The Nation Newspaper

Category: Abuja Review

Minister makes case for environment, mining communities

Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Malam Muhammad Bello has stressed the importance of safeguards against environmental degradation and need for the welfare of host communities in the development of mines and minerals.

Bello made this call when he declared open the executive session of the maiden National Council on Mines and Mineral Resources Development in Nigeria, holding in Abuja.

He said, “No matter how much benefits we get eventually from the exploitation of minerals, as long as we do that at the danger of the degradation of the environment and expense of the welfare of the host communities, all these benefits will be of no use in the end.”

The FCT minister described the solid minerals sector as the foundation for the rapid economic progress recorded in the early years of Nigeria before the discovery of oil in 1956.

He recalled, “About 100 years ago Nigeria was a highly recognised centre of mining activities. There were active mining of Tin in Jos, Gold in Bida and Coal in Enugu.” He expressed hope in the return to the glorious days when mines and mineral were the major drivers of the national economy citing the recent discovery of the rich deposit of Nickel in Kaduna State.

Bello, therefore, anticipated a greater future for Nigeria given the commitment of the President Muhammadu Buhari administration towards the diversification of the economy and the concerted efforts of the Ministry of Solid Minerals Development towards harnessing the potentials of the sector.

A statement issued by his Chief Press Secretary, Cosmas Uzodinma, the minister described the establishment of a National Council on Mining development as a dynamic institutional framework that would foster effective partnership between the Federal and State Governments as well as the host communities for a brighter future for the industry.

In his address at the occasion, the Minister of Solid Mineral Development Dr. Kayode Fayemi revealed that the essence of the National Council on Mining and Mineral Resources Development (NCMMRD) is the need to improve on the engagement of stakeholders at the sub-national level, particularly the state governments and communities in order to achieve a more beneficial participation of critical stakeholder groups in the mining sector.

The Minister also announced that the Ministry has effectively resolved the protracted litigation surrounding the ownership of Ajaokuta and NIOMCO leading to the signing of a “Modified Concession Agreement” between the Federal Republic of Nigeria and Global Infrastructure Nigeria Ltd.

The agreement, he indicated, was executed on behalf of the Federal Government by Vice President Yemi Osinbajo, SAN, and has consequently freed both NIOMCO and Ajaokuta Steel Company from eight years of dormancy. As a result, the ownership of Ajaokuta Steel Company Ltd has reverted to the Federal Government of Nigeria. Similarly the operationalization of the Steel Company will provide needed inputs to support the infrastructure requirements of the Country and save Nigeria the $3.3 billion spent annually on the importation of steel products.

Fayemi revealed that the sector has already achieved a 300 percent increase in revenue between 2015 and 2016, stating that as at July this year it had surpassed the entire revenue of N2 billion generated for the whole of 2016.

The Ministry, he disclosed, has secured approval to access N30 billion from the Natural Resources Intervention Fund for promotion of the exploration of new minerals and to strengthen the regulatory capacity of his Ministry.

His words “our goal is to build a sector that is competitive and supportive of our overall job creation and wealth generation aspirations for Nigerians.”

September 19, 2017
Curbing corruption with TSA

A message was very clear since the President Muhammadu Buhari’s administration came on board in 2015.

The government was determined to kill what it called ‘cancerous’ corruption in the country before it kills Nigeria.

That was why fighting corruption was one of the three main goals of the administration along securing the nation and developing the economy.

So, in the past twenty seven months, the government has succeeded in probing arms procurement fund under the previous administration, and also recent revelations of massive corruption in the oil sector, among others.

Apart from incaseration in some cases, the government has also made some persons in the previous administration to return some of the stolen loot back to government purse.

All these, however were not achieved without accusations from some quarters of selectiveness in the fight against corruption by the current administration.

While most of the corrupt cases are still in court and not fully dispense with, the government last Wednesday started to beam its searchlight on the internally generated revenues of government agencies.

It was shocked to find out that many government agencies that remitted peanuts to government coffers annually under the previous administration are now declaring billions of naira revenue due to the implementation of the Treasury Single Account (TSA).

With the TSA in place, they could no longer divert and steal their internally generated revenue.

