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Tag: FCT

  • 915 FCT staff undergo computer-based promotion exam

    915 FCT staff undergo computer-based promotion exam

    …as civil Service Commission laments age falsification   

    About 915 Federal Capital Territory (FCT) staff, mostly in directorate positions, are currently taking a computer-based promotion examination, the FCT Civil Service Commission (CSC) announced on Monday.

    The candidates, drawn from the Universal Basic Education Board (UBEB), Secondary Education Board (SEB), Education Secretariat, and other departments and agencies, must prove their readiness for the next career level through the test.

    CSC chairman, Emeka Eze, said the introduction of the computer-based exam is aimed at ensuring that those advancing to substantive director roles possess the skills to meet modern, technology-driven challenges in public service.

    He explained that the initiative also seeks to address the backlog of delayed promotions, a priority of FCT Minister Nyesom Wike, who established the commission with President Bola Tinubu’s approval.

    Eze further disclosed that the ongoing workforce verification exercise had uncovered widespread age falsification in service records. Staff found guilty of altering their ages were directed to retire from service.

    He said, “We started by doing, first and foremost, a verification exercise to establish the number of workforces in FCT. And having almost finished that, the next level is to clear the backlog of promotions over the years.

    Read Also: FCTA demolishes UTC complex shanties to curb criminal activities

    “When His Excellency, Mr. Minister, came on board, there was a backlog of outstanding promotions, to the extent that by 2023, when he came, he cleared all the backlogs of promotions dating back up to 2019, up to the level of deputy directors.

    “And as part of the Renewed Hope Agenda of the present administration, we needed to introduce technology to avoid, first of all, the possibility of interference and pressures. And so, we will be the first commission to introduce CBT tests in Nigeria. Because the idea is that as we are finishing the result today, by next week, the result will be out. So, there’s no possibility of anybody putting pressure on anybody for it. So, this is a part of the renewed hope agenda of the present administration”.

    Representative of South-East in the Commission, Martins Azubuike, said the participants who fail to scale through in the exams will have no one to blame for remaining in a particular position.

    Azubuike also disclosed that the computer-based tests have come to stay in the system, and it remains a measure that will encourage workers to update their digital skills.

    He said, “If you can’t operate it, it means you can’t answer your questions. And at the end of the day, the computer will grade you. If it is zero, the computer will grade you. And those who can operate the computer and answer correctly, and of course, come at the top, will get promoted to the tune of the number of vacancies.

  • FCT police arrest three over murder of Liberty Radio staff

    FCT police arrest three over murder of Liberty Radio staff

    Operatives of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Police Command, Mpape Division, have arrested three suspects in connection with the murder of Mr. Azubuko Nwakama, a staff member of Liberty Radio.

    Nwakama was attacked and robbed on June 14, 2024, at Panteka Market, Mpape, Abuja, during which his mobile phone and other valuables were taken.

    Following the incident, detectives from the Mpape Division launched a comprehensive investigation, but efforts to trace the stolen phone were hampered as the device remained switched off.

    According to a statement by the FCT Police Public Relations Officer, SP Josephine Adeh, the investigation team stayed on the case for over a year, monitoring potential digital traces of the phone.

    Read Also: Army kills terror ‘kingpin’, others, arrests suspects in coordinated strikes

    A breakthrough came on August 2, 2025, when the victim’s Redmi 13C was switched on, leading to the arrest of the suspects.

    “It was immediately tracked to one Mutari Lawal, 32 yrs, from Kano State, who was promptly arrested.

    “During interrogation, Mutari confessed to attacking and stabbing the deceased before making away with his valuables. He named his accomplices as Dan’Asabe Ibrahim, 22yrs, from Zamfara State, and Danjuma Ibrahim 18yrs, both of no fixed address in Mpape, with whom he carried out the crime.

    “He further disclosed that he took the stolen phone to Kano, kept it switched off for a year, and only powered it on in August 2025 to wipe data, insert his SIM card, and return to Abuja.

    “The Commissioner of Police, FCT Command, CP Ajao Adewale, commended the diligence, resilience, and professionalism of the officers who ensured that justice prevailed despite the passage of time.

