As FCT Water Board Management Embraces Public Awareness, By Ibrahim Biu

April 2, 2022

For the first time since it was created, the management of the FCT Water Board has taken bold steps to create public awareness about its activities as a way of carrying along the workforce.
The Board’s management has also been trying, apart from the creation of public awareness, to involve all stakeholders in the board’s activities with a view to moving it forward for the purpose of achieving its overall objectives of producing adequate portable water in line with the saying: “water is life.”
It has been noticed that within the past six months or so, the FCT Water Board has taken adequate measures to improve the quality and quantity of water being produced and supplied for human and animal consumption in the FCT. This has been hailed in many quarters as a commendable effort. Many residents have confirmed that water being produced in Abuja is of high quality.
The management of the board has since the assumption of Madam Joy Okoro as its General Manager and team leader, not only embarked upon executing people-oriented projects but arranged for series of interactive sessions and public lectures all over the place to sensitize the public about its activities. The media people are not left out as many of them have been constantly properly briefed and involved in providing publicity and public enlightenment about the board’s activities.
It will be recalled that last Tuesday, the management of the board, while celebrating the international water day, carried out massive publicity and public enlightenment as well as public lectures with stakeholders. The board provided the public with enough information on what it had been doing to improve the water situation in Abuja.
During the interactive session, Mrs. Joy appealed to the public to cooperate with the board on all issues relating to the production and distribution of water.
The General Manager made it clear to the public and even the media the importance of the people, especially the corporate organization promptly paying water bills which she said, will augment the efforts of the board in handling its affairs.
She did not mince word in telling the public that the provision of clean water helps in reducing the incidents of the outbreak of water borne diseases.
Many observers were of the view that this is the first time any administration of the water board has taken such bold moves to not only create awareness about the board’s activities but the practically carrying out actions that have made much impact on member of the public.
The board has, through its team leader, showed its determination to successfully establish several outlets aimed at serving the public. This action is commended by the public as many people see the management’s action as a way of sustaining the current supply of high water quality too the FCT residents.
Madam Joy has also brought to play, a sense of belonging and team spirit that have inspired the confidence in her staff.
She has exhibited exemplary leadership qualities which altogether culminated in rising profile of the board’s management.
The recent decision taken by the management of the FCT Rural Water Supply and Sanitation Agency to commission hand pumps, boreholes and hand boreholes in some parts of Bwari area aimed at assisting communities in the area is commendable.
Biu sent this from Abuja.

President Buhari Renews Appointment Of NEXIM Executive Management

Greenbarge Reporters

April 2, 2022

President Muhammadu Buhari has approved the re-appointment of the entire executive management of Nigeria Export-Import (NEXIM) Bank for another term of five years.

The reappointment takes effect from April 10, 2022, following the expiry of their first tenure on April 9, 2022.

Information coming from the bank said that reappointment is based on the team’s exemplary performance and achievements in the discharge of their mandate.

The team is made up of Abba Bello as Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer, Dr. Bala Bello as Executive Director (Corporate Services), and Hon. Stella Erhuvwu Okotete as Executive Director (Business Development).

A statement said that the team has over the last five years worked tirelessly to reposition the Bank and significantly turnaround its performance.

It said that between 2017-2022, their leadership and direction has resulted in the growth of Bank Balance Sheet by 222%, and over800% growth in profitability.

The statement added that during the same period, the Bank’s intervention in the non-oil export sector grew by over 700%, adding that it also moved towards implementing of several intra Africa trade initiatives, including the Sealink project and Factoring.

“The Bank is also currently managing several non-oil export and intra-Africa trade support funds including the Nigeria – Africa Trade and Investment Promotion Programme NATIPP for deepening intra-Africa trade, the Nigerian Content Development and Monitoring Board (NCDMB) fund for Nigerian oil and gas services providers and the CBN Export Development Fund (EDF) amongst others.”

Obasanjo Cautions Nigerians To Beware Of Presidential Aspirants Claiming Forms Were Bought For Them

Editorial staff

April 1, 2022

Former President, Chief Olusegun Obasanjo

Former President, Olusegun Obasanjo has cautioned Nigerians not to beware of Presidential aspirants who claim that their nomination forms, of N40 million, were bought for them by others, even youths.

