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Tag: FCTA

  • Ebola: FCTA adopts preventive measures

    The Federal Capital Territory Administration ( FCTA ) says it has taken proactive measures to create public awareness on prevention of Ebola disease.

    The Director of Public Health in the Health and Human Services Secretariat, FCTA, Dr Humphrey Okoroukwu, said this in Abuja today.

    Okoroukwu explained that there was no Ebola in Nigeria but the outbreak of the disease had occurred in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DR Congo) and won’t wait until there was a case in Nigeria before taking necessary actions.

    Ebola has claimed 27 lives since it was reported in DR Congo and WHO had warned that the 2018 outbreak has been complicated because it involves rural and urban areas which could raise chances of spread both nationally and internationally.

    The director said that his department had inaugurated the Public Emergency Centre and had trained relevant officers on how to manage emergency cases.

    Read Also: Ebola: 17 people die in Congo – Officials

    He disclosed that Core Disease Surveillance Officers were being trained currently to equip them with necessary knowledge on emergency cases such as Ebola.

    Okoroukwu stated that his department would soon commence facility based clinical sensitization to educate health workers on universal precautions against Ebola.

    “FCT is a capital of the country that hosts different persons from various parts of the country and the world, that’s why we need to be more proactive.

    “We have started public awareness campaigns to reawaken people’s consciousness and we are doing that carefully in order not to create panic.

    “Next week, we shall commence the training of our Disease Surveillance officers from the six area councils of the FCT with the support of WHO,” he said.

    The director noted that handbills and posters concerning Ebola have been printed for distribution to hospitals and health centres in FCT to raise public awareness.

    Okoroukwu urged residents of FCT and Nigerians to imbibe culture of cleanliness by ensuring regular hand washing and desist from eating of monkeys.

    He said that Ebola was a deadly virus which spreads fast and kills quickly, but could be prevented.

  • Area councils, others share N2b

    Federal Capital Territory Administration (FCTA) has disbursed the sum of N2.2bn to its six Area Councils and other stakeholders as its share of statutory allocation for the month of March 2018.

    FCT Permanent Secretary, Mr. Chinyeaka Ohaa who disclosed this during the Joint Area Councils Allocation Committee (JAAC) meeting, charged the council chairmen to step up service delivery to residents of the Territory and also ensure workers’ salary is given top priority.

    According to a statement issued by Press Secretary to Permanent Secretary, FCT, Tony Odey, the figure shows that Abuja Municipal Area Council (AMAC) got N183 million, Gwagwalada received N167 million and Kuje got N139 million

    Kwali received N136 million; Bwari got N129 million while Abaji took N129 million.

    Furthermore, statutory deductions from the release includes: Primary School Teachers gulped 1bn, 15% Pension funds of N226million, 1% Training Fund gulped N22million and 10% Employer Pension Contribution received N58million.

    Chairman of Kwali Area Council, who is also the Chairman of FCT Chapter of Association of Local Governments of Nigeria (ALGON),Mr. Joseph Kwali Shazin thanked the Minister and the Permanent Secretary for always ensuring that Area Councils in the Federal Capital Territory get their full allocation and as at when due.

  • Agric scheme targets 20,000 farmers

    The Federal Capital Territory Administration (FCTA) has targeted 20,000 farmers for the Accelerated Agric Development Scheme (AADS) which is a presidential initiative being executed through the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) and Bank of Agriculture.

    The development is to ensure adequate food production for the teeming population of the FCT, and create other products in the agricultural value chain.

    FCTA has also flagged off the 2018 rain-fed farming season with the distribution of farm inputs to farmers in the FCT.

    FCT Minister, Malam Muhammad Bello, during the flag off ceremony at the Old Parade Ground, Area 10 Garki, Abuja said the FCT Administration has keyed into President Muhammadu Buhari’s Economic Recovery and Growth Plan (ERGP) through agriculture.

    Bello stated that the Administration is working to improve agricultural practices in the FCT with a view to guaranteeing food security, creating jobs and helping the government save on the foreign exchange that was hitherto expended on food imports. He also indicated that the Administration is working towards the provision of tractors for improved farming activities in the Territory.

