FCT Minister, Wike, Seizes Plot On Which 2-Storey Building Collapsed, Orders Arrest Of Owner

August 25, 2023

Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Barrister Nyesom Wike, has directed that the plot of land on which a two-storey building collapsed yesterday, August 24, killing two persons, should be taken over by the government immediately.
The Minister, who visited the site of a collapsed building on Lagos Street, Garki II District yesterday, also ordered the arrest of the owner of the building.
The Minister condemned the act of building without approved plan, in response to the comment by the Director Development Control, Town planner, Mukhtar Galadima that the area is an unplanned settlement for the original inhabitants of the FCT.
“When government says take building plan, it is not as if government wants to take action, it is not as if government wants to suffer anybody. It’s to make sure that everybody is protected, that cities are planned and to forestall this kind of incident.
“Imagine a building without approval. I will ask that we must identify and arrest the owner of this property. It is very important and then of course the government will take over the area and make sure no further development is carried out here.”
Wike stressed the importance of fast-tracking the issues of resettlement to forestall a reoccurrence of such unfortunate incident.
He said that the difficult decisions which government is making are not aimed at victimizing anybody but to promote the overall safety and wellbeing of the people
“It’s so unfortunate that we woke up this early morning to hear this very saddening news. It is not what we contemplated. We had our schedule for this morning before we were told.
“Let me thank the agencies, particularly FEMA that supported us to rescue not less than 32 lives. It’s unfortunate for the two that are dead. I will say to the Permanent Secretary to make sure that funds are raised to pay the hospital bills of those who were rescued because we don’t want to hear that another person has passed and that should be done immediately.”
The Minister reiterated the need for compliance with building codes and regulations reminding residents that decisions and actions of government were for public good.
“These are the things we have been saying. Nobody knows whose turn it will be and therefore it is important that when government says that they will take action on certain areas that we believe they are illegal developments or even buildings that do not comply with the standard, it’s not as if anybody has any personal vendetta.
“But for God, we would have lost virtually everybody, and this is what we are trying to cure.”
On the resettlement of the indigenous population, the Minister emphasized the need to properly resettle them saying: “I do not know why it has taken so long that the FCTA did not resettle them. I’m sure we will take immediate action to see that indigenes of this area are resettled and then government has to plan this place.
He called for the cooperation of all stakeholders, saying that government actions which although could be uncomfortable is ultimately for public good.
“I want all the stakeholders here to please work with government. It is for the interest of everybody. Nobody has come here to say I don’t like A, I don’t like B, I like C, no. I know sometimes the government’s decision may not be too comfortable for the people but at the long run, it is for the interest everybody.
“Now that all of us have gathered here, who is happy? Nobody is happy and these are the things we are trying to forestall. Once more, I sympathize with those who have lost their lives and government will take all the bills for those who are alive.
The Minister was accompanied on the visit by the Minister of State, Dr. Mariya Mahmoud the Permanent Secretary, Mr. Olusade Adesola, the Executive Secretary, FCDA, Engr. Shehu Hadi Ahmad, amongst others.
The building which collapsed on Wednesday night is a two-floor structure which serves both residential and commercial purposes.

Information Minister Releases His First Salvo On Edo Gov Over Alleged Negative Comments On FG

Editorial staff

August 24, 2023

Minister of Information and National Orientation, Malam Mohammed Idris, has bore his fangs on the Edo State Governor, Godwin Obaseki over his Alleged negative comments on the Federal Government’s measures so far to alleviate the effects of fuel subsidy removal.

In a statement today, August 24, titled: “Elections Are Over: A Call For Governor

Obaseki To Show More Statesmanship, Idris accused the governor of trying to “divert attention from his poor performance at the state level since his move to the Peoples Democratic Party.”

Referring to the statement credited to the Governor which was published in the front page of Thisday Newspaper of August 24, the minister said that the governor’s uncomplimentary statement did not come to anyone as a surprise.

“However, it is essential to clarify certain narratives for a more informed public discourse.

“Governor Obaseki has, in recent times, shifted focus to the nation’s economic challenges as cannon fodder to divert attention from his poor performance at the state level since his move to the Peoples Democratic Party.

