By Wumi Tewogbade, Abuja

As the 2025 Abuja Business and Investment Expo draws to a close, the FCT Minister of State, Dr. Mariya Mahmoud has called for renewed determination to nurture enduring enterprises and continued unlocking of the full potential of emerging markets.

Mahmoud, who was represented by the Permanent Secretary FCT Women Affairs Secretariat, Barrister Asma’u Mukhtar highlighted the immense creativity, resilience, and leadership displayed by women entrepreneurs and innovators during the Expo Women’s Day session.

She remarked on the aptness of this year’s theme, “Empowering Sustainable Growth: Unlocking Potentials in Emerging Markets,” emphasizing the collective goal of building an inclusive, robust economy driven by women’s ingenuity.

According to her, “we believe that sustainable development cannot be achieved without gender inclusiveness. When women are equipped with the right tools, knowledge, and access to capital, the entire economy benefits.”

The Minister urged all participants to transform the insights and connections gained during the Expo into concrete actions, while calling for innovation, collaboration, and investments to position Abuja as a beacon of sustainable business growth across Africa.

Mahmoud also expressed deep appreciation to the organisers, Abuja Investments Company Limited, led by Group Managing Director Ambassador Maureen Tamuno, PhD, and commended the strategic efforts to attract investments that expand opportunities for women and youth in the Federal Capital Territory.

She, however, thanked all participants for their commitment to a prosperous and inclusive future for the Federal Capital Territory and Nigeria.

On her part, the Group Managing Director of Abuja Investment Company Limited, Amb. Maureen Tamuno, revealed that the Expo for Women’s Day was designed to honour the courage, resilience, and contributions of women to sustainable growth and inclusive development.

Tamuno told women to see themselves as equal drivers of change, not just as recipients of grants or donations; adding that women must contribute financially and otherwise in order to make growth sustainable.

“These platforms empower female entrepreneurs and professionals by providing connections to investors and mentors, directly supporting the theme of women driving inclusive and sustainable growth.

“At AICL, we believe that genuine empowerment includes all voices. Through these initiatives, we ensure that everyone participates in the FCT’s development journey,” Tamuno added.

She, however, acknowledged that men must be included in the discourse on women’s empowerment, just as she noted that gender balance is not just a women’s issue; it is a development issue.

Tamuno, therefore, commended the FCT Minister Barrister Nyesom Wike for his work for women’s rights and equality.

By Wumi Tewogbade, Abuja

The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, on Wednesday, urged investors to leverage on the numerous opportunities in the FCT to drive sustainable growth and development.

The Minister made this call at the opening ceremony of the 2025 Abuja Business and Investment Summit held at the Bola Tinubu International Conference Centre, Abuja.

Wike, who was represented by the FCT Minister of State, Dr. Mariya Mahmoud, used the forum to assure participants that the current leadership of the FCT Administration remains resolute in ensuring that Abuja is not just the capital of Nigeria, but a beacon of sustainable development for the continent

The Minister highlighted the critical moment Nigeria faces as it advances under the Renewed Hope Agenda championed by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, focusing on inclusive growth, infrastructure revitalization, and job creation.

While commenting on the summit’s theme, “Empowering Sustainable Growth: Unlocking Potentials in Emerging Markets,” Wike said it aligns with the FCT Administration’s commitment to creating an enabling environment for business and investment.

The Minister emphasized the importance of infrastructure as a foundation for industrialization and economic development, detailing ongoing efforts to enhance road networks that connect satellite towns, area councils, and rural communities to the city center.

“As Abuja symbolizes Nigeria’s aspirations, our mission, supported by Mr. President, is to make it a safe, investment, friendly city that empowers all citizens,” the Minister added.

Wike, therefore, commended the Abuja Investment Company Limited (AICL) for organizing a pivotal event aimed at fostering strategic partnerships for the economic growth of the FCT.

He also stressed the FCT Administration’s openness to new ideas and solutions, welcoming forums like this summit to showcase investment opportunities and engage emerging markets.

According to the minister, “FCT Administration remains steadfast in building a sustainable, flourishing capital city and enhancing Nigeria’s position on the continental and global stage.”

Earlier, the Group Managing Director/CEO Abuja Investments Company Limited, Ambassador Maureen Tanuno, said the Expo aligns perfectly with the vision of the Renewed Hope Agenda that continues to strengthen investors confidence, stabilize the micro-economy,and to stimulate sustainable growth.

She revealed that this year’s Expo convenes investors, entrepreneurs, innovators, and development partners from Nigeria and around the world, including delegates from South Africa, the United Kingdom, Canada, and Botswana.

Tamuno further explained that the AICL as the investment arm of the FCT Administration, had, through its subsidiaries and strategic projects, remains committed to being a catalyst for sustainable growth and economic transformation.

She said this year’s programme features dedicated youth day and women’s day to promote inclusion, connect innovators with investors, and ensure that no one is left behind.

“ABIEXPO 2025 marks the next chapter of Abuja’s transformation into a resilient, globally competitive city,” she stressed.

By Wumi Tewogbade, Abuja

Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike,on Tuesday,said his administration has concluded arrangements to commence the commissioning of projects that have been concluded in Education Sector. 

Wike stated this during the commissioning of the newly provided Engineering Infrastructure in Wuye District Abuja.

After 20 days of flag offs and commissioning, he said he will take a break and come back for commissioning of projects in the education sector.

He said, “After this series of flag-offs and commissionings, we’ll take a short break. Twenty days of events is not a small feat. Afterward, we’ll turn our focus fully to education. For twenty more days, we’ll show Nigerians what we have done in that sector — and it will surprise many. Our work is not only about roads and infrastructure; it also extends to education.

Taking a swipe at the last administration, he said the project was awarded in 2009 but President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, came in and completed the project.

“Under previous administrations, projects were abandoned. But today, those roads are being dualised and completed. President Tinubu has transformed not just the city but the satellite towns as well.

 “People often come to us to say this contract was awarded long ago. Yes, it was awarded in 2009, and yet it remained abandoned because there was no payment. From that time till 2023, nothing was done.

“When this administration came in, the President took immediate steps to revive it. The entire Gwagwalada district — with hundreds of hectares of land — was developed to include road networks, sectoral arterials, tunnels, water and electricity. The President said clearly: I have come to bring renewed hope to the people.

“Many had lost faith, but he restored it. Within one year in office, major projects were completed — including the interchange that had caused traffic chaos in the area. Today, the entire district is fully developed”,he said.

He therefore challenged, “If there’s any administration since the creation of the Federal Capital Territory that has done more than what we are doing, let them speak up now. Their silence says it all — this is leadership that is committed, leadership that is changing lives”.

He commended the management and staff of FCT for all their supports and hardwork and urged them to be proud of themselves anywhere they go.

“Let me thank everyone working with the FCTA. You’ve done well. Stand tall and be proud of your efforts. You’ve broken records. Wherever you go, carry your shoulders high — tell anyone who doubts it that the FCT is working”, he noted .

In her remarks, FCT Minister of State, Dr Mariya Mahmoud, described the project is about giving communities the infrastructure they deserve and the comfort they have long awaited.

In her words, “As we celebrate this achievement, let us remember that every milestone is a promise kept, and every completion is a beginning anew.”

Mahmoud,  therefore, expressed gratitude to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, whose Renewed Hope Agenda continues to illuminate every corner of the Federal Capital Territory. 

In the same vein, Mahmoud extended the administration’s profound appreciation to the FCT Minister, Barrister Nyesom Wike, for his exemplary leadership and relentless drive to deliver projects that touch lives and uplift communities.