By Wumi Tewogbade, Abuja

The Federal Capital Territory Administration (FCTA) has signed Development Agreements with Suburban Broadband Limited and Akida Hills Limited for the development of a recreational hub in the heart of Abuja.

Speaking at the signing ceremony, the FCT Minister, Nyesom Wike described Abuja as a fast-developing city, and a perfect location for recreation, but lamented that the pace of development had been slowed down by land speculators who held on to land without developing them.

The Minister, who stressed that, it was no longer business as usual for those “hoarding and speculating government land”, warned that “for those that have applied for land for development, they must have to develop the land within the next six months, and we will revoke it if it is not done. “

Speaking at the brief ceremony in the FCT Minister’s conference room, the representative of Suburban Broadband Limited, Mr. Pankaj Khandelwal, said the Development Agreement marked an important landmark for their organization, and that the project was a significant investment which will bring about socioeconomic growth and create jobs in the FCT.

On his part, the representative of Akida Hills Limited, Mr Bamisile Olukayode, appreciated the courage of the FCT Minister in carrying out major developmental tasks in the FCT.

He described the task of developing the Jabi Lake as “exciting” and promised that the project will be comparable to Times Square in New York and the Dubai Fountain Water Show and would turn Abuja to a destination city.

He assured that the development will place Abuja among world class cities all over the globe, adding that the project will be completed before the end of the year.

By Saint Mugaga

Governor of Rivers State, Sir Siminalayi Fubara, has dissolved the State Executive Council, a move preparatory to constituting a more inclusive cabinet and calm frayed nerves.

The dissolution came on Thursday after the governor held a meeting with members of the outgoing cabinet at the Government House Port Harcourt.

Fubara has also directed all the Commissioners and Special Advisers to hand over to the Permanent Secretaries or the most Senior officers in their Ministries with immediate effect.

In a statement signed by his Chief Press Secretary, Onwuka Nzeshi, the governor expressed deep appreciation to the outgoing members of the State Executive Council and wished them the best in their future endeavours.

By Our Reporter

After initial denials and foot dragging over the abduction of Christian worshippers, the Kaduna State government assured having lived lived up to its responsibility, as the Governor, Uba Sani, confirmed the safe rescue of all 183 worshippers abducted from Kurmin Wali community in Kajuru Local Government Area of the state.

While speaking about the development in Government House after receiving the rescued Worshippers, the governor said 11 of the victims had earlier been released and taken to hospital for examinations and certified medically fit before reuniting them with their families.

The other 83 victims were returned a few days later, while the remaining 89 were rescued on Wednesday, bringing the total number of freed abductees to 183.
“Altogether, the figure is 183, and we would not be sitting here if even one person was still missing,” Uba Sani said.

He noted that the incident came as a shock, especially given the efforts of his administration over the past two and a half years to work closely with security agencies in protecting lives and property across the state.

He said immediately the abduction was confirmed, the state government mobilised all security agencies and relevant stakeholders to ensure their safe rescue.

The governor appreciated President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, saying the President showed concern and leadership by maintaining constant contact with him from the first day of the incident.

He also commended the National Security Adviser, Mallam Nuhu Ribadu, for working closely with the state government to secure the release of the abducted women and children.

The governor also praised the Department of State Services (DSS), the Nigerian Army, the Nigeria Police Force, as well as the Chief of Army Staff, the Chief of Air Staff and the Inspector-General of Police for their collaboration during the rescue operation.

The Kaduna State Government deliberately avoided politicising the incident or engaging in public arguments over figures, added, stressing the priority was to ensure that every abducted person returned safely.
“For us, even one abducted person is unacceptable,” adding that the state does not take security issues lightly.

To forestall future occursnces, e revealed that he had requested the establishment of a military base along the Kajuru–Kachia axis, particularly around the Regina area, identified as a long-standing security flashpoint on the Kaduna–Abuja corridor.

He said President Tinubu had assured him that the request would be granted to strengthen security in the area.

The governor explained that rather than relocating the predominantly farming community of Kurmin Wali, the government had chosen to protect residents in their ancestral homes to sustain their livelihoods and boost the local economy.

According to him, construction has commenced on the road linking Kurmin Wali to the main road, while a hospital and a skills acquisition centre are also being built for the community.

He disclosed that the rescued victims would not be returned home immediately, as they would first undergo comprehensive medical examinations and psychosocial support in Kaduna.

He appealed to citizens to be fair to security agencies, urging Nigerians to support personnel who risk their lives daily, while assuring that his administration would continue to work tirelessly to protect lives and property across Kaduna State.