Tag: Abuja

  • BREAKING: Fire engulfs popular Abuja shopping mall

    BREAKING: Fire engulfs popular Abuja shopping mall

    Fire razed IC World Emporia Centre, a popular shopping mall in the Gwarimpa axis of Abuja, the federal capital territory (FCT) in the early hours of Wednesday (today).

    TheNewsGuru.com (TNG) reports the cause of the fire incident at the popular Abuja shopping mall was yet to be ascertained at the time of filing this report.

    A social media user, @Mister_Mash on X, formerly Twitter, shared a video showing fire burning through the roof of the building.

    “4:13am currently happening right now in Gwarimpa, IC World Emporia on fire. I called the @Fedfireng emergency line 0803 200 3557, and the woman hung up on me. I called 112, they said I should call 122, I called 122, they said I should call 112,”  @Mister_Mash wrote.

    However, an hour later, the social media user shared an update with videos of the Nigerian fire service at the scene.

    Details shortly…

  • Large scale abductions: Wike holds emergency meeting in Abuja

    Large scale abductions: Wike holds emergency meeting in Abuja

    Apparently disturbed by the large scale abductions in the capital city, the Federal Capital Territory FCT Minister, Ezenwo Nyesom Wike, has summoned an emergency security meeting in the wake of the increasing wave of kidnapping by bandits in Bwari Area Council and some other parts of the territory.

    At the opening session, Wike assured residents that his administration and security agencies were not sleeping, urging them not to panic.

    He said, “We are all aware of the security situation in the Federal Capital Territory, particularly Bwari and some other areas where we have witnessed security challenges.

    “I am also aware that sometimes too, the press overblows what is happening, but indeed, we owe a duty to make sure that FCT is safe.

    “We will do all we can, and we assure Nigerians who reside here that there is no need for panic. We are taking every step to make sure that those challenges are things that we must resolve.

    “So, this meeting is practically to look into such challenges and see how we will be able to resolve the problems, and that is why we invited all the Council Chairmen because they also have a responsibility in their various area councils.

    “We will put our heads together and come up with solutions. For the press, this is just for you to know that we are not sleeping, and security is also not sleeping. We will give every support that they require to take away the fears of the citizens or residents.”

    Wike also warned council chairmen against unnecessary trips, saying they must remain in their councils and take responsibility for issues within their purview.

    “This time around, we will not be happy, where Area Council Chairmen will leave their responsibilities and travel out. We have gotten reports that Council Chairmen travel anytime and then, if anything happens, they will not call anybody’s name except the FCT Minister.

  • INSECURITY in Abuja: Lawyer narrates how kidnappers kitted in military camouflage abducted his wife, children

    INSECURITY in Abuja: Lawyer narrates how kidnappers kitted in military camouflage abducted his wife, children

    As insecurity continues to mount the centre stage in Abuja, a Nigerian lawyer, Oladosu Folorunso Ariyo, has narrated how kidnappers in military camouflage abducted his wife, their four children and later killed his 13-year-old daughter over failure to pay N60m ransom.

    Mr. Ariyo, an alumnus of Adekunle Ajasin University, Akungba-Akoko (AAUA) and indigene of Ekiti State, disclosed this in a desperate message sent to his colleagues on their WhatsApp group, seeking the intervention of the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA).

    Recall that the victims were abducted by the gunmen who invaded Sagwari Layout Estate in Dutse axis of Abuja estate on January 7, 2024.

    The kidnappers demanded a ransom of N60 million. Following their inability to raise the money, one of the children, Michelle was killed and her body dumped at Ida, near Ushafa in Bwari Area Council.

    According to Ariyo, the kidnappers are threatening to kill his three remaining children and wife if he failed to pay the ransom.

    Below is the message he sent on the WhatsApp group:

    “Dear Seniors & Colleagues, Most respectfully, I’m Oladosu Folorunso Ariyo, a lawyer working in Abuja. On Sunday evening the 7th of January 2024, around 7:30 pm, a band of kidnappers dressed in full military camon invaded my home located at Sagwari Layout Estate in Dutse, Abuja,” the message reads.

