₦airaland Forum

...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.

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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.

Continue

Omowale2023:
I totally disagree with your article. Why should I participate in what I don't believe in?
Obi left PDP in 2023 because they wanted to dollarize the primaries, you all called him a coward, ADC wants to do the same, and you expect him to do what? Stay? And fight? How?
It's obvious Obi worked for every goddamn dollar he is spending, and it's obvious Atiku didn't, because if he did, he won't be wasting money anyhow, claiming he's a more presidential candidate than the others, what's the benefits of spending the dollars since 1993? Nothing? With Obi, Atiku had his highest number of votes at 11 million in 2019, but in 2023, with PDP Structures and governors he had only 6.9 million votes, so how many votes do you expect Atiku to have in 2027, Without PDP structures and Obi? You guess is as good as mine, less than 3 million, Knowing fully well it's time for the south?
We obidients will vote for Obi and if obi is not on the ballot, we vote for Tinubu, it's the time for the south and it should remain so. In 2027, we all shall learn politics together.

Only TRUTH will suffice

HacheNoire:
I love your article but many will still disagree with you!

Rumours around Peter Obi and the African Democratic Congress offer yet another reminder of a hard political truth many prefer to ignore: power is never gifted; it is contested, negotiated, and earned through structure, not sentiment.

In every serious democracy, popularity is only a spark, not the engine. Crowds, social media momentum, and moral appeal can create visibility, but they do not replace the painstaking architecture of power; party machinery, coalition building, elite bargaining, and institutional loyalty. Without these, even the most admired figures hit a ceiling.

The illusion that “the people want it, therefore it must happen” often collapses at the gates of realpolitik. Political systems are not charity platforms; they are arenas of interests. Delegates vote interests. Party stakeholders protect investments. Power blocs demand assurances. Nobody simply steps aside because someone is popular.

History, both within Nigeria and beyond, consistently shows that those who emerge at the top are not always the loudest or most loved, but the most strategic, the most embedded, and the most patient. The path to power is less about applause and more about alignment.

Consensus candidacy, often misunderstood, is not about crowning the most visible figure. It is about selecting the most acceptable compromise among competing power centres. If a candidate does not command sufficient trust across these blocs, consensus becomes impossible, regardless of public enthusiasm.

This is where many movements falter, mistaking momentum for structure. A movement can energize the streets; only a system can win power.

If the rumours hold any weight, then the lesson is simple: no individual, no matter how compelling, can shortcut the process. Politics is a game of depth, not just height. You don’t inherit power because you inspire people, you secure it because you have done the hard, often invisible work of building alliances, negotiating interests, and enduring the grind.

Power is not dashed. It is assembled.

PRESS STATEMENT
April 30, 2026

The Board of Trustees of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) acknowledges the judgment of the Supreme Court delivered on Thursday, April 30, 2026.

For the avoidance of doubt, the judgment of the Supreme Court simply affirms the earlier decisions of the Federal High Court and the Court of Appeal nullifying the purported National Convention of the Party held on the 15th and 16th of November 2025 in Ibadan, Oyo State.

As the conscience and the moral compass of the party, the BOT fully respects and accepts the judgment of the Supreme Court.

Consequently, the legal position remains clear and unambiguous: the said Ibadan Convention stands nullified, and any structure emanating therefrom has no legal foundation.

Accordingly, the leadership structure of the Party under:
Alhaji Abdulrahman Mohammed – National Chairman
Senator Samuel Nnaemeka Anyanwu, FCIPA – National Secretary remains the valid and stabilizing authority to guide the affairs of the Party at the national level.

The Party remains fully functional and will continue to operate through its recognized organs in line with the Constitution of out party (as amended in 2017).

Necessary constitutional steps will be taken, as appropriate, to further strengthen the Party’s unity, stability, and preparedness for upcoming electoral engagements.

