Metro
Road construction: Your phone must be always on, Wike warned officials
By Wumi Tewogbade
The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Barrister Ezenwo Nyesom Wike,on Friday, warned all the officials to ensure their phones are always switch on for easy access.
The FCT Minister stated this at the flag off of the construction of the Transit Way N2, a vital road project designed to connect the Central Business District to the Wuse District.
Addressing heads of departments, Wike directed officials in charge of security and health projects to take immediate action.
“Those in charge of health must sit up and know that time waits for nobody. If you don’t know how to be energetic enough to meet up, go and ask those who know how to keep up with the speed at which I work.
Your phones must be on because I may call you at any time. If your phones are off, it means you are not prepared for the job,” he said.
He was particularly critical of the pace of work on the construction of 12 new police stations in the Territory.
Director of Security, we are building not less than 12 police stations. Up till now, you have not come to tell me how many are ready. The day I go and find out, that day you will go to the Institute of Policy Studies, so that you will allow another person to do the job.
“Director is not to wear agbada, it is not to wear black cap. The assignment is to ensure that you hand over the police stations for us to have improved security,” he said.
He revealed that the project, which also includes the provision of two essential bridges, was initiated after he observed efforts by private citizens—whom he extolled as “elder statesmen”—to make the road motorable.
Following this observation, the Minister said he directed the Federal Capital Development Authority (FCDA) to take over and fully complete the project.
He said: “During one of our inspection tours, I drove from where you have the TY Danjuma Foundation. I want to commend our elder statesmen for taking the bold step to start the construction from that side. I said these are citizens who mean well for our people. I felt that they should not be the only people that will do that road. So, I told the Executive Secretary, FCDA to take it over from there and then link up to Wuse. Today to the glory of God, we are here to flag-off the road construction”.
He stressed that the Transit Way A2 is one of the key projects scheduled for inauguration during the third-year anniversary of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s administration and consequently charged the contractor, Levante Construction Company Nigeria Limited, to ensure the project’s timely completion.
The FCT Minister while emphasizing the foundational role of a good road network in urban development and attracting investment, cited the example of the ‘Abuja City Walk’ project by investors from Dubai, noting that their commitment stems from the Administration’s focus on infrastructure.
“There cannot be development in any city without good network of roads. Road infrastructure attracts investments”, Barr. Wike stated.
Beyond road infrastructure, the FCT Minister disclosed that the FCT Administration is intensifying efforts in other critical sectors, including health and education. He announced a new phase for educational development, pledging the total rehabilitation of not less than 40 schools, which he said is in addition to the over 70 ongoing school projects, 45 of which have already been completed.
“We are going to start again the total rehabilitation of not less than 40 schools after this road infrastructure”, the Minister stated. He called for renewed commitment from officials, charging them to keep up with his pace of delivery while stressing that no sector will be left untouched.
“The only thing we know in our dictionary is to work, work and work to the satisfaction of our people,” he stated, reassuring residents that the FCT Administration remains focused on service delivery despite any distractions.
The Minister equally confirmed that the flag-off and commissioning of vital projects will continue through October and into November to grow the economy and improve the landscape of the FCT.
“Let me say that this flag-off and commissioning will continue till almost the 20th of October, then in November, we will commission some other projects which we think are very vital and important to grow the economy and improve the landscape of the FCT”, the Minister assured.
In her vote of thanks, the FCT Minister of State, Dr. Mariya Mahmoud, expressed profound gratitude to President Tinubu for his unwavering commitment to infrastructure development in the FCT and the nation at large.
She hailed the project as yet another testimony of the Renewed Hope Agenda and specially acknowledged the FCT Minister, Barr. Wike, for being the “monitor and driver of this initiative and success and thanked the National Assembly for its “consistent support, collaboration and legislative backing”.
Presenting an overview of the project, the Executive Secretary, FCDA, Engr. Richard Yunana Dauda, explained that the transit way in the Abuja Master Plan is a public transport system infrastructure, which combines the rail mode and bus rapid transport network, designed to link the city center with sector centers along the developing corridors as well as to the Satellite Towns and reduce reliance on private cars.
He specified that the Transit Way A2 is the first segment of the transit ways being implemented by the FCT Administration, adding that the project, awarded to Messrs Levant Construction Limited, includes two river bridges connecting the Central Business District to Wuse District.
He said the project will address chronic flooding issues and enhance general traffic flow, serving as a catalyst for economic activities, adding that the scope of work includes river channels, erosion control measures, and solar lighting.
Engr. Dauda affirmed that the completed project will not only reduce travel time but also improve economic activities within the vicinity and further enhance infrastructural growth in the city, while also providing job opportunities during the construction phase.