“While it is common for leaders to have divergent views, it’s crucial to align criticism with reality, and to premise discourse on tangible results.

“Governor Obaseki’s comments regarding the APC-led Federal Government’s decisions on fuel subsidy and foreign exchange market reforms perhaps overlooked the broader economic picture.”

Parts of the Minister’s statement go thus:

It’s well documented that Nigerians, State Governors across party lines, and global institutions—including the World Bank and IMF—along with various economic experts, have consistently advocated for the removal of fuel subsidy because of the fiscal distortions and burden it has placed on the economy.

This burden includes many months of zero accretion to the Federation account by the NNPC which left states and local governments with less money from FAAC, as a result of payment for fuel subsidy, which the national oil company regularly charged to the Federation account.

For perspective, Edo State, under Governor Obaseki’s leadership, has notably benefited from the fuel subsidy removal, which is evident in the more than doubling of the FAAC allocation between June and July 2023 to Edo State – more than it had ever received pre-fuel subsidy removal.

Our advice? Rather than delving into narratives which do not provide the complete picture, the focus should be on how the Edo State Government will be using available resources to drive impactful projects that genuinely uplift the people of Edo State.

Nationally, decisions led by President Tinubu are based on foresight, with the primary aim of engineering a resilient and sustainable economy. This vision is consistently echoed within the National Economic Council, where significant economic decisions are made.

We want to clearly state that Edo State, alongside other 35 States plus FCT, can access more FAAC revenue, due only to the bold and courageous economic decisions taken by President Bola Tinubu since he assumed office. These decisions have been applauded across the globe because they are the decisions that needed to be taken to reposition the national economy for better output.

We are still at a loss on what could be the trigger for Governor Obaseki to issue such blatantly false accusations against the Federal Government.

Constitutionally, Governor Obaseki is a member of the National Economic Council (NEC) where far-reaching decisions were taken on the issues he talked about, in his media address by his colleagues, while sitting in-Council with the Vice President, Senator Kashim Shettima. Even as Governor Obaseki will have an explanation to make to the people of his state on why he was absent at the two NEC meetings under the current administration, we will like to inform him that his colleagues praised President Tinubu for finding the courage to remove the ghost of fuel subsidy which crippled the finances of the 3 tiers of government for decades. It would be helpful if Governor Obaseki participated in these meetings to provide insights and align with the collective vision.

At the last NEC meeting which took place last week, the council took far-reaching decisions on many interventions to help households, contrary to the wrong impression being created by Governor Obaseki. One of the decisions was an approval for the immediate disbursement of N5billion to each of the states to procure food items for onward distribution to families, while the states are working to clean up the social registers for cash transfers that will benefit up to 20 million of the most vulnerable Nigerians. The NEC also constituted a committee to negotiate a new national minimum wage with the Labour Unions and the general upward review of salary for public sector workers as part of plans to address the rising cost of living and help working people to maintain a decent living standard. This is apart from ongoing plans to provide 11,500 CNG powered mass transit vehicles for affordable public transportation, supply of fertilizers to farmers, and support for farmers to cultivate 500,000 hectares of arable land to plant staple crops for consumption and industrial use.

The Federal Government understands the current difficulties Nigerians are facing and is working very hard with the states and local governments to bring succour to our people. President Tinubu is guiding our country through very challenging times. We are supremely confident that we will soon turn the corner into a prosperous future.

What is required at this time is for leaders at all levels to cooperatively bind together to make life better for Nigerians, not to play cheap politics that serves no better purpose.

As President Tinubu has admonished, the time for politics and politicking is over. We are now in the season of the serious business of governance to build a stronger, more viable, socially cohesive and more prosperous Nigeria.

Dangote Emerges Most Valuable Brand In Nigeria For 6th Year; Beats MTN, Globacom, Banks

Editorial staff

August 24, 2023

Dangote Industries Limited has emerged as Nigeria’s most valuable brand for the sixth consecutive year, as confirmed by the brand and marketing firm, TOP 50 BRANDS NIGERIA.

Winning the award for a record 6th time confirms the foremost African indigenous Conglomerate’s unwavering dominance of the domestic brand space.

