Category: The Nation – Nigeria

Madagascar will be without midfielder Andy Pelmard for today’s 2027 Africa Cup of Nations qualifier against Nigeria at the Godswill Akpabio International Stadium, Uyo.

Pelmard had been expected to join the final group of Barea players arriving in Nigeria but was missing from the latest squad update. Reports from the Madagascar camp indicate that he will not feature in the Group L opener.

His absence reduces Madagascar’s options as they prepare to face the Super Eagles, who are seeking a winning start to the qualifying campaign.

Nigeria will travel to Bissau afterwards to face Guinea-Bissau on September 29.

Prime Minister of Ethiopia, Dr. Abiy Ahmed, and the President of the Republic of Djibouti, Ismaïl Omar Guelleh, have hailed the Dangote Group’s $660 million Damarjog-Dewele Oil Terminal and Pipeline Project as a transformative investment that will strengthen regional integration, improve energy security, create jobs, and accelerate economic growth across the Horn of Africa.

The two leaders spoke at the groundbreaking ceremony of the landmark project held at the Damerjog Industrial Development Free Trade Zone in Djibouti, where they praised the vision and commitment of African industrialist and President/Chief Executive of Dangote Industries Limited, Aliko Dangote, for championing one of the region’s most significant privately funded energy infrastructure investments.

The project comprises a modern 120-kilometre multiproduct pipeline linking marine and coastal storage facilities at Damarjog in Djibouti with inland storage and distribution facilities at Dewele in Ethiopia. Upon completion, it will facilitate the efficient transportation of refined petroleum products, enhance supply chain reliability, and support the growing energy needs of Ethiopia and the wider region.

President Guelleh described the project as a milestone in Djibouti’s ambition to become a leading logistics, industrial, and energy hub for Africa.

‘Today marks an important chapter in Djibouti’s journey toward becoming a premier centre for logistics, energy, and industrial development. The Damarjog-Dewele Pipeline Project is not merely infrastructure; it is an investment in the future prosperity of our region,’ President Guelleh said.

According to the Djiboutian leader, the project will stimulate economic activity, expand port operations, attract new investments, and create thousands of direct and indirect employment opportunities.

‘This investment will generate significant value for Djibouti through increased trade volumes, stronger commercial activity, and enhanced investor confidence. It will create jobs, support local businesses, and further strengthen our position as a critical gateway connecting regional economies…

‘We are proud to partner with the Dangote Group in delivering a project that demonstrates the strength of African-led investment and practical African solutions to African challenges,’ he added.

Ethiopian Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed described the project as a strategic infrastructure development that will significantly strengthen Ethiopia’s energy security while supporting the country’s industrialisation agenda.

‘Ethiopia’s continued economic expansion depends on reliable and efficient access to energy resources. This pipeline will provide a modern, dependable, and cost-effective system for transporting refined petroleum products into the country, thereby enhancing our energy security and reducing supply-chain vulnerabilities,’ Prime Minister Abiy stated.

He noted that the project would eliminate transportation bottlenecks, improve efficiency within the petroleum distribution network, and ensure a more stable supply of fuel for key sectors of the Ethiopian economy.

‘The impact of this investment extends beyond the energy sector. Reliable access to petroleum products will support aviation, transportation, agriculture, manufacturing, construction, and broader industrial development. It will improve product quality control, reduce losses associated with long-distance transportation, and enhance the competitiveness of our economy.’

The Ethiopian leader also emphasised that the project reflects the longstanding economic partnership between Ethiopia and Djibouti.

‘The relationship between Ethiopia and Djibouti has always been anchored on shared prosperity and mutual development. This pipeline is another demonstration of our commitment to regional cooperation and the development of infrastructure that serves the interests of our people…It illustrates how African nations can work together to unlock opportunities, improve connectivity, and deliver sustainable development,’ he said.

Speaking at the ceremony, President and Chief Executive of Dangote Industries Limited, Aliko Dangote, said the Damarjog-Dewale Pipeline Project aligns with the Group’s broader vision of building transformative infrastructure that supports Africa’s economic development and self-sufficiency.

‘This project is designed to enhance energy security, improve supply-chain efficiency, and create sustainable economic value for both Djibouti and Ethiopia. It underscores our commitment to investing in infrastructure that enables African countries to maximise their economic potential,’ Dangote said.

