Tag: Dr. Mariya Mahmoud

Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Minister of State, Dr. Mariya Mahmoud, has declared that empowering women economically is one of the surest pathways to reducing poverty, achieving equity, and fostering lasting peace.

The Minister made the assertion at an economic empowerment forum organized for women political leaders and economic experts, on the sidelines of the 80th United Nations General Assembly in New York.

Mahmoud expressed delight that under the visionary leadership of President Bola Tinubu, the Renewed Hope Agenda has prioritized gender inclusion, youth development, and the creation of opportunities that enable women to thrive as innovators, entrepreneurs, and leaders.

The Minister, therefore, used the occasion to reaffirm the commitment of the FCT Administration to building an enabling environment where women have equitable access to finance, skills, and markets that would allow them to fully contribute to national development.

She commended the organizers of the forum for providing a platform where ideas, policies, and strategies could converge to accelerate progress on women’s empowerment.

According to a statement issued by her Special Assistant Media, Austine Elemue, the minister said, “This gathering underscores the truth that gender equality is not a privilege but a fundamental right, and financing inclusive growth is a responsibility we must all shoulder.

“This platform is not only timely but also pivotal in our collective pursuit of inclusive growth, sustainable peace, and the promotion of human rights”.

Mahmoud emphasised that by placing women at the centre of economic development, the globe would be investing in the transformation of families, communities, and nations.

The forum with the theme scaling women’s economic empowerment: financing inclusive growth for peace, development, and human rights, brought together policymakers, political leaders, giants of industries, innovators, diplomats, and other stakeholders to chart a course for women’s empowerment.

The Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Minister of State, Dr. Mariya Mahmoud, has declared that President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s administration has placed youth empowerment at the centre of its Renewed Hope Agenda.

She said Tinubu has recognised youths as the driving force of Nigeria’s future.

The Minister made this declaration at the closing ceremony for the 2025 Batch ‘B’ Stream 1 Orientation Course held at the NYSC Permanent Orientation Camp in Kubwa-Abuja.

Mahmoud explained that through skills development, entrepreneurship support, digital innovation, and job creation initiatives, the government aimed to equip Nigerian youths to thrive in a competitive global economy.

The goal, she said, was to empower young people as job creators rather than just job seekers, thus reducing unemployment, fostering innovation, and strengthening socio-economic development.

She assured that the FCT Administration, under the leadership of Nyesom Wike, remained fully committed to supporting the NYSC’s noble objectives and providing an enabling environment for the corps members to excel.

While commending the NYSC management for their tireless efforts that made the orientation course successful, she, however, emphasised that the NYSC’s commitment to youth development and national integration was invaluable in strengthening the nation’s collective bond.

Addressing the corps members, according to a statement issued by her Special Assistant (SA) Media, Austine Elemue, the minister urged them to carry forward the lessons learned during orientation, highlighting that the values of discipline, unity, patriotism, and service to humanity should guide their conduct at all times.

She further charged them to contribute positively to the communities where they would serve, reminding them that the NYSC scheme was not only a call to duty but also an opportunity to promote national unity and be ambassadors of peace and development.

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Mahmoud also reminded the corps members to be security-conscious, to respect the cultures and traditions of their host communities, and to behave in ways that would bring honour to both the NYSC and Nigeria.

Speaking in the same vein, FCT NYSC Coordinator, Mr. Samson Ateli, affirmed that the NYSC has remained a national asset which plays vital roles in the promotion of peaceful co-existence and accelerated national development through the mobilisation and deployment of corps members to various spheres of the economy.

This, he said, inspires the corps members to function productively and take deliberate steps to fully integrate with members of their host communities.

Ateli advised corps members to accept their postings in good faith and desist from acts of inducing rejections.

“Similarly, I urge you to take advantage of the Skill Acquisition Entrepreneur Development (SAED) Programme and register for your post-camp SAED Training,” he added.

