The Nation Newspaper

Category: Abuja Review

  • FCT to imbibe financial transparency in all agencies

    The Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Permanent Secretary, Engr. John Chukwu has given the directive for all revenue accruable in the Administration to be properly paid into designated banks.

    He stated that all bank accounts records of the administration would be verified at all times for transparency and accountability and added that all infractions against service financial and administrative due processes; rules and regulations would attract strict sanctions and possible prosecution.

    This was made known in a press statement sent by Deputy Director/Chief Press Secretary FCT Muhammad Sule, who stated that Engr Chukwu made the revelation in Abuja, at the commissioning of the FCT Directorate of Road Traffic Services (DRTS) ICT Training Centre.

    It stated, “All revenues generated should be properly accounted for, and paid to only approved bank accounts as records would be verified.

    “Engr. Chukwu also instructed that all officers and men of the FCT Directorate of Road Traffic Services should adhere to the change mantra of the Federal Government under the leadership of President Muhammadu Buhari.

    “Thus, the Permanent Secretary implored the management and staff of the DRTS, to intensify efforts to continue to enforce the regulations on the ban of motorcycle, restriction of tricycles, un-painted taxes, illegal mechanic workshops and illegal car marts.

    “He admonished the motoring public in the Federal Capital Territory to always obey traffic rules and regulations. Engr. Chukwu however assured the resident of the Territory of the FCT Administration’s continued commitment to ensure efficient and excellent service delivery.

  • Catholic men thrill in altar boys role

    There was a thrilling role reversal as altar boys stood aside and watched their parents serving mass.

    The worshippers who took over the boys roles were the Catholic Men’s  Organisation (CMO) of St. Monica Catholic Church, Byazhin-Kubwa of  the Federal Capital Territory (FCT).

    The men did the duties in the humble altar boys uniform.

    Besides, about six parishioners said the prayer of the faithful in their different languages for the benefit of the language communities in the church.

    Speaking with The Nation, a parishioner that hails from Agenebode, Edo State, Mrs. Victoria Wayas said, “I was somehow carried away by some other side attraction like the men who served the mass when I heard a voice saying the prayer of the faithful in my Weppa-Wanno dialect of Edo language. I thought I was in a trance until I saw the parishioner on the front stage.

    The mass however led to the discovery of the strengths and weaknesses of some of the men since the church identified the hidden talents among them. On the other hand, St. Monica took delight in the humorous manner the CMO choir rendered the hymns for fun.

    The CMO Chairman, Mr. Oyefeso  Akinyemi, said it was very delightful to watch men work as mass servers, a role that is mostly performed by children and youths.

    His words: “It was very delightful because in the spirit of change and innovation because some of the fathers growing up were mass servers . This year we decided that we will make it unique. We find ourselves both as choir members, as church wardens and even serving at the altar. And that was what we did.”

    He explained that the father day celebration is to remind the men of their spiritual obligation to their families.

    He added that it is to demonstrate how to take care of the family in a proper Catholic way.

    The chairman recalled that there was a seminar in the church last Saturday when the men came with their wives to listen to lectures on what it takes to be a responsible Catholic father.

  • Buhari breaks a jinx

    One of the first groups President Muhammadu Buhari met face to face when he resumed at the Presidential Villa on Monday was journalists covering the State House.

    This was a sharp departure from what happened under the administration of the immediate past President Goodluck Jonathan.

    Apart from the fact that Jonathan and his handlers never saw the need for him to meet journalists when he assumed office as Vice President and later President, it became a taboo for Jonathan to directly meet journalists covering the Presidential Villa during the eight years he spent at the seat of power.

    The only exception was when selected journalists covering the Villa, numbering about six, were invited to interview Jonathan in his office towards the end of last year.

    But to date, it is still unclear whether the questions during that session freely came from the journalists or it was teleguided just to push out what the government wanted to pass out to the public.

    Whatever the case may be, that was the only face to face interview or meeting Jonathan had with State House correspondents in the Villa.

    Also only journalists from outside the State House were often invited to take part in the occasional Presidential Media Chat held by the immediate past President.

    But the doors are often open to State House correspondents to cover some of the official functions attended by former President Jonathan in the State House.

    Attempt in the ‘From the Villa’ write up of 23rd September, 2014 to encourage the last administration to change the trend and effectively engage State House correspondents in line with happenings in the developed world fell on deaf ears.

