Category: The Nation – Nigeria

The Aare Atunluse of Awori Kingdom and the Chairman, Mapcotec Nigeria Limited, Aare (Surveyor) Dr. Segun Osifeso, has said that as the nation marks its 65th Independence Anniversary, the President Tinubu administration’s bold economic reforms and infrastructure drive were a clear indication that the country was on the path to greatness and sustainable growth and development

Osifeso, who made these remarks at Ota, Ogun State on Wednesday, noted that President Tinubu’s commitment to fostering unity and implementation of policies that were repositioning the country for greatness had rekindled the people’s optimism.

He stressed that though the country may not yet be where the people hoped for, but surviving as one united country for 65 years of independence against all odds was a monumental achievement.

Osifeso counseled that as Nigerians reminisce on the past 65 years of the country’s nationhood, they must admit that though the journey had not been an easy one, but it had been one that had held the people together as a formidable force.

The renowned Surveyor noted that as Nigerians celebrate, they must put all hands on deck to actualise the Nigeria of their dreams, the Nigeria that the heroes past fought and laid down their lives for.

While felicitating with President Tinubu and Nigerians as the country celebrates her 65th Independence Anniversary, he urged Nigerians to uphold the values of hard work, patriotism, peace, justice and unity that defined them, expressing confidence that Nigeria will continue to experience growth, transformation and greater prosperity.

Aare Osifeso, however, urged leaders at all levels to support the Government’s reform agenda by promoting good governance, justice and policies that align with the President Tinubu’s transformative vision.

The community leader prayed for a stronger, more united and more peaceful nation where the people’s collective dreams find fulfilment, adding that with collective determination and steadfast leadership, Nigeria will continue to overcome her challenges and achieve greater heights.

The Director-General, National Agency for the Prohibition of Trafficking in Persons (NAPTIP), Binta Adamu Bello, has said the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport, Abuja, is becoming a comfort zone for human traffickers.

She stated this yesterday when she led an operation to the airport, which led to the rescue of 24 victims of human trafficking and arrest of five suspected trafficking agents.

The victims whose ages range from 15 to 26 years, were recruited from Kano, Kastina, Oyo, Ondo and Rivers states, and were heading to Iraq, Sudan, Egypt, Saudi Arabia, Bahrain, and Afghanistan.

According to a statement in Abuja by the Press Officer of NAPTIP, Vincent Adekoye, one of the suspected human traffickers, was a retired senior law enforcement officer.

The suspect is alleged to be a prominent member of the trafficking syndicate operating within the Southwest.

On how the raid was carried out, the agency stated: ‘The latest raid followed a tip-off from concerned stakeholders and partners who alerted us to an influx of suspected human trafficking victims at the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport, Abuja, and the unwholesome activities of some suspected traffickers.

‘At the end of nearly six hours of operation, the human trafficking were disrupted, leading to the arrest of five suspected traffickers and rescue of 24 suspected victims.

The news that Kaduna State has had good news in terms of security may no longer be news. That is weird in a good sense since that state, barely two years ago, was in bed with the macabre: bandits on a roll, rapine and bloodshed as routine staple of its life.

The good news from Kaduna State in the past couple of weeks as it bears an international resonance was its liberation from a colour-coded infamy.

The United Kingdom that has kept its eyes on the nervous unravelling of the state to violence decided the state had turned the corner to peace. It upgraded the security status of Kaduna State from red to amber. It capped it all with an advisory that its citizens could now travel to the state without fear, even though it gave a caveat to be wary of certain rural areas. That is why it is still amber and not green.

The state had been painted red since 2022. No area of the state was out of danger, including its airport. Areas like Birnin Gwari and Giwa were danger zones to citizens who were not bandits. That same year, presidential candidate Bola Ahmed Tinubu, as he then was, travelled with what looked like an army brigade to that local government as part of his campaign stops. Its main cattle market was shut down for about a decade. That part of the country has received a shot in the arm for commerce and other activities.

‘The UK Government remains firmly committed to supporting Kaduna State’s development aspirations, and I am delighted to be here in Kaduna again with government colleagues, our delivery partners, and non-government stakeholders to continue to chart the way forward,’ UK’s Head of Development Cooperation at the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO), Cynthia Rowe, said.

