The Nation Newspaper

Category: Abuja Review

  • Seat of power

    With the relocation of the capital city to Abuja, the part of the thick forest where the Presidential Villa is presently sitting gave way to the construction of many offices and buildings as the seat of power.

    The Council Chamber in the Villa has been in use since the days of the first occupant of the Presidential Villa for meetings under the military era.

    Civilian administrations from 1999 have also been putting the chamber to great use.

    With the capacity to sit about 100 persons at a time, the oval-shaped hall is one of the closest to the President’s office.

    The weekly Federal Executive Council (FEC) meeting and the monthly National Economic Council (NEC) meeting  are usually held in the chamber.

    Other important functions at the chamber include national functions, like swearing in of Chief Justice of Nigeria, and permanent secretaries and commissioners of the Independent National Electoral Commission.

    The Council Chamber also has a media briefing hall that is sometimes used for other meetings and official functions.

    Journalists are usually briefed weekly in the media briefing hall at the end of FEC meetings and monthly NEC meetings.

    Under Jonathan, the Council Chamber media briefing hall has also been used to receive many groups including Nollywood actors and actresses, under different platforms, visiting to pledge their solidarity towards his reelection in 2015.

    Buhari also used the Council Chamber media briefing hall many occasions, including receiving rescued school girls, who were abducted from their school in Chibok, Borno State in 2014.

    Among the buildings in the Villa, include Houses 7, 8 and 10.

    The three houses were meant to be the President’s Guest Houses to host his visitors.

    They have halls that can sit about 100 guests.

    The houses were put to great use under the military era of former Military President Ibrahim Badamosi Babangida, former Head of State, Late Sani Abacha, and former Head of State, Abdulsalami Abubakar.

    Comparing the three houses, House 7 was the most popular among them.

    There have been a kind of myth surrounding the houses, especially House 7, during the military era.

    At a point, it was even rumoured then that some foreign female guests hosted in one of the houses played significant roles that led to the sudden death of one of the former Nigerian leader.

    Under former President Olusegun Obasanjo, House 7 was also used for some meetings, especially political meetings and dinners for guests.

    Some political meetings in House 7 also continued under Jonathan, and the House was used for hosting dinner for scholarship students going to study abroad, among other dinners.

    But House 7 is now becoming very quiet as the number of open functions held there in the past four years are not up to five. Other halls in the Villa are increasingly being put to use.

    One of the closest halls to the Aso Villa Chapel and the President’s official residence is the First Lady Conference Hall.

    The hall, which can also sit about 100 persons, was completed and slated for commissioning shortly before Late Gen. Sani Abacha died in 1998.

    The hall was greatly used under the subsequent civilian administrations, mainly for political meetings.

    Under Jonathan, many late night meetings were held in the hall including meetings to shelve or resolve Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU) strike action, which sometimes ended around 3a.m to 4a.m the following day.

    No room in the First Lady Conference Hall was dedicated to keep journalists waiting for such meetings to end.

    Of course, journalists covering the State House had no options than to hang around the flowers decorating outside the venue and the mini mosque near its entrance, waiting to know the outcome of the meetings.

    At such times, journalists were at the mercy of the outside cold weather and giant ‘Presidential’ mosquitoes.

    Their conditions were even worse if it was a period of harmattan as the cold got more intense in the wee hours.

    Since no one can conveniently cheat nature, many of the journalists dozed off on the bare floor while waiting for the all-night long meetings to end.

    Many of them were woken up hours later by the shout of ‘All stations’, ‘All stations’, ‘All stations’, from their colleagues who have kept vigil, signifying the end of the meetings.

    Others who didn’t hear the shout, because of their snoring and deep sleep, were woken up by their friends lying or sitting close to them.

    The First Lady Conference Hall has also been put to good use by President Buhari.

    Late night meetings spilling to the next day are almost non-existent under Buhari, as he believed in putting his time to good use from morning hours and ending before midnight.

    Buhari has used the First Lady Conference Hall to hold some night political meetings including hosting National Assembly All Progressives Congress (APC) caucuses, among others.

    But the meetings, which frequency start around 8pm usually end before 10.30pm

    One of the newest buildings in the Villa is the new Banquet hall located about one minute walking distance from the President’s office on one side and the President’s residence on the other side.

    The hall, which was built at the tail end of former President Jonathan’s tenure, could sit up to 500 guests.

    It also has adjourning smaller halls.

    Under Jonathan and Buhari, the main hall has been used to host visiting leaders from other countries.

    It has also been used for political meetings and dinners.

    Of recent, the meeting/dinner for APC caucus that endorsed the new Senate President, Ahmad Lawan, for the number one Federal legislative position, was held in the main hall.

    The President’s and Vice President’s offices also have other mini halls and offices for their aides and other staff.

    The biggest hall in the Presidential Villa is the old Banquet Hall.

    The hall, which can sit over two thousand guests, was built under former President Obasanjo.

    It is attached with smaller halls, media briefing hall and other offices. It also has the largest car parks in the State House.

    The main hall has hosted many national events, political meetings, workshops and seminars under the past civilian and current administrations.