    The minister further disclosed that the Administration has strengthened the framework for timely distribution of fertiliser and other farm inputs such as improved seeds and herbicides adding that the sales of these inputs would continue on a regular basis at the agro-service centres in various parts of FCT, namely; Karshi, Gwagwa, Abaji, and Gwagwalada among others.

    According to the statement issued by his Chief Press Secretary, Cosmas Uzodinma, the minister said: “Our presence here today, certainly, bears eloquent testimony of the administration’s commitment, not only to ensure adequate food production, but also creation of other products in the agricultural value chain.

    “We believe this is possible because FCT is endowed with a vast tract of agricultural lands, abundant human resources and large market for goods and services. These also offer great potentials for value addition for FCT farm products and development of the rural economy.”

    Among the high points of the day’s event was also the distribution of motorcycles to FCT Extension staff for the purpose of strengthening the extension delivery system.

    The Minister, however, solicited the cooperation of traditional rulers and the entire residents to strengthen agriculture as the foundation for a strong industrial base and economic prosperity, noting that the FCTA cannot do this alone.

    The Secretary, FCT Agric and Rural Development Secretariat, Hon. Nzekwe Stanley while buttressing the FCT Minister’s remarks, said the FCT Agric Secretariat has procured fertilisers to be distributed at subsidised rate to genuine farmers.

    Hon. Stanley also disclosed that the Agric AADS will provide soft loans in this farming season to over 5,000 young men and women who are genuine farmers and are identifiable through the Chiefdoms and Area Councils.

    The Secretary further noted that the FCT Administration is collaborating with the Federal Ministry of Agriculture, as well as the IITA, Leventis Foundation, JICA and other international organisations to ensure the youths of the FCT and women are trained on modern skills of agriculture.

    He urged the Area Councils and Chiefdoms to encourage the youths, women and farmers to come into Agriculture and avail themselves of these developmental packages.

  • ‘Over N5 billion lost to public asset vandals, damages’

    …As FCTA moves to restore vandalized assets

     

    The Federal Capital Territory Administration (FCTA), has lamented the huge burden posed by the vandalism of public assets and critical infrastructure, which it has estimated to run into billions of Naira.

    FCTA while decrying public amnesia towards public assets, which it said, emboldens the hoodlums, expressed readiness to leverage the very wide network of the National Orientation Agency (NOA) in the concerted action to stem the ugly trend.

    FCT Minister Malam Muhammad Bello revealed this in a paper he presented at a recent stakeholder conference on the Protection, Preservation and Community Ownership of Public Assets and Critical Infrastructure, organized by the National Orientation Agency.

    Bello who was represented at the occasion by the Director of Engineering, Federal Capital Development Authority (FCDA), Engr. Shehu Ahmad Hadi, lamented that preliminary assessment of losses put the cost of replacement of vandalized, stolen or damaged facilities in the four major roads of FCT alone at over N5 billion.

    This, he noted, is money which could have been spent on executing new infrastructure or providing utilities in new districts.

    These include; the Outer Southern Expressway (OSEX), Outer Northern Expressway (ONEX), Inner Southern Expressway (ISEX) as well as the Circular Road among others.

    Concerned over the spate of sabotage and pillage therefore, Bello disclosed that FCT Administration has set up a Committee for the replacement, reconstruction and restoration of vandalized public assets and infrastructure in the Territory.

    The Committee, which is headed by the Executive Secretary, FCDA, Engr. Umar Gambo Jibrin, is also to ascertain the scope of the challenge and to proffer long-lasting solutions to stem the negative development.

    According to a statement issued by the Chief Press Secretary, Cosmas Uzodinma, the minister said: “it is always saddening to witness incidents of pillage of major components of public infrastructure such as railway lines and cables, bridge railings, manhole covers and communication ducts to mention but a few. These hoodlums sometimes dig deep into the ground to unearth armoured cables and puncture water pipelines to irrigate their farms or set up car wash centres.”