    But on his very first working day in the Presidential Villa, last week Monday, Buhari met with State House correspondents.

    During the meeting, Buhari defended his decision to appoint Femi Adesina as the Special Adviser on Media and Publicity to liaise with members of the State House Press Corps.

    Jokingly, he also said that he came to thank the journalists in advance for ýthe good or ill reports they will write about him.

    Buhari, who spent a total of twenty five minutes with the State House correspondents, took time to shake hands and posed for photograph with each of the over 80 journalists in the hall.

    By the time each journalist approached him and introduced himself or herself and the media house represented, Buhari exhibited an excellent knowledge of most of the media houses.

    When the Leadership newspaper reporter introduced himself to him, Buhari jokingly told him: “Tell your cartoonist my neck is fatter.”

    For the New Telegraph newspaper reporter, Buhari told him: “Okay, Orji Kalu, you guys are quite new.”

    He told the Tribune newspaper reporter: “You people have been consistent.”

    To the Daily Trust newspaper reporter, he said: “You are our own.”

    When one of the Nigeria Television Authority (NTA) reporter introduced himself, Buhari said to him: “Hope you people will be giving me good coverage now.”

    To African Independent Television (AIT) reporter, he said: “AIT, Great people.”

     

    Changing defence mode

     

    President Muhammadu Buhari, who was a general in the Army, is bringing his professional touch to bear in the fight against the terrorists group, Boko Haram.

    Like what a grand master in the game of Chess will do, Buhari is now changing the strategy against the terrorist group from defence status to massive attack.

    In the game of Chess, the best strategy to conquer the enemy is by marshaling out your troops and weapons in attacks rather than sitting at home to defend.

    To this end, every good Chess player will embrace the theory: ‘Attack is the best form of defence’, in order to capture the enemy.

    This is exactly what Buhari aims to achieve by ordering last week Monday for immediate dismantling of non necessary military check points put in place in many points across the country under the administration of former President Goodluck Jonathan in response to the onslaught by Boko Haram.

    In attempt to take the war to the enemy, Buhari is freeing more men and  weapons for massive attacks on Boko Haram’s enclave, Sambisa forest and their other strongholds within Nigeria’s territory.

    Even though some Nigerians have expressed reservations on the possibility of winning the war through only military operations, the high number of soldiers and weapons freed from the many dismantled military check points across the country, in addition to the troops already fighting the war, will go a long way in subduing Boko Haram.

    Sambisa forest and other stronghold of the enemy will definitely be soon flooded with Nigerian soldiers.

    If this step had been taking long time ago, there might not be need for calls for help from outside the country to defeat Boko Haram.

     

    Salary arrears drama in Villa

     

    Despite the fact that the current inability of many states to settle their huge workers’ salary arrears has been a serious issue, the matter became a source of drama that made many state governors and President Mohammadu Buhari to smile and laugh in the Presidential Villa, Abuja on Tuesday.

    The drama ensued when it was time for President Buhari and Vice President Yemi Osinbajo to pose for photographs with the 36 state governors who attended the meeting towards resolving the cash crunch hitting the country.

    The 36 state governors, who came out from the meeting venue first, left space for Buhari and Osinbajo in the middle of the front row as they prepared themselves for the photograph.

    As Buhari and Osinbajo approached them and took their space for the photograph, Ogun State Governor, Ibikunle Amosun, wearing his trademark long cap, cracked jokes concerning the workers’ salaries arrears.

    Before the photographers could take their shots, Amosun, who was standing directly behind the President, drew the attention of Buhari, who then turned back to listen to him.

    Amosun jokingly told him if it will not be better for the 36 state governors to be re- arranged for the photograph in a way that the states not owing salaries will stay in the front rows while others will be on the back rows depending on how much salaries they are owing their workers. Those owing more, he said, should stay at the back row.

    Buhari and other governors smiled and laughed at the joke.

    The President then tuned forward to pose for the group photograph.

     

  • Pupils restate rights on Day of African Child

    If those who massacred schoolchildren in Soweto, South Africa, in 1976 sought to silence them or belittle their rights, they failed. Pupils from elementary to primary and secondary schools have continued to raise their voices every year, demanding that they are entitled to the best of education.

    So it was at the anniversary of that mid-year tragedy in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) when the kids said education is their right, never a privilege.

