Tag: FCT
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BREAKING: NUJ FCT Council Chairman sacked chapel heads take over
Members of the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ) FCT Council have fired the Chairman, Comrade Patrick Osadebamwen.
This development cropped over botched Congress of the NUJ FCT Council held on Saturday, October 19th, to set up a credentials committee meant to oversee the election of officials for the Council in December.
Palaver started midway into the Congress, following accusation of bias levelled against Mr Osadebamwen.
Osadebamwen was also accused of having flouted provisions of the NUJ Constitution in the nomination process.
At the time of filing this report, the Chairman of the NUJ FCT Council and members of his executive have been impeached after signatures were gathered for the impeachment notice.
It was gathered that the State Executive Council (SEC), made up of Chairmen of all the Chapels in NUJ FCT Council, has taken over the activities of the Council going forward.
Meanwhile, some elders of the Council, led by Elder Timothy Oloruntoba Elerewe, former Chairman of FCT Correspondents Chapel and the secretary the Nigerian Guild of Editors, Iyobosa Ewugiaren made efforts to calm the situation to ensure due process was followed but proved abortive.
Details later…
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NUJ FCT Correspondents Chapel mourns loss of popular photojournalist, Olaluyi
The Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ) FCT Correspondents Chapel has announced the sudden passage of its member, Elder Elijah Olaluyi, popularly known as Kay Kay, describing it as a rude shock.
Olaluyi died on Thursday October 17, 2024, at 9:45pm in Abuja after a brief illness.
The late Olaluyi was not only a member of the Chapel, but also a unifying factor who played an advisory role in ensuring peace and stability within the union. Until his death, he was the senior Photojournalist with the New Telegraph Newspaper.
In a statement issued on Friday in Abuja, Chapel Chairman, Comrade Jide Oyekunle, confirmed the death, saying it has created a huge vacuum that will be difficult to fill. “It is with a heavy heart that we announce the death of our colleague, brother, and father, Elder Elijah Olaluyi, who died today, Friday, October 18, 2024, after a brief illness.”
The leadership of the Chapel extends a heartfelt condolences to Olaluyi’s immediate family, the management and staff of the New Telegraph Newspaper, Photojournalist Association of Nigeria (PJAN), House of Representatives Press Corps, and NUJ FCT Council.
“We pray for the bereaved family to have the strength and resilience to endure this great loss,” Oyekunle said. “Olaluyi was an exemplary, peace-loving, unpretentious, and hard-working journalist who discharged his duties with diligence, devotion, and integrity. He was a core professional, accommodating, and jovial during his lifetime and will be greatly missed by his friends, colleagues, and admirers.”
Olaluyi, 61, hailed from Ilase in Ipokia Local Government of Ogun State. He is survived by his wife, five children, and grandchildren. The burial arrangement will be announced by the family in due course.
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Wike to stop ‘pick and drop’ in Abuja
Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Minister, Nyesom Wike has said the Administration will stop commercial buses and taxis from picking up and dropping off passengers on Abuja roads.
The minister stated this on Tuesday, after inspection of the ongoing construction of Kugbo and Mabushi bus terminals in Abuja.
He said that commercial buses and taxis in the FCT must operate from the bus terminals when the projects are fully completed.
Wike who expressed satisfaction with the pace and quality of work on the projects, also said the projects will change Abuja’s landscape and improve transportation in the nation’s capital when completed.
He said: “By the time we finish these terminals you don’t need to be having those ones, we won’t allow buses and taxis to pick on the roads. Everybody has to move to the various terminals.
“I’m so excited. This site (Mabushi bus terminal) was flagged off in July of this year, and within three months, you can see what they’ve been able to do.
“The time given to them is 15 months to complete the project, but with the speed the contractor is going, I believe it will be completed before the 15 months. He (the contractor) even told us that by January, he would be able to hand over this project to us, this Mabushi, and the one at Kugbo.
“The quality of work, you can see for yourself. If you were here when we flagged off the two, you would know that they’ve really done very well.
“I’m happy that at the end of the day, the residents of Abuja would see that we have changed the landscape of the area; we have given them different transportation systems, which they have been yearning for but lacked for years. So, we are very happy with what we have seen”.