    He disclosed that in the short run, security and surveillance have been beefed up around public assets and critical infrastructure in the FCT to apprehend and prosecute these hoodlums.

    In addition, the Administration is replacing some of these facilities with configurations that could not easily yield to hit and run theft among others.

    While appealing for to residents to support the Administration’s efforts to combat this scourge, the Minister stated that a more permanent solution to the problem both in FCT and in the country in general would include working to inculcate the spirit of community and people’s ownership of public assets and critical infrastructure in Nigerian citizens.

    His words, “This could be achieved through strategic partnership between relevant government agencies, the security and intelligent agencies, Non-Governmental Organizations (NGOs), traditional institutions, religious and community organizations to mention but a few.”

    In his keynote paper at the occasion, former Director-General of NOA, Chief Tonnie Iredia, stressed the need to take the people into confidence in the conception, planning and location of public assets and infrastructure.

    He noted that the bane of the fortunes of these infrastructures has more to do with the alienation of the communities where these facilities were located.

    He further noted that the people’s felt needs and priorities should always be taken into consideration in siting public assets and projects.

    Other speakers present were former Directors-General of NOA, Dr Idi Farouk, and Mr. Mike Omeri; all of whom stressed the need to strengthen the institutional framework of NOA as a major agency for the cultivation of attitudinal change among Nigerians.

    Welcoming guests to event, The Director-General, NOA, Dr. Garba Abari, stated that the wide-spread nature of the incidence of vandalism of national assets like oil pipelines, railway tracks, electricity poles and components has made it necessary to assemble stakeholders in the search for solutions to the menace.

    He expressed optimism that the conference would come up with workable measures to stem the ugly trend.

  • FCTA begins resettlement of seven communities – Official

    The Federal Capital Territory Administration (FCTA) on Thursday, has begun the resettlement of seven communities in the territory.

    The Executive Secretary, Federal Capital Development Authority (FCDA), Mr Umar Jibril stated this at the handing over of a Police Post constructed by the FCDA to the Nigeria Police Force at Shere Galuwi Resettlement in Abuja.

    According to Jibril, the land mass is 900 hectares where 2,276 houses comprising 2,261 two bedroom houses and 74 bedroom houses for the chiefs, four police posts and a police station are being constructed.

    Read Also: Engage in agriculture, FCT FADAMA coordinator urges youths

    “We have Utako, Maje, Jabi Yakubu, Jabi Samuel, Mabushi, Kpadna and Zilu coming here.

    “1,318 houses have been fully completed and in weeks we will see the movement of those who are coming in, the Jabi Yakubu.

    “The FCTA is not leaving anything to chance from this event of today the subsequent activities will eventually correlate to the movement of the first community to be here which is Jabi Yakubu,’’ he added.

    The executive secretary said there is so much activities going on that include renovating and rehabilitating of some building, which were dilapidated over time, especially the infrastructure work.

    He assured the people that the administration will put pressure on the contractors to ensure speedy work toward completion of the rehabilitation.

    Odige Anthony, Director, Public Building said, “at Shere Galuwi resettlement we are expecting to resettle seven villages, which are presently in phases 2 and 3 in the city, development structure is slow there due to their presence.’’

    The director said the administration decided that the resettlement of the villages has to be in phases, adding “because of that they are concentrating on Jabi Yakubu as all arrangements to resettle them have been concluded.’’

    “FCTA said without security it will not be safe to bring them here, the security of lives and property has to be secured, so it was decided that we have to complete and furnish the police post we are handing it over to police so that they can take care of the security.

    “As there are some illegal occupants on the property and having some resistance, with the presence of the police here we can be move out, while the construction will continue,’’ he said.

    Baba Ahmad, Director, Resettlement and Compensation said the completion of Apo resettlement and ongoing work at Shere Galuwi underscores the administration commitment in resettlement.

    Ahmad noted after acquiring the 900 hectares and compensation paid; the government made sure that the communities involved were not short-changed.

    He maintained that the administration is ensuring that the security and lives of the residents is not compromised which was the reason for the building of the police post.

