Tag: Wike

  • Wike appoints Tamuno as new MD of Abuja Investment  company

    Wike appoints Tamuno as new MD of Abuja Investment company

    By Joyce Remi-Babayeju

    The Minister of the FCT, Barr. Nyesom Wike on Thursday has appointed Ambassador (Dr) Maureen Tamuno as the new Managing Director of Abuja Investment Company Limited, (AICL).

    Tamuno’s appointment takes immediate effect.

    Ambassador Tamuno is an experienced public officer, entrepreneur, and diplomat, before her appointment she was the Nigerian High Commissioner the Jamaica, Belize, Haiti, and the Dominican Republic.

    Meanwhile, the Minister has also terminated with immediate effect, the contract of Messrs Integrated Facility Management Services Ltd for the management of the International Conference Center, Abuja.

    Messrs Julius Berger Nig Plc has been contracted for the immediate comprehensive renovation of the International Conference Center, Abuja.

  • Wike express optimism of Nigeria overcoming current turmoil

    Wike express optimism of Nigeria overcoming current turmoil

    By Joyce Remi-Babayeju

    The Federal Capital Territory, FCT , Minister, Barr .Nyesom Wike, Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, FCT,l has expressed optimism that Nigeria will overcome the current turmoil.

    Wike gave the assurance on Thursday when the Methodist Prelate, Most Rev. Oliver Aba, visited him in Abuja.

    He said, “I believe by the special grace of God, Nigeria would come out from the turmoil that we are in.”

    “The signs are clear; we have no regret; and we have no doubt that victory shall be ours.”

    The minister thanked the Church for praying for Nigerians and the government of President Bola Tinubu to actualize his vision and dreams in the “Renewed Hope” Agenda.

    He noted that nobody could govern without the backing of God, stressing that it was important for every leader to know this.

    “That is why Tinubu has never failed to ask religious leaders to continue to pray for his administration and for the growth of Nigeria.”

    “Prayer is key. We can do all we think, but without God nothing can be achieved, and so his victory; his hope is anchored on God,” the minister said.

    Wike assured the Methodist Church that the FCT Administration would consider their request for land to build offices and a media centre.

    Earlier, Rev.Aba explained that the land, if allocated, would be used for the development of a liaison office and a benefiting media centre to enhance evangelism and other social amenities.

    He said that a similar request was submitted to the Administration in 2023 but was not granted.

    He pledged the Church’s commitment for continued prayers to support the Tinubu-led government to succeed.

    “This is because, his success is our success, and his success is the joy of all Nigerians.”

    “In actualizing his ‘renewed hope’ agenda, I pray for economic renaissance for our dear country and terming the evil of insecurity in the land.”

    “I affirm that there is hope for Nigeria and Nigerians,” the Methodist Prelate said.

  • Ramadan: Wike distributes food items at Mosques in six Area Councils

    Ramadan: Wike distributes food items at Mosques in six Area Councils

    By Joyce Remi-Babayeju

    The FCT Minster, Barr. Nyesom Wike on Saturday distributed various food items at Mosques to residents of the FCT in the spirit of the Ramadan fast.

    Food items distributed were rice, vegetable oil, sugar and milk to the 17 FCT-graded chiefs, mosques in the FCT and the six Area Councils as well as FCT welfare associations.

    Presenting the items to the recipients, the Minister, Barr. Ezenwo Nyesom Wike, who was represented by the Head of Service of the FCTA, Mr. Samuel Atang, said that the gesture was a demonstration that every individual matters in the FCT.

    Barrister Wike who recognized that every resident in the FCT needs to be nurtured, congratulated Muslims in the FCT for their dedication to observing the obligatory fast in the month of Ramadan, adding that the food items were intended to cushion the effect of rising food prices as well as to ensure that Muslims in the FCT break their fast with ease.

    The Minister urged Muslims during the fasting period to pray for peace in the country and good health of the President, Bola Ahmed Tinubu.

    In his welcome address, the Director of Protocol to the Minister, Alhaji Sani Daura said that the initiative was not merely an act of charity but a demonstration of the FCT Administration’s unwavering commitment to stand together, shoulder to shoulder with residents, in times of need.

