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Flood: FCTA Demolishes Over 102 Houses In Gwagwalada

By
Toyin Adebayo
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0

TOYIN ADEBAYO, ABUJA

The Federal Capital Territory Administration (FCTA) has commenced demolition of over 102 houses built along water ways in in Giri-Kpasere, along Airport Road, in Gwagwalada Area Council.

This is as a result of last week’s flood incident that claimed a family of 5 in the community.

FCT Department of Development Control said the illegal houses have been marked more than one year ago, and that government had given the residents enough time to move out of the flood prone areas.

The Deputy Director, Monitoring and Enforcement, Department of Department Control, Garba Kwamkur said, government could not spare the houses anymore, following the recent forecast of more rains and consequential flooding that will affect the area.

He noted the community is part of the land covering about 260 hectares allocated within the Abuja Master Plan for the development of the University of Abuja, Gwagwalada, but some indigenous people and other squatters are staying there temporarily.

According to him; ” the university has written to us about the encroachment issue. The settlement here that’s due for resettlement has grown beyond it’s boundary. And we have issue of flood some time last week, where five persons, who were carried away by the flood, were confirmed dead.

Look probe area in Gwagwalada
Look probe area in Gwagwalada

“We actually had to discuss it with the village leaders on the need to move away from the flood plain area. FEMA has also predicted that there would be heavy flood this year, so we are doing something like a precautionary measure, that’s why all the buildings along the flood plains will have to go.

” And all contravention notices have been givenas far back as last year (2019). No government will sit down and do nothing when the lives of its citizens are being threatened by either flood or any other thing.

Meanwhile, the Chief of the Community, Mr. Isah Egari who said he is not opposing the demolition of the houses built on the water ways, however, pleaded with government to give the residents more time to move out from the affected places.

Egari also called on the demolition team to restrict the bulldozers to the areas close to the water channels, so as to not impose undue hardship on other residents who were not affected.

School Resumption : FCTA To Shut Down Schools violating COVID 19 Protocols

By
Toyin Adebayo
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0

TOYIN ADEBAYO, ABUJA

The Federal Capital Territory Administration (FCTA) said it will shut down any school within the nation’s that violates the COVID 19 guidelines recommended for the safety of the exit students who resumed schools to prepare students for their examination.

The Chairman of the FCTA Ministerial TaskForce on COVID 19 Enforcement, Comrade Ikharo Attah who led the team to inspect some schools within the nation’s capital, hinted that the administration cannot afford to expose the students to the danger of contracting the dreaded coronavirus, and therefore will not compromise the guidelines for resumption of the schools.

He further hinted that, the FCT Minister, Mallam Muhammad Bello has made it clear to heads of schools within the territory, that he is not ready to risk the life of any student or teacher , and therefore will not condone negligence in handling of the situation.

In his words ; “Any school, both public and private that fails to comply strictly to the guidelines would be shut down immediately, while their students will be transferred to other serious schools, while the management of such schools will be sanctioned appropriately.

” Any school that fails to comply, we will do everything within our power to safeguard the students. And such schools will likely be shut down through legal processes and the students will have to go and write exams somewhere else, pending when the school complies with the safety guidelines, and those responsible for The school mismanagement will be brought to book.

Attah continued; ” The FCT Minister, Mallam Muhammad Bello has been very clear about it, that he is not going to risk the life of any student or teacher. He said that everyone must come in within the context of safety”.

He, however, noted that most of the Public and Private schools his team visited to ascertain their level of compliance, had shown about 80 percent in their preparednes to the safety of students and teachers in their respective schools, by providing adequate hand washing hand points, sanitizer and decontaminated environment.

He said that, the compliance level at Ragina Pasis and Stella Maris, both private schools, Government Science and Technical College and some of the public schools within the city centre was commendable.

Attah also frowned at the attitude of the Heads of Model Junior Secondary School, located in Asokoro, for their failure to adequately prepare the school environment before the resumption.

