In pursuit of a prosperous and united Nigeria, Hon. (Dr.) Joshua Audu Gana, member representing Lavun, Mokwa and Edati Constituency, Niger State, has urged the President to constitute an economic team that would advance effective strategies that will reshape, strengthen and elevate the purchasing power of the naira.
This was the highlight of the Representative speech at plenary to celebrate Nigeria’s Independence in a statement made available by his Media office (JAG Media).
Dr. Joshua Gana who stated this recently during plenary to mark the 63rd Independence Day celebration of the country noted that it has become germane for the President to announce an economic team that can effectively manage fiscal decisions.
According to him, constituting this team will enable appropriate management to make good decisions following the removal of fuel subsidy and enactment of a unified exchange rate by the President.
Speaking further, the Lavun, Mokwa/Edati Representative advocated for the constitution of an efficient team for the Central Bank by President Bola Tinubu. He however appealed that the role of the Central Bank of Nigeria be narrowed down to managing the Monetary policy of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.
He added that the Federal Ministry of Finance should be allowed to superintend over fiscal policies of the country while also stating that the country’s policy of stabilizing the naira should be changed to a policy of *“Revaluation of the naira”*.
Furthermore, a statement from his media office stated that he called on Nigerians to keep faith with the Country.
Glamodi Women and Girls Development Initiative (GLAMODI), an NGO committed to the comprehensive development of women and girls, has unveiled plans for the annual ‘Benue Girls Soar Summit’ in celebration of the 2023 International Day of the Girl Child.
Executive Director of GLAMODI, Mrs. Stephanie Apel, announced these plans at a pre-event press conference held on Friday in Abuja.
According to her, this year’s summit, with the theme “Girls Activism, Accountability & Resourcing,” is scheduled to take place from October 10 to 11 at the Benue Center for Enterprise and Innovation (BENCEDI) in Makurdi, Benue State.
She said, the event, which also mark the 10th edition of the annual event, will be held in collaboration with the Benue State Ministry of Women Affairs, with the support of other relevant stakeholders.
“Glamodi, in collaboration with esteemed partners, is delighted to announce the 2023 Benue Girls Soar Summit, an annual mentoring summit for final year secondary school girls in Benue State in commemoration of the International Day of the Girl.
“The event will kick off with a ‘Girls In Digitalization Quiz’ on the first day, aimed at empowering girls with essential digital skills, promoting gender diversity in the tech industry, nurturing a passion for technology and creative problem-solving, and facilitating networking opportunities for those dedicated to advancing girls’ empowerment in technology.
“On October 11, coinciding with the 2023 United Nations International Day of the Girl, the Benue Girls Soar Summit and Prize Ceremony will celebrate and inspire the next generation of leaders and change-makers.
“ The summit also focuses on providing mentorship opportunities for young girls, fostering thought leadership and dialogues on girls’ empowerment, and recognizing excellence in education and mentorship.
“The summit will feature speakers and mentors from diverse backgrounds, including Hon. Anna Itodo, the Commissioner of Women Affairs and social welfare in Benue State, as the Guest Speaker, along with other distinguished speakers and mentors”
Apel therefore called on well-meaning Nigerians, especially prominent individuals from Benue State and leaders at all levels, to support this initiative in their pursuit of a brighter future for the girl child.
“By supporting the Benue Girls Soar Summit, you will actively contribute to the empowerment and education of young girls, equipping them to excel in the digital age. Your partnership will boost our decade-long commitment to transforming lives and nurturing potential,” she added.
The International Day of the Girl Child, declared by the United Nations on October 11, 2012, aims to provide more opportunities for girls and raise awareness about the gender inequality faced by girls worldwide.
This inequality encompasses areas such as access to education, nutrition, legal rights, medical care, and protection from discrimination, violence against women, and forced child marriage.
