WordPress

Author: Philip Daniel Yatai

  • FCTA to unveil renewed hope agenda’s medical outreach in Kuje

    Health

    By Philip Yatai

    Abuja, June 10, 2024 (NAN) The FCT Administration (FCTA) says it has concluded plans to provide free healthcare services under its “Renewed Hope Medical Outreach” programme, in Kuje Area Council of the FCT.

    Dr Adedolapo Fasawe, FCTA Mandate Secretary, Health Services and Environment Secretariat, stated this when she visited the traditional leader of  Kuje, and the Chairman of the Kuje Area Council, in Kuje on Monday.

    Fasawe explained that the medical outreach was part of activities to celebrate President Bola Tinubu’s one year in office.

    “We will be offering general healthcare services, eye care with free glasses and surgery when necessary, dental care, and free blood, HIV, hepatitis test.

    “We also have nutritional desk where we will teach women on how to make cheap, affordable and quality food for their children, she said.

    Fasawe added: “Not only that, we will also have a health education department to teach people how to prevent diseases.

    “We will also go further to talk about clean cooking for people to be conscious of the environment and the air we breathe.

    “We will be demonstrating and giving out gas cookers to show people the effectiveness and advantage of cooking without smoke.

    “This is because the smoke we inhaled is bad for our lungs and our children’s development,” she said.

    The mandate secretary said that the outreach would be open to residents of the area but with particular attention to women and children.

    She said that every woman that showed up would be registered to access free health services for one year.

    Fasawe explained that the gesture was in line with the one year health insurance for pregnant women approved by the Minister of Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Mr Nyesom Wike.

    “This is because we have zero tolerance to maternal mortality. It is unacceptable for any woman to die of pregnancy or childbirth complications,” she said.

    Mandate Secretary, Health Services and Environment Secretariat, FCT Administration, Dr Adedolapo Fasawe, addressing officials of Kuje Area Council on planned free medical outreach for residents of Kuje on Monday.

    Fasawe urged pregnant women to visit nearest primary health centres for antenatal care and to deliver their baby with a skilled birth attendant

    On the target residents, she said: “We intend to reach as much as we can; as much that comes in here; and as much as time allows.

    “For those that we cannot see, there is provision for further care at the nearest Primary Healthcare Centres and the General Hospitals.

    “Basically, the target is come one; come all, but on a first come first serve basis. There won’t be favouritism; just come, get a number and you get adequate healthcare,” she said.

    She explained that the outreach, which would begin on June 12, was the first of many, adding that after covering the six Area Councils, it would be extended to communities based needs.

    She said that the choice of locations was scientific, adding, “we look at the hospital records; and we look at health seeking habits.

    “We have realised that the people of Kuje are actually needing much more than our general hospital can give right now,” she said.

    Also, the Permanent Secretary, Dr Babagana Adam, urged the traditional leaders and council’s officials to mobilise residents in Churches and Mosques to take advantage of the opportunity to access free medical services.

    In his remarks, the Gomo of Kuje, Alhaji Haruna Jibrin, thanked the Secretariat for the medical outreach which he described as good news.

    “I thank President Tinubu, FCT Minister, Mr Nyesom Wike and FCT Minister of State, Dr Mariya Mahmoud for considering Kuje for the initiative,” he said.

    Also, the Kuje Area Council Chairman, Mr Abdullahi Sabo, assured Fasawe of the council’s full support.

    Represented by his Chief of Staff, who bears the same name, Sabo said he had directed all the 10 Counselors in the council to mobilise their people for the exercise.

    “We will continue to support Wike as agents of Tinubu’s renewed hope agenda,” he said. (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)

    FDY/ROT

    ========

    Edited by Rotimi Ijikanmi

     

  • Minister inaugurates FCT At-Risk Children Programme implementation committee

    By Philip Yatai

    Abuja, June 10, 2024 (NAN) The Minister of State, Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Dr Mariya Mahmoud, on Monday inaugurated the FCT At-Risk Children Programme (ARC-P) implementation committee.