    Buhari, last June, hosted the 55th Ordinary Session of the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) Authority of Heads of State and Government in the main hall.

    But what always attract the attention of any first time visitor to the building is the the big dome on the right side while entering from the visitors’ entrance.

    Round the wall of the dome are giant portrait of every President and heads of state that have ruled Nigeria.

    Tables and chairs are mostly arranged under the dome for lunch, dinners or tea breaks for functions holding in the main hall.

    The tables and chairs are removed if the area under the dome is to be use for cocktail receptions or exhibition of products and services. During such exhibitions, the area is demarcated into many stands.

    Under Jonathan, the dome has been used to host cocktail reception for victorious Super Eagles and other teams.

    To allow leaders, staff and visitors meet their spiritual obligations at the seat of power, the State House mosque and the Aso Villa Chapel were also built for Moslems and Christians, respectively.

    The Administrative block, very close to the old Banquet hall, provides many offices for civil servants in the State House.

    The Presidential Villa also has many car parks including the ‘Forest car park’ and the one facing the Officers’ mess.

    A bit detached from other buildings at the seat of power is the State House Auditorium.

    The auditorium, with ascending rows of seats, can take over two hundred guests at a time

    Despite the many staff and visitors to the seat of power, the Villa has one of the poorest Automated Teller Machine (ATM) service in the city.

    Many staff in urgent need of ATM services presently have to go as far as the Federal Secretariat or other ATMs in the city.

    This is because the only two ATMs by the Forest car park hardly dispense money.

    Staff are mostly confronted with ‘Out-of-Service’ message whenever they try to make cash transactions at the ATMs provided by one of the top banks in the country.

    It will reduce State House loss hours and also serve staff, visitors and the bank better if the service is improved.

    Or alternatively, more spaces can be provided for other banks to come in.

    But the seat of power is blessed with a world class Gym in terms of sporting machines and gadgets.

    It also has Nigerian Airforce team, under the leadership of Group Captain R. Garba, drilling and training willing staff to remain healthy and fit for their jobs.

    Little more attention to the Gym, however, will really make it world class in all ramifications.

    All these buildings and facilities have really made the Villa what it is today.

  • ‘Maintain streetlights to ensure security’

    The Executive Secretary, Federal Capital Development Authority (FCDA) Gambo Jibril has assured Abuja residents that very soon they will ensure all the streetlights work maximally to ensure full security in the city.

    Gambo disclosed this during a visit to the President, Council for the Regulation of Engineering in Nigeria (COREN) Mr. Ali Rabiu in Abuja, assuring that the council at this time is making efforts to ensure all street lights in Abuja are working.

    He said, “If you look at the Airport Expressway we have had challenges in the past but that is gone now, for the Nnamdi Azikiwe which is Ring Road 1, we are at the verge of completing it and ensuring its street lights work, similar thing is happening on Ahmadu Bello way and others. There is a lot of effort in getting back the street lights, in the central area there are some places which we now bring back the Solar system to complement.

    “Some of the activities of this developers are infringing on the water courses and the right of way, the development control is not going to sit on the fence we have had it we have started removing the ones that are the menace.

    “On building collapse, we have set up an investigation panel to know what exactly is happening, we have not sanctioned anyone in 2019 because the panel has not sat. The registry is working towards getting the panel to sit, they are about 6-8 cases to investigate.

    The COREN President, Ali Rabiu said the FCDA team is doing a great job by actualising its core mandate. This involves a lot of planning, designing, construction, supervision and maintenance of the infrastructure that the FCDA has provided.

    “For a city like Abuja, there are challenges like security, traffic management, flooding and others. It is the responsibility of FCDA to be proactive in such issues, would still like them to look at issues of street lights.

    Most areas have been thrown into darkness not because there are no street lights but because of lack of maintenance. The FCDA should resuscitate the street lights to maintain good security in the city.

    “FCDA like you heard is the core developer of this city and COREN is the regulator of the entire engineering subsector, so we must partner together to make sure that citizens understand our responsibility visa vies what COREN does

    Dealing with quacks for us is a challenge before the amendment of our Act, now even with the amendment of the Act the challenge is already overcome. The Act is not fully implemented yet we are still working out modalities for its implementation. I want to use this medium to say our members are not expensive but they are well trained to do the work on ground.

  • Agency warns against canned foods

    Federal Capital Territory Administration (FCTA) has alerted the nation on the presence of poisonous chemicals in substances used to preserve tomatoes.

    The warning came during a training exercise organised by the FCTA’s Agricuture and Rural Development Secretariat for over 300 women on how best to process and preserve tomato.

    The trainees were drawn from all the six Area Councils of the FCT.

    The exercise took place in Area Services 1, Garki and Gwagwalada, Abuja.

    Leader of the training team, Mrs Oladoja Margaret to addressed a section of the media during one of the training sessions at Abuja Zoological Garden, Area 1, said that the two-day event drew 50 leaders of women from each of the six Area Councils and trained them so that they would go back to their Councils and train other women.

    Speaking on the essence of the training, Mrs. Margaret said: “We have a group of women we have been [interacting with] and we realised that that there are some seasons tomato will be so cheap and there are times that a basket will be going for N10,000 to N15,000 and at that time, majority of the women will not be able to afford it.

