The Nation Newspaper

Category: News Update

  • Oyebanji preaches politics without bitterness

    Oyebanji preaches politics without bitterness

    • Omatseye X-rays democracy at OAU lecture

    Ekiti State Governor Biodun Oyebanji has canvassed entrenchment of politics without bitterness, to ensure a more virile, stronger and lasting democracy that will deliver quality governance to Nigerians.

    As Ekiti State gears up for the conduct of governorship election in June and as Nigeria inches nearer to the general election in 2027, Oyebanji enjoined politicians not to turn elections into war, saying the winner-takes-all mentality should be discouraged.

    The governor made the remarks yesterday at the Faculty of Arts Distinguished Alumni Lecture, at Obafemi Awolowo University (OAU), Ile-Ife.

    He said politics of inclusion being practised by his administration had added value to governance and engendered peace in Ekiti State as widely acknowledged.

    The OAU Faculty of Arts Distinguished Alumni Lecture chaired by Governor Oyebanji and also attended by his Osun State counterpart, Governor Ademola Adeleke, was delivered by the Chairman, Editorial Board of The Nation Newspapers, Mr Sam Omatseye, who graduated from the university with a Bachelor’s degree in History in 1985.

    Addressing the gathering in his capacity as the chairman of the lecture titled: ‘’How to Make a Democrat”, Governor Oyebanji used the forum to advocate a political culture that promotes consensus building, cooperation, inclusion, decent public conduct, willingness to play by the rules and magnanimity in electoral victories or losses.

    Read Also: First Lady, Ooni of Ife launch ‘Dream Centre’ to mentor young Nigerians

    Describing consensus building as strength and not weakness, the Ekiti governor further canvassed the need to always defuse public rhetoric with conciliatory and peaceable communication, as such will help reduce resort to violence and other anti-democratic practices.

    Admitting that democracy is a tough job anywhere in the world, as it is always characterised by plurality, contestations, group conspiracies, clash of interests and power struggle, Oyebanji said the capacity to manage differences remained the major challenge that many democratic nations continued to confront.

    Drawing from his experience as a player in the Ekiti political arena for about 30 years, Oyebanji advised stakeholders in democracy to play politics of inclusion which, he noted, was on full display in Ekiti, a development he said had continued to make the state peaceful under his leadership.

    Hailing the lecturer, Mr Omatseye, for the brilliant lecture, Oyebanji also praised his contribution to journalism, public discourse, social commentary, intellectual engagement and poetry, describing him as “a distinguished alumnus by all standard that every university will be proud to have.”

    Governor Adeleke, represented by the Commissioner for Education, Mr Dipo Eluwole, lauded the faculty for organising the lecture, which he described as a platform that speaks to values of citizenship and scholarship.

    Omatseye stressed the need to make a distinction between a republic and a democracy, with many countries calling themselves democracies despite not practising its tenets and ethos.

    He said: “Countries often call themselves democracies. A republic installs an infrastructure of mediation between the people and state. Democracy is idealist; so there is no real democracy, including the United States.’’

    He described the opportunity to deliver the distinguished Alumni Lecture as a fulfilling privilege for him, which offered him an avenue to return to his alma mater to share his thoughts on issues of democracy and governance.

    Omatseye, who cited many historical and contemporary instances, submitted that many nations merely lay claim to the practice of democracy without an iota of respect for the tenets of democracy.

    He cited the recent American invasion of Venezuela, a sovereign country and the “abduction” of its President to the US.

    “If the United States is the number one democracy in the world, then by implication, it means its President should be the number one democrat in the entire world.’’

    He then wondered why and how the invasion of Venezuela and the abduction of its president align with democracy.

    Omatseye said democracy was more of an idealism.

    According to him, countries often call themselves democracies. A republic installs an infrastructure of mediation between the people and the state. Democracy pretends there is none.

    “Democracy is idealist. There is no real democracy, including the United States. All who operate in republics call themselves democrats. So, if democracy is aspirational, why should the democrat be perfect?

