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Tag: Wike

  • EID-El-Kabir: Wike calls for prayers, peace, unity among residents

    EID-El-Kabir: Wike calls for prayers, peace, unity among residents

    By Joyce Remi-Babayeju

    As the Muslim Ummah celebrate the 2024 Eid-El- Kabir, the FCT Minister, Barr. Nyesom Wike has called on the Muslim faithfuls and all residents to pray for the nation ,live in peace and unity.

    Wike in a message to mark the 2024 Eid -El- Kabir with residents in the FCT, urged Muslim Ummahs to use the cardinal pillars the of the festival of sacrifice to reflect on the virtues of sacrifice, selflessness and devotion.

    The message read, ” Eid-El-Kabir, the Festival of Sacrifice, commemorates the unwavering faith and obedience of Prophet Ibrahim (AS) to Allah (SWT). It is a time for us to reflect on the virtues of sacrifice, selflessness, and devotion.”

    ” It also teaches us the importance of caring for one another and sharing our blessings, especially with those less fortunate. As we celebrate, let us embody these values by showing compassion, generosity, and support to our neighbors and the wider community. In these challenging times, let us unite and look out for one another, fostering a spirit of solidarity and kindness.”

    “We must remember that the FCT was founded on similar principles of unity and the impressiveness of peaceful co-existence of all Nigerians sharing a common destiny.”

    The FCT minister also call the Muslim faithful to use this period to offer prayers for our beloved country, Nigeria for peace, stability, and prosperity. Kindly also, remember our President and the Renewed Hope Agenda, which aims to steer our nation towards a brighter future.

    “Your prayers and support are crucial in achieving these goals and ensuring that our leaders are guided by wisdom and integrity.”

    Meanwhile, the FCT Minister reiterated the Administration’s commitment to the development of the nation’s capital.

    He said, “We are dedicated to providing the necessary infrastructure that will enhance the quality of life for all residents. Our continuous efforts in building roads, schools, hospitals, and other essential services demonstrate our commitment to making the FCT a model for progress and development.”

    The FCT Administration is making significant strides in improving infrastructure, enhancing security, and promoting economic opportunities in the FCT. We remain committed to sustaining these efforts and exploring new initiatives that benefit our residents, Wike stated.

    “I also call for the cooperation of all residents of the FCT and enjoin you all to support all government policies designed to not only uplift the wellbeing of all residents but also ensure that Abuja, our beloved capital city remains the pride of our nation.”

    “As we celebrate let us not forget to be security conscious and obey all extant rules and regulations, especially traffic and sanitation laws.”

    Let us renew our dedication to the principles of Eid-el-Kabir and may our sacrifices be accepted, and may we be rewarded with peace, joy, and prosperity, he said.

  • Wike is the best political appointment in current democratic dispensation-Tinubu

    Wike is the best political appointment in current democratic dispensation-Tinubu

    By Joyce Remi-Babayeju

    President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has said that the FCT Minister Barr. Nyesom Wike is the best appointment ever made in the history of democratic appointments in Nigeria.

    The Vice President, Kassim Shettima who represented President Bola Ahmed stated this on Wednesday during the inauguration of the 3.5 km Inner Southern Express Way, ISEX, also known as Goodluck Ebele Jonathan way in Abuja.

    Shettima said, “Wike is one of the best appointments ever made in the history of the current democratic dispensation in this country, and we have to commend Mr. President for the vision, for the wisdom, and the courage to appoint Barrister Nyesom Wike as the Minister of the FCT.”

    “I am filled with gratitude to His Excellency, Barrister Nyesom Wike and his team, for their dedication and hard work in making this road a reality. These roads are tangible proof of our administration’s vision for a modern, prosperous and inclusive Federal Capital.”

    “We celebrate not just the completion of yet another road project by the FCT Administration, but also the commitment of our administration to engendering progress and prosperity, he said.