…inaugurates first green solar-powered market in Abuja 

Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Minister of State, Dr. Mariya Mahmoud, has called for the development of a sustainable, inclusive, and resilient economy that supports local farmers and empowers small-scale agribusinesses.

Speaking at the inauguration of the first green, solar-powered, state-of-the-art Utako farmer’s market—executed by the Abuja Investment Company Limited (AICL)—the Minister emphasized the importance of ensuring quality produce is accessible to all residents of the territory.

Mahmoud described the market as a hub for economic empowerment, a centre for agricultural excellence, and a crucial link between producers and consumers.

“This market will serve as a platform where farmers can sell directly to buyers, eliminating middlemen, reducing post-harvest losses, and boosting rural incomes,” she stressed.

The Minister, however, called on the farmers, traders, and entrepreneurs to take full ownership of the facility and use it as a catalyst for growth. 

While commending the visionary leadership and dedication of Abuja Investment Company Limited, she also emphasised that the market stands as a demonstration of what could be achieved through public-private collaboration, strategic investment, and community-focused development.

“As we inaugurate this market today, we reaffirm the commitment of the Federal Capital Territory Administration under the leadership of Barrister Nyesom Wike, to drive development that is people-centered, impactful, and sustainable,” she added.

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Mahmoud also commended President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, for his immense support towards the development of the nation’s capital city.

Speaking earlier, the Group Managing Director/CEO Abuja Investment Company Limited, Amb. Maureen Tamuno revealed that the Utako farmer’s market is the first Green Solar-Powered Market of its kind in the FCT and arguably the very first in Nigeria. 

She reaffirmed the commitment of the present FCT Administration under the leadership of Barrister Nyeson Wike to making Abuja a world-class city and to fulfil the SDG 11 Goal, which focuses onensuring that cities grow in a way that supports economic growth, environmental protection, improved quality of life for all residents and ensuring a better future for the residents of Abuja.

“We at Abuja Investments Company Limited (AICL) have demonstrated with the Green Farmers Market opening our resolve to actualize environmental sustainability and be part of the solution to the problem associated with climate change, which is a global concern. 

“The Utako farmers market being the First Green Market in Nigeria stands as an example of innovation, sustainability, and progress,” she stressed. 

Tamuno further revealed that the reliable and clean power supply in the market would enable traders to operate for extended hours and preserved perishable goods, thereby boosting their income.

She added that the market would support the food security policy thrust of the Renewed Hope Agenda of the current administration of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.

It could be recalled that the Utako farmers market project was developed on 3000 sq meters of land and consists of 50 lockup shops, 40 informal stalls, and 7 warehouses. 

• 290 pilgrims to depart Abuja for Jordan, Israel

The Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Minister of State, Dr. Mariya Mahmoud, yesterday urged 290 pilgrims departing the territory for Jordan and Israel to remember that a holy pilgrimage is neither a jamboree nor tourism.

She said a holy pilgrimage should be a spiritual call to strengthen one’s faith and to attain a new level of spirituality and responsibility.

Mahmoud spoke at the pre-departure orientation programme for the 2023/2024 main pilgrimage from the FCT.

The minister explained that the counselling was meant to prepare the pilgrims mentally and psychologically on the significance of Christian pilgrimage as well as to allay their fears on what to expect and what not to expect in the holy lands.

She said the counselling was also a demonstration of Federal Government’s commitment and reassurance to the pilgrims that the government was fulfilling its obligation.

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Reminding the pilgrims that their journey to the holy lands was a religious practice with unquantifiable blessing, Dr. Mahmoud also advised them to pray for the nation and its leadership at all levels for peace, progress, growth and development.

“I believe that through our collective prayers, God will continue to lead our country to greatness. While in the holy lands, remember you have responsibility,” she said.

The minister hailed the Nigeria Christian Pilgrims Commission (NCPC) under the leadership of Bishop Stephen Adegbite for its giant strides in coordinating the Christian pilgrimage nationwide over the years.

