The Supreme Court struck out the case of Hon. Suleiman Alhassan Gwagwa challenging Hon. Murtala Karshi as the substantive candidate of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Abuja Municipal Area Council (AMAC) in the forthcoming FCT area councils elections.
It would be recalled that Karshi has approached the Supreme Court for justice challenging the judgment of the Appeal Court which favoured Gwagwa as the substantive candidate of the APC in the February 12 election.
Hon Justice Chima Centus Nweze JSC. from Enugu State who read the judgment said that all evidence presented by the defendant to challenge the candidacy of Karshi lacked merit.
He then struck out all their cases for lack of merit, while declaring the appellant, Murtal Karshi as the substantive chairmanship candidate of APC in AMAC.
Murtala Karshi while speaking on the judgement, commended the Supreme Court for putting an end to the controversy surrounding his candidacy, saying that justice has finally prevailed in the council.
He called on all APC supporters to stand as one and ensure that the party wins the chairmanship and councillorship seats in the council, thereby calling on all aggrieved members to join hands in working for the success of the party.
The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Malam Muhammad Musa Bello has called on all contestants and political parties to commit themselves to peace before, during and after the elections.
Saying, “after the election, we must all return back to being brothers and sisters bound by the love for country and the desire to see her grow.
The Minister also reminded residents that the FCT is a symbol of Nigeria’s unity where every citizen has an equal stake in its affairs.
He made this known in a his message to FCT residents on the upcoming elections, saying, since the return to democracy in 1999, the FCT Area Council elections have held unfailingly every three years leading to the entrenchment of an enduring democratic culture where the wishes of the people have prevailed.
He said, “I therefore call on residents and contestants to use the Council polls to truly demonstrate the unity of all Nigerians, regardless of ethnic, religious or political affiliations” the Minister added.
Bello also called for the active and peaceful participation of FCT residents in the forthcoming FCT Area Council elections, scheduled to hold on Saturday 12th February 2022.
According to the message, “He called on them to maintain this enviable tradition by abiding by all extant rules and regulations guiding the polls in a peaceful manner.
“Conducting a smooth election is not the responsibility of the Independent National Electoral Commission alone, but also those of the electorate working in tandem with all stakeholders, including security agencies, civil society groups, the mass media with community and religious leaders and organisations.
“The smooth transition of power through the active participation of the electorate do not only deepen national democratic values but also ensure credible and accountable governance that will truly serve the people.
He however reminded would be trouble makers that the security agencies are under strict directives to bring the full weight of the law on errant individuals or groups who may attempt to breach the peace in whatever guise.
He therefore called on parents, traditional, community and religious leaders to caution their wards, subjects and members of their congregation against engaging in acts that could disrupt the peaceful conduct of the elections.
Bello also reminded residents that the attention of the national and international community is focused on the FCT Area Council elections
The electorate in the FCT, therefore bear a burden of responsibility of ensuring a peaceful and transparent conduct of the elections he added.
He therefore advised residents not to hesitate to call on the relevant authorities if they witness any activities that run contrary to the laid down election guidelines.
He thereafter wished the contestants the best of luck in the polls.
The Permanent Secretary, Federal Capital Territory Administration (FCTA), Mr. Olusade Adesola has charged the management and staff of the Abuja Environmental Protection Board (AEPB) to up their efforts on improvement of sanitary and environmental conditions of the Nation’s Capital City.
He gave the charge during an emergency meeting with the management staff of the Board on Thursday in Abuja.
Adesola urged staff of the Abuja Environmental Protection Board to change their approach in terms of its management of the city’ sanitary conditions, expressed confidence in the ability of the personnel of the Board to keep the Territory clean at all times.
Miffed with the low revenue profile and the increasing debts owed to the Board, he told the staff to be up and doing.
The Permanent Secretary who hinted that the Administration is ready to support the Board to achieve its goals and objectives, warned that it will not tolerate any act of incompetence by any staff.
