By David Torough, Abuja

President Bola Tinubu has defended his administration’s decision to exempt the Federal Capital Territory Administration (FCTA) from the Treasury Single Account (TSA), saying the policy has accelerated infrastructure delivery and driven the ongoing transformation of Abuja.

Speaking on Monday through the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Senator George Akume, at the commissioning of a new Office Annex for the Body of Benchers and 10 units of four-bedroom staff quarters at the Nigerian Law School in Bwari, Tinubu said the move gave the FCTA the financial flexibility needed to execute projects more efficiently.

According to the President, the decision was initially criticised, but the visible pace of development in the nation’s capital has justified the policy.

“When we pulled the FCT Administration out of the Treasury Single Account (TSA), there were skeptics. But we knew that local administration must have the liquidity, the speed and the corporate flexibility to interface with financial institutions and deliver critical projects without bureaucratic strangulation. Today, the results are glaring,” he said.

Tinubu credited the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, with translating the policy into concrete projects, describing the scale of infrastructure development and urban renewal in Abuja over the past three years as unprecedented.

He also praised Wike for resolving the Nigerian Law School’s long-standing land documentation challenge by facilitating the issuance of its Certificate of Occupancy after years without formal title.

The President used the inauguration of the Body of Benchers’ Office Annex to reaffirm his administration’s commitment to strengthening the justice sector, insisting that providing infrastructure for the judiciary does not amount to executive interference.

He dismissed suggestions that such interventions undermine judicial independence, arguing that it is the constitutional responsibility of the executive to provide the facilities needed for the justice system to function effectively.

“Let me be absolutely clear: the provision of infrastructure for the legal community and the judiciary is not an interference in the independence of another arm of government. Rather, it is a constitutional and collaborative duty of the Executive,” he said.

At the Nigerian Law School, Tinubu said decent accommodation for staff was critical to producing competent legal professionals, noting that quality legal education cannot thrive with inadequate infrastructure.

He disclosed that the newly commissioned staff quarters are the first phase of broader investments at the institution, including the construction of a new auditorium, additional student hostels and the digitisation of academic and administrative operations.

The President added that similar interventions are being implemented across the justice sector, including the construction of the Abuja Division of the Court of Appeal, magistrates’ courts and residential quarters for judges.

Tinubu said the projects reflected his administration’s broader agenda of strengthening democratic institutions through sustained investment, maintaining that his government remains committed to translating reform promises into measurable results.

By David Torough, Abuja

The Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris, has called on media practitioners in Northern Nigeria to embrace ethical, balanced and responsible journalism, stressing that the region’s future depends not only on development projects but also on the narratives told about its people and opportunities.

Speaking on Monday while delivering the keynote address at the inaugural Arewa Media Summit in Kano, Idris said the media plays a critical role in shaping public opinion, preserving culture, strengthening democracy, attracting investment and fostering national unity.

He said the summit’s theme, “Government-Citizen Accord: Accountability, Responsibility and Ethical Media Practice,” underscores the importance of collaboration between government, citizens and the media in building a peaceful and prosperous Nigeria.

“The future of Northern Nigeria will not be determined only by the quality of our roads, our farms or our industries. It will also be shaped by the quality of our ideas and the stories we tell about ourselves,” the minister said.

Idris warned that the rise of digital technology, while creating new opportunities for communication and economic growth, has also accelerated the spread of misinformation and disinformation, making professional journalism more important than ever.

“Falsehood often travels faster than truth. Credible journalism must continue to stand for accuracy, fairness, verification and responsibility,” he said.
The minister reaffirmed the Federal Government’s commitment to protecting press freedom and creating an enabling environment for journalists to carry out their constitutional responsibilities.

According to him, democracy thrives when citizens are well informed and the media performs its watchdog role with professionalism and integrity.

He also urged journalists to provide a more balanced portrayal of Northern Nigeria by highlighting the region’s achievements alongside its challenges.

“Northern Nigeria is far more than insecurity. It is home to entrepreneurs, farmers, innovators, researchers, artists and young people who are transforming their communities every day. These stories deserve to be told alongside the challenges,” he said.

Highlighting the achievements of the Tinubu administration’s Renewed Hope Agenda, Idris said the Federal Government is investing in infrastructure, education, security and economic reforms to stimulate growth across the country.

He cited the Four Legacy Highway Projects, the establishment of the Federal Ministry of Livestock Development, the Nigerian Education Loan Fund (NELFUND), and investments in rail, energy and logistics as key initiatives expected to benefit Northern Nigeria.

The minister also announced two major initiatives under the Ministry of Information and National Orientation—the establishment of the International Media and Information Literacy Institute (IMILI) and the rollout of the Digital Switch Over (FreeTV) platform—which he said would strengthen responsible journalism, expand access to quality broadcasting, promote local content and combat misinformation.

He encouraged journalists to promote stories that inspire hope while remaining truthful.

“Tell the stories of our innovators. Tell the stories of our farmers. Tell the stories of our entrepreneurs. Tell stories that inspire confidence without abandoning truth. Tell stories that unite rather than divide,” he said.

The inaugural Arewa Media Summit, convened by the Senior Special Assistant to the President on Media and Public Enlightenment, Abdulaziz Abdulaziz, brought together journalists, broadcasters, filmmakers, digital content creators, academics, communication professionals and policymakers.

Among those in attendance were Kano State Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf, representatives of the governors of Yobe and Kebbi states, the Minister of Livestock Development, Idi Mukhtar Maiha, the Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, the Special Assistant to the President on Social Media, Dada Olusegun, President of the Nigerian Union of Journalists, Alhassan Yahaya, and several other dignitaries.

A Gynaecologist, Dr. Samuel Egbebi, has cautioned young women against abuse of pregnancy prevention drugs, warning that it could lead to health complications.

Egbebi gave the warning in an interview in Ado-Ekiti on Sunday.

He explained that while contraceptives are an effective means of preventing pregnancy, each method has its potential side effects and should be used under appropriate medical guidance.

According to him, hormonal contraceptives including pills, implants and injections, may cause mood swings, weight gain, nausea and irregular menstrual bleeding.

He added that contraceptives containing estrogen carry a slightly increased risk of blood clots.

Egbebi noted that some long-acting contraceptives devices may also cause temporary pain or spotting after insertion.

The gynaecologist said common side effects associated with hormonal contraceptives include headache, breast tenderness and decreased libido.

“Excessive or inappropriate use of contraceptives may lead to menstrual irregularities, including breakthrough bleeding or the complete absence of menstruation,” he said.

He further explained that combined estrogen and progestin pills, although generally safe for most women, carry rare but serious risks such as stroke and other cardiovascular complications, especially for smokers or women over 35.

Egbebi also stressed that hormonal contraceptives do not provide protection against sexually transmitted infections(STIs).

He counselled women to seek professional advice before choosing a contraceptive method and encouraged the consistent use of condoms where appropriate to help prevent STIs.

The gynaecologist urged those considering family planning to seek the guidance of qualified healthcare professionals.