    President Tinubu emphasized that the completion of the ISEX represents more than just a road, it symbolizes connectivity, accessibility, opportunity and the unwavering determination to bridge the gap between urban and rural areas.

    Earlier, the FCT Minister, Barr. Nyesom Wike disclosed that the OSEX contract was first awarded in 2010 at the cost of N17 billion , but was reviewed to the tune of 18 billion in 2023, adding the Salini Company, the contractor handling the project, has been fully paid.

    Furthermore, Wike listed other projects completed by his administration which includes, the completion of the awarded first phase of the rehabilitation of the National Assembly complex, the rehabilitation of Federal Secretariat and the about 117 km road stretches across Wise, Maitama and Asokoto.

    “Mr. President, it may also interest you that when we came on board, all the many roads within the city, Maitama, Wuse, Garki, Wuye, and other areas, you can see a total rehabilitation of those streets just to give it what it is supposed to be. It is not less than 170 km when you add them up.”

    So for us, we owe that gratitude, for allowing i and the Honorable Minister of State and our team, to be part of the renewed hope agenda that is bringing back hope to the residents of Abuja, Wike said.

    Moreover, the Executive Secretary, FCDA, Engineer Shehu Ahmad Hadi used the occasion to give an overview of the ISEX, said the 3.5km road, handled by Salini traverses from the outer southern express way OSEX, to Southern Parkway(S8/S9) otherwise known as the Good luck Ebele Jonathan Way.

  • Tinubu lauds Wike over Wuye infrastructure, says interchange link Bridge will empower residents

    Tinubu lauds Wike over Wuye infrastructure, says interchange link Bridge will empower residents

    By Joyce Remi-Babayeju

    President Bola Ahmed Tinubu on Thursday lauded the Federal Capital Territory, FCT, Minister, Barr. Nyesom Wike for the successful delivery of the Wuye Fly- Over Bridge for commissioning to mark his first year anniversary in office.

    President Tinubu gave the FCT Minister this commendation on Thursday when he inaugurated the engineering infrastructure at Wuye district interchange bridge linking Wuye and Wuse Districts in the Capital City.

     
    ” Your resilience, patience and unwavering support have been instrumental in making this moment possible. And for that and to all of you in FCT please accept my heartfelt gratitude.”

    The president who was highly elated by the infrastructure said that the inaugurated engineering structure in Wuye district of the FCT is a part of the series of commitments which the minister made to the people and the government, adding that it is making a difference including waves .

    ” Thanks to your team, all of you have worked together to deliver a good example to the people of Nigeria.”

    “Nyesom, Honourable Minister, if they say you drag me from sleep, most of the time this is for results.”

    The president noted that the fly over interchange bridge would be beneficial to the people and also empower the people of Wuye and supporting areas.

    With the completion of this project, we will witness a fast improvement in traffic flow within the district and the adjoining districts, the president noted.

    “The completion of this facility will bring security to lives close to our people, making the people central focus of our development and that is the way democracy should work.”

    We are investing in essential services such as water supply, electricity and road network that lay the groundwork for economic growth and prosperity, to share progress and improvement in the quality of life for all residents of Abuja Capital Territory.

    The FCT Minister Barr. Nyesom Wike in his address thanked President Tinubu for supporting his administration to achieve such infrastructural engineering development.

    He said, “Mr. President I think this is one of the projects that I think residents of the FCT will always cherish.”

    Wike explained that when he was inaugurated as the FCT minister, he sat down with his team to look at projects that could be completed within time, that has value, that can impact positively on the lives of the people.

    He said, “Infact residents of this district had lost hope. Anybody who is familiar with this terrain will definitely appreciate what you have done, noting that in the past 15 years government was struggling to construct the bridge.

    According to him, the government had struggled for 15 years just to construct one interchange.

    “You can imagine the hardship the people here had faced. The business activities, of course will crumble.”

    But to the Glory of God and with your determination, you have said that your mission is to bring back hope that has been lost. So people of this area will always appreciate you and thank you for this interchange, Wike stated .