She announced the upgrade: ‘We will do this by deepening private sector involvement and working with agencies such as the Kaduna Investment Promotion Agency (KADIPA) to boost investment across critical sectors of the state’s economy for a fairer, more resilient economy.’

The UK’s Head of FCDO signed the Kaduna State Mutual Accountability Framework (K-MAF) dialogue when she announced her country’s recognition of the improved security situation in the state. This is a huge validation and an eloquent testimony to what keen observers of the state have come to accept.

The status did not come without vision and effort, and it is predicated on what the state governor had envisioned in his Kaduna Peace Model that he enunciated when he came to office.

In February 2024, he signed the Kaduna State Security Trust Fund Bill into law, establishing a dedicated fund to buoy security agencies with modern gizmos like drones, armoured vehicles, and intelligence tech without prejudice to federal allocations. It extended its hands of cooperation to the private sector.

Governor Uba Sani worked in tandem with federal forces through the office of the National security Adviser Nuhu Ribadu to include the Nigerian Army and Air Force. They undertook joint operations and dispatched bandit kingpins like Boderi, Baleri, Sani Yellow, Janburos and Buhari.

Other than Birnin Gwari and Giwa, other communities like Kajuru, Kauru, Kachia, and Igabi fell to the net of peace.

Governor Sani described the news as ‘a major vote of confidence in Kaduna’s resilience and reform agenda.’ He was quick to say that bringing peace is a holistic effort, including building peace across the diverse peoples, tribes and faiths, running a government of inclusion, engaging communities and building infrastructure and improving education.

It is a blending of the various ingredients that build a society. It is amber, though green is the ultimate, and making peace is always a work in progress in any society.

Chief Economist at Afrexximbank, Yemi Kale, yesterday projected that inflation could fall to about 14 per cent by the end of 2026 if the Federal Government’s ongoing structural reforms are sustained.

Kale, former Statistician-General of the Federation, spoke at the Independence Day edition of ‘The Platform Nigeria’ yesterday, with the theme: ‘Rebuilding our nation.’

Others who spoke at the event convened by the Pastor Poju Oyemade Covenant of Nation were entrepreneur/ expert on food ecosystems, Ndidi Okonkwo Nwuneli; governance expert and lawyer, Joe Abah; strategy consultant, Leke Alder; and former Super Eagles captain, Segun Odegbami.

Delivering his speech entitled ‘Reform and resilience: Strengthening Nigeria’s economic Foundations,’ Kale projected that inflation could fall to about 14 per cent by the end of next year, if reforms are sustained.

He, however, cautioned that despite the projected drop in inflation, Nigerians would continue to feel the strain.

‘Between now and then, the hardship will continue. The lesson here is clear: reforms must be matched with targeted and effective social cushions to protect the most vulnerable,’ Kale said.

The expert urged the Federal Government to stay the course on reforms despite the short-term hardships they inflict on Nigerians.

He warned that abandoning the reform process could push the country back into another cycle of low growth, high inequality, and fiscal stress.

According to him, the government’s reforms since 2023, including subsidy removal, exchange rate unification, and tighter monetary policy, have begun stabilising the macroeconomy.

Kale, however, stressed that the reforms would be incomplete without strong social protection and structural transformation.

He said: ‘Reform is like curing a fever. You must endure some discomfort as the medicine takes effect. But the alternative of letting the fever run just because the pill is bitter, or the injection is too painful, is far worse.’

Kale pointed out that Nigeria’s monetary policy had regained credibility after years of inconsistency and quasi-fiscal interventions by the Central Bank.

He noted the sharp increase in the monetary policy rate to 27.5 per cent, one of the steepest in history, which was recently reduced to 27 per cent, as well as efforts to mop up excess liquidity through streamlined open market operations.

The Afrexximbank boss said importantly, these actions were accompanied by clearer communication, regular policy reports, forward guidance, and transparent explanations of the inflation outlook.

The results, according to him, are now visible.

For instance, headline inflation, which averaged 25-30 per cent in 2023 and 2024, he said, has begun to ease towards the low 20s.