    The pupils were affirmative. They insisted that good and qualitative education should be the right of every Nigerian child especially the girl-child.

    The students made their position known while commemorating the Day of the African Child in the nation’s capital. They demanded government should revisit the education sector and ensure every child in the territory is given special attention. Alongside their teachers, they sought the opportunity to showcase the future they so much craved.

    It was at an event organised by international and local non-governmental organisations (NGOs). They include A World at School, Global Youth Ambassador, Connected Development (CODE), DRPC, Civil Society Action Coalition on Education for All and Save the Children. The pupils are majorly from LEA Primary School, Kado Estate; Community Secondary School, Gwarinpa as well as students from a make-shift school for the Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs), Area 1.

    The day was set aside by the African Union (AU) to remember a tragedy- the massacre of hundreds of children in Soweto, South Africa who were demonstrating for basic right to a decent education. The incident has ever since showcased African child to global spectacle on educational right.

    So, students from the FCT schools wanted government to assist low income earning parents to support their wards; most especially in the area of free education as practiced in selected states in the country.

    They expressed fury over situations where their colleagues get to school late due to reasons that they would need to street hawk early in the morning before proceeding to school. Some of these are among list of circumstances they detest and urged government to address.

    Miss Judith Solomon, Primary 5 Pupil of LEA, Kado said as part of the participants, she was at the event to make her statements to the celebration of the Day for the African child. “I want the world to know that there is goodness in girl child education. I want the world to know that I am proud of myself and that I have right to education.”

    The 10-year old pupil emphasised that as Nigerian child, “We will stand for our right to get this education.”

    “I want government to develop my school by bringing more staff and providing more facilities necessary for the school.” Among other requests, relevant government authorities were tasked to perform their mandate and ensure every child gets access to good education.

    “Government should also ensure that all children in Nigeria have access to education. It is our right and not out privilege”

    “Government should ensure they provide whatever is possible for the children to get what they wanted and education is what we want,” Solomon, who aspired to be a medical doctor, said.

    As for Mohammed Garba, a student in one of the IDP camps in the territory, life without education is worthless. Garba, just like every other pupil in the IDP camps sacrificed his pains, despite previous encounter subjected to terrors of the Islamic sect. He strove to undergo some basic learning even barefooted with much struggle with hunger.

    “I am here to talk about my education. I just want to be in school. All I want is education. I want to become a doctor, so government should build school for us and give us good teachers,” Garba admonished.

    Community volunteered teacher who is also a victim of the Boko Haram attack in Maiduguri, Borno State, Abdul Tashiu pleaded with the government to come to the rescue of internally displaced children, especially in the area of feeding and education.

    Tashiu explained he chose to sacrifice his time for the children because when you educate a child, it is believed you have educated the society. He was able to voluntarily teach about 132 pupils in basic classes such as after their stay at the camp, they could continue their education.

    “I decided to become a volunteer in the society because there is low acceptance of education in the north which leads to early marriage.

    Children lack access to schools in IDP camps. Some of them even come from rural areas where they have no school around. So I decided to intervene providing three classrooms for the 132 pupils.”

    But he lamented over paucity of funds which he said had discouraged about four other teachers who joined him in the humanitarian work to suspend work. “The children come in mufti, barefoot. They need teachers and the environment is so poor so they need teaching aids such as desk, writing materials and are very hungry.

    “When the children come to school, they complain of hunger. So these children need to have breakfast before they go into their classrooms.”

    Maimuna Sidiham, an SS2 student of Community Secondary School, Asokoro advocated for every child to be in school. As for her, it is inhuman for parents or guardian to give young girls out for marriage.

    Describing the child marriage as worst thing that could happen to any girl child, the 16 year old student queried rationale why some children will be in school while others are on the street hawking to either feed themselves or guardian.

    The programme, according to her would enlighten them of their rights as a girl child and the essence of educating a female child. “I wonder why they will stop a child from school to get married in some states. Such action is so wrong.”

    “When you go to Karu, Nyanya, you will see young girls hawking when they are meant to be in school. Sometimes, it could be that the government cannot afford to take them to school but government could help,” she said.

    “I am not trying to discriminate here but the Muslims believe it is important for girls to get married early and not be in school be in their husbands house,” she added.

    She urged the organisers to do more of public enlightenment to change orientation of the parents.