We call on all members of our great Party to remain focused, united and committed. Consequent upon this, the BOT advises the National Working Committee to immediately constitute a National Reconciliation Committee to reach out to all aggrieved members of the party across the country.

This is a moment for discipline, loyalty, and collective commitment to the ideals and future of the party.

The PDP remains strong, resilient, and committed to its historic mission of providing credible leadership to Nigeria.

Signed:
Senator Mao Ohuabunwa, PhD, NPOM
Chairman
Board of Trustees

The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, on Thursday declared that the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has emerged united and free of internal factions following a decisive ruling by the Supreme Court of Nigeria.

Speaking at a press conference at his residence in Guzape, Abuja, Wike said the apex court judgment has finally laid to rest all disputes over parallel leadership structures within the party.

He dismissed insinuation that the Supreme Court affirmed the suspension of the PDP National Secretary, Senator Samuel Anyanwu, saying there was no such issue for determination before the court.


“Today, the Supreme Court has brought to an end the so-called factions of the PDP. There is no more faction in the party. There is only one PDP,” he said.

The minister explained that the court dismissed appeals challenging earlier judgments from lower courts, thereby upholding the legitimacy of the party’s convention and its current leadership.

According to him, attempts by aggrieved groups to overturn the outcome of the convention failed at all judicial levels.

“The Supreme Court has validated our convention and set aside all claims to any parallel structure. What this means is that the PDP has come to stay as one united party,” Wike stated.

He stressed the need for political actors to operate strictly within the framework of the law, warning against actions capable of undermining party constitutions and electoral regulations.

“The fact that you are in a position does not mean you can act outside the law. There are rules guiding party activities, and those rules must be followed,” he added.

Wike also dismissed the relevance of some defectors who exited the party during the crisis, describing them as politically insignificant, while leaving the door open for others to return.

“Those who left are not electoral assets; they are liabilities. However, those who left out of uncertainty may reconsider and return now that the situation is clear,” he said.

On ongoing coalition talks among opposition figures, the minister ruled out participation in alliances that lack clear national interest or constructive engagement.

“We do not believe in opposition for opposition’s sake. Our approach is constructive, not destructive,” he said.

He further noted that recent judicial pronouncements in political matters reinforce the need for due process, urging aggrieved parties to always seek redress through the courts.

Wike maintained that the PDP remains Nigeria’s foremost opposition platform, expressing confidence in its readiness to provide credible alternatives in the country’s democratic process.

“The PDP is stable, united and ready to play its role effectively. What has happened today is a victory for the rule of law and internal democracy,” he added.

The Federal High Court in Abuja on Wednesday restrained the Independent National Electoral Commission from recognising or participating in any congress organised by a disputed caretaker leadership of the African Democratic Congress.

The court, in a judgment delivered by Justice Joyce Abdulmalik, also barred former Senate President, David Mark, and other prominent figures in the party from interfering with the functions and tenure of elected state executives.

The ruling is the latest development in the festering leadership dispute within the ADC, with clear implications for the control of party structures ahead of future political activities.

The case arose from an originating summons filed by Norman Obinna and six others on behalf of state chairpersons and executive committees of the party.

The plaintiffs challenged the legality of actions taken by a caretaker or interim national leadership, particularly the move to organise state congresses through an appointed committee.

They argued that the caretaker body lacked constitutional authority to organise such congresses or to appoint any committee for that purpose.

According to them, only duly elected party organs recognised under the party’s constitution possess the power to conduct congresses.

The plaintiffs, therefore, asked the court to affirm the tenure of the state executive committees and restrain any parallel processes that could undermine their authority.

In resolving the dispute, Justice Abdulmalik held that the claims brought before the court were valid and deserving of judicial consideration, especially in view of alleged breaches of constitutional and statutory provisions.

She stated that she found “the issue in the originating summons meritorious”.

