Tag: Wike

• Party’s spokesman disowns zonal congress in Cross River

The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, has said that the South-South zone is the strongest zone of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Nigeria.

Wike disclosed this while presenting a goodwill message on Saturday at the South-South Zonal Congress of the party.

However, the party has also dismissed claims that it conducted its South-South Zonal Congress, stating that a reported gathering in Calabar, Cross River State was not an official event of the party.

Wike said there had never been a congress or convention where every delegate participated and charged delegates to elect officials who would defend and protect the party.

He said, “The South-South Zone is the strongest zone of the PDP in Nigeria. It has always been and will always be. There is no part of the constitution that says Congress should be postponed because of a wedding or travelling, “he added.

“There has never been a congress where every delegate was present. The constitution did not say the National Working Committee should conduct a congress but the zone. I want to assure you that this is the final zonal congress of the South-South Zone, after the election today, no other zonal congress will hold.

“This is our job, our terrain, and we are not new to this. Nobody can intimidate me and I don’t need to be a governor. Let us put ourselves together in truth and ensure our party remains united and we can only be united when we are truthful. Let us also shine our eyes and elect leaders that will unite and protect our party, “he said.

Responding, the zonal chairman, Dan Orbih said the problems of the party in the zone are inflicted and insisted that the party should not define the company one keeps.

He also expressed optimism that the congress would help reposition the party and help kick-start the process of rebuilding the party.

PDP disowns South-South congress

Reacting to the controversial PDP South-South Zonal Congress, in a statement on Saturday, the party’s National Publicity Secretary, Debo Ologunagba, said the congress was not an official event of the party.

According to Ologunagba, “The attention of the National Working Committee of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has been drawn to a reported social gathering in Calabar, Cross River State, where the organisers falsely claimed the same to be the South-South Zonal Congress of the PDP.

“To the contrary, the PDP states in clear terms that it has not conducted its South-South Zonal Congress neither is it in any way involved in the said gathering in Calabar,” the statement partly read.

The statement further explained that the party had officially postponed the congress to allow for broader consultations.

“For the avoidance of doubt, the NWC at its meeting on Thursday, February 20, 2025, in the exercise of its powers under Section 29 (2)(b), pursuant to Section 31 (2) (c) and (j) of the Constitution of the PDP (as amended in 2017), postponed the conduct of the South-South Zonal Congress from the earlier scheduled date of Saturday, February 22, 2025, so as to allow for further consultation on critical issues relating to the smooth conduct of the Congress in the Zone.

“For clarity, while Section 29 (2)(b) of the PDP Constitution empowers the NWC to ‘in case of emergency, act on behalf of the National Executive Committee subject to the ratification of the National Executive Committee,’ Section 31(2)(c) expressly provides that the National Executive Committee shall ‘supervise and direct the work of the Party and all its organs including the National, Zonal, State and Local Government organs.’

Read Also: Wike vows conducive business environment in FCT

“In the same vein, Section 31(2)(j) empowers the National Executive Committee ‘…to make Party electoral regulations to govern the conduct of elections to all Party offices at every level and regulate procedures for selecting the Party candidates for elective offices’”, the statement further stated.

Reiterating its stance, the party urged members and stakeholders to disregard any event claiming to be its zonal congress.

“For emphasis, therefore, the PDP states that it has not conducted its South-South Zonal Congress and it has yet to communicate a date for the exercise.

“The PDP calls on all party members in the South South Zone, the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), security agencies, and the media to disregard any gathering or outcome of any such gathering in Calabar, Cross River State purported to be the South-South Zonal Congress of the PDP.

“Our party will in due course and through its official channels communicate a new date for the conduct of the South-South Zonal Congress,” it added.

The party also appreciated the continued support of its leaders and stakeholders in the region.

“The NWC commends the PDP South-South state governors, other leaders, critical stakeholders, and members of the party in the zone for their loyalty and steadfastness toward the unity, stability, and growth of the party in the South-South Zone and the nation,” the statement concluded.

Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, has inaugurated the newly developed Karmo District Market in Abuja; describing it as a significant step towards fostering economic growth and enhancing trade within the capital city.

Represented by the Minister of State, Dr. Mariya Mahmoud, at the commissioning ceremony, Wike emphasized that the project aligns with the FCT Administration’s commitment to empowering small businesses and creating a conducive environment for commerce.

He noted that markets are vital to community development, as they serve not only as centers for buying and selling but also as a reflection of the local economy’s strength and resilience.

“This project is a clear demonstration of our administration’s commitment to fostering economic growth, empowering small businesses, and creating a conducive environment for trade and commerce,” Wike stated.

According to him, the establishment of the market is expected to boost local commerce, create employment opportunities, and enhance the livelihoods of residents.

He affirmed that the initiative aligns with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s ‘Renewed Hope Agenda’, aimed at strengthening Nigeria’s economy and improving business prospects in the Federal Capital Territory.