     

  • Indigenes seek upgrade of chiefdom

    The Abuja’s original inhabitants of Garki community, have called on the incoming Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) to the upgrade the Garki chiefdom.

    They said, “The community is old enough to be controlled by a higher chief.”

    One of the leaders of the community, Rev. Danjuma Tanko, spoke on behalf of the natives to reporters, saying that the existence of Garki village goes as far back as 120BC, before the white missionary and industrialisation of Nigeria.

    He added that there is the need to grant the traditional institution in the FCT, the rights benefits on their thrones, so that they can contribute immensely in areas of promoting peace and other governmental affairs.

    He lamented that what the people of Garki has been experiencing from past administrations, without appreciating the sacrifice that have been made by the people of Abuja, saying that no government has shown sympathy to the people for their land that were forcefully taken away

    from them.

    “I must say that it is painful that after indigenes of Abuja have made sacrifices of giving their ancestral land for the development of the FCT, the past governments have not even see reasons to make us benefit from the government.

    “We are appealing to President Muhammadu Buhari to revisit the case of the FCT, also for him tore-address the rating of traditional institutions, in which he should use his good offices to upgrade the Chief of Garki, as a sign of considering the sacrifice we have made for the purpose of uniting Nigeria.

    “It is obvious that we have been denied equal participation in governance and polity. We have not been given any executive appointment; we have been denied quota system, no political elective positions as in states, not even equivalent or alternatives, considering the larger population increase.

    “The most shameful thing happening outside out community is where you find some traditional rulers who are supposed to be fighting for our course, running after government-appointed officers, just for their personal gains, instead of concentrating in their traditional

    responsibilities. It is wrong for a traditional ruler to do such,” he said.

  • ‘I hate to be called a beggar’

    ‘I hate to be called a beggar’

    He takes the maxim very seriously. In every disability, Ibrahim Yahaya sees ability. This saying is what has kept the 34-year-old man, who is living with disability, going.

    Yahaya hates to be seen as being physically impaired though he can’t walk or stand on his legs. To move around, Yahaya uses a flat wood which has small tyres to move around and by so doing, he prevents his clothes from dirt as he does not need to crawl like most people with similar condition.

    His upper body appears OK but his waist down to his legs is smaller, making it difficult for him to do anything other than seat.

    Disability is usually the consequence of an impairment that may be physical, cognitive, mental, sensory, emotional, developmental, or some combination of these.

    It is problematic to get the data of those living with disability but despite the difficulty in getting the accurate number of those living with disability, the World Health Organisation in 2012 estimated a world population of 6.5billion people and of these, nearly 650 million people, or 10%, were estimated to be moderately or severely disabled.

    Also an earlier report by the United Nations in 2003 showed that Nigeria has roughly 12 million citizens who are disabled. This disabled population includes people with functional limitations such as physical, intellectual, or sensory impairment, medical condition, or mental illness.

    There is no denying the fact that so many people who are living with disabilities either had it from birth or during their lifetime.

    Some causes of disabilities as indicated in 2004 by CLEEN Foundation includes birth defect and health issues, oil pipeline explosions and road accidents. The report added that disabled individuals include former soldiers, industrial workers, and victims of inter-ethnic and religious conflicts.

    Unlike those who encountered one form of challenge that resulted in their disability, Yahaya who spoke with our reporter claimed that he just woke up one morning and discovered that he could no longer stand on his legs.

    In spite of the disability Yahaya is living with, he has decided not to resort to begging which is the common practice in this part of the world. He instead decided to also give back to the society.

    The little way to give back in his own way is by keeping the pedestrian bridge, located in NNPC Junction of Kubwa, Abuja clean.

    This act of his has drawn the attention of many goodhearted persons to him, this was witnessed by our reporter who spent some time with him while he was doing his job on the bridge.

    While our reporter was on the bridge with him, not less than 18 passersby stopped to ask about his welfare as well as give him some money and in response to the kind gesture, Yahaya communicates with them in diverse languages and as they give him something, he is quick to appreciate and say some lines of prayer.

    In Abuja, it is common to see staff of the Abuja Environmental Protection Board sweeping the major streets in Abuja but very rare for them to be seen sweeping pedestrian bridges. The neglect of the bridges according to Yahaya is also part of what led him to take it upon himself to sweep.

    Mostly, traders take over many bridges in Abuja during the day and night, thereby making the place messy at the end of each day and for the sake of users of the bridge, Yahaya has made it a daily routine to sweep the staircases and the main walkway of the bridge.