TOP 50 BRANDS NIGERIA, is a qualitative, non-financial evaluation of top corporate brands in the country.

The annual top brands league table which has become like a report card, with which top corporate brands have a feel of their ranking in the market is done with a special purpose model, the Brand Strength Measurement (BSM Index).

The rating firm, in a statement, said that Dangote got an impressive aggregate score of 86.2 on the Brand Strength Measurement (BSM) index, reinforcing its position at the forefront. The score reflects the consistent excellence of the brand.

MTN remains a strong contender, securing a close second place with an 85 BSM index score. This year’s third and fourth positions are secured by Airtel Nigeria and Globacom, both with BSM index scores of 77.9 and 77 respectively. Interestingly, this reaffirms the prominence of telecom brands, with three out of the top four hailing from this sector. Among the Top 10 brands are Access Bank, Zenith Bank, Coca-Cola, GTCO, and First Bank, Globacom was adjudged the Most Popular Brand following the outcome of a Top of Mind (TOM) Survey, where respondents mentioned 10 brands that came to their mind or that they could easily recall.

This year’s survey had, as respondents, Chief Marketing Officers and Head of Corporate Communications of major companies across the land.

TOP 50 BRANDS NIGERIA announcing the ratings said: “this annual top brand evaluation provides a qualitative, non-financial assessment of the value of leading corporate brands in the country. It gauges consumers’ perceptions of brands and their impact on overall brand strength, using the Brand Strength Measurement (BSM) index—a model designed to assess a brand’s ability to deliver on its promises from the consumer’s perspective.”

In today’s market, brands have woven themselves into the fabric of our daily lives, from dawn to dusk and even in every consumer choice. This phenomenon is amplified by the rise of concepts like consumer awareness, differentiation, and the dynamics of the global economy, making brands pivotal actors.

Chief Executive Officer of TOP 50 BRANDS NIGERIA, Taiwo Oluboyede, speaking on the outcome of this year’s evaluation, likened brand to a person.

He said: “A brand is like a person with all the traits that define his/her personality to the audience.

“When you hear someone’s name, you are likely not just going to remember their faces or apparel, but who they really are and what they mean to you.

“Someone may claim to be the best man in the world, and could even go as far as doing paid advertising to attract attention. However, the real description of the person to you is your experience. Perception about a person could change from like to dislike or the other way round, the same is also true for a brand. That is why promoters go the extra length consistently remain in the target audience like-list.”

He said that the onus lies on the brand owners and promoters to uphold compelling propositions and consistently deliver on promises.

“It’s not just about making pledges anyway; it’s about steadfastly living up to them—a commitment that separates the top brands from the rest.”

A breakdown of the 2023 evaluation report indicated that Nigerian-owned brands continued to shine among the top 10, with 10 brands. These are Dangote, Globacom, Access Bank, Zenith Bank, GTCO, and First Bank.

Five of the top ten brands are Banks, while three are Telecoms. Impressively, 9 of the 10 were among the top 10 last year, while 4 maintained their previous position. Airtel Nigeria made a remarkable ascent to third place. Also, six brands have consistently maintained top 10 positions for a remarkable 7 years in a row.

Overall, 26 or 52% of the 50 brands are multinational, while 24 or 48% are Nigerian brands.

Rite Foods Limited stands out as the highest gainer this year, leaping 14 places from 46th to 30th. Notably, Wema Bank makes a noteworthy debut in the annual brand ranking. Furthermore, nine brands maintained their 2022 positions, they are Dangote, MTN Nigeria, GTCO, First Bank, Multichoice, Fidelity, Toyota Nigeria, FMNPLC, and AXA Mansard.

A breakdown of the report indicated that Banking Services, as usual, had the largest entries with 12 entrants, representing 24% of the total. Access Bank topped the category. This is followed by Consumer Goods with 9 brands, that is 18%, with Dufil Prima Foods leading the charge.

The Conglomerates category has 6 brands, making up 12%, with Dangote Group on top. The Oil and gas, Beverages, and Telecom sectors each contribute 4 brands, with Oando, Coca-Cola, and MTN leading their respective categories.