He further stated that already all disagreements revolving around revenue collection between Abuja Municipal Area Council (AMAC) and the FCT Administration have been largely resolved.
Mr. Adesola equally used the opportunity to call on all Government Agencies, Estates, Private Organizations and individuals enjoying services being rendered by the Abuja Environmental Protection Board to pay their bills forthwith to enable the Board function hitch-free.
Responding on behalf of the entire management and staff of the Board, the outgoing Director of Abuja Environmental Protection Board, Mr. Kaka Ali who pledged the support of the staff in charting a new course for the Board.
In a bid to beef up security, the Ondo State government has consolidated its security apparatus with fresh acquisition of Pickups, DFM buses and Light trucks, from the stable of CIG Motors Nigeria, distributors of GAC Motor in the country.
The deal marked a new milestone for CIG Motors Nigeria as they set sail for a new course with collaboration with the Ondo state government, which took delivery of the vehicles at an official handover ceremony held at the State government house.
Giving a speech of appreciation at the event, the representative Speaking on behalf of Chief Diana Chen chairman of CIG Motors, the GM Commercial & Group Head Communications Mr JUBRIL AROGUNDADE said that “The importance of today’s mission being the handover of these security pickups is one that is highly regarded in our company’s vision, to become the Automobile company of choice for organizations and individuals who are interested in dealing with authenticity. As part of our drive to deliver in all capacity, we will be setting up an after-sales service center In Ondo state.
CIG Motors is truly invested in the future of mobility and innovation that aids development in Nigeria, and we have continued to strengthen these values through strategic partnerships and collaborations such as this one, while delivering excellent value which is our primary goal.
We are grateful to the Ondo state Government for their trust in our brand, for our product and our capacity to deliver.”
Also Speaking at the ceremony, the governor of Ondo state His Excellency Rotimi Akeredolu employed CIG Motors to hurry up set up an aftersales workshop in Ondo state, as the Government is posed to purchase more vehicles. To the delight of everyone, the Governor proposed to provide land for the after-sales workshop.
The Deputy Governor His Excellency Lucky Aiyedatiwa thanked the Governor for the initiative to empower the 18 local governments in Ondo state with these state-of-the-art fleet of pickups for security operations in the state.
CIG Motors has overtime since coming into the Nigerian Automobile market, proven itself to be a trustworthy brand, one which delivers quality at the best rate, and is committed to embracing the Nigerian spirit of excellence.
Just few more days to the February 12th Area Councils Elections in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) , the Minister of the FCT, Malam Muhammad Musa Bello and the Minister of State for FCT, Dr. Ramatu Tijjani Aliyu are lobbying Abuja Traders to cast their votes for the All Progressive Congress (APC).
While saying that this will ensure seamless governance from the Federal to the grassroot levels and dividence of democracy will be enjoyed by all.
Comrade Ikharo Attah, the Senior Special Assistance on Monitoring, Inspection and Evaluation to FCT Minister, made the position of the ministers known when he received in his office the Great United Okirika Traders Association who came to felicitate with him on his appointment.
Attah said, “But those of us in politics, we know without politics there won’t be government, we want all stakeholders to vote our party, APC, the Minister has always asked us to beg all stakeholders to vote for our party candidates, because if we are not in power we are no where, the Minister and Minister of State, Ramatu Tijjani Aliyu, have appealed to all traders to vote APC in the forthcoming Area Council election”.
“FCT Minister Malam Mohammad Musa Bello is committed to the development of Abuja, he may not talk or shout about it but if you drive round the city, you will see construction works going on at Deeper life junction, Power house junction, Wuye bridge among many others”, he added.
While speaking on the plights of the Nyanya traders, Attah said, you need to have a good section for those who deal on second hand cloths and second hand items particularly as the market is being developed to factor you in. It is very cardinal like what we have in Garki model market you already have a place nobody will say any taskforce is disturbing them on the road.
