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Author: Philip Daniel Yatai

  • FCTA, NBRRI conduct integrity test on buildings in Abuja

    Demolition

    By Philip Yatai

    Abuja, June 29, 2024 (NAN) The Federal Capital Territory Administration (FCTA), has engaged the Nigeria Building and Roads Research Institute (NBRRI) to carry out integrity tests on some buildings located at Guzape District, Abuja.

    Mr Mukhtar Galadima, Director, Department of Development Control, FCTA, made this known in an interview with the News Agency of Nigerian (NAN), in Abuja on Saturday.

    Galadima explained that the move became necessary after a developer, Nicholas Ukachukwu Praco Ltd, demolished a semi-detached duplex building located in an estate at at Plot 456, Guzape, over structural defects.

    He said that the department had sealed the premises and engaged NBRRI to investigate the demolished building, including two other duplexes under construction on Plots 454 and 458, by the same developer.

    “We decided to investigate the integrity of the buildings because the demolition of the one with visible defects was done without the approval of Development Control.

    “This is necessary to forestall recurrence and ensure that all buildings are constructed in line with the provisions of building codes and other safety regulations,” he said.

    Also, Mrs Florence Wenegieme, acting Director-General, FCT Emergency Management Department (FEMD) told NAN that some passersby alerted the department to the development.

    Wenegieme said that FEMD responded and visited the location along with personnels from the Asokoro Divisional Police Command, Department of Development Control, FCT Fire Service, National Emergency Management Agency and the FCT Red Cross.

    “The passersby made their observations known to the owner of the property, who acknowledged the defects and decided to demolish the structure immediately.

    “There was no loss of lives, and no one was trapped in the building,” she said.

    She assured the department’s timely response to emergencies to avert loss of lives.

    She advised developers to pay due diligence to building codes and engage only professional builders and engineers for quality execution of projects. (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)

    FDY/AMM

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    Edited by Abiemwense Moru

  • FEMD rescues 2 persons from collapsed building in Abuja

    Rescue

    By Philip Yatai

    Abuja, June 29, 2024 (NAN) The Federal Capital Territory Emergency Management Department (FEMD) says it has rescued two persons from a collapsed building in Abuja.

    Mr Florence Wenegieme, the acting Director-General of the department, who disclosed this in a statement in Abuja on Saturday, said that the incidents happened at about 6:45 p.m. on Friday.

    Wenegieme explained that the building collapsed at Close 10, Drive 5, Second Gate of Prince and Princess Estate, Gudu District, Abuja.

    She said that FEMD activated the National Emergency Management Agency and the FCT Fire Service, immediately it received a distress call about the building collapse.

    The acting D-G, who was accompanied by the Director, Department of Development Control, Mr Mukhtar Galadima, explained that the collapsed building was a duplex under construction.

    She added that the construction workers ran out of the building as soon as they saw signs that the building was going to collapse.

    “However, two persons in the detached bungalow behind the building were trapped by the rubbles from the collapsed building.

    “The trapped workers were rescued by the FEMD Search and Rescue Team, who cut through the window protectors and pulled them out,” she said.

    The acting D-G appealed to developers and individuals to adhere to building codes and carry out integrity tests on existing buildings before carrying out renovations.

    She underscored the importance of engaging professionals as well as the provision of protective wears to ensure safety of workers on site.

    She also appealed to developers to provide insurance coverage for both the building and the workers on site. (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)

    FDY/AMM

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    Edited by Abiemwense Moru

     

  • FCTA to promote innovation, entrepreneurship among students

    School

    By Philip Yatai

    Abuja, June 28, 2024 (NAN) The Federal Capital Territory Administration (FCTA) says it is working to promote the culture of innovations and entrepreneurship among secondary school students in the territory.

    The Director Secretary, FCT Secondary Education Board (SEB), Dr Muhammed Ladan, stated this in Abuja on Friday, at the 2024 FCT-SEB’s Students Trade Entrepreneurship, Exhibition, Competition and Award programme.

    The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the programme, which is the 4th edition, was organised by FCT-SEB in collaboration with the Service Improvement Department.

    According to Ladan, the goal is to promote entrepreneurship and self-reliance among students in all the 88 secondary schools in the territory.

    He added that the FCT Administration was also planning to establish the Nigerian-Brunell Entrepreneurship Centre in Nigeria before the end of 2024.

    He explained that the centre would be established in partnership with Brunel University to facilitate the training of the young innovators in FCT schools and incubate them for prominence.