    The post was received by the Mpape Divisional Police Office, CSP Davis Olabisi on behalf of the FCT Commissioner of Police.

    NAN

     

  • FCTA and Gosa market demolition

    SIR: Officials of the Abuja Metropolitan Management Council (AMMC) under the FCT Administration, on Saturday, March 24 carried out an exercise to remove shanties at the Gosa Market along the Abuja Airport road. The whole idea behind the removal, as stated, is to clean the area and free it from obstructing traffic moving into the city of Abuja.

    Prior to the demolition exercise, these officials, in line with laid down regulations, met severally with the owners of the illegal stalls to make them understand the need to keep the airport expressway free from obstruction so as to save lives and property against frequent accidents.

    The case was also made that the airport expressway being the main gateway to the country cannot afford to have such unsightly and unplanned structures littering the whole area, giving visitors a wrong impression about the country. It was further agreed that the traders would to limit their activities to 500 meters away from the expressway

    Unfortunately, these illegal stalls continued to spring up and spill right onto the expressway thereby endangering the lives of motorists plying that very important gateway to the city and leading to numerous accidents with casualties.

    One could therefore understand why the FCT Administration took the path it did in clearing these illegal structures to save the Abuja masterplan from needless distortions. This is because some of these developments, if left unchecked, have the potentials to derail the city from the visions of its founding fathers and turn Abuja into an urban slum.

    Much as one may want to sympathize with the traders whom it would seem have had their major source of livelihood cut off abruptly, the fact however cannot be overlooked that their activities along the airport road have become a major source of concern due to the danger they pose to motorists and the city’s ambience.

    Those familiar with that route would agree that the uncontrolled expansion of the Gosa Market led to the pedestrian paths and service lanes becoming part of the market further, making it a nuisance to road users. The place was equally taken over by commercial vehicles and the road began to witness cases of recklessness on the use of the roads.

    So rather than staging protests and taking the laws into their own hands by obstructing the expressway with bonfires and road blocks, the affected traders should dialogue with the FCTA to fast track the process of settling into the new location that has been set aside for the market. The current FCT Administration under Muhammad Bello has demonstrated that it has a policy of not wanting to see the people suffer but that doesn’t mean they should abdicate from their responsibility of maintaining law and order in the territory just because a few feathers may be ruffled.

     

    • Danladi Akilu,

    Gudu District, Abuja.

  • Presidency, FCTA nationwide business exhibition to cost over N104 million 

    Over N104 million will be spent to host a nationwide Micro Small Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) business clinic by the Office of the Vice President in collaboration with Federal Capital Territory Administration, (FCTA) through the Abuja Enterprise Agency (AEA).

    Scheduled to hold on July 19 and 20 in Abuja at the Eagle Square, the nationwide MSME Business Clinic is organised as one of the initiatives of the Federal Government to diversify the economy through strengthening of MSMEs in the country.

    The initiative will enlighten MSMEs on government programmes that will accelerate business growth and provide on-the-spot support services to MSMEs and also provide the platform to promote and showcase Made-in Nigeria products and services.

    AEA’s Managing Director/Chief Executive Officer Arabi Tukur disclosed this yesterday in Abuja while briefing newsmen on the preparatory plans toward the exhibition. He described the development as a vehicle for entrepreneurial development, poverty reduction and wealth creation.

    The event, according to Tukur will facilitate interaction between business regulators such as Corporate Affairs Commission (CAC), Standard Organisation of Nigeria (SON) and National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) among others.

    He said that through this interaction business owners will understand better the roles of business regulators and the regulatory challenges that exist will be addressed on the spot by Regulators.

    Tukur said: “Abuja Enterprise Agency (AEA) we have nothing to hide. After serious deliberation involving the office of the Acting President we came up with a budget of over N104 million. We will ensure that every kobo that has been given to us for this MSME business clinic is accounted for. This is why after setting up a committee I removed the directors, all the managers from the committees, so that they will serve as supervisors.

    “On that day I will give them serious directives, to be transparent and to do their job with all sense of responsibility. Should there be failures, God forbid, I will hold them responsible just as the Minister of FCT will hold me responsible likewise the office of the Vice President is going to hold the minister FCT responsible.

