The Federal Capital Territory Administration (FCTA) has opened a Veterinary Diagnostic Laboratory in an effort to provide quality animal health care services and increase the Administration’s capacity to respond quickly to the prevention of developing infectious illnesses.

Dr. Ramatu Tijjani Aliyu, FCT Minister of State during the inaugural event in Nyanya said that the livestock sub-sector offers huge business and commercial potential that may help facilitate job creation, poverty reduction, and the accomplishment of food security and nutrition.

The Minister used the occasion to flag-off the free anti-rabies vaccination campaign and distribution of inputs to livestock farmers in the Federal Capital Territory, while lamenting the economic and social viability of the livestock sector was threatened by the increasing outbreak of animal diseases particularly those that are highly communicable and zoonotic by nature.  

According to her, “Studies have shown that the majority of diseases that afflict animals are zoonotic, capable of causing not only huge fatalities in both animals and humans but economic losses as well.  

“In Nigeria, we have witnessed notable zoonosis such as Anthrax, Monkeypox and Ebola. Other contagious diseases such as Rabies and Lassa fever, Avian Influenza, Rinderpest, Peste des Petits Ruminants amongst others”.  

Aliyu also pledged that the FCT Administration was leaving no stone unturned to ensure the sustenance of the sector through the implementation of innovative strategies to boost productivity and help enhance systemic capacity and preparedness to combat emerging and infectious animal diseases even before they occur.  

She also used the occasion to reveal that the Administration has concluded plans in establishing a Special Livestock Industrial Processing Zone in the Paikon-Kore grazing reserve, aimed at boosting the livestock production and processing, while promoting peaceful, mutually-beneficial economic partnerships between herders and pastoralists, creating jobs, and enhancing food security.  

The minister commended all those that have contributed to the success of the veterinary diagnostic laboratory, particularly the Agriculture and Rural Development Secretariat, on the milestone achievement of creating a vehicle for facilitating quick animal health care service delivery to the residents of the FCT, in line with the food security enhancement policy of the current administration.  

On his part, the Acting. Secretary FCT Agriculture and Rural Development Secretariat, Mr. Prospect Ibe, also emphasized the importance of the project, stressing that the implementation of innovative programmes would help to reposition the agricultural sector towards increasing food production and improving the livelihood of FCT residents.  

Ibe further noted that prior to the establishment of this laboratory, the secretariat had relied on other institutions for test analysis and diagnosis, adding that with this development residents have the opportunity to access reliable laboratory services and getting test results in quicker time.  

He, however, assured that in order to ensure the sustenance of this project, the secretariat has with the support of partners, exposed the Veterinary Doctors and Laboratory Scientists on the effective use of the equipment, while appealing to farmers and owners of animals to maintain hygiene where their animals are kept.  

The highpoint of the event was the vaccination of animals against rabies and distribution of inputs to livestock farmers in the FCT.  

… Says FCTA To Profile Eligible Family  

Minister of State for the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Dr. Ramatu Tijjani Aliyu, has extended aid to a needy family with many births at the National Hospital Abuja.

The minister offered the parents a financial donation of 250, 000 Naira, as well as baby clothing, diapers, and other needs for the babies’ upkeep, during a visit to the triplets at the hospital’s In-Born Neonatal Intensive Care Unit.

Dr. Aisha Umar, Director of Clinical Services, escorted Aliyu through the hospital. Aliyu also stated that the FCT Administration was profiling eligible families in need of government assistance in accordance with the mandate of the FCT Social Development Secretariat.  

She stated that, “The FCT Administration, through its Social Development Secretariat, has a policy for supporting indigent families with multiple births, especially the less privileged ones. But with economic down-turn, the policy was set aside temporarily, but it’s being revisited.  

“We are here in my private capacity. I am here today as a mother and as a human being. Hopefully when we resume on Monday after the break other families will be profiled for visitation which will be carried out by the Gender Department of the SDS to ensure only deserving families are visited,” she stressed.  