    Mahoud explained during the event in Abuja, that the programme was designed to ensure improved well-being and protection of every child within the nation’s capital.

    She said that the committee would be chaired by Hajia Adamu Kuku, with Simon Zamani, Hafsat Mahmud, and Kalu Ifeanyi, Chinyere Maduka, Solomon Abenu, and Hussain Makari as members.

    Other members included Babayola Abdulrahaman, Rotimi Ojo, Elizabeth Aliu, and Suleiman Ndabagi.

    She described the committee as a crucial step towards addressing the needs of identified vulnerable children and ensuring that they were not left behind.

    She identified some of the focus areas to include providing the children with access to essential services, protection from harm, and opportunities for education and social development.

    “Our children are the future of our nation, and it is our responsibility to provide them with the care, protection and the support they need to thrive and reach their full potential.

    “Unfortunately, there are many children in the FCT who are at risk due to various factors such as poverty, abuse, neglect, and lack of access to education and healthcare.” she said.

    The minister particularly asked members of the committee to identify the most pressing needs of at-risk children in the FCT and to develop effective solutions to address them.

    According to her, the outcome of the committee can make a real and lasting difference in the lives of the children and help them build a better future for themselves and for our nation.

    “The committee is expected to liaise with FCT Area Councils and other stakeholders to ensure that children are not at risk in FCT.

    “The committee will also come up with workable partnerships with corporate organisations to buy into the initiative for effective implementation.

    “Conduct a baseline survey to ascertain the number of at-risk children in FCT and a mechanism for enrolment and work out a sustainability plan that will gradually make the programme self-funding.”

    Other terms of reference, she said, include research on the best way possible to bring to the barest minimum the influx of children at risk into the FCT and provide strategic direction and guidance for the ARC-P.

    She added that the committee would also monitor and evaluate programme progress toward achieving its goals,

    “The committee is also expected to conduct community engagements to secure the buy-in of all stakeholders particularly, traditional rulers, religious leaders, and all faith-based organisations,” she said.

    Speaking on behalf of the committee members, Kuku said that the ARC-P initiative would protect the children’s future by addressing the various risks they encounter.

    He added that the programme would also ensure a safe, nurturing, and empowering environment for every child in the territory.

    He assured the minister that the committee would be comprehensive, effective, and multi-dimensional in guaranteeing that no child falls behind, leveraging the strengths of the technical diversity in the committee.

    “We will work hand-in-hand with local government area councils who are the closest administrative bodies to the communities, and their close knowledge of local challenges and dynamics is invaluable,” he said. (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)

    FDY/AMM

    ========

    Edited by Abiemwense Moru

  • Wike names two Abuja roads after Achebe, Clark

    By Philip Yatai

    Infrastructure

    Abuja, June 8, 2024 (NAN) The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Mr Nyesom Wike has appealed to President Bola Tinubu to name two roads in Guzape Districts after Chinua Achebe and J. P. Clark.

    Chinua Achebe was a Nigerian novelist, poet, and a central figure of modern African literature, while J. P. Clark. was a Nigerian poet and playwright.

    Wike made the request in Abuja on Saturday, during the inauguration of Guzape Lot II Engineering Infrastructure by Tinubu, to celebrate his one year in office.

    “I want to appeal to you, just like what you did last time when you approved the naming of Arterial N-20 Road after Nobel Laureate, Prof. Wole Soyinka.

    “There are a lot of Nigerians who also have in one way, or the other, made their own contributions, particularly in literary works.

    “So many of them have made Nigeria proud. People like Chinua Achebe; people like J. P. Clark.

    “Your excellency, I want to appeal to you to name this road after Chinua Achebe and another road within the same district after J. P. Clark,” he said.

    The minister described Guzape as one of the biggest districts in FCT and fast developing.

    He explained that the contract was awarded in 2003 at N14 billion, during the Olusegun Obasanjo administration and divided into two lots.

    He said that Lot I was awarded to Dantata and Sawoe while Lot II was awarded to Gilmor Engineering, adding that the contract was revised to over N18 billion in the third week of May 2023.