    “So we thought of how we could help these women get this product when it is cheap, process and preserve it so that they can eat it throughout the year, because tomato is a very important aspect of our nutrition and we are looking at how we can train our women improve the nutrition of their family members.

    “Another thing is that, we want people to desist from consumption of chemically processed foods, because recently there has been many cases of people using chemicals to process and preserve food such so we are out to also sensitise them on the dangers of chemicals in our food.”

    Read Also: Nigeria to become global food basket soon – Osinbajo

    She however noted that neither tin or sachet tomatoes was not cancerous in itself, Oladoja further explained that it was the presence of three poisonous chemicals used in preserving such tomatoes that rendered them cancerous [though still nutritious].

    According to her, harmful chemicals found in tin and sachet tomatoes include colour, which is added to make them red and attractive to the public; backing powder with starch, which is meant to thicken it; Ajinomoto, which makes the products sweet and preservatives for keeping make them for many years.

    Mrs. Margaret who doubles as chief planning officer in the secretariat, also said that the training would help FCT women, their families and small business owners consume healthy tomatoes, prevent post-harvest losses, empower them economically, provide good health and save resources.

    Participants at the training expressed gratitude to the FCT Administration for the opportunity to learn new things and promised they would put them to use.

    To Mrs. Deborah Joshua Gazama, it was a real idea for all women and could even help those without anything to so that it can start business with it, instead of staying idle and dependent. Mrs Gazama ended: “It is not only women who should do it, even you, it is good for even men.”

    Another participant, Mrs. Nnenna Mercy Chukwuma, described the pertaining as “lovely and a solution to our problem in post-harbest losses in the area of tomatoes.”

    According to her, she learnt how to preserve tomatoes and make use of it after more than six months, even as she called on other women and men to key into the training because it was a wonderful and money-saving one.

    Another beneficiary, Mrs. Adoo Tyoban said that she did not know why her tomatoes used to blacken after boiling until when she attended the training was told both in the theory and practicals.

    The women were taught to cover the pot firmly when boiling tomatoes, and that they should not add water because the product already has water it.

    They were shown how to air-tightly cover the glass bottles after putting the boiled product in to it make it last for longer times and stay fresh.

  • Hurdle before next FCT minister

    Abuja, one of the fastest-growing cities in Africa, is experiencing unrest due to the persistent rain-induced flooding, which has claimed lives and destroyed property in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT). GBENGA OMOKHUNU examines the huge task before the incoming FCT minister, and how to get out of the quagmire.

    It is no more news that President Muhammadu Buhari will be swearing in new ministers on Wednesday August 21. What will be news is the portfolio that each of the would-be ministers will be given.

    Any of the 43 ministerial nominees that will be assigned to oversee the affairs of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), would have to be hard-working and must hit the ground running following the recent development of how flood has killed, sacked and destroyed property in the nation’s capital.

    Residents of FCT especially those staying in specific areas like Lokogoma, Galadimawa, Gwagwalada, have been experiencing sleepless nights since the beginning of this year’s raining season due massive flood that has continue to wreak havoc.

    The Director-General (DG) of FCT Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), Abbas Idriss says increasing water level of River Niger portends great threat to the nation’s capital, given its proximity to Lokoja.

    The more worrisome was the latest forecast from the Nigerian Hydrological Services Agency (NIHSA) that 74 Local Government Areas in the country has high probability of flood, 400 as probable to experience flood, while 600 Local Government Areas are under threat of flood.

    It would be recalled that in 2012 Lokoja axis of River Niger overflowed its banks, destroying lives and farm lands, both within the riverine communities and the neighbouring states of Niger and FCT.

    It now rains almost every day and night with serious threat to Abuja residents.

    Against the backdrop of the increased flooding in the FCT leading to deaths and loss of property, more buildings in Abuja are to be demolished to open up the waterways built to ensure free flow of water.

    To avert further loss of life, 150 buildings have so far been demolished in flood prone areas of Abuja especially at the Lokogoma area.

    The most recent calamity was the death of the FCT, High Court, Director of Finance, Mr. Tony Okechime, who was drowned in a flood.

    Okechime and his driver were on their way to the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport in his black Toyota Camry car when his vehicle got stuck in the flood at Galadimawa roundabout.

    The two men were said to have climbed on the car roof as the flood water increased. They were said to have spent a long time shouting for help but no one came to their assistance until Okechime was swept away by the heavy flood while his driver was rescued by some boys in the area.

    The car which was filled with mud water was, however, pulled out by the rescuers.

    Worried about the sad development, FCT Permanent Secretary, Sir Chinyeaka Ohaa last Wednesday hurriedly organized an emergency stakeholders’ forum on flood mitigation and response coordination and said the FCT administration will continue to remove structures constructed in violation of relevant laws and further complicate flood risk adding that: “So far, 150 of such  structures have been removed in furtherance of the ongoing exercise to clear obstructions of waterways, in line with the Abuja city plan.”

    He, however regretted that despite repeated sensitisation and awareness programmes, many residents still dump waste in drainages and other prohibited locations, which result in constriction or blockage of waterways.