    “In our own case, it is because the democrat has always been half-born. To have a democrat in full, they must be allowed to grow with all their facts and beauties.’’

    Also in attendance at the lecture, which took place at Oduduwa Hall of OAU, were Asiwaju Bola Oyebamiji, governorship candidate of All Progressives Congress (APC) in Osun State; Secretary to Ekiti State Government, Prof Habibat Adubiaro; Chief of Staff, Mr Niyi Adebayo; Commissioner for Education, Dr Olabimpe Aderiye; Special Adviser Tertiary Education, Prof Akeem Azeez; Special Adviser Office of Transformation and Service Delivery, Dr John Ekundayo; Special Adviser on Media and Strategy, Mr Yinka Oyebode, Director General, Office of Community Communications, Mrs Mary Oso- Omotoso and representatives of youth and students organisations from Ekiti State.

  • Ekiti govt targets N8.8tr GDP for this year

    Ekiti govt targets N8.8tr GDP for this year

    Ekiti State Government has projected a Gross Domestic Product (GDP) of N8.8 trillion for 2026 fiscal year, as it unveiled the breakdown of its N415.57billion Budget of Impactful Governance.

    Commissioner for Budget and Economic Planning, Mr Femi Ajayi, said this yesterday in Ado-Ekiti during a presentation of the 2026 budget analysis to government officials, financial experts and other stakeholders.

    He said the budget was designed to stimulate economic growth through strategic investments in agriculture, education, infrastructure, arts, tourism and the informal sector.

    He noted that the budget was prepared in line with 2026–2028 Medium-Term Expenditure Framework (MTEF) and the state’s 30-year Development Plan, saying the MTEF provided a guide for efficient resource allocation and completion of projects within a medium-term period.

    Read Also: Tinubu’s reforms restoring global confidence in Nigeria – Shettima

    Ajayi said the fiscal framework was based on macroeconomic projections with a spending ceiling of N570.05billion, adding that the government adopted a zero-based budgeting approach with emphasis on completing ongoing projects to drive economic growth.

    He said funding for the 2026 budget would come from federal allocation (30 per cent), grants from domestic and foreign development partners (29 per cent), Value Added Tax (19 per cent), state independent revenue (11 per cent) and loans (two per cent).

    Ajayi added that recurrent expenditure would be allocated to personnel costs (28 per cent), overheads (28 per cent), grants and subsidies (18 per cent) and debt servicing (0.2 per cent), among others.

    On capital expenditure, Ajayi said 72 per cent would be spent on economic services, 14 per cent on social services, 13 per cent on administrative services and one per cent on law and justice.

    He said capital spending, which aligned with the administration’s six pillars, would focus on infrastructure and industrial development (57 per cent), agriculture and rural development (22 per cent), governance (nine per cent), human capital development (nine per cent), youth development and job creation (two per cent), and arts, culture and tourism (one per cent).

    Ajayi reaffirmed the commitment of the Governor Biodun Oyebanji administration’s to fiscal accountability, transparency and sustainable growth, saying safety nets would be provided to cushion the impact of reforms on vulnerable groups.

    The Chief of Staff to the Governor, Mr Niyi Adebayo, said the success of previous budgets under the administration was driven by inclusive governance, fiscal transparency and accountability.

    He hailed Governor Oyebanji for implementing people-oriented reforms and programmes aimed at accelerating development in the state.

  • FUOYE to hold 10th convocation, valedictory session for outgoing VC

    FUOYE to hold 10th convocation, valedictory session for outgoing VC

    Federal University, Oye-Ekiti (FUOYE) is set to hold its 10th convocation and valedictory session for its outgoing Vice Chancellor, Prof. Abayomi Fasina.

    The week-long event scheduled to be kick started with a church service on Sunday, will end on February 7, with a Convocation Lecture to be delivered by the Bishop of Roman Catholic Sokoto Diocese, Most Reverend Dr. Mathew Hassan Kukah and presentation of awards to students and honorary awardees, including the Ooni of Ife, Oba Adeyeye Enitan Ogunwusi, Ojaja II and the Sultan of Sokoto, His Eminence Muhammadu Sa’ad Abubakar.

