News
FCT EXCO approves major contracts for infrastructure development, security enhancement
The Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Executive Committee (EXCO) held its first meeting of the year in Abuja on Thursday, February 6, 2025, approving several key contracts to improve infrastructure, security, and service delivery within the FCT.
Addressing Journalists shortly after the meeting, which was chaired by the FCT Minister, Barr. Ezenwo Nyesom Wike, the Coordinator Satellite Towns Development Department (STDD), Hon. Abdulkadir Zulkiflu said the EXCO approved a contract for the construction of a 33KVA power supply line from Dawaki to Bwari, along with a solar street light system for Arab Road and the U-Shaped road connecting to Arab Road, Kubwa.
The project, he said, was awarded to Messrs CGC Nigeria Limited for N3.065 billion and will be completed in six months. He added that the initiative is aimed at enhancing security in the satellite towns, particularly at night.
Hon. Zulkiflu also disclosed that the FCT Executive Committee approved the award of contract for the construction of multi-event sports centers in Abuja. He said Lot 1 of the project was awarded to Messrs Earthgain Energy and Environmental Services Ltd, and Lot 2 to Tegwa-Tegwa Nigeria Limited, both with a completion period of 12 months.
Furthermore, the Committee, he said, approved the construction of two Magistrate Courts in Asokoro and Garki Districts at the sum of N7.6 billion and N6.3 billion respectively. The projects, he stated, have completion periods of 15 and 18 months, respectively and they align with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda aimed at improving service delivery within the FCT.
Also addressing Journalists, the Director, FCTA Security Services Department, Mr. Adamu Gwary, disclosed that the Executive Committee, in a significant move to bolster security, approved a contract for the construction of three new police divisional headquarters and six-man staff quarters in Kuje, Gwagwalada, and Kwali Area Councils.
He said, the projects, which will cost N3.648 billion, completes the initiative of providing two divisional headquarters in each of the six Area Councils of the FCT and fulfils the FCT Minister’s promise to improve security infrastructure and equip police officers to combat crime, particularly in the Area Councils and satellite towns.
Emphasizing the commitment of the FCTA to reducing crime and criminality to the barest minimum in the FCT, Mr. Gwary said, “This is a milestone in terms of providing security infrastructure by this administration and this will not be the last. This will continue. As you are all aware, we have made significant progress in terms of reducing crime and criminality in the FCT. The statistics are going down and we want to ensure that such efforts are being maintained to ensure all hands are on deck to reduce the number of crime and criminality to the barest minimum”.
Also speaking to newsmen, the Head of Service of the FCTA, Mrs. Grace Adayilo said the FCT Executive Committee has approved a contract for a combined all-risk insurance policy covering the FCTA’s movable and immovable assets for a period of 12 months. This policy, she said, is mandated by the Federal Government and will protect government assets against various risks, ensuring business continuity and minimizing financial losses.
The insurance underwriters, according to the her, are Messrs Consolidated Hallmark Insurance Plc (Lead), Messrs KBL Insurance Plc, Messrs Cornerstone Insurance Plc, and Messrs Crown Takaful Insurance Ltd, adding that the Insurance Brokerage companies are Messrs Sam/Vic Insurance Brokers Limited (Lead), Messrs Radiance Insurance Brokers Limited, and Messrs KOB Insurance Brokers Limited.
Also addressing the Journalists, the Chief of Staff to the Minister, Hon. Chidi Amadi stressed the commitment of the FCT Administration to providing essential infrastructure, enhancing security and ensuring the safety and well-being of FCT residents.
Senator representing Anambra Central Senatorial District, Victor Umeh has denied his involvement with 42 other Senators who received $10,000 each to support President Bola Tinubu’s declaration of state of emergency in Rivers, saying he was absent from Wednesday’s meeting where the money was allegedly shared.
He reacted to viral allegation that Senators received $10,000 each to support the state of emergency in Rivers in the red Chamber, when the motion comes for ratification.
His denial was contained in a statement on Friday, where he distanced himself from Senators who shared the money, insisting that he was not among the 42 senators who collected $10,000 the previous day in order to pass the state of emergency resolution.
According to him, he came out to clear his name because reports in the media suggested that he was the one that coordinated the meeting along another Senator where each of them was offered $10,000, insisting that he wasn’t in that meeting and never benefitted from the bribe for support.
“I did not receive any money to support the state of emergency in Rivers State. I was not at any meeting where such payments were allegedly made,” Umeh stated.
Umeh explained that on the evening of Tuesday, he attended the traditional IFTAR (Breaking of Fasting) gathering at the Senate Guest House with their Muslim brothers and sisters, where he was asked to say the Christian prayers after Senator Adamu Aliero said the Muslim prayers after the IFTAR.
