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Tag: Nyesom Wike

Wike To Partner Qatar On Tourism, Security In Abuja
By Joyce Remi-Babayeju
The FCT Minister, Barr. Nyesom Wike has expressed readiness and that of the FCT Administration, FCTA, to partner with the State of Qatar on the development of tourism and improve security in the nation’s capital.
Wike disclosed this on Monday when the Qatari Ambassador to Nigeria, Dr. Ali bin Ghanem Al-Hajri, paid a courtesy visit to his office in Abuja.
The FCT Minister stated that FCT was open to cooperation that will be mutually beneficial to both countries, especially in the areas of tourism development and security, which are top priorities in the Renewed Hope Agenda of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.
He said, “I will be happy if we can have a relationship, particularly as it relates to tourism. We have a lot of potentials here that we can explore in terms of tourism with Qatar. So, it will be in our interest if you can explore this.”
“We are willing to give out land for the building of a tourist center. The way it is now, we are willing to see how we can partner with people outside (Nigeria) to fully complete the Millennium Centre, which is the main tourist center in Abuja.”
Wike congratulated Qatar on the successful hosting of the Men’s World Cup Tournament, adding their level of commitment made it possible.
He further noted that Qatar’s international influence is due to the country’s economic potential and development.
The minister also disclosed that the FCT has recorded appreciable achievements in terms of security and the provision of infrastructure as a result of the efforts of President Tinubu to change the narrative in the country.
He also pledged the commitment of the FCT Administration to continue to provide support to all foreign missions in the nation’s capital.
He said, “You will agree with us that in the past few years, it wasn’t that good. But things are moving on. We are ready to cooperate with you in terms of security. It’s very key. Yes, there was a time when it did appear that we had some security issues. But as it is today, there is a lot of difference.”
“Security is one of the eight-point priorities of Mr. President’s Renewed Hope Agenda. So, we can assure you that we will make it very convenient for all our friends who reside and carry out business in Abuja.”
The Qatari Ambassador to Nigeria, Al-Hajri said Abuja is one of the biggest capital cities in Africa with investment potential and that Qatar is ready to increase bilateral relations with Nigeria, in the areas of investments in the tourism, education, and health sectors in the FCT.
February 20, 2024
Wike reiterates commitment to compelet Abuja 13km ISEX Road infrastructure by December 2024
By Joyce Remi-Babayeju
The FCT Minister , Barr. Ezenwo Nyesom Wike has reiterated his commitment to complete by December 2024 the construction of the Inner Southern Expressway (ISEX).
Wike made this known in Abuja on Monday, January 29, 2024, when he visited the project sites of the Inner Southern Expressway (ISEX), a 13km stretch of road from the Southern Parkway around the Christian Centre and CBN in the Central Business District to the Galadimawa Interchange.
The minister described the road project as very ambitious and capable of changing the landscape of the city, assured that it would be completed with adequate funding.
Wike inspected the 15km Left Hand Services Carriageway of the Outer Southern Expressway Stage II, from Ring Road I Junction (by Apo Roundabout) to Wasa Junction Abuja, adding that the expressways, when completed, will decongest traffic within the Abuja city centre.
Addressing journalists after the projects inspection said, “We first went to the Inner Southern Expressway, and then we are now on the Outer Southern Expressway. The importance of these two major contracts, they will do a lot to decongest the traffic you see very frequently along this road.”
The Executive Secretary, FCDA, Engr. Shehu Ahmad Hadi in his overview of the infrastructural projects explained that the full scope of development of ISEX stretches from AYA Roundabout to meet the OSEX in Kuje.
He explained that the minister visited the 10 kilometer stretch of road from the Southern Parkway to the Ring Road II, around Galadimawa interchange.
January 30, 2024
FCT projects: Wike express satisfaction, says Guzape projects to be ready in May for public use
… Says no room for setback by individuals
By Joyce Remi-Babayeju
The FCT Minister, Barr. Nyesom Wike has expressed his satisfaction with the speed of work at some ongoing road projects at Guzape Lot B 1 and B2 along and CBN , adding that by May this year, the projects would be ready for public use.
Wike made this known on Thursday during the inspection of ongoing road projects at Guzape Lot 2 being handled by Gilmor and along the Construction Avenue being handled by Julius Berger Construction.
Speaking after the inspection, the minister said, ‘ This is part of our routine inspection of ongoing projects particularly projects that we promised the public and God willing we will deliver to them in May this year when these projects would have been completed. ”
“We are going round to see for ourselves whether they
are doing it right and from what we have seen so far they are doing it right.”
