Daybreak, Politics, Entertainment, Sport

Tag: Malam Muhammad Musa Bello

  • 2023 Census: Bello urges media to be professional in dissemination of information

    2023 Census: Bello urges media to be professional in dissemination of information

    By Joyce Remi-Babayeju

    Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Mallam Muhammad Musa Bello, has urged members of the FCT Publicity Committee of the 2023 National Population and Housing Census to exhibit professionalism in it’s discharge duty for proper information dissemination to the residents of the Territory.

    Bello gave the charge on Wednesday while inaugurating members of the FCT Publicity Committee on the 2023 National Population and Housing Census at the Merit House, Maitama District, Abuja.

    According the minister, Census is an essential element for National development and urged the Committee to ensure adequate information dissemination to all the nooks and crannies of the FCT.

    The Minister, represented by the FCT Permanent Secretary, Olusade Adesola, said the importance of the National Population and Housing Census for the socio-economic development of the nation can not be overemphasized.

    Adesola explained that the Census is an essential tool for both the FCT Administration and the Federal Government in planning for the provision of basic social amenities such as Schools, Hospitals, and Markets among others for the benefit of the residents.

    He said, “The successful conduct of the exercise will help the FCT Administration to sufficiently plan for the Agricultural sector, Education, and Health and will also assist in creating more jobs opportunity for the increasing population, especially for young people.”

    He however expressed dissatisfaction with the low turnout of residents in the just concluded 2023 general elections in the FCT, and challenged the Committee to adopt strategic models of communication to break the barrier of residents’ insensitivity to government programmes.

    He noted that adequate publicity of the activities leading to the National headcount will ensure the full participation of citizens, thereby, eliminating religious and cultural beliefs that could inhibit the success of the exercise.

    The Permanent Secretary stated that the forthcoming Census will enable the incoming Administration to plan for the provision of infrastructural needs of the populace.

    He, therefore, urged the Committee to see the assignment as a national duty
    assured that the FCT Administration will continue to partner with the National Population Commission to achieve its mandate.

    State Director of National Population Commission for FCT, Zakari Madiu, said the FCT Office of the Commission is determined to ensure a credible and acceptable Head Count, promising
    that no stone will be left unturned in its efforts toward a successful Census in the Territory.

    He urged the members of the Publicity Committee to fashion out ways of reaching hard-to-reach communities across the FCT.

  • FCT Minister charges NIPSS executives on strengthening local governance

    FCT Minister charges NIPSS executives on strengthening local governance

     By Joyce Remi-Babayeju

     
    The FCT Minister, Malam Muhammad Musa Bello, on Monday, charged the   participants of the National Institute for Policy and Strategic Studies (NIPSS) Senior Executive Course 44, on
    proffering solutions that would strengthen governance at the Local Government level.

     Bello made this request during a courtesy visit by a delegation of the course participants led by Prof. Sunday Ochoche at the banquet hall of the Life Camp Residence of the Minister.

     
    The minister who referred to the theme of the 2022 Senior Executive Course which is “Strengthening Local Governance in Nigeria: Challenges, Opinions and Opportunities”, noted that Local Governments, or Area Councils, as they are called in the FCT, as grassroots government which have very strategic roles to play in delivering dividends of democracy such as basic education, agriculture, primary health care and security to the grassroots populace. 

    He said that governance at the local level was fraught with many challenges, but expressed optimism that that the Course 44 would proffer solutions that would strengthen governance at the grassroots level.

     
     The Minister also revealed that some of the most effective and efficient senior officials of the Federal Capital Administration  were graduates of the Senior Executive Course and pledged the support and cooperation of the FCTA to the participants during their study tour of the FCT.

     
    Leader of the delegates Prof. Sunday Ochoche, thanked the FCT Minister for sponsoring participants from the FCTA to the Institute.

     He explained that every year, very senior and accomplished men and women from different sectors dedicate 10 months, interrogating critical national issues and proffering ways to advance the Nigerian project.