The judge framed the central issue as whether the second to sixth defendants, including Mark, had the constitutional or statutory authority to assume the powers of elected state organs of the ADC, whose tenure is guaranteed under the party’s constitution.

She relied on section 223 of the 1999 Constitution, which mandates political parties to conduct periodic elections based on democratic principles, as well as Article 23 of the ADC Constitution, which provides that national and state officers shall hold office for a maximum of two terms spanning eight years.

According to her, “the question is whether there is any infraction committed by Mr Mark and co-defendants when they convened meetings and appointed a body known as a congress committee to organise state congresses.”

On the defence raised by the defendants that the matter was an internal affair of a political party and therefore outside the jurisdiction of the court, the judge acknowledged the settled legal position but clarified its limits.

She held that while courts are generally reluctant to interfere in internal party matters, they will intervene where there is a clear allegation of violation of constitutional or statutory provisions.

“The law is settled that courts will not interfere. However, where there is an allegation of breach of constitutional or statutory provisions, the court has a duty to intervene,” she ruled.

“Where a party alleges that its constitution has been violated, the court is bound to adjudicate. Any argument that this court lacks jurisdiction on that basis fails,” she added.

Justice Abdulmalik stressed that political parties must operate strictly within the confines of their constitutions, noting that any deviation from prescribed procedures, particularly in leadership matters, cannot be justified under the guise of internal autonomy.

She found that the procedure adopted by the defendants, including the appointment of a “congress committee,” was not recognised by the ADC constitution and therefore invalid.

Consequently, the court held that the tenure of the state executive committees remains valid and must be allowed to run its full course without interference.

The judge further ruled that only those elected structures have the authority to organise state congresses, effectively nullifying any process initiated by the caretaker leadership.

In a set of far-reaching orders, the court set aside the appointment of the congress committee and restrained INEC from recognising any congress organised by it.

The court also restrained Mark and the other defendants from organising congresses or conventions outside the provisions of the party’s constitution.

Additionally, they were barred from taking any steps capable of undermining or disrupting the authority of the state executive committees.

The PUNCH reports that the plaintiffs, led by Obinna, instituted the suit in a representative capacity on behalf of ADC state chairmen and executive committees across the country.

The defendants in the matter include the ADC, David Mark, Patricia Akwashiki, Malam Bolaji Abdullahi, Ogbeni Rauf Aregbesola, Oserheimen Osunbor, and INEC.

In their submissions, the plaintiffs challenged the legality of caretaker or interim national working committees and urged the court to restrain INEC from recognising or participating in any congress conducted under such arrangements.

They maintained that under both the ADC constitution and the 1999 Constitution (as amended), the tenure of state executive committees subsists until valid congresses are conducted in accordance with laid-down procedures.

They further argued that any attempt to bypass the elected structures undermines internal party democracy and erodes the rule of law within the party.

However, the defendants opposed the suit through preliminary objections, counter-affidavits and written addresses.

Mark and the other defendants contended that the dispute related strictly to the internal affairs of the party and was therefore not justiciable.

They also argued that the plaintiffs lacked locus standi to institute the action and that the suit was incompetent.

They further submitted that the plaintiffs failed to exhaust internal dispute resolution mechanisms before approaching the court.

Exposed! Senator Ireti Kingibe Collected $65,000 For A Contract That Never Existed, Dragged To ICPC As Businessman Alleges She Used Her Office To Defraud Him

...She Refunded Only N50m Of N118m, Threatened To Arrest Victim When He Demanded His Balance

Senator Ireti Kingibe, the representative of the Federal Capital Territory in the 10th National Assembly, has been petitioned to the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) over allegations that she collected $65,000, equivalent to N118 million at the time, from a businessman to facilitate a Federal Government contract that the petitioner alleges never existed, subsequently denied receiving the money, then reluctantly refunded only N50 million, and allegedly threatened to have the businessman arrested when he insisted on recovering the outstanding N68 million balance.

