Author: Joy Gyakyor
President Bola Tinubu did not make any mistake in his choice of the title, ‘Master of Infrastructure’ for the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike. Wike, on Sunday 30th March 2025, had led a delegation of prominent FCT residents on a traditional Sallah homage to President Tinubu- marking the end of the 2025 Ramadan fasting and the celebration of Eid-el-Fitr, quite unaware of how deeply excited his principal is about his continued display of capacity in initiating progressive ideas that have significantly improved the effective functioning of Abuja. “He is a master of infrastructure. I must thank…
Cardinal Robert Francis Prevost on Thursday emerged as the first pope from the United States of America, picking the papal name Leo XIV after cardinals from around the world elected him leader of the world’s 1.4 billion Catholics. Tens of thousands of people gathered at St Peter’s Square and cheered as Prevost appeared on the balcony of St Peter’s Basilica, waving with both hands, smiling and bowing. The temporary chimney atop the Sistine Chapel released a plume of white smoke Thursday evening, signaling that the 133 cardinals working inside had reached a two-thirds majority to elect a new pope for…
President Bola Tinubu on Monday inaugurated the newly appointed Chairman of the National Assembly Service Commission (NASC), Dr. Saviour Enyiekere, and Mark Tersoo Hanmation as member, and eleven others for a five-year renewable tenure. Hanmation represents North Central in the commission. The President who performed the ceremony shortly before the commencement of the Federal Executive Council (FEC) meeting at the presidential villa, Abuja, also swore in two new Permanent Secretaries. Dr. Enyiekere as chairman and the twelve commissioners who took their oath of office were picked from the six geopolitical zones. Other sworn-in commissioners include Suleiman Othman Hunkuyi and Hon.…
The Federal Executive Council (FEC), on Monday, approved Nigeria’s subscription of 50 shares valued at $ 5 million in the Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank (AIIB), after ratifying the nation’s membership of the multilateral institution. Nigeria’s membership of the AIIB has grown the number of African countries in the Bank to 20, including 11 full members and nine prospective members. AIIB approved Nigeria’s membership of the Multilateral Development Bank in 2021 at its sixth annual meeting, an action that needed the ratification of the nation’s highest policy-making body, FEC. Reports indicate that AIIB’s approved African members are responsible for over 60…
By Bilal Umar A misleading narrative has emerged attempting to discredit the National Hajj Commission of Nigeria (NAHCON), Vice President Kashim Shettima, and the Presidency. These claims center on the alleged cancellation of a Masha’ir service contract and insinuations of undue influence by the Vice President in contractor selection. However, a closer look reveals that these allegations are misleading, politically motivated, and aimed at undermining ongoing Hajj reforms. The Vice President’s role: Oversight, not direct involvement Contrary to claims that Vice President Shettima personally selects Hajj service providers, his role is strictly administrative, limited to granting approvals for NAHCON’s board-vetted…
The Almajiri phenomenon persists in posing a significant threat to security in many parts of the country, including the nation’s capital Abuja. Security experts have variously expressed deep concerns that Almajirai, who are often abandoned by their families and the state, resort to begging and street life, conditions, which often expose them to abuse, criminalization, and recruitment into violent activities of extremist groups. Any serious government understands that the concentration of poor and uneducated youths in urban areas is embryonically latent to fostering an environment conducive to crime. This is the harrying issue that the Minister of the Federal Capital…
Chairman of the Ondo State Hospitals Management Board, Dr. Taiwo Fasoranti has declared that Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa’s successful conduct of the local government election in the state is a clear demonstration of his deep love for democracy, which remains a key pillar for growth and economic development. Ondo state held local government elections on January 18, 2025, across its 18 local government areas with the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) winning 16 of the 18 chairmanship seats. Reports however indicate that the main opposition party, the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), withdrew from the election citing concerns of transparency and credibility…
Minister of Water Resources and Sanitation, Professor Joseph Utsev on Wednesday defended before the Senate, a ₦211.79 billion budget for the 2025 fiscal year detailing the level of implementation of the 2024 budget. The Minister had appeared before the Senate Committee on Water Resources and Sanitation at the National Assembly, Abuja to make case for the proposals for the water and sanitation sector. Addressing the lawmakers, Professor Utsev said that the Ministry’s commitment to advancing water and sanitation projects, boosting agriculture, creating jobs, and mitigating floods and droughts remain a top priority in line with the Renewed Agenda of President…
Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike is doggedly taking hardline initiatives against issues of insecurity in Abuja with reports indicating that some relative peace is fast returning to the city, writes Joy Gyakyor. The recent commendation from the world’s largest association for security professionals, ASIS International, on the vivacious spirit of the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Nyesom Wike, in tackling insecurity in the nation’s capital, may not be the last. “The FCT Minister is providing the needed support, including technological equipment to strengthen the fight against insecurity with a view to keeping residents of…
The Benue State Governor Hyacinth Alia on Wednesday met with Vice President Kashim Shettima at the Presidential Villa, Abuja where he made further requests of support for the state’s agriculture and security sectors. Speaking to State House Correspondents after the closed-door meeting, Governor Alia said Benue has no reason to complain about food insecurity but should rather be supporting the government at the center in making food available to Nigerians. “Benue doesn’t have any need to talk about these food insecurities at all. Rather, we should be supporting the President to ensure that all the states that seem to be…