The Nation Newspaper

Tag: FCT

  • FRSC increases operation in FCT

    The Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC) has increased its operational locations in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), it was learnt.

    Speaking with reporters at the road safety regulatory risk management workshop scheme organized by  Shell Petroleum Development Company (SPDC) at Abuja, FRSC, Assistant Corps Marshal Denis Terrang  said that following the World Bank intervention, the corps has procured 12 ambulances with which it can respond to accident situations  to rescue victims 20 minutes of getting the information.

    He said: “Even last month, the World Bank donated 12 ambulances to the FRSC. And these ambulances are equipped for the best rescue operations.”

    According to him, the FRSC now has roadside clinics which are equipped with paramedics.

    Meanwhile, SPDC Managing Director, Mr. Mutiu Summonu explained that following the growing death and injury rates from road accidents, the oil giant  moved to prune down the occurrences of road accidents with the sensitisation workshop.

    He said: “Statistics from the World Health Organization show that globally, road traffic accidents remain the leading cause of death by injury, the tenth leading cause of all deaths and the ninth leading contributor to the burden of disease.”

    He however vowed that: “With the highest mortality statistics being recorded from in Africa, it is time for all of us to do things differently.”

    Represented by the Manager, Health Safety &Environment, Amadi Amadi, he explained that globally, on yearly basis, about 1.2 million people die from road crashes  while 50 million are injured.

    While expressing worry that the crashes are capable of wiping away some small countries like Netherland that is only about that population, he added that the situation is unacceptable.

    He said “If you look at the statistics world-wide, about 1.2million people die on road accidents.  The total number of injured is in the range of 50million every year.”

    Summonu however said that “ that  is why we are putting this together to build the capacity of those who are saddled with the responsibility to enforce our road safety.”

    The participants at the workshop were representatives of the Nigeria Police Force, Federal Road Service Corps (FRSC),  Nigeria Security Civil Defence Corps (NSDC) and the Vehicle Inspectorate Officers, National Union of Road Transport Workers (NURTW).

     

  • FCT gets community-based health insurance committee

    The Federal Capital Territory Administration (FCTA) has established a technical committee on community-based health insurance scheme in order to ensure affordable access to healthcare services in rural communities in the territory.

    There are currently 861 communities in the six area councils of the FCT.

    Minister of State for the FCT, Oloye Olajumoke Akinjide, who inaugurated the committee in Abuja, said the scheme aimed at protecting the rural poor from the burden of paying for healthcare directly from their pockets.

    “The FCT Community-based Health Insurance Scheme aims at providing access to healthcare services for the rural poor. Each rural beneficiary becomes a CBHIS subscriber the moment he or she signs up to the programme by paying a token for rural health insurance scheme.

    “Families do not have to divert money that is supposed to be used for food and education to treat illnesses. They do not have to sell their household assets to pay for healthcare services for their family members,” said Akinjide, who was represented by the Executive Secretary, FCT Primary Healthcare Development Board, Dr. Rilwan Mohammed.

    The minister reiterated the commitment of the FCT Administration to create an enabling environment, develop a policy and legal framework, strengthen institutional arrangements and provide regular and sustained financial support through increased target coverage of health.

    She further explained that the technical committee was expected to come up with an institutional framework for the Community-based Health Insurance Scheme in the FCT.

    The committee, which is chaired by the FCT Minister of State, has as members the Emir of Jiwa, His Royal Highness (Dr.) Idris Musa; Director of Economic Planning, Research and Statistics, Alhaji Ari Isa Mohammed; Secretary of FCT Primary Healthcare Development Board, Dr. Rilwan Mohammed and Director of Primary Healthcare in Area Council Services Secretariat, Dr. Sani Muhammed.

    Other members are Special Assistant to the Permanent Secretary, Mr. David Gende; Dr. Hope Iloeaja of National Health Insurance Scheme (NHIS); Dr. Hamza Aliyu of NHIS, and Dr. Ibrahim Abubakar of the Millennium Development Goals.

    The Director of the FCT Area Council Health Insurance Scheme serves as Secretary to the committee.

  • FCT warns against illegal document on parks

    The FCT Administration will not release any title document on any park and garden within the 8,000 square kilometers of the Federal Capital Territory.

    The FCT Minister, Senator Bala Abdulkadir Mohammed made this disclosure, while receiving the 17-member delegation of the Indian Defence College that was in Abuja on a study tour of Nigeria, at the FCDA Conference Room, Central Business District, Abuja.

    The minister revealed that all Certificates of Occupancy meant for the parks and garden in the territory are domiciled in the Department of Parks and Recreation in the Abuja Metropolitan Management Council.