His words; “COVID-19 has affected all our businesses and of the truth that we have been able to pull through Covid-19. We thank God we have been able to engage and I think we need to engage more. And if you observe what you requested for and I think you need to have a good section for those who deal on second hand cloths and second hand items particularly as the market is being developed to factor you in. It is very cardinal like in Garki model market you already have a place nobody will say any taskforce os disturbing them on the road.
“Your place is strategic and the busiest, we are hopeful that you have a similar section on Nyanya market. We have spoken to the developer and we are hopeful that when the place is fully developed, we will start a deeper engagement, there might be a redesign .
“They can even carve out a place whereby you know you can trade within Nyanya. Research have shown that, you are the busiest in the market. I commend you for leaving the road corridors. But Minister came to the market to see things for himself and allowed you to stay. You people have been following up on your boundaries and I am very happy about this and am impressed. We are going to engage the developer next week. But everyday market is factored in by the developer, that daily market will have to move”.
Meanwhile, the Chairman, Great United Okirika Traders Association, Mr Christian Kalu said, they are enjoying the market today because they complied to the directives given to them.
He,however, appealed to FCT administration to factor in Okirika traders into the new market design.
What is fulfilment without some sort of financial security? However little, money makes the world go round, and enables us live a good life and achieve our aims. There is no way of achieving all of these without hard work. Amid our busy schedule, we sometimes forget that staying healthy is priority. Afterall, good health is the necessary wealth that is needed to navigate through life.
The hustle and bustle sometimes weaken us, takes our time, shifts our focus and when we get hungry, we grab the next available meal. This very often are fast foods laden with trans-fat or other foods made with oils we cannot vouch for. When cooking, a lot of people do not pay attention to the nutritional contents of the meal being prepared. The COVID-19 pandemic has made this even more difficult as many homes now operate on shoestring budgets. Oils are often used and reused until they turn dark and putrid, in a bid to save cost.
Looking at the two divides between wealth to the point that we are dependent on fast foods, and “economising” food resources to be able to save on what little there is, trans-fat has slowly crept into the meals of everyday Nigerians regardless of their social class.
Trans-fat, also known as hydrogenated fats, forms a process where regular or liquid vegetable is converted into solid fats while passing it through hydrogen. There are two types of hydrogenated oils – partially hydrogenated and fully hydrogenated oil.
Partially hydrogenated oil increases the bad cholesterol and lowers the good cholesterol in the body which could lead to cardiovascular and other heart related diseases while a fully hydrogenated contains less trans-fat and is less risky.
In all of this, experts warn and urge the world to pay attention to diets. The World Health Organisation (WHO) in 2021 reported that cardiovascular diseases, CVDs, are the leading cause of deaths globally.
A year earlier, an estimated 17.9 million people died from CVDs , representing 32% of all global deaths. Of these deaths, 85% were due to heart attack and stroke. The WHO has estimated that there are 500,000 global deaths per year due to coronary heart disease attributed to trans fatty acids.
Hema Khanchandani, a director of advocacy with the Global Health Advocacy Incubator (GHAI) says Nigeria recorded about 3, 229 deaths attributed to Trans-Fat-related cardiovascular diseases in 2019. Foods responsible for such illnesses, include but not limited to the popular chinchin, bean cake, noodles, plantain chips, fried and baked foods, etc.
Regardless of what our daily routine is, it is very important to pay adequate attention to food intake and diet. To avoid the accumulation of trans fatty acids, caution must be applied when consuming foods with partially hydrogenated oil like fries and fried foods. We must be careful with margarine, crackers, packaged and frozen foods and opt instead for fully hydrogenated oil which poses less risk. Palm oil, olive and avocado oil are considered safe to consume in moderation.
You could create a proper work and diet plan for yourself to help you live a fulfilled life. As it is almost impossible to identify foods that are prepared with trans-fat oil without proper labelling and regulations on limit of trans-fat in processed foods, consumption must be done with caution and in moderation.
With cardiovascular disease on the rise, it’s important for NAFDAC and Health Ministry to ensure that these regulations become law so that Nigerians can be aware and have reference point as to regarding their trans-fat consumption, and for industry players to properly monitor them on what they put in the market.
