Category: Abuja Review

Minister of Youth and Sports Development Sunday Dare has urged the newly inaugurated board members of the Commonwealth Youth Programme (CYP) in the University of Abuja to work out a programme that will lead to the award of a post-graduate degree.

Dare made the call while inaugurating the members of the board in Abuja on Tuesday.

News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the CYP Diploma in Youth Development Distance learning started in Nigeria in 2006 with an agreement and MoU between the CYP Secretariat in Zambia, the Federal Government, and the University of Abuja.

CYP and the Federal Government are to provide 50 per cent funding each, while the University of Abuja will deliver the programme and confer the diploma and certification.

According to him, the CYP Diploma programme is an 18-month pilot cycle programme, whose implementation was initially scheduled between April 2006 and Jan. 2008.

He explained that in 2009, the government constituted a committee to observe lapses in the conduct of the programme and make recommendations that would uplift the standard in tune with the desired objectives of the commonwealth youth programme.

He, however, noted that dwindling financial resources in the ministry and new directive from the National University Commission (NUC) that Nigerian Universities should stop running Diploma programmes, hampered the operations of the programme since 2011.

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“I wish to state the need to sustain this specialised platform for capacity building in youth work as was considered appropriate to work out the programme to award a post-graduate degree.

“It is with this thought that the ministry deems it appropriate to reconstitute membership of the board of the centre to champion this noble course,” he said.

He explained that the programme would be under the Centre for Gender and Security Studies and Youths Advancement (CeGSYAD).

He, therefore, advised the newly inaugurated board members, chaired by the Vice-Chancellor, University of Abuja, Prof. Abdulrasheed Na’allah to show sense of discipline, integrity, and commitment in operating the programme.

Also, the Permanent Secretary in the ministry, Mr Olusade Adesola, represented by the Director of Education and Youth Development, Mr Ede Ogaba stressed the need to build on the capacity of youths in the country.

“Delivery of quality youth work services from trained youth work professionals is the right of young people.

“It also benefits institutions and society when adequately funded and comprehensive training is provided to practioners,” he said.

The committee chairman who is also the vice-chancellor of UniAbuja, assured the minister that the mandate in line with the Commonwealth youth programme would be more successful than in the past.

Na’allah, represented by the Deputy Provost, College of Health Sciences, Prof. Gadzama Ali said that the programme had developed a new curriculum, which would be used to run the programme effectively.

Similarly, Prof. Ekundayo Ocholi, the Director, Centre for Gender and Security Studies and Youth Advancement, UniAbuja said that the programme, which would be under the centre would cater for the needs of Nigeria youths.

“We are out to see that the youths in this country are not stagnated.

“This programme is a landmark and we are hoping that the lot of the youths will be moved forward,” she said.

The President of the International Olympics Committee (IOC), Thomas Bach has just paid a two-day working visit to Nigeria for the commissioning of the headquarters of the Association of National Olympic Committees of Africa (ANOCA), SEGUN OGUNJIMI reports.

The President of International Olympics Committee (IOC) Thomas Bach was overwhelmed with the reception accorded him by the Federal Government led by Minister of Youth and Sports Development Sunday Dare on Wednesday, November 13 at the Nnamdi Azikiwe Airport.

The Sports Minister reeled out the significance and benefits of the visit of the IOC boss to Nigeria. He disclosed that the visit of the IOC President to the country will help re-emphasise that Nigeria is highly respected in sports among the comity of nations.

The minister said: “You will agree with me that for Nigeria, the visit by the IOC President and his team is quite significant as it shows the place of Nigeria in the heart of the International Olympic Movement and it is also a clear sign that Nigeria is highly respected in the sports sector among the comity of African Nations.

“There is no doubt that Nigeria is in the vanguard of promoting the noble ideals of the Olympic Movement in Africa, which is well displayed by the country’s commitment to the construction of the headquarters of the Association of National Olympic Committees of Africa (ANOCA), especially since 2006 when Nigeria won the bid to host the headquarters.