As a starter, the Minister of Finance, Kemi Adeosun, had disclosed that the Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB), which has been remitting N3 million annually, has remitted N5 billion for this year alone and still has another N3 billion to remit to government purse this year.

She was also worried that the Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA), which remitted N4.95 billion in 2015, have remitted N24 billion in 2016.

She said: “We spoke about revenue generation, the VAIDS Programme is ongoing and we are having quite a positive response in terms of tax compliance.

“We also reported on the progress made by a number of our agencies some of whom have reported very significant increases in the amount paid into the consolidated revenue fund.

“Council discussed JAMB which recorded significant progress and NIMASA as well as others and gave us the charge to really go and look at these agencies, look in some cases the past management of those agencies and see where those agencies were leaking and to encourage agencies that haven’t done so to continue with efficiencies.” she said

The Minister went on “The highest amount that JAMB has ever remitted to the consolidated revenue fund before this management was N3 million.

“This year so far they have done N5 billion and the Minister of Education reported that they have additional N3 billion that they are ready to remit which will take this year’s figure alone to N8 billion.

“Now they have not increased their charges nor their fees. So the question that Council members were asking was that where were all these monies before?

“So the directive was given that we must call those who were the heads of those agencies and similar ones to account and that is what we intend to do.” she said

She added “Its a similar stories with other agencies and these are the leakages which we are now blocking. These are the monies in the consolidated fund that is now being applied in the projects that really needs to get the economy moving.

“These are the moneys that are missing that has led us to the position we are in. It is the grandest looting that this administration action has come in to address.” she stated

It is really hoped that the cancer of corruption will not just be removed under the current dispensation, but completely eradicated far beyond the life span of the government.

Because that will be a great assurrance that the commonwealth of the country will really go into development of essential facilities and infrastructures in the country.

Where does bailout cash go?

It was really a sorry state at the inception of this administration that many state governments had huge unpaid salaries and wages bills hanging on their necks.

Besides the outstanding salaries, they barely could meet any other obligations before them as at May 2015.

To survive the hard scenario coupled with the economic recession that started at the tail-end of the previous administration, the states had no option than to seek intervention of the Federal Government.

Even with the crash of the international prices of oil from over $100 per barrel to around $37 a barrel, the President Muhammadu Buhari administration was able to rescue the states from the calamity.

The adminstation in the past two years have approved series of bailout funds for the state.

The state governments have also received different tranches of Paris Club refunds.

But what is becoming worrisome is the claims that substantial parts of the bailout funds and Paris Club refund are not being used to settle and clear the financial obligations facing the states.

The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has been making such strong allegations of the funds’ diversion against some state governors.

But the governors, under the platform of the Nigerian Governors Forum (NGF) had severally denied the allegations and challenged EFCC to back up its claims with evidence.

President Buhari last week Monday also expressed concern over the growing wages bills when he hosted the National Council of Traditional Rulers of Nigeria led by the Sultan of Sokoto, Muhammad Sa’ad Abubakar III.

The traditional rulers had come to the Presidential Villa to rejoice with the President and thank God for his recovery and safe return to the country.

Buhari had told them: “We have to digress this much because I would like to convince you that I’m living with the problems of this country day-by-day, and mostly those of the ordinary people.

“There are Nigerians that haven’t been paid for six months; there are Nigerians that have not been paid their retirement benefits for years.

“I’m appealing to the governors, (that was why we voted money, we borrowed money), please make sure anybody under you, pay them because most of them depend on that salary to pay rent, school fees,’’ he said.

Stealing and diverting such funds will really not be the best for the country.

Apart from the lives of many Nigerians in the various states dependent on such funds, it should not be allowed to succeed, especially under an administration at the centre, whose major objection is to fight corruption to a standstill.

September 19, 2017
A queen with education on her mind

Beauty without brains means little. That is why Joy Onumajuru-Osomiamhe, a former Queen of Aso Nigeria 2011 and Miss Commonwealth Africa 2014, is determined to raise the standard of education in Nigeria. In her reign, she has been involved in charity work but she is not satisfied with merely handing out gifts. She is more persuaded to educate people, mixing up her British training in education with what obtains in Nigerian schools.

The beauty queen, who recently built a school in Abuja, revealed to The Nation that as a British trained educationist and one who has worked for years in promoting education in Nigeria and Africa, her intention is to give back to the society through education.

