The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Mr Nyesom Wike, says the FCT Administration has renovated and furnished more than 60 public schools across the territory.

Wike stated this after inspecting some ongoing projects in Gwagwalada and Kwali Area Councils of the territory on Friday.

He explained that beyond road projects, the FCT Administration had invested hugely in improving critical infrastructure in the health and education sectors among others.

According to him, every sector will receive the needed attention, and no one will be left behind.

“We have done a lot of work in schools. The schools we have renovated and furnished are more than 60 so far.

“I can tell you that no sector would be left abandoned, every sector will be focused on.”

The minister, however, pointed out that “good road network is what brings development.

“When there are no roads, which school will you go to?

“When there are no roads, which hospital will you go to?

“So first of all, the key thing that drives development is a good road network all over the world.

“If you’re talking about agriculture, how will you go and harvest your produce when there is no road?”

Wike said that the farming communities along the A2 to Pai road would be happy that they now have a road network to take their farm produce to the city and markets to sell.

He added that good road networks also impacted positively in reducing insecurity.

He explained that when people commit offences and there was no road to chase them, it would become a problem.

“But when you see this kind of road with streetlights, you will have to think twice before you commit any offence,” the minister said. (NAN)

 Bishop Stephen Adegbite, the Executive Secretary of the Nigerian Christian Pilgrims Commission (NCPC), has congratulated Catholics and Christians worldwide on the election of Pope Leo XIV as the 267th Pontiff of the Catholic Church.

Adegbite said this in a statement signed by Mr Celestine Toruka, the Deputy Director and Head, Media and Public Relations of NCPC on Friday in Abuja.

Toruka quoted the NCPC boss as saying “we congratulate Pope Leo XIV on his historic election as the first American to ascend the seat of St.

“We urge His Holiness to use his new role as the leader of the Catholics globally to preach peace and promote dialogue in addressing the myriad of societal ills plaguing humanity.

He commended the 133 cardinals for their unanimity of purpose, resilience and forthrightness in choosing the new Bishop of Rome.

He expressed appreciation to Catholics and non-Catholics alike for their fervent prayers, which he believed contributed to the smooth election of the new Pontiff.

Adegbite noted that he was particularly touched by the new pope’s inaugural speech, in which he affirmed that the Church should serve as platform for building bridges.

He added that “this is exactly what the world needs now. We wish Pope Leo XIV good health of mind and body to carry out his apostolic duties.

“We pray that the Good Lord will grant him the grace to take the Catholic Church and all Christians to a higher pedestal of spirituality.”(NAN)

 The Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) has sent its congratulatory message to the Roman Catholic Church on the election of Pope Leo XIV.

CAN President Archbishop Daniel Okoh, in a statement on Friday, said that this significant milestone brings joy to Catholics worldwide, and CAN joins in celebrating this momentous occasion.

”The emergence of Pope Leo XIV signifies renewal and hope for the Catholic Church,” he said, adding ”CAN is confident that the new Pontiff will advance peace, justice, and inclusiveness, continuing the legacy of his predecessors.

”CAN prays that Pope Leo XIV’s pontificate be blessed with wisdom, good health, and strength to lead God’s people on the path of righteousness.

“May God guide and strengthen him in his ministry,” the statement says.

The Cardinal Robert Francis Prevost of the U.S. was elected as the 267th pope, taking the papal name Pope Leo XIV.

The announcement was made from the balcony of St. Peter’s Basilica, where Cardinal Dominique Mamberti declared “Habemus Papam” to the cheering crowds gathered in St. Peter’s Square.

Pope Leo XIV, aged 69, is the first American pope in history and a former Superior General of the Augustinians.

He succeeds Pope Francis, the 266th pontiff of the Catholic Church and the first from Latin America who died on April 21, at the age of 88. (NAN)