“In fact, anybody who would come out to tell you such a lie, you shouldn’t vote for him. Which youths gathered N40m? If you want to buy it, buy it and tell us. You don’t need to lie to us.”

Obasanjo, who spoke in Lagos today, April 1, during a colloquium to mark the 61st birthday of Pastor Itua Ighodalo, noted: “today, they are paying N40 million. Some of them (aspirants) even said it is some youths who bought it for them.

The former president, who admitted that the problem of the country emanated from bad leadership, argued that youths cannot afford the N40 million nomination form as claimed by the aspirants.

Some Presidential aspirants in the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) have claimed recently that the nomination forms were bought for them by some youths or group of concerned Nigerians. They include former Vice President Atiku Abubakar, the immediate past Senate President, Abubakar Bukola Saraki; the Sokoto state governor; Aminu Waziri Tambuwal; former Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Senator Anyim Pius Amyim and former governor of Anambra state, Peter Obi.

Muslims Begin 30-Day Fasting Tomorrow, As Moon Is Sighted In Saudi Arabia

Greenbarge Reporters

April 1, 2022

Muslims across the world begin the annual 30-day Fasting tomorrow, April 2, following the sighting of the new moon of Ramadan.
Information reaching us at Greenbarge Reporters online newspaper, said that the moon was sighted in many places around Saudi Arabia.
The announcement for the sighting of the moon was made at about 5.45pm local time (7.45pm in Saudi Arabia).
The announcement came at the time Muslims in Nigeria were waiting for the Sultan of Sokoto and leader of Nigerian Muslims to formally announce it to Muslims in the country.
We in the Greenbarge Media and Communications Limited (GMCL), publisher of the online newspaper and hardcopy magazine, wish Muslims peaceful and spiritually rewarding Fasting, and Nigeria freedom from the ravaging insecurity.

Appeal Court Restores Hope To Ebonyi Gov, Deputy Over Sack By Lower Court

Greenbarge Reporters

April 1, 2022

An Appeal Court in Enugu has dismissed a suit against Ebonyi State Governor, Dave Umahi and his Deputy Dr. Kelechi Igwe, seeking their removal from office for defecting to the All Progressives Congress (APC) from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP).

The suit was filed by Senator Soni Ogbuoji and his running mate, Justin Mbam, candidates of the APC in the 2019 Guber Elections.

Earlier an Abuja High Court, presided over by Justice Inyang Ekwo, had sacked Governor Umahi, Deputy Gov Igwe and 17 lawmakers in the state for defecting from PDP to the APC.

However, on Tuesday, February 28, 2022, a High Court sitting in Abakaliki struck out the same suit, even as Justice A.O Belgore, today, April 1, dismissed the suit for being inconsistent with the constitution and extant laws of the country.

More later…

Soldiers Send 34 Terrorists Who Attacked Abuja-Kaduna Train To Ancestors

Greenbarge Reporters

April 1, 2022

Nigerian Airforce bombers have gone berserk, killing about 34 terrorists who attacked an Abuja-Kaduna train. They were sent back to their ancestors in a forest between Kaduna and Niger States.

Information has it that those who were eliminated were perceived to be behind the Kaduna Train attack.

“Upon receiving credible information that at about 2 pm on 30 March 2022, about 70 terrorists on 40 motorcycles and some on foot were sighted moving towards the Akilibu–Sarkin Pawa Road, near Mangoro Village, the Air Component of Operation Thunder Strike swiftly scrambled an aircraft to intercept and neutralize the terrorists.

“As the aircraft approached the scene, several terrorists were seen running in disarray on sighting the aircraft, abandoning their motorcycles to take cover within nearby bushes.

“The terrorists were subsequently engaged in different waves with rockets while those fleeing were mopped up with canons decisively.

“Feedback from local sources around Mangoro Village disclosed that 17 motorcycles including 34 dead bodies as well as 14 locally fabricated guns belonging to the terrorist were recovered.”