Also, every percentage point reduction, he added, protects the real value of salaries, pensions, and savings, and reduces uncertainty for investors who must plan projects years in advance.

Kale was, however, quick to acknowledge that while macroeconomic stabilisation was visible in the data, millions of Nigerians still measure progress in ‘the price of food, the reality of electricity, and their children’s job prospects.’

He commended initiatives like the Student Loan Act and state-level fuel relief packages but called for deeper reforms in education, healthcare, and social protection.

‘Without shared opportunities, inequality and unrest will erode stability. Power and fiscal reforms should empower states, while federal economic and agro-processing zones can lift lagging regions,’ he said.

On Nigeria’s energy and electricity challenges, Kale lauded the Dangote refinery, which exported its first gasoline cargoes in 2025, as a step toward reducing dependence on imported refined products.

He, however, identified a number of unresolved issues that could hinder its impact on domestic supply, such as reliable feedstock supply, transparent pricing formulas, labour disputes, and clear currency settlement mechanisms.

Kale also identified infrastructure investment as both an economic necessity and a macroeconomic stabiliser.

Citing World Bank projections, he said Nigeria requires $3 trillion by 2050 to meet infrastructure needs, including $575 billion for the transport sector between 2020 and 2043.

He urged that part of the savings from subsidy removal should be legislated and earmarked for transport, logistics, and energy infrastructure.

Since assuming office as Governor of Delta State, Rt Hon Sheriff Oborevwori has not merely supported athletics but has elevated sports in general to a cornerstone of state pride and youth empowerment. His administration’s unwavering commitment to sporting excellence reached a crescendo with the fulfillment of a bold pledge he made to athletes who competed in the 2025 National Sports Festival, otherwise known as the Gateway Games which was hosted by Ogun State, few days ago.

That ‘Ukodo,’ as Governor Oborevwori is popularly called in socio-political circles in the state will make good his promise, not only galvanized Team Delta to put up one of the best performances at the sports meet, it led inexorably to a triumphant return and solidified the state’s unchallenged dominance in Nigeria’s sporting landscape. Through strategic investments, motivational incentives, and a philosophy that prioritizes human capital development through the ‘MORE Agenda’, Oborevwori is redefining what it means to lead in sports governance.

Delta State’s sporting legacy is nothing short of legendary. Often dubbed the ‘Nigeria’s Sports Powerhouse,’ Delta State has clinched the overall championship at the National Sports Festival an astonishing nine times consecutively, a streak that underscores decades of deliberate nurturing of talent. From the dusty fields of local communities to the roar of national stadiums, Delta has produced national super icons in athletics thus proving that grassroots investment yields global glory. Interestingly, under Oborevwori’s stewardship as governor, this legacy has evolved from mere tradition to a meticulously engineered machine of success. His ‘MORE Agenda,’ a blueprint for inclusive growth-allocates substantial resources to sports infrastructure, coaching programs, and athlete welfare, ensuring that no promising talent slips through the cracks. This holistic approach has been pivotal in maintaining Delta’s supremacy in sports.

The 2025 National Sports Festival, held from May 16 to 30th in Abeokuta, Ogun State, served as the ultimate reference point for Oborevwori’s vision. The Gateway Games, the 22nd edition of this biennial sports extravaganza in the country, brought together over 5,000 athletes from across Nigeria’s 36 states and the Federal Capital Territory, competing in 35 sporting disciplines ranging from athletics and wrestling to table tennis and para-sports. For Delta, the stakes were sky-high: not just to defend their title but to inspire a new generation amid whispers of rising competition from states like Bayelsa, Lagos and Rivers.

And this is where Governor Oborevwori’s game-changing pledge matters. In the lead-up to the festival, during a morale-boosting send-forth ceremony in Asaba, the governor promised unprecedented financial rewards to motivate his Team Delta. ‘Excellence must be rewarded,’ he declared, outlining a tiered incentive structure: one million naira for each gold medal, five hundred thousand for silver, and two hundred and fifty thousand for bronze. This was no empty rhetoric. It was a calculated infusion of fiscal firepower designed to transform abstract motivation into tangible drive.