    Wike said that Dantata and Sawoe had left the site for a very long time, until the Tinubu administration came on board, mobilised them back to site and work currently ongoing.  

    For the completed Lot II, the minister said he had inspected the execution of the project over 15 times to ensure timely delivery of the project.

    He disclosed that the project was delivered in spite of litigations by some residents to stop the contractor from blasting rocks to give way for road construction in the district.

    He also said that the ongoing work at Guzape Diplomatic Zone would soon be completed.

    Dr Mariya Mahoud, FCT Minister of State, commended President Tinubu for supporting the provision of infrastructure to Guzape and other districts of the FCT.

    The infrastructure, according to Mahmoud, would enhance the quality of life of Abuja residents and benefit generations to come.

    “The sustainable growth and development of any city relied heavily on the infrastructure,” she said.

    Earlier, Mr Shehu Ahmad, Executive Secretary, Federal Capital Development Authority, said that the entire Guzape District covered an area of about 1,070 hectares.

    Ahmad explained that Lot I, being executed by Dantata and Sawoe covered an area of 450 hectares, while Lot II being successfully executed by Gilmor Engineering covered 620 hectares.

    He explained that out of the 1,074 hectares total area, about 129 hectares have been encumbered by village settlement, of which about 66 fall within the area executed by Gilmor Engineering.

    He said that the scope of work involved the provision of electrical power supply, including a 33/11 mini-injection substation to power the district one each for Lot I and Lot II.

    He added that other engineering infrastructure included a mini sewage treatment plant, transformers, and street lighting poles that were erected and powered.

    “The district is meant to provide services to about 1,017 plots of various usage and sizes – residential, commercial, as well as parks and recreation.

    “The lot II we are inaugurating today covers 561 plots out of the 1,017 plots

    “The Lot II has 31.3 kilometers network of roads, out of the 73 kilometres of roads in the entire district, while the one being executed by Dantata and Sawoe is about 30 kilomtres.

    “The remaining ones were encumbered by village obstruction areas and attention is currently being given by Wike to hasten the compensation and resettlement of the village obstruction areas,” he said. (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)

    FDY/AMM

    ======

    Edited by Abiemwense Moru

  • Tinubu reiterates commitment to robust, efficient transport network in FCT

    Road

    By Philip Yatai

    Abuja, June 6, 2024 (NAN) President Bola Tinubu says his administration is committed to creating a robust and efficient transportation network across the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) and beyond.

    Tinubu stated this while inaugurating the completed B6 (Constitution Avenue), B12 (Independence Avenue) and Circle Roads in the Central Area of the territory on Thursday.

    The President, who was represented by Senate President Godswill Akpabio, said that the delivery of roads and other infrastructural projects was in line with his administration’s renewed hope agenda.

    He said: “We recognise that an efficient transport network remains vital for economic growth, social integration, and overall national development.

    “As we commission these strategic roads, we are not just opening pathways of asphalt and concrete but also paving the way to enhance economic activities, improve accessibility, and a higher quality of life for our citizens.

    “We remain committed to continuing this journey of building more roads, bridges, and essential infrastructure that will connect our people and drive our economy.

    “This event stands as testament to this administration’s unwavering commitment to infrastructural development and urban renewal, a cornerstone of our vision for a more prosperous and much more connected Nigeria,” he said.

    He recalled that on assumption into office a year ago, his administration set forth an ambitious agenda to transform the nation’s infrastructural landscape.

    “The completion of these roads remains a demonstration of what we can achieve through dedicated planning, unwavering commitment and elaborate collaborative efforts.

    “These roads are designed to alleviate traffic congestion, reduce travel time, and provide a more seamless connection between key areas within our Capital City,” Tinubu said.

    The President commended Wike, FCTA and all the stakeholders involved in execution of all the projects he had been inaugurating for the past seven days.

    Speaking in his capacity as the Senate President, Akpabio congratulated Wike for the feat, saying “you have not disappointed Nigerians.

    “As the Chairman of the National Assembly, we will continue to give the FCT Administration all the needed support for Wike to succeed in turning things around for the better.