    Read Also: First Lady, Ooni of Ife launch ‘Dream Centre’ to mentor young Nigerians

    Other activities lined up for the event include Vice Chancellor Press Conference and inauguration of projects at Oye-Ekiti and Ikole campuses of the university.

    There is also medical outreach service for Oye-Ekiti and Ikole Ekiti communities holding at the palaces of Oloye-Ekiti and Elekole.

    The Vice Chancellor Valedictory Lecture will take place on Thursday, to be followed by a Muslim Valedictory Prayer on Friday and a Dinner at Bola Ahmed Tinubu Senate Building of FUOYE.

    The Convocation Lecture is to be delivered by Bishop Kukah at Victor Ndoma-Egba Auditorium of the university.

  • Commuters lament gridlock amid Kara bridge repairs

    Commuters lament gridlock amid Kara bridge repairs

    Motorists and commuters on Lagos-Ibadan Expressway are facing gruelling hours in traffic, as the Federal Ministry of Works narrows Kara bridge for expansion joint repairs, leaving motorists trapped with little sign of progress.

    For over nine days, the bridge has been constricted at two sections without visible construction activity, sparking outrage among people who rely on the vital corridor daily.

    With no alternative routes available, drivers have resorted to leaving home in the early hours of the day. Commuters board taxis, opt for motorcycles or endure skyrocketing fares.

    The frustration peaked when The Nation contacted Ogun State Federal Controller of Works, Layi Komolafe, an engineer, who said repairs began late last year, but was stopped during the festive season due to heavy holiday traffic into Lagos.

    “The bad expansion joints were causing accidents, so we have to resume urgently. The first two bridges inbound Lagos—Magboro Channel 14 and Punch Channel 13—have been completed. We’re now on Kara Channel 5, with two expansion joints per bridge,” he said.

    Komolafe noted night work attempts failed after truck drivers nearly caused two workers’ fatalities. 

    Read Also: First Lady, Ooni of Ife launch ‘Dream Centre’ to mentor young Nigerians

    He said a stakeholders’ meeting involving Works commissioners from Lagos and Ogun states, police commissioners, FRSC sector commanders, LASTMA and Federal Controllers devised strategies to manage traffic, adding that they agreed that narrowing the road remained the only viable option, as full diversion would worsen gridlock.

    Motorists are angry over the situation. Samuel Akindele, who lives in Magboro and works in Apapa, described the situation as “uncaring”, warning of a return to past nightmares of overnight bridge traffic jam,  bike accidents and deaths.

    “How can the government shut the place down for 10 days with no work?” he asked.

    Bukola Kupoloyi from Mowe, now waking up at 4am to beat the traffic jam, accused the contractor, Julius Berger, of treating commuters “like animals.” “It’s unfair—people coming to Lagos for business shouldn’t be punished daily,” she said.

    Uchechi Oluchi of Arepo, commuting to Lagos Island, slammed the firm as “incompetent and wicked”, questioning repeated joint fixes and the decision to narrow the bridge prematurely.

    Alfa Oyetunde from Lotto, whose daily trips to Adeniji Adele Market on Lagos Island increased his blood pressure, decried fare hikes. “We’re sentenced to hardship just to feed our families,” he lamented, urging the Federal Government to intervene.

    Komolafe appealed for patience as repairs continue, but commuters demand swift action to end the hardship.

  • Hamzat emphasises planning as foundation for development

    Hamzat emphasises planning as foundation for development

    Lagos State Deputy Governor Dr. Obafemi Hamzat has said effective physical planning remained the backbone of a safe, functional and prosperous state.

    He spoke yesterday during a ‘Fire Chat’ with the Fellows of Lateef Jakande Leadership Academy (LJLA) 2025/2026 Cohort, held at the Office of the Deputy Governor, Roundhouse, Alausa-Ikeja.