He explained that the project would boost economic activity in Djibouti while guaranteeing a more reliable supply of refined petroleum products to Ethiopia.

‘Djibouti will benefit from increased port activity, higher revenues, and new employment opportunities. Ethiopia will gain stronger energy security and fewer logistics bottlenecks. It is truly a win-win outcome for both countries, while local businesses across the value chain will benefit from expanded economic activity.’

Dangote noted that the Djibouti corridor currently serves as the primary route for Ethiopia’s imports and exports, including petroleum products, making it one of the most strategic economic corridors in Africa.

He added that the pipeline would substantially improve the safety and efficiency of petroleum transportation by reducing dependence on long-distance tanker movements, easing congestion, lowering operational risks, and minimising the potential for product losses and environmental incidents.

Beyond its direct economic impact, the project is expected to create thousands of jobs during construction and operation while facilitating skills transfer and supporting local contractors, suppliers, transport operators, and host communities.

The Damarjog-Dewele Pipeline Project forms part of Dangote Group’s broader Vision 2030 strategy, under which the Group plans to invest $50 billion across Africa in critical industrial and energy infrastructure aimed at boosting regional trade, industrialisation, and economic self-sufficiency.

Dangote reiterated the Group’s commitment to reducing Africa’s dependence on imports and encouraging local production.’Our vision is to support African countries in becoming self-sufficient in products for which they possess the raw materials, market demand, and strategic necessity. This is Africa building the infrastructure it needs to accelerate development and deepen intra-African trade,’ he said.

The project further strengthens Dangote Group’s position as a leading investor in Africa’s energy and industrial sectors, building on the success of the Dangote Petroleum Refinery and other strategic investments across the continent.

Gaming agents and customers in the Southeast and Southsouth are to undergo capacity building on responsible gaming and player protection at a two-day programme in Owerri, Imo State, next month.

The programme, scheduled for October 14 and 15 at Imo Digital City Limited, is being organised by the Imo State Lotteries and Gaming Authority (ISLGA), in collaboration with Gamble Alert, an organisation focused on responsible gaming, gambling-harm prevention, research, counselling and stakeholder capacity development.

The Southeast and Southsouth Responsible Gaming Capacity Building Programme (SESSRG) is expected to bring together gaming agents, affiliates and other industry professionals who interact directly with players, as well as relevant regulatory stakeholders.

The organisers said the training would focus on strengthening participants’ understanding of responsible gaming, player protection and the identification and management of gambling-related risks.

Particular attention will be paid to retail gaming agents because of their direct and frequent interaction with players, they added.

According to Gamble Alert, agents occupy an important position in the responsible gaming chain because their conduct can influence how gaming products are accessed, marketed and experienced by consumers.

The organisation said the programme would equip participants with practical knowledge and tools to identify potential gambling-related risks and respond appropriately during their interactions with consumers.

It added that player protection should extend beyond encouraging individuals to gamble responsibly, stressing that professionals who operate at points of contact with players also need the knowledge and skills to support safer gaming practices.

Gamble Alert said responsible gaming should not be viewed solely as an awareness campaign or a regulatory requirement but as a practice that should be integrated across the gaming value chain.

The Owerri programme is also expected to provide a platform for stakeholders to discuss challenges affecting responsible gaming, exchange knowledge and strengthen cooperation among operators, agents and regulators in the two regions.

The initiative comes amid growing emphasis on consumer protection and harm prevention in Nigeria’s gaming sector, particularly among stakeholders who have direct contact with players.

Operatives of the Lagos State Police Command have discovered and sealed a suspected factory producing alleged fake alcoholic drinks at Yafin, Badagry, arresting a 48-year-old man.

The suspect, identified as Anaebo Emeka Hilary, was arrested following credible intelligence from the public about the alleged illegal operation.

Items recovered from the scene included adulterated alcoholic drinks, empty bottles, various wine labels and production utensils allegedly used to make and package the counterfeit drinks, a statement by the spokesperson for the command, Abimbola Adebisi, a Superintendent of Police, said.

According to Adebisi, the exhibits have been taken to the station for further investigation, and the suspect detained.