He warned those defaulting to immediately make amend, he further stressed that the inspection will continue at the satellites towns tomorrow, because the administration Will not relent efforts to ensuring that the school environment was safe.

” From our own point it is already encouraging, in the sense that the schools we have been to, both government and private, if we assess them at a point of average, you will score them about 85 percent preparedness. They have complied. You could see hand washing points, hand sanitizer and there was also social distancing in their classrooms.

He added that, ” In some classes where they used to have about 80 students , have been reduced to 20 and 25 in some cases. In some of the schools, we also saw well equipped healthcare facilities. In some of the schools, we are also mot very happy and we have warned very strongly that they should brace up”.

Aliyu Assures Improved Budgetary Provisions For Physical Planning

By
Toyin Adebayo
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0
Dr Ramatu Tijjani Aliyu. Minister of State, Federal Capital Territory Abuja, Nigeria.
Dr Ramatu Tijjani Aliyu. Minister of State, Federal Capital Territory Abuja, Nigeria.

TOYIN ADEBAYO, ABUJA

Dr. Ramatu Tijjani Aliyu, the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Minister of State, has assured members of the Nigerian Institute of Town Planners, that efforts would be made for improved budgetary provisions in 2021 budget.

This was in view of the critical roles town planners play through review and implementation of physical plans for satellite towns, urban renewal, and other levels of planning interventions.  

Aliyu, who gave this commitment when members of the topmost management of the planning profession paid her a courtesy visit in her office.

She, however,stressed that recent flooding in most parts of the territory could have been avoided if town planners were actively engaged in the physical planning of satellite towns and settlements.  

The minister who is also a town planner by profession frowned at the conflicts of roles between physical planners and engineers and other allied professionals, saying “this is an era to redefine the essence of town planning in Nigeria”.  

In her words ; “How can town planning not be given prominence and engineering takes precedence? And this what we faced as a professional body. The flooding which is unexpected is as a result of neglecting town planners. Perhaps, it is an opportunity for town planners to also sit together and see how they can salvage the situation.  

“However, in the FCT and with the approval of the FCT Minister, we set up an adhoc committee of town planners to go round the city to see what has been done and what is left undone. This is because if we continue to do the same thing again and again, we should not expect different result. I can tell you proudly that in the past, powers were usurped and realities are now telling on us. This is an era to redefine the essence of town planning in Nigeria”.  

She, therefore, appealed to members of the National Assembly to assist the profession for improved budgetary provisions for the implementation of physical plans for satellite towns and urban management.  

Earlier in his remarks, the leader of delegation and National President of  Nigerian Institute of Town Planners, Tpl. Lekwa Ezutah, commended the minister for what he described as “demonstrated passion and commitment to the course of physical planning” in Nigeria particularly in the Federal Capital Territory since assumption of office as FCT Minister of State.  

While appreciating the efforts at creating the Directorate of Physical Planning in FCT Satellite Towns Development Department  (STDD), he implored the Directorate of Physical Planning be given the full latitude to exercise its functions instead of being subsumed under the Directorate of Engineering Services of the STDD, noting that such step would promote effective delivery of services by the Directorate.  

“We have observed that the FCT is in dire need for planners at all levels to facilitate organised development and achievement of the intents of the New Urban Agenda, the Sustainable Development Goals and the provisions of the Nigerian Urban and Regional Planning Law.  

“We recommend an aggressive manpower hunt for professional planners into the services of FCTA, provide adequate equipment for enforcement and improve the capacity of planners through training and retraining programmes either locally or international programmes,” he stressed.  

Ezutah, however, pledged the Institute readiness to be part of providing affordable housing for rural dwellers in the Federal Capital Territory.  

FCT Court Convicts Naira Marley, Fines Him N50,000 Per Count Charge

By
Toyin Adebayo
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0
Naira Marley

TOYIN ADEBAYO, ABUJA

The Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Mobile Court sitting in Abuja on Friday sentenced the popular music superstar, Azeez Fashola, aka Naira Marley, for violating the Presidential Task Force on COVID-19 Guidelines.