    He said that the 88 secondary schools under the FCT-SEB participated in the student entrepreneurship competition.

    “We started with the Area Council in which some schools were eliminated while others moved to the zonal level, out of which 12 schools moved to the final.

    “Out of the 12 schools that participated in the finals, five emerged as the winners.

    “We have a lot of young mentors and sponsors that are ready to pick up from where they stopped and support in packaging and marketing the products.

    “In the last edition, a school won the competition with interlock production using waste polythene bags,” he said.

    Ladan further said: “We have gotten the original machine that can produce interlock using wastepaper and the school has started production and has gotten orders from organisations.

    “This is part of efforts to ensure sustainability of the students’ project and ensure that no child in FCT graduates from secondary school without a self-reliant skill.”

    NAN reports that Government Secondary School, Kuduru, Bwari, emerged winner of the competition, while Government Secondary School, Gwagwalada, and Government Girls Secondary School, Dutse Alhaji, emerged the first and second runner up.

    The winner will represent FCT in the national competition scheduled for Lagos later in the year and the winner will represent Nigeria at the continental competition. (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)

    FDY/AMM

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    Edited by Abiemwense Moru

  • Lack of access prolonged Karu market fire, says FEMD

    Fire

    By Philip Yatai

    Abuja, June 28, 2024 (NAN) The Federal Capital Territory Emergency Management Department (FEMD) says lack of access caused a delay in putting out the fire at the Karu old market in Abuja on Thursday.

    The acting Director-General of the department, Mrs Florence Wenegieme, made this known in a statement in Abuja on Friday.

    Wenegieme underscored the need for access to market, public and private buildings by fire service personnel and trucks during fire outbreak for quick interventions to reduce losses.

    She said that the fire started around 6:30 p.m. but was brought under control by the combined team of FEMD, FCT Fire Service, Federal Fire Service and Julius Berger Fire Service.

    According to her, the efforts prevented the fire from spreading to surrounding houses.

    She, however, explained that it was not the new Karu Market currently under construction that was engulfed by the fire, but an informal market and settlement behind the new market.

    She said: “there are Fire Stations at two locations in Karu; we have the Karu Fire Station, and a Fire Station and firefighting truck in the new Karu Market under construction.

    “Firefighting trucks arrived at the scene of the fire on time but could not get access to the market to put out the fire on time.

    “We had to break walls to pass the firefighting water horses through, to be able to put out the fire,” the acting D-G said.

    She added that goods worth millions of naira were lost, but no life was lost to the fire.

    She further said that personnel of the Nigeria police, Nigeria army and Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps were also on ground for crowd control.

    Wenegieme thanked the Department of Engineering, Federal Capital Development Authority for activating Julius Berger Fire Service to provide the needed support.

    She said that investigation was ongoing to determine the cause of the fire.(NAN) (www.nannews.ng)

    FDY/SH

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    edited by Sadiya Hamza

  • Poverty, bad governance causes of insecurity in Sahel – Stakeholders  

    Insecurity

    By Philip Yatai

    Abuja, June 27, 2024 (NAN) Some security stakeholders said on Thursday, that addressing poverty and bad governance were key to curbing insecurity currently ravaging the Sahel region.

    The experts stated this in Abuja, during a public debate on “Security in the Sahel: Effects, Challenges, Strategies and the Way Forward”, organised by West Africa Democracy Radio (WADR), Dakar, Senegal.

    They described poverty and bad governance as the root cause of insecurity in the Sahel.

    The Sahel stretches from the Atlantic Ocean eastward through northern Senegal, southern Mauritania, the great bend of the Niger River in Mali, Burkina Faso, southern Niger, northeastern Nigeria, south-central Chad, and into Sudan.

    Mr Gad Peters, Executive Director, CLEEN Foundation, particularly said that insecurity thrived because governments have failed to provide the needs of the people to enable them to live a life of dignity.

    Peters spoke on the topic, “Regional and International Responses to Security: The Role of International Organisations in Addressing Global Security Challenges”.

    He said that addressing poverty was principal to addressing insecurity in the Sahel.

    He also called for a functional education to equip the region’s population with life sustaining skills.

    Peters argued that the over dependence of African countries on international donor organisations was depriving the countries from looking for workable local solutions.

    He added that development partners’ support was usually not for the sake of humanity but to satisfy certain economic interests.

    “Insecurity in the Sahel will reduce significantly if the economy works for the common man.

    “There is also the need to address poverty, unemployment, and build community resilience to shocks caused by poverty and deprivations,” he said.