The Insurance sector has 3 brands, with AIICO at the forefront. Meanwhile, the Building & Construction Services, Media, and Electronics categories had 2 brands each, featuring Julius Berger, Multichoice, and Tecno Nigeria leading their respective categories.

Automobile, Agricultural, and Aviation/Logistics sectors had 1 brand each —Toyota Nigeria, Olam International, and Air Peace.

Of note in the report also is a class called Brands to Watch, a set of 10 brands that have shown some level of vibrancy in recent times and are gaining momentum in consumer acquisition with the possibility of achieving the 50 top Brands League Table in few years. It should be noted that, while these brands have considerable mentions in the TOM survey, they were not strictly subjected to the rigorous BSM evaluation.

Suleiman And Aliyu: The Return Of Mathematical Odegbami

Greenbarge Reporters

August 24, 2023

Two brothers: Suleiman and Aliyu Ibrahim are fast manifesting the traits of the football maestro of our time, popularly called, in the early eighties, as “Mathematical Segun Odegbami.” He was so called because of his mastery of the game and particularly, his smooth ball control, which almost always resulted in impossible goals.
Suleiman, 18 and Aliyu, 15, have already conquered Ebira land, the Kogi Central Senatorial area; subdued Kogi State and are set to go national as well as international.
The brothers, who play for AL- Bayan, a local Football Club in Okene, Kogi State, recently led the club to win the Kogi State BESS Championship Cup competition and were so rewarded. The team played its semi final with Idah football team, from Kogi East, where Suleiman scored a goal and Aliyu pepped up the second goal to send Idah team to sleep and moved to the final.
At the final, Aliyu and Suleiman put smile on the face of their Club, AL-Bayan FC, by thrashing their opponent from Lokoja, the state capital, with a goal each at penalty shootouts, after 90 minutes goaless sweat. Aliyu emerged The Man-Of-The-Match while Suleiman went home with Best-Player-Of-The-Tournament.
The two started their football playing at tender ages, and gradually grew to be one of the best footballers in the area within which they practice the trade.

Often seen by people encountering them at first time as “twin,” Suleiman and Aliyu have the ability to dribble their ways into the net, with little effort.
While Aliyu play mainly on mid-field wing, Suleiman play on right wing attack, with jersey numbers 8 and 7 respectively.
They stormed Abuja over the last week looking for a strong Football Club to register with, determining to use it to climb the ladder to the zenith of their chosen trade.
Asked what is his ambition, Suleiman said: “my ambition is to be a professional footballer, like great Nigerian footballers such as JJ Okocha, Ahmed Musa of Russian Premier League, Victor Moses of the same Russian Premier League. And to play in bigger Clubs at international level, like Arsenal, Barcelona, etc.”
For Aliyu too, he said: “my ambition is to become a professional footballer and wish to be part of the Nigerian national team as soon as possible. My Nigerian model as a mid fielder is Alex Iwobi. I also desire to play for international football Club, like Chelsea, Dortmund, etc.
All said, Suleiman and Aliyu have been striving through practices each passing day, to improve their playing prowess by seeking inspiration from legendary footballers who have left a lasting mark on the sport.
As 18-year-old and 15-year-old footballers with immense potentials, Suleiman and Aliyu are set to make a significant impact on the global football stage.
With their technical abilities, tactical intelligence and unwavering determination, they have all the qualities required to become future footballing sensations. Football enthusiasts and experts are lurking around, eagerly seeking for their bubbling promising professional acumen with the round leather game. They are imbued with youthful stamina, calculative brains while on the pitch and hunger to be on top soon in their chosen career.
Their father, Malam Ibrahim Ovansa Usman, a lecturer at the Federal College of Education (FCE), Okene in Kogi State, has been supportive of his sons’ vaulting ambition, having been assured by them, that they are in the football playing world for good.

