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Category: North Central

  • Insubordinate commissioner nominee denied screening by Nasarawa assembly

    Insubordinate commissioner nominee denied screening by Nasarawa assembly

    Nasarawa House of Assembly has suspended the screening of Mr Yakubu Kwanta, a commissioner nominee and former Commissioner for Environment for failure to appear before a committee to defend the ministry’s 2024 budget performance.

    Mr Danladi Jatau, Speaker of the Assembly, announced the suspension of Kwanta’s screening on Monday in Lafia.

    It came following a motion by Mr Muhammed Omafefu (APC-Keana), the Chairman House Committee on Environment, during the Commissioner-nominees’ screening exercise.

    Omadefu said that the Assembly would not allow any government official to undermine its powers as the legislative arm saddled with the responsibility of making laws.

    “Mr Kwanta should send a strong apology letter to the House over his action when he was a  commissioner, otherwise we will consider him unfit for the screening,” he said.

    Other members who supported the motion and called for an apology from the former commissioner include Mr Mohammed Isimbabi, Mr Ajegana Kudu and Mr Hudu Hudu.

    They said that the written apology from the nominee would serve as a deterrent to others and save the integrity of the House.

    Meanwhile, the House has screened and approved seven of the 16 commissioner- nominees submitted by Gov. Abdullahi Sule on Feb.10.

    The Speaker congratulated the nominees and urged them to discharge their duties with the fear of God when they assume office.

    The nominees screened include Umar Tanko-Tunga from Awe Local Government Area(LGA), Dr John Mamman from Kokona LGA and  Hajiya Munirat Abdullahi from Doma LGA.

    Others are Mr Gabriel Agbashi from Doma LGA, Mr Isaac Danladi from Karu LGA, Princess Margret Elayo from Keana LGA and Dr Ibrahim Tanko from Keffi LGA.

  • Nasarawa ex-attorney-general appointed as SSG 

    Nasarawa ex-attorney-general appointed as SSG 

    Gov. Abdullahi Sule of Nasarawa State on Friday, swore in Labaran Magaji, immediate-past Attorney-General and Commissioner for Justice as the new Secretary to the State Government (SSG).

    The appointment of Magaji follows the sack of the former SSG, Muhammad Ubandoma-Aliyu, alongside all Commissioners by the governor on Jan. 3, 2025.

    Speaking at the ceremony in Lafia, the governor expressed confidence that the new SSG would serve the administration well, given his antecedents, loyalty, and proven performance in all positions he held in the past.

    READ ALSO: Tinubu sacks Prof Maikudi as UNIABJA VC, others

    Sule thanked God Almighty for having another privilege to rejig his administration for optimal service delivery to the people of the state.

    “This was done to bring in new hands that will infuse new perspective into the system to enhance our capacity in the delivery of service for the progress and development of our dear state.

    “As you are aware, the SSG is a legal luminary, a reputable technocrat with global experience, and an unassuming politician, who served the state and the country in various capacities,” the governor said.

    Speaking after the inauguration, the SSG expressed gratitude to the governor for finding him worthy to serve the state in that capacity.

    Magaji promised to discharge his duties with all sense of responsibility and loyalty to the governor.

  • Tinubu gets a Federal Polytechnic in Abuja

    Tinubu gets a Federal Polytechnic in Abuja

     

    The federal government has approved the creation of a new polytechnic in Abuja, to be named Bola Tinubu Polytechnic. 

    This decision was announced by the Minister of Education, Tunji Alausa, in a letter sent to Nyesom Wike, the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, on January 9.  

    The move is part of a nationwide effort to ensure each state has a federal polytechnic.

     The polytechnic will focus on vocational and technical training, aligning with the government’s plans to boost education in these fields.  

    The FCT minister has been asked to recommend locations in Gwarinpa for both temporary and permanent campuses. 

    A technical team from the Ministry of Education and the National Board for Technical Education (NBTE) will conduct inspections.  

    The government has also expressed willingness to convert existing tertiary institutions in the FCT into the new polytechnic if they meet required standards.  