    Senator Mohammed reiterated that no title document on any of the gardens would be released to the Park Operators because such areas are only being sub-leased and would be taken back at the expiration of the lease period depending on activity on such areas.

    According to him, the activity on such parks determines the lease period, which is being graduated between five and 35 years that is the maximum.

    Senator Mohammed disclosed that since inception, the FCT Administration has been able to develop 30 percent of the Federal Capital City comprising of 250 square kilometers.

    “Accordingly, the FCT Administration has out of 79 Districts of the Federal Capital City developed 11 with 68 districts still undeveloped,” he stressed.

    The minister noted that India and Nigeria have similarities especially on their demographic challenges, which his administration is determined to turn into its utmost advantage.

    He lauded the sound diplomatic relations between Nigeria and India including their economic ties, which both nations have exploited to the benefit of their citizens.

    The leader of delegation of the Indian National Defence College, Air Vice Marshal IP Vipin appreciated the warm reception accorded his team.

    AVM Vipin who praised the rapid development being witnessed in Abuja within the short time of its conception, remarked that India and Nigeria have long standing history and would work to strengthen it.

  • FTAN, FCT hold investment forum

    The Federation of Tourism Associations of Nigeria [FTAN] in collaboration with the Federal Capital Development Administration [FCDA] has concluded arrangement to organise Nigeria’s first tourism investment forum.

    The event, slated for May 21 to 22 will hold at the prestigious Ladi Kwali Hall of Abuja Sheraton Hotel and Towers

    According to Chief Samuel Alabi, President of FTAN, the objective of the programme is to enable stakeholders discuss and address the issue of funding as vital element towards the development and maintenance of tourism products and destinations that can induce creation of new tourism frontiers by the creation of accessible funds.

    Other reasons put for forward by Alabi on the need for the forum are: to showcase the potential of the tourism sector to the economic development of Nigeria; to organize as well as to promote local tourism products and destinations to Nigerians before taking same to the international market and strengthen relationship between the tourism investors and their service/ product providers.

    The two- day event, which will comprise a seminar and exhibition, is expected to proffer a new direction for the tourism industry, most critically the much-talked about “Tourism Intervention Fund” which is yet to see the light of the day.

    Participants are expected from federal agencies, states, airlines, hotels, travel agents, tour operators, among others.

    FTAN president said necessary contacts are still being made within and outside the sector to ensure that the issue of intervention fund is given the deserved attention.

     

     

  • Groups flay houses demolition in Abuja

    Groups flay houses demolition in Abuja

    Weeks after the demolition of the Minanuel Estate on Airport Road  in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), criticisms have continued to trail the exercise.

    The Association of Building Artisans of Nigeria (ASBAN) and  a non-governmental organisation, Shelter Watch Initiatives, have condemned the demolition of  the over 5,000 housing units.

    Despite the criticisms, the FCT Minister, Senator Bala Mohammed, has threatened to  demolish more.

    The group condemned the action of the minister. It asked for his sack by President Goodluck Jonathan. Its National President, Mr Jimmy Oshinubi, said: “ASBAN has resolved to forward its petition to the Senate President; Speaker, House of Representatives and housing-related international agencies, including the United Nations Secretary-General to expose  to the international community  the resolve of the administration to keep our people out of job through demolition of houses in FCT.”

    He vowed that his group would collaborate with human rights groups in and outside the country to stop  the maladministration of the FCT administration. He asked Jonathan to restore confidence in his administration by restructuring land administration in the  FCT.

    Oshinubi also asked for the resettlement of Minanuel Estate subscribers and compensation to the developer.

    Also, the Executive Director, Shelter Watch Initiative, Mr Segun Olutade, said the demolition of houses in Abuja, without inviting the developers to present their case or recourse to rule of law, was an indication that our rulers are not humane.

    He said the demolition of the estate was motivated  by the greed of our political leaders who want to convert the land  to their  personal use. He called on right thinking individuals to condemn the act and insists that government compensate all the subscribers affected by this wicked act.

  • Stakeholders trade words over collapsed buildings

    Stakeholders trade words over collapsed buildings

    ARTISANS, professionals, some government agencies and manufacturers are trading words over frequent building collapses.

    Speaking at a workshop for concrete managers and artisans in Lagos, the stakeholders said if the decisions reached earlier by them were implemented, the nation might have experienced fewer cases of building failures.

    Several cities in the country, including the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) have witnessed building collapse, but Lagos probably because of its large size, seems to have more cases.

    This, perhaps, was why the workshop for concrete managers and artisans was organised by the Building Collapse Prevention Guild (BCPG) and the Lagos State Ministry of Physical Planning & Urban Development.