Meanwhile, the minister frowned at some setbacks on the construction site at Guzape where an individual stopped work.
He said, ” there is one setback that we have noticed that is stopping the further construction we are not going to take it lightly. This is not a private project , it is a public project handled by the Federal Capital Territory Administration , if there is any complaint we think that whoever is concerned should complain to us and not to go and use police to disturb a legitimate company constructing work for the use of the public which was approved by the Federal Executive Council.”
We have directed the contractors to go back and make sure they don’t heed to that so called stoppage .
They must go back to complete the work .And we are expecting to commission the work in May.
“Coming to the B 6 and B12 construction , we are happy with the work done by Julius Berger and just like we hear the company representative have said that by May they will hand over. ”
On the road project on CBN Construction Avenue, the ministry also frowned that the obstruction of the completion of the work, adding that most people who are in possession of approved land go beyond what was given them and they cause obstruction.
The minister further revealed that since President Bola Ahmed Tinubu came on board no work has stopped in all the sites, adding that by December 2nd , 2024 the remaining sites will be handed over to members of the public.
Speaking about the Senator representing the FCT, Sen. Ireti kingibe , the minister stated that he is not to carry any particular person along .
He said, “l am not here to carry any particular person along , I am here to work for the interest of the public.” As a Senator she represents the FCT, she is expected to make her contribution at the Senate. I don’t award contracts, contracts are awarded at the Federal Executive Council.”
I don’t think any particular person should be singled out to be carried along, the minister said.
January 18, 2024
FCTA has received 50% out of 100 bn Supplementary Budget to implement Abuja Capital projects- Wike
By Joyce Remi-Babayeju
The FCT Minister, Barr. Nyesom Wike, on Thursday disclosed that the Ministry of Finance has disbursed 50 percent of the 2023 100 billion supplementary budget for implementing capital projects in Abuja.
Wike made this known while addressing journalists, after an inspection tour of three ongoing projects in the FCT including the Outer Southern Expressway, beginning from AA Rano behind the Villa through Deeper Life Junction, SARS, Apo Roundabout to Wassa, under construction by Messrs CGC Construction Limited; and the Northern N20 Expressway in Jahi District beginning from AA Rano and stretching to Zuba; being constructed by Gilmore Construction, as well as the residence of the Vice President.
The Minister explained that the projects were intended to mark the first year in office of the President, Bola Tinubu, in addition to giving the contractors a deadline of May 24, 2024.
According to him, the approval and subsequent disbursement of the fund gave hope that none of the ongoing projects will be left uncompleted, adding that the projects were intended to commemorate the first year in office of President Bola Tinubu.
“I am happy to announce to you that the Ministry of Finance has released fifty percent of the National Supplementary Budget, and that in a way has given us that hope that the contractors would be paid anytime from now.”
‘We have also gotten assent to the statutory budget, which again has given us hope that no project will be left uncompleted as promised. We have visited three projects today; one being carried out by CGC, one by Julius Berger, and the N20 Carriage being constructed by Gilmor.”
Wike gave a pass mark to the quality of the various projects, and assured FCT residents that all promises made towards the completion of the projects would be fulfilled.
“I am sure residents of Abuja have seen the difference that no promise made would not be fulfilled. All promises made will be fulfilled. And we also want to commend the residents of Abuja for the support they are giving to us.”
” We are happy with what we have seen, and we will continue to do it for the satisfaction of the residents of Abuja and assure them that the Renewed Hope Agenda was not a mere talk. So, it is a promise and a promise kept.”
While speaking on comments from some quarters that the Wike-led FCTA was not directly beneficial or impactful to the people, the minister said “I don’t know how anybody will say road projects are not impactful. First, it creates jobs; two, it makes the economy to thrive. What can be more impactful than road construction? All projects that we are doing are impactful projects”.
January 5, 2024
FCTA opens inclusive platform to tap experience of Retired Directors
By Joyce Remi-Babayeju
The Federal Capital Territory Administration ,FCTA has inaugurated an inclusive platform to tap into the knowledge and experience of retired directors aimed at repositioning the Administration.
FCT Minister, Barr. Nyesom Wike, at the inaugural meeting with the retired senior citizens in Abuja on Thursday, said that their contribution was critical to moving the capital city forward.
The meeting was organized by the FCTA Reforms Coordination and Service Improvement Department (RCSID).
Wike, who was represented by the acting Permanent Secretary, FCTA, Mr Udom Atang, stated that the retirees had contributed significant roles while in office and in different sectors.