Naira Marley violated the Presidential Order in pursuant to Section 4 of the Quarantine Act, Cap. 02, Laws of the Federation of Nigeria, 2004.

He, however, pleaded guilty to the four count charge pressed on him by the prosecuting team.

While reading the four count charge, Magistrate Idayat Akanni, ordered Naira Marley to pay 50 thousand Naira for each of the count as well as publish a public apology to the Federal Government of Nigeria in a National Daily.

Azeez Fashola aka Naira Marley
Azeez Fashola aka Naira Marley

The four count charges include; violating Presidential ban on interstate travelling, not wearing of face mask contrary to the Presidential Order imposing compulsory wearing of face mask by all persons within Abuja the Federal Capital Territory, violating social distance order as well as violating dusk to dawn curfew in the territory.

It would, however be recalled that on Saturday, June 13, Naira Marley and his crew flew from Lagos State to Abuja to perform at a concert organized at Jabi Lake Mall.

While reacting to the judgment, the defender’s lawyer, Mohammad Yunusa, said that moving forward, “we will be very detailed and also confirm informations given to our clients by people who book him. Like in this instance, we were given the assurance that all the approvals from the government has been procured for him to be in Abuja and at the concert. It was on the strength of the representation that he came to Abuja to perform.”

He added that having gone through the trial, Naira Marley will henceforth be more focal in the advocacy for the adherence to the COVID-19 safety guidelines by all.

Similarly , the Prosecutor, Chief State Council for the Government, Udeme Umanah, explained that the offenses have a minimum fine of N2,000 and then the court has its own jurisdiction to impose a N50,000 fine per count since he (Naira Marley) have admitted liability.

On his part, the Chairman, FCT Ministerial Taskteam on COVID-19 Enforcement, Comrade Ikharo Attah , said “I think for those of us in the Federal Capital Territory Administration (FCTA) and those of us in the COVID-19 team, this has been a very long struggling matter. The artist himself today pleaded guilty that he broke the law and the Judge in her mercy was kind to give him N50,000 per each of the four count charge.

“We are telling people that they should learn to obey the law and do what is right. Regardless of what you think you are, you are subject to law and even if you run far and think time has overtaken the process of justice, that is not true. You can see that after like two months now, he has been brought to face the law. We thank the security agencies, particularly the Nigerian Police for actually picking him up and flying him into Abuja for this prosecution.”

World Hepatitis Day: 20 Million Nigerians Chronically Infected With Hepatitis, Says Ehanire

By
Toyin Adebayo
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0
Dr. Osagie Ehanire
Dr. Osagie Ehanire

TOYIN ADEBAYO, ABUJA

Dr. Osagie Ehanire , the Minister of Health has revealed that about 20 million people in Nigeria are chronically infected with Hepatitis.

He also hinted that , government has committed a $3billion Nigeria Strategy on Immunization and PHC Systems Strengthening (NSIPSS) .This is our plan for transitioning to financial ownership of the immunization and primary health care system over a ten-year period, from 2018-2028.

He made this known in his message to commemorate the 2020 World Hepatitis Day and the launch of the of the guidelines for prevention of mother to child transmission of Hepatitis -B.

He stated that; “Nigeria is endemic for both viral hepatitis B and C. In 2018 Nigeria conducted a National AIDS Indicator and Impact Survey which showed a prevalence of 8.1% for Hepatitis B (HBV) and 1.1% for Hepatitis C (HCV). We could estimate that about 20 million people are chronically infected.

“We recognize the importance of vaccination as a critical intervention in our determination to eliminate HBV infection by 2030. In the light of this, Nigeria was one of the first African countries to introduce a birth dose of HBV vaccine in 2004. Furthermore, we established the National Viral Hepatitis Control programme in 2013, to coordinate all national efforts and through this, developed National documents, including policies, a strategic plan, guidelines, training materials and a treatment center directory, which are in use today. An important next step is establishing a routine surveillance system to improve on our reporting on the Global Hepatitis Surveillance systems (GHSS) platform.