    On his part, Dr Peter Olumuji, Urban Security Strategist, while noting the contribution of poverty and bad governance to rising insecurity, stressed the importance of co-opting traditional and religious leaders into Africa’s security architecture.

    Olumuji, who is also the Secretary, Command and Control Centre, FCT Administration, stressed the need to develop the capacity of traditional and religious leaders on security.

    He described the traditional and religious institutions as critical to maintaining security at community level.

    “Let us localise our security solutions to achieve the desired results,” he said.

    Similarly, Dr Emmanuel Ojukwu, former Commissioner of Police, also stressed the need to involve women in driving solutions to insecurity in the Sahel and the African continent.

    According to him, women bear the brunt of insecurity anywhere in the word and their participation will help in reaching a workable solution to rising insecurity in the region.

    “Also, people need to be provided with the right information about government efforts and the traditional and religious leaders play a critical role in this regard,” he said.

    For Mr Austin Aigbe of the West Africa Democratic Solidarity Network, leadership selection process plays a key role in fuelling insecurity in the Sahel region.

    According to him, bad governance thrives because of deficit electoral processes in Africa, which in the long run severed trust between the government and the governed.

    “The people need to trust the government enough to provide intelligence reports to security operatives and bad governance would continue until we correct the anomalies in our electoral process.”

    Earlier, Mrs Agnes Thomasi, Station Manager, WADR, explained that the debate was part of activities under the project, “Providing Quality and Relevant Information: A Counter Narrative on the Security Situation in the Sahel.”

    Thomasi said that the debate was the second phase of the WADR project, under Open Society Foundation (OSF), an Africa’s Security and Rights project, designed to contribute to the process of peace building in Africa.

    The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that West Africa Democracy Radio (WADR) is a trans-territorial, sub-regional radio station based in Dakar, Senegal.

    It was established by the Open Society Initiative for West Africa now Open Society Africa in 2005 to defend the ideals of democracy and open society, by dissemination of development information across the West African sub-region. (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)

    FDY/AMM

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    Edited by Abirmwense Moru

     

  • WADR calls for regional cooperation to tackle insecurity in Sahel region

    Security

    By Philip Yatai

    Abuja, June 27, 2024 (NAN) The West Africa Democracy Radio (WADR), has called for regional cooperation and stronger synergy among governments, security agencies and the citizens to address the ravaging insecurity in the Sahel region.

    Mrs Agnes Thomasi, Station Manager, WADR in Dakar, Senegal, stated this in Abuja on Thursday, during a public debate on “Security in the Sahel: Effects, Challenges, Strategies and the Way Forward.”

    Thomasi explained that the debate was part of activities under the project, “Providing Quality and Relevant Information: A Counter Narrative on the Security Situation in the Sahel”

    She said that the debate was the second phase of the WADR project, under Open Society Foundation (OSF), an Africa’s Security and Rights project.

    According to her, the goal is to contribute to the process of peace building in Africa.

    “Today’s debate provides the opportunity for in-depth discussions on the security situation in our region under our Security and Rights project.

    “We implemented the first phase of the project in 2022 with focus on the governance aspect of security in Burkina Faso, Niger, Mali and Nigeria.

    “This debate, being the second phase, also focussing on the seam countries, was organised for experts to further look at the various perspectives of insecurity in the Sahel.

    “This is with a view to tell our stories and share ideas for possible solutions.”

    She said that the debate was apt, considering the current state of insecurity in Nigeria, characterised by terrorism, banditry, kidnaping, and farmers-herders conflict among others

    Mr Senator Ireogbu, the Convener of Geopolitics Series, described the Sahel region as a vast area in Africa, stretching from the Atlantic Ocean to the Red Sea.

    Ireogbu added that the region served as a transition zone between the Sahara Desert to the north and the more fertile savannas to the south.

    Speaking on a topic, “The Current Security Situation in the Sahel: The Nigerian Perspective”, Ireogbu said that the region was facing serious security challenges.

    He identified some of the security threats as coups, insurgencies, terrorism, with high birth rates and corruption exacerbating the security challenge, making life exceedingly difficult for the people.

    He pointed out that Nigeria, a key player in the Sahel, was being threatened by extremist groups, including armed conflicts and organised crime, such as smuggling and kidnapping.

    According to him, understanding and addressing these challenges from a Nigerian perspective is crucial for improving regional stability and security.

    He stressed the need for stronger regional cooperation, intelligence sharing, as well as building a resilient local governance and security capacity to curb insecurity.