    Meanwhile, the NBTE has launched a foundation aimed at addressing challenges faced by polytechnics, including improving capacity, fostering industry collaboration, and building global partnerships.

  • Wike says the FG has spent N300bn on developing FCT satellite towns

    Wike says the FG has spent N300bn on developing FCT satellite towns

    According to the Minister of the FCTA the amount was spent between January 2024 and January 2025, which goes to demonstrate the importance President Tinubu attaches to the development of satellite towns.

    Mr. Nyesom Wike stated this on Wednesday, while inaugurating the nine-kilometre Paikon Kore – Ibwa Road, in Gwagwalada, Gwagwalada Area Council.

    He said Tinubu is not only committed to the development of Abuja city but also committed to the development of satellite towns.

    He said that out of the more than N300 billion spent so far, more than N50 billion was expended in Gwagwalada Area Council alone.

    He said that N8.5 billion was expended on the rehabilitation of Paikon Kore – Ibwa Road.

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    The Minister added that N22 billion was earmarked for the construction of Aguma Palace – Market – Radio Nigeria Road, which would be inaugurated in May 2025.

    He added that the FCT Administration also spent N16.5 billion on the rehabilitation and upgrading of five secondary schools in Gwagwalada.

    He identified the schools as the School for the Gifted, Government Secondary School (GSS) Gwagwalada, GSS Anagada, Government Science Secondary School, Tungan Maji, and GSS Giri.

    “If you calculate the total amount, excluding the two Police Divisions under construction, Mr President has committed to Gwagwalada alone more than N50 billion.

    “If you add the six area councils, with Gwagwalada having the least amount, you will see that in just a year, Mr President has committed more than N300 billion to the development of satellite towns.

    “It is important for people to have this record as evidence against those claiming that the government was only developing the city with nothing happening in satellite towns,” he said.

    He explained that the Paikon Kore – Ibwa Road was rehabilitated following a request by the residents while the construction of Aguma Palace – Market – Radio Nigerian Road was ongoing.

    “We thank God we are here today to commission the Paikon Kore – Ibwa Road. In May, God willing, during the second anniversary of Mr President, we will also commission the Aguma Palace Road,” he said.

    Wike reiterated Tinubu’s commitment to participatory governance and implementing projects based on the needs of residents and assured the residents of more projects.

    He particularly promised to construct the Ibwa bridge following a demand by the Vice Chairman, Mr Saidu Zuba.

    Earlier, Zuba described Wike as a blessing to residents of Gwagwalada following the huge investment in rural infrastructure.

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    He added the security situation had significantly improved in the area following Wike’s interventions to improve security in local communities.

    He appealed to the minister to construct the Ibwa bridge, saying, “we lose a lot of students to flooding while trying to cross the bridge during the rainy season.”

    On her part, FCT Minister of State, Dr Mariya Mahmoud, urged the benefiting communities to safeguard the road, use it responsibly, and collaborate to ensure more developmental strides in the future.

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    “May this road bring lasting benefits to our community and serve as a beacon of unity and progress,” she said.

    The Coordinator, Satellite Towns Development Department, Mr Abdulkadir Zulkiflu, explained that the Paikon Kore – Ibwa Road was awarded to Setraco Nigeria Ltd, in January 2024.

    He said that the road was designed to open businesses and connect communities towards a sustainable development of rural communities.

  • Institute of Town Planners condemn harassment of FCDA staff

    Institute of Town Planners condemn harassment of FCDA staff

    The Nigerian Institute of Town Planners (NITP), has  condemned the harassment and molestation of officials of the Department of Development Control, Federal Capital Territory Administration (FCT).

    Officials of the Development Control department were manhandled recently by individuals and organisations while carrying out their lawful duty.

    Dr. Chime Ogbonna, the institute’s president, condemned the act when he visited the department’s director, Mr. Mukhtar Galadima, in Abuja on Monday.

    Ogbonna recalled the recent incident in Lugbe, where the operational vehicle of the department was vandalised and some of the officials manhandled by unidentified security personnel.