    “He warned all criminal elements within the FCT to repent or relocate as “the long arm of the law, which is patient, persistent, and resolute will definitely catch up with them.”

    She said the FCT Police Command reassured the residents that their security remains the Command’s priority and urged them to remain vigilant and promptly report suspicious activities or emergencies through the Command’s emergency lines: 08032003913, 08028940883.

  • FCT Operation Sweep arrests 210 ‘robbers’, beggars

    FCT Operation Sweep arrests 210 ‘robbers’, beggars

    To curb crime and restore order in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), the joint security taskforce code named Operation Sweep has arrested 210 One-Chance operators, street beggars and scavengers.

    The suspects comprising 80 men, 58 women, and 72 children were arrested within three days of the launch of the operation.

    This was disclosed by the FCT Director of Security, Damy Gwary, after a meeting with security commanders where the multi-agency operation was reviewed.

    The meeting, which took place at the FCT Police Command headquarters in Abuja, was convened to evaluate field reports, identify operational issues, and devise proactive strategies to consolidate on early gains. 

    In attendance were high-ranking officials from the Nigerian Army, Navy, Police, Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), and the Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC), among others.

    A statement by the spokesperson for the FCT Police Command, SP Josephine Adeh, said the review session underscored the importance of improved intelligence sharing, enhanced patrol coordination and joint enforcement efforts across the territory.

    “Operation Sweep was initiated to sanitize the city and ensure law-abiding residents can go about their legitimate activities without fear. What we are seeing already is a demonstration of inter-agency synergy working effectively,” she said.

    Read Also: FCTA Task Force impounds 280 vehicles in crackdown on crime, illegal transport

    The initiative is in line with the directive of the FCT Minister, Nyesom Wike, who has repeatedly emphasized the need to rid Abuja of criminal elements and those constituting environmental nuisance.

    Speaking on the arrests, the Acting Director of Social Welfare Services, Mrs. Gloria Onwuka, confirmed that the beggars were being profiled for evacuation to their states of origin, while the suspected criminals are currently in police custody undergoing investigation.

    “Some of the arrested individuals belong to organized criminal networks, including the ‘one chance’ syndicates. Others are scavengers operating without any form of regulation,” Mrs. Onwuka earlier told journalists.

  • Wike moves to end FCT Teachers’ strike, approves revenue deduction to meet demands

    Wike moves to end FCT Teachers’ strike, approves revenue deduction to meet demands

    The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, has intervened in the ongoing teachers’ strike by meeting with key stakeholders, including the leadership of the Nigeria Union of Teachers (NUT), National Association of Nigerian Students (NANS), and chairmen of the six FCT area councils.

    The meeting, which took place at the minister’s official residence in Abuja, was aimed at resolving the strike that began on March 24, 2025.

    The teachers are demanding the full implementation of a tripartite agreement signed on December 11, 2024, which includes a ₦70,000 minimum wage, 25%–35% salary arrears, a 40% peculiar allowance, a ₦35,000 Federal Government wage award, and several years of promotion arrears.

    Following a closed-door session, Abaji Area Council Chairman, Abubakar Abdullahi, who spoke on behalf of the council chairmen, revealed that Wike had approved the deduction of 10% from the councils’ internally generated revenue (IGR) for the next six months to meet the teachers’ demands.

    While describing the decision as “painful,” Abdullahi noted that the chairmen had accepted it in good faith to ensure the strike is brought to an end and normal academic activities resume across FCT schools.

    “We just finished a meeting with the minister, the leadership of the NUT, and the Area Council Chairmen. Resolutions were passed, although they did not favour the Chairman, as our six months’ IGR has been entirely committed to settling this issue.

    “Our plea to the NUT is to consider our children and call off the strike. The minister clearly stated that, legally, he has no right to withhold 10% of the Area Councils’ IGR to pay NUT debts. But by God’s grace, the Chairman agreed, in the interest of peace and education, to release that amount.

    “We hope that before the close of work today, the union will call off the strike, and by tomorrow, our children will return to school,” he said.

    Also speaking, NANS President, Olushola Ladoja, said the teachers had requested 70% payment of the owed salaries and arrears, which all parties agreed to.

