By Laide Akinboade, Abuja

Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Barr. Nyesom Wike, on Wednesday, dismissed widespread reports of a suicide bombing in Abuja.He also warned any individuals or group trying to blackmail the FCT Administration through misinformation that their tactics will not deter ongoing reforms.

Wike, stated this while fielding questions from newsmen on the alleged suicide bomber, said the recent security reports linking an explosion to terrorism as “deliberate misinformation” aimed at causing panic. “No security agency has confirmed it was a suicide bomber. People must stop creating unnecessary fear in the minds of residents,” the minister said.“What happened was that someone took an explosive used for blasting rocks at a quarry site and put it in his pocket. It exploded. That is not terrorism, and we must stop misleading the public.”He emphasized that the FCT Administration is doing everything possible to strengthen security across the territory and called for responsible journalism and public cooperation.Wike used the opportunity to showcase key projects nearing completion, including the N5 Road at Life Camp, the Guzape Interchange, and the renovated International Conference Centre.He praised contractors for meeting standards and timelines, expressing satisfaction that Abuja residents can now “feel and touch” the impact of President Tinubu’s infrastructural agenda.“This is what the President promised: development through road infrastructure, and we are delivering,” Wike stated.

By Andrew Oota,Abuja

The Saudi Authorities have conducted 84 journalists round Makkah’s most groundbreaking museums to enhance global understanding of Islamic heritage and scientific achievements.The Saudi Authority of Media Regulation and the Royal Commission for Makkah City and Holy Sites conducted the international journalists round various sessions of the museums in Makkah.

The two organizations hosted the journalists on a curated visit to the three museums: International Museum of the Prophet’s Biography, the Clock Tower Museum and the Museum of the Holy Kaaba. Mohammed Qamerein, a tour guide at the International Museum of the Prophet’s Biography, said that the initiative was to provide journalists with firsthand insight into the spiritual, historical and scientific legacy of Islam.According to Qamerein, it is very good to be able to provide all this information for all pilgrims to benefit and learn more about Prophet Muhammad.He said that it was one of the core of Islam to know about the Prophet.Speaking on the importance of the visit to the museum sites, Zakia Koya, a journalist from Malaysia, described the visit as informative.“I find that this kind of tour is very informative because most of the journalists that come with the media normally do not have time to do this.“They do not have time to visit and see these places, and you have to pay a lot to enter these places.“So, this is very informative, especially because most of the journalists are busy covering only the pilgrims and then we are going back with the stories of the pilgrims of our countries,” he said.Another journalist from Turkey, Esra Esrahacioglu, said that the visit was impressive and helped journalists to see Makkah’s environment as it was.According to Esrahacioglu, it is a perfect chance to see this kind of old stories in a new technological way.“We see a lot of development in the city right now, but years ago, it was all different. And this museum helped us to see the environment as it was.“So, it was enjoyable for me. I would recommend people to come and see this museum,” he said.The International Museum of the Prophet’s Biography was inaugurated in 2021 and became operational in 2024 to focus on the life, character, and teachings of Prophet Muhammad.The Clock Tower Museum focuses on the timekeeping, astronomy and science, especially in relation to Islamic practices like prayer timing and moon sighting.The Clock Tower Museum in Makkah, located within the iconic Abraj Al Bait complex, offers a unique blend of scientific exploration, historical insight, and panoramic view of the holy city.

By Laide Akinboade, Abuja

The Mandate Secretary, FCT Women Affairs Secretariat, Honorable Dr Adedayo Benjamins-Laniyi, on Wednesday, said, it is imperative to stop shaming girls seen with a period stained dress.This was contained in a statement issued by FCT Women Affairs Secretariat, signed by Josie Mudasiru JP, Deputy Director of information in Abuja.

The Mandate Secretary also called on members of The Public to make FCT a period friendly place. The statement reads in part, “It is time to priotise the Education of the Girl Child and her biological makeup should not be a hindrance to having access to quality Education”.She commended the FCT Administration under The Leadership of The FCT Minister, Barr Nyesom Wike and the FCT Minister of State, Dr Mariya Mahmud for ensuring that Children, especially the Girl Child issues are always on the Top Burner.Dr Adedayo Benjamins-Laniyi said that the Society should normalize seeing a Girl with a stained dress. ” When you come across this, it should not be an avenue for mockery and shaming, but an opportunity to show empathy and support “.The Mandate Secretary said that the theme of this Year’s celebration: TOGETHER FOR A #PERIOD FRIENDLY WORLD “, is a call to action for everyone one to ensure that Menstruation does not limit access to Education, Health Care, and other opportunities for the Girl Child.She encouraged non Governmental Organizations and other Stakeholders to continue to partner with Government to ensure that School Girls have access to Sanitary towels, Hygiene resources, Deodorants, Body Sprays and other materials that will make them confident during their Monthly Flow.She added that Menstruation and Hygiene must go together and that is why Schools should ensure adequate Water Supply.Accordingly to her; a lot of Girls stay away during their Menstrual Cycle because the School environment is not conducive.”Girls need resources that will make them comfortable, and also frequent sensitasion on how to maintain a high level of Hygiene during the period, how to dispose their Sanitary towels and how often to change “.Dr Adedayo Benjamins-Laniyi said it is erroneous to assume that a Girl Child of 10,12 years who just started Menstruation will automatically know how to take care of herself, and that is why International Days are set aside to create awareness and also educate everyone.May 28 is celebrated globally as World Menstrual Hygiene Day and it is to create a World where no one is held back because they menstruate.