The Managing Director, Levante Construction Company, Elie Tannous, who also spoke during the flag-off ceremony, thanked the FCT Administration for entrusting the company with the responsibility and assured that the project will be delivered within the stipulated timeframe and in accordance with the highest standard.
Wumi Tewogbade,Abuja
The Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Minister, Nyesom Wike, at the weekend, launched a grassroots social mobilisation exercise to promote birth registration in the FCT.
The Mandate Secretary, FCT Women Affairs Secretariat, Adedayo Benjamins-Laniyi, launched the programme in Abuja,.
She said birth registration is aimed to address the low level of birth registration, especially children that are born outside the health center in the rural areas.
The exercise, is in collaboration with UNICEF Nigeria, Nigeria Population Commission (NPC), Association of Local Government of Nigeria (ALGON), National Identity Management Commission (NIMC), and National Orientation Agency (NOA), .
The Mandate Secretary who was
represented by Director, Child Development Department, Dr Idris Yahaya Attah, emphasised the importance of birth registration.
The Mandate Secretary said, the initiative, was in line with the Renewed Hope Agenda, aims to ensure every child is registered and documented, paving way for a brighter future.
“A lot of children are born outside hospitals and in remote communities. These children need to be properly captured and documented as citizens of the FCT and Nigeria”, She said.
Benjamins-Laniyi stressed that accurate data is crucial for planning and development, urging Abaji communities to cooperate with the FCT Administration to ensure they benefit from democratic dividends. UNICEF Nigeria, represented by Mrs Phydelia Abbas, is supporting this initiative.
The exercise, which began on March 26, will cover all Area Councils, with the following schedule:
- Abaji – March 26, 2026 (completed)
- Bwari – March 30, 2026
- Kwali – April 8, 2026
- Gwagwalada- April 9, 2026
- Kuje- April 10, 2026
- AMAC – April 13, 2026
The registration is free for children aged 0-1 year and 1-5 years. .
….as treatment success rates 94%
By Wumi Tewogbade,Abuja
The Federal Capital Territory (FCT) revealed at the weekend that Abuja has over 16,000 annual burden of Tuberculosis (TB) cases.
FCT Director Public Health, Dr Dan Gasama , stated this at the community outreach in commemoration of 2026 World Tuberculosis Day, organized by the Federal Capital Territory Health Services and Environment Secretariat (FCT-HSES), Stop TB Partnership Nigeria, National Tuberculosis and Leprosy Control Programme (NTBLCP),and other partners, in Abuja.
Gasama added that, the treatment success rate for Tuberculosis (TB) in Nigeria is now 94 percent when detected early.
The theme for 2026 celebrations ‘Yes, we can. We can end TB’.
People trooped out in their hundreds from Mabushi community and they were screened and tested for TB, Malaria, etc, and people were given free medications for malaria and some other minor ailments, some were refered to bigger hospitals.
Gasama said, TB remain one of the world’s oldest infectious diseases, and a public health concern globally and nationally, despite being preventable and curable, it continues to claim lives and disrupt families and communities.
He noted, “An estimated 10.7 million people fell ill with TB in 2014, with1.23 million deaths including 150,000 deaths among people with HIV.
“With prevalence of 219/100,000, Nigeria remain one of the countries with high TB burden , and FCT also has estimated annual burden of 16,000 cases.
“The country notified over 467,000in 2025 , the highest ever in our history. Treatment success rate have reached an impressive 94%, demonstrating that when TB is detected early and treated properly, it can be cured .
Additionally TB mortality has been reduced by 63% between 2015 -2024″, Dr. Dan said.
He said in FCT in 2025, FCT-TBLCP recorded it highest achievement to date, over 40,171 presumptive TB clients were identified and screened while 3,679 TB cases were notified the highest in history.
He noted that one of the unique commemorations of this year is the dedication to high-burden communities, where they take the message to their doorsteps.
The in her goodwill message, Dr. Jenny Momoh, who represented Dr. Jibrin Alkasim, the FCT state coordinator for World Health Organisation (WHO), said reiterated the commitment of the world body to eradicating TB completely. Which according to her is visible when countries, communities, and partners unite with purpose and determination.
WHO commended all the health workers and partners for their determination, supports and commitment, that has helped to save lives.
“Despite the challenges, we have seen remarkable advances in diagnostics, treatment options, digital tools, and community‑centered care. Yet millions still face barriers to timely diagnosis and quality treatment. This is why our collective action remains essential. Ending TB requires sustained investment, innovation, and a strong multisectoral response that leaves no one behind”, she noted .
Teresa Jatau, who spoke on behalf of National Coordinator TB network, in her goodwill message said, she is very happy with the turnout of people for the programme.
She reiterated the need for all hands to be on desk in order to completely eradicate TB on Nigeria.