She said Diamond Scholars Schools are equipped with sufficient computer facilities, projectors, and provides a comfortable learning environment.

Unveiling her school in Abuja, she said, “My intention is to infuse the British standard of education that I have learnt as a trained educationist and mix it up with the Nigerian curriculum to carve a niche for myself. The British standard of learning will make the children learn easier and faster, we will be learning with sufficient computer facilities, projectors, conducive learning environment, good instructional materials because children can only learn when they are comfortable and with the kind of comfort we provide at Diamond Scholars, assimilation will be easy.

September 19, 2017
FCT vaccinates 20,000 livestock

In a bid to boost activities in the livestock industry and ensure sanity in the handling of animal products in the Territory, the Federal Capital Territory Administration (FCTA) has successfully vaccinated over 20,000 livestock in the Territory.

Minister of Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Malam Muhammad Bello disclosed this during the national conference on the transformation of the Nigerian livestock industry.

He said, “Recently more than 20,000 livestock were vaccinated in a two-week intensive campaign carried out by the FCT Agricultural and Rural Development Secretariat. Also, the Administration has successfully combated diseases such as Bird Flu and Army Worms.”

Bello who was represented at the occasion by FCT Permanent Secretary, Mr. Christian Chinyeaka Ohaa further revealed that the Administration is collaborating with the Cattle Breeders in the Territory to fashion out cutting-edge solutions to the challenge of cattle rustling and illegal grazing in the city.

The Minister in a statment issued by the Press Secretary, Permanent Secretary’s Office, Tony Odey said that as part of efforts aimed at mitigating the challenge of illegal grazing in the Territory, the Administration had already constituted a high-powered ministerial committee to fast-track the development of the four grazing reserves provided in the FCT Master Plan.

The minister said, “The FCT Administration has proactively set up a Ministerial Committee on the development of the 4 Grazing Reserves provided for in the FCT Master Plan. Furthermore, discussion is on with Danish Company for the development of the Paikon Kore Grazing Reserve into a world class reserve as a model while provision has been made for adequate compensation to the affected farmers.”

Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development, Chief Audu Ogbe said the conference is apt and expressed hope that it will address all the aspects of solutions required in the enhancement of livestock industry.

Chief Ogbe further explained that President Muhammadu Buhari led government is making serious efforts to ensure that the livestock industry becomes the mainstay of the nation’s economy.

Senate Committee Chairman on Agriculture, Senator Abdullahi Adamu who also spoke during the event canvassed for policies and programmes aim at promoting the livestock industry.

September 19, 2017
Life behind bars

The prisons are congested, many inmates awaiting trial, and logistics few, but GBENGA OMOKHUNU, who visited Kuje Prisons, reports sport is making things a bit better

Kuje Medium Security Prison is located near the federal seat of power. The rich and powerful are also among its inmates. But that does not mean Kuje prison has anything to brag about.

The prison with a capacity of only 560 now has a population of 813 inmates, 570 of whom awaiting trial while 243 are convicts.

The congestion, according to the Nigeria Prison Service (NPS), is causing serious crisis.

Controller of Prisons, FCT Command Mr. Sylvester Nwakuche disclosed this in Kuje prison at the final match of the Minister of Interior, Abdulrahman Dambazau’s football league organised for the inmates.

There is the need for some intervention measures which Nwakuche said should include accelerated access to justice programme for the inmates.

The FCT prison boss, who expressed sadness over the situation of congestion, said he had visited the chief judge of FCT who promised to come to the prisons to perform jail delivery and review some of their cases. He also said the minister of FCT, Malam Muhammad Bello has promised to assist with logistics.

The Controller General (CG) of NPS, Ja’afaru Ahmed has, according to Nwakuche, has directed that perimeter fencing be built around prison facilities across the country to secure the facilities better and avert encroachment.

He said, “Kuje prison is a facility that has 560 inmates capacity. Presently we have about 813 inmates today; out of that 813 inmates about 570 are awaiting trial persons and 243 are convicts.

“That is the challenge we face here. That congestion is occasioned by awaiting trial debacle; the awaiting trail thing has been a challenge to the Nigerian prisons service. We have reached out to other judicial arms of the criminal justice system to see how they can fast-track and dispense justice. I visited the chief judge of FCT and he has promised to come to the prisons to do jail delivery to review some of their cases. Those that are due to be released he will release, those that he feels can be granted expedited action he will fast-track that as well.