“The visit of the IOC President to Nigeria to specifically commission the secretariat is a clear indication of the commitment of the present administration led by President Muhammadu Buhari to ensure the development of sports in Africa as a whole and Nigeria in particular. It is further a testament to our return to greater transparency in sports administration, which is engendering trust in Nigeria’s capacity to implement international best practices.”

The IOC President also visited the Moshood Abiola Stadium where he inspected the facilities of both Package A and B of the stadium and also asked questions regarding the facilities.

Bach also paid a courtesy visit to the Presidential Villa in Abuja where he was warmly received by Vice President Yemi Osinbajo in the absence of President Muhammadu Buhari.

The IOC President met with Olympians, Olympic scholarship holders and he informed them of many programmes and opportunities of upgrading themselves through so many programmes on the IOC online platforms.

ANOCA headquarters in Jahi, Abuja

The Sports Minister on Thursday, November 14, broke a ten-year jinx as he led an international delegation with the President of the IOC to commission the secretariat of the Association of National Olympic Committees of Africa (ANOCA).

The development effectively makes Abuja the Olympics City for Africa, according to the IOC President.

The minister described the event as “a landmark in the development of sports on the continent of Africa. It is a day that the entire black race should be proud of. And as Nigerians, we are proud to be a major contributor to the actualisation of this day.

“Aside from the obvious fact of the commissioning of the building that would from today be the administrative and technical hub of sports administration on the continent, we also have in our midst, leaders of the world governing body for sports, ably led by the President of the International Olympic Committee, Dr. Thomas Bach.

“The journey to this day started some 13 years ago when Nigeria alongside six other African countries bided to host the headquarters of ANOCA and become the Olympic capital of Africa. After a rigorous selection process, Nigeria was eventually selected as the host country for the umbrella body of the Olympic movement in Africa at the General Assembly, which took place in Kenya in June 2006.

“With the selection and signing of the Headquarters Cooperation Agreement on February 21, 2007, the ANOCA Secretariat, hitherto in Yaoundé, Cameroon was moved to Abuja, Nigeria.

“While biding as a host country, the Federal Republic of Nigeria had promised to build a benefiting headquarters for the continental body. On the road to fulfilling that promise, the foundation laying ceremony for the building was performed on July 6, 2009, by Dr. Jacques Rogge, the immediate past President of the International Olympic Committee.

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“I must say we are indeed lucky to also have present here today to commission the building, the current President of the IOC, Dr. Thomas Bach.

“Distinguished ladies and gentlemen, the commitment of Nigeria to the completion of this edifice have been unwavering. It is for this reason that the Federal Government ensured the continued funding of the project from inception to completion.

“It is my sincere hope that the vision for which the project was executed would be achieved for the benefit of all stakeholders,” he said.

The minister, who earlier conducted the IOC delegation around the Moshood Abiola Stadium, revealed that “After 10 years of trying to get approval for the domestication of the anti-doping bill, the Federal Executive Council approved the domestication of that convention, that is historic.”

Thomas Bach formally named Nigeria as the Olympics headquarters of Africa.

He said: “Today, we are writing a sports history with the inauguration of the magnificent headquarters. You are establishing Abuja the capital of sports in Africa. With the inauguration, you are setting a new milestone for the development of sports.

“You all know how close Africa is to Olympic movement. I am honoured to share this historic moment with entire Africa. This building is motivation, the inspiration for the unity of sports in Africa.”

He further expressed his belief in the Nigerian sports community who according to him, has kept the Olympic spirit alive.

“What impressed me most is seeing how much the Olympic spirit is alive here in Nigeria. I had meetings with the schools, athletes, government officials and I saw everyone living with the spirit. The athletes I spoke to have the attributes of true champions.

“The Vice President, Sports Minister and every other government officials recognise the contributions of sports to a better society and a better future for the youths in the country,” he said.

