The Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Minister of State Dr. Ramatu Tijjani Aliyu has expressed the commitment of the FCT Administration to partner the Federation of Construction Industry (FOCI) in various construction skills.

The minister gave this commitment when the leadership of the Federation of Construction Industry paid her a courtesy call to brief the minister on the outcome of its 65th Annual General Meeting and the unveiling of FOCI Skills Academy in Abuja.

Aliyu said the FCT Administration was conscious of the potentials in the construction industry and has in line with the presidential mandates to work with the private sector to create jobs, and contribute to the attainment of the objective of lifting 100 million Nigerians out of poverty.

According to her: “the FCT Administration through the Youth Development Department of the Social Development Secretariat has trained youths in various viable economic skills at the FCT Youth Support Centre, Nyanya.

“We are in active collaboration with the African Union (ECOSSOC) to establish a youth outreach mini centre at the Social Development Secretariat, where young people can meet our social services experts to engage and discuss their problems for positive solution. I want to assure you that we shall work hard together to attract investments into this sector”.

She, however assured that the administration was leaving no stone unturned towards ensuring that skills and job creation are not encumbered with business support challenges, adding that the administration has strengthened the leading skills development agency, the Abuja Enterprise Agency, while the Youth Centre in Nyanya has been upgraded for skill acquisition training.

While commending the group for unveiling the skills academy in Abuja, the minister noted that the academy was an attestation of FOCI drive to create job opportunities in the industry.

In her remarks, FOCI Director General, Engr. Olubunmi Adekoje, informed the minister that the Skills Academy was to provide a world class training in construction skills through training and certification of apprentices, up-skilling of artisans and craftsmen.

Adekoje, also hinted that the academy could train over 1,000 persons in various construction skills, stressing that the move could be one of the pathways for Nigeria to boost ongoing efforts at overcoming developmental obstacles in the pursuit of sustained inclusive growth.

She further stated that the Annual General Meeting of FOCI was a platform specially designed for and dedicated to protect the interests of member companies through advocacy and representation, noting that since the federation was founded in 1954, it has ensured sustained excellence and standard in the construction industry through sound practices, respect for ethics and stability.

The Federal Capital Territory Administration (FCTA), Permanent Secretary, Mr. Olusade Adesola has called on international organizations carrying out construction work in the nation’s capital to adhere strictly to all approved development control guidelines.

While reiterating the commitment of the FCT Administration to provide the enabling environment for genuine investors to take advantage of, called on other private sectors to emulate Afreximbank by engaging the Administration in bringing up initiatives aimed at enhancing quality standard of living of FCT residents.

He gave the charge during a one-day workshop to finalise the host country agreement for the African Medical Centre of Excellence at Sheraton Hotels, Abuja.

This, according to Adesola becomes necessary considering the fact that there could be tendency for some international organizations embarking on construction work to contravene certain development guidelines.

While speaking on the proposed establishment of African Medical Centre of Excellence in the Lokogoma district of Abuja, which is being developed by the African Export-Import Bank (Afreximbank),in collaboration with Kings College Hospital,UK,the Permanent Secretary explained that upon completion, the world-class medical centre will ensure access to healthcare services for 50,000,000 people annually, as well as provide 3,000,000 jobs during construction and operational stages.

He, however, added that this health intervention will complement Government’s giant strides in the healthcare sector.

Earlier , the Permanent Secretary, Federal Ministry of Health Malam Mashi Abdulaziz pledged the continuous support of the Federal Government of Nigeria to the completion of the project.

He further stated the workshop will provide participants better understanding of both the short term and long benefits of the project.

More so, the Regional Chief Operating Officer of Afreximbank, Mr. Abdoulaye Kone explained that the proposed medical Centre will serve both Nigeria and the West African sub-region.

Explaining further, the RCOO of Afreximbank, said that the establishment of the AMCE will go a long way in conserving the continent’s foreign reserves which are currently being expended on medical tourism abroad.

It would be recalled that Nigeria was selected in 2017 as the host country for the first African Medical Centre of Excellence, following a competitive bidding process in which Ghana, Kenya and Tanzania also participated.

The AMCE plans to offer a full range of medical services; such as diagnostic; treatment, nuclear medicine, surgery and post-surgical care, along with complimentary specialist services covering oncology, hematological diseases (including sickle cell and blood cancers) and cardiovascular ailments.

The project is scheduled to begin in the fourth quarter of 2021 and commissioning is expected to be done in the first quarter of 2024.Already the FCT Administration had allocated 5.12 hectares of land for the successful take off of the project.

