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Tag: FCT

  • Court extends order restricting Abuja protesters to National Stadium

    Court extends order restricting Abuja protesters to National Stadium

    Justice Sylvanus Oriji of the High Court of the Federal Capital Territory has extended the order restricting participants in the hunger protest against the federal government to the National Stadium.

    The judge extended the order on Tuesday following an application argued by Ogwu James Onoja SAN on behalf of the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT).

    During Tuesday’s proceedings, none of the eleven defendants appeared in court, nor were they represented by any legal practitioners.

    However, the FCT Minister’s lawyer drew the judge’s attention to a statement issued by one Damilare Adenola, who threatened that the nationwide protests might be extended beyond the initial 10 days.

    Onoja SAN argued that, since the defendants were not present and their next course of action was unknown, it would be prudent to extend the order to ensure that the peace of the FCT was not unjustly disrupted.

    In a brief ruling, the judge granted the request and affirmed that the order of July 31 remained valid and in force.

    The judge subsequently fixed August 22 for the hearing of the motion on notice.

    On July 31, in an ex-parte application argued by Chief Onoja SAN, the FCT Minister had sought an order of interim injunction restraining the five leaders of the protesting groups from gathering or parading themselves along any roadway, streets, offices, or public premises within the FCT from August 1 to August 10, or any other day thereafter, pending the hearing and determination of the motion on notice.

    He also sought another order of interim injunction mandating security agencies to prevent the protesting leaders from gathering or parading themselves along any roadway, offices, or public premises within the FCT between August 1 and 10, pending the hearing of his motion on notice.

     

  • Planned Protest: Mobilization Director, Adenola criticizes FCT Minister, Wike over usage of Eagle Square

    Planned Protest: Mobilization Director, Adenola criticizes FCT Minister, Wike over usage of Eagle Square

    Damilare Adenola, Director of Mobilisation for the Take It Back Movement, addressed the situation on Channels Television’s Sunday Politics. Adenola announced that a nationwide protest against economic hardship is scheduled for August, set to take place across all states and the FCT.

     

    The protest comes amid severe inflation and economic difficulties in Nigeria, exacerbated by recent government policies such as the removal of the petrol subsidy and the unification of foreign exchange windows. These policies have caused a sharp rise in the prices of food and basic commodities.

     

    Adenola had previously sent a letter dated July 26, 2024, to the FCT minister requesting the use of Eagle Square for the protest. However, the minister claimed he had not received the letter. Adenola attributed this delay to bureaucratic inefficiencies, asserting that the letter would be delivered to the minister on Monday before the protest begins on Thursday.

     

    Adenola criticized the minister for requesting payment for the use of Eagle Square, describing it as a public property. He questioned how impoverished Nigerian youths could afford such fees, emphasizing that the protest will proceed as planned on August 1.

  • 10 children die from suspected measles outbreak in FCT

    10 children die from suspected measles outbreak in FCT

    Ten children have died due to suspected measles outbreak in Damangaza community in Lokogoma District, Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Abuja.

    Mr James Budebo, Head of the Damangaza community, disclosed this during a one-day outreach programme on Friday in Abuja.

    The programme was organised by PHC Damangaza and the Vaccine Network for Disease Control (VNDC), a grassroots organisation dedicated to health interventions in underserved communities.

    Measles is a highly contagious viral infection characterised by fever, cough, runny nose, red eyes, and a distinctive rash.

    It can lead to serious complications such as pneumonia and encephalitis, especially in young children and those with weak immune systems.

    Budebo said vaccination was important in preventing measles and its complications, hence the need for widespread immunisation to protect the community.

    He said the recent deaths were due to the suspected measles outbreak, adding that there have been  challenges to vaccine acceptance within the community.

    Mrs Chika Offor, CEO of VNDC, said the one-day outreach programme was a crucial . to the health crisis in Damangaza.

    She said it was aimed at providing immediate assistance and laying the groundwork for long-term community resilience.

    Offor said efforts were on to promote vaccine accessibility and provide clear, accurate information to address community concerns and misconceptions.