Mahmoud assured them that the FCT Administration remained committed to sustaining the mutual relationship between her and the commission.

She said FCTA would continue to support the activities of the Christian Pilgrims Welfare Board for spiritual transformation and wellbeing of the residents.

The Director of FCT Christian Pilgrims Welfare Board, Gloria Dandam, said the pilgrimage was meant to take the pilgrims to holy sites and strengthen their relationship with God as well as bring them closer to the eternal message of peace, love, and hope.

She assured that experts from various areas had been carefully selected to equip pilgrims with the essential tips that would help them during the sacred journey.

Dandam especially thanked the FCT Administration, FCT Minister Nyesom Wike, and Dr. Mahmoud for their continued support for the pilgrims’ board’s activities.

The Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Minister of State, Dr. Mariya Mahmoud, on Tuesday disbursed $25,000.00 each to ten communities that have qualified for the pilot stage of the Community Revolving Fund (CRF) through their respective Community Revolving Fund Management Committees.

Mahmoud also flagged off the distribution of water pumping machines to community Interest Groups (CIGs), motorcycles to the FCT Forest Guards, water tankers and a multipurpose truck to support reforestation efforts of the FCT Administration.

The minister who made these presentations to the benefiting communities in Abuja also acknowledged that the Community Revolving Fund (CRF) was a pivotal aspect of the Agro-Climatic Resilience in Semi-Arid Landscapes (ACReSAL) Project.

The pilot communities include Dafa, Gbako, Sheda, Pukafa, Ike, Tekpese, Wako, Ashara, Gbawuji, and Rugan Bature.

This project according to her is specifically under component B, which focuses on bolstering agro-climatic resilience at both the community and household levels by promoting locally and adapted sustainable land and water management (SLWM) strategies and through climate smart approaches to agriculture and natural resource management.

She stressed that although the fund was provided at zero interest rates, she warned that timely repayment is essential for its sustainability and to allow others to benefit.

The minister said: “I urge you to utilize these funds wisely and responsibly, leveraging this opportunity to enhance your socio-economic well-being, improve your livelihoods and contribute meaningfully to the development of your communities”.

Mahmoud described the timing of this initiative as apt, and significant as it aligns with the Federal Government’s strategic efforts to combat the escalating food crisis in Nigeria.

“It further reflects the FCT Administration’s dedication to uplifting the lives of the most vulnerable groups, thereby fostering a more equitable and resilient FCT”, she affirmed.

The minister, therefore, expressed the administration’s gratitude to the World Bank for their invaluable support and partnership through the ACReSAL project, while appreciating the contributions of the National Project Coordinator from the Federal Project Management Unit (FPMU).

Mahmoud pledged that the FCT Administration remains steadfast in its commitment to enhancing the lives of residents and creating a vibrant, thriving city in line with the Renewed Hope Agenda of Mr President.

Speaking earlier, Mandate Secretary Agriculture and Rural Development Secretariat, Hon. Lawan Kolo Geidam, explained that the Community Revolving Fund is a pivotal element under the ACReSAL project, aimed at enhancing agricultural resilience and promoting sustainable practices among targeted groups in identified watersheds. 

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He further noted that the fund was designed to empower local communities by providing them with the financial resources necessary to implement innovative and adaptive strategies, which are crucial for improving agricultural productivity, ensuring food security and ultimately enhancing their livelihoods and community growth.

He expressed delight that, after a long and arduous journey, the FCT could be counted among the states implementing the CRF in the country.

Geidam assured that the secretariat will remain committed to ensuring that the funds are utilized effectively and prudently for their intended purposes.

He revealed that the implementation of the ACReSAL project in the FCT is yielding the desired result leading to significant advancements in the reforestation of degraded forest reserves in Buja and Kujekwa.

Other areas of achievement according to him include the planting of 160 kilometers of shelter belt along Zuba to Giri junction to Abaji, as well as the fencing and protection of FCT forest plantations.