“We are working in alignment with the Regional Resolution to reduce Chronic Hepatitis B Virus Infection to less than 2% in children under five years by the end of this year”, he explained.

The Minister added that, one of the major challenges of Hepatitis B birth dose vaccination was the inadequate domestic contribution to finance vaccines and expand access to services. In recent times, Nigeria has made important progress in this area.

Saying, we are committed to a $3billion Nigeria Strategy on Immunization and PHC Systems Strengthening (NSIPSS). This is our plan for transitioning to financial ownership of the immunization and primary health care system over a ten-year period, from 2018-2028.

All in all, the plan aims to address inequities in the uptake of routine vaccines and includes improvement of coverage for HBV Birth Dose. In 2019, HBV birth dose coverage was 59%. We hope to continue to increase coverage as we work towards elimination. It is important to note that Nigeria has not defaulted in its co-financing obligations of routine immunization implementation for the past 3 years, he stated.

He continued; “We have also worked on strengthening routine immunization through the establishment of a National Emergency Routine Immunization Coordination Centre (NERICC) in 2017, and there have been several gains through the creation of this platform. For example, its heavy focus on supply chain management has helped to improve availability of vaccines at district and facility levels.

“We acknowledge the significant work that is required to address prevention of mother to child transmission of viral hepatitis. The robust policy on Reproductive Health, Maternal, New-born, and Child Health (RMNCH) to screen all pregnant mothers for HIV, syphilis and viral hepatitis presents a great opportunity that can be strengthened to improve prevention of mother to child transmission of viral hepatitis.”

The Minister , however, acknowledged the need to continue to build capacities of health care providers and expand social mobilization efforts especially during this pandemic. Together we can achieve a Hepatitis Free Future.

Executive, Legislature Reiterates Commitment Towards Completion Of Ajaokuta Steel

By
Toyin Adebayo
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0
Minister of Mines and Steel
Minister of Mines and Steel

TOYIN ADEBAYO, ABUJA

Relief has come the way of the Ajaokuta Steel plant as the Minister of Mines and Steel Development, Arc. Olamilekan Adegbite and National Assembly reiterated commitment towards the completion of the 41 years Steel plant.

Adegbite, while addressing the Senate leaders on over-sight visit to Ajaokuta Steel Company Limited (ASCL) and National Iron Ore Mining Company (NIOMCO) revealed that both the Executive and the Legislature would ensure that Ajaokuta Steel Company is revived and made operational.

He, however, added that; there is a bright future for all Nigerians when the complex is restored and starts producing at its optimal installed capacity.

Adegbite further noted that ; the COVID-19 pandemic had limited government’s ability to go forward on the Ajaokuta Steel project, saying, it was four to five months behind its planned schedule to revive the complex.

This, he said, was specifically because Russian experts who were to undertake the complex’s technical audit could not come into the country because of the corona virus pandemic and the ban on international flights. He noted that the complexity of the Ajaokuta Steel Company would make an online audit impossible as people had to be physically present.

He hinted that the technical audit that was being planned for Ajaokuta Steel Company by the Federal Government would also be done at NIOMCO. “We have the same purpose and we are focused that this project is delivered to the benefit of Nigerians, the people of Kogi and to the glory of God,” he said.

He said the Federal Government sees NIOMCO and Ajaokuta Steel Company as a conjoined-twin that could not be separated and that the Federal Government would rely on money pledged by Russians and Afrexim bank to fix both Ajaokuta Steel Complex and NIOMCO.

Adegbite, said both the Executive and the Legislature would ensure that ASCL and NIOMCO become operational before long.

According to him; “We have the same purpose and we are focused that this project is delivered to the benefit of Nigerians, the people of Kogi and to the glory of God,” he emphasized.

Similarly , the Senate Leader, Sen Abdulahi Yahaya who was accompanied by the Senate Committee Chairman on Solid Mineral, Mines, Steel Development and Metallurgy, Sen. Tanks Al-Makura and other Senate leaders said National Assembly would ensure that efforts of President Muhammadu Buhari to revive ASCL and NIOMCO come to fruition.