“I paid a courtesy call to the FCT Minister as well who has been a father to the prisons under this command, not just to Kuje prisons but Suleja prisons too. He has promised to come and look at some of our needs, in fact he has been doing awesomely well as it concerns our logistics needs, he has also promised to refurbish our vehicles. That is in process and very soon you will hear about that, he has encouraged us.

“I am a member of the FCT Security Council, we bring some of our challenges to the council and he tries to solve them as at when due. You will see that the he is already tarring that road that connects Kuje to Peseli to give us access. You can see other security agencies are here; the army, the police, the DSS, counter terrorism team and our prisons arms making sure that people outside sleep with their two eyes closed. In as much as we are keeping people under our custody we also give them humane treatment and maintain best international practices so that they don’t see here as their last bus stop where all hope is lost but the beginning of another life.”

“Prisons are about security, custody and rehabilitation and re-integration. The Controller General of Prisons in his wisdom felt we need to be extra vigilant, while we protect the society we at the same time protect the victims so that is why we are putting up these walls not because we want to inflict them but to safeguard their lives and even the society from external aggression.

“The Comptroller General of prisons is taking up some of the reclamation of prison lands even the FCT Minister also sent his director of land to come and have a look at our perimeter walls to be able to delineate our own land space. Apart from what you are seeing in Kuje prisons the CG is also doing that throughout the federation, reclaiming prison land because people have over the years encroached on our properties and our land and that is not acceptable.”

On the tournament, he said: “It is designed and put together by the management of Kuje prisons for the inmates to meet up with part of our mandate to create recreation for our inmates as a process of rehabilitation and also a mechanism put in place to douse tension, encourage their skills as well as to bridge the gap when the court is on recess. The tournament has been on for the past five weeks as you can see six teams participated and they named them according to African countries, we have South-Africa, Cote d’lvoire, Cameroun, Senegal, Ghana and the finals today was played by South-Africa and Cameroon which ended 4-3 in favour of South Africa.”

Some of the inmates who spoke with Abuja Review expressed joy about the football event.

September 19, 2017
Otukpo killings: Peace Corps seeks better security

Security agencies have been urged to step up security in Otukpo Local Government area of Benue state to curb the wanton killings and destruction of property going on in the area.

National Commandant of Peace Corps of Nigeria (PCN), Dickson Akoh made this call at a news conference in Abuja.

Akoh described the latest attacks in the area as “premeditated” being perpetrated by hoodlums in the two communities of Ondo and Ogobia in Ugboju community of Otukpo local government of Benue state.

He said, “This morning, Nigerians woke up to the sad news of killings of innocent civilians in two communities of Ondo and Ogobia in Ugboju community of Otukpo local government of Benue state.”

Akoh who is an indigene and holds traditional title of “ Ogigo`mebe of Ugboju land” said the renewal of killings yesterday in the area have led to the killing of a retired major general of Nigerian army and former chairman of Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Benue state, Lawrence Ugbo.

“He was allegedly locked up in the boot of his car and burnt to ashes. This is coming closely on the heels of similar attacks in May and August this year, when several persons were reportedly killed and their houses set ablaze. These attacks, just like this one, left behind tales of anguish in its wake.”

He said that over 50 persons have lost their lives, saying “these needless attacks have continued unabated for over three years.”

“Despite the amnesty programme extended to the bearers of illegal arms by Governor Samuel Ortom at the wake of his administration in 2015, the perpetrators of these nefarious acts have refused to surrender arms; perhaps, they enjoy the backings of some blood-thirsty powerful individuals in the society.”

Akoh lamented that what made the whole incident worrisome is that, the security operatives in Otukpo appeared helpless in containing the situation, which prompted him to donate a well equipped police station and an operational vehicle to Ugboju community last year.

Akoh therefore called for the setting up of a high-powered and Independent panel of inquiry to immediately investigate and bring I book those behind the attacks even as he appealed to affected individuals and families to exercise restraint for the interest of peace, while the security unravel the mastermind of the killings.