2-Storey Building Collapses, Kills 2, In Heavy Downpour In Abuja

Greenbarge Reporters

August 24, 2023

A two-storey building has gone down, killing two persons and injuring others, on the strength of heavy downpour in Abuja, the Federal Capital Territory.
Rescue operation, has led to the the evacuation of 37 occupants of the collapsed building, which occurred on Lagos Street, Garki village area of Garki, in the wee hours of today.
Those who were evacuated have been rushed to Hospital, according to a social media post by Ikharo Attah, an aide to former Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT).
Atah, who also posted a video of the tragic incident, said two persons have been confirmed dead.
Sunny Njoku, a resident confirmed the incident, but said he did not have details.
“It’s true. I just passed the place now and I saw many people at the scene. I couldn’t wait because I am rushing to the hospital,” he said.
The authorities are yet to react to the incident at the time or filing this report, but witnesses have been commenting about it on social media.
Daily Trust reports that the nation’s capital has recorded a series of building collapse in recent times.
However, this is the the first incident since incumbent FCT Minister, Nyesom Wike, assumed office
In his inaugural address at the Federal Capital Territory Administration (FCTA) office on Monday, Wike, had threatened to embark on demolition of houses built illegally.
Flanked by Mariya Mahmud, Minister of FCT (state), Wike vowed to move against structures obstructing Abuja master plan.

Information Minister Hosts Online Publishers Exco, Seeks Media Support, Partnership

Greenbarge Reporters

August 24, 2023

The Minister of Information, Alhaji Mohammed Idris Malagi has called on Media practitioners in the country to collaborate with his Ministry and the government for the benefit of the development of the society.
Malagi, who spoke when he received in audience, the Executive committee(Exco) members of the Guild of Corporate Online Publishers (GOCOP), advised online publishers to always endeavour to cross-check information before publishing.
He called on journalists to take pride in the fact that they have him as their true representative as part of the government of President Bola Tinubu.
‘The President appointed one of us and the interest of the media is my interest” even as he called on the media to take interest in his affairs as well.
He asked the media practitioners to endeavour to partner with government for the collective good of all, suggesting that they could focus on a lot of positive things that had been under-reported over the years about Nigeria.
The Minister thanked the exco members for the meeting even as he recalled that he has been a keen, silent follower of GOCOP activities for years.
Speaking earlier, the GOCOP President, Maureen Chigbo, congratulated the Minister on his appointment.
Chigbo used the opportunity to inform the Minister that GOCOP will be holding its 7th Annual Conference in Abuja on 5th October 2023 at the Abuja Continental Hotel, and urged him to be a key partner.
GOCOP members present at the meeting included the immediate past President of the Guild, Mr. Dotun Oladipo, the current Deputy President, Danlami Nmodu, mni; Vice President (South), Ken Ugbeche; Vice President (North), Tom Chiahemen; General Secretary, Collins Edomaruse and a member in Abuja, Tajudeen Kareem.

FCT Minister, Wike, Accuses Some Nigerian Media Of Fabricating Lies Against Him

Editorial staff

August 23, 2023

The minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyeson Wike has accused some Nigerian media of fabricating news about what he never said and done.

Reacting to the recent news articles in the media that he is embarking on a demolition spree, targeting 6,000 houses across 30 settlements in Abuja as well as the Wadata Plaza, in a statement today, August 23, Wike said that the story is entirely false without any basis in reality.

“The story on demolition of 6,000 houses was reported by a national daily newspaper on the 22nd of August 2023 with the caption “Abuja land: FG may revoke land allocations, demolish 6000 buildings, slums” while another mainstream newspaper also published this highly irritating story: “Wadata Plaza will go down, Reactions trail Wike’s demolition threat.”

The minister said that in none of his pronouncements since he assumed office listed the areas or the number of illegal houses to be removed, saying that his emphasis has always been that illegal settlements and structures would be removed for the greater good of the public.

The statement, issued by

by the Director of Press in the office of the minister, Anthony Ogunleye, said that another vexing issue is the headline by a reputable broadcast station saying, “I will fix Abuja in 6 days” and attributed same to the FCT Minister.

“We wish to state quite clearly that at no time did the Honourable Minister say this or allude to this phrase in any way. This headline therefore, is borne purely out of mischief.

“The Honourable Minister has consistently demonstrated a commitment to responsible urban development and the welfare of the people even while he was the governor of Rivers State, a commitment he has assured residents within the FCT since he assumed office as Minister.