    “Government also need to address poverty, unemployment and strengthen inclusive governance to tackle the menace of insecurity,” he said.

    Also speaking, Dr Maji Peters, Country Director, Equal Access International, blamed the rising insecurity in the Sahel on inequality and lack of trust in the governance system.

    Peters, who spoke on the topic, “The Modus Operandi on Non-State Armed Groups in the Sahel”, said that non-state armed groups proliferated in the Sahel due to lack of public trust in the government.

    “When you don’t believe in the system; when there is so much distrust of the institutions that are supposed to protect and give us guidance, people tend to look for what they can do to help themselves.

    “It is within the framework of helping themselves that we are where we are today and unless we do something very intentional, this is just a taste of the real deal,” he said.

    Speaking on Military Juntas and Populations: What Place for Dissenting Voices and Pro-Democracy Activists? Mrs Kemi Okenyodo, said that the role of Civil Society Organisations (CSOs) as watch dogs, have been compromised.

    Okenyodo, the founder and Executive Director, Rule of Law and Empowerment Initiative, said that CSOs have become tribalised, political and donor dependent, making them weak to influence good governance in Nigeria.

    She noted that bad governance breeds insecurity and civil society movements were no longer effective in monitoring and reporting bad governance to create the needed change for all. (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)

    FDY/AMM

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    Edited by Abiemwense Moru

  • NGO mobilising support for widows toward economic independence, self-empowerment

    Widows

    By Philip Yatai

    Abuja, June 26, 2024 (NAN) The Helpline Social Support Initiative, an NGO, says it is mobilising support for widows in the Federal capital Territory, Abuja, in their journey toward economic independence and self-empowerment.

    The President of the NGO, Dr Jumai Ahmadu, stated this in Abuja on Wednesday, during a skills exhibition and charity sales, organised by the initiative to commemorate the 2024 International Widows Day.

    Ahmadu, who was represented by the Project Manager of the organisation, Mr Arome Onoja, said that the event was organised to celebrate the talents and resilience of widows.

    “We are here to celebrate the strength and resilience of widows, who in spite of facing immense challenges and grief have emerged as beacons of hope and agents of positive change.

    “Today, as we showcase the skills and creativity of widows, let us not only admire their craftsmanship but also recognise the crucial role they play in promoting peace and democracy within their communities.

    “By purchasing their products and promoting their skills, we are not just investing in their future but also acknowledging their ability to contribute meaningfully to society,” she said.

    She further said: “As we engage in the charity sales today, I urge each one of you to support these widows not just with your purchases, but also by spreading awareness about their skills and advocating for their rights.

    “Let us stand together in solidarity with widows around the world and work towards creating a more inclusive, peaceful and democratic society for all.”

    She pointed out that widows have a unique perspective and a powerful voice that could contribute to fostering harmony, understanding, and inclusion in society.

    According to her, their stories will inspire us to strive for a more just, equitable, and peaceful world for all.

    “We firmly believe that peace and democracy are essential pillars for the empowerment and well-being of widows around the world.

    “As we mark the 2024 International Widows Day, let us reflect on the importance of inclusion, diversity, and gender equality in building a more harmonious and democratic society.

    “Widows bring a unique perspective and experience to the table, and it is crucial that their voices are heard and valued in decision-making processes at all levels.”

    Ahmadu pledged that her organisation would continue to provide widows with the resources, support, and opportunities they need to thrive and participate fully in their communities.

    She added that by empowering widows, “we are not only promoting gender equality but also advancing the cause of peace, democracy, and social justice.”

    One of the beneficiaries from Gwagwalada Area Council, Hajara Muhammad, thanked the organisation for all the support to enable widows to survive and thrive.

    Also, Mrs Kande Malam, a widow living in Area 1, Garki, said that Helpline Social Support Initiative had helped her with the needed financial resources to start a snack business.

    “We started with a small measure of sesame seed and eventually diversified into production of duvet, liquid soap, and air freshener among other products,” she said.

    The widow called for more support from government and well-meaning Nigerians to come up with initiatives that would encourage and empower widows. (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)

    FDY/AMM

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    Edited by Abiemwense Moru

     

     

  • FCTA disburses N3.62bn to area councils, others

    Disbursement

    By Philip Yatai

    Abuja, June 25, 2024 (NAN) The Federal Capital Territory Administration (FCTA) has disbursed N3.62 billion to the six Area Councils, teachers and pension scheme as statutory allocation for the month May.