On the bus terminal for the Abuja Central Business District, the Minister said the issues surrounding the project have been resolved, paving the way for work to commence.
He said, “We had some problems there, but we have been able to sort them out. There are a lot of underground facilities that they’ve tried to settle with the FCDA. I’m sure that very soon, work will seriously start there.”
Earlier while conducting the Minister round the Kugbo and Mabushi bus terminals, the CEO, Planet Projects, the construction company handling the projects, Engr. Abiola Otunola, disclosed that a substantial part of the work on the bus terminals has been achieved, adding that the company was working round the clock to ensure the completion of the project by January 2025.
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Presidential Tax Reform Committee adopts FCT for Tax harmonisation model
Presidential Fiscal Policy and Tax Reform Committee says it will use the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) as a model in the implementation of harmonisation of taxes in the country.
The Chairman, Mr Taiwo Oyedele, disclosed this during a meeting on harmonisation of revenue administration in Abuja on Friday.
The meeting was organised by the FCT Internal Revenue Service (FCT-IRS) for the Area Council Chairmen of the FCT.
Oyedele explained that the harmonisation and simplification of taxes would not reduce revenue as some people erroneously perceived but would enhance revenue generation.
“Harmonisation and simplification of taxes, as well achieving equity and fairness in revenue administration are critical areas of reform for our committee,” he said.
He expressed support for the steps taken by the FCT-IRS towards harmonising taxes in the territory.
He advised the FCT and other states of the federation to discourage unorthodox means of collecting taxes, levies and fees, especially on the highway, roads and streets.
He described unorthodox means of revenue collection as embarrassing and unacceptable.
The chairman advocated the use of technology in the collection of revenue, adding that it has the capacity to eradicate tax evasion, leakages and improve transparency.
He urged stakeholders to work together to ensure the success of the tax harmonisation drive.
According to him, there must be a collective will to fight the challenge of multiple taxation in the country.
Oyedele noted that the FCT had all it takes to be number one in the ease of doing business in the country, adding that all hands must be on deck to ensure its success.
In his remarks, the acting Executive Chairman, FCT-IRS, Mr Michael Ango, commended the FCT area council chairmen for their commitment to the harmonisation project.
Ango said that their determination, willingness and support was critical to achieving full tax harmonisation in FCT.
He said that the FCT Minister, Mr Nyesom Wike, was committed to boosting internally generated revenue in the FCT to be able to provide infrastructure and social services to residents.
He noted that constant engagement with stakeholders in the harmonisation drive was important to ensure that all parties involved were on the same page.
The acting chairman pledged the FCT-IRS commitment to put in place a robust technology platform to ensure efficiency and transparency in revenue collection and administration.
On his part, Mr Ubokutom Nyah, Mandate Secretary, Economic Planning, Revenue Generation, and Public-Private Partnership, FCT Administration, reiterated Wike’s commitment to the harmonisation drive.
Nyah lauded FCT-IRS chairman for reviving the initiative and encouraged the area councils’ chairmen to fully support the project.
This, according to him, will ensure the success of the harmonisation of taxes in the FCT.
The Chairman, Kuje Area Council, Alhaji Abdullahi Sabo, who spoke on behalf of the councils’ chairmen, welcomed the selection of FCT as a model for tax harmonisation in the country.
Sabo pledged their support for the successful implementation of the project.
The chairman, who expressed confidence and trust in FCT-IRS capacity to collect revenues on behalf of the area councils, stressed the need for fairness and transparency in the distribution of revenue collected.
“We are happy that this is coming at a time when we have a committed and hardworking minister, who is determined to transform the FCT.
“In the last one year in office, things have changed for the better across the territory,” he said.
NAN
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Wike threatens to kick out non-performing contractors
The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Mr Nyesom Wike, has threatened to kick out non-performing contractors executing projects in the FCT.
Wike made the threat in Abuja on Friday, after inspecting the ongoing construction of the 15-kilometre left wing service lane of the Outer Southern Expressway, from Ring Road 1 to Wasa.
