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APC stakeholders’s meeting: Mahmoud advocates for unity, grassroots mobilization
By Joyce Remi-Babayeju
The Minister of State for the Federal Capital Territory,FCT, Dr. Mariya Mahmoud, at an APC stakeholders meeting, has called on members to remain united for growth of the party at the grassroots.
Mahmoud emphasised the need for the members of the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) to remain united and committed to the party’s growth, emphasizing grassroots mobilization and active youth and women participation in party affairs.
Speaking at a crucial stakeholders’ meeting in Abuja, Mahmoud lauded the tireless efforts of the party’s leadership at all levels, recognizing their role in solidifying APC’s dominance as the ruling party.
She also commended the achievements of the party, particularly in the FCT, under the leadership of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.
Acknowledging the challenges ahead, Mahmoud stressed that unity remains APC’s greatest strength, urging party members to put aside personal interests and resolve internal disputes through dialogue and respect for party supremacy.
“In the FCT, our party has made remarkable strides in governance. We have witnessed notable achievements in infrastructure development, security, education, healthcare, and youth empowerment, among others.
“These achievements are a testament to the effectiveness of our party’s policies and the hard work of our elected representatives and Area Council chairmen,” she emphasized.
Mahmoud also highlighted the importance of strengthening grassroots mobilization, encouraging more active participation of youths and women in party activities.
She called for transparency and fairness in all party affairs to sustain the party’s dominance and credibility.
She reaffirmed her belief in APC’s ability to continue delivering the dividends of democracy to Nigerians, stressing that the party’s collective resolve would determine its future success.
“Our collective resolve is key to sustaining the dominance of APC as the ruling party. We can continue to deliver dividends of democracy to our people and build a stronger, more prosperous nation,” she declared.
Also speaking, FCT Chairman of the All Progressives Congress, Hon. Abdulmalik Usman noted that the meeting served as a platform for party stakeholders to assess progress, review strategies, and strengthen internal democracy as APC looks ahead to future electoral challenges and governance responsibilities.
While acknowledging the tireless efforts of all members, he also harps on unity among party leadership at all levels-national, state, local governmen, and ward levels.
He said, “The dedication of all members has continued to solidify APC’s position as the ruling party and the preferred choice of the people.”
February 17, 2025
FCT is blessed with Rich cultural heritage –Mahmoud
By Joyce Remi-Babayeju
The FCT Minister of State, Dr. Mariya Mahmoud has said that the Federal Capital Territory, FCT, is blessed with a rich heritage inherent in its diverse arts, and culture.
Mahmoud said this in Abuja on Thursday, at the close of the 11th Edition of the Abuja Festival of Arts and Culture , ASOFEST.
Mahmoud represented by the Permanent Secretary of Social Development Secretariat, Mrs. Olubumi Olowookere, noted that FCT was blessed with rich and unique culture, customs, and traditions.
She noted that the arts, culture, and traditions of FCT people is a veritable tool which can transform the nation’s economy to deliver sustainable inclusive growth.
According to her, the 11th edition of the ASOFEST, with the theme, “Sustaining the Renewed Hope Agenda through Efficient Management of Cultural Resources”, aims at building and promoting culture as a creative economy.
“This will promote peace, prosperity and unity, thereby boosting food and national security.”
She reiterated the FCT Administration’s commitment to preserving and protecting the rich cultural heritage of indigenous people and residents of the territory
She stated that through ASOFEST, the FCT Administration was not only preserving but also promoting and showcasing the FCT’s unique arts, culture, and traditions to the world.
“The FCT Administration is poised to protect, preserve, promote and showcase our rich cultural heritage, diversity, uniqueness, and traditions to the world.’
“This, we are doing through cultural exchange and exhibition at our annual ASOFEST.”
“The festival has afforded us the opportunity to enjoy the rich cultural heritage of the people and residents of FCT.”
“Even the people who settled and made FCT their home, we equally appreciate the dynamism of their different cultures,” she added.