”I prayed for God to grant peace to all parts of Nigeria and reconciliation to all the warring parties in Rivers State.
“I prayed for love and for all Nigerians to embrace one another, for the good of our nation.”
“We did not discuss the State of Emergency in Rivers State at the IFTAR.”
“There were other Labour Party Senators at the IFTAR.”
Dismissing the allegations as backmail, the senator, assured his constituents that such reports would not distract him from providing good Representation, adding that the aim of the detractors was to create disaffection between him and the people and impugn his reputation.
He vowed that “I will not be distracted by their false reports, and I will continue to serve my constituents with dignity and integrity.”
Twelve persons have been arrested by officers of Kaduna State Police Command in connection with attack on a mosque which killed a worshipper during the Tahajjud prayer at Rigasa, in the Igabi Local Government Area of the State.
In a statement by the Command on Friday by the Spokesperson, DSP Mansir Hassan, and made available to journalists in Kaduna on Friday, said hoodlums’ attack on the mosque led to the death of a worshipper.
The statement noted that, “On 21st March 2025, at about 0200 hours, the police received a distress call from a m
concerned citizen, reporting that a large group of armed hoodlums had mobilised from Malalin Gabas, Tudun Wada, Rafin Guza, and Unguwar Baduko areas to attack worshippers performing Tahajjud prayer at Layin Bilya, Makwa Road, Rigasa, Kaduna.
“Upon receiving the report, the Divisional Police Officer (DPO) led a team of officers, accompanied by the Commander of the Civilian Joint Task Force (CJTF), to the scene in an attempt to apprehend the suspects.
“However, before their arrival, the assailants had already stabbed one Usman Mohammad, a 23-year-old victim, with a sharp knife. Despite being rushed to the hospital for urgent medical attention, he succumbed to his injuries hours later and was confirmed dead by the attending doctor.”
In response, the police swiftly apprehended twelve suspects who confessed to having participated in the attack and recovered several weapons from them.
A full-scale investigation has been launched to uncover the full details of the incident and ensure justice is served.
rom engaging in these criminal activities, stating that they will face the full weight of the law if caught.
News
Oyo College of Nursing matriculates 147 students as Governor Makinde urge students to uphold ethics
The Oyo State College of Nursing and Midwifery, on Friday, held its second matriculation ceremony, with the Oyo State Governor, Engr. Seyi Makinde, as the special guest of honour.
The event was held at the main auditorium of the College at Eleyele, Ibadan.
Speaking at the event, Governor Makinde represented by the Commissioner for Education, Science and Technology, Prof. Soliu Abdulwaheed Adelabu said the future of healthcare in Nigeria has taken a significant step forward with the intake of 147 new students of nursing program.
“This matriculation ceremony, marking the college’s second for the national diploma program, is a significant milestone for these aspiring nurses as they began their journey to become healthcare professionals”, he said.
He congratulated the matriculants, encouraged them to embrace every lesson with an open mind, and shun examination malpractices.
Governor Makinde emphasized the importance of resilience in the nursing profession, urging them to uphold the college’s high standards of virtue and ethical conduct.
The Governor further reiterated his administration’s committment to the education system in Oyo state, especially the nursing education.
He commended the Provost and the college’s staff for their dedication to fostering excellence, noting the significant progress made by them to elevate the college to its new heights.
In her speech, the Provost of the College, Dr. Gbonjubola Owolabi also extended her congratulations to the students, urging them adhere to the college’s rules, and strive to be ambassadors for the institution.
She said, “Let me remind you, our matriculation students, that you are now ambassadors of this great institution. Let excellence be your watchword, and may you go on to make remarkable contributions to the Nursing profession and society at large.”
She encouraged the students to prioritize their studies and dedicate themselves to achieving their academic goals.
The Provost said the Oyo state College of Nursing and Midwifery stands as a beacon of academic excellence, committed to producing highly skilled and compassionate nurses who will make a difference in the world.
She also said, “our curriculum is designed to equip you with the necessary theoretical knowledge, practical skills, and ethical grounding essential for success in the nursing profession.”
Dr. Owolabi praised Governor Seyi Makinde for his unwavering supports and commitment to the development of the institution. 
She pointed at the avalanche of approvals and infrastructural advancements granted to the college under Makinde’s administration.
The Director, Nursing Services, Dr. Arinade Oyebode enjoined the students to get acquainted with the ethics of Nursing profession.
She also encouraged them to study hard, while they put God first in their academic activities.
A Professor of Nursing from the University of Ibadan, Prof. Chizoma Ndikom encouraged the students to prioritize their studies and dedicate themselves to achieving their academic goals.
The event was filled with excitement and anticipation as a new student, Islamiat Lawal was rewarded by the Commissioner, the Provost, and other guests for her adherence to punctuality.
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