    “This funds are with us and we have kick started the process of expending the money inline with the Procurement Act. There are pressures on us but we resisted the pressures and ensure that all things are done and we will continue doing the right things until the end.

    “The business clinic is expected to host 5000 MSMEs within and outside the FCT. The activities of the two-day programme include: exhibition, business matching & market linkage, One-on-One interaction with regulatory bodies, interactive sessions such as business round-table meeting and the Policy Advocacy Forum (PAF).”  

    On the benefits of the MSME, the AEA chief  said: “AEA in collaboration with relevant stakeholders through this business clinic is expected to interlink at least 5000- 6000 businesses within and outside the FCT, expose them to potential partners and interested investors

    “The business clinic is aimed at promoting the MSMEs business profile for networking with similar business organization in this part of the country/world. It is aimed to provide a very useful platform for associations to meet and explore co-operative exchanges and activities with counterparts in other states.

    “The business clinic would create an excellent opportunities for participants to meet with prospective local and foreign buyers to sell their products internationally.

    It will also avail them the opportunity to have a no hold bared discussion with relevant government Agencies regulating Exportation in Nigeria.”

    The Technical Adviser to the Vice President on MSME, Mr. Tola Johnson also said the exhibition will help increase the country’s Internally Generate Revenue (IGR).

     

  • FCTA opens up to persons with disability

    The Federal Capital Territory Administration, (FCTA) is working to introduce regulations that would ensure that every public building plan provide for people with disability before their approval.

    FCT Minister, Malam Muhammad Bello made this disclosure when he received a delegation from the Kpakpando Foundation that paid him a courtesy visit in his office at Garki 1 District Abuja.

    The Minister revealed that the FCT Administration also intends to seek ways to amend existing building structures to make them navigable by the physically challenged and other vulnerable citizens, pointing out that a modification of the building housing the Minister’s office was carried out last year to provide for a ramp and conference room on the ground floor for meetings with the persons with disability.

    Bello also revealed that plans are ongoing to create informal markets in the Federal Capital city where persons with disability, less privileged people and other interested residents could own stalls, while expressing his determination to provide economic opportunities for the vulnerable members of the FCT society.

    He said, “I can easily identify with the plight of the physically challenged, having had a sister that was afflicted with polio and am conversant with their difficulties.

    “As Nigerians, we feel very proud that your foundation has been recognised and invited the FCTA to be part of the celebration of the United Nations 10th Anniversary on Persons with Disability and we appreciate your agreeing to take somebody from among our physically challenged brothers and sisters here; I assure you that the person’s trip will be funded by the FCT Administration.”

    Earlier in his address, the Chairman of Kpakpando Foundation, Senator Osita Izunaso, said that the leadership of the foundation was in the FCTA to explore areas of collaboration towards the establishment of a database for persons with disability in the Federal Capital Territory, as well as ensure that all public buildings provide access for the physically challenged.

    The APC chieftain disclosed that part of their plan is also to partner with the Administration in the area of setting up schools for persons with disability in the Federal Capital Territory.

    He said: “We are here today to also inform you that we want to establish a very strong presence in the Federal Capital Territory and we have also been invited by the United Nations to attend the 10th year United Nations Convention on Persons with disability holding in June.

    In his presentation at the occasion, a visually impaired member of the entourage, Mr. Danjuma Attah, who became blind at the age of 13, commended the FCT Minister for his concern for the vulnerable, disclosing how the Minister changed his fortunes by signing his license as a tour operator for the Umrah and Hajj, at the time he (the Minister) served as the Chairman of the National Hajj Commission of Nigeria (NAHCON).

    Mr. Attah sought for the support of the FCT Administration through the provision of a plot of land for the construction of a special centre for the blind. The centre, Mr. Attah revealed, would be equipped with fitness and medical facilities suitable for the blind and the visually impaired.

  • FCTA sends off 3 directors

    Federal Capital Territory Administration (FCTA) has sent off three of its directors, having completed their years of service as required by law.