    Ohaa also urged the committee setup to find lasting solution to the sad development to come up with watertight preventive and response strategies against the impending flood and also proffer durable solutions to the issue of recurrent flood in the FCT.

    The communique issued at the end of the emergency meeting decided that the committee should undertake a comprehensive drainage and flood control study which will culminate in development of a master plan update for the FCT.

    It reads in parts: “All personnel requiring training as a result of this studies should be undertaken. Flood mapping including flood plain delineation maps should be prepared.

    “The Department of Urban and Regional Planning should ensure that there is no redesign and change of green areas to any other land use. All developments on flood plains should be removed.

    “Enforcement and management of green areas, river courses should be strictly in line with extant laws. National Debriefing should be done after flood episodes, so that lessons learnt could be applied to prevent reoccurrence(s); There is need for understanding and enhancing collaboration with security agencies in response and rescue activities.

    “There is need for better synergy so that there can be joint responses during which the stakeholder Departments/Agencies could better appreciate the problems of the area and how to remedy it. There is need for enhanced and sustained flood enlightenment activities throughout the year.

    “There is need for improved monitoring and enforcement activities by relevant Departments/Agencies. There is need for training and retraining of disaster responders and managers;

    “There is need to step up sensitization in the media with real life images and the use of motorised public enlightenment campaign vehicles from the National Orientation Agency (NOA).

    “FCT Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) to strengthen its relationship with the relevant security Agencies. Adequate budgetary provisions and prompt releases should be available for all flood related matters.

    “All stakeholder departments/agencies should make adequate budgetary provision for contingency plans. Enhance adequate solid waste management and sensitization in the FCT.”

    The administration has commenced the distribution of agro-inputs worth over N150 million for the procurement of variety of agricultural inputs to help the farmers across the six Area Councils in rebuilding their lost investment.

    It would be recalled that some farmers in the nation’s capital lost their farm produce to flood and erosion in the FCT within two years while warning farmers against engaging in agricultural activities without recourse to proper environmental assessment.

    With the recent development, residents and stakeholders in the FCT are clamoring that the nation’s capital needs a minister who will tackle the current challenges headlong without fear or favour.

    Many are suggesting that the erstwhile Minister of the FCT, Malam Mohammed Bello be reappointed as the next FCT minister to continue with the undoing developmental project in Abuja adding that he can also tackle the worrying issue of flood.

    While some residents say Bello’s administration during his President Muhammadu Buhari’s first administration turned a blind eye as infrastructural and public utilities in the city deteriorated, many are looking forward for his return as FCT minister with the believe that he is the only one amongst others that knows the FCT and can tackle the problems bedeviling the city.

    It is also the prayers of many that the would-be FCT minister will not dash the hope of residents of FCT as they look forward to a lasting solution to the flood that has cause more harm this year.

     

  • Succour for orphans

    A group under the auspices of City Club Abuja has donated gift items to two orphanages namely: Arija Center for Widow and Orphan, and Facado Foundation Orphanage.

    President of City Club Abuja, Mr. Ariyo Maiye who did not mention any amount used to purchase the items told Abuja Review well-meaning Nigerians should reach out to the poor for a better society.

    Maiye said the club will continue to reach out to the poor and the less privilege no matter the situation adding that: “we decided to go for our Annual General Meeting (AGM) in Keffi. We usually have outreach to give the less privilege in the society hope.

    “We do not want to say the actual amount. We are just reaching out to the poor. The club was formed last year and this is our first AGM so we decided that we must reach out to a least two orphanage homes. The objective of the club is to build a social support system for our members and by extension the under privilege within our reach. We were 45 and we have just inducted 10 new members and we are now 56 in number. As time goes on we will induct more new members. The benefit of that is to be able to reach out to more people that are in need.”

    Read Also: NYSC offers free medical services to IDPs, orphans

    To members, he said: “My advice for members is to always conduct themselves in a gentle manner that will make the club proud. Before accepting anyone into the club we look at character, and if you will be able to contribute to the values of the club that is reaching out to the poor.”

    Zakari Yaro, who is the head of Arija Center for Widows and Orphans said: “We appreciate the club for the donations and pray for more success for the club.  We have 55 children here.”

    Ngozi George is the founder and director of Facado foundation orphanage located in new Karo, the second orphanage where the group visited: “I appreciate the Abuja City Club. We are so happy that God has brought you to our place today and we pray that God will bless you.

    “We have 31 children here and the youngest is about 11 months and the oldest is about 14. The orphanage was established in 2006 and we are going to be 13 years this year. We have several challenges but the most pressing one is fund to continue to take good care of the children. We are also building to accommodate more children.”

    Mr. Kefas Ropshik who is the Welfare officer of the club said: “The motivation for helping the needy is we know that government cannot do everything for everybody so we need different individuals and different social clubs that will also assist humanity. If you are able to touch one life, then you have saved. A lot for this generation. So giving back is what everybody should embark on. We should just keep encouraging ourselves that anytime we are called upon we should respond. No matter the amount of money you have, if you cannot touch lives then you are a poor man.”