Much as physically-challenged persons living in a colony at Karamajiji, an outskirt of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), do not like to beg, the larger society has continued to force them back into the streets. GRACE OBIKE reports.

The Federal Capital Development Administration is expected to clear the city centre of beggars and hawkers.

In 2006, the former Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Mallam Nasir El-Rufai, was accused of stating that Abuja was not meant for the poor. That was after he had destroyed shanties, slums and illegal structures occupied by a huge population of the poorest of the poor.

Every day, the administration is faced with clearing the city of beggars who are sometimes relocated to their states. But the government has always complained of these beggars returning to the city after a while. A keen observer in Abuja will most likely observe that most of the cobblers, petty traders, phone accessory hawkers are physically-challenged persons. Most of them are believed to be residents of Karamajiji, a disabled colony behind the National Military Cemetery on the airport road.

The tiny colony of mostly well arraigned shanties is said to have been created by El-Rufai as a special location for them. It was supposed to be a place where the government and well-meaning Nigerians can go to help the disabled without them littering the streets of Abuja. But unfortunately, the vision never curbed street begging in Abuja as it has turned out that many of the beggars in the city are able bodied persons. Although some residents of the colony are involved in petty trading in town, a higher percentage of them transport themselves into town every day to beg for alms. However, many of them insist they hate to beg.

One of the female disabled beggars and resident of the colony, Sadiya Suleiman, said she felt that able bodied Nigerians and the government enjoy seeing them beg and not being independent.

Sadiya, who is a cripple, said several kind people have tried to empower them on many occasions by teaching them how to make soap, detergents and disinfectant. But she regretted that most people don’t feel comfortable buying products made by physically challenged persons. She said in most cases, the products get bad in their possession. In such instances, the products are given out to members of the colony free of charge. According to her, it has been difficult for them to overcome the challenge of rejection.

The mother of four said: “People most times come around and teach us skills which we enjoy. But one thing that annoys us is the fact that after learning the skill, people refuse to buy from us when we produce it. I don’t understand why. We have tried making soap, detergents, disinfectants and a lot more. We put it out for sale but people refuse to buy till it gets spoilt. So now we just share it among ourselves, which is one of the reasons why you see us out begging.

“If they were buying our products, we will at least have something to take care of our families. But able bodied people have refused to buy from us. The truth is that we don’t enjoy begging, people tell us to our faces how much we always beg. But they won’t understand what we are going through.

You told me that I was beautiful remember? Now imagine with all the beauty, me on the street begging. I hate doing it, people see us begging and think that we don’t have problems which is not true.

“The truth is that Nigerians enjoy seeing us beg because if they don’t, they will support us as we try to empower ourselves. They can end begging if they want to. Look at the shanty where we live, if they want us to stop begging, then opportunities should be provided for us. They only come here to make promises that they never keep. We feel that they are equally using us to beg. If people start buying from us and we are empowered then our children will not suffer because we will be able to take care of them with our business.”

Recently, the International Centre for Islamic Culture and Education (ICICE) took relief materials to the community by providing free medical treatments as well as the distribution of food items and clothing. Director External Affairs, Research and Consultancy of ICICE, Garba Sani, said they found out that the community has generally been ignored by government and humanitarian agencies.

Sani said: “We are here to provide free medical services as well as the distribution of food items and clothing for the disabled community of Karamajiji. This is a community that has been generally ignored by either humanitarian support groups or the government itself. We identified the community as one that needs our support. For the support, we first take their details, then their vitals in form of basic tests like malaria, typhoid, blood pressure, sugar level and a lot more. Then we identify if there is any need for medication. They meet with our doctors and our pharmacists dispense the drugs.

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“We estimate treating about 500-700 disabled members of the community and their families. All our outings are voluntary so what we are spending here for the exercise in terms of cash is about N700,000. What we found surprising here is that after all the tests, we find this people to be a lot fitter than most able bodied people in terms of blood pressure and sugar level. Basic ailments like malaria are the ones commonly found here. We urge other humanitarian agencies and the government to come to the aid of these people. This is a community where there is no clinic and there is no adequate facility to transport them to the nearest hospital and the government can do it.”