The impact was immediate and profound. Team Delta comprising athletes, officials, and support staff, stormed the MKO Abiola Stadium and other venues with determination that echoed across the country. By the time the curtains fell on the sports festival on May 29, 2025, they had amassed a staggering haul of 126 gold medals, 100 silver, and 111 bronze, totaling 337 medals-a haul that dwarfed other competitors and reaffirmed Delta State’s stranglehold on the top spot.

Bayelsa settled for second with a respectable but distant tally, while host Ogun clinched third, highlighting Delta’s tactical edge in high-medal events like athletics where it swept a whopping 45 gold medals and wrestling 32 gold medals. Of particular note is the standout performance of a young sprinter Ejiro Okoro’s double gold in the 100m and 200m dashes. Then there was the para-athletics squad’s clean sweep in seven events, thus showcasing the inclusivity that is apparent in the champion’s team. These victories weren’t flukes, they stemmed from rigorous pre-festival camps funded by the state government, international coaching exchanges, and psychological support sessions that instilled a winner’s mindset in the athletes, all orchestrated by Oborevwori’s winning aura.

Significantly, what set this edition apart, however, was the governor’s fulfillment of his pledge-a masterstroke in leadership that transcended the medals. Talk of a promise keeper. On September 18, 2025, Oborevwori hosted a grand reception at the Delta State Government House in Asaba for the sporting ambassadors. In a ceremony brimming with jubilation, he personally handed over cheques totaling hundreds of millions of naira to the heroes of Ogun 2025. Gold medalists like Okoro pocketed N1 million for each medal, their eyes lighting up with the realization that their sweat equity had real-world value. Silver and bronze recipients followed suit, with N500,000 and N250,000 respectively, ensuring every contributor felt valued. Officials, from coaches to medical personnel, received N200,000 bonuses, acknowledging the ecosystem behind the stars.

‘This is not just about money; it’s about building a culture where excellence is the norm,’ Oborevwori remarked, his words resonating with athletes who recounted how the pre-game promise fueled late-night trainings and unbreakable team spirit.

This commitment to fulfillment is no isolated gesture; it’s the linchpin of Delta’s enduring dominance. In a nation where sports funding often evaporates post-victory, Oborevwori’s reliability has created a virtuous cycle. Athletes train harder, knowing rewards await; coaches innovate without budgetary fears; and communities rally behind a program that delivers jobs, pride, and economic ripple effects. Consider the numbers: Delta’s medal count has grown by 15% since Oborevwori took office, correlating directly with a 20% increase in state sports allocations. This motivation has permeated beyond the festival, propelling Delta squads to glory in continental events like the African Games and fostering talents who now eye Olympic berths. Young athletes in Warri and Ughelli, inspired by tales of millionaire medalists, flood local academies, swelling participation rates by 30% in the last year alone.

Moreover, Oborevwori’s approach addresses deeper societal needs. Sports in Delta isn’t elitist; it’s a ladder for social mobility. Many athletes hail from humble beginnings, using platforms like the festival to escape poverty. Female athletes, in particular, have thrived under this regime, with women’s teams securing 40% of Delta’s golds in Ogun, a testament to gender-inclusive policies that include maternity support for competitors.

The ripple effects extend nationally. Other governors now eye Delta’s model, with states like Edo and Anambra replicating reward systems. Yet, Oborevwori’s edge lies in authenticity-his pledge wasn’t a campaign gimmick but a fulfillment of a lifelong passion for sports, honed as a former student athlete himself. By receiving the Torch of Unity in May, symbolizing the festival’s spirit, he infused the event with personal gravitas, urging unity among the many ethnic groups in Nigeria. This holistic ethos-blending motivation, resources, and recognition-has made Delta not just winners, but architects of a sporting renaissance.

In Oborevwori, one sees a leader who understands that true excellence is forged in the fire of commitment. The 2025 Gateway Games weren’t merely a victory lap; they were a manifesto in motion, proving that when leaders back words with wallets, miracles happen on the field. As Delta prepares to defend its crown in future festivals-perhaps eyeing Enugu 2027-the governor’s gold standard gleams brighter than any medal.

