NEWS
ACReSAL Project: Mahmoud Disburses $25,000.00 Each to 10 FCT Communities
By Laide Akinboade, Abuja
The Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Minister of State, Dr. Mariya Mahmoud on Tuesday disbursed $25,000.00 each to ten communities that have qualified for the pilot stage of the Community Revolving Fund (CRF) through their respective Community Revolving Fund Management Committees.
Mahmoud also flagged off the distribution of water pumping machines to Community Interest Groups (CIGs), motorcycles to the FCT Forest Guards, water tankers and a multipurpose truck to support reforestation efforts of the FCT Administration.
The minister who made these presentations to the benefiting communities in Abuja also acknowledged that the Community Revolving Fund (CRF) was a pivotal aspect of the Agro-Climatic Resilience in Semi-Arid Landscapes (ACReSAL) Project.
This project according to her is specifically under component B, which focuses on bolstering agro-climatic resilience at both the community and household levels by promoting locally and adapted sustainable land and water management (SLWM) strategies and through climate smart approaches to agriculture and natural resource management.
She stressed that although the fund was provided at zero interest rates, she warned that timely repayment is essential for its sustainability and to allow others to benefit.
The minister said; “I urge you to utilize these funds wisely and responsibly, leveraging this opportunity to enhance your socio-economic well-being, improve your livelihoods and contribute meaningfully to the development of your communities”.
Mahmoud described the timing of this initiative as apt, and significant as it aligns with the Federal Government’s strategic efforts to combat the escalating food crisis in Nigeria.
“It further reflects the FCT Administration’s dedication to uplifting the lives of the most vulnerable groups, thereby fostering a more equitable and resilient FCT”, she affirmed.
The minister, therefore, expressed the administration’s gratitude to the World Bank for their invaluable support and partnership through the ACReSAL project, while appreciating the contributions of the National Project Coordinator from the Federal Project Management Unit (FPMU).
Mahmoud pledged that the FCT Administration remains steadfast in its commitment to enhancing the lives of residents and creating a vibrant, thriving city in line with the Renewed Hope Agenda of Mr President.
Speaking earlier, Mandate Secretary Agriculture and Rural Development Secretariat, Hon. Lawan Kolo Geidam, explained that the Community Revolving Fund is a pivotal element under the ACReSAL project, aimed at enhancing agricultural resilience and promoting sustainable practices among targeted groups in identified watersheds.
He further noted that the fund was designed to empower local communities by providing them with the financial resources necessary to implement innovative and adaptive strategies, which are crucial for improving agricultural productivity, ensuring food security and ultimately enhancing their livelihoods and community growth.
He expressed delight that, after a long and arduous journey, the FCT could be counted among the states implementing the CRF in the country.
The Mandate Secretary listed the benefiting pilot communities to include Dafa, Gbako, Sheda, Pukafa, Ike, Tekpese, Wako, Ashara, Gbawuji and Rugan Bature.
Geidam assured that the secretariat will remain committed to ensuring that the funds are utilized effectively and prudently for their intended purposes.
He revealed that the implementation of the ACReSAL project in the FCT is yielding the desired result leading to significant advancements in the reforestation of degraded forest reserves in Buja and Kujekwa.
Other areas of achievement according to him include the planting of a 160 kilometres shelter belt along Zuba to Giri junction to Abaji, as well as the fencing and protection of FCT forest plantations.
“The project has significantly enhanced the lives of our community members by providing over 41 solar-powered boreholes and 270 stand-alone solar lights.
“Similarly, the project has strengthened support for climate-smart agriculture, especially during the dry season, with the construction of over 60 tubewells,” he added.
Items distributed include 60 solar-powered water pumping machines, 30 motorcycles and essential working materials for the FCT Forest Guards, and the newly acquired water tanker and multipurpose truck for climate smart irrigation farming.
NEWS
FRSC Targets Over Loading, Dangerous Driving During Yuletide Travels in Katsina
The Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC), Katsina Command says it is targeting drivers who are in the habit of over loading and dangerous driving during the Christmas and New Year celebrations.