She also remind Nigerians that TB affect children as well, “By collectively working together and collectively amplifying the voices of the community, amplifying the voices of even children. Oftentimes we have conversations about TB, but we neglect the children. But here, we should be reminded that children too are often affected by TB. And so they should be at the center of our conversation”.
She said TB network is committed to continue to do the work at the community level to ensure that everyone gets the information, the correct information, knows where to go to and seek care in case they are tested positive.
By Wumi Tewogbade, Abuja
The Federal Capital Territory Administration (FCTA), has reiterated its commitment in ensuring justice and rights of Persons Living With Disabilities (PWDs) in Abuja.
The Mandate Secretary, FCT Women Affairs Secretariat, Adedayo Benjamins-Laniyi stated this during the Celebration of IWD 2026 with 250 Persons living With Disabilities ( PWDs) at the Bamishe Community in Kuje Area Council.
She said, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu,
through The Renewed Hope Initiative Programme is particular about not leaving anyone behind; and hence the Theme of International Women’s Day 2026; Justice. Rights & Action for all women and girls, is very timely.
Benjamins-Laniyi, who was represented by Head, Women Affairs Department, Mrs Aina Sanni said, FCT Women Affairs Secretariat has concluded arrangement to initiating a pioneer community intervention collecting & collating the data of Women and Girls with disabilities so in order to enhance the administration’s engagement with Vulnerable Groups.
According to her, ” There’s ability in Disability. All it takes it the right tools and empowerment and political will. We have so many of you that are graduates because you had access to Braille, Sign language, mobility and other devices that made it easy for you to feel empowered”.
She continued that those who are educated amongst them can empower others who are not by ensuring that they learn a skill.
She added that with the achievement of The PWDs Community, it obvious that there’s ability in Disability for those ready to explore.
Ms. Justina Janet Agesepa, a person with vision impairment praised The FCT Minister, Nyesom Wike, on the ongoing Road infrastructure.
She said this is what is needed because most of the PWDs live in areas where it is difficult for them to be reached due to lack of access Road.
Ms Agesepa said They also need employment for the Graduates in their midst and empowerment for the Women.
Speaking in Hausa, Mallam Luka Kura from Cheta said the Challenge they faced is lack of Access Road and Borehole.He said the Water they are drinking is not hygienic and called on the Government to remember them.
At the end of the program, packs of Foodstuff, Rice and Garri were distributed amongst the participants who thanked the FCT Administration for reaching out to them.
Some of the Participants came all the way from the newly discovered Cheta Disability Community as beneficiaries of the WAS IWD program designed to spotlight, encourage and inspire Women & Girls Living With Disabilities in The Federal Capital Territory Administration
Olofu Secures ADC Senatorial Ticket For Benue South, Sets Sights on Moro, Agbo in 2027
Spread the loveBy Felix Umande, Makurdi Former Benue State Commissioner for Finance, Dr. David Olofu, has emerged as the African...
Aondoakaa Taps 38-Year-OLD Ogbenjuwa as Running Mate, Vows to Prioritize Security and Youth Inclusion
Spread the loveBy Felix Umande, Makurdi The Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, governorship candidate for Benue State in the 2027 election,...
Dangote Refinery Ends Africa’s “Economic Slavery” says Billionaire Otedola
Spread the loveAfrica, including Nigeria, imported most of its shell fuel like a country without crude oil. Now, Nigerian billionaire,...
Africa’s Largest University Becomes First on the Continent to Own an Airport
Spread the loveThe University of South Africa has become the first African university to own an airport. The 20-hectare facility...
Kuraun Demands to be Declared Winner of Benue APC Guber Primary, Cites Non-Compliance By Rivals
Spread the loveBy Felix Umande, Makurdi Dr. Jeffrey Kuraun, one of the aspirants in the Benue State All Progressives Congress,...
Ex-Reps Spokesman Zakari Mohammed Emerges Kwara ADC Guber Candidate
Spread the loveBy Philip Nyam One-time House of Representatives spokesperson, Hon Zakari Mohammed has emerged the gubernatorial candidate of African...
Sayyadi retires as AGIS Director
Spread the loveBy Wumi Tewogbade Abuja After 35 years of distinguished service in the Federal Capital Territory Administration, Esv. Umar...
Rainy season: FCTA warns residents staying close to waterway
Spread the loveBy Wumi Tewogbade Abuja The Federal Capital Territory Administration (FCTA ) throughFederal Capital Territory Emergency Management Agency (FEMA)...
Opinion: It’s el Rufai’s Time to Reflect on His Evils
Spread the loveBy Celphas Iyorhen Rotimi Amaechi made a sarcastic remark last week, suggesting that asking Nasir El-Rufai to produce...
2007: SDP Settles for Consensus Primary, Affirms Candidates
Spread the love—Dr Anyam vows hoisting SDP flag in NASS By Son Tertsea, Abuja For its choice of candidates for...