    He said that the initiative also serves as a beacon of hope and solidarity, embodying the true spirit of Ramadan – a time of giving, compassion, and unity.

    Alhaji Sani Daura particularly thanked the Honourable Minister for the kind gesture and prayed for the Almighty to continue to bless him.

    A total of 5000 bags of rice, 1000 cartons of vegetable oil, 1000 cartons of sugar and 1000 cartons of milk were distributed at the event.

    In their responses, the Chief Imam of the official residence of the FCT Minister, Ustaz Lawal Mustafa and the Head of Bwari Vocational Rehabilitation Centre Comrade Bala Tsoho Musa, expressed gratitude to the FCT Minister for reducing the hardship and helping the Muslims to observe the fast of Ramadan in a good state on mind.

  • Insecurity: Wike pledges to build High-Tech Security Rapid Response Centre to fight crime in FCT

    Insecurity: Wike pledges to build High-Tech Security Rapid Response Centre to fight crime in FCT

    By Joyce Remi-Babayeju

    The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory Administration, FCTA, Barr. Nyesom Wike has pledged to support security agencies to build a high technology security rapid response center for security agencies in the territory to reduce the prevalence of criminality in the nation’s capital.

    Wike made this known on Friday when he received the Chief of Defense Staff, General Christopher Musa and other top ranking military officers who visited him in his office to pledge their support, as he commended them for labouring day and night to protect the territorial integrity of the nation.

    The minister, who assured them that their labour cannot be in vain, stated that the Security Center will be equipped with all forms of technologically driven security and communication gadgets to enable security agencies to effectively fight crime and criminality in the territory.

    According to Wike, the Rapid Response Centre, would be equipped with all necessary operational logistics including drones to curb criminal activities

    “The budget of FCT has been passed by the National Assembly, we are just waiting for the accent of Mr. President. We have concluded to buy drones so that it will help the security agencies in trying to reduce the level of crime. ”

    He also assured the Armed Forces officers that the Administration would look into some land issues the military were having with the FCTA for the agencies to move forward.

    Meanwhile, the FCT extended his condolences over the gruesome manner in which 17 military officers were killed in Delta State.

    He condemned the act in totality, and pledged to support the families of the victims to reduce their pains.

    “First of all let me condole the families and the Nigeria Military of what happened in Delta State. It was the most barbaric act that has ever been seen. I don’t think every right – thinking person will ever support such a heinous crime. Not the way people died, but the way they were killed. It was quite unfortunate.”

    “We as FCT we support the Nigeria Military in which ever way we can to see what we can do to reduce the pains the families of these individuals go through. We are going to support you.” Wike assured.

    Earlier, the Chief of Defense Staff, General Christopher Musa said plans were underway for the formation of special standby security forces in the FCT to nip in the bud all forms of criminality in the territory.

    General Musa commended the FCT Minister for changing the narratives in the history of Abuja, and assured him that the Armed Forces are solidly behind him in his quest to ensure that Nigerians are protected.

    He stated that efforts are on for the military to join forces with other security agencies to tackle insecurity head-on, and also stressed the need for citizens to support security agencies.

    “Mostly why we came is to appreciate you for all the efforts you have put in place. We have seen within the short time that you took over , many changes, things have really improved. We want to commend you for that efforts, and to assure you that members of the Armed Forces are solidly behind you to provide all the necessary support as required.”

    “We know a megacity like FCT will attract different individuals, both the good , the bad and the ugly. We would like to ensure, supporting other security agencies, that together we work as a team.”

    ” We are people-centric. Whatever we are doing, is for my men, members of the Armed Forces’ to understand first and foremost that we are here to protect Nigerians.We must ensure that we are not part of those that infringes on the right of other people. ”

    “We are looking at it wholistically to see how we can assist the police in responding to acts of criminality. Like the incident at Kuje prison, the incident of train crash, even though not in the FCT, but within the perimeter of the FCT.”

    What we are trying to do is to build a force that will be on standby 24/7, incase there’s anything happening, we can provide additional support to the police.” Musa said.

  • We’ll send Permanent Secretary performing below standard  packing, Wike warns

    We’ll send Permanent Secretary performing below standard packing, Wike warns

    By Joyce Remi-Babayeju

    The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, FCT, Barr. Nyesom Wike has threatened to send packing all permanent secretaries who perform below expectation.