She also hinted that beneficiaries of the welfare policy of the Administration had hitherto abused the process, thus depriving eligible families.  

According to her: “Actually most of the time government discontinue processes like this because they are being abused by indigent and citizens and we have seen situations where beneficiaries abuse such supports, piling up bills and depriving requiring eligible families. So now we want to follow due process and ensure that only deserving families with multiple births and indigent families benefits from this support of the Federal Capital Territory Administration.  

“In the past we have seen situations where supports such as shelter, is provided for those categorised as the poorest of the poor and could not afford shelter for themselves. By the grace of God under this Administration we are revisiting that but for now I am here in my capacity as a mother and a human being to support some indigent families”.  

Earlier in his response, one of the beneficiaries and father of the triplet, Evangelist Advocate Tommy, expressed gratitude to FCT Minister of State for her kind gesture, praying for God’s guidance and favour upon her.  

“I am overwhelmed with this kind of gesture especially from government official. I am still in shock to have a close contact with a serving minister. Her visitation alone is enough testimony, but she crown it all with cash and assorted gift items. May God bless her richly,” he added.  

The highpoint of the visit was additional cash donation of 10,000 Naira each and wrappers to 50 families with different medical challenges.  

The Federal Capital Territory Administration (FCTA) has increased surveillance at recreational parks in Abuja to ensure compliance with COVID-19 protocols as the Muslim Ummah continues to celebrate EId-el-Kabir, claiming that the action was justified as a precaution to prevent the spread of the third wave.

The administration would not relax its grip on the ravaging virus, according to Comrade Ikharo Attah, the Head of Media and Publicity for the FCT Ministerial Committee on COVID-19 Enforcement, who observed compliance yesterday at the Abuja Millennium Park.

While residents, particularly Muslims who are celebrating the holiday, have the right to do so, the administration has the responsibility to ensure a healthy atmosphere, according to Attah.

He said there was some compliance with the COVID-19 guidelines in the city center, he noted it was significantly less so in the satellite towns and most of the interior.

According to him , ” From what we saw yesterday at the Mosque during the prayers, there was compliance, particularly at the main city Mosque, we saw few washing points and people using hand sanitisers, in the suburb it may not be the same. In terms of the recreational parks, we have to commend the operators. Although people are hanging around in their large numbers. 

” The Unity Fountain is locked, Millennium and Jabi parks are also locked . FCT Commissioner of Police has also helped by ordering Divisional Police Officers to ensure that no parks are opened in their areas.

” FCT Minister, Malam Muhammad Bello has appealed to residents to help in the fight against COVID-19, especially the dreaded 3rd wave. The Minister is ready to open up completely, once we are able to overcome the virus”, Attah said.

However, findings in Abuja on Wednesday, show that the measures taken by locking up recreational parks appeared to be counter-productive. 

Even as pleasure seekers accuse the government of breaking World Health Organization (WHO) rules that allow large-scale events to be held in an open air setting.

The disgruntled locals also accused the administration of discriminating against them.

They claimed that there is no justification for marketplaces, mosques, churches, and other public areas to operate without limitations while recreational centers, which host mostly open-air events, remain closed.

The angry fun seekers who defiantly besieged the Millennium and Jabi parks with their family members, have also taken over all available spaces, including major roads, where they parked their cars and spread their mats for recreational purposes. 

A resident, Erin Inyang who said he is a real Estate developer, and came to the Millennium Park with the hope to catch some interested homes off-takers, said government has once again displayed double standards, by shutting down recreational centres.

Inyang said the same government that was restricting those celebrating Sallah from accessing recreational parks, have allowed markets and even worship places to operate unhindered. 

‘We Have Good Working Relationship With FCTA,’ Says Council Chairmen

The Area Council Services Secretariat and the six Area Council Chairmen in the Federal Capital Territory have denied media reports that the councils’ authorities were making decisions and enforcing policies without contacting higher authorities.

