FCT Council Polls: Between Political Triumph and Democratic Questions
The APC’s sweeping victory in the FCT area council elections has been hailed by Minister Nyesom Wike as proof of democratic renewal under President Bola Tinubu. However, critics argue the results raise deeper questions about political dominance, opposition strength, and the true state of democracy in Nigeria’s capital.
Tinubu Launches Renewed Hope Housing Project In Abuja
President Bola Tinubu, on Thursday, launched the Renewed Hope Cities and Estate project at Karsana, area of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT). Tinubu flaged off the construction of 3,112 pilot housing project, which marks the commencement of a nationwide project aimed at delivering 100,000 housing units through a Public-Private Partnership (PPP) initiated in December 2023. The partnership, forged between the Federal Ministry of Housing & Urban Development (FMHUD) and a consortium of companies—Continental Civil and General Construction Limited, along with Ceezali Limited—embarks on the ambitious first phase to construct 20,000 housing units across the FCT, with Karsana hosting 3,112 of these units. This groundbreaking event, led by President Tinubu, heralds the official start of the “Renewed Hope Cities and Estates” programme, conceived by the FMHUD, to significantly boost the national housing stock and mitigate the pervasive housing shortfall. The programme envisions the establishment of Cities and Estates across all six geo-political zones of the country and the FCT, promising a minimum of 1,000 housing units per City site and at least 500 housing units per Estate site in the 30 states. Minister of Housing and Urban Development, Ahmed Dangiwa, highlighted that the project is designed to cater to various income brackets, offering a range of residential options. These include bedroom blocks of flats for low to medium income earners and more luxurious two to five-bedroom terraces and duplexes aimed at higher income earners, thereby promoting integrated living communities. The Karsana project, significantly financed by the developers who also procured the land, illustrates a novel approach to housing development in Nigeria.
I Believe In Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda, Says Tonto Dike
*Actress/Politician Explains Why She Joined APC Nollywood actress turned-politician, Tonto Dikeh, has shed light on her decision to join the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC), led by President Bola Tinubu. In an official statement posted on her Instagram page, the 37-year-old emphasized that “facts accompanied with evidence” were the driving forces behind her decision. During her unveiling at the APC headquarters in Abuja, Tonto Dikeh expressed her commitment to working for the greater good of Nigerian youth, women, and the country as a whole. She pointed to the importance of impactful leadership, which she believes comes from visionary leaders dedicated to selfless service to humanity. Dikeh, known for her advocacy work through the Committee of Youth on Mobilization and Sensitization (CYMS) in partnership with the Federal Government, underlined her strong belief in Nigeria’s prosperity under the “RENEWED HOPE AGENDA” of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu. She concluded by saying, “This is not a win for me alone but a win for our dreams, hope, and struggles to ensure we make our unborn generation proud with good legacies. I am headstrong for you Nigerians, and in due time, you will surely feel the positive impacts of my decision as it will be evident through us all.”
Tinubu appoints new NDDC Board, Management
In a significant move aimed at revitalizing the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC), President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has given his approval for the appointment of a fresh Board and Management team. In a statement by Ajuri Ngelale, Special Adviser to the President (Media & Publicity) on Tuesday, the newly constituted team will steer the NDDC towards a new phase of effective governance, aligned with President Tinubu’s Renewed Hope agenda. The appointed members of the Board and Management team are as follows: 1. Mr. Chiedu Ebie – Chairman – Delta 2. Dr. Samuel Ogbuku – Managing Director / CEO – Bayelsa 3. Mr. Boma Iyaye – Executive Director (Finance and Admin) – Rivers 4. Mr. Victor Antai – Executive Director (Projects) – Akwa-Ibom 5. Ifedayo Abegunde – Executive Director (Corporate Services) – Ondo 6. Sen. Dimaro Denyanbofa – State Representative – Bayelsa 7. Mr. Abasi Ndikan Nkono – State Representative – Akwa Ibom 8. Rt. Hon. Monday Igbuya – State Representative – Delta 9. Chief Tony Okocha – State Representative – Rivers 10. Hon Patrick Aisowieren – State Representative – Edo 11. Mr. Kyrian Uchegbu – State Representative – Imo 12. Victor Kolade Akinjo – State Representative – Ondo 13. Chief Dimgba Eruba – State Representative – Abia 14. Mr. Asu Oku Okang – State Representative – Cross River 15. Hon. Nick Wende – Zonal Representative – North Central 16. Hon. Namdas Abdulrazak – Zonal Representative – North East 17. Sen. Dr. Ibrahim Abdullahi Gobir – Zonal Representative – North West According to the statement, “the President’s intention is to foster a renewed era of successful administration within the NDDC, as part of his vision for the region. “These appointments, effective immediately, are seen as a crucial step in advancing development and progress in the Niger Delta region.”