    “Just before we left the chambers on Mr President’s directive, we passed for second reading of the Supplementary Appropriation Bill of the FCT, to enable you to do more for the people.

    “By next week we will pass the budget and I believe Mr. President will sign it and it will become an Act of parliament.

    “We will continue to support you in every way possible.” (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)

    FDY/AMM

    =========

    Edited by Abiemwense Moru

  • Tinubu’s leadership style achieving desired results in FCT – Wike

    Leadership

    By Philip Yatai

    Abuja, June 6, 2024 (NAN) The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Mr Nyesom Wike, says the leadership style of President Bola Tinubu is achieving desired results in the territory.

    Wike stated this in Abuja on Thursday, during the inauguration of B6, B12, and Circle Roads in the Central Area by Tinubu, to celebrate his one year in office.

    Tinubu was represented at the event by the Senate President, Godswill Akpabio.

    According to the minister, leadership is key, stressing that with the right leadership, you get the right results.

    “Because we have the right leadership, now we are getting the right results.”

    He said that the completion of the B6, B12 and Circle Roads was awarded on May 14, 2007, at N48.5 billion and revised to N98.8 billion in Jan. 2021.

    He pointed out that the project was ongoing for 17 years, but Tinubu completed it in just one year in office due to good leadership.

    He, however, complained that the Ministry of Finance building had encroached into the portion of the road and appealed to Tinubu to intervene.

    This, he said, was critical to enable the contractor to complete the portion of the road.

    “There is supposed to be a road from B12 connecting with Ahmadu Bello Way by the finance bridge, but the ministry of finance has encroached into the road.

    “We have pleaded with the ministry to allow us to do the road. We are all working for the same government, and we don’t want to use force to go and destroy the building.

    “We gave them the land, but they encroached on the way.

    “I want to plead with Mr. President to talk to them, so that we will be able to complete the road for the interest of the public,” Wike said.

    He reiterated President Tinubu’s commitment to complete all ongoing projects in FCT, adding that 58 per cent of the 2024 FCT capital budget was set aside for completion of all ongoing projects.

    The FCT Minister of State, Dr Mariya Mahmoud, commended the residents for their patience due to the inconveniences caused by the construction of the roads.

    “The projects being delivered is a testament to Tinubu’s commitment to progress and prosperity.

    “It will not only enhance accessibility into the Central District but contribute to the overall socio-economic development of the city,” Mahmoud said.

    Earlier, Mr Shehu Ahmad, Executive Secretary, Federal Capital Development Authority (FCDA), said that B6, B12 and Circle Roads, provided connection into Abuja Central Area from Airport Road axis in line with Abuja Master Plan.

    He said that the B6 also known as Constitution Avenue had been partially completed and put to public use.

    He, however, said that B12, named Independence Avenue, had not been completed.

    “The principal roads, particularly road B6 is about 6.6 km, B12 6.7 km, while circle road is about 4.6 km.

    “The cross sections of the roads as typical with other expressways are two main carriage ways of three lanes each, as well as two lanes both ways.

    “The roads will enable dual mode transportation into and out of the central area,” he said.

    The FCDA boss expressed optimism that the completed road will fizzle out the early morning gridlock being experienced at the City Gate. (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)

    FDY/AMM

    ========

    Edited by Abiemwense Moru

     

  • Wike pledges completion of 2nd phase of Goodluck Jonathan Way

    Road

    By Philip Yatai

    Abuja, June 5, 2024 (NAN) Mr Nyesom Wike, Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), assured President Bola Tinubu, that the second phase of Goodluck Ebele Jonathan Expressway would be completed in no distant time.

    Wike stated this in Abuja on Wednesday, during the inauguration of the first phase of the project, from Outer Southern Expressway to Southern Parkway by Tinubu to celebrate his one year in office.

    The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that Tinubu was represented by Vice-President Kashim Shettima.

    The minister explained that the first phase of the project was awarded to Salini Nigeria Ltd in 2010 at N17 billion, and revised to N18 billion in 2023, adding that the sum was fully paid.