    Just like normal workers, Yahaya who resides in Zuba, some kilometers away from Kubwa Pedestrian bridge makes it a point of duty to resume sweeping daily.

    On what made him engage in this exercise, he said he just thought of how he could also give back to the society instead of joining those who are handicapped to beg.

    He said: “It is normal in the north to see those with little forms of disability seating or standing in strategic locations begging but I hate it. I see myself just as every other persons and if others are not begging, I don’t see the reason why I should be begging.”

    Speaking about himself, he said: “I was not born like this and it is not accident. I used to walk before but I just woke up one morning and discovered that I can no longer stand with my legs. Whatever happens, I believe God knows best and I will still thank God.

    “I am from Katsina State, Daura Local government. I willingly decided to start sweeping the bridge, nobody compelled me to. It is just my own little way of contributing to the society. I come here every day in the morning, as early as 6:30 to 7:30, I resume here from Zuba just to come and keep this place clean

    One would expect him to go back home to his wife and one year old baby, Aisha after his daily sweeping routine but he does not because he also enrolled in tailoring school and after which he goes to his brothers shop to learn how to repair phones and other electronic devices.

    “I hate idleness and that is why I am learning tailoring, I want to be a designer and I need the designing machine to do that. I started learning in Zuba but he traveled and instead of stopping, I decided to join my brother who repairs handsets, radio and other electronic gadgets to learn pending when my boss in the tailoring shop will return.

    “I don’t want to stay idle and I don’t want to beg like others. I don’t even like associating with the beggars but while I sweep, I have had encounters with so many people, some people will just say, my friend, take N10 to buy pure  water and that is how I survive but I don’t leave my house with the intention to beg.

    Unlike most people whose desires is to become rich, travel all over the world, own many houses, numerous cars and other things, Yahaya’s utmost desire in life is to own an embroidery machine.

    “I am married to a wife and I have a child named Aisha, she is just a year old.  My dream is to have my own Tinko embroidery machine. It is a designing machine and it is about N75,000. I hope to be able to own one someday.

     

  • FCTA cautions task team on violence

    The Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Permanent Secretary, Mr. John Chukwu, an engineer, has cautioned the FCT Special Task Team on City Cleaning and Management to avoid any situation that will lead to violence in dealing with environmental defaulters in the city.

    He also urged them to re-dedicate themselves to the onerous task of making Abuja cleaner than before.

    Chukwu insisted that members of the team should follow the rules of engagement as applicable to the task team.

    He stated this in Abuja at an emergency meeting with the members of the task team led by its chairman, FCT Police Commissioner, Mr Wilson Inalegwu.

    This was disclosed in a press statement by Deputy Director/Chief Press Secretary Muhammad Sule.

    He stated, “The FCT Permanent Secretary, Engr. John Chukwu has charged the FCT Special Task Team on City Cleaning and Management to re-dedicate itself to the onerous task of making Abuja cleaner than before.

    “ Engr. Chukwu however, urged the members to exercise caution in dealing with environmental defaulters in the city by following due process and avoid any situation that will lead to violence.

    “The Abuja city, more than ever, requires effective services and orderliness so that people can go about their lawful businesses in a very safe environment,” he stressed.

    “Engr. Chukwu reiterated that members should follow rules of engagement as applicable to the Task Team.

    ”Furthermore, the Permanent Secretary called for “self-assessment on how efficient we are delivering these services”; emphasizing, “the system must work in line with the vision of the Abuja founding fathers”.

    ”He warned, “all eyes are on us, so we must continue to do more than we were doing before” and insisted that commercial motorcyclists (Okada), street hawkers and beggars must be put-off the streets of the Federal Capital City, while KEKENAPEP restricted to designated areas.

    “Responding, the FCT Police Commissioner/Chairman of the Task Team, Mr. Wilson Inalegwu assured the Permanent Secretary of full support in the sustenance of the performance of the Task Team and in the management of the city and further announced that 51 fuel hawkers arrested by the Task Team are presently being prosecuted at the FCT Mobile Court.”

  • A time to say thank you

    Many women and youths had to stand for hours at the old Banquet Hall of the Presidential Villa, Abuja penultimate Saturday night. Every space surrounding the oversubscribed tables and seats in the hall was taken up by those who could not sit. Still, there was a spillover of guests outside.