The Minister urged traders and residents to maintain the market’s facilities by ensuring cleanliness, orderliness, and mutual respect.

He also called on the market leadership to collaborate with relevant authorities in addressing any challenges that may arise.

Read Also: Tony Elumelu calls for increased oil production to boost Nigeria’s economy

Expressing appreciation, Wike commended the efforts of the Abuja Investment Company Limited (AICL), development partners, contractors, and all stakeholders, who played a role in bringing the project to completion.

Speaking earlier, Group Managing Director/CEO, Abuja Investments Company Limited, Amb. Maureen Tamuno, described the initiative as one of the cardinal policy thrusts of the ‘Renewed Hope Agenda’ of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, which is ”Economic growth through job Creation”

Her words: “The commissioning of the Karmo District Market marks another milestone in the FCT Administration’s drive to enhance commercial activities and improve infrastructure in Abuja”.

She further explained that the market was developed on a 9.91-hectare land, and it boasts over 2,500 well-organized shop units catering to various goods and services.

The market, she said, is equipped with modern amenities, including an expansive parking space to ease traffic congestion, clean water supply, and sanitation facilities to ensure a hygienic trading environment.

The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, says many FCT projects would be inaugurated in May to celebrate President Bola Tinubu’s second in office.

Wike stated this in Abuja on Saturday after inspecting the construction of a 30.4-kilometre road from Abuja-Lokoja Expressway to Gomani in Kwali Area Council of the FCT.

The project was awarded in two sections — a 15-kilometre from Abuja to Lokoja Expressway (A 2) to Pai, and the other — a 15.4-kilometre from Pai to Gomani.

He said details of the projects would be made public in due course.

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He expressed satisfaction with the pace of work so far, stressing that the contractors have shown capacity to deliver the project on schedule.

He said “that is why I insisted that we will only give out jobs to contractors who show capacity and not based on sentiment.

“I am happy that the communities are happy. You can see how they came out in numbers to celebrate the progress of work so far,” he said.

The minister thanked the area council chairman, the youths and community members of the affected communities for supporting the execution of the projects.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the minister had so far inspected 11 projects from Feb. 12 till date, nine in the city centre and two in Kwali Area Council.

(NAN) (www.nannews.ng)

Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike on Thursday assured timely completion of all ongoing infrastructure projects in the nation’s capital.

Wike made pledges while addressing reporters shortly after a routine inspection of ongoing critical projects across the city centre.

The project sites visited, including the ongoing rehabilitation of the International Conference Centre (ICC), the construction of Collector Road CN8 (connecting the Obafemi Awolowo Way to the Dakibiyu District), the construction of the Abuja Division of the Court of the Appeal office complex i as well as the full scope development of Arterial Road N20 (Wole Soyinka Way), including its interchanges.

Following the inspections, the Minister expressed satisfaction with the progress of the projects.

He said the FCT Administration anticipates the handing over of the ICC by Julius Berger by the end of April or May this year, while agreement has also been reached with the contractor for the Court of Appeal project for a handover in September. 

He added that Gilmor Nig, the contractor responsible for the Wole Soyinka Way, has also committed to the completion of the project by May, in time for the celebration of the second-year anniversary of the administration.

The Minister expressed confidence in the transformative potential of the projects, emphasizing their ability to enhance both the city’s infrastructure and its aesthetic appeal upon completion.

Wike commended the contractors for their evident skill and dedication, while simultaneously pledging the government’s commitment to providing consistent and sufficient funding.

According to the Minister: “One is happy that the contractors are doing well and on our own part too, we will make sure that we will not fail so that they will not find excuses because they were unable to hand over the projects to us on the agreed time.”

Read Also: Wike vows compensation for affected structures in FCT

Regarding the funding of these projects, the Minister confirmed that they are included in the 2024 budget, with provisions also made in the upcoming 2025 budget.

He clarified that the 2024 budget period has been extended to the end of June, ensuring that all projects remain within the legal framework.

Addressing the issue of stolen manhole covers, the Minister assured residents that the procurement process for replacements is underway.

He said: “You don’t expect that it will be done immediately. Procurement has to take place and you know that procurement is not a one-day affair. But be assured that the FCDA will all do all they can to make sure that all that we are lost are covered”.

The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, has reaffirmed the FCT Administration’s commitment to cancer prevention and care in the territory.

The Mandate Secretary, Health Services and Environment Secretariat, Dolapo Fasawe, stated this in a statement to commemorate 2025 World Cancer Day.

Fasawe said the minister had partnered with the National Task Force on Cervical Cancer Elimination to ensure a healthier future for FCT residents.

This, she said, would be achieved through sustained collaboration, improved access to cancer care, and strengthened public health interventions, which in the long run would prevent avoidable deaths and protect women in FCT from cancer. 

The mandate secretary emphasised the importance of collaborative efforts in ensuring equitable and compassionate cancer care.