September 19, 2017
Defence College hosts US Admiral

Guest of the National Defence College, Abuja, Admiral Michelle Howard, the first African-American woman to command a ship in the United States Navy, inspires women and lifts Nigeria-US relations, report BLESSING OLAIFA and SAADATU USMAN

The National Defence College, Abuja has hosted the first African-American woman to command a ship in the United States Navy, the first woman to be promoted to the rank of four-star admiral in the US Navy.

Admiral Michelle Howard, Commander, Allied Joint Forces Command Naples, Commander US Naval Forces and Commander US Naval Forces Africa was received by the Commandant of the National Defence College, Rear Admiral Adeniyi Osinowo and other top military officers and management of the college.

Admiral Howard was in Nigeria to meet senior Nigerian civilian and military officials to discuss maritime collaboration and naval bilateral relationship. She was accompanied by the American Ambassador to Nigeria, Stuart W. Symington, top US military officers and other top embassy officials.

Admiral Howard who addressed participants of NDC Course 26 in a lecture titled “Women, Peace and Security”, was described by Rear Admiral Osinowo as “a role model and one of the best personalities to speak on gender issues as well as mentorship to our womenfolk who hold on to a dream of a very fulfilling career in the military and other endeavours.”

Rear Admiral Osinowo noted that the NDC is the highest military academic institution in Nigeria and has since its inauguration in 1992 trained over 2000 senior officers. He added that the current NDC Course 26 is made up of 135 participants including 18 participants from 18 countries of Africa and beyond.

Setting the stage for the lecture at the college auditorium, Admiral Osinowo said, “In contemporary terms we live in an era of…migratory threats to security both within and across national boundaries. One of the glaring consequences of the attendant conflicts to this trend of insecurity is that women and girls suffer their impact most. Women are also targets of other specific forms of violence and abuse including sexual violence and exploitation.

“In order to address the problem, there is a compelling need to bring gender perspectives to conflict prevention and resolution peace building, peace-keeping, rehabilitation and reconstruction efforts.

“It is in these regards that I consider the topic for discussion today a particularly unique one. I anticipate that the knowledge gained from this lecture will also help the participants and the college academic community research more into areas of gender mainstreaming for security and development in Africa.

“The guest speaker, your visit and the choice of this lecture no doubt provides a unique opportunity for us to hear from a personality that has risen to the pinnacle of her carrier and to the enviable rank of four-star admiral in the US Navy”.

However, Admiral Howard who commenced her lecture by presenting a panoramic review of her experiences and exploits in various military operations, especially in Kosovo, Afghanistan and the gulf region during the gulf war I, emphasized that involvement of women as part of ground troops and their interactions with local communities helped in no small measure to achieve peace.

Admiral Howard spoke extensively on gender mainstreaming within the armed forces in relation with various national and international conventions on military warfare and other issues as well as platforms contingent on the attainment of global peace and security.

Admiral Howard who was born in April 1960 and graduated from the United States Naval Academy in 1982 told the gathering that interactions by women who were members of the ground troops enhanced community relationship, build confidence among local women and children as they related freely with them in markets, fetching water together, assisting in medical support and helping to bring hopes and succour to people affected by conflicts.

She said, “Over time the United Nations has recognised the conditions of women on the ground as an indicator of whether or not they can achieve peace and stability. So we not only have to as operators to understand the conditions of women on the ground, we have to understand how we make life better for them and for children in order to achieve peace and security in a particular nation.

Speaking on her relationship with the Nigerian Navy, Admiral Howard said, “My relationship with Nigerian Navy is phenomenal and we have been working together for years now working particularly in the Gulf of Guinea, and training together, exercising together and working the trouble spots in that area and so it is a very strong relationship and I was really delighted to be here and talk with the leader of the Nigerian Navy today and discuss ways in which we can cooperate even more closely together”.

September 12, 2017
Council tackles hate speech

The chairman of Abuja Municipal Area Council (AMAC), Abdullahi Candido has set up a 21-man committee on national unity. The development, Candido said, is to stop the increasing level of hate speech, which is causing a lot of disaffection among Nigerians.

Members of the committee, drawn from various ethnic, religious and political groups in the council, are to work out modalities for the intensive sensitisation and engagement of residents on promotion of peace and unity, in the interest of inclusive development.