    Hamzat said without proper planning, communities would become vulnerable to flooding, disorderly growth, environmental hazards and avoidable hardship for residents.

    “Physical planning is essential for ensuring people understand how development decisions are made, why regulations exist, and how orderly urban growth protects lives, property and the future of Nigeria, particularly Lagos State,” he said.

    The deputy governor recalled that the experience of Maroko residents was a critical lesson on the dangers of unstructured settlements, emphasising that no society could thrive where people lived in areas exposed to water channels, without defined layouts, infrastructure, or enforceable building standards.

    Read Also: Tinubu’s reforms restoring global confidence in Nigeria – Shettima

    He said the task of the government was not only to respond when people arrived and built indiscriminately, but to create systems that guided development in a way that served everyone, the wealthy and the vulnerable.

    Hamzat lamented that one of Africa’s biggest setbacks was the lack of deliberate planning, noting that progress would remain limited until societies began to plan effectively for land use, infrastructure and the pressures of development.

    “Planning is not optional, as time and productivity depend on order, structure and adherence to standards, warning that development cannot be driven by personal desire alone,” he said.

    Highlighting the complexity of governance, the deputy governor said leaders must weigh decisions based on what benefited the greatest number of people, while also considering environmental realities and shifting economic conditions.

    Hamzat said public leadership must anticipate risks, understand how decisions affect ordinary citizens, and ensure policies are balanced to protect social welfare, education, health care and infrastructure delivery.

    Addressing broader societal concerns, he called for renewed personal responsibility and a culture of integrity among citizens and leaders, stressing that corruption and distrust weakened institutions and slowed development.

    He said: “As leaders and citizens, we need to rebuild trust, strengthen values and adopt a forward-looking mindset that prioritises sustainable planning, discipline and accountability. I want to encourage everyone for continuous dialogue and commitment to reforms that will support orderly growth, improve living conditions and secure the future of Nigeria and our dear state.”

    Hamzat concluded by emphasising that fixing societal challenges required collective effort, consistent planning, and courageous leadership, noting that the solutions must be people-centred, realistic and rooted in long-term development priorities.

  • Cleric thanks God for enjoying grace

    Cleric thanks God for enjoying grace

    The General Overseer of Christ Gospel International,  Prophet Samuel Olabode, has said nowadays when spirituality often seems distant from enterprise, for him to combine the two, is a grace from God.

    The cleric, who is also the CEO of Samuel Samiye Clothing, said: ‘With this uncommon grace, I have proved that divine calling and diligent work can co-exist in harmony.’’

    He noted: “As the General Overseer of Christ Gospel Church International, and the CEO of Florence BB Continental Limited and Samuel Samiye Clothing, I exemplify the biblical truth that “faith without work is dead” (James 2:17).

    Read Also: Tinubu’s reforms restoring global confidence in Nigeria – Shettima

    “Through my life and mission, I demonstrate that God’s purpose for man extends beyond the pulpit into every sphere of human endeavour. Like the biblical Joseph, who managed spiritual insight and economic wisdom to save nations, I blend ministry with entrepreneurship to empower lives and build communities.”

    “As a seasoned preacher, my messages inspire faith, holiness and hope. As a real estate developer through Florence BB Continental Limited, I mirror the work of Nehemiah, rebuilding not just walls, but also destinies, providing homes and creating jobs. My vision for decent housing reflects Proverbs 24:3 — ‘By wisdom a house is built, and by understanding it is established.”

    In the fashion world, Samuel Samiye Clothing expresses the creativity of God, the Master Designer. Just as Joseph’s coat of many colours signified divine favour and uniqueness (Genesis 37:3), Prophet Olabode’s “Royalty Clothes Making” line promotes dignity, confidence and excellence — reminding all that believers are “a chosen generation, a royal priesthood” (1 Peter 2:9).

    “Yet, perhaps my most powerful message is philanthropy. Through countless humanitarian gestures — supporting widows, funding education for the less privileged, and offering relief to the needy, this can be seen in Proverbs 19:17: ‘He who has pity on the poor lends to the Lord, and He will pay back what he has given’.

