Author: Joy Gyakyor
Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike on Monday declared that he derives joy in stepping on the toes of big and influencing people in the course of making hard but necessary decisions of development. The Minister in an interview televised on some national media outlets spoke on several developmental issues in Abuja and affirmed the current administration’s commitment to making difficult but necessary decisions to transform the nation’s capital city regardless of entrenched interests. He said that the FCT is now “working” due to a willingness to address long-standing issues that his predecessors shied away from. The…
Indications are rife that with the massive roads infrastructure currently being provided across Abuja under the leadership of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Minister, Nyesom Wike, Nigeria’s seat of power may soon compete favourably with states like Benue, Kebbi, Kaduna, Niger, Plateau, Jigawa, Nasarawa, Kano, Zamfara, and Borno as the nation’s food basket. Reports have revealed that these are the 10 top states in the country presently with the highest agricultural produce, fertile arable land, and good climate. Not everyone is, therefore, in doubt that considering its strategic location, access to fertile land, and the potential for increased agricultural investment,…
President Bola Tinubu on Thursday declared that the several reforms embarked on by his government in the last two years, including the removal of subsidies on petrol, and unification of multiple exchange rates into a single, market-driven rate, effectively allowing the naira to float freely, although painful temporarily, were working. The President in a statement to mark his second year anniversary in office, said the toughest phase of the administration’s reforms were over, with the country now on a path to economic stability, improved security, and inclusive national development. President Tinubu described the past two years as a period of…
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…