setting up another structure. That is fraud 419,” he added.

Wike further criticised what he termed the erosion of integrity among some political actors, including senior lawyers and party leaders, accusing them of undermining institutions for personal gain.

“People you expect to uphold the law are the ones trying to bend it. That is the tragedy of our system,” he said.

Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, has called on European Union (EU) countries to deepen investment ties, strengthen cultural exchanges, and partner with the Federal Capital Territory Administration (FCTA) in areas of mutual interest to build a prosperous Abuja and Nigeria.

Wike, while addressing EU Heads of Mission during a meeting at the European Union House in Abuja on Tuesday, said he will continue to look forward to a continued collaboration and engagement with the EU countries to foster development of the FCT.

The meeting, which was chaired by the Head of the European Union Delegation to Nigeria and to the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS), Ambassador Gautier Mignot, had in attendance Envoys of Italy, Austria, Ireland, France, Hungary, Germany, Poland, Romania, Bulgaria, Greece, Finland, Belgium, Sweden, Spain, Czech Republic and Denmark.

Ambassador Gautier Mignot, who set the tone for the meeting while introducing the Minister, described the EU as Nigeria's first trade and investment partner.

Addressing the EU Heads of Mission, the Minister spoke about the FCTA priorities as a government, investment opportunities in the FCT, and the political landscape of Nigeria.

He also noted FCT's position as a business-friendly capital city, listing investment opportunities to include real estate and housing, entertainment and tourism, agriculture, solid minerals, waste management, among others.

"I thank the European Union Delegation to Nigeria for the invitation and continued partnership with the Nigerian Government in advancing shared values of development, stability, and prosperity.

"Today, drawing from the Renewed Hope Agenda of Mr. President, His Excellency Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, I will briefly highlight the priority areas of the Federal Capital Territory Administration (FCTA), the investment opportunities therein, and offer an overview on Nigeria's evolving
political landscape," Wike said.

He noted that the government has prioritized urban/rural development and infrastructure, security, education, health, social welfare, land administration reforms/revenue generation and rule of law.

"We have embarked on a deliberate and sustained investment in infrastructure as a catalyst for economic growth and social inclusion by expanding road networks, modernizing public transport and improving water supply.

"As a priority too, the administration has strengthened security infrastructure through the building of 12 new fully equipped/furnished Divisional Police Headquarters and Officers' Quarters, (2 each in the 6 Area Councils)."

Wike, who fielded questions from the ambassadors, described the amended Electoral Law as part of governance reforms to further guarantee the integrity and credibility of electoral processes, while also saying growing reliance on legal, institutional and constitutional mechanisms to resolve political disputes by aggrieved parties rather than resorting to self-help and violence was a reflection of greater trust in judicial processes and maturing democratic culture.

"In the newly ammended Electoral Act, there is provision for electronic transmission of results. But because of our peculiarities, it was included that where electronic transmission fails, manual transmission can be used. Meanwhile, there is no such provision in the 2022 ammended Electoral Act," he said.

Wike also said in a country like Nigeria, where democracy is evolving, opposition should not be seen as an avenue to cause or promote crises, but to provide alternative and guide government.

The Minister said, under President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, Nigeria's political trajectory was increasingly evolving towards a governance-focused paradigm where competence is increasingly prioritized over ethnic, partisan and religious considerations.

"Compared to earlier periods, there is a decline in highly volatile and rancorous politicking that characterized the relationship between the Executive and the Legislature. The relationship between these two key institutions have become that of 'partners-in-progress' in the making and implementation of policies and programmes for the welfare of Nigerians," Wike said, while highlighting the importance of cordial relationship between the Executive and the Legislative arms of government.

On the policy direction of the President Tinubu's administration, which the Minister said is anchored on bold and difficult reforms, he explained that; "The Current Administration in its Renewed Hope Agenda framework, has made bold and at times, difficult reforms aimed at repositioning the economy and improving citizens' welfare.

"These include; Economic Reforms and Fiscal Restructuring/Discipline, which ensured Subsidy Removal to eliminating a long-standing but corruption-prone system and free up public funds, unification of foreign exchange rates to stabilize the currency and tax reforms aimed at Streamlining the Tax System to improve revenue generation.

"Expansion of Social and Welfare Interventions with initiatives like the conditional cash tranfster and support for Small and Medium Enterprises to cushion the effect of difficult economic reforms on vulnerable populations and student loan tailored towards giving the Children and Wards of the poor, access to education even at the tertiary education levels."

He admitted that there are security challenges like the presence of internationally backed terrorist groups in the Sahel, translating into insurgency, farmer-herder conflict, banditry and kidnapping

The Minister however emphasized that there are ongoing and sustained efforts to address insurgency, banditry, kidnapping and communal conflicts, which he said has continued to shape policy decisions and political narratives.

Wike also said that sustained efforts are being made to strengthen security architecture, enhance inter-agency coordination and invest in intelligence gathering and technology.