‘The Commissioner of Police, Lagos State Command, Tijani Fatai, commended the operatives for their vigilance and swift response to the tip-off. He reiterated the command’s commitment to intelligence-led operations against criminal activities across the state and urged residents to keep providing timely, credible information to the police.”

Adebisi urged the public to contact the police through its emergency lines.

The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) yesterday arraigned three men before an Ikeja Special Offences Court for obtaining N84.8m under false pretences.

The defendants, Yahuza Sulaman, Rasaq Garba and Ashiru Tsoho, are facing a three-count charge bordering on stealing, obtaining money under false pretences and conspiracy before Justice Rahman Oshodi.

The first to third defendants were represented at the trial by A.H. Maude, Pascal Ugwu and Michael Ona.

Led in evidence by EFCC prosecuting counsel, U.S. Kyari, the complainant, Auwanu Ibrahim, an oil and gas businessman, told the court that in March 2023, he was informed about the availability of 225,000 litres of Premium Motor Spirit (PMS), contained in five trucks.

Ibrahim said he expressed interest in purchasing the product and negotiated with the parties involved, eventually agreeing on N42,952,500.

According to him, the product was not delivered on the agreed date.

Instead, he said he was given excuses, while the removal of the fuel subsidy led to a significant increase in the price of petrol.

Ibrahim told the court that he later contacted Ashiru Tsoho on the development and asked how the product would be delivered at the new price.

He said Ashiru initially informed him that they would obtain the product at the former price, but he became suspicious because, based on his experience in the oil and gas business, such an arrangement was unrealistic.

The complainant further stated that Ashiru later informed him that they had reached an agreement with their boss in Abuja and that he would need to pay ?84,870,000 for the five trucks.

Ibrahim said he made the payment into an account belonging to OVH.

The witness said the earlier payment was made into an account bearing the name Luxury Comfort Enterprise but which later allegedly resulted in repeated excuses while no refund was made.

He told the court that he specifically requested an account bearing a company name that could be traced.

He said Ashiru allegedly instructed him to use ‘Rasaq’ as the payment remark, which is the name of the second defendant.

However, after the expected delivery date passed without the product being supplied, Ibrahim said he reported the matter to the Police Area Command.

He added that several attempts to reach Ashiru were unsuccessful, after which his account was reportedly blocked.

According to the complainant, the development prompted Ashiru to appear at the police station.

Following questioning by the police, he allegedly transferred ?42,952,500 to Ibrahim, promising to provide two trucks of PMS.

Ibrahim, however, alleged that the two trucks were never supplied.

He subsequently reported the matter to the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) for further investigation, which eventually led to the apprehension of the defendants.

The matter has been adjourned until October 29, this year, for ruling on the bail application of the third defendant and continuation of trial.

Former Big Brother Naija housemate Tochi Okechukwu has reiterated his stance against early marriage, saying it often robs young women of the chance to discover themselves.

In a post on his Instagram story, Tochi said early marriage forces young girls to settle down before they figure out who they are or what they can achieve.

‘I have always been an advocate against early marriage for women. It often forces young girls to settle down before they even get a chance to figure out who they are or what they can achieve. When a young woman is pushed into marriage and having babies too early, her dreams usually have to take a back seat,’ he wrote.

He noted that many promising girls lose their identity to marriage and motherhood.

‘A girl who could have grown up to become a doctor, a successful businesswoman, or a leader ends up having her entire life reduced to just being known as ‘the wife of Chima Solar Enterprise.’ Her name, her talent, and her future disappear behind her having kids and her husband’s life,’ he added.

Tochi, however, said marriage remains a good institution but emphasised that timing is key.

‘Marriage is a good thing, but timing matters. Girls need time to finish school, learn a skill, and stand on their own two feet first. When we let young women grow up and build their own lives before getting married, the whole community becomes stronger for it,’ he said.

The Federal Government’s Renewed Hope Cities and Estates Programme is receiving growing support from public institutions, private-sector organisations and employee cooperatives.

The Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority (NMDPRA) has become a frontrunner in the advancement of the homeownership aspirations of workers.

In what has become one of the most ambitious projects of the Federal Government, the Renewed Hope Cities Programme is a major housing initiative being delivered through a public-private partnership involving the Federal Ministry of Housing and Urban Development and private-sector development partners such as Ceezali Limited and Citec International Estate Limited, with the objective of providing 100,000 housing units for Nigerians in different parts of the country.