    He added that a committee had been set up to address remaining issues and report back within two weeks.

    Read Also: FCT primary teachers call off strike following Wike’s intervention

    “During the meeting, the NUT proposed receiving 70% of the owed sum. Based on calculations of the IGR, it was confirmed that this amount could be covered. The hon. the minister has directed that the council chairmen’s IGR be used for this purpose and pleaded with the teachers to call off the strike.

    “He also constituted a committee, which includes NANS, to look into other unresolved demands within two weeks,” Ladoja said.

    He commended the minister’s intervention, despite the legal constraints surrounding the use of council funds.

    On his part, the FCT NUT Chairman, Abdullahi Shafas, said the union would convene a State Wing Executive Council meeting to take a final decision based on the discussions.

  • FCT primary teachers call off strike following Wike’s intervention

    FCT primary teachers call off strike following Wike’s intervention

    The Nigeria Union of Teachers (NUT), Federal Capital Territory (FCT), may soon call off the three-month primary school teachers’ strike, following the intervention of the FCT Minister Nyesom Wike.

    Chief of Staff to the minister, Mr Chidi Amadi disclosed this in Abuja on Tuesday, after a closed-door meeting with the area council chairmen, leadership of the NUT, and representatives of the FCT Administration.

    Other participants at the meeting, he said, included representatives of the National Association of Nigerian Students (NANs) and the National Assembly.

    Amadi explained that the meeting was convened by the minister, in addition to previous interventions to find a lasting solution to the prolonged teachers’ strike.

    According to him, after extensive deliberation, a decision was reached to put the issues to rest.

    He announced that part of the resolution was to withhold the 10 per cent accrued Internally Generated Revenue (IGR) of the area councils for the past six months.

    He explained that the funds would be used to settle 70 per cent of the minimum wage owed the teachers.

    “Although it will not cover 100 per cent of the debt for now, it will cover about 70 per cent. This is a laudable move towards addressing the fracas once and for all.

    The chief of staff added that the minister had also directed that a Special Committee be constituted, composed of three members of NUT, two members from FCTA, one of the area council chairmen and representative of NANs.

    He added that the committee would revisit all the other outstanding issues and within the next two weeks, submit a report detailing how the other outstanding issues would be permanently addressed.

    “In addition to addressing the issues of the primary school teachers, Wike had taken a decision to address all outstanding issues of the local government employees.  

    “The minister pledged to personally intervene to ensure that their demands are addressed by the FCTA.

    “This is to ensure that the area councils resume full operations effectively immediately.

    Speaking on behalf of the area council chairmen, Mr Abubakar Abdullahi, acknowledged the resolution, saying “although it was not in favour of the area councils, it was necessary to resolve the issues.

    “Six months of our IGR had been held to settle this issue. Ours at this point is to appeal to NUT to consider our children and call off the strike.

    “Please NUT, we are calling on you to respect the fact that the minister has taken his time to resolve this matter.

    “Wike had clearly stated that by law, he has no right to take the 10 per cent IGR of the area councils to clear the outstanding debt of the teachers.

    “However, the chairmen have all agreed because they also, collectively, want an end to the strike and so we have agreed that the 10 per cent IGR should go to the teachers”.

    He expressed optimism that the strike would be called off before Friday, so that children would go back to school.

    Also, the National President of NANs, Olushola Oladoja, lauded the resolutions and expressed hope that the outcome would finally put the matter to rest and the teachers return to class.

    Oladoja commended the minister for taking the bold step, stressing that any of the council chairmen could take him to court over such a decision.

    “However, I believe because the council chairmen also want the issue resolved, they have no option but to concede the IGR for six months,” he said.

    Read Also: Wike, Keyamo, Bwala knock coalition, ADC

    On his part, the NUT Chairman, Mohammed Shafa, acknowledged the deliberation, but said he would get back to the NUT State Executive Council, where the final decision would be taken.

    The news Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the teachers had embarked on the strike in March over non-implementation of minimum wage

    Other issues included non-implementation and payment of 25 per cent and 35 per cent salary increase, and non-implementation and payment of 40 per cent peculiar allowance.