  • Five strongest currencies in Africa as of January 2026

    Five strongest currencies in Africa as of January 2026

    The strongest currencies in Africa in 2026 are more than just numbers on a chart, they reflect stable economies, sound monetary policies, and growing investor confidence.

    Several African countries have maintained strong currencies against the U.S. dollar, reflecting various degrees of fiscal discipline, monetary policy effectiveness, and economic structure.

    Currency strength remains a vital indicator of a country’s economic stability and overall financial health.

    According to the Forbes currency calculator, the following are the five strongest African currencies as of January 2026 against the US Dollar.

    1. Tunisia – Tunisian Dinar (TND)

    Exchange Rate: 2.86 TND per USD
    Tunisia continues to lead as the African country with the strongest currency. The Tunisian Dinar’s strength is largely supported by strict exchange control measures and inflation management, even amid ongoing political and economic challenges.

    2. Libya – Libyan Dinar (LYD)

    Exchange Rate: 6.31 LYD per USD
    Despite years of political unrest, the Libyan Dinar remains notably strong. This resilience is primarily due to Libya’s abundant oil reserves, which generate substantial foreign exchange revenue.

    3. Morocco – Moroccan Dirham (MAD)

    Exchange Rate: 9.01 MAD per USD
    The Moroccan Dirham benefits from the country’s stable macroeconomic policies, economic diversification, and prudent monetary governance. Morocco’s growing appeal to foreign investors, especially in the renewable energy sector, also bolsters its currency.

    Read Also: FG approves ₦1 trillion metro rail service for Kano

    4. Ghana – Ghanaian Cedi (GHS)

    Exchange Rate: 10.84 GHS per USD
    While the Ghanaian Cedi has experienced volatility, recent economic reforms and support from the IMF have introduced a measure of stability. Government initiatives to rein in inflation and manage public debt are beginning to yield positive outcomes.

    5. Botswana – Botswana Pula (BWP)

    Exchange Rate: 13.05 BWP per USD
    The Botswana Pula stands out as one of the strongest currencies in Sub-Saharan Africa. Sound governance, effective fiscal policies, and a balanced reliance on diamond exports have helped maintain its strength.

  • First Lady, Ooni of Ife launch ‘Dream Centre’ to mentor young Nigerians

    First Lady, Ooni of Ife launch ‘Dream Centre’ to mentor young Nigerians

    …I’m a good loyal domestic engineer—Remi Tinubu 

    …laments over absence of role model in life of youths 

    The First Lady, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, in partnership with the Ooni of Ife, Oba Adeyeye Ogunwusi, and the National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA), on Thursday unveiled the ‘Dream Centre’—a mentorship and modelling hub designed to guide young Nigerians towards purposeful living and responsible leadership.

    The centre, established by the Ooni of Ife within the Obafemi Awolowo University campus in Ile-Ife, Osun State, has been equipped by NITDA with books, digital media powered by Artificial Intelligence, and other resources to support youth development.

    At the inauguration, Senator Tinubu emphasized the importance of role models in helping young people navigate life with direction and focus. 

    She highlighted hard work, discipline, and integrity as key values in shaping the future, particularly for girls, and noted that the centre would provide mentorship, skills development, and value-based guidance to help youths realise their potential.

    The First Lady described her own journey as a product of vision, hard work, and divine grace, expressing a desire to serve as a role model for young girls aspiring to achieve great things. 

    She lamented that many young girls today lack mentors who can guide and inspire them.

    According to her, “I should be a case study for young girls. They will talk about the girl child every time but nowadays people don’t have role models anymore, we live in an age and time where, even when people are doing well, out of envy we try to say a lot about them that is mainly not true. Role models are people who helped me shape my life.

    “I wanted to be a teacher and I ended up being one.  When my husband became governor, I was a house wife and a very good domestic engineer, very loyal. Apart from being a teacher, if you asked me what would I like to be, I like being a housewife and taking care of my home especially my husband. I am,very very territorial and believe all women are supposed to be like that, be territorial around your husband because whoever your husband is that’s who you are.”