The programme is designed not only to increase the supply of housing but also to create practical pathways through which workers and families can access and finance decent homes.

A significant development under the programme is the participation of NMDPRA staff and their cooperative structures, supported by the commitment of the Authority and its management to facilitate homeownership for its workforce.

Through this institutional support, NMDPRA has provided financial assistance towards the equity contribution required by participating staff, enabling employees to subscribe to housing units under the Renewed Hope Cities Programme.

This support has enabled the first batch of over 428 NMDPRA staff members to participate in the programme and secure allocations across the Renewed Hope developments in Abuja, Kano and Lagos.

The initiative demonstrates how government institutions can complement the Federal Government’s housing agenda by supporting their employees in meeting the initial equity requirements associated with home acquisition.

For NMDPRA, the initiative also represents an investment in employee welfare and provides staff with an opportunity to build long-term household assets through structured homeownership.

The NMDPRA experience presents a potentially replicable model for other Ministries, Departments and Agencies (MDAs), government-owned institutions, corporations and organised cooperatives seeking practical ways to support their employees in achieving homeownership.

The Executive Management of NUPRC (Nigerian Upstream Petroleum Regulatory Commission) and NRS (National Revenue Service) are also committed to providing financial support for their staffs and coperatives members to ensure they participate fully in securing their homes in the President Bola Ahmed Tinubu renewed hope housing projects in different part of the country.

Rather than leaving employees to independently bear the full burden of the initial equity requirement, institutions can explore structured employee-support arrangements that enable qualified staff to access housing while spreading the financial obligation over an agreed period.

Under the NMDPRA arrangement, participating staff have been supported in meeting their equity obligations, while the balance of the property cost can be financed through applicable mortgage arrangements and other instalment payment plans for eligible beneficiaries.

This type of institutional participation can strengthen the ability of organised workers to access housing finance and participate in large-scale government housing initiatives.

The growing participation in the Renewed Hope Cities Programme is also being supported by the Minister of Housing and Urban Development, Engr. Dr. Muttaqha Rabe, who has championed a comprehensive reform agenda for the housing sector, with emphasis on addressing the structural challenges that have historically limited access to housing and housing finance.

The efforts of the Minister have been reflected in the increasing participation of individuals, cooperatives, companies and public institutions. Subscribers have been drawn from diverse sectors of the Nigerian economy, including oil and gas, energy, telecommunications, fast-moving consumer goods (FMCG), banking and finance, professional services and the public sector.

Public-sector participation has included employees and cooperatives associated with institutions such as the Federal Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Federal Ministry of Finance, NDIC, Family Homes Funds Ltd., NSIA, PENGASSAN, NCC, NNPC and SEC, among others.

The programme has also attracted significant participation from private-sector cooperatives, including SEPLAT and NLNG, demonstrating the broadening appeal of structured institutional homeownership.

The participation of mortgage and housing-finance institutions, including FMBN and other financial partners, is also helping to provide financing pathways for eligible subscribers seeking to fund the balance of their housing acquisition.

The private-sector consortium delivering the Renewed Hope developments continues to advance construction across multiple locations.

In Abuja, construction at Karsana has progressed significantly, with approximately 2,500 housing units being developed and completed. In Janguza, Kano, the development has progressed through its initial phases, with 1,000 completed units forming part of the programme’s growing delivery portfolio.

In Lagos, construction is ongoing at the 2004 Estate along the Lekki Coastal Road, providing another major housing destination under the programme.

The consortium is also expanding its development pipeline to other locations, including Jibi and Kagini, both in Abuja, as well as Asaba in Delta State and Ibadan in Oyo State, as part of efforts to extend the reach of the Renewed Hope housing initiative beyond the initial project locations.

These developments demonstrate the programme’s focus on creating housing at scale while responding to demand from organised groups, cooperatives, public institutions, private-sector employees, traders, business owners and individual subscribers.

One of the distinguishing features of the Renewed Hope Cities Programme is its focus on connecting housing delivery with housing finance. The objective is not simply to construct houses but to create a pathway through which eligible Nigerians can acquire them through a combination of equity contributions, mortgage financing and structured payment arrangements.

The participation of institutions such as NMDPRA demonstrates the importance of this approach. By supporting employees with the initial equity requirement and connecting them to appropriate mortgage financing, employers and cooperatives can help bridge one of the major barriers to homeownership.