    The union were also demanding the payment of the N35,000 wage award and the implementation of the template on outstanding entitlements of teachers as agreed in 2022.

    (NAN)

  • Alleged land allocation to Wike’s children in FCT sponsored blackmail – Aide 

    Alleged land allocation to Wike’s children in FCT sponsored blackmail – Aide 

    Lere Olayinka, senior special assistant on public communications and social media to the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, has dismissed claims that any land has been allocated to the Minister’s children.

    In a statement on Tuesday, Olayinka described the allegations as “sponsored blackmail” aimed at discrediting the Minister, insisting the efforts had failed.

    “As usual, this sponsored blackmail has failed,” he stated.

    He challenged those behind the allegations to put in more effort, stressing that nothing would deter the Minister from advancing his developmental initiatives in line with President Bola Tinubu’s Renewed Hope agenda.

    Olayinka referenced recent claims that Wike allocated 2,082 hectares of land in Asokoro and Maitama to one of his sons, calling it unfounded propaganda. “No such land is even available in the two districts combined,” he said.

    According to him, the alleged evidence was a misrepresented document showing land allocation for farming to JOAQ Farms in the Bwari Area Council. He added that fresh claims of another allocation to a different son were also false, noting the cited documents involved a company named Jordan Farms.

    “Even though, like other Nigerians, it is the rights of children of the Minister, his friends, associates and relatives to own lands anywhere in the country, including the FCT, provided all necessary conditions are met, as at today, no land has been allocated to any of the Minister’s children.

    “No doubt, land was duly allocated to Jordan Farms and Estates Limited, a company duly registered in Nigeria, with none of the children of the FCT Minister as directors of the company.

    “That one of the sons of the FCT Minister is Jordan, and there is a company, Jordan Farms and Estates Limited, which is no reason anyone should conclude that the company belongs to Wike’s son. 

    “Records of ownership of the company are available at the Corporate Affairs Commission (CAC), and we challenge purveyors of these stories to publish the names of the company owners.

    Read Also: Wike as an asset

    “For instance, my name is Lere Olayinka, and there is Lere Local Government in Kaduna State. Do I own the Local Government? Am I even from Kaduna State? There are companies like Jordan Telecommunications, Jordan Foods, etc. Are they also owned by Wike’s son?

    “In the United Kingdom, there is Jordan’s Farms. Is the company also owned by Wike’s son?

    “On the document showing the name and signature of one of the Minister’s security aides, the question to be asked is simple: Who owns the company, Hyper Communications Limited? If I choose to assist my friend, associate or relative to collect property documents, does that confer ownership of the property on me?

    “Therefore, let that fellow from Adamawa State, who is struggling to get at the FCT Minister for supporting power rotation between the Northern and Southern parts of Nigeria, put in more effort. This is because, just like the one of last week, this one too has failed even before its commencement.”

  • Protest rocks FCT over unpaid allowances, teachers’ strike 

    Protest rocks FCT over unpaid allowances, teachers’ strike 

    …demand sack of civil service commission chairman

    Members of the Joint Union Action Committee (JUAC) on Monday grounded working activities at the Federal Capital Territory Administration (FCTA) by staging a protest over unpaid allowances, unresolved salary issues, and the protracted strike by FCT primary school teachers.

    The aggrieved workers barricaded the Minister’s office gate, preventing entry and exit, and demanded the immediate sack of the Chairman of the FCT Civil Service Commission, Emeka Ezeh.

    Top on their list of grievances were: unpaid salaries to some categories of workers, withheld wage awards for health workers, delayed overhead releases, non-payment of hazard allowances, and stalled career progression for retiring staff.

    Addressing protesters, JUAC President Rifkatu Iortyer criticised the FCTA for failing to release overhead funds, which she said were crucial for daily operations.

    “We cannot work when overhead is not released. Some officials even claim overhead is only for directors. That is false. It is used for office maintenance and work-related needs,” she stated.

    She also decried the career stagnation suffered by workers who retired without attaining their rightful positions.

    “If you were supposed to retire as an Assistant Director in 2024 but were not promoted in time, your career ends without reaching its full potential. That’s unjust,” she said.