    “Throughout my career, they have given me a lot of awards but this award, I can’t use it to build any place. You know at times, I get overwhelmed by it but I thought about the camp I will use as a centre, where girls can come in and be inspired and able to green groom these girls using the word of God because the word of God has played a lot in my life.

    “This centre is not for girls alone. It is also for boys. Go into that dream centre, be encouraged, dream your own dreams and you will see that and be prayerful. Seek the face of God, don’t be overly ambitious. What you will become God has already deposited in you, don’t be covetous of other people’s dreams. Build yours.”

    Mrs Tinubu lauded the Ooni of Ife, Oba Adeyeye Ogunwusi, for his commitment to building the dream centre, urging the university students to take the opportunity the dream centre provides.

    Read Also: First Lady donates 50 CNG buses, 30 tricycles to ease transport at OAU

    In his remarks, the Director General of the National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA), Kashifu Inuwa, said the centre converts the power of technology and storytelling to preserve Nigeria’s history.

    “This centre has the vision of digital technology, artificial intelligence, and storytelling to preserve our history. In particular, the incredible lives of our First Lady, and the mother of the nation. This centre is a unique centre that converts the power of technology, storytelling, to preserve our history. So that our younger one, and the generation to come will have access to our history and tools to navigate their lives.”

    Ooni of Ife, Oba Ogunwusi, in his address, said the dream centre would encourage a lot of young people to achieve their goals.

    Speaking about the Firstlady, the monarch said, “You are truly worthy to be celebrated. This place used to be a jungle. My mama is a dreamer. All her dreams come true. Everything she lays her hand upon always prospers. This is why that her life is worthy of emulation. The Senator Oluremi Tinubu Dream Center will encourage a lot of young people,” Ooni noted.

    Dignitaries who attended the commissioning include the Vice Chancellor of the university, Prof. Simeon Bamire; the Soun of Ogbomosho, Oba Olaoye Ghandi; the first lady of Osun State, Mrs Titilola Adeleke; Oyo State first lady, Mrs Tamunominini Makinde; Ondo State first lady, Mrs Oluwaseun Aiyedatiwa and Ekiti State first lady, Dr Olayemi Oyebanji.

    Others include the gubernatorial candidate of the All Progressives Congress in Osun State, Mr Bola Oyebamiji; wives of National Assembly lawmakers and traditional rulers.

  • Wike hands over fully equipped ambulance buses to FCT hospitals

    Wike hands over fully equipped ambulance buses to FCT hospitals

    …warns workers against sabotaging government efforts

    Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike has reaffirmed the commitment of the FCT Administration to overhauling the health sector and enhancing emergency services in the nation’s capital.

    Wike, who made the pledge in Abuja on Thursday, while presenting 12 state-of-the art ambulances to FCT hospitals, explained that the move was a critical component of a broader strategy to ensure that no sector be it infrastructure, education, or health is left behind under the current administration.

    Addressing critics who questioned the administration’s initial focus on road construction, Wike explained that without the construction of roads, it would be impossible to deploy ambulances during emergency situations.

    Wike said, “So many people were saying why are we concentrating on road infrastructure, why are we not focusing on education? But people forget that these ambulances may break down when there are no good roads. When it is an emergency period for you to convey patients and the roads are not in motorable condition, then the whole essence of emergency vehicles becomes useless. So, first things first, and that’s what we have been able to do.”

    While emphasizing the commitment of the FCT Administration to improving the health sector, the Minister further disclosed that the administration was currently in the procurement phase for the rehabilitation and furnishing of 14 health centers across the FCT.

    He equally confirmed that the FCT Civil Service Commission has been directed to commence the employment of new personnel to address staffing shortages in the FCT Health sector.

    The Minister used the occasion to also address the recent indefinite strike action by the FCT Joint Union Action Committee, which has been halted by the National Industrial Court.

