FG Kicks Off 2024 National Environmental Sanitation Day In Abuja
The Federal Ministry of Environment has called on Nigerians to prioritize environmental hygiene to curb the spread of cholera. This appeal was made by the Permanent Secretary, Mahmud Adam Kambari, during the launch of the 2024 National Environmental Sanitation Day activities in Piwoyi, a suburb of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT). Represented by Mr. Olubunmi Olusanya, Director of Pollution Control and Environmental Health, Kambari emphasized the crucial role of hygiene in disease prevention. “Currently in the country, we are faced with the challenge of a cholera outbreak, which is caused by bacterial infection spread through contaminated water or food due to unhygienic practices,” Kambari stated. The theme for this year’s event, “Environmental Sanitation in the Era of Climate Change: Go Greener, Stay Clean, Climate Change is Real,” underscores the importance of maintaining clean environments amidst changing climate conditions. The Permanent Secretary highlighted open defecation as a primary cause of cholera and urged communities to adopt better sanitation practices. The Ministry’s commitment to partnering with communities for a cleaner environment was reiterated by Kambari. Piwoyi was chosen to kick-start the 2024 NESD activities, with a series of events including a school debate on June 25 and the main event on June 28. In his goodwill message, Mr. Jonathan Duku of Breakthrough Action Nigeria stressed the importance of cleanliness to prevent cholera and Lassa fever. He noted, “Mitigating environmental challenges will not only eradicate cholera but also other diseases like Lassa fever, as dirty environments attract rats that cause Lassa fever.” Mr. Edwin Isotu Ede, representing the World Health Organization (WHO), encouraged the community to use the opportunity to promote sanitation and hygiene. He advised landlords to leave space for trees and ensure the availability of toilets. The Director of Environment, Abuja Municipal Area Council (AMAC), Mrs. Hannatu Ibrahim, pledged continued collaboration with the Piwoyi community to prevent cholera. The Etsu of Piwoyi Community, Mr. Tanko Lazarus Bahago, appreciated the Ministry’s efforts and vowed to maintain clean environments. To engage students and inspire future generations, a quiz competition on environmental issues was organized. Participating schools included Federal Government College Wuye, Model Junior Secondary School Maitama, Junior Secondary School Area 10, Junior Secondary School Area 11, P-E-M International Academy Lugbe, and First Kingdom Kids Academy Mararaba. JSS Area 10 emerged as the winner, with prizes to be awarded at the main event on June 28 in Abuja.
Popular Abuja Market On Fire
A fire has erupted at Wuse Market Abuja’s bustling commercial hub, on Tuesday evening. The fire prompted immediate evacuations and a swift response from emergency services. The cause of the inferno has remained unknown, but the rapid mobilization of firefighters and security personnel to the site shows the gravity of the situation. The market, known for its extensive array of goods and services, experienced an abrupt halt in activities as traders and shoppers alike were seen fleeing the vicinity. This incident follows a tragic event on February 29, 2024, where a fire claimed three lives in a residential building within EFAB estate, Karsana District, near Gwarinpa. The fire reportedly originated from an explosion linked to a diesel drum, leading to a fierce battle against the flames by both residents and the Federal Fire Service (FFS). The current fire at Wuse Market has caused significant concern among the populace, given the market’s prominence and the recent memory of the EFAB estate tragedy.
Wike doesn’t care if people live in FCT – Sen Kingibe
Senator Ireti Kingibe has criticized FCT Minister Nyesom Wike for his indifferent approach, expressing concern about Wike’s lack of concern for the residents of the nation’s capital. At an event marking the first anniversary of the 2023 presidential election, Senator Ireti highlighted the worrisome nature of the minister’s attitude and stated that as Obidients, they would find a way to address the situation. She emphasized the need for swift planning and organization to tackle the critical state of insecurity in the nation. “We, as a nation right now, we are in trouble. Yes, you’ve elected me as senator of the FCT, which is the highest elected office in the FCT, but I have to work with a minister who doesn’t seem to realize that there are people living in the FCT. “But we, Obidients, will have to figure a way around it. “We need to start planning and organizing ourselves as quickly and possible. In fact, the condition (of the nation) is critical if we don’t do anything now. Insecurity is what is about to consume us. “You can’t go to the farm. You can’t do anything. We have to take charge,” she said.
TCN Announces Blackout In Abuja
The Transmission Company of Nigeria (TCN) has announced a six-hour power outage on Saturday for residents in parts of the Federal Capital Territory. The outage is necessary for TCN’s maintenance crew to conduct a scheduled annual preventive maintenance on its 132kV line 1 at Gwagwalada and Apo Transmission Substations. The maintenance, scheduled from 9:00 am to 3:00 pm, will result in a power interruption at the 132/33kV Kukwaba Transmission Substation. Affected areas include Lokogoma, Kabusa Garden, TradeMore, Pyakasa, Aleyita, Chika, Games Village, Stadium, Wuye, Utako, Life Camp, and Idu. Ndidi Mbah, TCN’s spokesperson, apologized for any inconvenience caused, assuring customers that power supply would be restored promptly after the maintenance work. “Power supply will be restored as soon as the maintenance work is completed as indicated. “We regret any inconveniences this will cause electricity consumers in the affected areas,” the statement read. This announcement comes after the TCN Gwagwalada-Kukwaba-Apo 132KV Transmission Line 1 was attacked by suspected vandals in December, prompting the need for repairs.