As Nigeria marks its 63rd Independence, Glamodi Women and Girls Development Initiative (GLAMODI), an NGO dedicated to empowerment and the comprehensive development of women and girls, has lauded President Bola Tinubu for giving women appointments in his government.
The organisation gave the commendation in an open letter captioned “A Heartfelt Applause for Your Commitment to Gender Inclusivity,” signed by its Executive Director, Stephanie Apel, FIMC, CMC, expressing its goodwill messages and felicitation to President Tinubu for the 2023 Independence Day Commemoration.
GLAMODI described the inclusion of women in Tinubu’s cabinent as unprecedented, adding that it was a committed fulfillment of his campaign promises to carry women along.
According to Apel,women were good managers of the home and family by nature, and the quest for a prosperous and developed nation can only be possible through their involvement in all strata of leadership .
The letter reads in parts : “ Dear President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, on the occasion of Nigeria’s 63rd Independence anniversary celebration, We, the entire team at Glamodi – a dedicated Women and Girls Development Organization, are writing to extend our profound appreciation for your remarkable leadership and the path-breaking choices you have made in forming your executive cabinet.
“Your commitment to inclusivity and gender equity has not gone unnoticed. We applaud your graciousness in appointing a substantial number of women to key positions within your administration.
“This decision is a testament to your vision for a more equitable Nigeria, where the talents and potential of all citizens, regardless of gender, are fully recognized and harnessed.
“Your actions resonate deeply with our mission to empower and uplift women and girls, and they inspire us to continue our tireless efforts in this noble endeavor. By placing women in influential roles, you are setting a powerful example for the entire nation and paving the way for future generations of female leaders.”
The letter eulogizes the president further that “It is leaders like you who catalyze positive change and inspire us all to strive for a more just and equal world. Your administration’s commitment to this cause is not just commendable; it is a beacon of hope and a source of inspiration for women and girls across Nigeria.
“As we, at glamodi, work tirelessly to empower women and girls, we look up to your leadership as a source of motivation. Your actions reinforce our belief that together, we can create a society where every woman and girl can realize her full potential and contribute meaningfully to the progress of our nation.
The group expressed gratitude to the Tinubu’s administration for what it described as “progressive advancing of gender equity.”
“Your legacy as a champion of inclusivity will undoubtedly leave an indelible mark on Nigeria’s history”, it added.
The current female ministers in President Tinubu’s administration include Lola Ade-John, Minister of Tourism, Doris Anite,Minister of Industry, Trade and Investment, Nkiruka Onyejeocha, Minister of State, Labour and Employment, Uju Kennedy ,Minister of Women Affairs, Betta Edu,Minister of Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Alleviation and Hannatu Musawa ,Minister of Art, Culture and the Creative Economy.
See FULL TEXT the letter below:
A Heartfelt Applause for Your Commitment to Gender Inclusivity
Dear President Bola Ahmed Tinubu,
I hope this letter finds you in excellent health and high spirits. On the occasion of Nigeria’s 63rd Independence anniversary celebration, We, the entire team at Glamodi – a dedicated Women and Girls Development Organization, are writing to extend our profound appreciation for your remarkable leadership and the path-breaking choices you have made in forming your executive cabinet.
Your commitment to inclusivity and gender equity has not gone unnoticed. We applaud your graciousness in appointing a substantial number of women to key positions within your administration. This decision is a testament to your vision for a more equitable Nigeria, where the talents and potential of all citizens, regardless of gender, are fully recognized and harnessed.
Your actions resonate deeply with our mission to empower and uplift women and girls, and they inspire us to continue our tireless efforts in this noble endeavor. By placing women in influential roles, you are setting a powerful example for the entire nation and paving the way for future generations of female leaders.
Your dedication to creating a more gender-balanced and inclusive society mirrors our aspirations. It is leaders like you who catalyze positive change and inspire us all to strive for a more just and equal world. Your administration’s commitment to this cause is not just commendable; it is a beacon of hope and a source of inspiration for women and girls across Nigeria.