Head of the ICICE medical team, Dr. Amina Kumalia, said despite the people being disabled, the environment is reasonably clean.

Kumaila said: “Usually, before we take on a community, we pay them a previsit to inspect the place and meet with the community head and discuss before giving them a date. When we met with the head of this community, he said that usually the community members are over 500. Most of the patients that we have seen are cases of malaria, peptic ulcer and the rest. But cases of hypertension and diabetes are not common with the patients we have seen so far. But many of the children have skin infection and a few cases of upper respiratory tract infection.

“One thing about this area is that despite the people being disabled, the environment is reasonably clean. When we spoke with them, they said that they have problems of housing and medical treatment. We have two cases here that we took outside to a tertiary hospital for treatment.”

Another disabled person, Lawal Maikudi, said he was able bodied until age 27 when he was about getting married. Maikudi who is a cripple, insisted that not all of them staying in the colony are beggars.

He said: “I have lived in Karamajiji for about 15 years and I repair motorcycles for able bodied and disabled persons alike. The thought that all disabled persons in Abuja are beggars is false. Most of us have businesses that we are involved in. I used to be a hunter before I got crippled. I was not born a cripple. I was 27 years old and about getting married when I woke up one cold morning after sleeping outside and could not move my legs. The legs dried up by evening of that day and I have been like this since then. It was after the incident that I took to repairing motorcycles.

“We need assistance from the government and well-meaning Nigerians to enable some of us improve our petty businesses and those without businesses among us should be enabled. I don’t blame the government for driving us from the streets for begging. You see, I have six children and they are all in school. But sometimes when I find it difficult paying their fees and my other bills, I resort to begging. But when I get customers and have some little money, I don’t beg because I don’t like begging at all. If we are made self-sufficient, we won’t beg anyone for money.”

Another member of the colony, Ado Alhassan, is a father of four children. Alhassan said he used to sell petty items in the city centre before he was chased away by officials of the Abuja Environmental Protection Board (AEPB).

Alhassan said: “Officials of the AEPB disturb us because of begging. But the people that create the greatest nuisance while begging are the able bodied beggars. You see men and women who are very healthy begging all over the place and when the environmental board officials arrive, they run away and we are the ones left to be caught. If, for instance, you drive towards most of the bridges, especially around the Central Mosque, the able bodied beggars will troop out of their hiding places and descend on your car, begging. But if they see one cripple or blind among them, that is when you will see environmental officials coming to chase and catch us.

“We don’t like begging but they won’t allow us sell our wares in peace. When we try to, they attack us and cart away our wares. All I have to say is that if the government does not want us inside the city, they should carve out a place for us where we can conduct our business in peace, so we can feed and pay our children’s fees.”

The Nigerian Communication Commission (NCC) recently inaugurated its five-storey office building to complement its headquarters, reports BLESSING OLAIFA.

The inauguration of a five-storey building constructed by the Nigerian Communication Commission (NCC) is meant to complement the Commission’s headquarters building. Located at 1253 Cadastral Zone, Mbora District, Abuja the project had been abandoned for a long period for lack of funds to complete the massive structure.

Besides providing nearly a hundred-room office accommodation, it was built with facilities such a swimming pool, lawn tennis courts, underground car parks and a 600 -seater auditorium for conferences and seminars.

Many give credit for the completion of the structure to the Executive Vice Chairman of the NCC, Prof. Umar Garba Danbatta. Since his appointment in 2015, the Professor of Telecommunications Engineering from Bayero University, Kano, had left no stone unturned in changing the narratives of the Nigerian telecommunications industry.

On assumption of office, he unfolded eight-point agenda to drive the vision of a telecom sector that could stand its ground globally, especially given the economic potentials of Nigeria and its population. Within a short period, the industry is perceived to have witnessed unprecedented growth with more Nigerians having access to telephony both in the rural and urban areas.