For athletes nationwide, his message is clear: strive, and the rewards will follow. In Oborevwori, Nigeria has found a champion whose legacy will echo through stadiums for generations, setting an unassailable benchmark in the pursuit of sporting greatness.

The Lagos State Education District VI has reaffirmed its commitment to educational excellence by honouring outstanding educators, students and staff in the district at its 19th Annual Merit Award Ceremony.

The event, themed: ‘Rewarding Excellence’, was held at Ikeja Senior Grammar School, Oshodi.

The event celebrated top performers across categories such as: Best Principal, Teacher, School, Student, Non-Teaching Staff, Quality Assurance Officer, District Officer, Heads of Department, NGOs and Alumni groups for their impactful contributions to education in the district.

In his speech, the Commissioner for Basic and Secondary Education, Mr. Tolani Alli-Balogun, emphasised that the awards are to motivate others to be up and doing in the teaching and learning activities in schools.

Alli-Balogun also noted that the state government is leveraging on technical and vocational education in schools across the state.

‘At primary level, we want to showcase vocational education by leveraging, building classrooms that would equip the students.

‘These recognitions show our teachers and students that their efforts are seen, valued and rewarded,’ he said.

Tutor-General/Permanent Secretary, Education District VI, Mrs. Mojisola Christiana Yusuff, announced that 42 students and workers from 106 schools were honoured for academic and extracurricular achievements.

Mrs. Yusuf also encouraged workers in the district to strive and become the best and not rest on their current achievement.

‘For those who didn’t win any award, they should not relent. They should still continue to do their job. We all must work towards achieving a greater Lagos

‘Teaching is not just a profession, it is service, sacrifice and inspiration,’ she said.

Chairman of the occasion, Mr. Daniel Ayokanmi, urged awardees to sustain their efforts and continue promoting academic excellence.

‘I encourage others that are yet to do well to step up. We should keep the good work. This award is in promotion of good work,’ he said.

Security operatives have taken over the People’s Democratic Secretariat in Akwa Ibom to forestall any breakdown of law and order.

The development followed claims and counted claims of the dissolution of the State Working Committee (SWC) by the National Working Committee of the Party (NWC).

The National Publicity Secretary of PDP Debo Ologunagba dissolved the state exco and appointing a 31-member caretaker committee.

But the National Secretary of the party Senator Samuel Anyanwu issued a counter statement, declaring there was no NWC meeting where such decision was taken.

Chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Akwa Ibom state Àniekan Akpan described the purported sack of his executive by the National Working Committee of the party(NWC) as illegal.

He declared the state exco as intact till, stating they will serve out the four-year tenure which they were elected, adding that divisive elements within the party are working hard to kill the PDP in the state.

He told reporters on Thursday: ‘The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Akwa Ibom State wishes to address a recent wave of misinformation circulating on social media platforms, particularly on Facebook, claiming the dissolution of our duly elected State Executive Committee (Exco). We categorically state that these reports are not only false but also unconstitutional’.

Akpan, who was surrounded by all the purportedly sacked exco members, explained the PDP is governed by the rule of law and guided by the party constitution adding that the Exco members were elected in a well constituted state Congress for a fix term of 4 years .

Akpan further explained that some of the Exco members were falsely listed in the new Caretaker Committee without their consent.

He said the NWC that allegedly sacked them never had any formal meeting before they settled on the such decision adding that the PDP National Secretary has issued a press statement in that regard .

Akpan appealed to party members , supporters and general public to disregard the false report and remain committed to the lawful leadership of the party in Akwa Ibom state .

The party chairman said he would continue to be identified with Governor Umo Eno as the governor is not only the leader of APC but leading entire state across party lines

‘ The party can not separate us from Governor Umo Eno . He is the governor for all . Nobody can say we have engaged in anti party by hobnobbing with the Governor,’ he said

Stakeholders drawn from government agencies, faith-based organisations, civil society and child welfare institutions have reaffirmed their commitment to promote family integration and holistic support for vulnerable children during a two-day Collaborate+ Lagos 2025 Forum at the Bimbo Odukoya Foundation Centre, Ilupeju.