    SEE ALSO: NCC approves 50% tariff hike for Telcos

    The President, who said he was in the office to commiserate with the director over the incident, added that the institute would no longer tolerate such acts.

    He cautioned individuals and organisations against future occurrences, threatening that perpetrators would face appropriate legal action.

    Responding, Galadima thanked the Institute for their support and disclosed that the FCTA was investigating the matter for justice to be served.

    According to him, the incident highlights concerns about the safety and well-being of development control staff.

    “This underscores the need to respect and protect professionals carrying out their statutory duties. “

  • Gov Bago says Niger to construct $2m poultry farm in Bosso

    Gov Bago says Niger to construct $2m poultry farm in Bosso

    Gov. Mohammed Umaru-Bago of Niger says that a 2 million dollars poultry farm will be constructed in Bosso Local Government Area (LGA) of the state.

    Umaru-Bago said this on Friday in Maikunkele, the headquarters of the LGA  during an engagement with the stakeholders in continuation of his state wide projects monitoring tour.

    Governor Bago, who did not state the size and capacity of the farm, said the construction of the poultry was in line with the livestock development initiative of the Federal Government, with Niger as a pilot state.

    The governor, who enumerated the numerous road projects ongoing in the area, enjoined the people to continue to support his administration to ensure its success.

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    He  urged those whose properties were affected in road constructions to show understanding and move away from the properties to speed up the projects.

    He assured them that the would be fully compensated.

    Umaru-Bago, who observed the increasing population in Bosso LGA, said a General Hospital will be built  there to decongest the one in Minna and promised to fix  electricity challenges in Kodo.

    He applauded the senator representing Niger East Senatorial District, Sen. Mohammed Musa, for his good work for the people of his constituency.

    He said a mini stadium and a skills acquisition centre would be constructed by the senator in the LGA and that 20 people from the area would benefit from his scholarship in Singapore.

    He also appreciated the member representing Bosso/Paikoro Federal Constituency, Baraje Kure, for his support to the developmental strides of his administration.

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    The Deputy Governor, Mr Yakubu Garba, called for the continuous support from the people of Bosso LGA and assured them of the commitment of the Bago-led administration in meeting their aspirations.

    Musa commended the governor, emphasising that his administration had  prioritised the welfare of the people of the area.

    He said this was especially in its agricultural policy as it had been designated a Special Agro-industrial Processing Zone.

    He said this would create direct and indirect jobs with positive implications for the wellbeing of the people of the area.

    Similarly, Kure said he would support the government’s efforts with N1 billion, provide fertiliser and other farm inputs to farmers.

  • Abuja IED explosion: Police confirm 2 death

    Abuja IED explosion: Police confirm 2 death

    The Nigeria Police has confirmed that two people died from an explosion that occurred at an Islamic School in  Byazhin area of Abuja, Federal Capital Territory.

    The Police gave the name of the school as Tsangayar Sani Uthman Islamiyya.

    A statement by Public Relations Officer in the FCT, SP Josephine Adeh said the tragic incident occurred at about 11:00 am on Monday.

    According to her, upon receiving a distress call from the community leader in the area, a team of police operatives, including the Command’s Explosive Ordnance Disposal (EOD) team were deployed.

    READ ALSO: Catholic Priest Arrested for Murder

    Adeh said the victims were promptly evacuated and rushed to the hospital for medical attention during the rescue operation.

    She said the area was immediately cordoned off to protect residents and facilitate a thorough investigation by the police team.

    “Preliminary investigations revealed that three men from Katsina visited the owner of the Islamic school, Malam Adamu Ashimu.

    “The three visitors are suspected to have brought the explosive device with them.

    “Tragically, two of the men died in the explosion while tampering with the improvised explosive device (IED), on the school veranda while the third man and a female trader sustained severe injuries and are currently receiving treatment under police guard,” she said.

    Adeh said the FCT Bomb Squad had confirmed that the incident was an IED explosion, adding that remnants of the device had been recovered.

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    She said the owner of the school had been taken into custody for questioning, adding that further findings would be communicated to the public in due course.