According to the reports, area council chairmen make decisions without consulting the Minister of State’s office, which oversees the councils’ activities and other auxiliary concerns, or FCT lawmakers in the National Assembly, who oversee the FCT Administration.

However, in a fast response, both the area council and the FCT Area Council Services Secretariat condemned the claims as malicious and a deliberate attempt to pit area council chairs against the FCT Minister of State’s office and National Assembly deputies.

Mischief makers and political adversaries are set on sowing seeds of conflict between the office of the Minister of State and the council chairmen, according to a joint press statement issued by the six area council chairmen and the FCT Area Council Services Secretariat.

Abdullahi Adamu Candido, the chairman of the Abuja Municipal Area Council, who signed on behalf of the council chairmen said; “our attention has been drawn to a news item trending in both traditional and social media platforms orchestrated by some disgruntled characters. Ordinarily, the authorities of the area councils would have ignored the entire report and remain taciturn, but silent is consent.

The statement read in bits; “The publication is a desperate attempt to plant seed of discord between Her Excellency and the council chairmen and must not be allowed to stay. We will not take her motherly love for granted. We are very loyal to her and have never had it so good till her coming. Therefore, nobody should disturb this peace.

“If reporters or media organisations have personal issue with any chairman, they should go and settle their matters, and not drag other council’s chairmen into it by discrediting the entire body. We should be rational on issues and not be laced with emotions or ignorance on matters that often times we know nothing about.

“We are therefore, calling on our people to disregard the malicious publication aimed at overheating the system. We will not be deter in carrying out our constitutional mandates of providing welfare and security to our people”.

The council authorities also pledged their loyalty to representatives of the National Assembly who oversight the activities and workings of the FCT Administration, stressing that no amount of cheap blackmail would deter them from working for the common good of rural communities.

According to him, “we are not just loyal to Her Excellency, the FCT Minister of State, Dr. Ramatu Tijjani Aliyu, but also to our esteemed representatives at the National Assembly. As area council heads, we cannot work in silos if we must deliver dividends of democracy to our residents.

On her part, the Ag. Secretary FCT Area Council Services Secretariat, Mrs. Omolola Olanipekun, also discredited the report, affirming that both the Area Council and the secretariat are having a harmonious relationship in driving the policies of the administration.

“To state the obvious, the secretariat is amazed at the immeasurable phew of the reporters and its sponsors in conjuring events and hallucinating conversations that are not related to the subject matter. They could be best described as an indefatigable genius in dishing out tissues of lies.

“And to set the records straight, let me state categorically here that, we enjoy harmonious relationship with the six area councils in the territory. We advice them to please carryout their individual background checks on the activities of these revered bodies with the able supervision of the Honourable Minister of State”, she added.

The Federal Capital Territory Administration (FCTA) has increased its efforts to successfully address the long-standing problem of arbitrarily nonfunctional traffic installations in Abuja, Nigeria’s capital.

To that aim, the recently passed 2021 FCT Appropriation, which is currently awaiting presidential approval, contains sufficient funding to allow procurement processes to begin.

While speaking on behalf of the administration, Usman Musa Yahaya, Acting Secretary, FCTA Transportation Secretariat, hinted that this will result in a tangible improvement in the repair of non-functional traffic signal installations in new areas

On Monday in Abuja, he informed journalists at a press conference about the state of traffic light installations across the Territory.

Yahaya noted that 62 of the 172 traffic signal installations are currently operational and are positioned at various intersections across multiple districts.

He stated that because Abuja is a planned territory and a modern
city, successive administrations of the Federal Capital Territory have diligently exerted concerted efforts, through the Transportation Secretariat, to install traffic light installations on world-class roads provided by the Federal Capital Development Authority (FCDA).

According to him; “I must state that the Transportation Secretariat has not watched without taking any action, the concerns of residents on the state of this critical component of traffic light management.

” Regrettably, as many as 110 are at various levels of non-functional condition.Twenty-Five (25 nos.) out of the 110 are currently undergoing rehabilitation while some have been packaged for procurement for fresh signalization within the 2021 FCT Appropriation.