The Federal Capital Territory Administration (FCTA) has tasked ethnic communities living in Abuja to use their various platforms to promote the security and development of the Nation Capital City.
Comrade Ikharo Attah, the Senior Special Assistant to FCT Minister on Monitoring, Inspection and Enforcement gave this charge over the weekend in Abuja, when he addressed the reunion meeting of the Descendants of Uhonmora-Ora.
The people of Uhonmora-Ora are said to be indigenous in Owan West Local Government Area of Edo State, but have a large representation in all sectors of the economy within the Federal Capital Territory.
Attah who also hails from the community, said Abuja as Nigeria’s Capital, is a burgeoning model city of global repute, as well as a unifying point for all ethnic groups, as envisioned by its founding fathers.
He stated that the security and development of the city do not depend on government alone, but the responsibility of all individuals and ethnic groups, who also need to support government’s policies in all aspects.
He opined that government’s efforts towards securing and developing the city, would have little or no impact without the cooperation of all stakeholders.
Attah stated that several measures had been taken by the FCT Ministers, Malam Muhammad Musa Bello and Dr. Ramatu Tijjani Aliyu towards sustaining the developmental blueprint of the city for the benefits of all Nigerians and legitimate foreigners.
He further called on all the ethnic groups to always use their meetings to urge their members to respect and obey the laws, and protocols that govern the FCT.
He said leaders of various ethnic groups should also sensitize their members on the dangers of indulging in illegalities and attitudes that breed contraventions in the areas where they live.
He added that the administration has zero tolerance for lawlessness and criminalities , and other behaviours that scuttle security and development of the city.
According to him,” All ethnic communities must come in , join hands with the FCT Administration and the President who is the Governor General to build Abuja as a capital city for all of us.
” We must all be security conscious as well as obey the rules that govern Abuja, as made by its founding fathers”, Attah added.
Also Speaking, a Federal government’s retiree and a member of the community, Imoigele Kingsley, said his community in Abuja had been part of the development of the city for the past 30 years.
Kingsley who was also Chairman of the occasion, noted that the reunion meeting was convened to reactivate the community’s platform, to galvanise more developmental support both for their home community and Abuja where they live.
The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Malam Muhammad Musa Bello over the weekend recounted his near death experience with the dreaded COVID-19 pandemic even after taking two jabs.
While calling on residents of the nation’s capital who had not taken any of the jabs to take and also take their booster doses of the COVID-19 vaccine.
The minister made this known in his message to FCT residents after taking his booster shot.
Recounting his experience: “I thank God Almighty that I took the first and second doses of the COVID-19 vaccine, because on the 31st of December 2021, I was tested positive to COVID-19 and even though I was told it was mild, I knew what I experienced.
“Although I was not hospitalized, I was quarantined in my residence for three weeks because subsequently, even after taking medications, I still tested positive twice. It was the third time that I got a negative result. If I had not taken the first and second doses, probably what has happened to many of my dear ones would have happened to me” the Minister added.
He further stated that; “I tell you, even the mildness of the disease was something else because it hits you in many directions. When I had it, no matter how strong I felt during the day, for about 15, 20 minutes around 6pm, when I’m seated, I just drop asleep and then after 15 minutes, I’m able to turn up again. This is aside of the sore throat, the headaches and all the weakness you get especially in your joints. I had to change my course of medicine after the first 10 days”.
Commenting on the other effects of the disease, the Minister said “for three weeks, I was not productive. I didn’t go out of the house, I never had a chance to do my work and the multiplier effect was tremendous because even now, I’m just trying to cope, to clear all those files that I was not able to handle when I was under quarantine”.
He , however, thanked the Federal Government for ensuring the availability of the vaccines for Nigerians, he urged residents to get vaccinated because the vaccines indeed do save lives.