The petition, dated April 27, 2026, was filed by lawyer Elochukwu Obi on behalf of his client, Mr. Nonso Okafor, and addressed to the office of the lCPC Chairman, requesting an urgent investigation to determine whether criminal infractions and abuse of public office have occurred, and seeking the recovery of the outstanding funds.

According to the petition, the arrangement began in October 2024 when Mr. Osereme Christian Omofoma, Senator Kingibe's Senior Legislative Aide, approached the businessman.

The SLA allegedly pleaded with Okafor "to help him raise $100,000 for the Senator to enable her to meet urgent financial needs," promising that the money would be repaid in full or, alternatively, that the senator would facilitate the award of Federal Government contracts to Okafor through
which he would recoup his money.

The petition stated that Okafor was initially reluctant to participate in the arrangement, "especially as he did not have the huge amount of money that was demanded at that time."

However, the SLA allegedly exerted "enormous pressure" on the businessman, who was eventually had to borrow from friends in order to meet up with the cash demand."

Okafor managed to raise $65,000 of the $100,000 initially demanded, borrowing the funds "at exorbitant interest rates," a detail that underscores the financial strain the arrangement placed on the businessman even before the alleged fraud was discovered.

The petition stated that the $65,000 was paid to Senator Kingibe in two tranches in October 2024. The businessman was told that the promised contract award would materialise within a few weeks of payment.

"After the payment, our client futilely waited far beyond the envisaged timeframe for the promised contracts, but nothing
materialised" the petition stated.

After several months of waiting, the petition alleged, "it dawned on our client that there was no contract for him and that he had simply been misled!"

At this point, Okafor began requesting a refund of his money.
When the businessman sought his money back, the senator's response, according to the petition, shifted from evasiveness to outright denial.

"The Senator not only refused to refund the money, but she also began to actively claim that she did not receive any money from our client" the petition stated.

The denial, if accurate, represents a significant escalation, as it would mean the senator was not merely failing to fulfil a
promise but was denying the existence of the transaction itself, despite the businessman having records of the

Unable to communicate directly with the senator after being cut off, Okafor continued to press for his refund through
the SLA, Omofoma.

When Okafor expressed his determination to involve law enforcement, the response from the senator's side shifted again.

"Upon our client's expression of his determination to get the law enforcement involved in the matter, they reluctantly decided to unilaterally pay only N50,000,000 out of the total $65,000 (N118,000,000)" the petition stated.

This payment was made in May 2025. The N50 million refund created a new problem. At the exchange rate at the time
of the original payment, Okafor had paid N118 million. The N50 million refund left an outstanding balance of N68 million.

"After this, Senator Kingibe and her aide tried to compel our client to accept the payment as full and final, with threats to arrest him if he refuses to forgo the balance," the petition alleged.

Despite the threats, the petition stated that "our client continued to peacefully press for the completion of his money, which remains N68,000,000. All subsequent appeals for the payment fell on deaf ears."

"Our client believes that there were no contracts for the Senator to facilitate in the first place. On the contrary, the facilitation of contract was a deceitful gimmick which was deployed to fraudulently collect money from him, without any intention of refunding the same," Obi stated.

The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia has sought partnership with the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) on security, economy, green city development and other areas of mutual benefits.

The Saudi Arabian Ambassador to Nigeria, Yousef bin Mohammed Al-Balawi, sought the partnership when he visited the FCT Minister, Mr Nyesom Wike, in Abuja on Tuesday.

Al-Balawi commended Wike and President Bola Tinubu administration for building what he described as “beautiful green city”.

The ambassador said he looks forward to strengthening relationships with the FCT Administration and exchange experience on developing a green city.

He also stressed the need to strengthen the relationship between the FCT and Riyadh, the capital city of Saudi Arabia and other big cities in the country.

Responding, Wike noted the robust relationship between Saudi Arabia and Nigeria, adding that the FCT would leverage on the relationship for the benefit of the territory.