    The chairman, board of trustees of the City Club Abuja also said: “We are a group of like-minds. Fortunately, God has blessed a lot of us and we seek to give back to the society. We seek to help the less privilege people. Orphan, widows and others. Right now, the situation in the country is really tough. A lot of people are going through a lot of stress. Financial difficulty. If you are privileged, give back to the society. Let everyone has his own little Nigeria that he or she is supporting.”

  • IDPs: we’re tired of Abuja

    It seems strange because of their circumstances, but the saying that ‘no place is like home’ still rings true for the displaced persons living in Abuja, Nigeria’s capital city. Shorn of the comforts of their homes in towns and villages across security-challenged states of Borno and Yobe, one would assume that the glitter of Abuja would be alluring enough to inspire a longing for continuous stay but that is not the case with the thousands of internally-displaced persons (IDPs) living on the fringes of the city.

    Speaking with Abuja Review during the humanitarian outreach of the Abuja-based International Centre for Islamic Culture and Education (ICICE) to his Area 1 IDP camp – one of several such camps around Abuja, Mr. Idris Ibrahim Halilu, the Coordinator and spokesman of all IDPs in the Federal Capital Territory stressed that the exposure to health challenges alone represents a serious threat that moulds lesser challenges such as poor nutrition and homelessness, into burdens of Sisyphean magnitude.

    “I can assure you that ninety-five percent of IDPs here in Abuja want to go home; we find the humanitarian outreach of the ICICE most impressive, since we cannot afford to access hospital services in Abuja, we are more than happy with the free medical diagnosis and treatment brought to us, we excited because it is a rare event,” he stated.

    More than three thousand IDPs live in the camp.

    Read Also: Red Cross not involved in distribution of items to Katsina IDPs

    According to Idris Halilu, a former public relations executive whose home and family in Borno state had virtually been eviscerated by Boko Haram terrorists, ongoing insurgents’ attacks and the international dimension of the prolonged threat make it difficult for IDPs from the affected areas to return home.

    “Parts of Borno and Yobe states remain no-go areas, the government is trying but let us not pretend about the problem. The insurgency in the North East is a special challenge because of the terrain – mountainous areas, rivers and borders with different countries. We hope that the international community will give government further support but there are neighbouring countries that we seemed to have offended decades ago when Nigeria supported their past leadership and people have suspicion that they have now chosen to pay us back,” he said. With excellent diction that tells the story of how misfortune can befall virtually anyone, he tells the sad story of his life. Born in Shani local government of Borno state, he attended teachers’ college in Gombe and the University of Somalia. “I did postgraduate studies at Al-Hari University, Cairo and did external courses in journalism and I was a pioneer production staff of NTA in 1975. After that, I went into Public Relations for about 17 years worked with some companies as Public Relations director. In 2005, I retired, went home and got confronted by an insurgency I had seen coming. I had seen it coming and was warning since as far back as 1997,” said Idris Ibrahim Halilu.

    At the Area 1 IDP camp in Durumi area on the peripheries of Abuja, the two-room school closed down about one and half years ago because of lack of teachers, water is still a big challenge with the use of only one borehole and maximal utilization of IDPs’ proximity to a stream known for very unhygienic water. Most of the population defecates in the surrounding bushes, adding to the load of infectious diseases in the air around the camp.

    Dr. Amina Kumalia, head of the ICICE medical team from Al Nur mosque in Abuja was in charge of the medical outreach to the IDP camp.

    “As you can see, we have a lot of patients, mostly women and children; many men in the camp have gone out to find something for their families. Here, like most of our other outreaches, the prevalent health challenges are malaria and peptic ulcer.

    “In children, we also have upper respiratory tract infection, skin infections and cases of diarrhoea; most of the children are lethargic and weak. Thus far, we do not have significant cases of hypertension and diabetes.

    “Upper respiratory tract infection in children is overwhelming. Once children have untreated URT infection and they stay together, re-infection continues and may never leave them. As you can see, the surroundings also contribute to incidences of URT infection. The environment is very dirty. We need the help of AEPB to come and sort things out because of the adverse health effects here,” Dr. Kumalia stated.

    Drawn together by a common misery, the IDP population in Abuja, including those at the Area 1 IDP camp sees no need to discriminate on the ‘usual’ basis of creed or tribe. The ICICE, an Islamic humanitarian initiative too, discriminates against none, registering, diagnosing and giving medical assistance and pharmaceutical supplies to all found to be in need. “We are humbly undertaking a service to humanity; every needy person that we can help is freely entitled to our assistance and resources,” ICICE’s Director-General, Dr.Kabir Kabo Usman said.

    Explaining further, Alhaji Garba Sani who was a financial consultant I the UK for more than twenty years before returning home and volunteering his services as ICICE’s Director of External Relations, Research and Consultancy, explains further.

    “We chose this camp because we haven’t been here before for medical or any other type of outreach; secondly, we recognised after discussing with them that they have never had this kind of visit in all the years they have been here – definitely not at this scale. The population is about 3, 016 men, women, children living here and it warrants attention; with that sort of number, we had to prepare more than other previous outreach assignments.