Speaking while inaugurating the committee, the AMAC chairman lamented the growing hate utterances in the land, thereby causing untold disaffection amongst the populace.

This, he said, informed the decision to constitute the 21-man committee, to help foster peace and unity building process, without which no proper development can be attained within the council, being a heterogeneous capital city.

He noted that the terms of reference for the committee include engaging major stakeholders in each of the 12 political wards on the importance of unity.

Others are campaign against politics of division, hate across religious, tribal and regional lines as well as preach the values of oneness, peace and unity as panacea for our growth/ development

Also, organisation of lectures driving home the importance of peaceful coexistence at least twice a year.

Furthermore, the committee is expected to submit quarterly report high lighting successes or challenges of its mandate.

“In the last couple of months there seems to be some mistrust among the persons that make up this country and there seems to be a kind of bad relationship among the good people of this country.

“Without peace and harmony we can’t leave as people not to think of providing infrastructure,” Candido stressed.

In his response, on behalf of the committee members, the chairman of the committee, John Bawa assured the commitment of the members to ensuring a peaceful atmosphere.

He said, “We will go to all ethnic groups, tribal associations and political classes to ensure that we install peace in the area council.”

September 12, 2017
Lion King in the saddle

Riddles about the Lion King, hyenas, jackals, wolves and weaker animals hit the social media in Nigeria a few months back when President Muhammadu Buhari was on medical vacation in the United Kingdom. Those behind the riddles were his wife, Mrs. Aisha Buhari and Senator Shehu Sani (APC, Kaduna Central).

They raised the alarm and warned some top government officials who might be thinking and plotting against the administration for their selfish gains.

Speaking about lions, hyenas, jackals, wolves and weaker animals in their separate postings, they appeared to be talking about the Buhari’s presidency, the President’s sickness, recovery, the masses and the scheming of the “real” or “imaginary” cabals.

Sani had posted: “Prayer for the absent Lion King has waned. Until he’s back, then they will fall over each other to be on the front row of the palace temple.

“Now, the hyenas and the jackals are scheming and talking to each other in whispers; still doubting whether the Lion King will be back or not.

“Now, the Lion King is asleep and no other dare to confirm if he will wake up or not. It is the wish of the hyenas that the Lion King never wakes or come back, so they can be kings.

“It is the prayers of the weaker animals that the Lion King comes back to save the kingdom from the hyenas, the wolves and other predators,” he added

As if replying Sani’s post, Aisha Buhari, on her Twitter handle said: “God has answered the prayers of the weaker animals. The hyenas and the jackals will soon be sent out of the kingdom.

“We strongly believe in the prayers of the weaker animals. Long live the weaker animals. Long live Nigeria.” she stated

With the return of Buhari to the country, the jackals and hyenas, whether real or imaginary, have remained silent and underground.

Sani, during the Eid-el-Kabir Sallah break again urged the President to urgently purge his administration of the hyenas and jackals.

Whether the President will identify the jackals and hyenas, if they really exist, and flush them out is a story for another day.

But hardly anyone could be in doubt now that President Buhari is fully back in the saddle.

The following are some of his activities in the past three weeks of his return to Nigeria.

His first assignment on his return to the Presidential Villa in Abuja on August 19 was meeting with the Vice President, Yemi Osinbajo and security chiefs.

That was followed by a nationwide broadcast to Nigerians the following Monday.

On the same Monday, he received briefings from the the Vice President.

He met again with security chiefs on Tuesday where he was updated on the security situations in every part of the country.

On Wednesday the President received Presidential investigative report on the suspended Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF), Babachir David Lawal and the Director General of the National intelligence Agency (NIA)

The President on the first Thursday of his return signed instruments of ratification for a number of bilateral agreements aimed at strengthening the government’s anti-corruption battle, and to boost Tax Administration and Intellectual Property Protection in the country.

The following day, he met jointly with leaders of the All Progressives Congress (APC) and the leading opposition party, the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) at the Presidential Villa, Abuja.

On that Friday, he also observed his Friday jumaat prayer alongside other Muslim faithfuls in the mosque at the State House.

He later met with state governors at the Council Chamber of the Presidential Villa after the Jumaat prayer.