“The Transportation Secretariat has been receiving, with great concern, feedback from residents on the status of the traffic light installations particularly the non-functional ones as well as yearnings for installation of more at intersections having difficult traffic situations.

“With the support of the Permanent Secretary and approval granted by the Honourable Minister, adequate provision was made in the recently passed 2021 FCT Appropriation which is awaiting Presidential assent to pave way for the commencement of procurement processes that will ultimately translate to tangible improvement”, he stressed.

He continued: “Part of the challenges the Transportation Secretariat has faced in the proper management of the Traffic Light Installations include knocking down of the installations by motorists and subsequent vandalization of the components by criminals.

“This warranted the adoption of a new but strenuous strategy of installing the Traffic Light which involves welding of the components to prevent vandals from further vandalization of the parts; Lack of spare parts for routine maintenance which will be addressed as soon as the procurement process is completed.

” Effort has been made in the 2021 FCT Appropriation with further assurance from Management of adequate funding going forward”.

Civil officials have been exhorted to be committed to selfless and efficient service delivery at all levels in order to foster good governance and the country’s embryonic democracy.

This charge was given on Monday in Abuja by Dr. Jumai Ahmadu, the Acting Director of the FCTA Department of Reform Coordination and Service Improvement.

Journalists at Kaura District Market presented Ahmadu with a birthday package as part of the activities that started off her week-long birthday celebration.

The Director, who was recently honored by the Federation’s Head of Civil Service for quality and transparency in service delivery, stated that excellent governance can be achieved when the civil service is properly reformed and staff are suitably motivated.

Ahmadu, who was caught aback by the journalists’ outpouring of love and had to hold back her tears, promised that she would make more sacrifices to help the media propagate good governance ideas.

Earlier, Comrade Ikharo Attah, Chairman of the FCT Ministers Press Corps, who led the ambush, highlighted the significance of rewarding devoted civil servants who work hard to keep the government running smoothly.

Attah explained that the surprise birthday package was a measure to recognize honesty and hardworking which Dr. Jumai Ahmadu personifies. 

He also added that the Nigerian project can be better promoted, when critical stakeholders begin to  identify those who make impact in the society and encouraging them.

Malam Muhammad Musa Bello, Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), has advised citizens of the nation’s capital, particularly the Muslim Ummah, to be aware that a third wave of the COVID-19 epidemic is possible.

He, however assured that steps have been put in place to prevent its spread, citizens must also protect themselves by following the non-pharmaceutical preventive measures of facial covering, hand washing, and physical distance.

Bello gave this advise in his Eid-el-kabir message to the people of Abuja, the nation’s capital, while adding that residents are once more encouraged to enjoy the celebrations from the safety of their homes as attendance of large gatherings increases the risk of contacting the virus.

His message read thus: “The Sallah celebration provides us with the unique opportunity to offer supplications to Almighty Allah for the continuous growth and development of our country. Let us therefore pray for peace and the collective ability to surmount our current challenges.

“I encourage us to use this occasion to meditate on, and give expression to the lifestyle of Prophet Ibrahim especially on the virtues of sacrifice and selflessness which Eid-el-Kabir symbolizes.

“As residents of our nation’s capital, we should consider it our obligation to live up to the dreams and ideals of our founding fathers who also made enormous sacrifices in the quest of making Abuja the Center of Nigeria’s unity and a melting pot of our various cultures, traditions and ideas.

“It is imperative therefore that we imbibe these ideals of sacrifice and nation building as exemplified by Prophet Ibrahim and our founding fathers to build an FCT and Nigeria of our collective desires”.

He continued: “This is quite possible especially with dedication, commitment and singularity of purpose from all of us.

“In the same vein I appeal to you all to be security concious in the course of the festivities and report any suspicious activities to the relevant security agencies

“Residents should however be rest assured that the FCT Administration is doing its best to ensure the security of lives and property both during and after the festivities”.