    “The health outreach, including deworming is open to all of them, according to their (medical) needs. We at Al Nur Mosque International Centre For Islamic Culture and Education always appeal to individuals, non-governmental organizations and others to come and support humanitarian initiatives like these because we cannot leave everything, especially the challenges facing IDPs to the government,” he stated.

  • FCTA assesses flood risks

    The Permanent Secretary, Federal Capital Territory Administration (FCTA), Sir Chinyeaka Ohaa has flagged off the 2019 assessment of flood prone areas in the Area Councils at Ashara-Wako in Kwali Area Council with a call on residents to desist from dumping refuse in drainage channels, farming on river banks and building on water ways.

    Ohaa who blamed the attitude of residents for the reoccurring flooding incidents in the FCT, particularly, condemned the activities of estate developers who deliberately contravene provisions of the master plan and build houses on flood plains and natural courses and channels of rivers.

    He warned residents against further violation of these laid down environmental and development laws in the FCT, saying that the FCTA will not relent on its plan to remove houses built on waterways.

    The Permanent Secretary said that potential buyers or renters of properties in the FCT should always carry out due diligence and find out from the relevant authorities in the FCTA if the developers have met the masterplan requirements before  taking possession of properties.

    His words” “Find out from the relevant authorities in the FCTA if developers have met the masterplan requirements before building houses. This simple action could save lives and properties”.

    Read Also: Flood sacks 2,000 residents, destroys 300 houses

    The Permanent Secretary equally called on traditional rulers in the FCT and other stakeholders to support the various actions of government in this regard and also educate their subjects on the necessity of these actions.

    He also appealed to the media to emphasize safety issues, especially human activities which increase vulnerability to flooding and other forms of disaster, as part of their corporate social responsibilities.

    Speaking on the Gangara/Yaba road projects in the Abaji and Kwali Area Councils, whose contracts have been awarded, Sir Ohaa assured that the FCT Administration will ensure that the project is completed on schedule.

    The Director General, FCT Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), Abbas Idriss, expressed delight that government’s intervention has restored the Walko-Ashara link bridge between Abaji and Kwali Area Council which hitherto was cut off by flooding. He urged the community leaders to take very seriously the flood preventive programmes introduced by government and ensure compliance with sensitization messages.

    Abbass commended all the stakeholders, including the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA), security agencies, the Abuja Environmental Protection Board (AEPB) as well members of the various communities for their flood risk prevention initiatives in the FCT.

    He called for attitudinal change towards the environment, saying it is only by so doing that the dangers of flooding will be mitigated in the FCT.

    “He said, “it is therefore the responsibility of community leaders to ensure compliance to sensitization messages, especially with regards to proper waste disposal and avoidance of building or farming on waterways, while parents should also advise their children against risky behaviours such as swimming during the raining season when the water level is high”, the DG said.

    Also speaking at the occasion, the Chairman, Kwali Area Council, Danladi Chiya, thanked the FCT Permanent Secretary for his immense support to the FCT Area Councils. He also appreciated FEMA for their quick intervention in the restoration of the Ashara-Walko Bridge, linking Kwali and Abaji Area Councils which was destroyed by flood.

  • A dialogue for tolerance

    UFUK Dialogue, a non-profit organisation, makes a strong case for national cohesion, GBENKA OMOKHUNU reports

    There is little doubt that Nigeria’s diverse faiths and religious backgrounds are not quite welding its people together, but rather driving them far apart.

    It is against this backdrop that UFUK Dialogue, a non-profit organ, held in Abuja the seventh edition of its annual Dialogue and Peace Awards and Interfaith Friendship and IFTAR dinner.

    The ambience of the gathering was electrifying as was the composition of the audience. Their attire revealed their religion. What makes it very interesting was the fact that on a table, you find people dressed in turbans and cassocks interacting freely with one another while dining.

    All through the event, the message being preached was peace, love, and tolerance. So strong was the message that you would wonder if you were in Nigeria because of the intolerance level amongst us. Nigeria is now clearly divided along religious and ethnic lines which is unprecedented. And the attendant result has been a series of ethnic and religious clashes in the country.

    In his opening remark, the president, UFUK Dialogue, Kamil Kemanci, said, “The 7th edition of Annual Dialogue and Peace Awards organised by UFUK Dialogue is the day to confer awards on some exceptionally fantastic personalities in Nigeria for their wonderful effort and support on developing a peaceful society.”

    Speaking on the organisation’s commitment to the society, he said, “UFUK Dialogue serves to stand by societal peace, love, tolerance, respect, and compassion in support of human dignity and the greater good of humanity. As such, we are committed to universal values of freedom, justice, democracy, and the rights of all living beings.’’

    Read Also: Cultivate culture of tolerance, APC tells Nigerians

    He said UFUK dialogue also organises annual conferences with a theme of “Countering Violent Extremism through Love and Tolerance” which brings people of different faiths and ethnic backgrounds around the same table.

    Kemanci, while stressing the need for a peaceful society said: “we need dialogue and peace more than we need food and shelter”.

    He explained that dialogue and peaceful co-existence has always been and still remains a need, a necessity for us to have a healthy and more productive society. He explained that it is possible to transform conflict into cooperation.