    He explained that, although litigation was not the best choice, the FCTA was left with no other option than to go to court after its appeals to workers to shelve their strike were ignored. 

    Wike noted that the administration had reasonably met the demands of the workers, but added that some people with political interests, unfortunately, hijacked the labour struggle to sabotage the efforts of the government.

    The Minister however reemphasized that the administration was open to dialogue to ensure industrial harmony and advised workers to be law-abiding.

    He said; “To workers and some of us who are management staff, who sabotage the efforts of the government, I’ve said that the whole essence is to have dialogue. Where there are problems, you sit down and say these problems, I can solve this now, leave this for me tomorrow and I will be able to do it tomorrow.

    “If you make a request or a demand for five items for example and the government says okay, we can take up three items and thereafter, we take up the other two items, if you are really sincere, if there is no objective behind it, there is no way you will not accept. But when you leave it and begin to join issues with us as politicians, we will of course treat you as politicians,

    “I can’t sit here as a Minister and I see a political opponent trying to run the administration down using some people. No government will shut its eyes and allow that to happen. This society is not a lawless society.”

    “So, I appeal to all of you, forget this thing that you say you will go and block the gate and you will not obey court order…I appeal to all of you, senior staff, management staff and the junior staff, nobody will sit to say you are not entitled to get your entitlement. Except that person is an extremist. I appeal to all of you to have a reconsideration and allow peace to reign for the development of the FCT”.

    Read Also: Sanction awaits FCTA workers who fail to obey court order – Wike

    The FCT Minister, while highlighting the financial health of the FCT Administration and the institutional progress recorded under his tenure, however, explained that the government could not commit its entire resources to workers welfare as it also needs to fund the ongoing massive infrastructure development across the capital territory.

    Speaking earlier, the Mandate Secretary, FCT Health Secretariat, Dr Adedolapo Fasawe praised the FCT Minister’s people-oriented governance and thanked the Minister for his support to the FCT Health Sector.

    Dr Fasawe, who also described the presentation of ambulances to FCT hospitals as a reflection of the FCTA’s commitment to emergency preparedness and improved health outcome for all who reside in the FCT, further noted that improved roads in areas like Abaji, Kwali, and Gwagwalada have significantly shortened emergency response times in the FCT.

    She also confirmed that the FCT is currently the only state/territory that has paid all medical allowances, including the medical residency training fund and hazard allowances, up to date.

    Dr Fasawe who highlighted other interventions in the FCT health sector said; “These interventions together, when we reflect on them, show a deliberate and coordinated effort to deliver accessible, high quality and responsible healthcare for the people of the FCT. On behalf of the health sector, we sincerely appreciate the Minister for this support and commitment”.

    Representative of the World Health Organization (WHO) Dr. Kumshida Yakubu who also attended the event, commended the FCTA’s efforts to strengthen emergency preparedness and pledged the continued support of his organization to help the FCT achieve its health goals.

  • NNPC’s 350MW Abuja power project vital to achieving 8,500MW – NISO

    NNPC’s 350MW Abuja power project vital to achieving 8,500MW – NISO

    The Nigerian Independent System Operator (NISO) has described the ongoing 350MW NNPC’s Abuja Gas Independent Power Project (IPP) as a vital step toward achieving the national target of 8,500MW grid generation capacity by the end of 2026.

    Engr. Abdu Mohammed Bello, Managing Director/Chief Executive Officer of NISO, made the commendation yesterday during an on-site assessment visit to the project location. 

    Leading a high-level management delegation, he evaluated the current stage of construction and identified key areas for enhanced collaboration to accelerate project completion and timely commissioning.

    Read Also: NNPC hails Chevron over successful Awodi-07 Well in Niger Delta

    The visit also included an inspection of the Supervisory Control and Data Acquisition (SCADA) implementation site at the Gwagwalada transmission substation.

    The team expressed confidence that, before the end of 2026, the full electricity value chain, from generation through transmission to distribution will be integrated into a unified SCADA platform, enabling real-time visibility, improved grid monitoring, and enhanced system reliability and stability.