    The Minister of State for FCT, Dr. Mariya Mahmoud, thanked President Tinubu for his unflinching support for the development in the Capital city.

    She said, “Your dedication and hard work have significantly contributed to the growth and development of our city.”

    “We are immensely grateful for your commitment to ensuring the enhancement of our city’s infrastructure, which will undoubtedly benefit generations to come.”

    She noted sustainable development and growth of any city rely heavily on its infrastructure backbone, particularly in the realm of engineering, she noted.

  • Abuja Light Rail: Promise made, promise fulfilled – Wike

    Abuja Light Rail: Promise made, promise fulfilled – Wike

    By Joyce Remi-Babayeju

    History was made on Tuesday as the FCT Minister, Barr. Nyesom Wike stated,” Promise made Promise fulfilled”, as he finally delivered the Abuja Light Rail to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to officially inaugurate the rail line for commercial operations to mark the President’s one year in office.

    Wike said that his administration is aware of the difficulties residents experience while going from one place to another, and so he committed himself to change the situation by providing a modern transportation system.

    The FCT Minister said, “To me today is my happiest day, we are talking about the Renewed Hope Agenda, it is giving hope back to the people. So what we are here seeing today is a reality. I am happy because I can come to the city and go back.”

    The FCT Minister recalled how President Tinubu, who has visited the FCT had requested that he wants to ride on the metro line which means that there exists a metro line which has ceased functioning.

    “Why does he want to ride a metro line which was not operational, this was because he knew that it was not operational, so he gave a marching order to make it operational for the interest of residents of Abuja.”

    Mr. President, it was that directive to action, so when we departed we asked the transplant Secretariat what happened to the metro line that it is not in use.”

    “It was commissioned on May 17, 2028 , no roads then for people to access the metro line.”

    “It was awarded then at $30 billion, so we pleaded with the office of the Central Bank of Nigeria, CBN, Minister of Finance and the Accountant General to work together. The CBN gave the money to CCECC, the contractors, with the support of the Ministry of Finance and the Accountant General, without them, it wouldn’t have been possible.”

    The FCT Minister of State, Dr. Mariya Mahmoud said, “Today marks not only the inauguration of a modern transportation system but also a testament to the power of collaboration and determination in bringing about positive change.”

    The Abuja light rail is not just a mode of transportation; it is a symbol of progress, connectivity, and accessibility for all.

    “As we embark on this new chapter, let us continue to work together to harness the full potential of this infrastructure for of our community and generations to come.”

    To the residents of Abuja and beyond, I extend our gratitude for your patience and support throughout this journey, she said.

    Meanwhile, President Tinubu after inaugurating the Abuja Light Rail for commercial operations has given six months of free ride to residents of the FCT.

    President Tinubu said, “As we gather here to commemorate the first anniversary of my administration, we are also celebrating the fruit of collaboration, dedication, progress, and foresightedness.”

    He commended the FCT Minister for his efforts in the project.

    He said, “The huge investment you’ve saved and put on this project is there for the people to remember. Transportation gives hope and access to the various individuals and organizations.”

    Mr. President also recalled making a.public demand to ride on the Metro line.

    ” I made a request, a public request and a challenge to Nyesom Wike. Then, I did not know that he would be able to deliver this project on time. I said ‘Don’t give me land, Mr. landlord. Give me the assurance that I will be able to ride on the Metro Line’. He laughed and nodded his head. I am very proud that today, he delivered on that promise, Tinubu stated.

  • Construction of 120km road projects in Six Area Councils to fight insecurity – Wike

    Construction of 120km road projects in Six Area Councils to fight insecurity – Wike

    By Joyce Remi-Babayeju

    The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, FCT, Barr. Nyesom Wike on Monday in Abuja disclosed that the construction of the 120 km of road network projects under President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s administration is to fight the menace of insecurity in the nation’s capital.

    Wike disclosed this on Monday in Abuja while presenting his scorecard at the Ministerial Sector Update to mark President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s one year in office.