    The Interfaith Dialogue seeks to realise religions’ basic oneness and unity, and the universality of belief.

    “Islam and Christianity all come from the same root, have almost the same essentials, and are nourished from the same source.

    ‘’Apart from the common points between them, they share the same responsibility to build a happy world for all of the creatures of God,’’ he said.

    Explaining to the gathering how the organisation will succeed, he said we must forget the past, ignore polemics and focus on our common points. In order for everyone to live peacefully, it is important for individuals to rise above differences that drive us apart and that goes beyond any ideology or political system, and above any religious movement or authority.

    Stressing more on the need for humans to recognise their selves first before religion, Mr Kemanci quoted from Fethullah Gulen, a Muslim scholar, where he said: “We must consider ourselves human first before we consider our belonging to a religious or cultural tradition. We are human first before we are Christian or Muslim or Ibo, Yoruba or Havza.”

    He informed the audience that the dialogue has now expanded to the entire world. The results have been positive and the followers of all religions will find more ways to get closer and assist each other.

    A “Peaceful World” is not something that can be naturally created. It is made by our hands. So, whatever it costs, we must continue to be a voice for dialogue and love between peoples of all faiths and cultures.

    He charged everybody present to co-operate and build a peaceful world, “Let’s co-operate and create a peaceful world desired by every person. Let’s come together to listen and understand each other in empathy and look to the events from the mirror of justice and reason, not the partisanship of one group. This is the dream that we carry through the world. “That something wonderful will happen in a peaceful world.”

    During the awards presentation, several persons were presented with awards who, in the opinion of the NGO, are “Peace – Loving People” who have dedicated their expertise to building bridges of peace between cultures and religions.

    The awardees in appreciation thanked the organisation for counting them worthy of the awards, Catholic Archbishop of Orlu Diocese, Imo State, Most Rev Godson Ukwuoma, expressed his profound gratitude to the organisation.

    He said the award was very significant because it shows that this organisation places and recognises cultural diversity as an opportunity for growth and also sensitises the people on building bridges among the various ethnic groups in Nigeria.

    Read Also: Exemplify selflessness, tolerance, Fayemi charges Nigerians

    He advised that people of goodwill should help to build bridges of understanding as a way of resolving conflicts and minimising misunderstandings in the world among the various ethnic groups.

    The speaker, Lagos State House of Assembly, Rt Hon Mudashir Obasa, who was represented by Eng Misbau Opeyemi Aminu, lauded the organisers for recognising his efforts. He has led Lagos for the past four years towards peace, progress and for the betterment of all Lagosians.

    In her appreciation message, former deputy governor, Plateau State, Dame Pauline Tallen, said she dedicated the award to all Nigerians adding that they should have a heart of love, love one another as true children of God.

    The event, once again brought together a lot Nigerians from different religious and cultural backgrounds among them are Prof. Ibrahim Mohammed of the Bayero University, Kano, Kano State and chairman, Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN), Lagos State and co-chairman, Nigeria Inter Religious Council (NIRC), Alexander Bamgbola.

    Others are Executive Secretary, Nigeria Inter Religious Council (NIRC), Rev Cornelius Apebu Omonokhua; President CAN, Lagos branch, Dr. Ayokunle Ayokunle; General Secretary, CAN, Prof. Olalekan, SAN Barr. Joseph Daramola and many others.

  • Centre trains 836 women in skills

    The National Centre for Women Development (NCWD) has trained 50 women in refrigerator and air conditioning work, plant and generator repairs, plumbing and pipe fitting, tiling and masonry jobs.

    The agency under the Ministry of Women Affairs said it has become necessary and important, given the changing world of work.

    Apart from the female artisans, 786 other women were also trained in various vocational skills like hospitality and tourism studies, fashion design and garment making, cosmetology and beauty therapy, bringing the total number of women trainees to 836.3.

    Other courses included, interior and out decoration, bread-making and pastry, cake baking and sugar craft, bead and jewellery making, catering, makeup and head gear.

    The NCWD said that the training program was designed to move women and young girls from the stereotype traditional skills to withstand the growing demand for skilled workforce in the Nigerian construction industry.

    Read Also: Sen. Sani empowers 150 constituents with sewing, grinding, pumping machines 

    Director General of the Centre, Barr. Mary Ekpere-Eta said that the artisan programme went through two weeks rigorous training at the centre.

    Ekpere-Eta said this in Abuja at the combined graduation ceremony of the centre’s vocational skills programme and training.

    Her words, “On the other hand participants of the Female Artisans programme went through two weeks rigorous training in Refrigerator and Air Conditioning work, Plant & Generator Repairs, Plumbing and Pipe Fitting, and Tiling & Masonry. The Female Artisans programme became very necessary and important giving the changing world of work.

    “To this end, NCWD designed the training programme to move women and young girls from the stereotype traditional skills to withstand the growing demand for skilled workforce in the Nigerian construction industry.

    “Specifically, the Female Artisans training was aimed at equipping the beneficiaries in achieving the following: Expose women to attain a breakthrough in a non-traditional trade, empower women in carrying out basic maintenances and installation work and become agents of change in their respective communities.”