In the same vein, the Committee Chairman, Sen. Tanko Almakura, said Senate leaders were on a fact finding mission in the State to ascertain the situation of things at ASCL and NIOMCO and ensure they commence production within shortest possible time

Sen Al-Makura said the technical audit remains paramount and cardinal towards the successful take off of ASCL and NIOMCO.

Earlier , the Kogi State Deputy Governor, Edward Onoja who received the delegations on behalf of the State Governor expressed hope that with the renewed commitment of the Federal Government to resuscitate Ajaokuta Steel Company, it would be fully operational before the tenure of the present administration ends.

The Sole Administrator of NIOMCO, Itakpe, Mr. Augustus Nkechika while receiving the delegations stressed the need to fully complete the rehabilitation of the company’s plants and acquire additional mining equipment before the planned resuscitation of Ajaokuta Steel Company by the Federal Government.

Nkechika said NIOMCO’s mandate to provide basic raw materials for iron and steel production makes it strategic to the country as the company is expected to supply Ajaokuta Steel Company with 2.15 million tonnes of iron ore concentrate and other raw materials.

The Sole Administrator of Ajaokuta, Engr. Sumaila Akaaba is hopeful that the completion of Ajaokuta would be realistic before the end of President Buhari’s regime as he said the commitment of the present administration to making the steel plant work is unrivalled.

The Ajaokuta Steel complex conceived in 1976, was aimed at establishing a metallurgical process plant and engineering complex with other facilities which is meant to generate important upstream and downstream industrial and economic activities that are critical to the industrialization of Nigeria.

Covid-19: 60 PCR Public Health Laboratories Now In Nigeria

By
Toyin Adebayo
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0
Dr Osagie Ehanire
Minister of Health

TOYIN ADEBAYO, ABUJA

Dr. Osagie Ehanire , the Minister of Health has said that, 60 PCR Public Health laboratories are now active in Nigeria.

While adding that, this will address testing capacity challenges and ramp up utilization if only the logistics could be improved. This, along with sheer community spread, be responsible for the rising trajectory of the epidemic curve in the population tested so far.

The Minister made this known at the Presidential Task Force briefing on Covid-19 where he added that with 262,579 persons that have been tested, we have crossed the quarter million mark when the epidemic curve will begin to flatten is still a matter of conjecture, given the relatively small fraction of our population that has been tested so far.

According to him, “The 70 to 30 male to female gender ratio and the case fatality rate of 2.1% have not changed significantly. Two thirds of all fatalities remain in the over 50 year age group, while comorbidities like diabetes, hypertension, asthma, etc, are common among all fatalities. They underscore the need to protect senior citizens and the vulnerable from infection, by giving special attention to risk communication and priority for admission for observation and treatment. Of utmost concern are still the asymptomatic cases, with the potential to spread the disease, of whom the young and able bodied can be difficult to manage.

“We continue to strive to improve the quality of services in our hospitals as more persons are admitted to treatment, not only for Covid-19 infection, but also for routine and essential care. It is also our desire to reduce the fatality rates, and expand our treatment capacity such that our Health System is not overwhelmed. In this regard, the FMoH expects to take delivery of the newly completed Isolation Center at UATH Gwagwalada, as other centers are under construction nationwide.”

He further stated that, the UN System in Nigeria informed us of the arrival of another consignment of essential COVID-19 related commodities yesterday, to be officially handed over to us. We remain appreciative of the UN System for this gesture and their consistent support, which greatly increases our reserves and recognizes our needs, especially of oxygen concentrators and PPEs, but also reassures our frontline health workers that we are well stocked and can ensure availability of essential items and consumables at point of use. I use this opportunity to formally introduce the Country Representative of the World Health Organization Dr. Walter Kazadi Mulombo, who assumed duty here with us in Abuja some days ago, and wish him successful tenure, despite the challenging times.

