The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Barr. Nyesom Wike, has received an appeal from the outgoing Director General of the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), Dr. Abbas Idriss, to facilitate increased funding for the agency.

Dr. Idriss made the call during a send-off ceremony in Abuja, marking FEMA’s tenth anniversary.

Highlighting the necessity of repositioning FEMA to effectively fulfill its mandates, Dr. Idriss underscored challenges such as the non-assent of the bill that established the agency and insufficient funding. He emphasized the adverse impact these factors had on the agency’s strength and growth.

Addressing the challenges, Dr. Idriss stated, “Looking at the mandate of FEMA when it was created in 2013, the bombing incidents that followed, and other emergencies, including endemic and flood threats, hampered the survival of the young agency. These threats were exacerbated by the absence of the take-up grant and budgetary constraints that should have empowered the agency to address the prevailing issues it had to deal with. Furthermore, the non-domestication of the law enabling FEMA, as stipulated in 1999, significantly affected the strength and growth potentials of the agency.”

The Acting DG of FEMA, Mr. Mohammed Sabo, lauded Dr. Idriss’s commitment, visionary leadership, and tireless dedication during his tenure. Sabo highlighted the agency’s achievements under Idriss’s leadership and emphasized the enduring legacy of service left by the outgoing DG.

Earlier remarks from Director of Forecasting, Response, and Mitigation at FEMA, Mrs. Florence Wenegieme, described Idriss as a workaholic, mentor, and seasoned professional who laid a formidable foundation for FEMA’s progress.

The Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Muslims Pilgrims Welfare Board emphasized the importance of intending pilgrims disclosing major ailments during the 2024 Hajj screening process.

Abubakar Evuti, the Board’s Director, highlighted the commitment to pilgrims’ safety and well-being, stating that non-disclosure could lead to avoidable emergencies.

While Hajj is a compulsory Islamic obligation, individuals with health challenges are not compelled to participate.

The director assured that the medical team is prepared for screenings and inoculations, thanking FCT Ministers Nyesom Wike and Dr. Mariya Mahmoud for their support.

The deadline for payment is February 12th, with an increased Hajj fare of N4.699 million. Approximately 2,500 intending pilgrims had applied by the briefing.

Development Control Department to Commence Clearance Operations

The Federal Capital Territory Administration (FCTA) has issued a quit notice to the ‘Ya Kasuwa’ market along the N16 road corridor in Gwarinpa, with traders mandated to vacate by Wednesday. The Development Control Department plans to initiate clearance operations starting Thursday.

Mukhtar Galadima, Director of the Development Control Department, conveyed the directive during a meeting with stakeholders, including representatives of the traders union. He emphasized that the traders’ refusal to vacate compromised the timeframe for a comprehensive development contract awarded for the arterial road.

“The timeframe for the contract has been compromised by the traders’ refusal to vacate. Failure to execute the contract as scheduled could result in escalating material costs and potential demands for contract variation, contrary to the Administration’s policy,” highlighted Galadima.

Despite ongoing discussions since September 2023, traders’ persistent requests for additional time prompted this decisive action. Galadima urged cooperation, stating, “We are coming to clear the place. We are giving you up till Wednesday to clear your things. By Thursday, we are going to start.”

Responding to inquiries about a new market site, Galadima clarified that market allocation falls under the jurisdiction of local councils, urging them to identify suitable alternatives for the affected traders.

Mohammed, Secretary of the traders union, acknowledged the impending construction and conveyed the government’s message. “We have been there over 20 years ago, and now it has come to our notice that the road is to be constructed. We are asking for more time as we are already concluding plans to relocate,” he stated.

In a related development, the Development Control Department took action against a structure in the Karmo district, obstructing a floodplain. Garba Jubril, an official of the department, highlighted challenges faced in enforcing compliance due to the developer’s resistance, even involving the enlistment of policemen.

Jubril emphasized the importance of adhering to building regulations in the planned city of Abuja, stating, “The advice is that they should obey the law. Abuja is a planned city. Whoever wants to build knows what to do. Once you secure duly allocated land, you should apply for building approval.”

This move by the Department of Development Control underscores the commitment to urban planning and infrastructural development in the Federal Capital Territory.

***Flag of Five-Kilometre Dual Carriageway in Kuje

The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Barr. Nyesom Wike, has pledged to finalize all previously abandoned projects spanning the six Area Councils of the territory.

This commitment was articulated during the inauguration of a five-kilometre dual carriageway in Kuje, Kuje Area Council, on Monday.

Wike emphasized the government’s responsibility in ensuring the continuity of projects initiated before, regardless of the administration that commenced them.

In his words, “Any project that was awarded before now, and abandoned, we have to go back to those projects because government is a continuum.”

Highlighting the significance of such initiatives, he stated, “We will continue with those projects since it will have a positive impact on the lives of our people. That is what is important to us, and we are going to do it.”

The minister clarified that the inaugurated road project was nominated by the Kuje Area Council Chairman, Mr Abdullahi Sabo, and aligned with the administration’s commitment to extending development to rural communities.

Wike affirmed, “Whether All Progressive Congress is in charge of this area council, or whether Peoples Democratic Party is in charge, or no party is in charge, we are going to touch every area council. That is the directive of President Tinubu.”

He further disclosed upcoming initiatives, stating, “In the next one or two weeks, the FCT Administration would begin a total renovation of not less than 25 schools and complete abandoned hospital projects.”

Supporting the minister’s stance, FCT Minister of State, Dr Mariya Mahmoud, emphasized the importance of rural development, stating, “Improved road networks that connect rural producers to markets enhance productivity, create employment opportunities, and stimulate local economies.”

The Chairman of the council, Mr Abdullahi Sabo, praised the event as unprecedented since the return of democracy in 1999.

He highlighted the road’s dualization as a solution to perennial flood challenges and pledged the council’s continued support.

Traditional leader Alhaji Haruna Jibrin, the Gomo of Kuje, commended the minister for renewing hope and announced the conferment of a traditional title.

Oversite Director, Dr Olusegun Olusa provided details about the project, awarded to Gilmor Engineering Nigeria Ltd, as a dual carriageway from Tipper Junction to LEA Secretariat, Kuje.

Meanwhile, a Developer Mr Patrick Ojo affirmed the project’s positive impact, stating, “The project, when completed, will decongest this road and will, by effect, also allow free flow of traffic.”

Ojo said that the journey from Kuje to Gwagwalada, through the road should be less than seven minutes’ drive but taking longer due to traffic congestion on the road.

“So, the project, when completed, will decongest this road and will by effect, also allow free flow of traffic,” he said.

This development follows Minister Wike’s recent inaugurations, underscoring the administration’s commitment to rural development and infrastructure improvement across the Federal Capital Territory.