    The event was the appreciation dinner in honour of All Progressives Congress (APC) women and youths across the country who defied the rain and sunshine to cast their votes on March 28.

    It was an event for President Muhammadu Buhari to say thank you to them for the role they played in his victory at the polls.

    Even though President Buhari was away in South Africa for the 25th African Union (AU) Summit, his wife, Hajiya Aisha Buhari hosted the women and youths to a lavish dinner attended by wives of state governors on the APC platform.

    For easy movement, most of the women and youths were conveyed to the venue in their hundreds in large capacity buses owned by the Abuja Urban Mass Transport Company (AUMTCO), an agency under the Federal Capital Territory Administration (FCTA).

    While the groups from the various states wore the same attire, ‘Aso Ebi’ many others appeared in their best attires.

    But the criteria for accessing the security gates and entrances at the Villa were the special invitation cards printed for the event.

    The hall walls, tables and chairs were decorated in blue and white colours while the chairs and tables were marked for the delegates according to each state of the federation.

    Unlike the scarce sitting and standing spaces, there were enough variety of foods and drinks to satisfy the guests.

    There were also plenty souvenirs to go round.

    Aisha Buhari said: “Here we are today celebrating the victory of our great party, celebrating the peaceful handover of power from one democratically elected President to another.

    “When we started our campaign, we knew that it was not going to be easy for us but with the team work, it is a success story now.

    “I want to thank all Nigerian women and youths for the crucial roles you played towards the success of the last election. I am very much aware of your steadfastness during the electioneering campaigns up till the elections proper.

    “I wish to acknowledge your efforts which contributed significantly to our success story. An occasion like this will naturally offer us an atmosphere to interact and reflect on how to play more supportive roles to our government at all levels for the benefit of our people.

    “Remember we were voted by the people and so we are going to work for the people and government is of the people.

    “In line with the philosophy of my husband, President Muhammadu Buhari, this administration is an open one and it is for all Nigerians as he said he belongs to every Nigerian and also belongs to nobody.

    “I simply cannot thank you enough for the love, contributions and sacrifices during this journey. Many have lost their lives and many found themselves in difficult situations, particularly victims of insurgency.

    “It is with heavy heart that I recall their sufferings during this period. Yet, many of them were determined to cast their votes in anticipation of a change in their lives.” She added

    The National Leader of the APC, Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu did not fail at the event to charge the new administration to go beyond saying thank you to the numerous women and youths who made the victory possible.

    Tinubu, who was represented by Senator Babafemi Ojudu, in his remark titled ‘The change is about them,’ said that every woman and youth in the rural and other parts of Nigeria must not be forgotten.

    The Nigerians, the new government must not forget, he said, include that woman in the creek of Niger Delta who paddles her canoe night and day in search of her livelihood; the woman in Kotonkarfi who fry Kose to provide for her children; that woman in the deep forest of Igbo land who rides her bicycle with her hoe on her shoulder to cultivate cassava to send her children to school; that woman in Ado Ekiti, who toils hours in the market selling Gari to train her children; the Gwari woman who with her pot nestled on her shoulder walks kilometers daily in search of water; the mothers of missing Chibok girls who continue to live with the agony of the loss of their daughters; and the millions of ordinary Nigerian women who defied the elements and queued for hours to cast their votes for APC.

    “This change is about them , it is for them, for their children and their future. We must therefore do everything possible not to disappoint them. This change must not be aborted. You must defend it so that together we can say we have fulfilled our covenant with our people.” He added

    No doubt, the lives of all Nigerians will definitely be affected if the lives of women and youth are touched.

     

    Renewed onslaught against Boko Haram

     

    The third week of President Muhammadu Buhari in office has continued to expand the international campaigns against the deadly Islamic sect, Boko Haram.

    He took the case, last week Sunday, to the 25th Assembly of Heads of State and Government of the African Union (AU) in South Africa.

    Sensing that the noose is closing in on it, the sect appears to be carrying out fresh desperate attacks.

    Apart from attacks in Northern parts of Nigeria last week, Boko Haram struck at unusual terrains.

    It carried out twin suicide bombings in the Republic of Chad last week Monday, killing about 34 persons and injuring more than 100 victims.

    There was also an attack by the sect in Niger Republic last Wednesday night, killing about 30 civilians.