    She said the  deaths due to measles were preventable, adding that the organisation was committed to supporting community dialogue on vaccination and public health measures.

    Ms Longtang Shawen, a Health Worker at PHC, Damangaza, said the outbreak exacerbated the community’s ongoing challenges with limited healthcare access.

    She said  education was  important in empowering the community about vaccine-preventable diseases, sanitation and hygiene.

    Shawen said vaccination was critical in preventing measles outbreaks, protecting individuals and ensuring community-wide immunity.

    She urged the residents of the community to accept vaccination to guard against such preventable diseases and protect the vulnerable populations.

    Chief Bello Musa, the Head of Damangaza Hausawa, said that the  Public Health Department, FCT, had been notified of the situation, with previous visits made two weeks ago.

    Responding, Dr Teresa Nwachukwu, FCT Epidemiologist, said in an interview that she would investigate the current situation.

    NAN recalls that data from the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control and Prevention (NCDC) revealed that Abia, Anambra, Jigawa, Edo, Lagos,and Bauchi accounted for a significant portion of reported measles cases by December 2023.

    As of December 2023, specific states such as Abia (46), Anambra (23), Jigawa (21), Edo (18), Lagos (17), and Bauchi (14) collectively accounted for 64.6% of the 215 suspected measles cases reported.

    Among these, 33 cases (15.4%) were confirmed, with no clinically compatible cases, while 43 cases (20%) were discarded and 139 cases (64.6%) were pending classification.

    During the period from January to December 2023, major contributors to the 19,470 suspected measles cases included Borno (7,635), Yobe (1,325), Ogun (611), and Zamfara (601), with Lagos also significant at 563 cases, making up 52.2 per cent of the total.

    Of these suspected cases, 11,433 (58.72%) were confirmed, comprising 1,861 lab-confirmed, 3,120 epi-linked, and 6,452 clinically compatible cases.

    The age group 9 – 59 months accounted for 7,317 (64%) of all confirmed cases.

    A total of 89 deaths (CFR = 1.1%) were reported among confirmed cases, with 8,380 (73%) of these cases being individuals who had not received any measles vaccine (‘zero dose’).

    By December 31, 2023, outbreaks were reported in 8 LGAs across 7 states, bringing the cumulative number of affected LGAs to 184 across 35 states for the year, with only FCT and Osun States not reporting any confirmed measles outbreaks,” it stated.

    NAN also reports that NCDC data underscore the need for vaccination campaigns and public health interventions to curb measles outbreaks across Nigeria.

  • Wike fumes over allocation of land meant for bus terminal

    Wike fumes over allocation of land meant for bus terminal

    The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Mr Nyesom Wike, on Monday fumed over the allocation of land meant for a bus terminal in the Central Business District, Abuja.

    Wike, who made the complaint at the inauguration of the construction of Mabushi Bus Terminal, Phase I, in Abuja, described the action as a gross distortion of the Abuja Master Plan.

    He explained that FCTA decided to build three terminals, one each in the Central Business District, Mabushi and Kugbo, to ensure a secure and convenient travel experience for commuters in FCT.

    He, however, said that the land designated for the bus terminal in the Central Business District, where a train track was expected to pass through had been allocated to somebody.

    “When we went there to start preparation for the inauguration project last Tuesday, I received a text that I had taken somebody’s land, and I was surprised.

    “In fact, in that text message, the person said, ‘after his sacrifices and inputs to the party, is this what he will suffer?”.

    “When I enquired, we found out that the place has been given out and Certificate of Occupancy (C of O) had been signed, even consent judgement has been entered between FCTA and the person,” he said.

    He explained that he directed that the Mabushi location should be used for the inauguration of the terminal project, pending when the issue would be resolved.

    He said that leadership was all about taking decisions, noting that in taking decisions, not everybody would be happy, but a decision must be taken.

    “This is just to let people know some of the things we face; how the Master Plan of FCT has been distorted.

    “When you want to make a decision, so many people will be angry and when you are complaining, they won’t come with sincere facts; they will come with distorted facts,” he said.