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Amongst the eight-point agenda were the issues of improved quality service, protection and empowerment of consumers, expansion of telecommunications infrastructure and consumer-centric regulatory governance and policy administration.

Under his watch, the telecom industry has grown exponentially contributing about 12 percent to the nation’s Gross Domestic Products (GDP). As of August 2019, broadband penetration has reached 35 percent while Foreign Direct Investments (FDI) in the telecom sector have also reached 1.84 billion dollars. From 2015 to 2018, telephone subscribers moved from 151 million to 173 million, while Tele-density and mobile penetration rate moved from 108 percent in 2015 to 123 percent in 2018.

Professor Danbatta also ensured that Research and Development is not left behind considering the rapid expansion and development in the sector with pervasive technology break-through, innovations and inventions in the Information and Communications Technology (ICT) sector. In 2013, the NCC awarded only one research grant. But by 2017, it improved to seven and in 2018, it increased to 11 research grants with the research portfolio of the Commission reaching a peak of 252.2 million naira.

Prof Danbatta told a gathering of over 60 University Vice Chancellors across the country at the Third Stakeholders Forum with Academia that the Commission intends to offer Research Fellowship positions for in-depth research and exploration of problems the industry is facing whilst improving the researchers’ experience of the industry.

The immediate past Communications Minister, Adebayo Shittu, had made frantic efforts to convert the newly commissioned building to an ICT university. But the Federal Executive Council (FEC) had rejected the idea. Thereafter, Prof Danbatta proceeded with the project till completion.

It is hoped that with rapid expansion in the industry and the introduction of the 4G and 5G technologies, coupled with increasing accommodation needs for the workers, the new facility will be put to maximum use for the benefit of the industry.

As the dry season gradually sets in, authorities of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) are taking preemptive measures against the outbreak of cerebrospinal meningitis. GBENGA OMOKHUNU reports.

In August 12, 2018, Nigeria introduced the Meningitis ‘A’ Conjugate Vaccine into the routine Expanded Programme on Immunisation (EPI) schedule.

Findings revealed that Meningitis ‘A’ remains a major global challenge and 25 states and the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) fall within the meningitis belt; putting 26 percent of the Nigerian population at risk.

According to a research conducted in April, 2017 which is in the public domain, findings also showed that reported cases of Meningitis is 32, and of that number, 12 people had died.

With the introduction of Meningitis ‘A’ Conjugate Vaccine, the FCT has commenced an integrated measles and Meningitis ‘A’ vaccination campaign which started November 16, and will be on till November 25, 2019.

The Acting Executive Secretary, FCT, Primary Healthcare Board, Dr. Iwot Ndaeyo who spoke with The Nation on the ongoing vaccination exercise, disclosed that government targets 692, 695 children, adding that government has engaged the services of 664 teams who are currently vaccinating the children across the six area councils in the capital city.

Ndaeyo advised parents and gaiudians to also go to any government health facility and vaccination posts nearest to them for the vaccines.

He disclosed that the FCT Minister has approved the sum of N20 million as contributory fund. Ndaeyo advised that children should complete their routine immunization before the age of two years in a health facility nearest to them.

His words: “This is a very important activity and if we do not get the result right, it will not be good. What we are having this time around is not for polio. We all know meningitis. This is a sickness that people live with during dry season. Usually, we are used to having vaccination probably in February or March in the heart of the dry season when there is outbreak, mainly in the northern parts of the country.

The Federal Ministry of Health used to run up and down during this period looking for vaccine which is usually very wrong. If you want to protect someone against meningitis, it should be three months to the time you expect it will come. Nigeria is a nation where outbreak of meningitis occurs. So we are expected to have this preventive vaccination in September, October or latest in November.

“So this has been a challenge. What have we done? We have found out that if meningitis vaccine is included in the national immunisation schedule, it will be easier to build a critical defence against the outbreak. That is why the Federal Ministry of Health, professional bodies, donor agencies, in their wisdom, agreed and endorsed that Meningitis-A, vaccine should be used as vaccination for children at nine months.