The state FRSC Sector Commander, Mr Aliyu Ma’aji, made this known at a news conference on Tuesday in Katsina.
Ma’aji said that the command was out to ensure zero road traffic deaths and crash-free during the festive period.
He said that the command had organised series of activities at motor parks, Mosques and Churches to enlighten motorists on the risks associated with dangerous driving and over loading.
Ma’aji also reminded prospective
passengers to always speak up against violations of traffic rules, dangerous driving and speeding by drivers in order to save their lives.
“Data indicated more passengers lost their lives than drivers during accidents,” the sector commander said.
He urged prospective passengers to always use faster channels to report road crashes and obstruction to the FRSC for possible rescuing without delay.
According to him, the command light tow truck had been strategically positioned in the event of any unforeseen eventuality.
He also announced that a mobile Court had also been set up for possible prosecution of traffic offenders on the spot.
Ma’aji, however, advised motorists to desist from mixing of goods and passengers in their vehicles, among other traffic violations. (NAN)
NEWS
FCTA to Ensure Effective Utilisation of Operational Vehicles by Security Agencies
The Federal Capital Territory Administration (FCTA) says it has taken steps to ensure effective utilisation of the 100 operational vehicles donated to security agencies in the FCT.
Mr Adamu Gwary, Director of the Security Service Department, FCTA, stated this during the department’s end-of-year news conference in Abuja on Tuesday.
The Minister of the FCT, Mr Nyesom Wike had in July donated 50 operational vehicles, equipped with communication gadgets to security agencies.
On Dec. 12, the minister donated additional 50 new operational vehicles to security agencies, totalling 100 vehicles so far distributed.
Gwary, a fellow of the National Defence College, said that the vehicles were marked to ensure that the FCT Administration gets value for the support given to the security agencies.
“Just yesterday we had a meeting with a service provider, who, through the Presidency, provided a reporting platform of crime statistics format in all our police divisions.
“We looked at it beyond just getting information on crime statistics. We expanded it to cover other components of the FCT Administration’s support to security agencies.
“This will give us a platform to ensure that whatever the administration has provided, particularly vehicular assets to help security agencies to perform optimally, are equally monitored.
“We will put our eyes and ears on those vehicles because they were given to them for the purpose of improving and enhancing the security situation in the FCT,” he said.
He added that when there was a need for the vehicles to be used outside the FCT, it must be connected to security issues affecting the territory, especially cross-border crime.
As Christians around the world prepare for Christmas and new year celebrations, the director called on FCT residents to support and cooperate with security agencies.
He said, “when you see something, say something and we will do something.” (NAN)
NEWS
Police Arrest Man for Allegedly Raping 5-yr-old girl in Gombe
The Nigeria Police, Gombe State Command, says it has arrested a 27-year-old man for allegedly raping a five-year-old girl in Pindiga community in Akko Local Government of the state.
ASP Buhari Abdullahi, the police’s spokesperson in the state said this on Tuesday in Gombe while parading the suspect and others.
Abdullahi said that the suspect had lured the victim to his parlour where he allegedly committed the crime.
He said that the victim was taken to the hospital for medical treatment where doctor also confirmed that she had been violated.
He said the matter was reported Dec. 15 about 8.30am against the suspect at Pingiga police station.
He said that the suspect (names withheld) had lured the 5-year-old to his home and allegedly had sexual intercourse with her.
“However, upon receipt of the complaint the above mentioned suspect was arrested.
“The victim was rushed to cottage hospital for medical treatment and for doctor’s confirmation,” he said.
Abdullahi stated that during the course of investigation, the suspect confessed to the alleged crime and would be charged to court for prosecution.
Besides, the command spokesman paraded 15 other suspects for various crimes ranging from criminal conspiracy, armed robbery, possession of counterfeit Naira notes, amongst others,
Abdullahi restated the command’s commitment to tackling crimes in the state.(NAN)