Report Of Barricade Of Kaduna – Abuja Road Is Fake News – Commissioner

Editorial staff

March 31, 2022

File: Area view of Abuja-Kaduna expressway

Kaduna State Commissioner for Internal Security and Home Affairs, Samuel Aruwan has described the report of terrorists barricading the Kaduna – Abuja road as “false” and negative news peddled by those who like to celebrate misfortune.

“A few hours ago, some panic was spread on social media over bandits barricading the Kaduna-Abuja Road and kidnapping citizens plying the route.

“The buzz in circulation is false and was presented by a group of social media enthusiasts who celebrate negative news,” he said.

However, Aruwan admitted that the terrorists only crossed the highway following an operation by the military to rid the precinct of terrorism activities.

“The preliminary operational feedback showed that fleeing bandits escaping a military onslaught attempted to pass through a narrow corridor around Kasarami general area of Kaduna-Abuja road.

“The troops, on receiving this intelligence, hurriedly moved to the location and engaged them in the adjoining forest.”

The commissioner said that the state will “update the members of the public when more detailed feedback is received.”

“The Kaduna State Government does not deny the existence of security challenges and continues to work assiduously with relevant military and security agencies.”

A former lawmaker from Kaduna state, Shehu Sani had floated the news that bandits had barricaded an unspecified area of the road, preventing travellers from moving ahead.

We’re Not Shutting Down Garki Hospital, But Taking Over Its Management – Minister

Editorial staff

March 31, 2022

The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Malam Muhammad Musa Bello has made it clear that the Administration has no plans to shut down the Garki District Hospital, but will take over its management from April 1^st 2022.

According to the minister, the 15 year concession agreement signed between the FCT Administration and the Nisa Medical Group on the management of the hospital expires on the 31^st of March, 2022 after which the hospital reverts back to the FCTA to enable the Administration provide for more public hospital bed spaces.

Malam Musa Bello stressed that contrary to rumours making the rounds, the Administration has no plans to disrupt the operations of the hospital even for a single day following the expiration of the 15-year concession agreement.

The Minister, who spoke today, March 31, when he received the Executive members of the FCT branch of the Nigeria Medical Association (NMA), led by its Chairman, Dr. Enema Job Amodu, stressed that the concession agreement had an expiration date as assented to by both parties.

“The FCT Administration is not terminating the Garki District Hospital Concession. Even our distinguished Chairman here said terminate, but it’ not so. The situation is that an agreement was entered 15 years ago and mutually accepted by the FCT Administration and the Nisa Medical Group. It was an agreement that has a commencement date and an expiration date.

“So, by virtue of the agreement, it is supposed to expire on Thursday, 31st March 2022; a natural termination. So, it’s not the FCT terminating the agreement. That’s what we need to understand.

“The whole idea of PPP arrangement is very good. It was the first that was done and as a matter of fact, after that, we have done a couple of PPPs in infrastructure. Even within our existing hospitals, we are now working on a model where certain specialised departments would be run on PPP arrangement. The whole idea is to expand the hospital space, to expand the specialty space. So, we are not terminating anything. It’s an agreement that is going to lapse.”

The Minister said that the government has the responsibility to provide health care to residents of the FCT and shutting down the hospital will go contrary to that responsibility.

“So, how could we just shut our hospital, while we have been given a mandate to provide healthcare. So many people tell me that Garki hospital will be shut down, so many people will lose their jobs, I just find it difficult to comprehend, quite frankly. How can a government just shut a hospital.”

The Minister assured that FCTA officials and the Nisa Group would work on modalities moving forward, adding that whatever arrangement is reached thereafter will be in the best interest of residents of the Territory and other patrons of the hospital outside the FCT.

He also assured that all medical professionals working or training at the hospital who wish to remain there were free to do so as the administration does not have any intention to disrupt any activity at the hospital.

Malam Musa Bello commended the NMA for the support its members have been giving to his government.

Earlier, the leader of the delegation, Dr. Amodu had expressed concern over FCTA’s decision to terminate the concession agreement of the Garki District Hospital with NIA Medical Group.

He noted that if for other reasons, the FCTA deems it fit not to renew the concession, with NISA Medical Group, the FCTA should consider the doctors and other health workers presently working in the hospital with a view to retaining their services and to complete their programmes such as residency training, internship etc.