    The minister said that Abuja was supposed to be one of the best cities in the world but lacked the necessary infrastructure for the city to be a first-class city.

    He particularly pointed out that a city like Abuja does not have bus and taxi terminals, thereby forcing people on the road and taxis all over the place.

    This, according to him, is contributing to the level of insecurity in the territory, including the proliferation of “one chance” criminal elements.

    He explained that the construction of the bus and taxi terminals was part of efforts to reduce the level of insecurity under the Renewed Hope Agenda of President Bola Tinubu.

    “To reduce insecurity, we made a proposal to the National Assembly explaining that part of the security problem we are facing is because we have not been able to know who the people operating taxis and buses in FCT are and where they are loading from.

    “One of the things that people don’t understand about the Renewed Hope Agenda, is that it is not just about human capital development; it is also about empowerment of our people.” he said.

    In her remarks, the Minister of State, FCT, Dr Mariya Mahmoud, described the bus terminal project as a journey towards a more connected and efficient Abuja.

    “It is my candid hope that we will build not just terminals, but pathways to progress and prosperity,” she said.

    Inaugurating the project, Mr Tajudeen Abass, Speaker of the House of Representatives, described the construction of the Mabushi Bus Terminal as a critical step towards enhancing transportation infrastructure in the FCT.

    Abass argued that the project, when completed, would enable residents to commute safely and efficiently.

    He added that the project would not only improve accessibility but also contribute significantly to the overall economic vitality of Abuja.

    The speaker described FCT as a strategic and important capital city of Nigeria and must be equipped with modern infrastructure to support its key role.

    “This includes developing robust road networks, fostering economic mobility, and providing essential social infrastructure and amenities.

    “Abuja’s population is rapidly expanding, and we must anticipate and prepare for this growth to ensure that the city can efficiently accommodate its residents’ needs,” he said.

  • Police, military foil bank robbery attempt in FCT

    Police, military foil bank robbery attempt in FCT

    The Police Command in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) in a combined operation with the Nigerian Military has foiled a bank robbery attempt in Abaji Area Council of the FCT.

    The Police Public Relations Officer in the FCT, SP Josephine Adeh said this in a statement on Friday in Abuja.

    She said the Commissioner of Police in charge of the FCT, Mr Benneth Igweh led the operation that foiled the robbery attempt that happened on June 13.

    Adeh said security forces had engaged the 15-man robbery gang in an intense gun duel after the robbers had attacked the bank with dynamite in an attempt to rob.

    She said the gun duel forced the armed robbers to scamper to safety with various degrees of bullet wounds, while the security forces succeeded in apprehending three of the gang members.

    The FCT police spokesperson said the suspects were arrested with various degrees of bullet injuries.

    According to her, a yet-to-be-identified suspect was set ablaze by an irate mob at the scene after being neutralised by the security forces.

    “A police operative and the gang leader, with bullet injuries were rushed to the hospital, but later confirmed dead by the doctor on duty, while others are still receiving treatment,” she said.

    She said search operation was still ongoing to apprehend fleeing members of the gang with bullet injuries.

    Adeh said the commissioner commended the effectiveness of the combined operation, and reaffirms the command’s commitment to continue to make FCT unsafe for criminals.

  • I am being marginalized in senate committee matters–Senator Kingibe cries out

    I am being marginalized in senate committee matters–Senator Kingibe cries out

    The senator representing the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Ireti Kingibe, has expressed her frustration over being sidelined in Senate Committee matters concerning her constituency.

    Kingibe made this known during Tuesday’s Plenary session, as the Senate considered the 2024 N98.5bn Supplementary budget for the FCT.

    Speaking under Orders 10 and 11, Kingibe said despite her position as the highest elected official in the FCT, representing over four million people, she is excluded from crucial discussions on FCT matters, particularly budgetary issues.

    “Mr. President, as the highest elected person in the FCT, I am not carried along in matters pertaining to the territory, including budget discussions. Today, the FCT supplementary budget is being presented, but I was not informed about the procedure and was not invited to any meetings.”