    “They kidnapped my wife (who is also a lawyer) and our four children. The kidnappers called and demanded for 60 million ransom out of which through generous donation of friends and family, I’ve been able to raise the sum of N7 million naira which they have vehemently refused to collect.

    “As at today, they’ve killed my first born- Michelle Ariyo ( age 13) and dumped her corpse on Kaduna road while threatening to kill my 3 remaining children (who are all minors) and wife who are still in captivity. PLEASE AND PLEASE SIR, I URGENTLY NEED THE INTERVENTION OF NBA.”

  • Abuja rail project: We’ll work round the clock to meet May 29 target – Wike

    Abuja rail project: We’ll work round the clock to meet May 29 target – Wike

    The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Mr Nyesom Wike, says FCT Administration will work round the clock to deliver the Abuja Rail Mass Transit (ARMT) System project on May 29.

    Wike stated this after an inspection tour of the project in Abuja on Thursday, to ensure timely delivery of the project.

    He said: “I am not a pessimist, and I believe that if we put all our energy into it, we may achieve it. I have also disbursed the funds for access roads, so we have no excuse.”

    FCTA had in August 2023, announced the award of N5 billion contract for the rehabilitation of ARMT system.

    The contract was awarded to the China Civil Engineering Construction Corporation Ltd (CCECC), to be delivered within eight months.

    On assumption into office, Wike identified the ARMT as one of the projects that would be commissioned on May 29 to mark President Bola Tinubu’s one year in office.

    The minister expressed dissatisfaction with the delivery of the project, following the persistent vandalisation and stealing of critical facilities and equipment of the rail system.

    “This is one project that I am so compassionate about, and you know that Mr President has given me a directive that must not be taken for granted.

    “When we first visited the metro station, I discovered that there were many security lapses.

    “I remember when I first came after our inauguration, I did say that we will have to work on the issue of security by putting a fence around the Metro Station to fend off criminals.

    “Unfortunately, that has not been done and to my surprise, I discovered that the contract was not even awarded to CCECC. It is a different contractor awarded by the FCT.

    “This is my first time hearing this, and we are going to take it up immediately to see that the fence is put in place, because you can’t talk of operation, when you have not tackled the issue of security,” he said.

    He expressed concern that in pite of engaging security companies to secure the rail facilities, vandalism and stealing had continued unabated.

    He said that a measure would be put in place to curtail the problem, insisting that there would be no room for excuses.

    “I will not be happy if in May this year, we are not able to operate this metro line. It will be very disastrous for me.

    “Even the designs of the rail stations are very poor. whoever approved the design is unfair to Nigerians. I have told CCECC that the designs are not even acceptable in their countries,” Wike said.

    In spite of these daunting challenges, Wike expressed optimism that the May 29 target may be achieved.

    “Be it as it has been, we still have to work round the clock to see that we achieved our result.

    “I have also directed that all the stations must be cleaned, and all the necessary facilities must be provided. There is no room for excuses at all,” Wike said.

    The minister also complained on the quality of the access roads linking the rail stations, saying, “the construction is not the best but again what do you do, this is what is on ground.

    “Frankly speaking, knowing where I am coming from, and having presided over projects like this, I cannot tell you that I am happy.

    “I am not happy, the company must speed up, those who are doing the access roads must also speed up,” he directed.

  • School resumption: FCTA vows to address challenges in schools

    School resumption: FCTA vows to address challenges in schools

    The Federal Capital Territory Administration (FCTA), has promised to address challenges affecting the delivery of primary and secondary education in the nation’s capital, Abuja.

    The Mandate Secretary, Education Secretariat, Dr Danlami Hayyo, gave the assurance after a visit to some secondary schools in Abuja on Monday, to monitor resumption of academic activities for the second term.

    Hayyo said that the objective of the monitoring tour was to identify challenges affecting schools with a view to effectively address them.

    He said that the secretariat had taken note of all the problems being faced by the schools, adding that the secretariat would consult with the FCT Minister, Mr Nyesom Wike, for prompt action.

    “Education is one of the key priority areas of this Administration and Wike had promised to give special attention to the sector.

    “That is why in the 2023 budget, the sum of N13.1 billion was approved for renovations, construction, and provision of chairs and furniture for schools in the FCT.