    BCPG Chairman, Mr Kunle Awobodu, said the collapse of buildings under construction and older buildings indicated a lag between the rate of development and monitoring and an evidence of dwindling observance of standard practice and dominion of quacks in the sector.

    He observed that though Lagos has been in the forefront of confiscating land of collapsed buildings to serve as a deterrent to reckless developers, the government also witnesses collapse in its own government buildings.

    Noting that the negative attitude that leads to the collapse of buildings owned by individuals also exists in the government system, he called for a closer working relationship between professionals in public service and those in the private sector to achieve desired results.

    He called for the recognition of concrete workers, saying though they occupy an important position in the sector, they are not well paid.

    He said a day of massive concrete at site could be a nightmare for the site manager and client as some of the concrete workers are intractable, difficult to control, behave irrationally and prone to violence.

    A former lecturer in the Department of Building of the Yaba College of Technology (YABATECH), Mr Siraj Bokini, said blamed artisans for buildings collapse, saying they have no liability except to the contractor who employed them.

    He also blamed clients, who insist on half measures and some professionals who compromise their ethics in a bid to make make extra cash.

    He observed that some people build without taking into consideration weather conditions, site communication, mixing rate, design interpretation.

    President, Nigeria Institute of Architects (NIA), Mr Haruna Ibrahim, said 10 years ago, there were fewer cases of collapsed buildings. He called for the reduction of cement price and the auditing of the structural integrity of buildings. The NIA boss called for the punishment of building control contraveners to serve as deterrent to others.

    In an address, the Commissioner of Physical Planning & Urban Development, Mr Toyin Ayinde, said the government has structured the monitoring of the physical development of the state into 57 sectors.

  • el-Rufai urges professionals

    The former Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Mallam Nasir el-Rufai has admonished professionals to uphold the tenets of service for the nation to rely on their expertise and judgement.

    Speaking at the induction of new associates into the professional cadre of the Nigerian Institution of Estate Surveyors and Valuers (NIESV) in Abuja, el-Rufai charged the inductees to ‘’ensure that  they distinguish themselves and always give clients value for money’.

    ’ Represented by an aide, Mr Martins Akumazi, said the problem with professionals is their disposition towards money rather than creating a niche for themselves by building a brand around integrity and professionalism.

    He urged them to be patient, dedicated to their professional callings and also to ensure they are always in tune with agreed principles of correct moral conduct. He also urged them to eschew anything pertaining to professional misconduct and dishonesty while carrying out their professional services.

    To the newly inducted Associates, he implored them to build their profession around good name which he said is more sustainable rather than money which will always follow any one that has the quality of integrity expressed by good name.

    He also enjoined them to be forthright in their dealings with clients and colleagues in their activities.

    In her keynote address at the ceremony, the Minister of Lands, Housing and Urban Development Ms. Ama Pepple represented by Sir GTN Tanbasi, a  Deputy Director in the Ministry, challenged professionals to upgrade themselves and ensure they are on top of issues in their profession.

    He said as it is impossible for a nation to develop beyond the level of her educational attainment, so it for its citizens. She urged them to see themselves as important stakeholders in the quest for nation building.

    She said as real estate practitioners’, the nation looks up to them as those who would provide the solution to housing in Nigeria. She said now that their voice can be heard as professionals, they should not hesitate to make their input known as professional members of Estate surveyors and valuers.

    The ceremony, which took place at Ladi Kwali Hall, Sheraton Hotel, Abuja under the chairmanship of Mr A. G. Songosanya, the Chairman of Estate Surveyors and Valuers Registration Board Of Nigeria (ESVARBON) attracted other professionals.

    NIESVPresident Mr Emeka Eleh who administered the oath of office and the induction assisted by members of his management committee, was enthusiastic that professionals have the wherewithal in terms of skill and competence to meet up with global standards when called upon to render their professional service.

  • Senator condemns demolition in Abuja

    Former chairman of the House of Representatives Committee on Housing and Urban Development, Chief Osita Izunaso, has condemned what he described as the inhuman demolition of Minanuel Estate in Lugbe Extension and other estates within the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Abuja.

    While cautioning against further demolitions in the city, Isunaso said the action doesn’t reflect the status of a country that is having 17 million housing deficit.

    Senator Izunaso, in the statement issued in Abuja which he personally signed said: “I have viewed developments in the FCT whereby 500 housing units belonging to Minanuel Estate in Lugbe Extension, Abuja were demolished in a swoop as condemnable.

    “During my tenure as chairman, House Committee on Housing and Urban Development (2003-2007), our committee deployed all legitimate means of promoting the development of private sector participation in housing development, and this led to the formation of Real Estate Developers’ Association of Nigeria (REDAN) under the leadership of the former Governor of Lagos State, Alhaji Lateef Jakande.