    Wike gave this warning on Monday at the Swearing in Ceremony of Head of Service of the FCT Civil Service Commission and FCTA officials.

    The minister also warned officials who delay files to desist from such sabotaging acts.

    He said, ” If you perform below expectations there’s nothing like query, we have no time for that we will just send you packing as permanent secretary, so I don’t want to hear any complaints now that you will be handling secretariat you have your secretaries as your political heads I don’t want to hear that files are unduly delayed.”

    “Just of recent we found out the person who was sabotaging the roads of the FCTA, but we thank God all those bad people have all left, all those who don’t want you to be independent they have all left.”

    He called on the new officials to assist and support President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to realize the Renewed Hope Agenda, adding so you owe Mr. President to make sure Abuja works and works very, very well.”

    “I want to appeal to the Permanent Secretaries to please cooperate with the mandate secretaries. They are like your commissioners. You have to cooperate with them, and I also urge them to cooperate with you all. There’s no need of struggling who is bigger. No single person can work alone, you require a team work to be able to succeed.”

    “We don’t know the secretariat you all will be posted to, wherever you are posted what require for you is commitment and total loyalty”, the minister emphasized.

  • Wike assures residents of improved security, more infrastructure in FCT

    Wike assures residents of improved security, more infrastructure in FCT

    By Joyce Remi-Babayeju

    The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, FCT, Barr. Nyesom Wike has given the assurance that henceforth residents should expect improved security and more infrastructure in the nation’s capital.
    Wike said this on Wednesday at the Senate, Plenary closed door meeting with him and the FCT Commissioner of Police on security matters in the capital city.

    Briefing journalists after the meeting with journalists,the minister said that the meeting was a normal interaction with the House members who gave suggestions on security in the territory.

    Wike said, ” What should the FCT expect now, I will say improved security, more infrastructure. You can see what is going on in the FCT. It has been turned into a construction site and you can also see what has happened in the FCTA.”

    Speaking further, the minister noted that the Senate has agreed that the security has improved in the FCT.

    “Mind you the two most wanted kidnappers have been arrested and that’s why you see that the level of kidnapping has reduced.”

    “We are not saying we have gotten to where we want to be, but we are doing a lot and people should acknowledge that what used to be is not what we are seeing now.”

    “We will continue to do our best to ensure that we provide the best to our people. We cannot give you the assurance that there will be no form of criminality, no body can do that, as long as we are human.”
    He however decried instances of mastermind and house arranged kidnaps.
    Meanwhile, the minister further noted that the under his administration, the FCT Civil Service Commission has been established.

    Now we have our own Civil Service Commission, now we have our own Permanent Secretaries which has never been. There are new things in the FCT and the residents are happy, Wike said.

    Furthermore, the Commissioner FCT Police, Benedict Igweh, said that the Police Force under his leadership and support of the Inspector General of police Adeolu Egbetokun and FCT Minister Nyesom Wike, will continue to comb the FCT border forest of the FCT of Niger, Kaduna, Nassarawa, and Kogi State.

    Igweh also disclosed that the Correctional officer who shot dead one of the one of the handcuffed convicted offender in Wuse market on Tuesday have been arrested for interrogations.

    He maintained that he will continue to work for the security of the residents.

  • Renewed Hope Agenda gateway to infrastructural development, economic advancement, empowerment of people- Wike

    Renewed Hope Agenda gateway to infrastructural development, economic advancement, empowerment of people- Wike

    By Joyce Remi-Babayeju

    The FCT Minister, Barr. Nyesom Wike has said that the Renewed Hope Agenda of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu emphasizes economic advancement, enhancement of infrastructural systems and empowerment of Nigerians.

    Wike made this known weekend at the 9th Media Retreat of the FCT Minister’s Press Corps, held at Keffi, Nasarawa, State.
    The minister, who was represented by the Director of Press, office of the FCT Minister, Mr. Anthony Ogunleye said that Mr. President’s vision of the Renewed Hope Agenda also is an embodiment of progress, innovation and inclusive growth.

    “President Tinubu’s vision in the Renewed Hope Agenda embodies the essence of progress, innovation, and inclusive growth. It is an agenda that emphasizes not only economic advancement but
    also the enhancement of infrastructural systems and the
    empowerment of our people.”

