Metro
FCTA Distributes Palliatives to Vulnerable Residents

The Federal Capital Territory Administration (FCTA) has begun the distributions of assorted food items to vulnerable residents of the territory.
The FCT Minister of State, Dr Mariya Mahmoud, said at the commencement of the exercise in Abuja on Tuesday, that the goal was to ease the hardship occasioned by the removal of fuel subsidy.
Mahmoud identified the items include 17,222 bags of rice and 8,400 bags of maize, adding that every deserving family in the six Area Councils and 17 chiefdoms of FCT would benefit.
She also said that apart from the food items, the government was exploring other avenues to mitigate the impact of the fuel subsidy removal on the residents.
Mahmoud said that the fuel subsidy removal had a ripple effect on transportation, inflation, and an overall burden on the citizenry.
She added that it was to address this hardship that the Federal Government decided to bring succor to Nigerians through the release of assorted food items from the National Strategic Reserve.
“We will ensure that every deserving family in the FCT receives these items free of charge,” she said.
The minister assured the President Bola Tinubu administration’s resolve to implement measures that would stabilize prices, encourage economic growth, promote prosperity and well-being for all the citizens.
On his part, the FCTA Permanent Secretary, Mr Olusade Adesola, said that the Administration had put measures in place to monitor the distribution of the food items.
This, he said, was to ensure that the palliative reached the targeted beneficiaries in all the Area Councils.
Adesola, who was represented by the Director, Operations, Planning and Strategy, Mr Samuel Attang, added that the palliatives were doled out as part of efforts to address the prevailing economic challenges.
He also said that the efforts would create an environment of stability and prosperity for all.
Similarly, the Mandate Secretary, Agriculture and Rural Development Secretariat, Mr Lawan Geidam, said that the distribution would be transparent.
“The secretariat has put in place an efficient and transparent distribution system to ensure that the process is fair, equitable, and devoid of any form of favoritism or discrimination.
“I am optimistic that the commitment, dedication and vision that have been demonstrated by the new FCT leadership will pave the way for a transformative era that will bring forth self-sufficiency in food production,” Geidam said. (NAN)
Metro
Irrespective of Political Affiliation, Let us Build this Nation Together – First Lady

The first lady, Sen. Oluremi Tinubu has called on all politicians to support the current administration under the leadership of President Bola Tinubu to build the nation together irrespective of their political affiliation.
Mrs Tinubu made the call while addressing traditional rulers in Enugu state on Monday on the sideline of her visit for the distribution of Professional kits to Midwives in the state through her Renewed Hope Initiative (RHI).
She said the nation’s diversity and differences are a blessing that must be used positively to build a strong, safe and prosperous Nigeria.
The first lady described the traditional rulers as the eyes and ears of government at the grassroots and appealed to them to align with her vision to promote the health and wellbeing of their subjects.
She further urged the traditional rulers to support her advocacies against cervical cancer, tuberculosis, HIV/AIDS and Female Genital Mutilation.
“As leaders we are responsible to take care of all Nigerians, political affiliation notwithstanding.
“Nigeria is a beautiful country and no one should hinder anyone from visiting any part of the country to experience this. We pray our security will improve and Nigeria should get to that place of safety,” Mrs Tinubu said.
She highlighted some of the upcoming programmes of the RHI to include Flow with Confidence aimed at ensuring that no adolescent girl misses school because of her monthly flow.
Also, the Environment Club/Society is aimed at getting students in secondary schools and tertiary institutions to participate more actively in restoring the environment.
While applauding the synergy that exists between the Federal government and the state, the Chairman, Enugu State Traditional Rulers council, His Royal Highness Samuel Asadu said that unsafe cultural practices that hinder the growth of women have been eradicated in the state.
He commended the hard work and commitment of President Bola Tinubu and the dedication of Senator Oluremi Tinubu to make Nigeria better.
“For us here in Enugu, we the traditional rulers say, no vacancy in Aso Rock,” he said.
At the venue of the presentation of professional kits to the midwives in the South East Geopolitical Zone, the First Lady expressed satisfaction at concluding the distribution of the scrubs and crocs to the 6 geopolitical zones with Enugu concluding the exercise.
In his remarks, the Enugu State Governor Peter Mbah described Mrs Tinubu as the Florence Nightingale of this time owing to her responsiveness to the various pressing health issues.
He also commended President Tinubu by saying “his goodwill and love is appreciated. He is an epitome of courage and dedication.
Mbah further advised the beneficiaries to utilize the kits well.
The first lady to also used the opportunity to present a grant of N50m for onward distribution to 1000 women petty traders in the state under the RHI.(NAN)
CRIME
LASTMA Apprehends Alleged Hit-and-Run Driver

The Lagos State Traffic Management Authority (LASTMA) has apprehended a driver who allegedly attempted to run away after causing an accident that resulted in the death of a pedestrian.
The General Manager of LASTMA, Mr Olalekan Bakare-Oki, said this in a statement on Sunday in Lagos.
The statement was signed by Mr Taofiq Adebayo, Director, Public Affairs and Enlightenment Department, LASTMA.
Bakare-Oki said that the lone accident involved a black Toyota Tundra with registration number FST 222 HV and occurred at the Mosalasi Roundabout on New Ipaja Road.
“Preliminary investigations indicate that the vehicle, speeding, veered uncontrollably off the carriageway, mounted the pedestrian walkway, and fatally struck a woman who died instantly from the impact.
“The momentum of the vehicle subsequently propelled it into a nearby private premises known to be engaged in the sale of livestock, where it inflicted significant structural damage to the perimeter fence and an adjoining advertising billboard.
“The driver, upon realising the gravity of the calamity he caused, made a frantic attempt to flee the scene.
“However, thanks to the prompt, coordinated and courageous intervention of officials from LASTMA. The suspect was swiftly apprehended and restrained,” he said.
He added tha LASTMA operatives handed the driver over to security personnel from the Gowon Estate Command, who were present at the scene of the incident.
“The remains of the deceased woman were respectfully relinquished to officers of the Nigeria Police Force for requisite procedures.
“Subsequent developments confirmed that the suspect has been taken into custody and is currently undergoing rigorous interrogation by police authorities as part of an ongoing and thorough investigation into the incident,” he said.
The LASTMA boss expressed sadness over the loss of life and condoled with the bereaved family.
Bakare-Oki charged motorists to subject their vehicles to routine safety checks, with particular emphasis on the integrity of braking systems.
He said that adherence to traffic regulations was not merely a legal obligation but a moral imperative to safeguard lives and property.
“The Lagos state traffic management authority remains steadfast in its commitment to enforcing traffic laws and promoting road safety culture throughout the state,” he said. (NAN)
Metro
Eid-el-Kabir: Wike Assures Tight Security in FCT

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 emphasized 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)