As we, at glamodi, work tirelessly to empower women and girls, we look up to your leadership as a source of motivation. Your actions reinforce our belief that together, we can create a society where every woman and girl can realize her full potential and contribute meaningfully to the progress of our nation.
In closing, we want to express our deepest gratitude for your leadership and the progressive steps you have taken to advance gender equity. Your legacy as a champion of inclusivity will undoubtedly leave an indelible mark on Nigeria’s history.
With the utmost appreciation and admiration,
Stephanie Apel Executive Director Glamodi Women and Girls Development Initiative.
A Civil Society Organization, under the auspices of Pro-Impact Initiative has raised the alarm over what it termed, “ Calculated attempts by few sit-tight Directors to blackmail the Accountant-General of the Federation , Mrs Oluwatoyin Sakirat Madein.
Saying,the attempt can derail her from carrying out much needed reforms and cleansing in The Treasury House”.
The group pointed out that these few directors who were largely affected and displeased by the recent posting exercise which was with the noblest of intentions and in compliance with relevant civil service rules are hell-bent on seeing that the Accountant General of the Federation , Dr Oluwatoyin Sakirat Madein, is forced out of office to allow them continue calling the shots.
The Coordinator of the group, Dr Osamudiamen Isokpehi who briefed newsmen over the weekend in Abuja said: “Those few Directors behind these acts appeared not to understand the extent to which they have exposed their self-centeredness and shallow mindedness in the said petitions written against an Amazon of repute and personally distributed them to media organisations to destroy her hard-earned reputation”.
The group pointed out that , “These self serving few directors who have apparently checked the books and found no case of fraud against her decided not to back down but continue their endless search for evidence and allegations to get her out of office.
“To start with, how can these directors accuse the accountant-General of not being qualified for the position because they claimed she came second during the rigorous interview and examination attended by multiple directors who applied and sat for the exam?
Dr Isokpehi explained that, “ The process of selecting the Accountant General of the Federation are; After a rigorous examination ,some names are shortlisted accordingly to their overall performance; The shortlisted names are forwarded to the president and Commander-in-Chief who reserves the right to select any candidate from the list.”
He asked further, “ Why is this examination issue coming up several months after? Why at a time after the Accountant General carried out a reformative posting exercise during which she moved “untouchable Directors of the Agency” who believed they are ‘Principalities and Powers’ in their offices ?”
“On allegations of age falsification against her by these “We will die here” directors , Mrs. Oluwatoyin Madein, has last week publicly dismissed it as false and a fabricated lie”
“Though not given the expected media attention it deserves, her brief response which was contained in a statement by the director of press in her Office ,Mr Bawa Mokwa, said the allegations did not come as a surprise because “the office of the AGF is a competitive position and often falls victim to unjustified attacks”.”
Dr Isokpehi pointed out that those who know Mrs Oluwatoyin Sakirat Madein, including the petitioners themselves, know she would be the last person to collect money from staff to post them to places they have genuine qualifications and competence to be.
He stressed that reports from across sections of the staff showed that, “ the Accountant General only gave those competent and ready to serve the opportunity to rise”.
He pointed out that the office of the Accountant General of the Federation On August 23rd, 2023, released new posting of directors of finance and accounts based on merit irrespective of ethnic, tribal or religious affiliations.
However, some directors who considered themselves “too big to be posted” decided to put up a fight. True to her determination, Dr Madein stood her ground by ensuring the “big” Directors comply with the directives ”.
