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FCTA to pay N1.1 billion compensation for structures along Kuje road

Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Barrister Ezenwo Nyesom Wike has said that the FCT Administration will pay a compensation package of N1.1 billion for the structures affected by the ongoing construction of the FCT Highway 105, from the Airport Expressway to Kuje township.

The FCT Minister disclosed in Abuja on Tuesday, November 19, 2024, when he addressed journalists shortly after he inspected the road to ascertain the structures affected by the road construction exercise for which compensation is to be paid.

He said a report on the valuation of the properties had been prepared and assured that he would immediately approve the payment of the compensation to ensure that the road project was not delayed.
The FCT Minister said, “I have come here to see for myself the report on the valuation of what was supposed to be paid as compensation. When I got the file for approval, I said it would be proper for me to go and see for myself the kind of structures that we are going to pay for. So, I’m happy with what I have seen, and I will immediately approve it so that we can start doing the compensation so that the work will not be delayed.

Director, Engineering Services, FCDA, Engr Richard Yunana Dauda, Chief land officer, Department of Resettlement and compensation FCDA, Esv. Isah Adalkhali, FCT Minister, Barr Ezenwo Nyesom Wike during the inspection of Highway 105 road project in Kuje on Tuesday
“If I remember vividly, the entire estimate they gave is about N1.1 billion to pay for those whose properties were affected, like some of these buildings you see here, down to the community. It’s about N1.1 billion, and we will make it available so that the contractor will not find any excuse for delay”.
Barr. Wike, who earlier inspected the ongoing construction of the Abuja Division of the Court of Appeal Complex and the access road to the project in Dakibiyu, Jabi District, also expressed satisfaction at the pace and quality of work on the project and assured of its completion by September next year.
He said, “I’m very impressed with what we saw this afternoon. It’s progressing as expected. By the grace of God, we believe by September next year, the contractor would have handed over the structure, which is the Abuja Division of the Court of Appeal. I’m very much impressed with what I’ve seen.
“I can also see the construction of the road leading to that edifice, and the contractor is doing everything possible to ensure that he meets the time. So, one is impressed with what we have seen”.
Also speaking on his approval of the payment of the new minimum wage to FCTA workers, the Minister said it fulfills the Federal Government’s commitment under the Renewed Hope Agenda to increase workers’ wages.
He expressed the belief that the increment in workers’ salaries will boost their morale and stressed that more work is also expected from the Workers to achieve the mandate of the FCT Administration.
The Minister said, “First of all, it is the commitment made by the Federal Government under the Renewed Hope Agenda that the workers’ wages should be increased, and in line with that, we have also adopted it and have also approved for the payment of the arrears as agreed with Labour.

FCT Minister, Barr Ezenwo Nyesom Wike, inspecting ongoing construction of the Court of Appeal, Abuja division in Daki Biyu on Thursday
“I expect that the workers will also see this as a boost and be more committed for us to achieve the development that is required in the city. So, workers should see that more work is expected from you now that money has been paid”.

News
Umeh denies receiving $10,000 with other 42 Senators to support state of emergency in Rivers

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.”

News
Police arrest 12 suspects in connection with Kaduna mosque attack

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.

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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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