The total number of confirmed COVID-19 cases in Nigeria crossed the 40,000 mark to 40,534 over the weekend, with 555 new cases recorded in the past 24 hours, of which 17,374 have been successfully treated and discharged. We have regrettably lost 858 persons, most of them with co-morbidities.

He also used the opportunity to salute our frontline health workers, whose service helps reduce fatality. I urge them to continue their work in line with global best practices in case management and to keep themselves safe and take no risks. Coronavirus does not respect doctors or nurses.

As Salah approaches, I again wish all our Muslim brethren a happy celebration and enjoin all persons not to forget prescribed precautions and to reduce risk of transmission even as we celebrate. Wear your face mask at all times, especially when out of your homes; wash hands regularly; use sanitizers, practice distancing, I again remind everyone that controlling the spread of covid19 is not the responsibility of government alone, but of us all, individually and collectively.

World Hepatitis Day: 300 People Loses Their Lives Daily To Complications Related To Hepatitis, WHO

By
Toyin Adebayo
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0
Moeti
WHO Regional Director for Africa

TOYIN ADEBAYO, ABUJA

The World Health Organisation (WHO) Regional Director for Africa, Dr Matshidiso Moeti has hinted that of the 71 million Africans with chronic viral hepatitis, 300 people sadly lose their lives daily from liver cancer and other complications related to hepatitis B and C infections.

She gave this hint in her message to commemorate this year World Hepatitis Day and to increase awareness of this public health threat.

She noted that, this year’s theme is “Hep Free Future” highlighting the importance of preventing mother-to-child transmission of hepatitis B and scaling-up prevention, testing and treatment to control hepatitis B and cure hepatitis C.

According to her; “Hepatitis B comprises 85% of the hepatitis burden in the WHO African Region. The most vulnerable time for infection is in the first month of life, and this can be prevented with hepatitis B birth-dose vaccination in the first 24 hours of life. Achieving at least 90% coverage in the Region, would prevent over 1.5 million new infections and 1.2 million deaths from liver cancer by 2035.

“Hepatitis B can go undetected for years and have devastating consequences. For example, Ansah, a 25-year old Ghanaian woman, was diagnosed with hepatitis B and liver cancer during antenatal care. Her baby was protected with hepatitis B birth-dose vaccination administered within 24 hours of birth, but Ansah’s future is uncertain. Her family said: “We did not know that the infection could be so silent and the consequences so grave”.

She further stated that, despite the low cost of the hepatitis B birth-dose vaccine, only 13 African countries have introduced it, far short of the target of 25 countries by 2020. So far, 15 countries have launched national hepatitis plans, and Rwanda and Uganda have national testing and treatment programmes for hepatitis.

While adding that, WHO is working with countries and partners to accelerate action towards a 90% reduction of new hepatitis B and C infections and a 65% reduction of deaths by 2030. Achieving these goals requires urgent introduction and scaling-up of hepatitis B birth-dose vaccination and leveraging the HIV and syphilis infrastructure to prevent mother-to-child transmission and ensure mothers have access to testing and treatment. I commend the Organization of African First Ladies, in this regard for advocating triple elimination of mother-to-child transmission of HIV, syphilis and hepatitis B.

Moeti added that, as we battle COVID-19, the threat of further delays to scaling-up hepatitis B birth-dose vaccination and other essential hepatitis services looms large. People with hepatitis-related complications are at a higher risk of developing severe cases of COVID-19 and must continue to receive essential hepatitis prevention and treatment services during the pandemic and beyond.

She added that, with political commitment from governments and partners, backed by financing and integrated using a health system strengthening approach, and with informed and empowered communities, we can achieve a #HepFreeFuture.

FCTA Vows To Prosecute Land grabbers

By
Toyin Adebayo
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0
muhammad-musa-bello
FCT Minister, Nigeria

TOYIN ADEBAYO, ABUJA

The Federal Captial Territory Administration (FCTA) has vowed to prosecute land grabbers in the nation’s capital.