    Chad and Niger have been in the forefront of collaboration efforts with Nigeria to eliminate the sect from the sub region.

    In response to the attack, Chad’s military had claimed that it carried out series of air strikes against Boko Haram bases in Nigeria, causing heavy human and material damage to six of the sect’s bases.

    But Defence Headquarters in Nigeria countered that there was no Chadian military airstrike in Nigeria.

     

  • Medical screening for Hajj pilgrims

    Medical screening for Hajj pilgrims

    Intending pilgrims from the Federal Capital territory have been informed that they will undergo a compulsory medical screening arranged by the FCT Muslim Pilgrims Welfare Board to qualify them to travel to Saudi Arabia.

    Director of the Board, Malam Bashir Muhammad stated this while monitoring the second phase of the Education and Orientation exercise for 2015 intending Pilgrims at the permanent Hajj transit camp over the weekend.

    In a press statement sent by the Public Relations Officer (PRO) of the Commission, Muhammad Aliyu, Malam Bashir warned the pilgrims to present themselves to the screening organised by the board and participate in all activities arranged for the success of the exercise.

    And warned that failure to participate in any of the activities by the intending pilgrim may risk the chances of performing hajj through the board this year.

    The statement also disclosed that the director had disclosed that the board had fixed 28th to 30th of Julyfor the medical screening which is to be conducted at the permanent hajj camp.

    It also stated that, “Mallam Bashir said that the third phase of the education and orientation exercise for the pilgrims would be conducted on 25th and 26th July at the usual venue.

    “The fourth and final education and orientation exercise for intending pilgrims this year which involve practical and examination is scheduled to take place on 1st and August 2 at the hajj camp, while distribution of literature materials and uniform would be conducted immediately after the payment of the balance of hajj fare as soon as the federal government releases the final hajj fare for this year.

    “He urged the intending pilgrims to take the programmes with all seriousness they deserve in order to get the value for their money. He therefore warned all intending pilgrims who are yet to submit their international passport to the board, to, as a matter of urgency, do so to enable the Board process their travel documents or risk the chance of performing the hajj.

    “The education and orientation exercises were aimed at educating the FCT intending pilgrims on all aspects of the operation ranging from hajj rites, Transportation system for the operation, morale and manners during Hajj exercise, as well as Saudi rules and regulations

    in addition to new policies introduced for this year’s Hajj by the Saudi authorities and National Hajj Commission of Nigeria (NAHCON).

    “The exercise also enables the intending pilgrims get conversant with the prohibited items for the journey and penalties. Various stakeholders on Hajj affairs are expected to present lectures on their role in the operation.”

     

  • Goodbye to Eagle Square

    Goodbye to Eagle Square

    Soon, the popular Eagle Square will be converted to a rail terminal. GRACE OBIKE reports

    It may abide for a while, but the popular Eagle Square in the heart of the nation’s capital will eventually give way to a rail terminal.

    Like other cities in the world, Abuja boasts its own high-profile square, where presidents are inaugurated and some of the biggest events are held.  The square has hosted thousands of uniformed personnel, hundreds of horses and perhaps an uncountable number of the high and mighty.

    It was at the Eagle Square that President Muhammadu Buhari was inaugurated a little under a month ago. It has served as an important landmark in the city

    But in the thinking of the powers-that-be, the square should give way to a rail terminal, in keeping with the plan to transform the city into one of the most beautiful capitals in the world.

    Most countries of the world  have their squares located in the centre of their cities which attract lots of tourists. Examples are the Tiananmen Square located in the centre of Beijing, Trafalgar Square which is a tourist attraction in central London and lots more. The Eagle Square may not boast such popularity or attractions as these other venues and is not always available for everyone to strut on, nor does it draw tourists; in fact, when nothing special is happening, it is little more than an open space with chairs. Still, it has earned its exalted place in event destinations.

    Soon, however, the great Abuja landmark and ceremonial space will give way to a rail terminal that will serve the Secretariat and the Central area environs, according to the Director Transportation, FCT, Mr. Alex Ezumah, an engineer.

    “Eagle Square was built to be dismantled,” he said. “If you look at it, the structures where done somewhere, brought in there and assembled and when we are ready, we will dismantle it and take it elsewhere.

    “The dismantling of this precious square is not going to be embarked upon because authorities of the FCT do not like it or know of its value as the occasional ceremonial square, no. It will have to go because the square is presently sitting on the Lot 2 of the Abuja rail corridor and the avoidance of the square will certainly distort the Abuja master plan.”