    “The sad development in which investment of property developers are swept away by a single unguided action of the executive raises many questions than answers.

    “I expected REDAN to vehemently oppose the idea of demolishing completed housing estates in a country that is having a housing deficit of 17 millions.

    “REDAN is expected to champion a cause of due process and rule of law on the part of government agencies,” he added.

    He therefore advocated a synergy between the developers (REDAN) and government (as land owner) in ensuring proper housing delivery, even as he added that whoever defaults should be dealt with in accordance with the rule of law.

    He challenged REDAN to take responsibility for the recent demolition in FCT.

    “Destroying 500 housing units is like destroying a community. I hereby call on the executive of REDAN to rise up and protect the interest of its members and sustain the purpose of why they were created, which is protecting and promoting public investment on home ownership for Nigerians,” he stated.

  • FCT plans all-round development

    FCT plans all-round development

    A new regime of infrastructural renewal is in the pipeline in the six area councils and satellite towns in the Federal Capital Territory.

    The plan is to make the FCT irresistible, and not just in areas where the rich and powerful reside. The streets will be squeaky clean. The taps will run. There will be water. Residents will enjoy electricity and the roads will be more friendly.

    To realise this lofty aim, the administration has established a ministerial committee on Baseline Data Surveys for the Planning and Development of the Area Councils and Satellite Towns in the FCT.

    The Minister of State for FCT, Oloye Olajumoke Akinjide, who inaugurated the committee, said the administration, in conjunction with other developmental agencies, has made efforts to renew infrastructure in the Area Councils and satellite towns.

    “The FCT Administration has observed that various developmental efforts and provision of social amenities are becoming difficult to measure due to the lack of community baseline data to form the benchmark for tracking growth and developmental progress over time.

    “The lack of coordination in the provision of facilities and amenities by the various developmental stakeholders has also contributed to the inability to properly measure the developmental efforts.

    “These have resulted in the concentration of services and facilities in certain areas while some have grossly been neglected,” she stated.

    The committee, chaired by the Special Adviser (Lands) to Permanent Secretary, FCT, Chief Steven Awoniyi and has as members Chairman of Abuja Municipal Area Council (AMAC), Hon. Micah Jiba, who is representing all the six Area Councils chairmen; Senior Special Assistant (Special Duties) to the Minister of State, Mrs. Jummai Kwanashie; Senior Special Assistant (Technical) to the Minister of State, Mr. Kunle Mokuolu; Director of Satellite Towns Development Agency, Alhaji Tukur Bakori, and Director of Economic Planning, Research and Statistics, FCTA, Alhaji Ari Isa Mohammed.

    Other members include Director of Monitoring, Area Councils Service Secretariat, ArchJoshua Kaura; Director, Abuja Geographic Information System, Alhaji Mohammed Isah Jalo; Special Assistant (Projects) to the FCT Minister, Prince Ajah Nwabueze Igwe; Special Assistant on Area Councils to the Minister of State, Alhaji Ibraheem Ibraheem, and Principal Consultant of Fola Consult Limited, Alhaji S.A. Olajide.

    The minister listed the terms of reference of the Committee to include: to identify all development agencies responsible for the provision of facilities and services in the Area Councils and Satellite Towns; to profile infrastructural facilities and amenities available, stage of utilisation, challenges and potentials in FCT; and to x-ray all services available and identify service gaps in the areas of agriculture, education, health, transport water, sanitation, and parks and recreation.

    Other terms of reference are: to provide guidance on analysis and documentation of the overall information generated from the field into the data base; to produce the map of each of the area councils, indexing the location and distribution of the existing facilities and services; and to work with the FCT Boundary Committee to ensure proper physical demarcation of the Area Council Boundaries.

    She reaffirmed the FCT administration’s commitment to serve the residents and Nigerians by ensuring a balance growth and quality service delivery throughout the FCT.

    She disclosed that the Baseline Data Survey would be consultancy based and spread over three major areas of developmental consultancy services, map production and facility indexing consultancy services, and Area Councils boundary demarcation consultancy services.

    Akinjide explained, “The Developmental Consultancy Services will involve facility inventory and assessment surveys which are aimed at providing information on the stage of infrastructural services and social amenities within the six Area Councils in terms of usage and functionality. The survey will cover areas such as Water, Health, Education, Agriculture, Environmental/Sanitation, Transport, Security, and Infrastructural Development.

    “The Map Production and Facility Indexing Consultancy Services will entail the production of maps for each of the Area Councils showing all the location and distribution of the facilities and services, while the Boundary Demarcation Consultancy Services will involve physical boundary demarcation of the various area councils.”