    The FCT Minister stated that the FCT Administration did not commence the various road projects alone, but with the involvement of the six Area Councils Chairmen after various complaints on the prevalence of insecurity in their domains.

    He said,” ln order to tackle security and obtain the trust of the people, we went around the Six Area Councils and had interactions with the people because we know that the government alone cannot fight insecurity.”

    “The people also have a role to play and that is by providing us with the intelligence, adding that they agreed and pointed out that the bandits attacks were caused by lack of good roads.”

    “When bandits attack, security agencies have no access to roads.”

    Speaking further, the minister, who linked road projects to security of lives and property, stated that the Council Chairmen identified the roads in which they felt were necessary.
    ” And as I said, since this is what you feel you need, go home and sleep, it will be done,” he said.

    As I speak to you now, all the Area Councils can attest to the fact that before December this year, we are going to commission not less than 120Km of roads in these six area councils, the minister emphasized.

    Meanwhile, Wike said that the Administration has been able to provide security agencies with required logistics in terms of specialized bikes.

    “This is my first time knowing that they are specialized bikes needed, and this government was able to provide all those specialized bikes.”

    “We have been able to provide security agencies with all required logistics. This is my first time knowing that they are specialized bikes needed, and this government was capable of providing all those specialized bikes.”

    Wike explained that aside from providing logistics, the administration has reversed the delayed two weeks of release of money to security agents when they are preparing to go on operatives, but now get the money they get when going on operations.

    “But now, the moment they want to go for an operation, the money is made available. We have provided all that they need and residents can now sleep with their two eyes closed.”

    “What used to be in Abuja before, is not what it is now. We cannot say that we have gotten it right 100 percent because no society is free of crime, but the question gets to be, are there any differences since we came on board? Certainly, yes.”

    “You can attest to the fact that it is no longer what it used to be. This government is doing everything humanly possible to see that we reduce the level of insecurity.”

    Furthermore, the FCT Minister disclosed that part of the measures taken is to curb the one-chance robbery syndrome in the territory.

    He stated that again , the Administration, ‘is to build 3 terminals for FCT, so that one can identify cars and buses when they are entering into the Capital City.

    “We know that certainly building these terminals will reduce the level of kidnapping and one – chance criminality or as the case may be.”

    ” By the grace of God, in the next 8 months this city will have 3 bus and taxi terminals and transport operators must operate from those terminals.”
    This government is doing everything humanly possible to see that we reduce the level of insecurity, the minister quipped.

    Barr. Wike however, noted that another form of criminality in the territory is the pilfering of manholes.

    ” Take for example the theft of manholes, criminals go and remove them. So we’ve brought out another strategy now, whereby the manholes will no longer be attractive to them.”

    “They are being made with materials which have been tested to have all the characteristics of their strains and durability without any economic value.”

    We are also introducing locks along with it so that they cannot be easily picked, and we also embed the FCTA name on the facilities unlike it used to be before, with economic value and easy to pick up, the minister revealed.

  • Wike receives Rwandan, Swedish Ambassadors, welcomes investors in transport, digital sectors

    Wike receives Rwandan, Swedish Ambassadors, welcomes investors in transport, digital sectors

    By Joyce Remi-Babayeju

    The Federal Capital Territory Administration ( FCT) Minister, Nyesom Wike on Tuesday received the Rwandan High Commissioner to Nigeria, His Excellency, Christopher Bazivamo and the Swedish Ambassador to Nigeria, Her Excellency, Annika Hahn-Englund.

    Wike thanked the envoys for acknowledging the progress the FCT Administration has made in infrastructural transformation and security in the capital city, as he promised to welcome investors from these countries into the Capital territory.

    The minister stated that his administration shall continue to cooperate with foreign investors who will come to Abuja with the support of their various countries.

    Wike also informed the envoys that President Bola Tinubu has instructed him to ensure that all foreign missions in Abuja have a peaceful and secured environment to operate.

