Wike says the FG has spent N300bn on developing FCT satellite towns

According to the Minister of the FCTA the amount was spent between January 2024 and January 2025, which goes to demonstrate the importance President Tinubu attaches to the development of satellite towns. Mr. Nyesom Wike stated this on Wednesday, while inaugurating the nine-kilometre Paikon Kore – Ibwa Road, in Gwagwalada, Gwagwalada Area Council. He said Tinubu is not only committed to the development of Abuja city but also committed to the development of satellite towns. He said that out of the more than N300 billion spent so far, more than N50 billion was expended in Gwagwalada Area Council alone. He said that N8.5 billion was expended on the rehabilitation of Paikon Kore – Ibwa Road. SEE ALSO: Sub-Sahara Africa dominates global terrorism related deaths The Minister added that N22 billion was earmarked for the construction of Aguma Palace – Market – Radio Nigeria Road, which would be inaugurated in May 2025. He added that the FCT Administration also spent N16.5 billion on the rehabilitation and upgrading of five secondary schools in Gwagwalada. He identified the schools as the School for the Gifted, Government Secondary School (GSS) Gwagwalada, GSS Anagada, Government Science Secondary School, Tungan Maji, and GSS Giri. “If you calculate the total amount, excluding the two Police Divisions under construction, Mr President has committed to Gwagwalada alone more than N50 billion. “If you add the six area councils, with Gwagwalada having the least amount, you will see that in just a year, Mr President has committed more than N300 billion to the development of satellite towns. “It is important for people to have this record as evidence against those claiming that the government was only developing the city with nothing happening in satellite towns,” he said. He explained that the Paikon Kore – Ibwa Road was rehabilitated following a request by the residents while the construction of Aguma Palace – Market – Radio Nigerian Road was ongoing. “We thank God we are here today to commission the Paikon Kore – Ibwa Road. In May, God willing, during the second anniversary of Mr President, we will also commission the Aguma Palace Road,” he said. Wike reiterated Tinubu’s commitment to participatory governance and implementing projects based on the needs of residents and assured the residents of more projects. He particularly promised to construct the Ibwa bridge following a demand by the Vice Chairman, Mr Saidu Zuba. Earlier, Zuba described Wike as a blessing to residents of Gwagwalada following the huge investment in rural infrastructure. SEE ALSO: If Kemi Badenoch were Igbo He added the security situation had significantly improved in the area following Wike’s interventions to improve security in local communities. He appealed to the minister to construct the Ibwa bridge, saying, “we lose a lot of students to flooding while trying to cross the bridge during the rainy season.” On her part, FCT Minister of State, Dr Mariya Mahmoud, urged the benefiting communities to safeguard the road, use it responsibly, and collaborate to ensure more developmental strides in the future. READ ALSO: WHO calls on Trump to reverse withdrawal decision “May this road bring lasting benefits to our community and serve as a beacon of unity and progress,” she said. The Coordinator, Satellite Towns Development Department, Mr Abdulkadir Zulkiflu, explained that the Paikon Kore – Ibwa Road was awarded to Setraco Nigeria Ltd, in January 2024. He said that the road was designed to open businesses and connect communities towards a sustainable development of rural communities.

National Traders Association Breaks Ground For Milk Production Factory In Abuja

The National Association of Nigerian Traders (NANTS) on Friday commenced the construction of a milk production factory in Giri, Gwagwalada Area Council of the Federal Capital Territory. Dr. Alan Sy-Traore, Director of Agriculture in the ECOWAS Commission, which partnered the initiative, commended NANTS for its partnership projects with the commission, emphasizing that the factory aligns with ECOWAS agricultural policies on the livestock value chain. Mr. Ibilade Akeem, Deputy Director of Commercial Ruminant and Dairy Production at the Federal Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security, expressed the ministry’s readiness to strengthen its partnership with NANTS in meat and milk production, citing that the milk production factory aligns with the Federal Government’s food security program. Dr. Ken Ukaoha, the National President of NANTS, revealed that the factory would be completed within 14 months, enhancing food security and national economic development by producing hygienic milk. Ukaoha stressed the need to address challenges in the dairy sector, including inefficiency, lack of technical expertise, outdated practices, and climate-induced desertification, which has led to conflicts between herders and farmers. NANTS, with support from ECOWAS and the Swiss Agency for Development Cooperation, aims to modernize and revitalize the milk sector, showcasing its value chains as opportunities for job creation and sustainable livelihoods. The project will improve production, processing, handling, transportation, and marketing of milk while ensuring compliance with health, safety, and environmental regulations. Once completed, the project will also serve as a training ground for students at the Faculty of Agriculture, University of Abuja, and other relevant institutions in the region, contributing to job creation and youth empowerment. The initiative is expected to become a model for milk sector productivity in Nigeria and will encompass food production and training for young people. Local authorities and community leaders welcomed the project, recognizing its potential to provide job opportunities and economic benefits to the area.