He wondered why directors with backgrounds in finance and other other related professions would write petition accusing the accountant General of the federation of collecting bride to post accountants without producing any evidence such as financial transactions, pictorial or video evidence of collection or any other proof. In his words, “ They refused to state which directors or accountants allegedly induced the accountant General and how much they allegedly gave bribes . They only insisted she took bride and must be sacked and arrested. These directors have played God for too long”
He highlighted Some of the reforms currently being pursued by the Accountant General of the Federation to include: Bottom-up cash plan which ensures Improvement to capital budget execution by ensuring that respective agencies draw up their own cash requirements monthly as against the practice of just allocating funds to MDAs irrespective of their needs; Blocking revenue leakages by Setting up of strategic revenue management team to improve internally generated revenues (IGR). The team in turn sets up technical sub-committee who will be trained in data analytics and who can mine data of agencies not currently on GIFMIS directly from the Office of the Accountant General of the Federation. Such agencies include NCC, NNPC, NUPRC, FIRS, TETFUND, etc.
The Civil society group warned that “ a system in which people, particularly those at the top are unwilling to accept reforms or changes cannot work. How on earth can a set of rebellious and “Powerful” directors who ought to be working hand in hand with the Accountant General, lock themselves in an office and spent hours, if not days, writing , editing , vetting petition against a woman and thereafter go round key government offices to submit them? Which time do they now have to focus on the real work they are being paid to do”
Dr Isokpehi called on the Minister of Finance and Coordinating Minister for the Economy, Mr Wale Edun to “disregard their frivolous petitions and focus his strength on the actualization of a vibrant economy, under the president Bola Tinubu renewed hope agenda. These characters, we believe are part of those who brought the nation to where it is today “
“Worried by the big reformative shock they received during the posting exercise they went all out to destroy a bold Amazon by also sending petitions to the Attorney General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Lateef Fagbemi; the Head of the Civil Service of the Federation, Folasade Yemi-Esan; and the National Security Adviser, Nuhu Ribadu. The question is, for what purpose?”
“From their pains over the internal posting exercise, one would not be wrong to conclude that before the coming onboard of Mrs Oluwatoyin Sakirat Madein as Accountant General of the Federation , these very few men are the ones who seat in their closets and choose accountants to be posted and where they are to be posted to. This must stop. One will not be wrong to conclude that they have promised many persons postings which did not materialize, hence their extreme anger and animosity”.
The Group called on the Directors to “Immediately withdraw their ill-conceived petition, tender an apology to the Accountant General and return to their offices to work for the overall good of country. The energy, connections , time and resources they are putting in to destroy the Accountant General will go a long way in improving the nation.
The Accountant General of the Federation, Mrs Oluwatoyin Sakirat Madein has been enjoined not to be distracted in the discharge of her duty but remain resolute in the face of challenges.
A Civil Society Group, Nigeria Women Professional Alliances, (NWPA) gave the charge over the weekend during an interactive session with newsmen.
Spokesperson for the group, Mrs Christine Ezekwe said they decided to come out and voice their position, following what they termed, “ Unprovoked attacks against a woman who is just doing her professional noble job”
Mrs Ezekwe explained that, “ we read in some sections of the media that some directors wrote petitioned against the Accountant General of the federation claiming she was not qualify to be on the seat. How on earth will people who see her progress in her carrier as a well-bred professional wake up one day to fabricate such gruesome lie”
“When Mrs Oluwatoyin Sakirat Madein was appointed the Accountant General of the Federation there was Joy and high expectations across all facets of Nigeria regardless of gender, religious or ethnic affiliation. Her emergence gave hope to millions of young girls across the thirty-six states of the federation and the FCT that they can aspire to any position in Nigeria. Today, few men woke up wrote petitions and wanted to paint her black for not dancing to their tunes”
The group appealed to the Accountant General to remember she is an ambassador of the Nigerian woman and go about her duty passionately to actualise the dreams of President Bola Tinubu’s renewed hope agenda.
They lamented that, “ one thing we find real disturbing is the fact that women in positions of authority go through a lot. Many just believe that because they are women they cannot take certain tough decisions or be their boss. Some can endure incompetence and non-performance from anyone, but when it comes to women working upright in the discharge of their duties, they get very offended”.