  • For the love of Nigeria

    It’s no longer news that Nigeria has signed the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) agreement. But what is worthy of note is the processes that led to President Muhammadu Buhari signing the treaty a fortnight ago after delaying it for about a year.

    Nigeria became the 53rd nation to endorse the document, despite the African Union’s Heads of State and Governments resolving in the year 2012 to establish African Continental Free Trade Area treaty.

    It was aimed at creating a single continental market for goods and services in member nations.

    The treaty is also to cover agreements on trade in goods, services, investment, and rules and procedures on dispute settlement, including a range of provisions to facilitate trade, reduce transaction costs, provide exceptions, flexibilities and safeguards for vulnerable groups and countries in challenging circumstances.

    But President Buhari had pulled the breaks a year ago and stopped Nigeria from endorsing the document unlike many other African nations.

    He shunned the bandwagon effects last year and didn’t care if the ‘Giant of Africa’ will be the last nation to endorse the document.

    His eyes were focused on getting it right for Nigeria and not making Nigeria a dumping ground.

    He had then declared that Nigeria will only be signatory to the AfCFTA if the nation’s national interests, regional and international obligations are balanced.

    Buhari had particularly stopped the endorsement of the document in 2018 in response to the opposition against the treaty in Nigeria.

    Read Also: How to benefit from AfCFTA, by NACCIMA President

    The Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) and the Manufacturers’ Association of Nigeria (MAN) topped the groups that kicked against signing the treaty in 2018.

    They had warned that signing the treaty was extremely dangerous to Nigeria as it would open the country’s seaports, airports and other businesses to unbridled foreign interference and domination.

    The groups had pushed for proper consultations and inputs of all interest groups on issues concerning market access and enforcement of rules of origin

    So, Buhari immediately ordered for comprehensive consultations among the stakeholders in the country by setting up the Presidential Committee on Impact and Readiness Assessment African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) Agreement in October, 2018.

    By that singular act, Buhari has shown again that he was a listening President as he didn’t use presidential fiat to sign the document in 2018.

    Definitely, the heavens won’t have fallen if he had signed the documents a year ago.

    The Presidential Committee on Impact and Readiness Assessment African Continental Free Trade Area submitted its report to the President on 27th of June, 2019.

    After reviewing over 200 submissions from stakeholders in the country,  the 44-man steering committee, Chaired by Desmond Obadiah, recommended Nigeria to sign the treaty.

    He said “Your Excellency, our reports shows that on the balance, Nigeria should consider joining the AfCFTA and using the opportunity of the ongoing AfCFTA Phase I negotiations to secure the necessary safeguards required to ensure that our domestic policies and programs are not compromised.”

    Receiving the report, President Buhari said “It has been over a year now since the African Union Heads of States adopted the Phase I Agreement on the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) at its 10th Extraordinary Summit in Kigali, Rwanda, on 21st of March 2018.

    “Since then, a lot has been said about Nigeria’s decision to conduct a detailed study on how this agreement will impact us as a country.

    “Let me state unequivocally that trade is important for us as a nation and to all nations. Economic progress is what makes the world go around.

    “Our position is very simple, we support free trade as long as it is fair and conducted on an equitable basis.

    “The AfCFTA will have both positive and negative effects on us as a nation and on our region.”

    “As you mentioned in your report, intra-African trade is only 14% of Africa’s total trade. Our consumption is mostly of goods imported from outside the continent.

    “For AfCFTA to succeed, we must develop policies that promote African production, among other benefits.

    “Africa, therefore, needs not only a trade policy but also a continental manufacturing agenda. Our vision for intra-African trade is for the free movement of “made in Africa goods”. That is, goods and services made locally with dominant African content in terms of raw materials and value addition.

    “If we allow unbridled imports to continue, it will dominate our trade. The implication of this, is that coastal importing nations will prosper while landlocked nations will continue to suffer and depend on aid.

    “As I stated during the inauguration of this Committee, many of the challenges we face today, whether security, economic or corruption are rooted in our inability, over the years, to domesticate the production of the most basic requirements and create jobs for our very vibrant, young and dynamic population.

    “Henceforth, we shall ensure that our negotiated agreements create business opportunities for Africa’s manufacturers, service providers and innovators.

    “The AfCFTA we aspire to have should therefore not only create wealth for investors but also jobs and prosperity for our vibrant and hardworking citizens.” he said

    The President went on “I am very delighted to receive your report today and with the time spent, skills applied and energy invested, I am confident that the Committee has been thorough and diligent.

    “Let me assure you that your report will form part of the consideration in our decision on the next steps on the AfCFTA in particular and on broader trade integration subjects.” he said

    Keeping his promise, Buhari signed the treaty in Niger Republic last week Sunday.

    Looking back, the President, by allowing the consultation has shown again that he is a real democrat.

    The main opposition party, the Peoples Democratic Party, may not see it this way as it has consistently asked the President to be more democrat in every aspect of governance in the country, including obeying court orders and adhering to the rule of law.

    But above all, Buhari, through the processes that led to signing the AfCFTA treaty, has exhibited his love for Nigeria again.

    He showed that he will not allow any harm to come upon Nigeria under any guise.