NEWS
Mahmoud Commends First Lady’s RHIESS Impactful Service
By Laide Akinboade, Abuja
Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Minister of State, Dr. Mariya Mahmoud has commended the Renewed Hope Initiative Elderly Support Scheme (RHIESS) of the First Lady, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, for its impactful service to the elderly in society.
The minister made this commendation at the second edition of the Renewed Hope Initiative Elderly Support Scheme, held in Abuja.
Mahmoud emphasised that the initiative was not just to distribute items but to express the deepest gratitude and respect for the wealth of wisdom and experience that the elders bring to the society.
“In the fast-paced world we live in, it is essential to pause and appreciate the pillars of our community—the elderly.
Their stories, guidance, and enduring spirits have shaped our collective journey.“A simple gift can bring a smile, warmth, and a sense of belonging to those who may feel overlooked or lonely especially during this time of the year.
“I understand that the mission of the Renewed Hope Initiative is not just about distributing material items; it is about fostering a sense of community, compassion, and respect for our elders, youths, girl child and widows,” the Minister noted.
She, therefore, commended this year’s theme: “Total Wellness; Happiness, Healthy and Prosperous Lifestyle”, stressing that it is not just apt but a commitment to ensuring the comfort and well-being of those who have paved the way for us.
Mahmoud used the occasion to call on critical stakeholders to carry the spirit of the First Lady beyond today, by ensuring that the love and warmth shared with the elderly and the less privileged would continue to resonate throughout the year.
In her remarks, Mandate Secretary Women Affairs Secretariat, Dr. Adedayo Benjamins-Olaniyi, assured that the beneficiaries would go home with the sum of N200,000 cash gift and other gift items.
According to her, “I am certain that our beneficiaries will be leaving here happier, richer and healthier. I thank the First Lady for this kind gesture”.
The highlight of the event was the presentation of N200,000 cash each to 250 elderly persons, 25kg bag of rice, wheelchairs, medical screenings, among other assisted devices.
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)