     He said that effective local governance involved the Federal, State and Local Governments, traditional institutions, as well as Non-Governmental Organizations. 

  • FCTA, NCC plan to deploy 5G broadband in Abuja

    FCTA, NCC plan to deploy 5G broadband in Abuja

    By Joyce Remi- Babayeju

    The FCT Minister, Malam Muhammad Musa Bello has disclosed that the FCTA would partner with the Nigeria Communication Commission, NCC, for the deployment of 5G broadband in the Territory.

    Bello stated this when the NCC delegation led by its Chairman, Professor Adeolu Akande paid a courtesy visit to the FCTA.

    The minister gave assurance that the NCC Board and Management would fix all pending issues concerning the deployment of telecommunication facilities within the Territory, including the payment of appropriate charges by telecommunication companies will be resolved with the collaboration of all parties.

    He however noted that providing infrastructure within the Federal Capital City was very expensive and provision had been made for the easy deployment of telecommunication facilities within the city, has been factored in as its extensive road network.

    Bello also acknowledged the standing relationship between the NCC especially for it’s educational support to schools within the FCT.

    In the light of this, the minister has set up of a team, comprising the Executive Commissioner (Technical Services) of NCC, the Executive Secretary, Federal Capital Development Authority, (FCDA) as well as the Chief of Staff to the Minister to harmonize and resolve all outstanding issues.

    Meanwhile, Chairman, of the NCC’s Governing Board Professor Adeolu Akande had disclosed plans by the NCC to deploy infrastructure to accommodate 5G broadband in the FCT while calling for a partnership with the FCTA to increase the number of possible technology deployment sites in the Territory.

    Executive Vice Chairman, NCC, Professor Umar Garba Danbatta commended the Minister and the management of the FCTA for the infrastructural development in the FCT.

    Present during the visit were Permanent Secretary, FCTA, Mr. Olusade Adesola, the Executive Secretary of the FCDA, Engr Shehu Hadi Ahmed, the Chief of Staff to the FCT Minister, Malam Bashir Mai-Bornu, NCC Commissioners and some management staff of the NCC and the FCT.

  • Bello charges Nigerians to show love for country, as he decorates security details with new ranks

    Bello charges Nigerians to show love for country, as he decorates security details with new ranks

    By Joyce Remi- Babayeju

    Minister of the FCT, Malam Muhammad Musa Bello has charged Nigerians to show for love of country, as he recently decorated his security details with new ranks.

    Hello decorated two members of his security detail, Saidu Bala, his Aide de Camp and Umar Mani, the escort commander who were both promoted to the rank of Superintendent of Police (SP).

    He said, “At the end of the day, let us not forget that we have no country other than Nigeria. This is our home and we have to love our country, love our leaders, pray for our leaders, work hard to make this country great and the only way we can do this is through the collective work of all of us, no matter how highly placed or lowly placed, once we have that love for country in our heart, the sky will not be our limit.”

    The minister described the duo as outstanding officers and a fine example of the new crop of smart, intelligent and dedicated men and women of the Nigeria Police Force. He said, “Having worked with them for the last six years plus, I can tell you more than anybody else what fine officers are. They represent the new crop of the Nigerian police. Smart, intelligent and highly dedicated with tremendous love for country.”

    According to him, his ADC , Saidu Bala is a meticulous officer with city management adding that governance should not be left to the principal officers alone, but should be a collective effort of all.

    He said “Starting with the ADC, when we started this work, as you know, the principal will always be with the ADC in the same vehicle. So, over the last few years, he has been able to study me to such an extent that the moment I see something wrong in the city, even before I talk to him to contact people, he is already sending them messages.”

    “But more importantly, his amazing commitment to duty and knowledge of wrong and right, especially with respect to city management is amazing and all the Directors here will confirm this and that’s how it’s supposed to be.” “Governance is not just the principal officer. It has to be a team work of everybody. There is no way the Director or the Permanent Secretary or the Executive Secretary will be everywhere all the time.”