    Dr Mariya Mahmoud, Minister of State FCT, presided over the 190th FCT Joint Account Allocation Committee meeting in Abuja on Tuesday.

    Mahmoud said that N1.14 billion was set aside for the six area councils, while N2.49 billion was earmarked for teachers and pension schemes.

    She said that out of the N1.14 billion set aside of the six area councils, Abuja Municipal Area Council received N346.53 million, Gwagwalada got N160.81 million while Kuje received N191.38 million.

    The minister  equally said that Bwari Area Council received N152.8 million, Abaji N119.49 million while Kwali got N167.52 million.

    For the N2.49 billion earmarked for teachers and pension scheme, the minister said that N2.12 billion was allocated to primary school teachers, while N36.25 million was set aside as one per cent Training Fund.

    She also said that a total of N226.48 million was set aside as 15 per cent Pension Funds, while N107.85 million was earmarked as 10 per cent employer pension contribution. (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)

    FDY/BRM

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    Edited by Bashir Rabe Mani

  • FCTA commits to improving maternal, child nutrition

    Nutrition

    By Philip Yatai

    Abuja, June 25, 2024 (NAN) The Federal Capital Territory Administration (FCTA) says it is committed to improving Maternal, Infant and Young Child Nutrition (MIYCN) to ensure optimal growth and development of children in the nation’s capital.

    Dr. Adedolapo Fasawe, Mandate Secretary, Health Services and Environmental Secretariat, FCTA, gave the commitment at the ongoing 7-day training of trainers on MIYCN, in Abuja.

    Fasawe, who was represented by the Permanent Secretary, Dr Babagana Adam, said that the training of 60 trainers from different sectors became necessary to mobilise relevant stakeholders to promote exclusive breastfeeding and age-appropriate complementary feeding.

    She also stressed the need to ensure optimal feeding of young children using nutrition-rich locally available food sources, towards building a healthy and productive population for sustainable development.

    Fasawa called on the participants, who were expected to step down the knowledge with other stakeholders to be agents for change and advocate for improved nutrition within their respective communities.

    She said that the trainees would be expected to train wider stakeholders, including healthcare providers, caregivers, and policymakers.

    According to her, addressing malnutrition requires a multisectoral approach, through cost-effective interventions that will yield desired results.

    “There is a need for concerted and aggressive efforts to change the disturbing nutrition indices of women and children in the FCT.

    “We will not relent but strive more to achieve our expected goal as enshrined in the FCT Policy on Food and Nutrition,” Fasawa said.

    The mandate secretary thanked the Federal Ministry of Health and Social Welfare for organising the training and the World Bank-supported Accelerating Nutrition Results in Nigeria project for funding the training.

    This, according to her, is a demonstration of a collective commitment of all stakeholders towards improving the nutrition status of women, children and young persons in the FCT.

    The Executive Secretary, FCT Primary Health Care Board, Dr Mohammed Yakubu, said the essence of the training of trainers was to improve the knowledge of stakeholders on MIYCN.

    He said that the goal was to equip healthcare workers with the needed knowledge and skills on how to improve the nutritional status of mothers, infants, and young children especially those in difficult circumstances. (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)

    FDY/BRM

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    Edited by Bashir Rabe Mani

  • Minister calls for proactive guard against cholera in FCT

    Cholera

    By Philip Yatai

    Abuja, June 25, 2024 (NAN) Dr Mariya Mahmoud, Minister of State, Federal Capital Territory Administration (FCT), has called on the FCT Primary Health Care Board to put precautionary measures in place against cholera.

    Mahmoud, who made the call during the 190th FCT Joint Account Allocation Committee meeting in Abuja on Tuesday, expressed concern over reported cases of cholera outbreak in some states of the country.

    She also expressed delight that no case of cholera haad been reported in the nation’s capital.

    She, however, said that as the seat of government, all necessary measures should be put in place to ensure that the disease did find its way into the FCT.

    ”I am indeed delighted that no case of the cholera epidemic has been reported in any of our primary healthcare centres across the six area councils in the FCT.

    ”However, that does not give us room to relax because this is the seat of government.

    ”The FCT Primary Health Care Board should put in place measures to guard against any outbreak of the disease.

    ”By now, I was expecting the board to commence radio jingles in different major languages and sensitisation programmes in our schools, markets, mosques and churches.

    ”We should not give room for the outbreak before we start a fire brigade approach. That will not be acceptable,” she said. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

    FDY/DOE

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    Edited by Dianabasi Effiong