    He said that the project was completed based on Tinubu’s directive that all ongoing projects must be completed in line with his administration’s “Renewed Hope” agenda.

    He explained that the second phase of the project, which was ongoing, was awarded by the previous administration to CGC at N91 billion with 10 bridges.

    “I can assure you that by the grace of God, we are going to complete the project because it is very key and will change the landscape of Abuja if completed.

    “The project is also very critical to the development of Abuja city,” he said.

    The minister also informed Tinubu that the first phase of the renovation of the Federal Secretariat Complex, which was awarded by the previous administration, had been completed.

    He also said that the renovation of the National Assembly was also completed, adding that the current administration had also awarded the contracts for the second phase rehabilitation of the complex.

    He equally said that the Abuja city was wearing a new look because of completed road resurfacing, projects covering more than 117 kilometres (km) across Asokoro, Wuse, Maitama, Garki, Wuye and other districts.

    The FCT Minister of State, Dr Mariya Mahmoud, said that the project would enhance transportation efficiency, promote economic growth and improve the quality of life of Abuja residents.

    Earlier, Mr Shehu Ahmad, Executive Secretary, Federal Capital Development Authority, explained that the Goodluck Ebele Jonathan Way stretched from Mogadishu Barrack to Kuje axis, covering about 36 kilometres.

    Ahmad said that the section of the road that was inaugurated covered 3.5 kilometres from Outer Southern Expressway to the intersection at Bola Ahmed Tinubu Way, formerly Southern Parkway.

    “The Goodluck Ebele Jonathan Expressway (Inner Southern Expressway) provides a rapid east-west movement on the southern flank of the city, which links the Abuja – Keffi Road.

    “The second phase of the project, which is an ongoing contract, currently being executed by CGC, would terminate around Ring Road II, popularly called Galadimawa Roundabout covering 11km,” he said.

    The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the inauguration of the extension of the Inner Southern Expressway (Goodluck Ebele Jonathan Expressway), was the sixth in a row of projects inauguration to celebrate Tinubu’s one year in office.

    The projects inaugurated so far included the Southern Parkway named after Bola Tinubu, the commercial operation of the Abuja Rail Mass Transit System, and the Wuye Interchange bridge.

    Other projects inaugurated by Tinubu were the Outer Southern Expressway to Ring Road I and the Arterial N-20 Road, named after Prof. Wole Soyinka. (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)

    FDY/AMM

    ==========

    Edited by Abiemwense Moru

  • Tinubu approves naming Abuja road after Soyinka

    Road

    By Philip Yatai

    Abuja, June 4, 2024 (NAN) President Bola Tinubu has approved the request by the 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 made the appeal in Abuja on Tuesday, during the inauguration of the road by the President, to celebrate his one year in office.

    The minister said: “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

    The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that 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.

    NAN reports that 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. (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)

    FDY/ROT

    ========

    Edited by Rotimi Ijikanmi

  • Tinubu completing ongoing projects to make residents comfortable – Wike

    Tinubu completing ongoing projects to make residents comfortable – Wike

    Projects

    By Philip Yatai

    Abuja, June 3, 2024 (NAN) The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Mr Nyesom Wike, says President Bola Tinubu is completing all ongoing projects to make Abuja residents comfortable.

    Wike stated this in Abuja on Monday, during the inauguration of the Outer Southern Expressway (OSEX) from the Villa Round about to Ring Road I (Nnamdi Azikiwe Expressway), by Tinubu.

    Tinubu was represented by Vice-President Kashim Shettima at the inauguration, the fourth in a row to celebrate his one year in office.

    The minister said that the project was awarded in 2013 at N39.8 billion but revised to N59.9 billion in 2021, adding that it was partly funded by SUKUK.

    “This is 11 years that we have been battling on how to make life easy for our people.

    “That is why the whole essence of the Renewed Hope Agenda is that we will make people feel comfortable; we will bring back your hope and this is what we are doing today.

    “Mr. President said every uncompleted project must be completed and I thank God almighty that we are doing that today,” he said.