    Moreover, he pledged to collaborate with Rwandan investors in areas of environmental management, while he expressed interest in partnering with Swedish investors in telecoms technologies and transportation.

    Wike said, “ We are happy that you’re appreciating what we are doing on infrastructure and security in Abuja. It is our duty to make our environment convenient for all foreign Embassies.”

    In his remarks, the Rwandan High Commissioner, Christophe Bazivamo, said he was on a visit to brief the FCT Minister on the status of the bilateral cooperation that Rwanda is enjoying with Nigeria.

    He disclosed that his country is interested in cooperation between Kigali and FCT in the areas of environmental management and infrastructure development.

    Also, the Swedish Ambassador to Nigeria, Annika Hahn-Englund, noted that her country would like to strengthen the bilateral relationship it has enjoyed with Nigeria over the years.

    She also disclosed that her country has a comparative advantage in the area of digital technologies and transportation management.

    She disclosed that there are investors in her country with enough capacity to collaborate with the FCT Administration on these sectors.

  • Rivers politics not a distraction, FCT projects delivery on course —Wike

    Rivers politics not a distraction, FCT projects delivery on course —Wike

    By Joyce Remi-Babayeju

    The Federal Capital Territory, FCT, Minister, Barr. Nyesom Wike has said that the Rivers State political brouhaha is not a distraction to him, but rather his focus is on the delivery of the FCT Week — Long projects to mark President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s first year in office.

    Wike stated this on Friday after the final inspection of some ongoing projects scheduled to be commissioned by President Tinubu.

    The FCT Minister said, “If I am distracted you won’t see this performance here. I focus on my work, my mandate as the FCT Minister, is to deliver dividends of democracy to the residents of FCT. ”

    ” I am not distracted. If l am distracted, how will these work progress? I’m not even thinking about it at all” Wike assured.

    Meanwhile, the minister has disclosed that President Tinubu has approved a nine-day timeline for the commissioning of Abuja projects, tagged FCT Week for the inauguration of projects in the city.

    The minister said that the FCT Week will commence on the 27th of May with the inauguration of commercial operation of the Abuja Rail Mass Transit.

    Other projects to be inaugurated by the President during the FCT Week include the official residence of the Vice President, the Outer Southern Expressway (OSEX) from the Villa Roundabout to the Ring Road 1 with four numbers of interchanges as well as the B6 and B12 Circle Road.

    The FCT Minister expressed satisfaction over all the road works inspected, and commended the contractors for delivering the jobs within the specified time frame.

    According to him, this is the final inspection as regards the preparedness for the inauguration of various projects.

    “From what we have seen, we believe we are ready for the commissioning from 27th of May and will end June 6th. It is going to be a nine-day-long event.”

    So, we are happy that the contractors are meeting up, and all the promises they made have been fulfilled, and we have also fulfilled our part to make sure that we have cash backup. None of them is complaining in terms of cash, he Wike explained.

    Speaking on the issues of some streetlights malfunctioning, the said, the FCT Minister said, “As I speak to you, they are working on it. And you also know that most of the projects we are doing, you don’t expect the lights to be on now.”

    “So, sometimes, most of the streets you are referring to are those that are being worked on. We believe that before the commissioning, you will see most of the lights will be on, he noted.

  • Wike to acquire drones to boost security in FCT

    Wike to acquire drones to boost security in FCT

    …Initiates Partnership with Hungary on Security, Agriculture

    By Joyce Remi-Babayeju

    As a way of boosting security in and around the capital city, the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, FCT, Barr. Nyesom Wike, has said that the Administration is taking steps to acquire drones.

    Wike disclosed this on Thursday during a meeting with the Consul-General of the Embassy of Hungary in Nigeria, Endre Peter Der in his office.

    The minister, who highlighted the administration’s commitment in security in the nation’s capital, noted that plans are underway to acquire drones to enhance security measures.
    ,
    He emphasized the need to determine the most suitable types of drones for the FCT and ensure their efficiency and reliability.

