By Laide Akinboade, Abuja

The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, has given owners of the 762 plots of land in Maitama II District, Cadastral Zone, A10, Abuja, a fresh two-week ultimatum to pay for their Certificates of Occupancy (C-of-O) or risk final revocation of their allocation.

This was contained in a statement issued at the weekend, by his Senior Special Assistant on Public Communications and New Media, Lere Olayinka, the FCT Minister reiterated that the primary interest was not for people to lose their lands, but to get them to make necessary payments to the government.

The statement read; “It should be recalled that on October 5, 2024, a list of 3,273 allottees/title holders that were yet to pay for their C-of-O were published.

They were offered two weeks to pay their bills or lose their Right of Occupancy (R-of-O) titles. Out of the 3,273, a total of 2,511 complied, leaving 762.

“Yesterday, notice of withdrawal of the R-of-O titles of the 762 defaulters was published.

“Since then, many of the affected allottees have offered to pay, and since the primary aim of the government is to ensure payment, a two weeks grace has been given.

“Consequently, the 762 allottees and the 614 others with outstanding payment on C-of-O will have till January 3, 2025 to pay, or have their R-of-O titles withdrawn, pursuant to the provisions of Section 28 of the Land Use Act of 1978.

“After January 3, 2025, there will be no further extension and withdrawal of the R-of-O titles of defaulters will be final.”

By Laide Akinboade, Abuja

The Federal Capital Territory (FCT) at the weekend revealed that it has concluded arrangements to intensify patrol and surveillance in Abuja.

The FCT Commissioner of Police, Olatunji Disu, stated this while briefing journalists after the monthly security meeting in preparation for the yuletide, in Abuja.

Disu said the committee is intensifying efforts to ensure that the FCT is safe during and after the end of year festivities.

Disu disclosed that joint teams of all the security agencies will embark on clearance operations in the coming days and urged residents not to panic at the sight of the high-power security operatives, adding that specific places have been identified for more deployment.

 He said, “We are intensifying our activities in all the borders. Exit and entry into the FCT. We are synergising with all the neighbouring states and focusing on all the bushes around. The Nigeria Airforce is bringing in their helicopters for surveillance of the identified areas while the Nigeria Army, Navy, NSCDC and Police are ready and already clearing the bushes.

 “You are going to be seeing all of us patrolling together. These are sights not usually seen under normal circumstances. So, you will see us patrol together to ensure we bring peace”.

 He thanked residents for their cooperation while soliciting for their continued support, urging them to report any suspicious person or activity to the security agencies.

From Ene Asuquo, Calabar

As the 16 days of activism rounded up on the 10 of December across the world, a non-governmental organization (NGO) in Calabar,”We The People” has continued to sensitize women on Gender Based Violence and Environmental Injustice

The group noted that environmental harm reduces agricultural yields and livelihood making women more economically dependent on men and vulnerable to financial abuse

These views were contained in the lecture series to women in a sensitization workshop in Calabar on gender based violence (GBV) and Environmental Injustice against women.

It was also stated that environmental degradation exacerbates gender based violence and increases vulnerability during crises.

The group noted that Natural disasters, such as floods and drought often displaced communities leading to insecure living environment like overcrowding where gender based violence risks are heightened

They maintained that women are most likely to face exploitation, trafficking and domestic violence in such situations, noting that deforestation and water scarcity are parts of environmental challenges faced by women and children.