According to him, “ I tell you, from the figures I get from our Public Health Department, a hundred percent of the deaths that we experienced in the FCT during the last few weeks as a result of COVID-19 were from those who were not vaccinated. So, the thing is that for those that are vaccinated, chances are that their cases will be mild, like my own case.
“So, my message to us is let us all get vaccinated. For those who have been vaccinated for the first and second dose, I advise them to go for the booster. I will take all the recommended shots because I don’t want to go through what I went through again”.
Also speaking, the Secretary for Health and Human Services of the FCTA, Dr Abubakar Tafida said that a total of 433,000 people in the FCT have taken the first dose and 286,000 have had the second dose and so far, about 12,000 have taken the booster shot.
Confirming the words of the Minister, Dr Tafida said that since the 30th of November when he assumed office as the Secretary for Health, a total of 16 deaths had occurred as a result of COVID-19 and none of the victims had been vaccinated.
The Minister of Transportation, Honourable Rotimi Amaechi has assurance Nigerians of the completion of Kaduna-Kano railway project before the end of President Muhammadu Buhari led administration.
Amaechi gave the assurance in kano during an inspection tour of the project ahead of his turbaning ceremony as the Dan Amanar Daura on Saturday.
He however lamented that due to the delay in accessing the Chinese loan, the project is currently being funded from the budget.
The Minister stated that the project when completed will boost commercial activities between Kano and Lagos as goods manufactured in Kano will be sent easily to Lagos, while goods imported through Lagos can be sent to Kano easily.
“Job creation as well as increase in the value of land within the area are some of the benefits for the people who lives along the route,” he said.
Amaechi explained that his motivation towards railway project is purely national interest, which he said are job creation and economic purposes.
“The rail projects have brought succour to travelers along Abuja – Kaduna, Lagos – Ibadan and Warri – Itakpe. Plan has been concluded to connect all regions of the country with rail lines”.
He however gave directives to the Chinese contractors to break the work into portions, have men working on all at the same time, bring in more machinery and make use of local content to make sure the project is delivered on or before May 2023.
The Federal Capital Territory Administration (FCTA) through its Agriculture and Rural Development Secretariat (ARDS) on Thursday promised to sustain its synergy with International Institute of Tropical Agriculture (IITA) to boost food security across the territory.
The Mandate Secretary FCT Agriculture and Rural Development Secretariat, Mallam Abubakar Ibrahim disclosed this when the Abuja station representative/ project manager of IITA, Prof. Lateef Sanni led other senior officials on a courtesy visit to him.
Ibrahim said the secretariat was not unaware of the notable achievements recorded through the collaboration that started since 1991.
He hinted that the secretariat will continue to organize and mobilize the farmers to benefit from the programmes of the Institute which has the mandate of research on soya bean, Yam, cassava, maize, cowpea, Banana and plantain.
He promised to look into the challenges raised by the Institute especially fencing of the station, and also provision of adequate security measures.
He said, “We appreciate IITA for not only making the research findings available but also providing our farmers in the FCT with improved varieties of the aforementioned crops”.
Ibrahim stated that in recognition of the important role of research in boosting Agricultural production, the FCT Administration has continued to sustain its support to the Institute, describing the recent donation of a transformer and a borehole to the Institute in 2019 as another way of enhancing the activities of the Institute.
On his part, the IITA Abuja station representative Prof. Lateef Sanni appreciated the FCT Administration for always supporting the Institute to meet up with its mission to help resource-poor farmers raise agriculture production, as well as improve food security, and increase incomes in sub-Saharan Africa.
He further solicited assistance in the areas of completion of the Abuja perimeter fence of about 1,630meters, which he said exposes the station and all its assets to high security risks including land grabbing and encroachment.
Sanni also requested for an outreach and capacity building line budget to enable IITA to bridge the gap in Agriculture interventions in the Federal Capital Territory.
In her remarks, the Director Agriculture services in the secretariat, Mrs Francisa Ihekandu said the collaboration between IITA and FCTA will continue to yield positive results in the agriculture sector.