Meanwhile, the FCT Minister, Barr. Nyesom Wike, at the opening of the two-day arts festival, had promised to develop the territory’s arts, culture, and tourism potential.
Wike has also disclosed that President Bola Tinubu had mandated the FCT Administration, to harness the tourism potential of the federal capital to enhance the growth of the nation’s economy.
November 10, 2024
Mahmoud Inaugurates 7-Man committee to run 2024 Hajj Operations
By Joyce Remi-Babayeju
The FCT Minister of State, Dr. Mariya Mahmoud, has inaugurated a 7- man committee to run the 2024 Hajj operations for proper implementation of policies for the Muslim Pilgrims and the welfare board both onshore and offshore.
Mahmoud said that FCT was among the three states, FCT, Nasarawa, and Kebbi were first to be airlifted to Saudi Arabia.
“We are happy to witness this 2024 Hajj operations, as activities have started, and we have to commend the board for what they have been doing since we have started.”
“Hajj operation is full of several activities. However, I can assure you that we do not have anything that will prevent us from having a successful airlift for our intending pilgrims. So we thank Almighty Allah for His guidance.”
“I think we’re going to have a seven-member committee, and it is going to be chaired by the Chief of Staff to the Honourable Minister of State of the FCT, Dr. Abdullahi Isah Kauramata,” she stated.
The minister commended the FCT Minister, Barrister Nyesom Wike, for his supporting the FCT Muslim Pilgrims Welfare Board with decent accommodation and sundry issues.
According to her, “The Honourable Minister of FCT, Barrister Nyesom Wike, has really done a lot for us. We have taken so many files and all have been approved without any hesitation”.
She, however, expressed confidence in the ability of the committee to succeed in its assignment, saying “I have a feeling that FCT will be the best.
Speaking on behalf of the committee, the chairman of the committee and Senior Special Assistant on Administration and Strategy Administration and Strategy, Dr. Abdullahi Isah Kauramata, thanked the FCT Administration for the confidence reposed in the committee.
He emphasised that the confidence will serve as a stimulant for members to deliver on their mandate.
He said, “I want to, on behalf of all of you, inform and assure Her Excellency that the 2024 Hajj operation will be a successful operation for the FCT, Inshallah.”
“We will do all that is necessary to ensure that we deliver on the mandate given to us. I am particularly happy, looking at the caliber of people in the team.”
“These are people who have participated in different assignments including Hajj operations.”
The Terms of Reference (ToR) of the committee include the general supervision and coordination of all FCT Hajj activities, from Nigeria to Saudi Arabia, until the return of the last flight back to Nigeria; to provide advice and guidance during the course of the operation; to ensure that all the officials, perform their duties optimally, and to ensure safety and security of the pilgrims.
Others ToR include ensuring adherence to all the rules of the 2024 Hajj operations; ensure adherence to all new policies and programmes introduced by the Saudi authorities for the 2024 Hajj, to ensure effective implementation of the administration policies and programmes as they affect the Muslim pilgrims, welfare board 2024 Hajj operation; to submit report to the Honourable Ministers with recommendations; and any other activity or any other assignment or any other advice that will contribute to the success of this 2024 Hajj operations.
May 23, 2024
Mahmoud Vows To Rebuild APC In FCT
By Joyce Remi-Babayeju
Federal Capital Territory Minister of State, Dr. Mariya Mahmoud, has vowed to rebuild the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC), in the FCT, as she called on stakeholders to jointly work together for the success of the party.
Mahmoud who made this commitment at an engagement meeting with leaders of APC and other party faithful, also called for dedication and commitment on the part of members.
The minister assured that the party will overcome it’s challenges in forthcoming elections, express who expressed concern over the poor performance of the party in the last presidential elections in the Territory, however, assured that the party will overcome its challenges in subsequent elections.
She further called for honesty and openness in communication, stressing that communication gap has been a problem in every aspect of life.
According to her; “And then I want us to be honest and open. In whatever it is, let us follow the due process to communicate. Make sure we pass that information appropriately that will be useful to the party and the nation at large.