The Federal Capital Territory Administration (FCTA) has asked Mpape Traders and artisans working on the roadside to quit before the expiration of two-week pre-demolition notices expire.

The Chairman of the FCT City Sanitation Ministerial Task Force, Comrade Ikharo Attah made this known on Sunday at an interactive session in Abuja in which he raised concern about the exodus of most traders, saying, “It’s painful what you see in Mpape.

He recalled that, there are months when Mpape Landlords Association came to the FCT Minister, Malam Muhammad Bello, to pack and relocate their shops and containers. While adding that, “We have also given a two-week notice to allow traders to evacuate. All of this seemed to fall on deaf ears.”

“More than 99% of unlawful buildings are still where they are to be cleared in most areas such as the stretch of the market, Bedger Quarry and Catampe Junction.

We know the sorrow and tears of destruction, so we ask you to leave the roadside before the end of the warning, “Attah said that. Attah said.

Attah added that FCTA has ordered Mpape businessmen to retreat, reject their containers and unlawful stores.

In addition to the primary community of Abuja’s relocation at Shere And Galuwi, Attah observed that Mpape was an entry point and hence a need to remove a road from the burden.

His words; “Structures must be eliminated on both sides within 25 meters of the stretch of the market.

“We noticed that, unfortunately, a majority of individuals have spread shops and constructions several times until they are now sitting on their shoulders.

“The planned demolition of Mpape is therefore due for a long time.

The landlords, residents and car drivers are asking for our arrival every day since they have to deal with the traffic jam and insecurity.”

He however, refused to comment on the specific time and day that the task force and its bulldozers were rolling into Mpape.

Before the next year’s council elections, Minister of State Dr. Ramatu Tijjani Aliyu, the Ministers of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), called for the leadership of the APC to encourage continuity in the area councils in order to improve good governance.

She made this call in Kwali at a book presentation to mark the second year anniversary of the chairman of Kwali area council in the Federal Capital Territory.

She, however, commended Hon. Danladi Chiya, Chairman of Kwali Area Council, for the accomplishments of the two-year term of his administration, pointed out that party leaders and supporters played a greater role in the reappearance of any politician.

Aliyu also hinted that one term was not enough to consolidate a term on an incumbent’s achievements, while inviting Kwali to break the political jinx. He frowned at the culture of one term for political leaders of the municipality of Kwali.

“Indigenous people and residents of the area council of the Kwali must be led by leaders equal to the opportunity to strengthen, if you genuinely want to develop and move Kwali to the next level and represent the FCT, particularly in the national assembly. Please take advantage of your leaders for a second term to serve you, “She pleaded.

While appreciating its support for the reappearance of all APC candidates in next area council election by the party members and executives, the minister ordered other crucial stakeholders to return with a drawing board to come up strategies for the victory of the party.

On his part the Chairman of Kwali Area council, Hon. Danladi Chiya, said that his administration was open to constructive criticism which could bring about development for the council or otherwise. His administration was open to constructive criticism.

The boss of the Council, however, complimented the Minister of State of FCT Dr Ramatu Tijjani Aliyu for his leadership styled and for his willingness to push the councils to higher heights.

Senator Philip Aduda, who was represented by the Commissioner representing the FCT in Public Complaints, Comrade Ezekiel Dalhatuin conveyed a goodwill message to the Chairman.

…Gift Him, Tricycle, Job and scholarship.

The Ramatu Tijjani Aliyu (RTA) Foundation in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) has awarded Mr. Emakoji Agenyi Jacob, a former Assistant Superintendent of Police, for his dedication and remarkable performance in the discharge of his duties.

During the award ceremony, Dr. Ramatu Tijjani Aliyu, the foundation’s founder, announced a tricycle (Keke) donation, an employment opportunity for his first daughter with a National Diploma, and a scholarship for his son in JSS 3 up to his graduation at the university of his choice.

Aliyu, who described the retired officer as a man of unquestionable honesty and integrity, said the honor was meant to emphasize the positive and lasting legacies of the departed police.

She, however, described the retired officer as a man of indisputable honesty and integrity, also noted that the honour was to highlights the positive and enduring legacies being engineered by the Nigerian police and indeed one that raises the banner for officers to be rest assured that commitment to service, nation and good character are  virtues to embrace.  