The threat followed what the minister described as “disappointing performance” of CGC Nigeria Ltd executing the project, saying “it is barely 50 per cent as against CGC’s 75 per cent claim.
“As at last year, you promised you would finish the project by December 2024 or at most January 2025, now you have extended it to May.
“With what I am seeing, it may not be possible till eight or nine months from now.
“You should be fair to us. If we have an agreement, let’s keep to that agreement and we are paying. Why should we see what we are seeing now? He asked.
The minister said that FCT Administration had paid over 80 per cent of the contract sum, “but look at what they have done. This is very bad. I am not encouraged.
“We have paid the contractor more than 80 per cent of this contract and the job, as far as I am concerned, is not up to 50 per cent. I am not going to accept this.”
On what he would do to non-performing contractors, Wike said: “We don’t have any relationship with non-performing contractors. Everybody knows our position that if you don’t perform, we kick you out.
“There is no sentiment about it. Whether you are an indigenous contractor; whether you are foreign contractors; we don’t care. All we are concerned about is the work.
“If you do the work; we go along with you, if you don’t do the work; we kick you out and we will make you pay for it; there must be sanctions.
“You can’t just collect our money, and we just say go, when you do not complete our project, no.
“Before we kick you out, we will make you pay for it. That is our position.”
He explained that his attention was drawn to the project when he inspected the Apo to Karshi road on Thursday and passed through Wasa on his way back.
He explained that the inspection was to see things for himself.
“There was no equipment here yesterday, when I passed through the road.
“I believe it is because I said I was coming here today that you mobilised equipment. These are things I will not accept.
“CGC is one of the most respected construction companies in the country, but as far as this road is concerned, I am not happy,” he groaned.
The minister directed the Director Engineering Services, Federal Capital Development Authority to sit with the contractor, agree on a work plan, and commit to a completion timeline.
Wike said that the work plan described the road as important considering the huge economic activities taking place in the area.
He directed that the project delivery work plan should be on his table on Monday, pointing out that the road, if completed, would significantly reduce traffic congestion in the area.
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FG approves construction of roads in Abuja satellite towns
Nyesom Wike, Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), announced on Monday that the Federal Executive Council (FEC) has approved the construction of roads in Abuja’s satellite towns.
Wike made this known while addressing State House correspondents after the FEC meeting.
He emphasised that these satellite towns had previously suffered neglect, highlighting that prior administrations failed to recognise the importance of extending development to these areas.
“It is part of the Renewed Hope Agenda of the president that we must take development to the satellite towns.
“As I speak to you today, I know before December, we will commission more than 75 kilometers of road. The President has also said we must continue to give hope and infrastructure to satellite towns.
“The areas covered are in Kwali, Gwagwalada and Bwari area councils. These are the three area councils that NEC has approved that we have to make sure that infrastructure is given to them,” said the minister.
He said FEC also approved the development of Artillery Road N5, Obafemi Awolowo way, from Life Camp Junction to Ring Road.
“People have been saying we need to do something to decongest the area. The contract is to be carried out by Julius Berger and to be completed in 16-17 months.
The FCT minister also said because of the importance the President attached to the judiciary, he directed that the FCT, through the FCDA, should immediately construct 40 judges and justices quarters in Kantampe District.
“What it means is that out of these 40, FCT High Courts will have 20, the Federal High Court will have ten and the Court of Appeal will have ten, and this will be completed within 15 months.
“Again Council approved the construction of access road from Artillery Road N11 from Mabuchi to Judges Quarters.
“FEC also approved the construction of access road from ring road 1-N16 Shehu Shagari Way also to Judges Quarters to be delivered in 15 months,” said Wike.
He added that Council had also approved full development of all connecting roads to the Court of Appeal Abuja division.
The minister stated that FEC ratified the termination of the contract for development of Maitama 2, an area previously allocated to various citizens.
He said the Maitama 2 area had not less than 1700 allotees before the present government came to power, and the contract was awarded for the sum of N184 billion for the provision of infrastructure.
“The thinking of Mr. President is that if we are able to develop the area, it will reduce the housing deficit, so that many people will go and develop their properties.
