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Tag: Abuja

  • Abuja turning into a slum – Surveyor-General

    Abuja turning into a slum – Surveyor-General

    Mr Abdulganiyu Adebomehin, the Surveyor-General of the Federation says the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) is fast turning into a slum.

    He said this at a meeting of stakeholders organised by the House of Representatives Committee on Urban Development and Regional Planning in Abuja on Tuesday.

    “Abuja is fast turning into a slum and you may need to talk to those in charge. If we are losing it so fast in Lagos, Abuja should not be allowed to toe that path,’’ he said.

    He said that the ugly trend must be addressed, calling for a proper solution to correct the anomaly.

    He said that many individuals often refused to obey the law in Abuja.

    ‘’When we go outside the country, you see us obeying the rules just to run away from fines, but as soon as we return, we disobey them with reckless abandonment.

    “We have to look at the issue of compliance; who are those in charge of compliance,’’ he said.

    Rep. Awaji-Inombek Abiante, the chairman of the committee, said that Nigeria must plan ahead to ensure adequate infrastructure to meet up with rapid urbanization.

    ‘’This is about the vast opportunities that Nigerian cities have for accelerated national transformation through the building of integrated and productive communities.

    “We cannot maximize the opportunities for sustained transformation in our cities if the fundamentals are not addressed,’’ he said.

    He said the urban poor and vulnerable groups in the cities required more care and attention, especially in the provision of affordable housing.

    This, he said, included social amenities for improved life quality.

  • Abuja “one chance” victim was brought in dead to hospital — Panel Report

    Abuja “one chance” victim was brought in dead to hospital — Panel Report

    The investigative panel on the death of late Ms Greatness Olorunfemi, a victim of “one-chance operators” in Abuja, said she was brought to the Maitama District Hospital, Abuja, dead.

    The Chairman of the panel, Dr Mohammed Mohammed, who is also the President, Medical and Dental Consultants Association of Nigeria (MDCAN), revealed this on Wednesday in Abuja during news conference on the outcome of the panel’s findings.

    According to eye witnesses, Olorunfemi died following alleged refusal by Maitama District Hospital to treat her after being pushed out of a moving vehicle by ‘one -chance operators’ on Sept. 26.

    Mohammed said that the panel, which was set up on Oct. 5, came to the conclusion that she was brought in dead, after carrying out an investigation into the events of the day.

    He added that the panel got confirmation from the CCTV footage at the Accident and Emergency Unit of the hospital and interviewed eye witnesses and all parties involved in the issue.

    “So, on whether she was brought to Maitama District Hospital alive, the casualty nurse and the house officer in the emergency attended and examined her.

    “The casualty nurse first attended to her within 40 seconds of her arrival and then there was also a doctor that was passing by who attended to her within three minutes.

    “They all testified that she was brought in dead, as the casualty officer confirmed it and accordingly notified the good samaritan who brought her to the hospital.

    “The house officer also examined the patient’s pulse, respiratory and pupillary reflex, which were all absent, signifying brain death at the time of arrival.”

    The panel chairman also said that pre-autopsy examination by the pathologist at the hospital and physical inspection of her corpse by the panel members did not find any conclusive evidence that Olorunfemi was alive as at the time of her presentation at the hospital.

    He added that “on whether she bled to death while waiting at Maitama District Hospital, the pre-autopsies conducted, physical inspection and photograph of the corpse revealed signs of strangulation with a head injury with little stain on her cream colour cloth.

    “Her cream colour cloth would have been drenched in blood if she was actively bleeding or she bled to death.

    “The good samaritan driver who conveyed her testified that he only saw a little stain of blood on his vehicle after she was removed and transferred to the mortuary.”

    On the issue of request for medical report from the police before she was attended to, there was no such thing as revealed by the CCTV footage.

    Mohammed said that the hospital CCTV footage showed that the medical team promptly examined her, without first interacting with the people that brought her.

    He added that “if there was such request, she would not have been attended to promptly.

    “When they came, they went straight to the body without interacting with the good samaritan, which they couldn’t have asked for a police report.