    The retiring directors were feted at a valedictory session held in their honour in Abuja.

    The retiring directors are: Director, Establishment and Training; Malam Salihu Mohammad,Director,Water Board,Malam Hudu Bello; and Director, Engineering Department of the FCDA, Engr.Adamu Alfa Abu. Although Engr. Abu retired in January this year, he was however, invited and officially sent-off by the management along with the other two retiring directors in line with the tradition of the current leadership of FCT Administration of giving befitting send-off to her outstanding retiring staff.

    FCT Permanent Secretary, Dr.Babatope Ajakaiye who spoke during the session which coincided with the monthly Management meeting at the FCDA Conference Hall in Abuja, was full of encomiums for the trio.

    Ajakaiye, among other glowing commendations described the three out-going directors as people who have contributed immensely towards the development of the FCT.

    Speaking further, the Permanent Secretary extolled profusely the passion and commitment of the three directors in ensuring that they leave FCT better than they met it, adding that their legacies would remain indelible in the annals of the territory.

    Ajakaiye further remarked that the retiring officers were thoroughbred professionals with institutional memory on the FCT. While challenging other staff to emulate their impressive performance, the Permanent Secretary used the occasion to charge management staff to reflect on their lives and duties.

    Other management staff also joined the Permanent Secretary to pour praises on their out-going colleagues, describing them as upright and patriotic citizens.

    Responding, the three directors thanked the leadership of FCT Administration for according them the honour, while assuring the Administration of their willingness to assist if called upon.

     

  • FCTA teams up with NOA against polio,flood

    As part of measures to strengthen the war against poliomyelitis, threat of flood and protect the environment, the Federal Capital Territory Administration (FCTA) has declared its intention to collaborate and work closely with the National Orientation Agency (NOA).

    The FCT Minister Malam Muhammad Bello disclosed this while receiving the FCT Director of the National Orientation Agency who paid him a courtesy visit in his office.

    Bello who commended the FCT NOA for their support to the FCT Administration, stressed that the administration requires the services of the agency now more than ever before in sensitising the residents, particularly the Abuja office.

    The Minister expressed the Administration’s preparedness to leverage on the very wide network of the NOA in the fight against polio following the warning from experts that FCT is at a high risk of its re-emergence.

    He pointed out that the vulnerability of Abuja became so pronounced because of its position as a major hub for travelers as well as a safe haven for people affected by insurgency and militancy across the country.

    “We will also collaborate with the NOA in other important areas which include a sustained campaign on the protection of the sanctity of lives, especially that of children against harmful traditions, the environment and preservation of the Abuja Master-plan,” the Minister said.

    “As you know more than I do, change and being able to inculcate the spirit of change in individuals and communities is a very difficult task and governance at any level cannot really achieve its full potentials if you do not carry the governed along.”

    Bello added: “Over the last one year or so, we’ve tried to strengthen institutions and the capacities of those that man the institutions so that we truly deliver on our mandates. In trying to do so, the greatest challenges I and my team are faced with is, being able to reorient people to do what is right”.

    He reiterated that Abuja is the only city in the entire federation that is a creation of law, noting that everything done in Abuja is governed by one set of regulations or the other and these regulations are clearly enunciated and enacted to guide and help us run the city.

    Earlier in his address, the NOA Director, Mr. David Manya Dogo, commended the leadership by example style of the Minister, saying, “I dare say you are one of the leaders who is leading by example and we commend you for that.”

    The NOA Director said the agency is very active in the campaign to prevent meningitis and polio, pointing out that they have been working at the level of Area Councils to see that people are adequately sensitized on these very important issues.

    Other areas of the agency’s activities the Director said include working with the INEC on the continuous voters registration exercise to ensure proper mobilization and sensitization of the citizens, particularly the residents of FCT on how they can partake in the exercise.

    He assured the Minister that NOA is working together with the Task Force on the decongestion of the Nyanya-Orozo-Jikwoyi-Karshi road to evolve a strategic communication plan that leverages on dialogue sessions and citizen engagement.