    “On his escort commander, the Minister said “Mani Umar is something else. Usually, I call Mani Umar when the job is tough that nobody can handle it and the moment you give Mani a job, you can go back to sleep and it will be done. That’s the extent of his dedication.”

    While expressing his appreciation to the Inspector General of Police and the Police Service Commission for approving the promotion of the officers, Malam Bello congratulated both officers and all other service personnel who were elevated.

    Joining the FCT Minister to decorate both men was Assistant Commissioner of Police Ishaku Sharu who represented Assistant Inspector General of Police zone 7, Bala Ciroma.

    Present at the event were the Chief of Staff to the Minister Malam Bashir Mai-Bornu, the Executive Secretary, FCDA, Engr Shehu Hadi Ahmed, SSA to the Minister on Security, Abu Salihu Mohammed and other senior officials of the FCTA.

  • Bello condoles with Family of late Tordue Salem

    Bello condoles with Family of late Tordue Salem

    By Joyce Remi- Babayeju

    Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Malam Muhammad Musa Bello has condoled with the family of late missing Vanguard Newspaper journalist Mr Tordue Salem who was killed by a confessed hit and run driver in the Mabushi Area of Abuja.

    He prayed that God Almighty would grant the family of the deseased comfort in this difficult period.

    Also the minister expressed his condolences to the Management of Vanguard Newspapers and the FCT Council of the Nigeria Union of Journalist, while commending the Police Force Intelligence Bureau for its efforts in unravelling the circumstances leading to the demise of the journalist.

    He called on members of the public to promptly report all suspected criminal matters to the security agencies.

    Bello assured residents of the FCT of the Administration’s commitment to ensure the safety of all lives and property within the nation’s capital.

  • FCT kick starts construction of Kagini train station access Road

    FCT kick starts construction of Kagini train station access Road

    By Joyce Remi- Babayeju

    In line with the FCT Administration for provision of effective transportation system in the territory, the FCT Minister Mallam Muhammad Musa Bello recently flagged off the construction of access road and car park for the Kagini Train Station.

    In a press release signed by the FCTA Chief Press Secretary, Mr. Anthony Ogunleye made available to Daybreak, the new road is in line with the Abuja Transportation Masterplan.

    Bello at the ceremony said that the Kagini train station is one of twelve light rail stations provided under the Abuja Rail Mass Transport system and is designed to service the Kagini, Saburi, Jahi and Kaba Districts of the Federal Capital City.

    He revealed that the project was funded in large part by the Federal Ministry of Environment from the proceeds of issuance of the Sovereign Green Bond of the federal Government and on completion will ensure the seamless movement of commuters, goods and services to and from the station to other parts of the FCT.

    According to the Minister the project is designed to reduce carbon emissions from cars as it is expected that residents will use more of the trains than motor vehicles. In the words of the Minister, “We expect that with the opening of the train station to passengers, many commuters from this part of the city would use the trains instead of their motor vehicles thereby reducing carbon emissions”.

    Furthermore the minister urged the Environment Ministry to assist the FCTA’s efforts to power the street and traffic lights in the city using renewable energy such as solar.

    He enjoined residents of Kagini community to cooperate with the contractors in their task, he said that on completion, the project will contribute to the socio-economic development of the Kagini area and the FCT as a whole.

    Speaking on the Sovereign Green Bond, Minister of Environment, Dr Muhammad Mahmood Abubakar who flagged –off the construction process explained that the Sovereign Green Bond is a strategic process by the federal Government to deliver on Nigeria’s Nationally Determined Contribution (NDC) whose implementation explores and channels resources into viable green projects that are expected to help the nation to meet its emission reduction targets and further solidify its stance on the low carbon pathway and economic diversification”.

    Also present at the occasion the FCT Minister of State, Dr Ramatu Tijjani Aliyu said that the success of the project represented the fruits of the FCT Administration’s prudent management of resources and completion of projects with the positive impact on FCT residents.