    Mohammed, however, said that the panel observed that the hospital staff, upon confirming that she was brought in dead, delayed in removing her corpse from the car.

    This, he said, could be attributed to shortage in manpower at the morgue and systemic inadequacy in care for the dead.

    The report, therefore, recommended the need to sensitise the public about the National Health Act 2014 and the Compulsory Treatment and Care for Victims of Gunshots Act of 2017.

    According to Mohammed, the act did not say that gunshot victims should not be attended to in the hospital, but that the Police should be notified after the victim has been treated.

    He said that the report also recommended that police outposts be stationed in major hospitals to forestall future occurrence of such.

    Also, an autopsy be conducted to ascertain the exact cause of death to aid investigation

    The Mandate Secretary, Health Services and Environment, Dr Adedolapo Fasawe, said that the death was avoidable and that the FCT Administration was looking into all the inefficiencies in its system to find lasting solutions to them.

    She also said that in line with the panel’s recommendation to have police outposts in hospitals, the department was already working towards it.

    She added that the department was making provision for more stretchers and expansion of mortuaries.

    Fasawe apologised to the Olorunfemi family over the way her corpse was treated, adding that “a human corpse is supposed to be treated with respect.”

    She, however, assured that going forward, such occurence would not be repeated in FCT hospitals.

    The 10-member panel was made up of delegates from the Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Commission (FCCPC), Association of Pathologists of Nigeria (ASSOPON), and President, National Association of Nigerian Nurses and Midwives (NANNM).

    Others are National Association of Resident Doctors (NARD), Medical Women Association of Nigeria (MWAN), FCTA, members from the Health Services and Environment Secretariat and the National Youth Council of Nigeria.

  • TCN to plunge many parts of Abuja into darkness, gives reasons

    TCN to plunge many parts of Abuja into darkness, gives reasons

    Many parts of the Federal Capital Territory will be without power supply for hours on Monday (today) following planned maintenance by the Transmission Company of Nigeria in its Kubwa substation.

    This development was made known by the General Manager of Public Affairs, TCN, Ndidi Mbah, via a statement on Sunday night.

    She said the maintenance of its three 33kV feeders in Kubwa Substation is expected to commence from 10:00 am Monday through 5 pm.

    Consequently, the power supply from Abuja Distribution Company to Kubwa, Bwari and its environs will be interrupted for maintenance.

    “The Transmission Company of Nigeria (TCN) wishes to announce that its crew will perform scheduled maintenance on three 33kV feeders in Kubwa Substation. Maintenance will commence on Monday, 4 December, 2023, from 10.00 am to 5:00 pm.

    “Consequently, there will be power interruption on the feeders mentioned, affecting power supply through AEDC to its customers within Kubwa, Bwari and environs for seven hours tomorrow.

    “Power supply will be restored to the affected areas as soon as maintenance is completed,” the statement reads.

  • Alarming spread of HIV in Abuja calls for concern

    Alarming spread of HIV in Abuja calls for concern

    The Institute of Human Virology Nigeria (IHVN) has raised an alarm about the high prevalence of human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) in Abuja, the Federal Capital Territory (FCT).

    Dr Danjuma Sanda, Regional Manager of IHVN raised the alarm on Friday in Abuja, in commemoration of the 2023 World AIDS Day, stressing “new HIV infections persist”.

    Sanda emphasised the urgent need for increased awareness and effective measures to address the HIV situation in the FCT.

    According to him, the prevalence of HIV in Abuja is a cause for concern and requires immediate attention from the government, healthcare professionals, and the general public.

    “Annually on December, 1, we come together to celebrate, showing solidarity and support for those affected and infected by HIV.

    “Recognising the impact on families and communities, we stood in unity, expressing that we are in this together.

    “This year’s World AIDS Day theme emphasizes community leadership, and I’m optimistic about seeing leaders among us.

    “Collaboration is key as we strive to reach hard-to-reach communities. Despite reaching 95 per cent saturation in the FCT, new infections persist, urging us to intensify testing efforts.

    “We have the resources—test kits, prevention tools like condoms—and leaders are called to action.