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She pointed out that World Cancer Day was being celebrated every February 4th to raise awareness, advocate for improved access to healthcare and reduce the burden of cancer on families and communities.

“This year’s theme, “United by Unique”, aligns with the FCT’s commitment to prioritising people-centred care.

“Some of FCTA’s initiatives against cancer include free HPV vaccination for girls aged nine – 14, Pap smear screenings in all FCT hospitals, and training of primary healthcare workers in cervical cancer detection using visual inspection methods.

”These holistic measures are designed to curb the prevalence of cervical cancer in the FCT,” she said.

Fasawe described the recent visit of the National Task Force on Cervical Cancer Elimination, led by its chairman and former Minister of Health, Prof. Isaac Adewole, as timely.

She said FCT would leverage the expertise and resources of the task force to enhance cervical cancer prevention, vaccination, screening, testing, and treatment efforts.

She disclosed that FCT was selected as the first state for engagement by the task force due to its outstanding performance and commitment to various healthcare initiatives, underscoring the need for collective action to ensure the success of the advocacy campaign.

According to her, cancer is a leading cause of death worldwide, due to late detection and lack of access to good medical attention.

She said: “The World Health Organization (WHO) has identified cancer as the second leading cause of death globally, stressing the urgent need for enhanced prevention, early detection, and access to quality treatment.

“Recent data revealed that in 2022, there were approximately 20 million new cases and 9.7 million deaths globally, while Nigeria recorded an estimated 127,000 new cases and 79,000 deaths.

”To address this challenge, the FCT has implemented several interventions, including free HPV vaccination for girls aged 9 – 14, pap smear screenings in all FCT government hospitals, and training of primary healthcare workers from 62 basic healthcare facilities in cervical cancer detection using acetic acid and lugol’s iodine.

“Other measures are colposcopy screening services at Wuse District Hospital every Thursday, chemotherapy management at Asokoro District Hospital, and statewide cancer prevention activities in collaboration with the City Cancer Foundation, including stakeholder mapping, needs assessments, and executive council engagements

“Despite being preventable and treatable, late-stage diagnosis, limited treatment facilities, and lack of awareness continue to contribute to high mortality rates.”

Fasawe emphasised the need to combat stigma, misinformation, and delayed treatment, all of which contribute to preventable cancer deaths.

She revealed that the FCTA was working towards establishing fully equipped cancer centres to expand access to affordable cancer care, particularly in underserved areas.

• …Abuja residents excited  

The ongoing construction of three bus and taxi terminals in Abuja, initiated by the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Minister, Nyesom Wike, has generated over 3,000 jobs for residents.

Wike launched the project in July 2024, with terminals being built in Mabushi, Central Area, and Kugbo to enhance commuter safety and convenience while boosting employment.

According to Rasheed Sholadoye, Project Manager at Planet Projects, the executing firm, the workforce includes skilled and unskilled artisans, as well as security personnel.

Sholadoye explained that part of the conditions in the contract was for the company to employ residents in the executing of the project as part of FCT Administration’s strategy for job creation.

He said: “FCT residents have enjoyed enormously from this project. We have employed a whole lot of them.

“You know it’s a construction site and certain workers will be needed at certain stages of the construction.

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“It’s difficult to give you an exact number but more than 3,000 residents have been engaged and more will be employed as the work progresses.”

Sholadoye said while the construction of the bus terminals in Mabushi and Kugbo commenced in July 2024, that of Central Area commenced two months later.

He explained that the delay followed the relocation of some underground facilities at the project site located close to eagle square.

The project manager expressed optimism that despite the delay, the projects were still on track and would be delivered as scheduled.

He disclosed that Mabushi bus terminal has reached 92 per cent completion, the one in Kugbo was currently at 85 per cent completion while that of Central Area was about 50 percent.

“Hopefully with our schedule and programme of work, by the grace of God, the terminals in Mabushi and Kubo will be ready for inauguration by the end of February.

“On the other hand, the one in Central Area will be ready in May.

“The projects are all encompassing with commercial activities in all the terminals, including cinema halls, where people can relax while waiting for their bus.

“We are bringing state of the art facilities, especially the one in Central Area. It will be a terminal that the people of Abuja will love to see and enjoy,” he said.

Some of the workers at the sites, who lauded the initiative, thanked Wike for putting food on their table.

One of them, a 30-year-old welder, Ibrahim Musa, who lives in Kuje, said the project has provided him with a stable job.

Musa, who thanked the FCT minister for mandating the contractor to employ residents, said the steady means of income has significantly improved his standard of living.

On her part, a 45-year-old mother of four, Mrs Abimbola Omole, a cleaner at the Mabushi terminal, expressed optimism for a brighter future as a worker in the facility.

Omole said she was working as a house help but lost the job when her employer travelled out of the country.

She said: “Life was difficult for me and my children until I got this job. I am grateful to the FCT minister for making this happen for me.”