“We will be happy and willing to visit Riyadh and other cities in Saudi Arabia to find areas of common interest and collaborate for mutual benefits.

“Saudi Arabia is a very important state in the Gulf Region with a very rich history and robust relationship with Nigeria.

“We will want to capitalise on the good relationship with Nigeria to see how Riyadh and FCT will cooperate and learn from each other.

The Minister commended Al-Balawi for the accolade on the ongoing transformation in the FCT, attributing the development to Tinubu’s political will.

He explained the Tinubu administration has transformed the FCT to a modern city that could compete with any city in the world.

“We have not gotten to where we want to be yet, but the Tinubu administration is committed and has what it takes to take the capital city to the global stage,” Wike said.

Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) and the National Leader of Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Nyesom Wike, has assured aggrieved members of the the party that they will not lose their entitlements if they return, declaring that many who left only did so out of uncertainty and in search of political shelter.

He therefore urged the party leadership to urgently move for reconciliation.

“Chairman and your team should put in place a strong committee to reach out to those who are aggrieved.

"There is room for them to come back, and whatever is due to them will still be given,” Wike said at the 108th National Executive Committee (NEC) meeting of the party held Monday at Wadata Plaza, Abuja.

The former Rivers State governor insisted that the PDP must close ranks quickly, warning that lingering internal wrangling could weaken its chances ahead of future elections.

“In life, there must be a period of crisis. What matters is how we resolve the crisis. Now that we are together, we must not stop at reconciliation,” he said.

Wike also reaffirmed his loyalty to the party, declaring that he has no intention of leaving despite ongoing tensions.

“I have been a member of this party since 1998 and I will not leave. Whatever happens, we will continue to live as members of the PDP,” he stated.

He further called for transparency and openness in party affairs, saying this would rebuild confidence and attract back those who had drifted away.

“If you engage them, they will understand and support the party. There is need for openness so that we can achieve the unity we desire,” he added, while expressing confidence in the party’s legal team.

Earlier, PDP National Chairman, Abdulrahman Mohammed, signalled a fresh start for the opposition party, declaring that the era of uncertainty was over.

According to him, the party will strictly follow the Electoral Act and guidelines of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) in conducting its congresses.

“The era of uncertainty is behind us. The era of strategy, consultation, and electoral preparation has begun,” he said, promising transparent and credible congresses across all levels.

Also speaking, Chairman of the Board of Trustees (BoT), Senator Mao Ohuabunwa, stressed that unity must remain the party’s top priority.

He urged members to bury their differences, warning that there was no room for exclusion if the PDP must regain its footing nationally.

Ohuabunwa also called for discipline and strict adherence to the party’s constitution, while commending reforms such as the e-registration initiative aimed at strengthening internal processes and repositioning the party for the challenges ahead.

Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, on Wednesday led tributes to the late Senator Mpigi Barinada Barry, describing him as a principled and courageous leader whose life was defined by service, conviction and commitment to the public good.

At a Night of Tribute held at the Bola Ahmed Tinubu International Conference Centre, Wike said the late lawmaker distinguished himself in a political environment often marked by inconsistency, maintaining clarity of purpose throughout his career.

“I am a politician, and I have seen people say one thing in the morning and change by night. But this was a man whose position was clear and consistent. When he decided on a cause, he pursued it with everything,” Wike said.

He noted that Barry’s dedication to justice and development, particularly for his people, underscored a legacy that would endure beyond his lifetime. Reflecting on the uncertainty of life, Wike urged Nigerians to prioritise impact.

“We do not know when the time will come. What matters is the impact we make while we are here. He lived a life that will be remembered,” he added, assuring that the family of the deceased would not be abandoned.

Also speaking, Minister of Works, Dave Umahi, described the late senator as a man of integrity whose words and actions were aligned, and whose contributions to national development were significant.