    “Testing is crucial; it’s an opportunity for everyone to know their HIV status. Remember, HIV is not a death sentence; we have life-saving antiretroviral medication. Let us tackle this challenge together,” he explained.

    Sanda highlighted the importance of raising awareness about HIV transmission, prevention, and treatment options to combat the spread of the virus.

    He called for intensified efforts to provide accessible and affordable healthcare services, including HIV testing, counselling, and treatment facilities in Abuja.

    He stressed the significance of early detection and prompt treatment to ensure better health outcomes for individuals living with HIV.

    Furthermore, Sanda emphasised the importance of community engagement and involvement in tackling the HIV epidemic.

    He called for collaborations between government agencies, non-profit organizations, and local communities to develop and implement effective strategies to control the spread of HIV in Abuja.

    He also highlighted the need for targeted interventions among key populations, such as sex workers, men who have sex with men, and people who inject drugs.

    Sanda stressed the importance of non-discriminatory and inclusive healthcare services to ensure that everyone, regardless of their background or lifestyle, has access to HIV prevention and treatment services.

    Meanwhile, the Chairman of Abuja Municipal Area Council (AMAC), Hon. Christopher Zakka, has urged the people of AMAC to unite in combating this wave of HIV and put an end to the pain it inflicts.

    Zakka, who was represented by Mr Mustafa Abdulkarim, Acting Director, AMAC, said that the council would continue to work with relevant agencies to prevent and control the spread of HIV and AIDS.

    He said that in communities living with, and affected by HIV, networks of people from key populations and youth leaders have been, and continue to be essential for progress in the HIV response in AMAC.

    He said that relevant agencies and sober partners have continued to provide essential prevention, testing and treatment support services in the FCT.

    He also said that AMAC partnered with various advocacy groups to create awareness in the fight against HIV and AIDS in the territory.

    Meanwhile, on the sidelines; IHVN laboratory Van and staff were at the venue for people to be tested by certified test counsellors.

    One of the counsellors, who pleaded anonymity, said that this was in honour of World AIDS Day, and anyone could walk in to be offered free, walk-in HIV testing.

    “As a counsellor, I am prepared to answer any patient’s questions and, if needed, connect them with the services they need.

    “According to available data, an estimated 20 per cent of the people who have HIV do not even know they’re infected.

    “People who don’t know they have HIV have a higher risk of serious medical problems and death. They can also pass the virus to others,” he said.

    He said it was important to receive an early diagnosis when it comes to treating and living with HIV, as the illness was known to damage the immune system over time.

    He said that the infection often goes undiagnosed because there may not be any obvious signs and symptoms.

    “That’s why it’s important to get tested regularly, especially if you have multiple sex or needle-sharing partners,” he advised.

    Each year, on 1 December, the world commemorates World AIDS Day. People around the world unite to show support for people living with HIV and to remember those who have died from AIDS-related illnesses.

    Each World AIDS Day focuses on a specific theme, which this year is Global solidarity, and shared responsibility.

    This year’s theme joins a growing list of challenges that World AIDS Day has alerted people to globally.

    Founded in 1988, World AIDS Day was the first-ever international day for global health.

    Every year, United Nations agencies, governments and civil society join together to campaign around specific themes related to HIV.

  • Just in: Abuja boils as NSCDC Officers shoot secondary school students

    Just in: Abuja boils as NSCDC Officers shoot secondary school students

    The Nigeria Police arrested and detained three Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps officers for shooting two students from Senior Secondary School, Life Camp, in the Federal Capital Territory’s Jabi and Gwarinpa neighborhoods.

    The two students who were shot by NSCDC operatives are being treated at Gwarinpa Hospital.

    Following the shooting, a group of enraged high school students vandalized three NSCDC police vehicles in protest of the attack on their injured colleagues.

    It was gathered that the incident occurred around 11.20am on Wednesday.

    The NSCDC personnel attached to the FCT Command of the NSCDC were at the school to provide security during an ongoing examination on the premises.

    When contacted, the FCT Police spokesperson, SP Josephine Adeh, confirmed the incident, while noting that the police had restored peace in the affected area.