    Present at the event were the Permanent Secretary, FCTA, Mr Olusade Adesola, the Ag Executive Secretary of the FCDA TPL Zaliha’u Ahmed, and other senior officials of the FCTA, Ministry of Environment and community leaders of the Kagini Area Council.

  • FCT minister urges PCN to tackle drug abuse

    FCT minister urges PCN to tackle drug abuse

    By Joyce Remi-Babayeju

    The FCT Minister, Malam Muhammad Musa Bello has urged the Pharmacists Council of Nigeria (PCN) to collaborate with other relevant agencies to tackle the menace of drug abuse in the society.

    Bello made this charge when a delegation from the Council led by the Chairman of its Governing Council, Prof Ahmed Tijjani Mora paid a courtesy visit to the FCTA today. 

    He said that Drug abuse was a huge challenge in Nigeria as a number of crimes and criminal activities can be attributed to it, adding that the multiplier effect of the control of drug abuse in Nigeria will be enormous.

    The minister further pledged the collaboration of the FCTA with the PCN especially in the activities of the Council’s Pharmaceutical Inspection Committee.

    Prof Ahmed Tijjani Mora, commended the FCT Administration for its very robust approach to drug distribution within the Territory.

    Present at the event were the Permanent Secretary, FCTA, Mr Olusade Adesola, Chief of Staff to the FCT Minister, Malam Bashir Mai-Bornu, the Ag Secretary of the Health and Human Services Secretariat, Dr Mohammed Kawu, the Registrar of the PCN Dr Elijah Mohammed and the Ag General Manager, FCT Hospital Management Board, Dr Francis Alu amongst others.

  • Nigeria@60: FCT advocates for unity

    Nigeria@60: FCT advocates for unity

    By Joyce Remi-Babayeju

    As Nigeria celebrates it’s 60th anniversary today, the FCT Minister, Mallam Muhammad Musa Bello has called on residents of the territory to continue to work towards the unity of the country and togetherness of all citizens.

    In a message to felicitate with FCT residents today Bello stressed the need for residents to continue to strive to project those values that have always kept the country together as a single undivided entity.

    This was contained in a press release signed by Anthony Ogunleye, FCTA

    Chief Press Secretary and made available to Daybreak.

    While describing FCT as the symbol of Nigeria’s unity, the minister said that the burden to exemplify this symbol rests on the residents of the FCT.

    He said, “For us in the FCT, the dream of our founding fathers was to build a city that showcases our national aspirations. As residents, our charge is to uphold these ideals. I urge all residents to use the opportunity provided by this 60th anniversary to demonstrate acts of unity and togetherness towards our neighbors and everyone else we come in contact with”.

    “As our nation turns 60, we are glad to note that FCT is in its 44 years of existence. In the period, the Territory has been blessed with an emergent Abuja generation. These are Abuja-born men and women who are today in their forties, thirties, twenties and tens. I therefore charge them to own the Abuja dream and work towards the preservation of our collective heritage”.

    He further wished all residents a happy 60th Anniversary Celebration, and urged them to see the occasion as an opportunity to take stock of the great strides in nation-building and march to a brighter future, adding that “It is also a moment to pay tribute to the great men and women who have made great sacrifices to bring us to where we are today. These include all our nationalists, leaders, statesmen and citizens”.

    He used the occasion to commended,President Muhammadu Buhari, for his exemplary leadership Nigeria’s history as an independent nation, saying that “his unique character and personality have done much to imbue hope in a greater future as well as in shaping our ethos in our transition to a brighter future”.

    The Minister commended health personnel, first responders and other partners who have worked hard and made sacrifices towards checking the COVID 19 pandemic which he said “has threatened has collective wellbeing, taken the lives of some of our loved ones, constrained our social interactions and hindered our economic progress”.

    Malam Bello however added that, while there is no doubt that the virus is under control, there is need for all hands to still be on deck, stressing that COVID-19 remains a very deadly disease judging from the experiences of other countries.