The conference, themed: ‘Promoting Family Integration and Holistic Support for Every Child,’ was convened by the Christian Alliance for Orphans (CAFO) in collaboration with the Association of Orphanages and Homes Operators in Nigeria (ASHON), Lagos State Chapter.

It served as a rallying platform for dialogue and partnership on how to address family separation, child neglect, and systemic challenges facing caregivers in Lagos State.

Delivering the keynote address on behalf of the Lagos State Government, Mrs. Adenike Obilana, a director at the Ministry of Youth and Social Development (MYSD), reaffirmed the state’s commitment to inclusive welfare under its T.H.E.M.E.S Plus Agenda.

Mrs. Obilana, who represented the Commissioner, Mr. Bolaji Dunde, noted that the government recognised the family as the cornerstone of society and stressed that sustainable child protection required collective responsibility.

‘Vulnerable children need more than compassion – they need collective action, intentional policy, and unwavering support,’ she stated.

A major highlight of the event was the panel session on tackling the roots of family separation, featuring speakers from diverse professional backgrounds.

Executive Director of the Office of Life Care, Women and Children Empowerment Initiative, Pastor Kingsley Kalu, lamented that poverty, unemployment and domestic strife remain leading causes of family breakdown in Nigeria. He urged faith-based institutions to go beyond charity and offer structured family counselling, skill acquisition and social support to restore dignity and stability to homes.

Similarly, Director of Christian Education at the Nigerian Baptist Convention, Reverend Dr. (Mrs.) Foluke Bosede Ola, focused on the wellbeing of caregivers, stressing that mental exhaustion and emotional burnout can lead to reduced quality of care. According to her, caregivers need more institutional support and recognition.

‘A burnt-out caregiver cannot nurture children effectively. Mental balance, rest, and counselling are essential for quality child care,’ she said.

Executive Director of Denny School Welfare Hub, Mrs. Abosede Mary Otukpe, emphasised the role of parenting education in family resilience. She explained that intentional parenting, effective communication, and empathy are vital in preventing neglect and abuse.

Her remarks drew attention to the growing need for capacity-building workshops for both parents and caregivers.

On the government’s part, Mr. Alufa Wellington Olalekan, representing the MYSD, revealed that Lagos currently operates 23 Family Social Services Centres across the state. These centres, he said, offer counselling, conflict mediation and intervention in domestic crises. Early intervention, he added, often prevents permanent family separation and institutionalisation of children.

The legal dimension was explored by Barrister Adora Ochulali of the Legal Aid Council of Nigeria, who advocated stronger access to justice for vulnerable families. She noted that legal protection is crucial for fair treatment in cases of custody, domestic violence and child rights violations. Her call for better synergy between social workers, law enforcement, and courts received strong applause from participants.

Adding a community perspective, Mrs. Bridget Taremotimi of Women at risk International Foundation (WRIES) and Mrs. Bamiduro Adeola Atinuke of CPM Ojoju LCDA both emphasised collaboration among community leaders, NGOs, and faith groups. They highlighted how community-based awareness programmes can help identify.

The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, has vowed to put an end to sabotage and punish those stealing streetlights in the nation’s capital.

Wike said this on Thursday when he officially flagged off Lot 1 and 2 of the transformative ‘Light Up Abuja’ project, which involves the provision of integrated (hybrid) solar lighting across Abuja’s districts and expressways.

He disclosed that the project was designed to provide uninterrupted light across the various districts and expressways, adding that the initiative was an essential step towards improving security and the city’s aesthetic appeal.

The FCT Minister emphasised the importance of a well-lit Abuja, which he said was crucial for national pride and development, especially as the city approaches its 50th anniversary in February next year.

He expressed the belief that the Light Up Abuja project will dramatically transform the city within the next seven months and improve security.

According to him: ‘In the next seven months, it will be a different thing. Anybody coming to Abuja, not only will you see good roads, you will see the entire place being lit up’.

Wike, who also disclosed that the hybrid solar system comes with surveillance features, said it will enable the immediate identification of anyone attempting to vandalize or steal the facilities.

He said: ‘Criminals will run away because when there is light everywhere, by the time they come to steal our facilities, at least you know that people will see you’.