    Adeh said, “The incident happened, but our operatives intervened in time to restore law and order, and the environment is now peaceful. Two injured students are currently receiving treatment, and the CP, Haruna Garba has ordered the commencement of an investigation into the incident.”

    Meanwhile, the FCT Command of the NSCDC is yet to comment on the development.

    When contacted for comments, the spokesperson for the FCT NSCDC, Comfort Okomanyi, said she was indisposed, while noting that she would make inquiries from the command and revert.

    “I’m sorry, I’m currently indisposed. However, I’ll reach out to the command for an update on the matter, and I’ll get back to you,” Okomanyi noted.

  • First tallest Christmas light in Africa to be unveiled in Abuja

    First tallest Christmas light in Africa to be unveiled in Abuja

    Jav Christmas Village, Abuja’s premier family-oriented event, is set to light the first tallest Christmas light in Africa, standing at an impressive 40 feet, as part of its Christmas grand celebration.

    This is contained in a statement by the Chief Executive Officer, One Percent International Management Services, Amb. Stephanie Nnadi, on Monday in Abuja.

    Nandi said that Jav Christmas Village had firmly established itself and was on the brink of becoming a holiday hotspot nationwide and beyond with over 200,000 attendees in 2022.

    She said the organisation was expanding its footprint to three locations in Abuja

    She said the places included Maitama at Transcorp Hilton on Dec 9, Gwarimpa LEA Primary School, 3rd Avenue on Dec. 15 and Garki at International Conference Center A&E Pavilion on Dec. 16.

    According to her, the expansion is due to overwhelming demand and the desire to provide an unforgettable experience for everyone.

    “This strategic move aims to accommodate the expected surge in attendance, with an anticipated 80,000 visitors this year.

    “In an effort to enhance the overall experience, this year’s festivities will be skillfully managed by One Percent International Management Services.

    “With their expertise, Jav Christmas Village is set to elevate the celebration to new heights.

    “Prepare for a breathtaking spectacle at the International Conference Centre Arts and Exhibition Pavilion,” she said.

    According to her, the Grand Opening event promises an array of captivating activities, including artiste performances, comedy shows, exciting games, indulgent shopping experiences, delectable food options, and much more.

    “One of the crowning moments of the celebration will be the lighting of the tallest Christmas light ever seen in Africa, standing at an impressive 40 feet.

    “It is a symbol of the grandeur that Jav Christmas Village brings to the festive season.

    “One Percent International Management Services invites the general public to immerse themselves in the holiday spirit and make cherished memories with family and friends.

    “The joyous atmosphere and diverse offerings guarantee something for everyone, ensuring a magical experience for all ages,” she said.

  • Official narrates sad tales of how 10 babies died in FCT IDPs camp

    Official narrates sad tales of how 10 babies died in FCT IDPs camp

    No fewer than ten babies have been reported to have died of illnesses related to malnourishment in Waru Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs) Camp of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Abuja.

    Mrs Fatima Mohammed, the Women Leader of the Camp, who disclosed this in an interview on Monday in Abuja, said the figure was recorded since the formation of the Camp in 2013 to date.

    She said that the issue of malnutrition among infants and children remains a source of concern to many families in the Camp.

    ”As I am talking to you now one of the nursing mothers died recently in this camp.

    ”You see, one of our major problems in this camp is lack of good medical facilities, portable drinking water and toilet facilities.

    ”Due to the deteriorating condition of our toilets here many of our women contracted toilets infections, some are even chronic infection to the extent that they could not bear children” she said.

    While calling for assistance from the Ministry of Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Alleviation, the women leader said, their situation required urgent attention.

    ”One of our basic need is healthcare facility even though our stay here is temporary because some of us have businesses at home before insurgency displaced us from our varous communities.

    ”Before we used to receive medical and material support from organisations like the former Director-General of Refugees Commission Imaan Suleiman she supported us alot and we are grateful.

    ”But, since they left we have not received donation from any organisation so far.

    ”But, we are many in this camp, we are close to three thousand eight hundred and seventy persons.