“The claim that he is orchestrating large-scale demolitions is not only inaccurate but also lacks credibility

“Such sensationalist reporting not only misleads the public but also undermines the vital role that accurate and well-researched journalism plays in our society.

“It is important to remember that the development and maintenance of the FCT is guided by carefully crafted policies and regulations, with a focus on sustainable urban growth and the preservation of residents’ rights.

“Any decisions made in this regard are rooted in comprehensive assessments, community consultations, and adherence to the rule of law.

“On the other hand, the story on the 300M bulletproof car was credited to an online auto blog with the caption: “This ₦300M Armored Lexus LX 600 fitted with ‘FCT – 01’ reportedly belong to FCT Minister, Wike.”

“In a swift reaction, the Minister, who spoke today, 23rd August, 2023 during his first project tour at the Abuja Metro station stressed that the vehicle was not bulletproof as claimed but a regular SUV.

“We encourage journalists, bloggers and media outlets to exercise responsible journalism by verifying information from authorised sources before disseminating it to the public.

“Fabricated stories, such as the ones in question, only serve to damage the reputation of respected public figures and create unnecessary anxiety amongst the citizenry.

“We want to emphasize that the Honourable Minister remains steadfast in his dedication to improving the quality of life for all residents of the FCT.

“Any claims to the contrary are purely the result of misinformation and should be treated as such.”

Let The Poor Breathe In Abuja, By Obiaruko Christie Ndukwe

Editorial staff

August 23, 2023

The primary concerns for Nigerians right now are security and food. It is essential to avoid any actions that could further escalate the already tense atmosphere and adversely affect the poor and vulnerable population in Abuja. Unfortunately, numerous displaced communities from states ravaged by banditry are being relocated to Abuja without sufficient shelter and food. These individuals often gather near road junctions, seeking alms, and later retreat to makeshift shelters. Tragically, young girls and even married women are exposed to criminals who exploit them as sex slaves in exchange for basic necessities like food, shelter, and clothing.

Moreover, there is a significant presence of motorcycle riders, commonly known as “Okada,” in Abuja. Many of them have fallen victim to banditry and kidnapping or have managed to escape from Boko Haram. They utilize motorcycles to provide transportation services to residents in the outskirts where proper road infrastructure is lacking.

The number of individuals using motorcycles, such as Okada, on a daily basis surpasses the number of car owners. Additionally, due to the rising fuel prices, more car owners are opting for public transportation, including Okada and Keke.

The immediate challenge faced by residents of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) is not the distortion of the Abuja Master Plan but rather the lack of essential infrastructure, such as access to clean water, electricity, and well-maintained roads. These issues should be the top priority for the newly appointed Minister of the FCT.

Abuja’s peace is fragile, particularly due to its proximity to Niger State, which is grappling with the threat of terrorists and bandits. Recently, a train traveling from Abuja to Kaduna, a neighboring state, was brutally attacked, resulting in several months of kidnappings and deaths. There have also been incidents where prisons were attacked, leading to the escape of numerous dangerous members of Boko Haram who remain at large. Local areas such as Kuje, Gwagwalada, Kubwa, Karu, Nyanya, and Wuse 11 have all experienced their fair share of deadly attacks.

As we anticipate improvements in road networks, electricity supply, affordable housing, and access to clean drinking water, it is crucial for the Minister to prioritize addressing the major issues over the minor ones. It is unacceptable for any individual, such as Wike, to be scapegoated and demolish houses belonging to suspected opposition party members or the businesses of the poor.

The contributions made by these impoverished traders, artisans, and riders in Abuja are invaluable, and alternative solutions must be provided before taking any drastic action.

In line with the teachings of the Bible, it is evident that there will always be impoverished individuals among us. Therefore, it is our responsibility to ensure that their rights and livelihoods are protected as we strive for progress and development.

Let the poor also breathe!

#highlights @everyone

Written by Obiaruko Christie Ndukwe is a socio-political commentator, analyst and columnist

First Lady, Remi, Rallies Wives Of Service Chiefs Over Fuel Subsidy Removal

Editorial staff

August 22, 2023

Nigeria’s First Lady, Oluremi Tinubu has rallied wives of Service Chiefs and the Inspector general of Police to assure them that the removal of fuel subsidy by the government of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu will eventually lead to a greater tomorrow for the country.