Speaking on behalf of the administration, the Director Department of Development Control, Murkta Galadima made this known Monday, after the pulling down illegal structures built in Lugbe, phase 5 of the Federal Captial City, (FCC).

Saying, the administration was going to prosecute anyone found developing a plot without valid prove of ownership.

According to him; “This is a product of land grabbing, an individual claiming to own about 149 plots fanced it, and then combine it as an estate, call Semans. They commence development without even valid title or approved plan, they come to site, mobilize people and begin development.

“Two weeks ago, we came and point the structures for them to remove but they fail to obey the order, and they still went on building, that is why we are enforcing the action. We came this morning to clear the illegal structures.

“We remove some, but in the process they incited people within the area to stop the exercise, we are going to restrategize and return for the exercise” he explained.

HR further stated that, those behind the illegal development are not known but the department would continue to resist the illegality.

“We are going to show the erring developers that there is law and government despite their resistance we will stop them”

The director described residents that build without legal approval by the Department of Development Control as land grabbers.

He said the department was planning Lugbe to be in conformity with the master plan of the Federal Captial City (FCC).

Galadima explained that prosecution of land grabbers would be a general exercise across the Federal Captial Territory.

Ahead Of Eld-el Kabri: FCTA Warns Against Illegal Ram Markets, Designates Selling Points

By
Toyin Adebayo
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0
Chairman, of the FCT Ministerial TaskForce on City Sanitation, Comrade Ikharo Attah briefing Ram sellers
Chairman, of the FCT Ministerial TaskForce on City Sanitation, Comrade Ikharo Attah briefing Ram sellers

TOYIN ADEBAYO, ABUJA

Ahead of the celebration of Eld-el Kabir by the Moslem faithful, the Federal Capital Territory Administration  (FCTA) has prohibited proliferation of illegal markets within the city.

The Chairman, FCT Ministerial TaskForce on City Sanitation, Comrade Ikharo Attah while speaking on behalf of the administration during a sensitization campaign to the Markets Wednesday in Abuja, stated that, FCT Minister, Mallam Muhammad Musa Bello, frowned at the proposal of the ram dealers to create such markets, to avoid abuses of the city’s aesthetic make-up which gulps energy and resources to maintain. 

He stated that, the administration cannot allow the gains of the  ongoing city aggressive  sanitation to be swept under the carpet by such illegal markets, which going by hindsight has serious sanitation and environmental consequences on the city.

He further stated that, “FCTA  has approved ram markets at Kugbo, Dei- Dei and all the Abattoirs within the city where both those selling and buying rams and other animals can interface for their trade”.

rams
rams

He also stated that, the Minister was also considering the option of creating a temporary selling points at some outskirts locations, where ram dealers could use and two days after the celebration,  the places will be dismantled and disinfected.

Attah further hinted that Ram dealers who defies the directive to sell at the illegal markets would have their rams confiscated and distributed to orphanage homes, prisons and other vulnerable persons.

He stated that a Mobile Court will sit to try violators and an order of permanent forfeiture would be sought over confiscated rams, while convicted violators will face the law.

His words; ” The Minister of FCT, Mallam Muhammad Musa Bello in his decision as the manager of the city, said we should not allow indiscriminate ram markets to come around every corner within the city during this Sallah period.

” The Minister said there are approved selling points within the FCT,  the Dei-Dei ram markets, Kugbo  and some of the markets within the Abattoirs. Also we have approached the minister on the need to have designated selling points, because the rams coming into the city during the celebration may overwhelm these approved markets.

” we will not be allowing every street to have ram markets, especially at the hearts of the city. We have warned those involved in the illegal markets to desist, because any ram we found in the illegal markets will be confiscated and the Mobile Court will sit for us to apply for permanent forfeiture for the rams. The rams will be given to those in, orphanage homes and others”, Attah said. 

Earlier, the Chairman, Ram Market, Salisu Liaman said its a welcome but the administration should provide a selling point for them to sell.
Saying, most of the ram markets has been overwhelmed

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