    ”Even the empowerment scheme that the former minister of Humanitarian Affairs Sadiya brought to us only seventeen people benefited out this population.

    ”The empowerment programme was mainly on skills acquisition because some of us were trained of tailoring and we were given sewing machines” she said.

  • Fashion designer launches book to correct societal ills

    Fashion designer launches book to correct societal ills

    A popular Abuja fashion designer and restaurateur, Shehu Yakubu, has launched a book, “Maitama Linen”, to correct some societal ills.

    The book has a rider: ‘The Scandalous Lives of Abuja Elites.”

    Yakubu at the sideline of the event in Abuja, said the the book was inspired by the society and the idea was birthed during the COVID-19 lockdowns.

    According to him, the book is a reminder of the position of the current moral compass in the society, adding that he talked about homosexuality, lack of appreciation, body enhancement and other things he felt were wrong in the society.

    Yakubu said he decided to put them together as a literary work and go ahead,  because it was during the lockdowns and thus, he was not thinking of any limitation or boundaries.

    “I wanted the book to be a page turner so that when you start reading, you can’t stop. I wanted to make a book that can also be used for a film.

    “So my main goal is that anybody  who read this book will ask him or herself that ‘do I need to be like this character?.

    “I have to convince the readers that certain habits will lead to destruction. “

    “There are a lot of lessons to be learnt in the book, especially if you move fast in life, if you don’t take the necessary steps and refuse to wait.

    “Also, as a Muslim, I used the book to correct some misconception of divorce culture in the Northern part of the country. When some people divorce their wives, they kick them out of their houses immediately or the next day.

    “It is not supposed to be like that.  I also talked about rape culture, how an average Nigerian man is feeling entitled to a woman’s body. When a woman says no, they normally think she meant the opposite,  but that is wrong. No is no.

    “These are some of the things in my book. When you read it, you will discover that there are plenty lessons to be learnt. You will see the reflection of the society. It is meant to correct the ills and impact the society,” Shehu said.

    The author said as a tailor of the elites, he was close to them and as a Restaurateur, he had a lot of elites around him,  adding that it was therefore simple for him to pick out the characters in the society.

    He emphasised that he only used the vices in the society and partly the elites, to talk about how life could go wrong if one continued in such paths.

    “I did not talk about bleaching, neglect and bias towards northern divorcees. I want to be a soldier of the unspoken. I want to write about things that people don’t want to talk about.

    “And I want to make it so interesting and captivating that would attract the attention of readers.

    “I want to write and talk about things, so that people can be aware. If you are sending your child to school, pay attention,” he said.

    Yakubu, who studied Business Management, decided to use his journalistic history in Turkey, romantic nature and story telling gift, to write the book, ‘Maitama Linen: The Scandalous Lives of Abuja Elites.’

     

  • FEMA rescues construction worker trapped in collapsed structure in Abuja

    FEMA rescues construction worker trapped in collapsed structure in Abuja

    The Federal Capital Territory Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) has rescued a construction worker trapped in a collapsed building under construction.

    The worker was trapped when a part of a building under construction, close to Taj Bank in the Central Business District, Abuja, collapsed on Saturday around 3:30 p.m.

    Mr Nkechi Isa, Head of Public Affairs, FEMA, made this known in a statement in Abuja.

    Isa said that the victim was part of the labourers casting the first floor of the building when the entire cast fell on him.

    She said that the victim had been rescued and taken to the Trauma Centre of the National Hospital, Abuja for medical attention.

    She added that FEMA was alerted around 4:00 p.m. after the construction workers’ unsuccessful attempts to rescue their trapped colleague.

    “FEMA’s Search and Rescue Team and the FCT Fire Service responded to the distress call and were able to rescue the trapped man with the aid of extrication equipment and the construction company’s excavator,” she said.

    Reacting to the development, Mr Mohammed Sabo, acting Director-General of FEMA, appealed to developers to always adhere to the building codes to avert recurrence of building collapse.

    Soba, who was personally at the scene of the rescue operation, also advised construction companies and developers against using substandard materials and sharp practices during building constructions.

    He urged developers to prioritise the safety of workers and the future occupants of any building under construction.