The NMDPRA experience, therefore, provides an important message to other institutions seeking to support their employees in owning homes. Such support can serve not only as an employee-welfare initiative but also as a strategic investment in workforce stability, financial security and long-term employee retention.

As President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Cities Programme continues to expand, there is an opportunity for more MDAs, public institutions, private-sector organisations and cooperatives to participate actively.

Institutions can explore different models of employee support, including equity assistance, cooperative-backed financing, structured contributions and other arrangements that can complement mortgage financing.

Such participation can help transform housing from an individual aspiration into an institutionally supported pathway to homeownership, with the Federal Mortgage Bank of Nigeria (FMBN), Family Homes Funds Limited and other development partners supporting efforts to make mortgage financing available to beneficiaries.

The NMDPRA model demonstrates what is possible when an institution aligns its employee-welfare objectives with a national housing initiative.

The growing participation of NMDPRA staff, cooperatives, corporate organisations and individual subscribers demonstrates that the Renewed Hope Cities Programme is developing into a broader housing ecosystem involving government, developers, employers, cooperatives, mortgage institutions and beneficiaries.

The success of this model has also depended on the quality of access roads provided, as road infrastructure is a critical component of successful housing delivery.

The implementation of the Presidency’s directives by the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Barr. Nyesom Wike, has resulted in the provision of significant road infrastructure supporting the Renewed Hope Cities development at Karsana, Abuja.

The completion of the 10.8-kilometre access road infrastructure is particularly important because housing developments cannot function effectively without the supporting transportation and urban infrastructure required to connect residents to employment, commerce, education and other essential services.

The Karsana experience demonstrates the importance of coordination between housing delivery and the provision of enabling infrastructure.

For the 430 NMDPRA staff participating in the programme, the journey towards homeownership has already begun. For other MDAs and organisations, the NMDPRA experience provides an opportunity to consider how institutional support can help their employees participate in the Federal Government’s Renewed Hope housing initiative.

At the event, the Minister of Housing and Urban Development, Mr Muttaqha Darma, commended the Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority (NMDPRA) for supporting access to affordable housing for its workers under the Renewed Hope Cities and Estates Programme.

Darma said the initiative was significant in the face of Nigeria’s huge housing deficit, which he put at more than 16 million housing units needed to accommodate over 100 million unhoused Nigerians.

He said the development demonstrated the importance of collaboration among government institutions in addressing the country’s housing challenge.

Earlier, the NMDPRA Chief Executive, Mallam Rabiu Umar, said about 430 members of staff in Abuja, Kano and Lagos were receiving allocation letters under the Renewed Hope Cities and Estates Programme.

Umar described the development as a practical demonstration of how government policies could translate into tangible benefits for citizens.

The NMDPRA boss said the Authority considered staff welfare an important component of institutional performance.

He said workers who had peace of mind and confidence in their personal future would be better positioned to contribute their skills and expertise to the Authority’s national mandate.

Umar commended the Authority Staff Cooperative Society, the Renewed Hope Access to Housing Committee and other institutional partners for facilitating the housing initiative.

The Renewed hope cities project of Mr. President, Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu GCFR, has received tremendous supports from Federal Mortgage Bank of Nigeria (FMBN), Family Homes Funds Ltd, Nigeria Sovereign Investment Authority (NSIA) and Keystone Bank, the only Commercial Bank that has provided support for the project.

Also speaking, the FMBN Managing Director, Mr Shehu Osidi, said the NMDPRA staff had subscribed to 430 housing units in Karsana, Abuja, and Janguza, Kano.

Osidi said 197 National Housing Fund mortgage applications valued at about N8.3 billion were being packaged for submission to FMBN.

He said FMBN had provided a N100 billion off-take guarantee for the Renewed Hope Cities and Estates Programme, commencing with the Karsana project, in addition to N19.9 billion in direct funding.

Osidi said the interventions were designed to give developers greater certainty, facilitate construction financing and enable eligible workers to access completed houses through sustainable mortgage financing.

Meanwhile, the President of the Authority Staff Cooperative Society, Mr Abdullahi Auta, disclosed that more than 1,000 NMDPRA staff had applied for the housing initiative, but about 430 had so far been accommodated.