    “This is very encouraging”, he stated.

    He expressed satisfaction with the students’ and teachers’ turnout on the first day of resumption of academic activities in schools. The turnout is encouraging.

    “I expected to see a low attendance rate considering the Christmas and New Year break, since a lot of students traveled with their families out of Abuja, but fortunately for us, almost all the students are back and are ready for learning.

    “The teachers have resumed work and are ready to work. The students are also in school and ready for learning,” he said.

    The mandate secretary urged teachers to live up to expectations, adding that underperforming school administrators would be replaced with competent ones.

    Some of the schools visited included Government Science and Technical College, Area 3, Government Secondary School, Tundun-Wada and Glisten Group of Schools, Jahi, among others.

  • FCTA moves to solve problem with mass transit in Abuja using BRT system

    FCTA moves to solve problem with mass transit in Abuja using BRT system

    The Federal Capital Territory Administration (FCTA) says it has concluded plans to introduce Bus Rapid Transportation System to ease transportation challenges in the federal capital, Abuja.

    The Director, Directorate of Road Traffic Services (DRTS), Dr Abdulateef Bello, made this known during an engagement with stakeholders in Abuja on Monday.

    Bello added that the administration had equally concluded plans to bring in buses that use Compressed Natural Gas, to solve the problems of mass transit in Abuja.

    He urged the stakeholders to key into the policy that would make a difference in the Abuja transportation ecosystem.

    According to him, the buses when acquired and deployed to different routes, will take care of the rickety vehicles and taxis that have been constituting nuisances on Abuja roads.

    The director also disclosed that plans have been concluded to reclaim the 46 taxi racks in the territory to reorganise the ranks for licensed operators.

    He explained that the need to standardise the transportation system in Abuja became necessary, considering that the city was fast evolving.

    “Abuja cannot be left without an organised transportation system that will meet the needs of all citizens,” he stressed.

    One of the stakeholders, Dr Abubakar Sadiq, Chairman, RTEAN Mass Transit, who applauded the development, urged the administration to consider critical players in the transportation sector.

  • INSECURITY: Gunmen invade Abuja estate, abduct 10 residents

    INSECURITY: Gunmen invade Abuja estate, abduct 10 residents

    No fewer than 10 persons have been reportedly kidnapped in Sagwari Layout Estate, Dutse, Abuja.

    According to eyewitnesses, the kidnappers dressed like herders invaded the estate around 7:30 pm on Sunday.

    Eight persons were reportedly kidnapped from the estate while two members of staff were abducted from a nearby hotel.

    One of the victims who sent a distress message to the estate’s WhatsApp group had said his family was in danger before he stopped responding to messages a few minutes later.

    Security operatives have already been mobilised and are working with the estate security guards to search the hills behind the estate.

    A security operative who was beaten and tied by the kidnappers has been rescued

    FCT Police command has said that they were aware of the incident adding that the closest DPO had been informed to mobilise men to the scene.

  • Woman welcomes sextuplets after 13 years of marriage

    Woman welcomes sextuplets after 13 years of marriage

    Mrs Precious Ifeanyi, a businesswoman married for 13 years welcomed a set of sextuplets at the National Hospital, Abuja on Monday.

    Ifeanyi, a native of Ebonyi in Ohaozara Local Government Area told NAN on Wednesday in Abuja that she had the babies, four girls and two boys, after undergoing In-Vitro Fertilisation (IVF).

    The first time mother who was delivered of the babies at 30 weeks through Caesarean Section, said she was actually expecting
    quintuplets, only to find out during delivery that there were six babies.

    Recounting her experience, she said that she got married on April 3, 2010 like every other person and expected to start having babies immediately.

    “However, since then it has not been easy. We expected children but they were not forthcoming; we went to many places and spent money but no results so we just accepted to wait for God’s time.

    “God in His infinite mercy visited us, and here we are today, God has changed the story.”

    The happy mother said that within the 13 years she spent expecting a child, she and her husband, a pastor with Living Faith Church, Chikara in Kogi State, the family spent a lot of money that yielded no result.

    She explained that “when you spend money on something and it is not forthcoming, it is very frustrating. My husband and I spent money on medications and kept asking people for suggestions, and went to many places without success.