    Wike thanked Tinubu and his team, the leadership of the National Assembly, and Area Councils’ Chairmen for all the necessary support which contributed to the achievements so far.

    He added that under the Tinubu-led administration, the FCT Administration was also intervening in the education sector to ensure total rehabilitation of all schools that were not in good condition.

    He equally said that the health sector was also receiving due attention, including rural roads across the six Area Councils of the FCT.

    Wike said: “Why people are having their hope back is because, before they only heard about the government, but they did not see the impact of the government.

    “But with the renewed hope agenda, governments exist, and they can feel the pulse of government. That is the essence of the renewed hope agenda.

    “For those who think it is a mere talk, if you come to Abuja, you will know that it is a reality.”

    The minister also attributed the success being recorded so far to teamwork, and advised the Mandate Secretaries against delay of files.

    “You have to make sure that files don’t remain in your office for a certain number of days, if I see, I will transfer you to a place where there is no work,” he warned.

    On her part, the FCT Minister of State, Dr Mariya Mahmoud, said that the increased accessibility provided by the OSEX would facilitate economic growth and development in the nation’s capital city.

    “The benefits of city road expansion are manifold, ranging from improved traffic flow and economic growth to enhanced quality of life for residents,” Mahmoud added.

    Earlier, Mr Shehu Ahmad, Executive Secretary, Federal Capital Development Authority, explained that the OSEX was one of the boundary roads defining the Federal Capital City on the southern flank.

    Ahmad said that the OSEX extended to about 67 kilometres, from the Villa Roundabout up to the Gwagwalada to link with the Federal Highway.

    He explained that the development was in phases which began in the early 1980s.

    He added that as a segment of the 67-kilometre expressway, the FCTA had completed about 6.7 kilometres, representing 10 per cent, from the Villa Roundabout to Apo Roundabout.

    “It is a 10-lane expressway, made up of two service carriageways, totalling four, and two main carriage ways of four lanes.

    “The road intercepted five roads named after five former Presidents of Nigeria – Goodluck Ebele Jonathan Way, Yakubu Gowon Way, Muhammadu Buhari Way, and Nnamdi Azikiwe Expressway.

    “It also has four interchanges at the point of interception of the road and four pedestrian bridges,” Ahmad said. (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)

    FDY/AMM

    =========

    Edited by Abiemwense Moru

  • Indefinite strike: JUAC shuts  FCTA Secretariat

    Strike

    By Philip Yatai

    Abuja, June 3, 2024 (NAN) The Joint Union Action Committee (JUAC) of the Federal Capital Territory Administration (FCTA), on Monday, locked the entrance of the secretariat in compliance with infinite industrial action embarked by the labour union.

    The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the Nigerian Labour Congress and Trade Union Congress had on May 31 directed its members to embark on an indefinite strike from June 3.

    The action, according to the unions, was over the failure of the Federal Government to increase the N60,000 minimum wage it offered to workers and its refusal to reverse the recent increase in electricity tariff.

    The President of JUAC, Mrs Rifkatu Iortyer, told NAN in Abuja, that the committee’s decision to deny workers access to the Secretariat was in compliance with the NLC and TUC directive.

    Lortyer explained that JUAC, being part of the labour unions, has no choice but to fully enforce the strike.

    “My advice to FCTA workers is simple: stay at home and be the obedient workers you’ve always been.

    “The strike action is for the interest of the Nigerian workers,” she said.

    The labour unions had during the May Day celebration issued the Federal Government an ultimatum to ensure that negotiation on a new national minimum wage was concluded by May 31.

    The President of TUC, Festus Osifo, told newsmen that the strike had become necessary as the government declined to increase the N60,000 wage it offered on Friday during the meeting of the Tripartite Committee on National Minimum Wage.

    Osifo also said that the strike was imperative due to the refusal of the government to reverse the hike in electricity tariff.

    NAN reports that the NLC confirmed the nationwide strike after a failed meeting with National Assembly leaders.