Recalling the challenges faced in tackling persistent darkness and sabotage in the FCT, the minister revealed that upon assumption of office, he met a situation where nearly 80 percent of the FCT was plunged into darkness at night, directly contributing to a rise in insecurity.

He also detailed the costly and ineffective cycle of maintenance, noting that previous maintenance contracts were often awarded to ‘political contractors,’ resulting in payments for maintenance without visible results-a practice he described as a ‘nightmare’.

To solve the recurring problems of darkness and infrastructure sabotage, Wike said the FCT Administration took a decisive action during an investment-driven trip with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to Beijing in 2024, where key agreements were signed with two reputable international firms – Chinese Geo-Engineering Corporation (CGC) and Chinese Civil Engineering Construction Corporation (CCECC) to provide water to the satellite towns, which is currently ongoing, and to light up Abuja.

Furthermore, the Minister stated that the contracts stipulate that the companies were responsible for the full maintenance of the streetlights for four to five years, thereby eliminating the previous costly and ineffective system of perpetual maintenance.

Acknowledging the anticipated backlash from those who benefited from the old corrupt system, the Minister said the FCT Administration expects attacks from three main groups – the previous contractors who will now lose their lucrative maintenance contracts, criminal saboteurs who thrived in darkness to steal cables, and corrupt FCTA officials involved in generating maintenance files.

However, Wike said he is undeterred by any sentiments or political campaigns, emphasizing his commitment to the nation’s interest.

‘We have made a decision. This work must be done, and I will do it with the support of Mr. President, and that is what is key’, he asserted.

The Minister of State, FCT, Mariya Mahmoud, described the light up Abuja project as more than just poles and solar panels, but about bringing light where there was darkness, safety where there were fears, and hope where there were doubts, expressing optimism that the initiative will ensure that Abuja continues to shine at night.

Mahmoud extended profound appreciation to President Tinubu and the FCT Minister for their visionary leadership and unwavering commitment to the provision of vital infrastructure in the FCT.

Providing an overview of the Light up Abuja project, the Acting Executive Secretary, FCDA, Engr. Richard Yunana Dauda stated that the contract was awarded in two lots to Messrs CCECC and CGC Nigeria Limited, adding that they were expected to complete the work within six months.

He said Lot 1 covers Maitama, Central Area, Wuse, and Asokoro districts, as well as the Airport Expressway, while Lot 2 covers Katampe, Katampe Extension, Jabi, Garki, Gudu, and Mabushi districts.

Dauda added that the scope of work includes supply and installation and Retro fitting of Integrated Hybrid Solar Street lighting, fittings of 300 watts solar powered lights with luminous blocks ranging from 7,500 lumens to 17,500 lumens along streets and expressways with other necessary accessories, installation of galvanized street light posts at locations where they need replacement or have been vandalized and installation of surveillance facilities for the street lights.

He added that the integrated hybrid solar street lighting system, when completed, will illuminate the city and help guard against theft and vandalism, and also provide other benefits like improved security of lives and properties, improved aesthetics and ambience in the streets at night, reduction of electricity bills, maintenance costs, and technical losses.

Managing Directors of CCECC and CGC Nigeria Ltd, Guan Shuai and Zhang Xiang, respectively, thanked President Tinubu and the FCT Minister for entrusting their companies with the key responsibility and pledged to deploy their best resources to deliver a world-class project that will make Abuja shine brighter and set a benchmark for sustainable urban development.

Edo State Commandant of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), Agun Gbenga, has slumped and died.

Gbenga slumped at the Bishop Kelly Pastoral Centre, Benin City, where he was to receive an award.

Witnesses at the event said he slumped a few minutes after delivering his goodwill message at the event organised by the International Association of World Peace Advocates (IAWPA).

He was rushed to the Military Base Hospital, Benin, where he was confirmed dead on arrival.

A senior official of the NSCDC, who pleaded anonymity, confirmed the development.

‘Our oga was in the office this morning. It was at the office that he dressed up to attend the event.

‘He didn’t show any sign of ill-health. He slumped and was declared dead on arrival at the hospital.’