    Speaking further, he said, “Eagle Square, I am sure you know, is on a temporary location, according to the Abuja master plan, the Eagle Square is not supposed to be where it is situated right now, rather that place is part of the Abuja rail corridor and it is a terminal for the Secretariat and Central area environment; actually it is the lot 2 of the Abuja rail network that will terminate in that area.

    “Although the dismantling of the square may not happen soon due to the fact the administration is yet to complete all the processes required for the lot rail network, resident will have to bear in mind that the day will come when the square will have to give way or for residents who might be wishing for an act of providence, that might spare the square or still are of the believe that the President of someone else high up the ladder will have to sign up on the dismantling before it happens.

    Ezumah clarified, “FCTA and FCDA (Federal Capital Development Authority) have been charged statutorily to develop Abuja, we do not need any other approval to carry out development in Abuja but what handicaps we may have would be funding or political issues but not that we need anybody to approve or allow us do our job, whatever our money can fund or get a loan to do, to make Abuja move forward and make life better for the masses, the FCTA will do.

    ”The corridors for the Abuja rail network has been preserved and protected for more than 30 years, there is no doubt

    there are few encroachments here and there and that can be explained, encroachment in the sense that if you are not going to use a land for 20 years, you deplore it for other things but not permanent structures and when the need to use it comes, it is removed. I can tell you, if we

    have 300kms of rail network, 250kms is free of any encumbrance.

    “He further explained that the rail network which is divided into six different lots will be completed at different time frames with the first segment, which will be the lots 1A and 3, to be completed by this Dec.2015 and this will hopefully ease the suffering of Abuja residents.

    In explaining the Abuja rail network system, he said, “The Abuja rail network which comprises approximately 300kms is segmented into six lots that is 1,2,3,4,5 and 6, we have the ongoing lots 1 and 3 which is been done by Chinese company.

    “It will start from somewhere in the Central area where we have the NNPC mega station and go through Wuye, where they are cutting the road, through the national park, through Ring road 1, get to Idu where you have the major depot and facilities, big terminal and depot and an exchange station. From Idu it will continue to Kubwa and also from Idu, another leg will go to the airport all totalling about 45.245kms that is the first phase of the Abuja rail network being handled by CCECC Nig. Limited.”Then there is the lot 2,4,5 and 6. Where lot 2 is the rail network that starts from Gudu, go through Garki 2, through the Police officers mess behind FCDA, beside Akwa Ibom house and then where you have the Bullet building and then get to the Eagle square and the continue from their through Maitama, beside the Nicon Hilton and then get to Katampe and go to Gwagwa to join the leg going to Kubwa at Gwagwa where we have a transfer station.

    “Then the lot 4,5 and 6. Lot 5 is the stretch that will go from Kubwa to Bwari and terminate their and maybe with a detour to Suleja, this one is a proposal, it was not in the original network but the idea is being tinkered with, lot 4 is the southern part of the transit way, the part that will go towards Abaji, Karshi and maybe to Gudi in Niger State to join the national rail and then lot 6 is the lot that will start from the Airport wherethe first segment terminates, through Kuje to Gwagwalada and from there it will join the line coming from Minna, the national line, In a nutshell this is the entire segment of the Abuja rail network.”Lots 1 and 3, we have done the visibility study, conceptual design and final design but construction is still ongoing in lots 1A and 3 by the Chinese company, lots 1B we are thinking of making an addendum to theongoing 1 and 3, so we can say that lots 1 and 3 is ongoing and committed, then lot 2, we are trying to do under Public Private Partnership (PPP), a company Merses IRMG has signed an MOU (Memorandum of Understanding)  with the FCT administration to further the work done because lots 1,2 and 3 had their visibility study before now, a Canadian company Merses CPCS of Trascorm did a visibility study and conceptual design of lot 1,2 and 3, then it was from this visibility study that the Chinese took up 1 and 3 to do the final design and final feasibility and then continue with the development but lot 2 stopped at that level now you have to do the final design and final feasibility for you to develop any lot.

    “The first segment we are doing has a target completion date of Dec. 2015 even though we are running a little bit behind schedule but in the last two years things has been more steady especially after Nigeria and the FCT secured the China Nexim bank loan to fund it.”