    However, Senate President GodsWill Akpabio interrupted Kingibe, requesting that she present her concerns in a motion.
    The senators in plenary agreed that Kingibe would present her complaint in a motion the following day.

     

  • 2024 FCT Supplementary Budget scales 2nd reading in Senate

    2024 FCT Supplementary Budget scales 2nd reading in Senate

    The Senate has passed for second reading the 2024 Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Supplementary Budget of N98.5 billion.

    This followed the presentation of the budget estimates by the Deputy leader of the Senate, Sen. Lola Ashiru (APC-Kwara)at plenary on Thursday in Abuja.

    The Senate had on June 5 stood down the consideration of the budget for lack of details on the document presented to the lawmakers.

    Deputy President of the Senate Barau Jibrin (APC-Kano), urged his colleagues to allow the passage of the bill to second reading, following the presentation of the details of the budget.

    Jibrin said that the lawmakers had previously debated on the budget before it was stood down.

    Following Barau’s submission, the budget was consequently read for the second time.

    President of the Senate, Godswill Akpabio, thereafter referred the budget to the Committee on FCT for further legislative inputs and to report back in two weeks to plenary.

  • Why FG named Abuja road after Wole Soyinka – Nyesom Wike

    Why FG named Abuja road after Wole Soyinka – Nyesom Wike

    Nyesom Wike the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory,  has revealed why he recommended that one of the roads being commissioned in the FCT be named after Wole Soyinka.

    The project commissioned by President Bola Tinubu on Tuesday was the Full Scope Development of the Arterial Road N20 from Northern Parkway to the Outer Northern Expressway within the Federal Capital City.

    It was named Wole Soyinka Way.

    According to Wike, the contract for the construction of the road was awarded in 2020 at the cost of N30.6 billion, adding that the completion of the road project has brought relief to the residents of the FCT.

    He stated that “the proposal to dedicate the road to Prof. Wole Soyinka is rooted in the importance of honoring individuals who have made significant contributions to progress and development during their lifetime, thus setting an example for others.”

    The Minister also thanked the contractor for ensuring the timely completion of the road project.

    In her remarks, the Minister of State, FCT, Dr Mariya Mahmoud also thanked President Tinubu, the leadership of the National Assembly and members of the Federal Executive Council for their support to the FCT Administration.

    The Minister of State also extended appreciation to other stakeholders, including the FCDA engineers and the construction team who contributed their expertise to make the Arterial Road N20 a reality.

  • Real reason Tinubu named Abuja highway after Soyinka

    Real reason Tinubu named Abuja highway after Soyinka

    President Bola Tinubu on Tuesday approved the request by FCT Minister, Nyesom Wike, to name the Arterial Road N-20 after Nobel Laureate, Wole Soyinka.

    The Arterial Road N-20 stretched from Shehu Musa Yar’Adua Expressway to Outer Northern Expressway (Murtala Mohammed Expressway).

    Wike had appealed to President Tinubu during the inauguration of the road to celebrate his one year in office.

    “It is not when somebody dies that we will remember his contributions. It is good,  in the lifetime of someone who has contributed to the greatness of this country, to recognise him, rather than waiting for him to die.

    “A dead man does not know what happens. I will appeal to you sir, to let us recognise one of our own, by naming this road after him. The only Nobel Laureate we have, who has made Nigerians proud in the world.

    “I recommend that this road be named, Wole Soyinka Way. In that case, other people will have hope. People like me will have hope that tomorrow they will also recognise me,” Wike  requested.

    Tinubu approved the Minister’s request to name the road after Soyinka, whom he described as “a famous playwright, novelist and Nobel Prize winner”.

    Wike explained that the road was awarded in 2020 at N30.6 billion and had no variation, adding that he had inspected the execution of the road more than 10 times to ensure timely delivery within specifications.

    He argued that it would be difficult for any leader to challenge Tinubu’s achievements in FCT, considering the spade of infrastructure and administrative development in the territory in just one year in office.