“But unfortunately after the award, the contractor was never on site. We may not also blame him because we saw he was never mobilised.
“It has taken over one year. So, we sought for the termination of the contract and start a new process of procurement and provide enough funds for the infrastructural development to take place.
“I can assure you that now that the contract has been terminated we will move quickly to start the process and make sure that we develop the area,”said Wike.
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Anambra commissioner, wife kidnapped on their way to FCT
The Commissioner for Youths Development in Anambra State, Agha Mba, and his wife have been kidnapped by gunmen on their way to Abuja.
Reports said that one of his aides from Onitsha was killed while they were on their way to the wedding of Governor Chukwuma Soludo’s daughter.
A report by a national newspaper said that the incident occurred on Friday, August 16, while they were travelling to Abuja.
The details of the incident remain sketchy at the time of filing this report.
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Wike sends strong warning to new mandate sec, perm secs
The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Mr Nyesom Wike, has warned the newly appointed Mandate Secretary, Youth Development Secretariat, and Permanent Secretaries against making excuses for failures.
Wike, who gave the warning during the inauguration of the appointees in Abuja on Thursday, advised any of them who lack the capacity to deliver to resign.
Mr Abdullahi Ango was inaugurated as the pioneer Mandate Secretary, Youth Development Secretariat of the FCT Administration.
Those inaugurated as Permanent Secretaries include Joy Okeke from the South East, Rotimi Ajayi from the South West, and Nancy Nathan from the North East.
Additionally, Mr Gardiya Bawa was inaugurated as Solicitor General/Permanent Secretary for the Legal Services Secretariat of the FCTA.
Wike emphasised that he would not tolerate any excuses for failures, stressing that every appointee must work and account for any assignment given to them.
He specifically advised Ango to work in the interest of the youths and initiate programmes that would transform them into entrepreneurs.
This, he said, would enable the FCTA to help the youths reduce the hardship they face due to the current economic downturn.
“President Bola Tinubu has fulfilled his part. It is up to you to work with us, work with me, and identify programmes that can make the youth entrepreneurial.
“This will help the youths reduce the effects of hardship and if anything goes wrong, you will be held responsible.”
Wike also charged the Permanent Secretaries to be committed, stressing that he was not interested in mere eye service, but in those willing to work to achieve President Tinubu’s mandate.
“I am sure today you are satisfied that you are almost at the highest level of your career. The only level you may now want to reach is the Head of Civil Service.
“It is up to you to be committed and work hard. If you know you have no capacity to work, it is better you resign now, at least you will leave with the emoluments of a former Permanent Secretary.
“Everybody must know that you must account for every assignment given to you.”
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Nigerian women coaches deep into second module of CAF C-License course
A total of 30 women coaches have intensified their learning in the second of a three-module CAF C-License Coaching Course that started in the Federal Capital, Abuja last month.
The first module, held at the NFF/FIFA Technical Centre, MKO Abiola National Stadium, Abuja held 15th – 25th July, and was followed by a two-week internship at various clubs by the coaches.
“The second module started on Monday, and we are generally impressed by the discipline, dedication and commitment of the coaches to the entire programme,” NFF Technical Director, Coach Augustine Eguavoen told thenff.com.
Former Nigeria captain and coach Eguavoen also confirmed that this second module, which will come to a close on Friday, 16th August, will be followed by another two-week internship, 23rd August – 4th September.
The third module, which comes with examinations for the participants, will take place 9th – 19th September.
Dr. Terry Babatunde Eguaoje, NFF’s Head of Education, is among the coach educators’ team, which also includes Coaches Isah Ladan Bosso, Wemimo Olanrewaju and Lawrence Ndaks.
Among the 30 participants are former Super Falcons’ stars Precious Dede, Joy Jegede, Esther Michael, Maureen Eke, Otas Ogbonmwan, Vera Okolo, Cecilia Nku, Taiwo Ajobiewe, Gloria Ofoegbu and Amenze Aighewi. There are also Barr. Victoria Nlemigbo and retired FIFA referee Folusho Ajayi.