According to the minister, the retired senior officers had also contributed immensely to the building of Abuja as Nigeria’s dream capital city from the scratch to its present status.
He expressed his delight over the creation of the platform, which he said would unite the retired directors to continue to contribute to the development of the capital city.
The minister said, “The forum would provide a platform for us to tap into your wealth of experience and knowledge.
“We have seen in many organizations, where the retired officers are invited as resource persons, because of their institutional knowledge and experience, to coach and mentor the young ones.”
“I think this forum will provide the platform for us to tap into your wealth of experience and knowledge.”
“At each of the training programmes, you can be rest assured that in all the professional fields, which are represented here, we will always contact you.”
“This is because nobody can do it better than those who have been here before,” he said.
He commended Dr Jummai Ahmadu, the acting Director, RCSID for the initiative, which he described as the “beginning of good things to happen in FCT.
He reiterated the commitment of the FCTA towards improving the welfare and the general wellbeing of workers in line with the renewed hope agenda of President Bola Tinubu.
Earlier, Ahmadu told the retired directors that their contributions to the development of the Administration over the years were invaluable.
Ahmadu told the Retired Directors, “Your wealth of knowledge and experience is an invaluable asset to the FCT Administration, and we are eager to tap into your insights as we continue to work towards the development and progress of the territory.”
“Your guidance and wisdom will undoubtedly be instrumental in shaping the future of the FCT, and we are grateful for the opportunity to benefit from your expertise.”
“It is our hope that you will share your ideas and collaborate with the current leadership of the FCT Administration.”
“This is because your unique perspectives will undoubtedly enhance our understanding of the challenges and opportunities that lie ahead, and together, we can work towards innovative solutions that will benefit the FCT and its residents,” she affirmed.
December 21, 2023
Dele Momodu Calls for Action Against Nyesom Wike, Alleging Sabotage
By Daniel Edu
Dele Momodu, a prominent member of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), has urged the party’s leadership to take disciplinary action against Nyesom Wike, the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, for his perceived actions against the party.
During his tenure as the Governor of Rivers State, Wike allegedly worked against the PDP’s presidential candidate, Atiku Abubakar, and supported President Bola Tinubu in the 2023 presidential election. Despite openly aligning with Tinubu, Wike maintained his affiliation with the PDP, asserting that the party leadership lacked the authority to penalize him for his perceived deviations.
Wike even accepted a ministerial position in Tinubu’s government, contrary to the party’s stance. Recently, 27 members of the Rivers State House of Assembly, loyal to Wike, defected from the PDP to the APC, further intensifying the political turmoil in the state.
In an interview on Arise News, Dele Momodu expressed his dissatisfaction, stating that the PDP leadership cannot afford to tolerate Wike’s actions any longer and must put an end to his disruptive behavior.
Momodu, acknowledging that he lacks the power to enforce sanctions, emphasized that if given the authority, he would have taken action against Wike sooner. Despite the apparent discord, Momodu suggested that the PDP leadership likely has its reasons for not taking immediate punitive measures against Wike, leaving room for speculation on the party’s internal dynamics.
December 21, 2023
Wike approves N13.1bn for School projects in Areas Councils
By Joyce Remi-Babayeju
The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Nyesom Wike has approved the sum of N13.1 billion to the six Area Councils in Abuja to finance renovation, new construction of toilets and provision of furniture across secondary and primary schools in 2024.
The mandate secretary, Federal Capital Territory Administration Education Secretariat, Dr Danlami Hayyo disclosed this at the end of year media briefing in Abuja on Wednesday.
Hayyo disclosed that the approved amount will be shared to the Councils according to their area of school project needs, adding that the minister had pledged his commitment to ensure that all the projects are executed in 2024.
Hayyo said, “The minister of FCT who has been described as Mr. Project, approved new constructions, renovations or rehabilitation, provision of furniture and construction of toilets in FCT secondary and primary schools to the tune of over N13 billion.’
“Wike pledges that all the projects will be executed in 2024, we are not going to provide details of how many schools will be renovated or constructed in each Area council of the FCT because the school needs of the Area Councils are not equal.
“There are some Area Councils that the demands are higher, there are so many dilapidated and congested classrooms. We know how the current minister of FCT changed the phase of education in Rivers state, it is the same system that he is going to do in the Federal Capital Territory, that is why he has approved the money for the school projects.”
Hayyo also disclosed that from January -December, 2023, the Education Secretariat had trained secondary education board staff in London for British Education Training Technology show.