Mrs Ezekwe pointed out that at a time when Nigerian women are clamouring for more seats in governance they cannot watch their unacceptable few number depleted by some persons who , “ have left their offices to start chasing shadows”
The group spokesperson said, “ it is time these few directors who were affected by the recent postings done by the Accountant General accept their new offices and let the Accountant General breathe”
The Honourable Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, Adegboyega Oyetola has disclosed that the Nigerian Ports Authority (NPA) will soon commence the implementation of full automation and cargo tracking across the various ports in the country to promote Port efficiency and Ease of Doing Business.
The Minister made the disclosure recently in Abuja, when he received a renowned entrepreneur and sustainability expert, Prof. Gunter Pauli, who is on a three-day visit to Nigeria.
Pauli’s visit was facilitated by his partners in Nigeria, Premium Blue Economy Innovation and Investment (PBEI& I).
This was made known in a statement signed by the Director of Press & Public relations, Ministry of Marine and Blue Economy, Mr. Henshaw Ogubike.
The Minister stated that the Federal Government is keen on the diversification of the Nigerian economy away from the oil industry, hence, it was intentional when it created the new Ministry of Marine and Blue Economy.
“Again, we are going to be talking of automation of ports to make them more efficient. I would like to tell you that in another two years, it will all change. We are bringing in automation and cargo tracking as we are working on that for implementation” he said.
Speaking further, the Minister said that the government is interested in partnering with relevant stakeholders under the Public Private Partnership (PPP) arrangement to maximize and explore the resources of the ocean sector for rapid economic development, improve the livelihood of its people and create jobs as well as preserving the health of the ecosystem.
According to him, “seventy percent of the resources that are available actually comes from the ocean, and we have it in abundance here”.
” I believe in the Public Private Partnership arrangement. The government will create an enabling environment for businesses to thrive and our concept in dealing with these, is purely in PPP, and I see quite a lot of opportunities there,” Oyetola added.
In addition, the Minister noted that the Nigerian water ways have enjoyed adequate security with no single incidence of piracy for the past two years.
He, therefore, called on investors to take advantage of the opportunities and partner with the newly created Ministry to drive development.
“We have sufficient control of our ocean in terms of security and there has been nothing like piracy in our ocean. So, the fear of investors about the safety of their investments is out of it now.” He argued.
Speaking during the visit, Professor Gunter Pauli said his team was in Nigeria to partner with the Ministry on commercial and technological innovations and job creation around the sector.
He argued that his partnership with the Ministry will attract foreign and local investments that would create a lot of opportunities for the Nigerian youths.
Also present at the event, was the Permanent Secretary, Federal Ministry of Transportation / Marine and Blue Economy, Dr. Magdalene Ajani, Directors and Heads of Parastatals under the Ministry and other Senior Management Staff.
On Thursday, Mrs. Folashade Joseph, the managing director and CEO of the Nigerian Agricultural Insurance Corporation, turned 60.
In an effort to give more color to the celebration of God’s goodness in her life for the past 60 years, the highly regarded insurance industry specialist visited some orphanage homes and residences for the elderly in Abuja, where she distributed food and other necessities.
Mrs. Folashade Joseph, a shining Amazon of enormous influence and an outstanding woman player in a male-dominated business, visited the sites with family, friends, and coworkers as a way to thank God for everything.
Speaking at different points where the Items were distributed, Mrs Folashade noted that she believes in associating with little children, the less privileged and the needy in the society.
In her words: “I can say that my visit on a day like this to these different homes, means a lot to me and the beneficiaries.
“No doubt, our country is bleeding and people are living in challenging times and abject poverty. We are faced with unprecedented paucity of fund everywhere and most people cannot afford three square meals.
“So, this is part of my own contribution to ensure I make people happy and put smile on their faces to mark my birthday.”
The founders of the orphanage Homes, in their separate remarks, however, thanked Mrs Folashade for the kind donation and prayed that God grants her long life and prosperity in good health.