    Read Also: My redeployment has no link with Sowore’s protest, says Ondo CP Afolabi

    Iortyer also expressed frustration over irregular salary payments.

    “Every month, your salary changes. Today it’s one amount, tomorrow it’s different. I can’t even tell how much my salary is anymore,” she lamented.

    On health sector grievances, she added that hazard arrears owed to auxiliary staff, including cemetery workers and mortuary attendants, remain unpaid. She condemned the abrupt stoppage of salaries, saying, “In this economy, you can’t just stop people’s pay without warning. That is the initiative of the Commission Chairman, and it’s wrong.”

    Chairman of the Trade Union Congress (TUC), FCT Chapter, Audu Akogwu, declared full support for the protest, calling non-participating workers “saboteurs.”

    “FCTA workers are suffering. Staff buy pens and paper themselves to do their work. There’s no promotion for 2023 or 2024, no training, and no overhead,” he said.

    He also criticised FCT Minister Nyesom Wike for failing to pressure Area Council Chairmen into resolving the teachers’ strike and local government salary issues.

    “Our children are out of school for over 100 days. You say bailout funds were released—how are they being used? As governor in Rivers, Wike controlled the LGs. Why can’t he act here?” he asked.

    Akogwu issued a stern warning that the protest was just the beginning, promising to escalate the action if their demands were ignored.

    He said, “This is just a warning. If nothing changes, we’ll shut down all FCT offices. I will mobilise all TUC affiliates in Abuja”.

  • Actors Guild inaugurates national secretariat, unveils ‘AGN Super AP’

    Actors Guild inaugurates national secretariat, unveils ‘AGN Super AP’

    As part of efforts to enhance its operational capacity, administrative structure and national presence, the Actors Guild of Nigeria (AGN), umbrella body for professional screen actors in the Nigerian film industry, known as Nollywood, has officially opened its national office in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT).

    Critical stakeholders, including filmmakers and actors from across the country, government functionaries and members of the diplomatic community were present at the formal commissioning of the national secretariat situated at Gaduwa District on Saturday in Abuja.

    The event was also used unveil to formally present   the ‘AGN Super AP’ for membership enrollment and services, and unveil the   prototype of the AGN Galleria, a proposed multi-purpose creative hub in the FCT,

    IAGN National President, Dr Emeka Rollas, said the project was part of efforts to create a conducive environment for actors across the country to easily access the guild’s services.

     “As the largest Association in the culture sector in Africa, we are determined to take our place of pride at the forefront of the evolution of the sector, and to achieve this onerous task, it became imperative that we must put in place the necessary infrastructures to help carry out this enormous task effectively.

    “Today’s ceremony is yet another milestone that attests to the phenomenal transformation that the present leadership of the Guild has continued to unveil.

    “The key objective is to create a conducive environment to help create access to our services and enhance our capacity towards provision of more welfare packages for members.It is our firm belief that these projects will enhance the image and capacity of the Guild to provide all necessary support to members.

    “It must be noted that for any organisation to flourish, it requires a vibrant and dynamic leadership taking into cognisance our position as cultural ambassadors and influencers.”

    He added: “In order to ensure continuous efficient and effective mandate delivery we will provide cutting-edge services to build a seamless association which will be people centered and technology driven.

    “We are focused on motivating members towards self- development, sustainable career growth and job satisfaction”, he said.

    The AGN helmsman called for support and partnership initiatives from stakeholders in order to make the FCT a creative hub

    He specifically urged the FCT leadership to identify with the guild, especially in nurturing teeming youths in the territory who are interested in the film industry.

    While extolling efforts of the Federal Minister of Arts, Culture and the Creative Economy,Hannatu Musawa for creating various forms of intervention funds to help accelerate development in the industry, Rollas noted that the minister was yet  to set up any form of intervention for actors who are the faces and voices of the film industry.

    “I therefore, appeal to the minister to consider a form of performer’s intervention especially in capacity building through the Actors Guild of Nigeria.

    “It is against this backdrop that we also extend our hand of fellowship to the Minister of the Federal Capital, Abuja for a mutually beneficial partnership to discover and nurture teeming youths in FCT who are interested in the film industry.