“If we want to succeed, we have to be honest with each other, we have to be dedicated. And we have to give support to one another.
“So that is why we have to come together, work together with sincerity and the feeling of the party in our hearts. So by God’s grace, we are going to make it”.
The minister pledged that she would use her political expertise to replicate the success stories recorded in Kano state saying; “Dr. Mariya is now in Abuja, and I need my APC family members so that we work together. And I know we can do it.
“Kano is the largest and the most populous state in the country, We have 44 local government areas with 484 political wards, and we have only six area councils in FCT with 62 wards. So this is very, very visible and achievable”.
While acknowledging some of the problems facing the party, Mahmoud affirmed that with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu at the helm of affairs, the party will overcome its challenges.
“I know, we have problems, and every party has problems. But our own has already been solved by the Almighty Allah, because he has given us the power.”
“We are the one in charge. And I assure you, Mr. President is with FCT 100 percent, the First Lady is with FCT 100 percent,” she stressed.
Mahmoud, used the occasion to appreciate members of the party in the FCT for their patience despite the challenges.
Also speaking , the FCT, chairman of APC, Hon. Abdulmalik Usman, said that the downward trend of the party in both the state and national elections is pathetic .
He said that despite the challenges faced by the party in 2015, the APC was able to record 47 percent in the presidential election due to dedication and commitment of members.
Usman, therefore, identified lack of patronage and reward system as the major factors contributing to the low performance of APC in the nation’s capital.
He said, “In 2016, here come our brother, our father, our friend as a minister, who also at that time, gathered us this way with his support and help we were able to win the six Area Councils for the party in 2016.
“Time goes, members were not patronised, no reward system for those who work for the party. You see that they start diminishing from 47 percent in 2019, to 40 or 30 percent.
“Honourable minister, we thank you that God has made the right time, and this is the time that we have gotten a mother that call all the executives of this party, not to tell us her plan, but for us to sit down and plan together. You don’t plan alone, you plan together with people”.
He assured the minister of total loyalty of members to the party saying; “none of us here is willing to do anti-party. If we did not do anti-party then, we cannot do anti-party now”.
The FCT APC chairman further assured the minister of members’ total loyalty and support to the leadership of the national chairman of the party, Alhaji Abdullahi Gaduje.
Earlier, the Senior Special Assistant to the minister on Administration and Strategy, Dr. Abdullahi Isah Kauramata, who gave the objectives of the engagement meeting also emphasised on regular meetings of critical stakeholders of the party.
April 26, 2024
Mahmoud calls for promotion of cultural heritage, opens 10th ASOFEST
By Joyce Remi-Babayeju
The Federal Capital Territory Minister of State, Dr. Mariya Mahmoud, has called for promotion and preservation of Nigerian cultural heritage as she
declared open the 10th edition of the Abuja Festival of Arts and Culture, popularly known as “ASOFEST’.
Mahmoud who made this call stated that the FCT Administration is recognize the unique role the diverse cultural heritage plays in influencing the peaceful co-existence of FCT residents amongst different ethnic nationalities.
The Minister noted that the theme of this year’s edition: “Peaceful Co-existence, a Panacea for Economic Revival,” was in line with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu Renewed Hope Agenda’s effort at diversifying the economy from oil, while the citizens are encouraged to coexist in peace and harmony.
“As life evolves daily and for modernization purposes, we as the people must continue to create programmes and activities that defines who we are and celebrate our heritage and uniqueness.”
“We must learn to tell our own stories to the outside world through the display and showcasing of our beautiful cultures.”
‘ Most importantly, it is also a way of making our children to learn and appreciate their roots so that when they find themselves in other climes and different societies tomorrow, they will be able to relieve on their own roots and culture to their peers as well,” Mahmoud stressed.
Earlier , the Mandate Secretary, Social Development Secretariat, Hon. Ibrahim Aminu, emphasised that Abuja Festival of Arts and Culture, is also in fulfillment of one of the Mandates of the Social Development Secretariat, through the Department of Arts and Culture to Present, Promote and Preserve the rich cultural heritage of the FCT.