    The minister noted that the theme of the retreat, which is “Building an Environment That Benefits a Smart City. Healthy Café: A Step Towards Effective City Management is very apt,as it emphasizes the critical importance of innovation, sustainability, and effective city management in our
    collective pursuit of progress. It could not have come at a better
    time than now, he added.

    The minister commended the Press Corps for adopting the theme, and said that it shows the support and partnership of the media in governance, as well as helping the Administration by brainstorming on a major issue in the management of the city.

    Wike said, “I therefore, commend you for your high sense of purpose and thorough grasp of the developmental issues confronting the FCT Administration as it works to launch the city into the circle of the best cities in the world.”

    “I acknowledge your passion for the city and your partnership with the Administration, through which you have proven that the media and the government can be partners in progress.”

    He noted that the media Retreat aligns with the aspirations for a brighter future that resonates with the President’s Renewed Hope Agenda.

    “As stewards of this vision, it is incumbent upon us to translate these aspirations into tangible actions that positively impact the lives of our citizens”, Wike admonished.

    Speaking on the concept of ” Smart City”, the minister said, “The concept of a smart city is not merely an ambitious vision but
    an imperative step towards ensuring sustainable urban
    development and an enhanced quality of life for our citizens.”

    ” It involves the integration of technology, innovation, and strategic planning to create an environment that is efficient, resilient, and responsive to the needs of its inhabitants.”

    According to the minister, commitment to the making of an environment that befits a smart city can only be achieved through multifaceted efforts.
    It involves not only leveraging technological advancements but also prioritizing health and well-being at every level of urban planning.

    “It involves initiatives such as accessible green spaces, efficient waste management, sustainable transport systems, and promoting healthy lifestyles contribute significantly to this vision.”

    Wike emphasized that the future of our city rests upon our collective efforts and the dedication to realizing these ambitions.

    “Let us leverage the momentum of President Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda and the FCT Administration’s steps towards increased IGR to propel our city into a symbol of innovation, sustainability, and inclusive growth”, he urged .

    He therefore called on journalists, as agenda setters, to take an impartial look into what the Administration have being doing so far and to offer informed suggestions on how it can improve service delivery.

  • Gwagwa-Karimo – Dei Dei Road will be constructed – Wike

    Gwagwa-Karimo – Dei Dei Road will be constructed – Wike

    By Joyce Remi-Babayeju

    The FCT Minister, Barr. Nyesom Wike has said that the Gwagwa- Karimo- Dei Dei road will be constructed this year.

    Wike made this pledge on Wednesday at the flag- off of the of the construction of Temporary Access Road to Saburi 1 and 2 communities within the AMAC from ONEX.

    The construction of the road stretches from Saburi 1 and 2 communities within Abuja Municipal Area Council, AMAC, from the Outer Northern Expressway (ONEX) to old Keffi road, near the Dei-Dei International Market in Abuja.

    The Abuja Municipal Area Council, AMAC, Chairman, Hon. Christopher Zakka Maikalangu had requested that the minister dualize the Gwagwa- Karimo- Dei Dei stretch Road which he said is the main commercial and economic road in AMAC.

    The minister said, ” Consider the Gwagwa- Karimo Dei Dei road done” and he charged the FCDA director of Satellite Development to make the road a priority.

    Wike said that it is the responsibility of government to give the people good roads, adding that the construction of rural roads before the end of this year is part of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda to bring back hope to the people.

    According to the minister, that’s why the president said that development cannot be concentrated in the cities alone but also in the rural communities.
    Wike further assured the people that what they are experiencing now would soon be a thing of the past.
    ” Governance is for the people, I have come to see how you feel, agreement is agreement; we must show that this government is committed to serve the people.”
    He thanked the AMAC Chairman and the people of Saburi for supporting the project and promised to come back to flag off one more road in each of the Council’s.

    The Sarkin Jiwa, Alhaji Idris Musa commended the efforts of the FCT Minister and called for the construction of more rural roads, and the completion of other abandoned projects by the FCT Administration.