According to her, “in the discharge of his duties, he exhibited very rare and high degree of humility and compassion as a police officer. Always calm, friendly and very respectful. He approaches everyone with the  dignity you deserve as a human being and speaks to you in a calm voice with some stealth that exposes the discipline and training he had garnered over the years but yet humane.  

“He on many occasions exhibited compassion and patience as he helped inquiring motorists while being cautious and mindful of his primary mission safety of lives and property. He will never demand for tips or any form of patronage”.  

Aliyu, therefore, used the occasion to call on officers who are still in service to emulate the exemplary conduct of the retired ASP Emakoji, adding that good character pays.  

In an emotional laden voice, Mr. Emakoji Agenyi Jacob, said he was overwhelmed by the honour done him by the foundation, while praying that God will continue to lift the foundation to greater heights.  

He said : “My sincere prayers to you today and always is that as you honour me, God will honour you and your children. God will lift you and the foundation to an enviable height”.  

…Warns Against Distortion Of Abuja Master Plan

After a three-week pause, the Federal Capital Territory Administration (FCTA) resumed a large demolition campaign in Iddo Sarki, a village near the University of Abuja, on Wednesday, demolishing over 350 illegal structures.

The Iddo Sarki hamlet, which is just a few kilometers from the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport, is said to have been taken over by desperate investors looking to profit from the town’s proximity to the University of Abuja by building illegal student hostels and motels.

The break was agreed upon by FCTA and several stakeholders, who requested more time to speak with community leaders and also enlist the help of other stakeholders, who pleaded for extra time to speak with community leaders and also enable affected people to relocate, according to Comrade Ikharo Attah, Chairman, FCT Ministerial Committee on City Sanitation.

According to Attah, returning the bulldozers to the Community was crucial to maintaining the sanitation pace, since the number of illegalities detected had escalated to alarming levels.

He went on to explain that the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory had reaffirmed his commitment to the current exercise, which was part of a plan to keep the nation’s capital from becoming a slum.

He, however, warned all attempts to to distort the master plan will be resisted, he  warned that there was no relenting on the proposed demolition of illegal structures at Mpape community. 

He stated that, enough time and notices  have  been given to affected people at Mpape, stating that  in two weeks time the bulldozers will move in there.

He added that FCTA will not pay any compensation to the victims, who contravened extant laws by building illegally. He however, advised that victims can seek for justice against the sellers of the illegal land.

” The first notice we give to the people is to stop buying land from the natives, unfortunately, the chiefs have denied selling land to anybody. 

” We are not going back in the demolition. After here we are moving to Mpape,  Where residents have requested for the demolition. 

” Anyone who buy land from the local Chiefs, is doing that in contraventions of the laws and such persons will bear the brunt. Our work is to remove illegalities.  Those who were affected can seek for justice against those that sold the illegal land” 

Meanwhile, the representative from the FCTA Department of Security Services, Peter Olumuji, confirmed that the ongoing sanitation and demolition exercise has reduced the rate of crime along the Airport road axis.

Olumuji said that from the statistics recorded at the department, the demolition had dislodged most of the criminals that hitherto held the residents to ransom. 

He further assured that FCTA  will not relent to ensuring adequate security at all the communities within Abuja.

…As PHC Official Condemns Lack Of Drugs 

Cholera has reportedly killed three people in Kobi community in Abuja Municipal Area Council (AMAC), with other cases in severe condition .

The densely populated rural settlement is a few kilometres away from Asokoro District, is said to have been ravaged by cholera for the past two weeks without any proper action by the council authorities. 

A senior community health officer who requested anonymity but works at the Kobi health centre verified the outbreak, saying that the Madaki of the Community had lost his sister and that he and his son had also been infected.

The health officer disclosed that while the Centre has Inadequate facilities to care for the patients, it can’t admit them, because of unavailability of cholera drugs in the centre.

Our correspondent gathered that that many critical cases had been referred to some private hospitals due to the ongoing industrial action by resident doctors, while some less acute cases are been managed by the affected people at their various homes.

More scary is the disclosure that the cholera outbreak is not just in Kobi, but also ravaging the two neighbouring communities around the Asokoro District. 

” Yes there is a cholera outbreak here in Kobi. We just referred one case to ECWA clinic Karu, because of the doctors’ strike.

” I don’t have the accurate record of those that have died, but I know of one death, and in that same compound, about two person, I was able to manage one, but referred one to same ECWA Clinic. 

” I don’t have drugs for cholera here, AMAC people said they are not aware. We have facilities to admit patients here, but we don’t have drugs”, the officer said.