The battle against terrorism and insurgency is a collective endeavor that extends beyond the confines of the military.
History has shown us that a purely military approach cannot fully quell these threats. It demands a unified commitment from every facet of our society, a symphony of efforts against those who disrupt peace.
These adversaries, far from being phantom entities, have roots and connections within our communities. By embracing a holistic societal approach, we can stifle the aspirations of these groups for senseless violence and chaos. While not all of us can be on the frontlines, we can still play pivotal roles in supporting the larger mission to eradicate terrorism and insurgency. It’s a commitment that must echo the will of the people, a pledge to stand together against those who threaten our peace and security.
This was made known in a statement signed by the Director of Defence Media operations Major General EDWARD BUBA While giving progress report on various military operations across the country Troops, as part of Operation HADIN KAI, conducted targeted operations in Borno State. In Monguno LGA, suspected terrorists’ collaborators were apprehended, and their operations led to the surrender of BH/ISWAP fighters. Additionally, troops neutralized terrorists and recovered a substantial cache of arms and ammunition in Gwoza LGA. The overall results of Operation HADIN KAI include the recovery of 40 AK47 rifles, ten G3 rifles, one single barrel gun, one 36 hand grenade, and various rounds of ammunition. Troops neutralized 17 terrorists, arrested 12 suspects, and successfully rescued 17 kidnapped hostages. In subsequent operations, troops conducted ambushes and raids on terrorists in Hamul and Jalingo LGAs of Borno and Taraba States. These fighting patrols led to the neutralization of terrorists and the recovery of additional weapons and ammunitions in Bama, Gazamala, and Dikwa LGAs of Borno State.
Under Operation SAFE HAVEN in Kaduna State, troops conducted successful operations in Sanga and Jema’a LGAs, resulting in the arrest of terrorists and the recovery of a significant arsenal of weapons. These operations also included neutralizing terrorists, arresting suspects, rescuing kidnapped hostages, and recovering arms. The overall results of Operation SAFE HAVEN encompass the neutralization of 5 terrorists, arrest of 24 suspects, and the successful rescue of 9 kidnapped hostages. Troops recovered 2 AK47 rifles, 7 locally made pistols, 2 locally made AK47 rifles, and a substantial quantity of ammunition and weaponry.
Troops from Operation WHIRL STROKE conducted successful operations in Benue, Nasarawa, and the Federal Capital Territory. These operations involved arresting suspected terrorists, conducting raids on hideouts, and neutralizing threats in various LGAs, leading to significant recoveries of arms and ammunition. In Ukum LGA of Benue State, troops conducted fighting patrols, resulting in the arrest of suspected terrorists. Additionally, raids were conducted on terrorists’ hideouts in Nasarawa LGA of Nasarawa State and AMAC of FCT. Troops neutralized 6 terrorists, arrested 62 terrorists, and successfully rescued 9 kidnapped hostages. The operations also led to the recovery of weapons, including one SMG, one G3 rifle, one unserviceable FN rifle, one locally made pistol, and a substantial amount of ammunition. Operation HADARIN DAJI was carried out in Kebbi, Sokoto, and Katsina States, focusing on countering armed banditry and fostering peace in the Northwestern region. Troops engaged in fighting patrols, targeting bandit hideouts and conducting rescue missions. These operations resulted in neutralizing 18 terrorists, arresting 8 individuals involved in terrorism, and rescuing 38 kidnapped hostages. The troops also recovered a substantial cache of weapons, including one PKT gun, 5 AK47 rifles, 2 AK47 rifles loaded with 23 rounds of 7.62mm ammo, one fabricated rifle, one locally made pistol, 7 magazines, 215 rounds of 7.62mm special ammo, and 22 rounds of 7.62 x 54mm ammo. Additionally, 11 motorcycles and 3 mobile phones were recovered.