Surge of Kidnappings: FCT Minister Summons Emergency Meeting
In response to the alarming surge in violent crime within the nation’s capital, Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, has initiated a crucial emergency security meeting. Recent incidents involving brazen bandit operations, including the tragic killing of several residents, including a 13-year-old Secondary School Student, have prompted heightened concerns. Addressing the gathering, Minister Wike reassured FCT residents about their safety, emphasizing the government’s commitment to providing security forces with necessary resources to combat the rising insecurity. The closed-door summit, presently in session, brings together heads of security agencies in the FCT, key officials from the Federal Capital Territory Administration (FCTA), council chairmen, and traditional rulers. Stay tuned for more updates on this developing situation.
CAC Exposes 189 Fake Companies Involved FCT Land Allocation Scam
The Corporate Affairs Commission (CAC) has sounded the alarm about a disturbing surge in counterfeit companies operating within the country. Their concerns were heightened when they revealed the discovery of 189 fake companies that had been exploiting their status to obtain land allocations in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Abuja. During a press briefing held on Tuesday, the Registrar General of the CAC, Hussaini Magaji, unveiled these shocking findings. The investigation was initiated following a complaint from the Federal Capital Territory Administration (FCTA) regarding a dubious company seeking land allocation. Magaji delved into the details, explaining that the exposure of the non-existent company prompted an extensive inquiry. This, in turn, led to the identification of several other fraudulent entities operating for the same nefarious purpose. Two suspects, including a lawyer, have been apprehended in connection with this fraudulent activity. The investigation further revealed the existence of a cartel comprising individuals from the Abuja Geographical Information System, lawyers, and even some within the commission itself. Magaji emphasized the gravity of the situation, stating, “Let me use this opportunity to inform the public that one of the major milestones achieved so far since I assumed office is our ability to bust a cartel or a network of individuals that are causing havoc for the commission. This cartel collaborates with certain lawyers who falsely claim to be accredited agents of the commission and conspires with staff from the Abuja Geographical Information System to secure land allocations in the FCT. We only became aware of this criminal activity after a complaint from the Federal Capital Territory Administration prompted us to verify some applications made by these entities, which, shockingly, were non-existent within our system.”
Wike Presents Vehicles To 3rd Class Chiefs In FCT, Promises Improved Welfare
The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Mr Nyesom Wike, on Friday presented 10 vehicles to 3rd Class Chiefs in the federal capital and promised improved welfare for traditional leaders. The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the 3rd Class chiefs were from Gomani, Yaba, Bwari, Pai, Garki, Jiwa, Wako, Rubochi, Gwargwada and Zuba Chiefdoms. Wike explained, while handing over the Nissan Semi SUV keys to the traditional rulers in Abuja, that the gesture was part of government efforts to ease the mobility of the traditional leaders. He said that the government has a responsibility to encourage traditional leaders by providing them all the necessary logistics to enable them to do their work diligently and with ease. “Part of that is mobility. I can’t see how traditional rulers will be boarding taxis or entering public transport. That is unacceptable. “President Bola Tinubu has directed that that should not be allowed to continue. Has asked that we must do everything possible to make it convenient and easy for you to do your assignment,” he said. He said that in line with the renewed agenda of Tinubu, every stakeholder has a role to play, including traditional rulers, particularly in the area of security. “You know your communities better than anybody; you know the people within their communities, so you will be able to identify those who look like strangers. “No agency will perform its function without the support of traditional rulers, and we believe that we must partner together to achieve the fight against insecurity. “So, today we are going to hand over 10 vehicles to you to please help in supporting the government to fight insecurity in your domain. Be sure that we are going to work together. “If we don’t work together, we will not achieve results, because everybody is important in the fight against insecurity,” Wike said. The minister also disclosed that Tinubu has directed the FCTA to make traditional rulers very comfortable by augmenting the little allowances the Area Councils were providing them. He said: “We will soon meet with the Area Councils’ chairmen and the traditional rulers so that we can work out strategies for the welfare package and what role you will play to assist the government to achieve its renewed agenda. “The new agender is that things must work. “The Mandate Secretaries have been appointed and sworn in. I don’t want to hear any excuses from any department. “We are not here to give excuses; we know there are challenges before we came here. It is our duty to solve these challenges,” Wike said. Responding, the Chairman, FCT Council of Traditional Rulers, the Ona of Abaji, Alhaji Adamu Yunusa, thanked the minister for the support and pledged the support of traditional rulers to move FCT forward.
N5bn Palliative: FCT to boost transportation, food –Wike
The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Abuja, Mr Nyesom Wike, says the FCTA is considering transportation and food supplies support with the N5 billion palliative received from the Federal Government. Wike stated this in Abuja after a closed-door meeting with contractors handling different projects in the FCT. The Federal Government had on Aug. 17 announced a N5 billion palliative for each state of the federation, including the FCT, to cushion the impact of the removal of the petrol subsidy. Some of the state governments have confirmed receiving N2 billion from the amount, while awaiting the N3 billion balance. However, the minister said that the FCT was not included in the N5 billion palliative until he wrote a memo informing President Bola Tinubu of the development. He added that Tinubu has approved the amount, adding that other states have received N2 billion already, expressing confidence that the FCT will equally receive soon. “But we are yet to decide on what to do with the N2 billion palliative. We have not chosen any area yet. “Are we going to concentrate on food, but we are thinking that the issue of transportation is very very important, particularly the urban mass transit. “People would like to have easy transportation to go to where they want to go, and if you give them rice and they eat the rice today, what about transportation tomorrow? “So, we have not come up with what actually we are going to use the money for, but I believe food support and transportation is very key,” he said. The minister added that efforts were ongoing to bring back urban mass transportation to be able to reduce the suffering of the masses in terms of transportation.