    “There is no doubt that empowerment is one of the best ways to curb youth restiveness and we believe Nollywood plays a very significant role in this area, as film making employs hundreds of talents and also helps to contribute to the development of Tourism within the nation’s capital”, he said.

    While commissioning the new office, the  Minister  of Art, Culture, Tourism and Creative Economy  lauded  the current  leadership of the AGN for starting and completing the project.

    According to the minister, who was represented by Mrs Ugochi Akudo-Nwosu, Director of Entertainment and Creative Economy Department of the ministry, said the project is historic and pivotal to the  growth of  the industry

    “This milestone is a testament to the growth of the AGN and the reflection of the vibrant potential of Nigeria’s creative economy, and today we celebrate the vision, resilience and collective effort of the sector.

    “The creative economy is the new oil well of our great nation, as the provides a strategic platform to tell our stories, preserve our heritage and project Nigeria’s soft power across the globe.

    “Nollywood as the world’s second largest film industry is a shining example of what Nigerians can achieve when talent meets opportunities.

    “Actors as the face of the industry play a vital role in shaping perceptions, inspiring change and driving economic growth.

    Read Also: Actors Guild appoints business mogul Kenneth Ifekudu National Patron

    “This new office symbolizes more than just a physical space,it represents a hub for creativity, collaboration and innovation.

    “It is a home where actors can strategise,engage and continue to elevate the standards of the profession.

    “Abuja our nation’s capital, is more than just the political heartbeat of Nigeria.It is a city of unity, diversity and untapped potential.

    “While Lagos has long been regarded as the entertainment hub of Nigeria, Abuja possesses the unique opportunity to become the complementary and competitive destination for Nigeria’s Arts, Culture and Creative Economy”, she said.

    She noted that the opening of the AGN’s national office in the FCT would fast-track efforts to make the territory a creative and entertainment hub.

    According to her the ministry is working towards repositioning Abuja as a global entertainment hub, boost tourism, create jobs and enhance Nigeria’s soft power diplomacy as part of the ‘Destination 2030’ plan.

  • One dies, three injured as police foil robbery attack in Abuja 

    One dies, three injured as police foil robbery attack in Abuja 

    One person have been killed while three injured during a clash between the police and armed robbers in Abuja. 

    Operatives of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Police Command on Monday foiled the robbery attempt in the Zone E Extension area of Apo Resettlement, Abuja. 

    The incident occurred around 10:30pm 

    The police got the hint following a distress call received from a commercial motorcycle rider in Apo Resettlement, reporting heavy gunfire in the area. 

    During the operation, the police said three persons were rescued with varying degrees of injuries inflicted by the attackers. 

    A light green Toyota Corolla with registration number GWA 620 AU, belonging to one of the victims, was recovered at the scene.

    According to a statement on Tuesday by the FCT Police Public Relations Officer, SP Josephine Adeh: “the Divisional Police Officer of Apo Division, CSP Uchenna Igwebuike, immediately mobilized his Ambush and Surveillance Teams to the scene.

    “The attackers engaged the police team in a fierce gun battle. In a swift tactical response, a reinforcement team led by the Deputy Commissioner of Police in charge of Operations, DCP Isyaku Sharu, arrived at the scene. The operatives responded with superior firepower, forcing the assailants to flee into the surrounding hills.

    “A joint manhunt operation involving Police operatives and local vigilantes is currently ongoing to track down and apprehend the fleeing suspects.

    Read Also: Police clear lawyer, developer of alleged forgery

    “All injured persons were immediately evacuated to Sahad Hospital, Apo Resettlement, for emergency medical care. Sadly, one of the victims later succumbed to his injuries and was pronounced dead by medical personnel. His remains have been deposited in the hospital morgue.

    “The Commissioner of Police, CP Ajao S. Adewale, extends his heartfelt condolences to the family of the deceased and assures residents that the Command remains fully committed to protecting lives and property across the Territory.

    “The CP also appeals to members of the public, especially residents of communities around Apo Resettlement and its environs, to report anyone seen with gunshot wounds or suspicious injuries to the nearest police station or via any of the Command’s emergency numbers: 08032003913 or 08028940883”.