Aminu therefore, expressed the hope that the celebration of the festival would provide a sort of employment opportunities for the teeming unemployed youths in the FCT.
He said, “ASOFEST is a festival where the different area councils of the FCT showcases their varieties of distinctive delicacies and culinary skills, pottery, weaving of clothes, mats and hats, tie and dye, wrestling and other areas of strength in a fun filled competition.”
The Mandate Secretary, also thanked the FCT Minister, Barr. Nyesom Wike, and the Minister of State, Dr. Mariya Mahmoud, for the continuous support the Secretariat enjoyed to consolidate on the Renewed Hope Agenda of Mr. President through people’s orientated programmes.
The highpoint of the event was different cultural displays drawn from the six Area Councils of the FCT, as participants compete in various traditional events.
February 22, 2024
Wike’s fight against insecurity in FCT will yeild positive results, Mahmoud assures residents
By Joyce Remi-Babayeju
The FCT Minister of State, Dr. Mariya Mahmoud, has assured FCT residents that the FCT Minister, Barr. Nyesom Wike’s efforts to combat insecurity in the territory will soon yield positive results.
The Minister gave this assurance when she went on a sympathy visit to the family of Al-Kadriyar Mansoor, whose daughters were recently released after several days in the kidnappers den.
Mahmoud, stressed that since the reported cases of kidnapping in recent times, the FCT Minister, Barrister Nyesom Wike, has been on his feet doing all that is necessary to improve on the security situation in the city centre including the satellite towns.
She said, “I am sure the people of FCT will also bear witness of our collective efforts in tackling insecurity. They have seen how we have been up and doing since this incident of kidnapping and other security matters.”
“His Excellency, Barrister Nyesom Wike, has been on his feet. We have been doing all that is necessary to improve on our security situation in FCT.”
“All the support to be given to the security agencies has been put in place and also some materials and equipment they need to carry out their works are also in the process.”
“So also the issue of access road, we think will also improve the security situation in FCT and the satellite towns.”
“I am sure you too have seen that the issue of kidnapping is going down, but we want it at a zero level.”
She, however, expressed satisfaction over the victims state of health, noting that they are in a stable condition.
The minister said,”we are here today in the house of Mr. Alkadriyar Mansoor, because of the tragedy that happened to the family.”
“Precisely the issue of kidnapping of his five female children but released by the support of the government and family members.”
“So we have come to support the family and to tell them that the FCT Administration is with them.”
“By and large, we are here to see how they are coping psychologically, mentally and also spiritually. And we thank Almighty Allah for their lives and health because they are in a stable condition.”
In his response, the father of the children who was also a victim, Mr. Alkadriyar Mansoor, thanked the minister for her show of love, and called on the Administration to extend the same to other victims.
He also called on the Administration to equip the security agencies more, adding that the current equipment used by security agencies cannot measure up with the equipment used by the bandits.
He said, ” I am highly elated that the FCT Administration deemed it necessary to pay my family visit of which there are several other families who have been victims of kidnappers.”
“And I wish they would extend the gesture they have extended to me to other families who have been kidnapped like this as well.”
“Nevertheless, I want the government to improve on the security in the local areas within FCT. Bwari most especially is so porous. Bwari is bordering about three or four states. And of which if action is not taken it might escalate to other things I don’t expect.”
“And the Nigerian Police Force needs to be empowered more. Most especially those in the rural areas and not in the city centers.”
“What they are having in their hands, the equipment they have cannot really measure up with what the criminals are using nowadays.”
“So buying them vehicles is not the only thing. Buy them gadgets that they will use to work.”
The minister was accompanied by the Mandate Secretary, Women Affairs Secretariat, Hon. Adedayo Benjamins-Laniyi, the Director FCT Reforms Coordination and Service Improvement, Dr. Jumai Ahmadu and the Deputy Director in charge of Child Development, Mr. Idris Yahaya.
The highpoint of the visit was the presentation of items and undisclosed amount of cash to family.
February 4, 2024