    Inspite of appeals to call off the strike, labour leaders insist on proceeding due to unresolved minimum wage disputes.

    The Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) has confirmed that the nationwide strike set for June 3 will proceed, following a failed meeting with National Assembly leaders.

    The meeting, which aimed to resolve the minimum wage dispute, ended without an agreement.

    Senate President Godswill Akpabio and House Speaker Tajuddeen Abbas presided over the discussions, which also included high-ranking government officials such as the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Sen. George Akume, and Chief of Staff to the President, Femi Gbajabiamila.
    (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)

    FDY/SH

    ========

    Edited by Sadiya Hamza

  • NGOs train 60 widows on self-sustaining skills in Abuja

    Training

    By Philip Yatai

    Abuja, June 2, 2024 (NAN) Some NGOs, Rasaq Okulaja Empowerment Initiative and Helpline Social Support Initiative, have empowered sixty widows with self-sustaining skills in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) , Abuja.

    The widows were trained on tie and dye, soap, turban and Snacks making among other skills, during a second  memorial empowerment and exhibition programme by the NGOs on Sunday.

    The President of Helpline Social Support Initiative, Dr Jumai Ahmadu, said that the empowerment was part of activities to mark the two years memorial of late Rev. Rasaq Okulaja.

    Ahmadu said that the training was also designed to eradicate poverty among widows.

    According to her, the empowerment is also to give the widows and young girls an opportunity to be a better version of themselves.

    She advised the beneficiaries not to be ashamed of what they were doing to support themselves financially.

    To get the full benefits of the acquired skills, Ahmadu advised the widows to group themselves into clusters to enable them share facilities, access financial support and organise step down trainings to other vulnerable groups.

    She also encouraged the widows on good packaging and marketing for their products to gain acceptability among the targeted consumers.

    “You also need to register your businesses with the Corporate Affairs Commission (CAC).  Helpline will assist intending participants who have adequately packaged themselves with the registration.

    “Try to be a better version of yourself and improve yourself at all times and form clusters so that you can work as a team and easily connect with customers.

    “I promised that next year, we will expand this exhibition and take it to the Old Parade Ground, Garki to accommodate more participants, ” she said.

    President of Lifeline Social Support Initiative, Dr Jumai Ahmad (3rd from left) and Mr Toyin Okulaja, wife of late Rev. Rasaq Okulaja, dancing with some of the empowered widows during a second year Rev. Rasaq Okulaja memorial and exhibition programme in Abuja.

    Extolling her late husband, Mrs Toyin Okulaja, described him as a man that loves impacting on the lives of people.

    “After he died, we decided to establish an empowerment initiative after his name to keep his legacy alive, and continue to impact and transform the lives of the poor and vulnerable in our communities.

    “We empowered 50 women and young girls in 2023 with different skills and today they are exhibiting their products.

    “This  year, we decided to support only widows with self-sustaining skills, food items and a little cash to support their lives because they are going through a lot,” she said.

    She expressed joy over what the beneficiaries of the first edition of the empowerment were able to do with the skills they acquired.

    She said: ‘seeing what they exhibited I am glad. I am so happy that at least, we were able to empower people, who are also empowering others.

    “Some of them can now feed their families and pay their children’s school fees, so, we are encouraged.”

    One of the beneficiaries of the first edition of the empowerment, Judith Ogbosi, a single mother of three, said that the support helped to expand her salon business and she had employed five staff.

    Another beneficiary, Victoria Itodo, a 300 level student of the Federal University of Technology, Minna, said she learned how to make snacks.

    Itodo, an orphan, said her snacks business was currently sustaining her in school and appealed for more support to enable her to expand.

    Similarly, Mrs Rita Awolumate, a mother of three, said  she was trained on how to make Zarah Caps, bridal bouche, and bridal tree, fan and fascinator.

    “Life was difficult for me and my family before the empowerment because my husband is not working.

    “But between November 2023 and now, God has been faithful. The skill is putting food on my table, paying the bills and paying my children’s school fees,” she said. (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)

    FDY//EEE

    ========

    Edited by Ese E. Eniola Williams