Auta appealed for continued support to enable more staff awaiting allocation to benefit from the scheme.

The Chief Commercial Officer of Renewed Hope SPV Limited , Mr Dare Makinde said Abuja accounted for 365 units in the first phase, comprising two-bedroom flats, three-bedroom flats and three-bedroom terrace duplexes with boys’ quarters.

According to Makinde, Kano had 14 units comprising three-bedroom and four-bedroom bungalows, fully detached houses and three-bedroom terrace duplexes with boys’ quarters.

He said Lagos had 56 units comprising two-bedroom and three-bedroom apartments with boys’ quarters.

Makinde said a second phase of the project would be delivered next year to accommodate some applicants who could not benefit from the first phase.

A super digital app, Bebuzee, designed to empower African youth and creatives through multiple income – generating opportunities was unveiled in Lagos.

The App integrates social networking, Artificial Intelligence, entertainment, streaming e-commerce, creator monetisation and other services into a single ecosystem.

The Bebuzee platform also unveiled seven Nollywood actors as brand ambassadors.

The film stars include Prince Jide Kosoko, Patience Ozokwor, Segun Arinze, Ebele Okaro, Zubby Michael, Destiny Etiko, and Paul Obazele.

Speaking at the event, Founder and Chief Executive Officer of Bebuzee, Joseph Onyero, said that the idea behind the platform dates back to 2004, when he and some friends in Cambridge developed a messaging-service concept that was never launched.

Onyero states that the long-term vision is to build a digital utility platform for Africa, with Bebuzee targeting more than 400 million users across the continent as it expands its services and reach.

He said the platform was designed to enable users to communicate, create content, access entertainment, shop, work and earn income. He noted that Bebuzee currently offers more than 15 products and services, providing income opportunities through content creation, freelancing and other digital activities.

Onyero added that Bebuzee streaming, which he said is based in Amsterdam, focuses on African films and provides profiles that connect actors and actresses with their movies.

Delivering the keynote address, the Director-General of the National Film and Video Censors Board (NFVCB), Dr Shaibu Husseini, said the major challenge facing Nigeria’s film industry was increasingly shifting from production to distribution and monetisation.

Husseini traced the evolution of Nollywood’s distribution channels from videocassettes and traditional film markets to VCDs, DVDs, cinemas, satellite television, YouTube and streaming platforms.

He said digital platforms had created opportunities for Nigerian and African stories to reach global audiences, but stressed that global reach must be accompanied by quality, originality, strong intellectual property and effective monetisation.

He urged digital platforms to ensure that value generated from creative works flows back to creators through proper contracts, copyright protection, licensing, revenue-sharing and transparency.

The NFVCB boss also reminded digital platforms that online distribution does not remove regulatory obligations, noting that films distributed or exhibited digitally remain subject to applicable laws and classification requirements.

The Executive Secretary of the Lagos State Film and Video Censors Board, Mrs Bukola Agbaminoja, said that AI could assist creatives in areas such as generating songs and voices, preparing reports and transforming scripts, stressing that the technology was already becoming part of the creative process.

Veteran actor Jide Kosoko recalled that there were initially fears that new technologies could displace practitioners, but said the industry had repeatedly adapted.

Other participants discussed the possibility of creating voice banks where voice artists could register their voices and receive

Participants also called for collaboration with relevant regulatory and technology institutions to develop safeguards around AI-generated content, voice cloning, deepfakes, copyright and data protection.

The Zonal Director of the Nigerian Television Authority (NTA) Lagos Network Centre, Dr Evelyn Nwosu, said the broadcaster was open to strategic partnerships capable of advancing Nigeria’s digital media ecosystem.

Other notable personalities at the event included Anita Joseph, Fred Amata, Keppy Ekpeyong Bassey, Mike Nliam, Don Pedro-Aganbi, among others

Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Minister Nyesom Wike yesterday said that the 2027 presidential election in the FCT is already a done deal for President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC).

Wike hinged his belief on the massive infrastructure delivery by the Tinubu-led administration through his ministry across the FCT urban centres and satellite towns.

Wike, who inspected some major road infrastructure projects, including the Apo-Karshi and Gwarinpa-Kubwa road corridor, asserted that good governance remains the main barometer for electoral success.