    The Chairman Senate committee on FCT Area Councils and Ancillary Matters, Sen. David Jimkuta said the National Assembly has keyed into the Renewed Hope Agenda of the President and will support the FCT Administration in any way possible.
    He also called on FCT residents to support the agenda of the President to make the FCT a better place for all.

  • Good roads boosts security – Wike

    Good roads boosts security – Wike

    …Assures completion of roads in six Area Councils

    By Joyce Remi-Babayeju

    The FCT Minister, Nyesom Wike has affirmed that good roads which is the right of the people helps to boost security , as he assured that all the roads being started in the six Area Councils will be completed this year.

    Wike disclosed this on Tuesday at the Flag-off ceremony of construction of Naharati- River Ukya- Ungwan Hausawa 5 kilometre Road in Abaji Area Council.

    The FCT Minister said the construction of road projects in keeping with the directive of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to construct at least 5-kilometer roads in each of the six Area Councils of the FCT, under the Renewed Hope Agenda.

    He said,” Why won’t you have good roads with security, it is your right to have good roads for security and to fight bandits, our fathers, mothers and farmers will go to their farms and bring home their produce, adding, “that is the directive Mr. President has given to us that development should not only be concentrated in the city.
    It will also reduce rural urban migration and promote food security, so Providing infrastructure like good roads should be brought here.”

    He further stated that one of the ways to fight insecurity is to provide good roads so that security agencies will have access to go and deal with those criminals they are criminals. ”

    “If you don’t have good roads, can you go to the farms? So, provision of good roads will help to improve our food security”.

    According to the Minister, the Area Council Chairmen were directed to nominate one key road for construction in each of the Area Councils, assured that all the road projects that have been started would be completed this year.

    Again , the minister warned directors of the FCT Administration to desist from sabotaging efforts geared towards provision of public infrastructure while some of them are fond of hoarding files meant for payment of contractors.

    The minister also commended area council chairmen for delivering services to their people irrespective of their ethnic and political party affiliations as he urged them to do everything to bring development to their areas.

    Chairman of Abaji Area Councils, Hon Abdullahi Umar Abubakar said that the construction of the 5 kilometer road in Abaji is a capital development projects that will improve access to schools, farms and boost economic growth and agriculture services.
    Abubakar called on the people of Abaji to be united and to embrace the opportunity which the development has brought.
    He said, ” It marks a new beginning of a chapter that defines progress and better further for our community.”

  • WIKE Warns Illegal Settlers To Move Out Of Chika-Alieta Technology Village Or Face Demolition

    WIKE Warns Illegal Settlers To Move Out Of Chika-Alieta Technology Village Or Face Demolition

    By Joyce Remi-Babayeju

    The FCT Minister, Barr. Nyesom Wike has warned illegal settlers who have encroached on the Chika- Alieta Technology, Science Village to move out or face demolition.

    Wike gave the order during an inspection tour of the Science Village on Monday in the company of the Minister of Science and Technology, Uche Godfrey Nnaji.

    The minster ordered the Development Control Department to remove the illegal settlers, adding that there is record that compensation has been paid to the earlier settlers for the place.

    Wike decried the fast encroachment, which he said was aided by the inability of the past administration to take action and stop individuals from building illegally on the village despite the payment of compensation.

    However, he assured that his administration will give the necessary political will by stopping the illegal settlers.

    He emphasized that the money expended in providing infrastructure to the village will not be a waste.

    While speaking to journalists, the Minister who was surprised at the proliferation of settlements, said that he taught activities are going-on in the village.

    He directed the ministry to bring details on erecting an office in the village instead of staying in a rented building, stating that their presence in the village will drive more investors to the science and technology incubation village.

    Furthermore, the minister of Science and Technology, Uche Godfrey Nnaji, has told the Minister that leaving illegal settlers that have encroached the buffer of the village constituting is a big risk and loss to the country’s investment drive, particularly to the village that is in the replica of London technology village.

    According to Nnaji, the government of Great Britain was able to generate six billion pounds in six years, noting that Nigeria is on the verge of generating more funds if the right environment is put in place.

    Daybreak reports that the Abuja technology village is a Free Trade Zone for Science and Technology created by the Federal Government by the Late Musa Y’aradua with Senator Adamu Aliero , but the dream was short lived due to the death of Presidential Ya”adua.