Receiving the guests today, August 22, at the Presidential villa, Abuja, the First Lady said that she’s seeking the support of the wives of the Service Chiefs for her pet project, which is the Renewed Hope Initiative that is supporting the government on the effects of subsidy removal.

“We will need your various Associations from time to time, at least to be able to reach out to women in your various barracks, to reassure them that we mean well for this country. That they should be patient and that whatever we can do to ameliorate what the subsidy removal has meted to us, we believe there is always light at the end of the tunnel.

“It is a greater Nigeria we are looking out for and it is a legacy that we will leave for our children and generations yet unborn. We would leave a Nigeria we can relate better as Nigerians and also look for the good of this nation, with the belief that the wealth of this country can be greater enhanced.”

The First Lady promised that the Renewed Hope Initiative would soon be reaching out to vulnerable widows of fallen officers in the military.

Earlier, the leader of the delegation, wife of the Chief of Defence Staff and President, Defence and Police Officers Wives Association, Mrs. Oghogho Musa assured that the various Associations under Defence and Police Officers wives are poised to partner with the Renewed Hope Initiative in all areas of its scope of coverage.

The First lady was subsequently decorated as the Grand Matron of the Defence and Police Officers Wives Association.

I Don’t Expect People To Like Me As I Take Tough Decisions – FCT Minister, Wike

Greenbarge Reporters

August 22, 2023

“This job is not a likable job. It’s not a job that people will like you. It’s a job that people will hate you because you are doing the right thing. But at the end of the day, they will come to love you.”
The minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Chief Nyeson Wike made the statement today, August 22, while receiving handing over notes from the FCT Permanent Secretary, Olusade Adesola, signaling a new chapter in the administration of the FCT.
The Minister stressed that the Administration under his leadership, will focus on short, medium and long-term goals that will bring development in line with the renewed hope agenda of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.
On the short-term goals, the new FCT Minister said that the issue of street lights, waste management, mass transportation and environmental sanitation would be given immediate attention.

He said that on the medium and long term plans, the Administration will address the issue of proliferation of shanties, land racketeering, violation of the Abuja masterplan, infrastructure development, procurement issues among others.

On infrastructure development, Wike said that the Administration will consider the availability of resources before embarking on any infrastructural project, adding that no project will be abandoned under his tenure as Minister.
“I don’t do anything called abandoned project. I’m not a party to abandoned project. Any project that has no cash backing will not be awarded. There must be money and I know that money has been provided for this project. And I don’t do a project that will take me more than one year.”
The Minister clarified the misconceptions that his administration’s deliverables were aimed at making life difficult for the residents, assuring that difficult decisions will only be made to improve the lot of Nigerians in the capital city.
He charged senior officials of the Administration to work hard and do their jobs effectively and efficiently, insisting that lapses will no longer be tolerated.
The Minister also charged the staff to always do the right thing at all times, saying that leadership requires that decisions must be made in every situation even when it is inconvenient.
Earlier, the Minister of State, Dr. Mariya Mahmoud, congratulated the Minister on his deserving appointment and also thanked President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for assigning them the important portfolios.
Dr. Mahmoud called for maximum cooperation and loyalty of staff, saying that they must work according to the vision of the President to bring renewed hope.
Also speaking, the Permanent Secretary, Olusade Adesola informed the Ministers that the capital city is home to a workforce of 40,000 skilled and dedicated professionals, and pledged their loyalty and support for the new Administration.
“Let me assure you of the unflinching loyalty and dedication of our workforce. The men and women who tirelessly serve the FCTA are not merely employees; they are partners of our shared vision, ambassadors of progress and custodians of the dreams of our founding fathers.
“With their high sense of commitment and expertise, they are poised to stand by your side, ensuring the success of your tenure and the fulfilment of the aspirations we hold dear.”
The Permanent Secretary said that some of the activities lined up for the Ministers in the coming days, including the flag-off of projects for the resurfacing of various roads in the Federal Capital City (FCC), distribution of palliatives to residents as well as the flag-off of the park and pay project in the FCC, amongst others.

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