    He urged the public to remain vigilant, law-abiding, and continue supporting the Police in their fight against crime and criminality.

  • NGO launches disability inclusion project for PWDs in FCT, Adamawa

    NGO launches disability inclusion project for PWDs in FCT, Adamawa

    A non-governmental organisation, CBM Global Disability Inclusion has launched the Rights in Action project to address intersectional discrimination and human rights violations faced by Persons With Disabilities(PWDs).

    The two year project, funded by the Finland Ministry of Foreign Affairs, will be implemented by Joint National Association of Persons With Disabilities (JONAPWD) and Inclusive Friends Association (IFA) in the Federal Capital Territory and Adamawa State.

    Country Director of CBM Global Disability Inclusion, Mr Abdulazeez Musa said the project which is an Organisation of Persons With Disabilities(OPDs) aims to address all forms of marginalisation against PWDs.

    He said: “The project is being facilitated by CBM Global Disability Inclusion and implemented by our technical partners,Joint National Association of Persons With Disabilities (JONAPWD) and Inclusive Friends Association (IFA).

    “Essentially, what the project aims to achieve is to help PWDs to be able to achieve their goals and live their lives with dignity, to enjoy their full fundamental human rights just like anybody else.

    “On this project,we will be focusing largely on the marginalised groups because even among PWDs we have those that are also further marginalised.

    “So you can imagine the layer of marginalisation and discrimination. An example of such a group are persons with learning difficulty or challenges and sometimes even the deaf community.”

    Musa explained that the organisation would work with such groups to strengthen their organisational capacity to be able to design projects, mobilise their members and be able to speak out for themselves.

    He said the OPDs would come up with the priorities themselves and design the interventions as they see fit since they know what challenges they are faced with and the technical partners would provide the needed support.

    The country director said a key aspect of the project would be to analyse how the community sees PWDs which is at the core of the issues.

    Musa said Nigeria is not short of laws because it has passed the Disability Rights Act, however, implementation has been the issue as people continue to see PWDs that they cannot contribute to nation building.

    “So this project aims to address that and we hope to see that this law is now being fully implemented which means it’s being allocated funds during the budgeting process and PWDs are living, just like any other person in Nigeria.”

    Executive Director of Inclusive Friends Association (IFA), Mrs Grace Jerry said the project would aid in closing the marginalised gaps among PWDs.

    Jerry said the expectation of the organisation would be to spotlight the most marginalised organisations who haven’t really been made part of major policies to drive inclusion processes in Nigeria.

    She said: “So for us, it is spotlighting those organisations and empowering them to drive policies for themselves, by themselves, and for the general good of the marginalised group.

    “For instance, you talk about the deaf-blind community. This is a community of persons with disabilities who haven’t really gained much recognition in terms of their needs and their rights.

    “This project,therefore seeks to amplify such marginalised groups and, of course, other groups giving them an opportunity to drive policy for themselves.

    President of JONAPWD, Mr Abdullahi Usman the project is expected to ensure that underrepresented groups among PWDs get their own rights like others.

    “This is because although collectively, PWDs in this country are fighting for their rights, among ourselves, there are also some PWDs who are also discriminated against within the community.

    “For instance, people who have intellectual issues, people with cerebral palsy, the deafblind and persons with albinism are often denied their rights by claiming they are not PWDs.

    Read Also: 2027: Adamawa APC rallies for Tinubu, welcomes high-profile defectors

    “So my expectation at the end of this project is to see that other communities of PWDs fully understand that all PWDs have equal rights with all other PWDs and generally as a nation all PWDs have equal rights with people without disabilities.

    The Director, Legal Services, Federal Ministry of Women Affairs and Social Development, Ms Sweet Okundaye, commended CBM Global Disability Inclusion for the initiative and promised the Ministry’s support to the project.

    Also, the Desk Officer on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities, National Human Rights Commission, Ms Oluchi Adieze, said the commission was established to promote, protect, and enforce the rights of every human living in Nigeria.

    Adieze said the commission pledged its support to the project and urged the implementing partners to leverage its state offices to address human rights challenges from the grassroots.