On the Monday of his second week in the country, the President received briefings on the economy from the Minister of Budget and National Planning, Udoma Udo Udoma, Minister of Finance, Kemi Adeosun and the Governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria, Godwin Emefiele.

The President on the following Wednesday, presided over the Federal Executive Council (FEC) meeting.

Before the meeting proper started, the President received the victorious Nigeria’s national basketball team, D’Tigeress.

Later in the day, the President left Abuja for his home town, Daura in Katsina State for the Eid-el-Kabir Sallah break.

The following day, he held a private meeting with his classmates in Daura.

On Friday, he joined his kinsmen to observe the Eid-el-Kabir Sallah prayer at a Eid praying ground in Daura.

The President, the following Saturday receivied the Governor of Katsina State, Alhaji Aminu Bello Masari, who paid him homage at his residence in Daura as part of the Eid-el-Kabir celebrations.

Last week Monday, the President received associations of farmers, businessmen, youths, elders and politicians in Katsina State at his country home in Daura.

The following day, Buhari met with the Nigerien President, Muhammadu Issoufou at his residence in Daura, Katsina State.

After the Sallah break, the President returned to the seat of power in Abuja last Wednesday to continue to steer the ship of State.

The Lion King is really fully back in the saddle.

Spurring sports honour

President Muhammadu Buhari, a fortnight ago, did something that will count for sports development in the country for some time to come.

He wasted no time to receive the the victorious Nigeria’s female national basketball team, DTigeress at the Presidential Villa, Abuja.

Beside the normal Presidential handshake, the President also announced N1 million each for the players and N500,000 each for the team officials.

Those moves have already started yielding results in the sporting arena.

They boosted the National male football team, the Super Eagles to go all out against the Indomitable Lions of Cameroon in the first leg FIFA World Cup qualifier match in Akwa Ibom State.

The Super Eagles mercilessly beat the Cameroonian team by 4-0 in Nigeria.

In the second leg match in Cameroon, the Cameroonian team managed to escape with 1-1 draw.

Nigeria really appeared to have returned to winning ways.

September 12, 2017
FCTA restarts work on Apo-Karshi Road

The Federal Capital Territory Administration (FCTA) has said that work has resumed on the completion of the long awaited Apo-Karshi road, even as it plans to construct another bypass that would permanently tackle traffic situation on the Abuja-Nyanya axis.

Minister of the FCT, Malam Muhammad Bello made this known during a reception organized for members of the National Defence College Course 26, who paid him a study visit at the FCDA Conference Hall.

Respond to a question from a member of the delegation on how the FCTA intended to solve the traffic situation on Nyanya road, Executive Secretary, Federal Capital Development Authority (FCDA), Engr. Umar Gambo Jibril who represented the Minister at the event said: “the Honourable Minister has given us marching orders to see to the completion of the Apo-Wasa-Karshi road, what others call Apo-Karshi road.

“And everything is resolved. The contractor is back on site and we will ensure we work in line with the timing of the Minister who believes that the road will provide immediate relief on this axis.”

The Minister also revealed that “procurement has already gone far” as the FCT Administration expressed determination to ensure completion of another major bypass that would pass behind Mpape, traversing Nyanya, Gitata Panda, and terminating at Gurara, in Kaduna state.

According to the Minister, this bypass is a “dedicated dual carriageway on the Eastern carriage way that would ease traffic on the Nyanya-Karu and Kubwa expressways and make entry and exit to the nation’s capital easy.

Speaking specifically on how the FCTA was working towards tackling issues of high pressure on facilities in the Federal Capital City, Malam Bello stated that the Satellite Towns Development Department was working hard on the provision of water, roads and facilities in three of the territory’s satellite towns of Kubwa, Bwari and Karshi.

Leader of the National Defence College Course 26 delegation, Commodore Emmanuel Ogalla while speaking on behalf of his colleagues expressed gratitude to the Minister and the FCTA management for the warm reception accorded them, and disclosed that they were surprised seeing that so much was been done by the Administration.

He pledged that they would make their contributions that would ensure excellence in service delivery and infrastructural development of the FCT.

It is worthy to state that, just like National Institute for Policy and Strategic Studies, students of National Defence College make study tours of states of the Federation and the FCT as requirement for completion of their study.

September 12, 2017