“So this was introduced into the national immunisation schedule on August 9, 2019 and all the states of the federation including the FCT, must have this in their immunisation schedule. So children under one year should have meningitis ‘A’ vaccination at nine months along with measles and yellow-fever vaccines. So, we expected that in FCT, just like it is going to happen in other states of the federation, that children that are nine months of age should be fully immunised with Meningitis ‘A’ vaccine.

“In FCT, we are having the Meningitis ‘A’ vaccination campaign for children, nine months to five years. This is a very clear indication that we do not want people to miss the opportunity to have the immunity. Measles vaccination campaign is expected to take place every two years. Recall that in 2013, there was also a catchup campaign for measles vaccination when children up to 15 years were given this vaccination.

Every two years, there is supposed to be a follow up campaign so that any child that missed such opportunity at nine months will not also miss it in the year ahead. Every two years we have to do the measles vaccination campaign. The vaccination campaign for measles is also due. This is the second year. The last one we had was 2017. So we have got to combine the measles campaign with that of the Meningitis ‘A’ campaign in 2019. So the Meningitis ‘A’ catchup campaign for children 1 to 5 years down is a follow up campaign for children from 9 months to 5 years.”

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Continuing, Ndaeyo said, “We are expected to ensure that all the children in the target group are not left out and we have done a lot of sensitisation across several stakeholders. Plans have also been harmonised with the FCTA. The cost of vaccinating a child in is about N600 per child. And if you look at our target in financial terms, it is about N40 million. But the FCT counterpart fund on its own is about N20 million for this programme. It has been approved by the Minister. UNICEF also contributed some fund. The training of the staff and those that will work on this programme are all costed in the fund.

“This is a combined vaccination. Immunisation is not a guaranty that one will not have the sickness but it will minimise the effect. We are aware that 95 percent of people living in the FCT are in the rural areas, with poor amenities, particularly sanitation and security. The local hunters are part of our team.

“FCT has been known by the Federal Government to be doing very well. Each area council is expected to support this activity. If not for this campaign, it is possible that we would have been having more outbreaks than we are having now. We are targeting 692, 695 children for the Measles and Meningitis ‘A’ vaccination campaign. We are currently working with 664 teams for this campaign. They have been recruited and are working. The vaccines are very save and are not having side effects that would be dangerous or cause panic.”

As the dry season sets in, Nigeria is trying to contain meningitis epidemic which has killed hundreds of people, mostly children.

Meningitis is an infection of the thin lining that surrounds the brain and spinal cord, called the meninges. Viral and bacterial infections are the most common cause but bacterial meningitis is much more serious due to its rapid onset that poses significant death risk.

It is a devastating disease that poses a major public health challenge. Meningitis can be caused by many different pathogens, including viruses and fungi. But the highest global burden is seen with bacterial meningitis. Together with sepsis, meningitis is estimated to cause more deaths in children under five years of age than malaria does.

The World Health Organisation (WHO) secretariat acknowledged the global relevance of an approach fully aligned with the objectives of the plan for (2019-2023).

How to prevent meningitis

Dr. Ndaeyo also spoke on how to prevent meningitis. He said saying it is advisable to avoid overcrowded places, to sleep in well-ventilated places, to avoid close and prolonged contact with a sick person. Proper disposal of respiratory and throat secretions is also advised. Residents are also advised to observe hand hygiene and to sneeze into elbow joint/sleeves, reduce handshakes, kissing, sharing utensils or medical interventions such as mouth resuscitation. They should also get vaccinated with a relevant meningococcal vaccine and avoid self-medication.”

Many residents, especially those who stay in rural areas, have embraced the vaccination process and time frame.

Most of the vaccination centres in the FCT have been receiving large turnouts of mothers who have been bringing their children for vaccination.