“The project has significantly enhanced the lives of our community members by providing over 41 solar-powered boreholes and 270 stand-alone solar lights. 

“Similarly, the project has strengthened support for climate-smart agriculture, especially during the dry season, with the construction of over 60 tubewells,” he added.

Items distributed include 60 solar-powered water pumping machines, 30 motorcycles and essential working materials for the FCT Forest Guards, and the newly acquired water tanker and multipurpose truck for climate smart irrigation farming. 

The Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Minister of State, Dr. Mariya Mahmoud, on Thursday, September 5, revealed that the present administration has distributed 9,170 farm production items to farmers within one year.

The distribution was made under the Fadama CARES programme.

The minister who made this declaration at the flag-off ceremony for the disbursement of project grants to a fourth batch of FCT Fadama CARES beneficiaries, also revealed that 3,150 benefited under the third batch while an additional 6,020 new beneficiaries will be provided grants under the fourth batch.

She said this would amount to a total of 9,170 beneficiaries during the first year of this administration, stressing that the figure indicates an achievement of 216% when compared to the disbursement figure of 4,233 recorded by the programme in about 2 years before the coming of this administration.

According to her: “This is in addition to the provision of water and sanitation facilities in 10 Wet Markets located across the 6 area councils of the FCT”.

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Speaking on the objective of the programme, Mahmoud, said that the FCT Fadama CARES Programme was designed to increase food security and the safe functioning of the food supply chain in the FCT.

Her words: “The programme is deliberately designed to support the recovery of livelihood activities of poor and vulnerable persons engaged in agricultural value chains with special consideration to women and unemployed youth.

“Its implementation will be anchored on the World Bank community-driven development approach for deployment of programme investments at the community level”.

She further noted that the programme is another significant indicator of the unflinching commitment of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, towards ensuring sustainable food production through his administration’s Renewed Hope Agenda.

“It is in line with Mr. President’s strategic vision that the FCT Administration under the leadership of the Hon. Minister, Barrister Nyesom Wike, is committing significant resources towards ensuring sustainable agricultural production as a panacea for poverty reduction and improvement of livelihoods for poor and vulnerable agricultural households in the FCT through the FCT Fadama CARES programme.

“This indeed is a clear indication of our administration’s commitment towards ensuring sustainable agricultural production for the attainment of food and nutritional security, poverty reduction, and improved livelihoods,” she added.

Mahmoud also emphasised that as part of the youth empowerment component of the Fadama CARES programme, the Agriculture and Rural Development Secretariat is leveraging the programme to provide starter packs to 94 trainees of FCT – Leventis Foundation School of Agriculture, Yaba for years 2022 and 2023 to enable them to put into practice what they studied in school.

On his part, the Mandate Secretary Agriculture and Rural Development Secretariat, Hon. Lawan Kolo Geidam, informed the minister that under the fourth batch of disbursement of grants to FCT Fadama CARES, 82 farmers’ community associations across the 6 area councils have been selected to benefit.

He, further said that within one year, 12,436 bags of NPK, 6218 bags of Urea, 18,654 litres of agrochemicals, 43,526 kg of assorted seeds, 55,400-day-old chicks and 7,756 bags of poultry feeds, and 81,800 Juveniles (catfish) and 2,045 bags of fish feed have been disbursed under Disbursement Linked Indicator (DLI) 2.1.

“Under DLI 2.3, 3690 Goats, 3212 sets of Farm Assets (Sprayers, Personal Protective Equipment, and Water Pumps and Accessories), 1006 Grinding Machines, and 22 units of 2MT/hour multipurpose threshers were disbursed, while water and sanitation facilities have been provided in 10 Wet Markets across the 6 Area Councils,” he affirmed.

The high point of the event was the distribution of items which include fertilizers, seeds and agrochemicals, sprayers, and personal protective equipment for crop farmers.

Day-old chicks and feeds were also distributed to poultry farmers, juveniles and feeds for fish farmers, goats for livestock farmers, and grinding machines for women processors.