“Sometimes politicians say one thing in the morning and another in the evening, but this was a man whose ‘yes’ was yes and whose ‘no’ was no. He was consistent, loyal and deeply committed to any cause he believed in,” Umahi said.

He recalled their collaboration on legislative and infrastructure matters, noting that Barry played key roles in advancing major road projects, including coastal highway initiatives linking critical economic corridors across the country.

“He was a national figure committed to the progress of the entire country. There was no place he did not go to advocate for quality, speed and delivery of projects that would benefit Nigerians,” he stated.

Umahi added that the late lawmaker’s interventions were crucial in resolving complex project challenges and ensuring continuity in key developments.

“He was not driven by personal gain. He was committed to service and to the call of God upon his life,” he said.

The minister expressed regret that Barry would not witness the completion of several projects he championed, including sections of the Lagos-Calabar Coastal Highway, noting that his legacy would remain embedded in the nation’s infrastructure landscape.

“We will not forget him. We will stand with the family and ensure that his good intentions are realised,” Umahi assured.

In a sermon titled “Death is Not the End,” the Provincial Pastor of the Redeemed Christian Church of God FCT Province 1, Pastor Amos Okemuyiwa, described death as inevitable and urged reflection on life and legacy.

“Death is an appointment that is unavoidable for everyone. It is a leveler; it does not respect status, wealth or position,” he said, stressing that the enduring measure of life lies in one’s deeds.

“The life after death is the memory of the impact you leave behind,” he added.

The event drew government officials, lawmakers and associates, who collectively portrayed the late senator as a bridge-builder and advocate of unity.

Senator Mpigi Barinada Barry is remembered for his contributions to public service and a legacy of integrity and commitment that many said would endure for generations.

The windstorm, which occured during a heavy rainfall a few hours ago, also caused a minor damage to the Nyanya pedestrian bridge and some buildings in the area.

From preliminary reports, no one was injured, and no vehicle was damaged.

To prevent breakdown of law and order, as well as free flow of traffic, the FCT Minister, Nyesom Wike, has directed that security men be deployed to the scene, while immediate action will be taken towards fixing the damages caused by the windstorm.


Lere Olayinka
Senior Special Assistant
Public Communications and Social Media
April 7, 2026

​

The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Nyesom Wike, has ordered for the immediate arrest and seizure of the plot of land where a multi-story hotel building collapsed last Friday, in the Jikwoyi area of the nation's capital, Abuja.

In a stern warning to developers, the Minister, who conducted an on-the-spot assessment of the site on Monday, said the structure was erected without approval from the FCT Department of Development Control.
​
Wike said the collapse occurred after the developer repeatedly ignored "stop-work" notices issued by the Department of Development Control.

"Despite the lack of formal approval, the company proceeded with construction, leading to the eventual structural failure.

​"There was no approval for the construction of this building," the Minister stated during the site visit.

"Development Control had issued stop work notices, but the company ignored the notices and continued regardless," he stated.

The minister disclosed that although no fatality was recorded, some persons sustained injuries and were taken to hospital, noting that the outcome could have been more severe.

He announced that the FCT Administration would take over the land for public use, adding that those responsible for the illegal construction would face prosecution in accordance with the law.

​The Minister said the local community will be consulted to determine a suitable public-purpose project to be built on the reclaimed land.

Wike emphasised the need for strict compliance with building regulations, stressing that obtaining approval allows authorities to monitor construction standards and ensure the use of appropriate materials.

He directed relevant agencies to strengthen enforcement measures, including the demolition of structures built without approval, in order to prevent future incidents.

“It is important that we act decisively. Where there is clear violation, the law must take its course,” he said.

The minister reiterated the administration’s commitment to safeguarding lives and property, urging developers to adhere strictly to laid-down procedures to avoid sanctions.

He emphasized that the government's primary concern was the safety of lives, noting that buildings constructed without supervision often utilize sub-standard materials.

