Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Mr. Nyesom Wike, has assured residents that security agencies are working around the clock to ensure the safety of lives and properties during the Eid-el-Kabir holidays and beyond.Wike made the statement in his Eid-el-Kabir message to FCT residents in Abuja on Thursday.

He emphasised that the FCT Administration would continue to maintain close collaboration with security operatives to keep Abuja safe and secure. “I am proud to say that Abuja remains the safest city in the country, and we are doing everything possible to keep it that way.“As we gather with family and friends in celebration, let us not forget the less privileged among us.“Let the spirit of Eid inspire us to share, uplift, and show kindness to those in need.“As you join millions around the world to celebrate this sacred occasion, we are reminded of the profound values embodied in Eid-el-Kabir, sacrifice, obedience, and unwavering faith, as exemplified by Prophet Ibrahim,” he said.The minister urged residents to reflect on the deeper meaning of submission to the will of Allah and to recommit themselves to compassion, generosity, and unity.According to him, the celebration is not only a spiritual milestone but also a time to renew the collective commitment to peace, tolerance, and mutual respect.He commended the Muslim community in the FCT for their enduring contributions to the growth and peaceful coexistence within the territory.“Your values and sense of community are integral to our shared progress,” he added.The minister also noted that President Bola Tinubu, through his “Renewed Hope Agenda,” had been working tirelessly to ease the burdens faced by the people.He highlighted the commendable progress made by the FCT Administration in infrastructure development, security enhancement, and social welfare interventions.“These efforts are all aimed at improving the quality of life for every resident of the FCT.“We owe the rapid development of the FCT to the unwavering support President Tinubu has given to the FCTA.“Therefore, I urge you to use this occasion to pray that the Almighty grants Tinubu good health and more guidance to lead the nation to greater heights.“In the coming days, we will begin commissioning a plethora of completed projects across the territory in celebration of Tinubu’s second year in office.“These are critical projects aimed at advancing healthcare, education, agriculture, transportation, and more sectors within the FCT.“They stand as visible proof of our commitment to delivering tangible, impactful change and building a capital city that reflects the hopes and aspirations of all Nigerians,” he said. (NAN)

President Bola Tinubu on Thursday paid tribute to Prof. Jibril Aminu, a respected academic and political leader, who died at the age of 85.Tinubu, who extended his condolences to the government and the people of Adamawa, described Aminu’s death as a profound loss to the nation.

In the tribute, Tinubu stated that the late professor left remarkable imprints in the sands of time: “May he find eternal rest in Aljana Firdaus. And may Allah forgive his sins. ”The President said Aminu, a professor of cardiology, was one of Nigeria’s most decorated medical professionals who straddled his profession and politics exceptionally, bringing erudition and brilliance to statecraft.“In his professional life, he earned many laurels for his grit, hard work, and expertise.He was a fellow of the Nigerian Academy of Science, a fellow of the Royal College of Physicians, London, a fellow of the West African College of Physicians, and a fellow of the Nigerian Postgraduate Medical College.He was also a Consultant in medicine, Senior Lecturer and Sub-Dean of clinical Studies at the University of Ibadan Medical School (1973–1975).Aminu was Executive Secretary of the National Universities Commission (1975–1979), visiting Professor of Medicine at Howard University College of Medicine in Washington DC (1979–1980), and Vice-Chancellor of the University of Maiduguri (1980–1985).He served meritoriously in public service as Nigeria’s ambassador to the United States from 1999 to 2003 and as senator representing Adamawa Central Senatorial District from 2003 to 2011.He also served as Minister of Education and then Petroleum and Mineral Resources (1989–1992).“He epitomised statesmanship and was committed to building a greater Nigeria,” Tinubu wrote. (NAN)

President Bola Tinubu says more funds would be committed to infrastructure development across the country.The president said this while inaugurating the Lekki Deep Sea Port Access Road at the Dangote Refinery and Petrochemical Plant in Lagos, Mr Bayo Onanuga, his spokesman, said in a statement.

The president said he was happy that the Deep Sea Port he initiated as governor of Lagos State had become a huge success. “Users save vast amounts of money using this port because they no longer need to trans-ship their goods. “I commend the quality of the access road done by Messrs Dangote Industries Limited on our Tax Credit Road programme and the subcontractor, Messrs Hitech Construction Company Limited,” Tinubu said.He commended the Federal Ministry of Works, Hitech Construction Company Limited, Dangote Industries Limited, BUA and all contractors involved in the country’s road development.The president said his administration was committed to building enduring infrastructure nationwide.He dismissed critics of the government’s legacy projects for being ignorant about how the government awarded the legacy roads to contractors.“It is necessary to note that the Federal Executive Council approved our legacy projects to be procured, awarded and constructed in sections.“The completed 30 km segment of the Lagos-Calabar Coastal Highway is part of the 47.7 km, six-lane Section I contract, not a wholesale 750 km contract, as some have suggested.” No contractor has been awarded the entire corridor.“Our approach has been systematic, transparent, and section-based.” The Sokoto-Badagry Superhighway envisioned 47 years ago under the Shagari administration, is another legacy project we have revived,” said Tinubu.According to him, this corridor – spanning Sokoto, Kebbi, Niger, Kwara, Oyo, Ogun, and Lagos – holds immense potential for agriculture, trade, and industrialisation.“It connects over 58 dams, vast arable farmlands, and trade routes to our West African neighbours and offers great promise for windmill energy generation.” Construction is well underway.“In Kebbi, we have completed over 10 km of the 258 km three-lane carriageway, and today we flag off the second carriageway.” This section is the longest in all our Legacy Projects.“In Sokoto, work has begun on the 120 km 2single-carriageway by three lanes from Illela.” I understand that over 10km of this project is already completed.” Today, we shall be flagging off the second carriageway of 120km with three lanes,” Tinubu stated.He said work was also at an advanced stage in this section.“More sections are being designed for procurement and award within the whole length of the Sokoto-Badagry Superhighway.“On my way here, I witnessed significant progress at Section II of the Lagos-Calabar Coastal Highway, with over 10 km of the 55 km stretch already completed.“I am also pleased to report ongoing works in the Cross River and Akwa Ibom sections and have directed that more segments be designed and procured,” he said.The president said the Trans-Sahara Trade Route, another visionary project, was advancing steadily, and would connect Calabar to Abuja via Ebonyi, Benue, Kogi, and Nasarawa.Tinubu said he had directed accelerated design on the 4th Legacy Project of the Akwanga-Jos-Bauchi and Gombe corridor to enable procurement to start.“Let me assure you that with God on our side, we shall complete these projects and deploy them for the economic benefit of our nation,” he said. (NAN)