Operation WHIRL PUNCH targeted Kaduna and Niger States, with troops conducting extensive operations to tackle criminal activities and enhance security. The operations resulted in the elimination of 3 terrorists and the arrest of 7 suspected terrorists. Troops also successfully rescued 3 kidnapped hostages and recovered one AK47 rifle, 3 rounds of 7.62mm special ammunition, 2 mobile phones, and a substantial sum of N5,480,000.00, along with other valuable items.
Operation DELTA SAFE was executed to combat crude oil theft and other criminal activities in the Niger Delta region, specifically in Delta and Cross River States. Troops conducted targeted raids and destroyed numerous illegal refining sites, tackling oil theft. They apprehended 59 suspected oil thieves and other criminals, and seized a range of equipment, including boats, vehicles, and pumping machines. In total, 38 dugout pits, 21 boats, 57 storage tanks, and 34 illegal refining sites were destroyed. Troops also recovered stolen crude oil, illegally refined AGO and PMS, weapons, ammunition, and valuable assets.
Operation UDO KA was implemented to counter criminal elements in Abia, Enugu, Imo, and Ebonyi States. Troops conducted raid operations targeting terrorists’ hideouts, resulting in the neutralization of 11 terrorists and the arrest of 20 suspected criminals. The operations also led to the successful rescue of 15 kidnapped hostages. Troops recovered an array of weapons, including 6 locally made rifles, 3 pump-action guns, a dane gun, and 4 improvised explosive devices (IEDs). Other recovered items included locally made IED launchers, ammunition, vehicles, motorcycles, mobile phones, and a significant sum of N266,455.00. These efforts showcased the military’s commitment to restoring peace and security in the region. In conclusion Major General Edward Buba reiterated that the armed forces remains unperturbed by the evil machinations of these extremist groups. Noting that their nefarious tactics have been exposed for what it truly is, which is a mere ploy to self-enrichment through killings. He also added that the armed forces , have clocked their game and are laser-focused on pursuing peace, by the pursuit of those that threaten the peace in the country.
There was apprehension at the Works ministry on Thursday as protesting civil servants grounded activities after the minister, Dave Umahi, locked out over 300 staffers and directors that resumed work late.
The civil servants expressing their displeasure also demanded an apology from the minister.
Earlier, the minister upon resumption at 9.30 am was said to have prevented workers who came to work late from gaining access to the ministry for over four hours.
After the gate was opened, the workers, comprising both Housing and Works Ministry, refused to enter the ministry and resorted to an impromptu protest barricaded the entrance gates.
The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Barr Nyesom Wike sacked 21 heads of parastatals, agencies, govt companies of their appointments with immediate effect.
This was contained in a statement made available to newsmen by the Director Press, Office of the Minister, Mr. Anthony Ogunleye late yesterday.
The affected parastatals, agencies and government companies of the FCTA include: Group MD/CEO, Abuja investment Company Ltd; CEO/MD, Abuja Markets Management Ltd; MD/CEO, Abuja Urban Mass Transport Company; CEO/MD, Abuja Property Development Company; CEO/MD Abuja Technology Village Free Trade Zone Company; and CEO/MD Abuja Film Village International.
In addition, CEO/MD Powernoth AICL Equipment Leasing Company Ltd; MD Abuja Broadcasting Corporation; MD, Abuja Enterprise Agency; GM, FCT Water Board; DG, FCT Emergency Management Agency; Executive Secretary, FCT Primary Healthcare Board; Director General, Hospital Management Board; and Director, Abuja Environmental Protection Board.
More so, Director, FCT Scholarship Board; Director FCT Christian Pilgrims Welfare Board; Director, Muslim Pilgrims Welfare Board; Coordinator, Abuja Infrastructure Investment Center! Director, FCT Health Insurance Scheme; Coordinator, Satellite Towns Development Department; and Coordinator, Abuja Metropolitan Management Council.
They are to hand over the affairs of their offices to the most senior officers in rank.
Appointments into the offices will be made in due course.