    She said the Commissioner of Police in charge of the FCT, Mr Olatunji Disu, enjoined the public to remain vigilant and report any suspicious activity, behavior or items with explosive device resemblance to the police.

  • 50 Apprehended Manhole Vandals shall be prosecuted – Wike

    50 Apprehended Manhole Vandals shall be prosecuted – Wike

    The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Mr Nyesom Wike, has vowed that the 50 individuals detained for vandalising roads facilities would face prosecution.

    Media reports on Monday indicated that the Nigerian Police in Abuja announced the detention of 50 suspected vandals, who were caught with 25 manhole covers and solar streetlights.

    Reacting to the development, Wike said that the detained suspects would face the full wrath of the law to serve as a deterrent to others.

    In a statement signed by his Senior Special Assistant on Public Communications and New Media, Mr Lere Olayinka, the minister emphasised that no criminal would be spared.

    The Minister assured that the FCT Administration would ensure that all buyers and users of the stolen manhole covers and other public infrastructure would be apprehended.

    According to him, the culprits would be prosecuted for economic sabotage and for endangering the lives of Nigerians.

    He described the detention of the 50 suspected vandals by the police as a demonstration of the FCTA’s zero-tolerance policy toward criminal activities, particularly the vandalisation of public amenities.

    Wike commended security agencies for their prompt and decisive actions, calling their collaborative efforts “fantastic.”

    “This is an assurance to the residents of the FCT that their lives and property are secure,” he stated.

    The minister also lauded Nigerians for showing patriotism by speaking out against vandalism, emphasising that the protection of public amenities was a collective responsibility.

    He urged residents of the FCT to continue using social media positively, as demonstrated by one individual who alerted authorities about the stolen manhole covers.

    He pledged that the Administration would act swiftly on similar incidents in the future.

    “Those stealing and buying amenities meant for the use of Nigerians are Nigerians themselves.

  • Governor Sule Restructures Nasarawa Leadership, Sacks SSG, Commissioners 

    Governor Sule Restructures Nasarawa Leadership, Sacks SSG, Commissioners 

    The proverbial musical chair was on display yesterday in Lafiya, Nasarawa State as members of the state executive reported to work only to return to their families without any portfolio as Gov Abdulahi had sacked them.

    The introduced a gale of changes to the state’s leadership by dismissing the Secretary to the State Government (SSG) and disbanding his cabinet. 

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    Personal aides were also relieved of their duties during an emergency executive meeting held on Friday in Lafia.  

    While the governor has not disclosed the reasons behind this decision, the move has sparked mixed reactions. 

    Sources suggest the restructuring had been anticipated, with speculation that some officials may not return to their roles. 

    Celebrations reportedly erupted in some areas, with claims that the former SSG had hindered the administration’s progress.  

    This development follows a period of administrative challenges, leaving citizens awaiting further clarification on the next steps for the state government.

  • Kado Estate Residents Struggle with Water Shortage, Urge FCT Minister’s Help

    Kado Estate Residents Struggle with Water Shortage, Urge FCT Minister’s Help

    For over two months, residents of Kado Housing Estate in Abuja have faced a persistent water shortage, leaving many without reliable access to this basic necessity. 

    The issue began in early November after a brief pipeline maintenance announcement, but instead of resolving the problem, water supply in most areas ceased entirely.  

    Residents report that only a few homes receive minimal water late at night, forcing many to travel long distances to fetch water even during the festive season. 

    The situation has raised concerns about potential health risks from inadequate sanitation.  

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    Efforts to address the issue with the FCT Water Board have been unsuccessful, with some residents alleging that water meant for their estate has been redirected to other districts. 

    In frustration, the Kado Estate Residents Association has appealed directly to the FCT Minister, urging immediate action to restore water supply and alleviate the hardship.

    “The residents of Kado Housing Estate (Phases 1 and 2) are constrained to send a public appeal to the Honourable Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Barrister Ezenwo Nyesom Wike to urgently intervene to bring to an immediate end to the seemingly intractable water scarcity that the Estate has been subjected to for over two months,” they wrote in a statement signed by officials of the Estate Association, Dr. James Odaudu and Kola Olatode.