Dr. Amodu commended the Minister on his achievements in infrastructural development in the FCT, even as he reaffirmed NMA’s commitment to partnering with the FCTA and identifying with its goals and aspirations.

Those Who Do Not Link Their NIN To SIM On March 31 May Lose Their Lines

Editorial staff

March 31, 2022

Indications have emerged that Nigerians and foreigners resident in Nigeria who fail to link their National Identification Numbers (NIN) to their SIM cards today, March 31, stand the chance of losing their lines.

This is coming on the heels of the Federal Government’s reminder to the subscribers across the country of the extension of the NIN-SIM linkage deadline which ends on March 31, 2022, which is today.

A statement jointly signed by the Director of Public Affairs for the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) Dr. Ikechukwu Adinde and Head of the Corporate Communications for the Nigeria Identity Management Commission (NIMC), Kayode Adegoke, advised subscribers to take advantage of the window to complete the process of enrolment and verification within the next few hours.

The statement said that in preparation for the enforcement, the Minister of Communications and Digital Economy, Professor Isa Ali Ibrahim Pantami has asked those concerned to use the next few hours to ensure that they complete the linkage.

“To this end, the Honourable Minister has further directed that the National Identity Management Commission (NIMC) should offer enrolment services round-the-clock for the next few days. Prof. Pantami also thanks all those who have completed their NIN-SIM linkage.”

14 Months To Go, FCT Minister Lists What He And His Team Will Achieve

Editorial staff

March 31, 2022

Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Malam Muhammad Musa Bello has given a list of what he and his team, especially the Mandate Secretaries and other political office holders aim at achieving before leaving office in the next 14 months of President Muhammadu Buhari’s government.

According to him, in the 14 months left to the expiration of the tenure of the current administration, the FCT Administration would focus on the provision of social infrastructure that will have the desired impact on the majority of the residents.

The Minister spoke today, March 31 in Abuja, as he declared open, the induction programme and retreat for Mandate Secretaries and other political office holders.

He said that the list include substantive investments in the education, health, agriculture and transportation sectors.

He said that a solid foundation will be laid for improved revenue generation and that the FCT is currently second only to Lagos State in Internally Generated Revenue. He vowed to make the capital city the highest internally revenue generating sub national in the country.

The Minister also reminded the participants that with increased political activities in the country, they should not allow themselves to be distracted but to focus squarely on meeting set objectives.

“You must also be wary of being distracted in the discharge of your responsibilities, especially as political activities begin to gain momentum. Criticism will become fiercer and seemingly unfair and sometimes laced with outright falsehood. These are to be expected in the intense struggle for political power. Your duty is to avoid being sidetracked but you should remain focused and committed with your eyes and efforts set on meeting set objectives.”

The minister called on them to use the opportunity provided by the retreat to speak frankly to each other, bearing in mind that public service was a unique opportunity to serve the citizenry, he once more called on them to engage extensively in horizontal communication as a model for meeting challenges.

Malam Musa Bello also expressed appreciation to members of the National Assembly, especially the Chairmen and members of the Senate and House Committees on the FCT, the Senate Minority Whip and Senator representing the FCT, Senator Philip Aduda as well as the Chairman of the House Committee on FCT Area Councils and Ancillary Matters Hon Tijjani Damisa.

In her remarks the Hon Minister of State, Dr Ramatu Tijjani Aliyu urged political office holders to remain loyal and work to protect the integrity of the Administration and strengthen its institutions.

This was even as the Permanent Secretary, Olusade Adesola said that the mandate secretaries of the FCTA are the equivalent of Commissioners in the States, adding that in that capacity, they superintend specific aspects of the services of the FCT Administration to the citizenry. He reminded them that they had the responsibility to ensure the delivery of the mandates of the FCTA, under the Hon. Minister and the Hon. Minister of State.

He said that the retreat which has “capacity building for Accountable Leadership” as its theme will cover topics on FCT policies and mandate with focus on delivery of the goals of the Next Level agenda, administrative procedures, procurement procedures, ethics and accountability, staying out of trouble in the public service and the peculiar administrative arrangement in the FCT.

Others include relationship management, particularly with stakeholders, as well as managing health and living a stress free life.

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