Lere Olayinka, Senior Special Assistant on Public Communications and Social Media to the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, has accused veteran journalist and Ovation publisher, Dele Momodu, of political hypocrisy and financial opportunism.

In a statement issued on Wednesday, Olayinka alleged that Momodu’s loyalty to former Vice President Atiku Abubakar is driven by monetary gain, asserting that the moment Atiku ceases to fund him, Momodu would quickly abandon the relationship.

“Only someone like Dele Momodu, who operates solely on stomach infrastructure, would accuse Wike of driving Peter Obi out of the PDP,” Olayinka said. “His ignorance or selective memory is both laughable and dangerous.”

The FCT Minister’s spokesperson went further to blame Atiku for being a divisive figure within the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), claiming he has been a stumbling block since 2003.

“Atiku has been the instrument used to weaken the PDP, beginning with the sabotage of the party’s bid to take Lagos in 2003. He is no unifier; his ambition has consistently torn the party apart,” Olayinka alleged.

Reacting to Momodu’s statement that Atiku wanted the PDP to zone its 2023 presidential ticket to the Southeast, Olayinka dismissed it as dishonest. “Why did Atiku purchase the Expression of Interest form even before zoning was determined? That alone debunks the claim.”

He also reminded the public of the mass defection of Atiku’s allies after both the 2019 and 2023 elections: “Was it Wike who told Senator Gbenga Daniel, Atiku’s campaign DG in 2019, to quit PDP? Did Wike convince his 2023 running mate, Dr. Ifeanyi Okowa, to walk away from the party? What about Udom Emmanuel, who chaired the 2023 campaign—his successor is also on his way out.”

According to Olayinka, this pattern reflects Atiku’s self-centered politics: “The only explanation is that Atiku is in it for himself. He uses people, then discards them—and they, in turn, abandon him after every election.”

On Momodu’s claim that Wike distanced himself from the Southeast, Olayinka fired back: “Wike is a proud Ikwerre man. Unlike Dele Momodu, who seems unsure of his Edo roots, Wike knows who he is and where he stands.”

Concluding his remarks, Olayinka branded Momodu a “fair-weather friend,” whose loyalty is dictated by bank alerts. “All this noise is because Atiku is still paying him. Once the money dries up, Momodu will move on to his next benefactor.”

The Federal Capital Territory Administration (FCTA) has unveiled bold plans to transform the six Area Councils of the FCT into thriving tourism and investment destinations, in line with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda.

Speaking during the inaugural FCT Area Councils’ Tourism and Hospitality Investment Carnival and Expo at the Cyprian Ekwensi Centre for Arts and Culture, the FCT Minister of State, Dr. Mariya Mahmoud, represented by the Permanent Secretary, Social Development Secretariat, Mrs. Bunmi Olowookere, said the initiative aims to harness the rich cultural and economic potential of the Area Councils to drive inclusive development and sustainable wealth creation.

“Through the celebration of our indigenous culture, business innovation, and investment opportunities, this administration is determined to ignite economic revitalization, foster inclusive community development, and build pathways to sustainable prosperity,” Dr. Mahmoud stated.

She revealed that under the leadership of Barr. Nyesom Wike, the FCTA has received a presidential directive to reposition the FCT’s culture, tourism, and hospitality sectors to meet global standards. She emphasized that the Area Councils hold the bulk of these untapped assets and must play a central role in this transformation.

Commending the Tourism Department of the Social Development Secretariat for championing the expo, Mahmoud assured that the FCTA would continue to support partnerships and programs that unlock the territory’s tourism potential.

Echoing this commitment, Hon. Aminu Ibrahim, Mandate Secretary of the Social Development Secretariat—represented by Dr. Nasiru Shidali, Director of Administration and Finance—described tourism as a powerful economic driver capable of generating jobs, boosting revenue, and regenerating communities.

“Abuja is one of Africa’s fastest-growing cities, and this expo underscores our commitment to creating an investment-friendly environment. The central location of the FCT and its rising population make it a magnet for cultural stakeholders and investors,” he said.