In a strategic move to consolidate grassroots mobilization and strengthen political engagement across the Federal Capital Territory, the FCT Coordinator of the Renewed Hope Ambassadors, Hon. Abdullahi Adamu Candido, convened a high-level interactive session with the 62 Ward Ambassadors.

The meeting, described as a “heart-to-heart interface,” brought together key stakeholders within the Renewed Hope structure to align messaging, reinforce strategy, and address emerging political narratives within the FCT.

A major highlight of the engagement was a thought-provoking paper presentation titled “The Current State of Oil and Gas as it Affects the Political Situation in the Country,” delivered by Comrade Abdulwahab Ekekhide Abdulkadir. The presentation provided critical insights aimed at equipping ambassadors with factual perspectives to counter what was described as misinformation allegedly being propagated by opposition elements within the territory.

Speaking during the session, Hon. Candido underscored the pivotal role of Ward Ambassadors within the Renewed Hope framework. He emphasized that their position as the closest link to the grassroots makes them indispensable to the success of the initiative.

“Ward Ambassadors are the most important unit of this project. Your place cannot be undermined. We must not allow the opposition to mislead the public with rhetoric that does not reflect reality,” he stated.

Participants at the meeting reflected on past administrations, noting a perceived gap in tangible development at the community level. In contrast, they commended the current administration under FCT Minister Nyesom Wike, highlighting visible infrastructural and developmental strides that signal progress toward positioning Abuja as a true capital city.

The Coordinator further reiterated the importance of sustained support for President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, urging ambassadors to intensify efforts in promoting the Renewed Hope agenda ahead of the 2027 general elections. He called for stronger collaboration between Ward Ambassadors and the 25 Polling Unit Ambassadors assigned across polling units, noting that the structure is part of a nationwide mobilization strategy replicated across all 36 states.

As frontline representatives of the President at the ward level, ambassadors were charged with the responsibility of consistently communicating the administration’s achievements while countering opposing narratives with verified information.

The meeting also had in attendance Heads of Directorates, Area Council Coordinators, and members of the Secretariat, signaling a unified commitment to expanding the reach and impact of the Renewed Hope initiative. Plans for further engagements and intensified grassroots mobilization were outlined as the group prepares for the next phase of its strategic operations.

Jibreel Muhammad Babangoshi
Spokesperson, Director of Media and Publicity
Renewed Hope Ambassadors (RHA), FCT Chapter

Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, has said today's National Convention of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) will demonstrate to Nigerians and the international community that the party is still alive and will bounce back.

He made this known during an inspection of the Convention venue, after hosting party stakeholders in Abuja ahead of the exercise.

Over 2,000 delegates from across the 36 states will converge on the Velodrome at the Moshood Abiola National Stadium, Abuja, for the party’s National Convention.

Wike assured that all necessary arrangements have been concluded for a successful convention, urging delegates to maintain peace and order before, during, and after the event.

He emphasized the importance of discipline and unity in ensuring a hitch-free process.

The Minister said; “For me this is a job well done, you can see we are not over decorating, this is what they call proper arrangement. I’m sure that Nigerians will be happy with what they’ll see, it will be a testimony that Nigerians will say indeed PDP has come back.

"For this convention that is well organized, that will give them the impression that we are prepared for the future and I’m happy that all those concerned has put in their efforts and commitment to see that the convention becomes a reality."

On the security arrangement in place at the venue for the convention, the minister said there was adequate security at the venue.

“Coming here again, I can see a lot of presence of security men, that shows a lot of things have been taken into consideration. As you’re coming in you’ll see presence of security personnel.

"We are here to organize our own convention the way conventions are supposed to be organized. We will have a hitch free convention, we have taken notice of some people who may be very funny, things like this you may see some people who may be paid to cause one form of confusion or the other, we’ve taken notice of that and I can tell you security agencies are up to the task,” he said.

The Minister advised delegates to be calm, orderly and support what the committees have done.