The minister maintained that the Tinubu administration has silenced critics by converting political promises into verifiable developments that directly touch the lives of FCT residents.

He said: ‘I can beat my chest, close my eyes, and sleep with my two eyes closed that President Tinubu and APC candidates will win FCT in 2027.

‘If good governance is the barometer to measure whether a government has succeeded or not, then we have nothing to fear.

‘If residents are saying they want a government that listens, cares, and solves their problems, the Renewed Hope Agenda has delivered exactly that. It is not only listening and caring; it is actively solving their problems.’

The minister again slammed opposition political parties eyeing the capital city ahead of the 2027 general elections for what he described as their lack of performance records.

He said it was important for them to understand that voters will no longer be lured by empty rhetoric.

‘What will those who are coming tell the people? They will tell them stories. But we have not come with stories; we have come with facts, verifiable facts,” Wike said.

Wike said it was good that political reckoning is fast approaching and that FCT indigenes and residents know the difference between effective leadership and non-performance.

On the progress of work on projects, the minister expressed satisfaction with the contractors’ pace, saying that the long-delayed Apo-Karshi Road will be delivered in November while the Gwarinpa-Kubwa road corridor will be completed the following month.

‘We promised 10 projects before elections, but from what we are seeing, we are delivering far more,’ Wike said, describing the projects as Christmas and New Year gifts to FCT residents.

Addressing outcries over recent demolitions in the Central Business District (CBD), the minister maintained that the FCT Administration would not compromise the Abuja Master Plan enforcement or yield to emotional appeals by ”illegal” developers.

He dismissed claims by affected occupiers that no prior notice was served, insisting that they received quit notices over six months ago.

Senate Leader Opeyemi Bamidele has said the inclusion of women in governance and public leadership is a strategic investment in Nigeria’s human capital and institutional strength rather than an act of favour.

Bamidele said no nation can realise its full potential if a significant proportion of its population cannot contribute fully to governance, diplomacy, economic development and public leadership.

The Senate Leader spoke yesterday while chairing the presentation of The Female Diplomat: Navigating Power, Ambition and Identity at Nigeria House in New York, the United States.

The event brought together the Deputy Secretary-General of the United Nations, Amina Mohammed; the Minister of Foreign Affairs, Ambassador Bianca Odumegwu-Ojukwu; Nigeria’s Permanent Representative to the United Nations, Senator Jimoh Ibrahim; Nigeria’s Ambassador to the United States, Kayode Are, and other diplomats, business and institutional leaders. Bamidele noted that meaningful gender inclusion goes beyond having women occupying positions in public institutions, stressing that women must be given genuine opportunities to participate in decision-making, exercise responsibility and contribute to the formulation and implementation of public policy.

‘Gender inclusion is not an act of favour. It is a strategic investment in Nigeria’s human capital and institutional strength,’ he said.

‘No nation can realise its full potential if a significant proportion of its population is unable to contribute fully to governance, diplomacy, economic development and public leadership.’

The Senate Leader said Nigeria’s democracy would be strengthened when citizens see themselves adequately represented in institutions established to serve them.

He also argued that the country’s foreign relations would benefit from the participation of capable professionals whose knowledge, judgement and experience reflected the breadth of Nigeria’s national talent.

Bamidele said President Bola Ahmed Tinubu had, through his administration’s Renewed Hope Agenda, recognised the need to harness the abilities and contributions of all Nigerians.

According to him, the President has consistently affirmed that women and young people should not be relegated to the background in the political, economic, and national life of the country.

He said the National Assembly has an important role to play in deepening gender inclusion through legislation, representation and oversight.

Bamidele promised that the Parliament would continue to promote institutions that are ‘fair, accessible and responsive’ while helping to create an environment where competence was recognised and opportunities broadened for qualified women.

The Senate Leader said the responsibility for achieving greater inclusion should not be left to the government alone.

He identified political institutions, the diplomatic service, the private sector, academia, and civil society as stakeholders whose collective efforts were required to promote gender inclusion.

‘Progress will require deliberate policies, supportive institutions and a collective willingness to recognise talent wherever it is found,’ he said.

The Senate Leader was also in New York for the Nigeria Investment Forum 2026, which brought together government representatives, investors, development finance institutions, multinational corporations and business leaders to explore investment opportunities in Nigeria.