Ibrahim affirmed that the FCT Administration, aligned with the Federal Government’s Renewed Hope Agenda, is taking strategic steps to reposition the capital as a cultural and commercial hub on the continent.

In a bold move to deliver healthcare to Nigeria’s most underserved populations, the Federal Ministry of Health and Social Welfare has inaugurated the management committee for the Renewed Hope Health Connect (RHHC) initiative—a nationwide medical outreach programme targeting vulnerable communities across 55 senatorial districts.

The Honourable Minister of State for Health and Social Welfare, Dr. Iziaq Adekunle Salako, who presided over the inauguration in Abuja, said the initiative reaffirms the Federal Government’s resolve to advance health equity through direct interventions in hard-to-reach areas.

“Access to quality healthcare remains a significant challenge in many parts of our country, especially in rural and underserved communities,” Dr. Salako noted. “These areas often lack adequate infrastructure, skilled personnel, and essential medical supplies, leading to high maternal and child mortality rates and poor health outcomes.”

Dr. Salako revealed that the RHHC programme has been captured in the 2025 national budget, signaling strong government backing. According to him, medical outreaches have consistently proven to be effective in delivering essential services to vulnerable populations, particularly where conventional health facilities are limited or absent.

The RHHC Management Committee, which Dr. Salako chairs, includes Directors from strategic departments, officials from the Office of the Coordinating Minister, the Permanent Secretary, and the National Eye Health Programme. Also serving are the Minister’s Senior Technical Assistant and Technical Assistant, with Dr. Charles Nzelu, Director of Special Duties, appointed as Secretary.

The committee’s Terms of Reference (ToR) include coordinating the outreach in collaboration with consultants and implementing firms; promoting equitable distribution of services and supplies; and strengthening partnerships with health agencies, NGOs, and community leaders. It will also be responsible for designing constituency-specific action plans with clear timelines and ensuring efficient logistics and procurement processes.

Reiterating the Federal Government’s commitment, Dr. Salako said RHHC represents a “vital step in ensuring no Nigerian is left behind” as the country pursues its national healthcare transformation agenda under the Renewed Hope vision.

****Calls It a Strategic Breakthrough for Mining Sector

The Minister of Solid Minerals Development, Dr. Dele Alake, has endorsed the establishment of Africa’s first Department of Gemology and Gemstones at Yakubu Gowon University, Abuja, describing it as a transformative leap for Nigeria’s mining sector.

Speaking while receiving a delegation from the university led by the department’s pioneer coordinator, Prof. Adesoji Adesugba, Dr. Alake hailed the initiative as a “historic milestone” that aligns with the federal government’s drive to build local capacity and expertise in the solid minerals industry.

“By creating an academic hub for gemology and gemstone studies, Yakubu Gowon University is laying a strong foundation for the long-term growth of Nigeria’s mineral value chain,” Alake said. “This will help develop professionals in gemstone identification, valuation, and jewelry production—skills that are critical to unlocking the full value of our mineral wealth.”

Prof. Adesugba praised Dr. Alake for his visionary leadership and called for the Ministry’s support in facilitating a partnership between the department and the Gemological Institute of Nigeria. Such collaboration, he noted, would enrich the department’s curriculum and research capabilities.

In response, Dr. Alake pledged full support for the proposed affiliation, describing it as “a step in the right direction.” He encouraged other institutions to emulate the move by integrating mining-focused programs that cater to national development priorities.

“If we truly want to achieve sustainable progress in the mining sector, we must start by investing in human capital. This department is a strategic intervention—and we are also working toward establishing full-fledged universities of mining nationwide,” he added.

The visiting team included Prof. Aminu Dankishiya, Dean of the Faculty of Science; Dr. Tinuke Temitope, Registrar of the Gemological Institute of Nigeria; and Dr. Aminu Isyaku, Head of the Department of Geology and Mining, among others.