The Mandate. Secretary further listed other trainings to include’ “International training on innovative/entrepreneurship, training of school librarians in e-library, training of teachers in Computer-Based Test, online training of 80 English teachers by British council, training of 96 members of School-Based Management Committee and many more others.”
As for the challenges so far, Hayyo called on staff of the secretariat to be committed to achieving positive results and not to be deterred by challenges.
December 20, 2023
**”Dele Momodu Rebukes Wike: Rivers State Not Your Personal Property Amidst Feud with Fubara”**
By Daniel Edu
Publisher of Oviation Magazine and prominent member of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Dele Momodu, has entered the fray amidst the ongoing conflict between Rivers State Governor Siminalayi Fubara and his predecessor, Nyesom Wike, who currently serves as the Federal Capital Territory minister.
The feud, which escalated to an arson attack on the Rivers Assembly, originated from Governor Fubara’s claims that Wike hindered his ability to govern effectively. Fubara’s defiance of Wike’s authority led to attempts to impeach him in the State Assembly, causing chaos in the state.
Addressing the conflict in a tweet from his official handle, Momodu criticized Wike for his thirst for power, stating, “Let me establish two incontrovertible facts: you’re a fantastic projects man and generous to your friends. But your tragic flaw is LACK OF ANGER MANAGEMENT.” He added, “RIVERS is neither your property nor perpetual inheritance. It would have been nice if you’re in private business, but RIVERS is not your personal enterprise.”
Momodu’s remarks coincided with efforts by the PDP leadership to mediate the dispute between the FCT minister and his successor. PDP governors met with Governor Fubara following the power struggle on Tuesday in an attempt to resolve the escalating tension.
November 1, 2023
“Wike Clarifies Position on Laws Related to Islam”
By Daniel Edu
Nyesom Wike, the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), has addressed claims suggesting that his administration is against the practice of Islam in Nigeria. He emphasized that his government is not enacting laws that are contrary to Islamic principles.
Wike made these statements during a meeting with members of the Abuja National Mosque Management Committee, led by their Chairman, His Royal Highness, Alhaji Yahaya Abubakar, who holds the title of Etsu of Nupe.
The minister refuted allegations of promoting religious discord and argued that individuals attempting to incite religious tensions are doing so for political gain. He affirmed his commitment to supporting noble causes and maintaining peace in Nigeria, stating that he has no reason to incite hatred towards any religious group.
Wike also pledged the FCT’s support for the preservation and maintenance of the National Mosque, which has been recognized as a national monument. He encouraged religious leaders to promote national unity and peaceful coexistence.
The Etsu Nupe, speaking at the meeting, urged the Minister to back the maintenance project of the National Mosque, which has faced delays in recent times.
October 19, 2023
Amaechi Dismisses Faction’s Attempts to Oust Him from APC
By Daniel Edu
The Rivers State chapter of the All Progressives Congress (APC) is embroiled in a fresh crisis, as a faction aligned with the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, seeks to sideline former Minister of Transportation, Rotimi Amaechi, and his supporters.
Tony Okocha, leading Wike’s faction, recently visited the APC national chairman, Dr. Abdullahi Umar Ganduje, where he called for Amaechi’s marginalization within the party. Okocha accused Amaechi of making a deal with the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) presidential candidate, Atiku Abubakar, ahead of the February 25 election, urging APC members to campaign for and vote for Atiku.
Furthermore, Okocha urged the National Working Committee (NWC) led by Ganduje to route any party appointments or benefits for the Rivers APC through Wike, a former governor of Rivers State and a PDP member.
In response, Amaechi’s media aide, Chukwuemeka Eze, vehemently refuted Okocha’s claims, labeling them as baseless falsehoods. He asserted that neither Wike, Okocha, nor any other individual has the authority to expel Amaechi from the APC.
Eze clarified, “That statement is not only a lie but a part of their tactics to tarnish Amaechi’s image before the APC leadership, to maintain their own interests. Tony Okocha and his associates abandoned the APC during the 2023 general elections by failing to revalidate their APC membership cards. Amaechi could not have directed a non-member of the APC to vote against the party.”
Eze continued, “I urge Nigerians and journalists to disregard any statements concerning the Rivers State APC from Tony Okocha and his group. Amaechi remains a respected member of the APC and a prominent leader in the South-South region until such time as it becomes necessary for him to change parties.”
He concluded firmly, “Wike, Okocha, or any of their associates cannot and will not have the power to remove Amaechi from the APC, either as the regional party leader or as a significant member, despite all their scheming.”
October 6, 2023