    “Security has been an issue, but by the grace of God, we can tackle the issue. We want to have drones, and discussions will be held with your people to determine the types of drones we need, he stated.

    In addition, the minister is seeking
    partnership with Hungary in the areas of security and agriculture.

    He offered land for agricultural projects, highlighting the potential for a mutually beneficial partnership.

    The Consul-General of the Embassy of Hungary in Nigeria, Endre Peter Deri praised the Minister for his remarkable achievements within a short period.

    He conveyed Hungary’s willingness to sell drones to the FCTA to address security concerns and presented a proposal for collaboration.

    Furthermore, Peter Deri mentioned the University of Agriculture’s readiness to cooperate with the FCT in ensuring food security through sustainable production practices, particularly through public-private partnerships (PPP).

  • Commissioning of Abuja projects would show Renewed Hope is a reality – Wike

    Commissioning of Abuja projects would show Renewed Hope is a reality – Wike

    By Joyce Remi-Babayeju

    The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, FCT, Barr. Nyesom Wike has described the commissioning of Abuja projects on May , 2024 delivery date a show that the Renewed Hope Agenda of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu is reality.

    Wike stated this on Saturday during an inspection visit to the residence of the Vice President still under construction.

    The minister who went round the building project said that most parts were 97% completed.

    He said, ” the last time we came here and now we are here, what we are seeing shows a lot of improvement and the company, Julius Berger, have promised to hand over in May. They have the capacity.”is

    Speaking further on the perception of FCT residents and Nigerians on the various projects, the minister said, ” lt is key to the people of FCT and the government.”

    He also noted that the location of Vice President would not obstruct traffic around the Three Arms Zone.

    ” Am sure the contractor, Julius Berger took everything into consideration before they started the work, the minister said.

    Wike said that the visit was to see if the new Vice President:s residence would be ready for inauguration in May, and to ensure that security features and other concerns were adequately taken care of.

    Abuja is going to be the best to achieve security in the country, he promised.
    End

  • Wike shuts down ICC for 8 months over 15 years of poor maintenance

    Wike shuts down ICC for 8 months over 15 years of poor maintenance

    By Joyce Remi-Babayeju

    The Federal Capital Territory, FCT, Minister, Barr. Nyesom Wike on Monday shut down the International Conference Center, ICC, for eight months over fifteen years of poor maintenance.

    Wike who went around the Conference Centre accompanied by the new Managing Director of the Abuja Investment Company Limited, AICL , Dr. Maureen Tamuno and other senior staff of the FCDA, said, “the edifice is in a total mess.”

    The minster, who said that he does not want to probe anyone, immediately closed down the center for public engagements for a period of eight months also immediately revoked the contract from the contractor who had managed the facility since 2005 without any improvement.

    He handed over the renovation of the Conference Center to Julius Berger, the original contractors and the maintenance to the Managing Director of AICL, and said that he was confident she can manage the maintenance, otherwise , ” We would weld the big stick for not meeting up.”

    “So we have contacted the original contractors that built this place, which is Julius Berger, to come back because if we had brought a new contractor it will take us time but since they have the designs and the drawings so that they can come here.”

    The minster recalled that when he came for ECOWAS inauguration last week with Mr. President, he drew his attention to the dilapidation facility “, adding that no right thinking human being would like to see an International location of the nature would see the state of this facility and be happy.

    “In fact, during that inauguration, Mr. president drew my attention that the center was very poor. We have gone round and you and I know that it cannot be accepted, no way we can accept this as an international conference center because there is no standard compared it.”

    “We can’t endure this embarrassment anymore, we are sorry to announce that every booking meant to be used here would be cancelled as we start immediate rehabilitation of this center to maintain our international standard.”

    We believe that in the next 7–8 months we would be able to do something that people will appreciate, that means FCTA will take over the rehabilitation with Julius Berger and Abuja investment company, but it will be a different system now, Wike said.