    “It will be difficult for anybody to challenge you in FCT. It will be very difficult. I said so because the facts are there; the things are there. It is not about theory; it is about reality,” he said.

    Wike, particularly, commended Tinubu for changing the narrative of civil service in FCT.

    According to the Minister, with the establishment of FCT Civil Service Commission, workers in FCTA no longer run to the Federal Civil Service Commission, for progression.

    “They get promoted on their own. Most of them have never dreamed in their lives that they would reach the peak of their career as head of service and as permanent secretaries.

    “Your political will, which you have always shown, has given them hope, and that is why today, if we decide to do something, you will see everybody working together so that we achieve it.”

    The FCT Minister of State, Dr Mariya Mahmoud, said that Tinubu’s efforts not only transformed the infrastructural landscape of the city but also laid a foundation for smoother transformation and enhanced connectivity.

    “By today’s inauguration, we are invariably creating a safer, more efficient and more sustainable transportation network that benefits everyone in the nation’s capital city.

    “May this arterial road serve as pathways to progress, prosperity and unity for generations to come,” he said.

    Earlier, Mr Shehu Ahmad, Executive Secretary, Federal Capital Development Authority (FCDA) explained that the arterial road N-20 stretches from the Murtala Mohammed Expressway to Airport Expressway (Shehu Musa Yar’Adua Expressway).

    Ahmad said that segment that was inaugurated was 3.5km from the Murtala Mohammed Expressway to Ahmadu Bello Way, out of the 5.6-kilometre road from Murtala Mohammed Expressway to Northern Parkway.

    He explained that the road was a six-lane dual carriageway, with extensive underground engineering infrastructure services, and streetlights.

    He added that there were two interchanges, one at the intersection with the Murtala Mohammed Expressway and the other at Northern Parkway.

    Ahmad added that the road crisscrossed two Sector Centre A and B, crossing four Districts at Sector Centre A – Katampe, Jahi, Mabushi and Kado, and crossed Jabi, Utako Daki Biyu, and Wuye Districts at Sector Centre B.

    The inauguration of the Arterial N-20 Road was the fifth in a row, beginning with the Southern Parkway named after Bola Tinubu and the commercial operation of the Abuja Rail Mass Transit System.

    Also inaugurated by the President  were the Wuye Interchange bridge and the Outer Southern Expressway to Ring Road I.

  • FG shuts illegal mining site in FCT

    FG shuts illegal mining site in FCT

    The Federal Government has shut an illegal mining site at Guabe in Kuje Area Council of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) as part of its efforts to combat illegal mining.

    The operation was carried out by officials of the Mining Marshal Corp, inaugurated on March 21 by the Minister of Solid Minerals Development, Dr Dele Alake, to secure the mining environment and sanitise the sector.

    The corp has 2,220 personnel who have been specially trained as a rapid response squad and deployed across the 36 states and the FCT.

    The minister’s Special Assistant on Media, Mr Segun Tomori, said in a statement on Thursday in Abuja, that three suspects were arrested during the operation.

    According to the statement, the operation led by the corp Commander, John Attah, was successful due to meticulous intelligence gathering and surveillance.

    “Preliminary investigations revealed that the suspects lacked any documentation authorising their mining activities on the site.

    “Furthermore, a legitimate mining company with the necessary permits for the same location was unable to access the site due to the illegal miners’ activities and resistance,” said the statement.

    It quoted the Commander as saying that the development would not be tolerated because it was displacing lawful miners and investors from performing their legitimate operations.

    According to the statement, the suspects confessed to the offence and admitted to having been operating on the site for more than a year.

    When they were apprehended, about 2,000 tonnes of lithium were found on-site, underscoring the magnitude of the illegal operation.

    The commander said, “We met about 2,000 tonnes of lithium on the ground, the quantity of lithium mined since commencement of operation cannot be quantified as they were not being recorded due to the illegality of their mining operations.”

    It said the seized minerals and equipment on site had been marked as exhibits for prosecution, and further investigations were ongoing to uncover the extent of the illegal activities.