    “It was as if it would never happen, but God turned it around.”

    She said this was the first time she tried IVF, and that she started the procedure at Fertile Ground Hospital, Jos, and continued at the National Hospital, Abuja, when she was four months into the pregnancy, and was there till delivery.

    Speaking about the pregnancy, she said it was not easy, as it took a huge toll on her.

    She said “I have been hearing about pregnancies before; I had two miscarriages, but this one, many things started happening from the second week.

    “I knew this one was unique, so I was just enduring. The first three months was not funny, I had relief in the fourth month and after that, it was tedious and not easy at all.

    “People that visited me about a month ago saw what I was going through. At a point I was impatient to deliver so that I could rest.

    “The last two weeks before delivery was the climax of it all, I could not sleep, sitting down, standing, lying down were all not easy.

    “However I was encouraged by Dr Bello. The last week he encouraged me to go another one week before delivering the babies and I am glad I did because we did not even know that there was an extra baby.”

    The sextuplets mother said she could hear the doctors, while performing the CS saying “it’s like there is another one and actually there was.”

    Ifeanyi advised other women in the situation she was before to trust God as there is nothing He cannot do.

    She, however, said that the family needs assistance to take care of the children.

    “I need assistance because when we saw the results for the first time, we did not know it would be this number, we know the number of children we asked God for but He gave us six.

    “Please we need assistance both financially and otherwise,” she said.

    Meanwhile, Ifeanyi said her husband is also happy to receive the babies, as doctors keep watch and continue to observe the babies.

  • How 2 On-Air-Personalities win plots of land in Abuja

    How 2 On-Air-Personalities win plots of land in Abuja

    Two On-Air-Personalities (OAPs) have won a plot of land each for themselves in the Federal Capital Territory, (FCT) at the Nigerian Radio Award (NRA)

    The award was in the male and female category of the NRA held in Abuja on Sunday.

    Aishatu Loko of the Federal Polytechnic Campus 88.5FM, Nasarawa State and Ras Rah of 90.9FM Lagos emerged winners in both categories.

    The duo emerged as best news female Presenter 2023 to beat the male Radio Reggae Presenter 2023 to become winners of the plot of land, worth five million naira.

    Both awardees said it was an honour that their listeners considered them a vital part of their lives on a daily basis.

    ”Our listeners have selected us for the award of a plot of land in the FCT.

    “It was a dream for me. After watching my father, casting news on NTA Jos and today I am receiving an award, I am grateful to God.

    Other winners of the awards said that it was their first and it would boost their practice, and relations with their audience who deemed it fit to nominate them for the awards.

    Mavis Nneoma, Attitude On Air personality in Enugu, said “I am eight years in broadcasting and have had the opportunity to have worked with four radio stations in Enugu.

    “This is my very first award and it means a lot to me to have won this award.

    ”It is encouraging, it is appreciation for a good work, and I believe this is the beginning of more recognition and so much to do more,” he said.

    Otene Oche, said “Radio performs three roles: educate, inform and entertain and the voices that you don’t get to see but hear.

    “I am particularly happy that the NRA has put up a platform like this to celebrate radio presenters.

    ”I believe this is something the government and other stakeholders should look into and invest in.

    “With over 11 years of experience, I can say it’s been an interesting ride on radio and television.

    ”And for me, what a way to end the year with another award added to the gallery,” he said.

    Earlier, the Co- founder of the NRA, Isaiah Ntah, said the driver of the vision to reward On-Air-Personality, was to tell the OAPs across Nigeria that their work was invaluable to people.

    Ntah said OAPs should not relent in their efforts to bring various solutions through their interventions on situations.

    “I believed that their contributions to the radio industry with the award would spur other development and better remuneration and incentives to the OAPs,“he said.

     

  • Video/Photos: Watch moment Abuja journalists boogie down at NUJ chapel end of year gig

    Video/Photos: Watch moment Abuja journalists boogie down at NUJ chapel end of year gig

    On Saturday, Abuja-based journalists abandoned their beats to unwind at the NUJ correspondents end of year party.
    The dancing steps of the journalists ‘no get part two’ as they danced till dawn.
    See photos/Video below:

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