Abuja, the Federal Capital Territory, is home to the headquarters of all security outfits in the country, yet it has flashpoints that are better avoided, writes GRACE OBIKE

Abuja, like any city in the world, witnesses armed robberies, burglary, theft, car-jacking, mugging (which is known as one chance), violent protests, drug-related crimes and kidnapping. Many residents have unfortunately been injured; lost properties or their lives to these crimes and residents are advised to be cautious in black spots in the city.

Visitors to Nigeria, especially foreigners who visit the city, are constantly briefed on flashpoints in the city and made aware of places to be cautious of or completely avoid.

Recently, when delegates from Liberia visited Nigeria on a mission to understudy the National Agency for the Prohibition of Trafficking in Persons (NAPTIP), the Chief Security Officer (CSO) of the agency, Ephraim Timothy, told them that Abuja was relatively safe compared to other parts of the country, adding, however, that there was still need for caution.

He identified the various flashpoints as Kado – Jabi area, Bolingo Junction, the Mabushi/Jabi Bridge, Behind Sheraton Hotels up to the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) axis. Others include Area One Roundabout and Area 3 Junction, Dantata linking Galadimawa/Lugbe Junction (under the bridge).

Also included are Gudu – Galadimawa area, Masalachi Junction, Wuse Market, Berger Roundabout, Kuje Junction, Wuse II (Central Business District).

Particularly, Masalachi Junction (along Central Area), walking on or around the bridge linking the famous Yar’Adua Centre and the National Mosque in the early hours of the morning or early evening can be a dangerous affair. There are daily reports of people, especially ladies, being robbed of their handbags, phones and other valuables at knifepoint and other dangerous weapons. The criminals take cover in the thick vegetation around the area to catch their victims unawares and also escape thereafter any “operations”.

Timothy listed Gudu – Galadimawa area, where he said that the Gudu roundabout, a major passage for those going into Garki and Apo areas of the city, is also a deadly place to go, especially in the evenings or early in the morning. Street urchins, who are never in short supply around the bush in the area, regularly rob people with the aid of dangerous weapons.

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Also, the Kado -Jabi area where the artificial Jabi Lake is meant to be one of the leisure spots in Abuja, has been turned into a den for peddling and consumption of hard drugs like Indian hemp, cocaine, heroin etc. Such, areas around the lake is a no-go area from 8:00 p.m. to 5:00 a.m.

At Dantata, linking Galadimawa/Lugbe Junction, the bridge along the Nnamdi Azikwe International Airport road is also one of the spots where one can get robbed. You could get robbed walking on top or under the bridge, which is some 5 kilometres away from the National Stadium. The area becomes more dangerous in the evening and early morning.

Another flashpoint is the Area one Roundabout and Area 3 Junction, Garki. It’s a major transport hub for those coming into the city from the suburbs. Criminals also operate in the area, anytime from 8pm to the wee hours of the morning.

For safety, the CSO advised the visitors to carry proper identification, including a passport with a current Nigerian visa if needed.

“Be cautious when walking or driving at night. Drive defensively, constantly expecting sudden lane changes. Avoid isolated or overly crowded areas, especially at night and always drive with doors locked and windows closed.

The visitors were also advised to be careful of the kind of calls they make in public and to avoid exposing or leaving valuables in the car. They were also told to review routes and times to vary predictability; just as they were advised not to physically resist any robbery attempt. The visitors were also warned against giving their telephone handsets to strangers to make calls and to be extra vigilant when visiting bank or ATMs.

Timothy also enjoined the visitors to endeavour to monitor the local media for breaking events, be aware of their surroundings, to stay alert in locations frequented by foreigners and VIPs. They were also to avoid demonstrations and large political gatherings, review their personal security plans before stepping out and to equip themselves with emergency numbers.

He assured them that some parts of the city like Asokoro and Maitama are relatively safe with the lowest crime rates and that other parts of the city believed to have high crime rates are still not as bad as what obtained in some states and some parts of cities around the world.