NEWS
Projects: Wike Thanks Tinubu for the Opportunity to Serve

By Laide Akinboade, Abuja
The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Mr Nyesom Wike, on Thursday commended President Bola Tinubu for giving him the opportunity to be part of his administration’s quest to renew the hope of Nigerians.
Wike poured out his gratitude after inspecting ongoing rural roads projects in Bwari and Abuja Municipal Area Councils, in Abuja.
The minister also commended Tinubu for what he described as ‘tremendous support’ to the FCT Administration to provide critical infrastructure and quality services to residents of the FCT.
The projects inspected included the 7.2-kilometre road linking Gaba and Tokulo communities in Bwari Area Council and the five-kilometre access road linking Saburi 1 and 2 in Abuja Municipal Area Council.
The roads are part of the 42.- kilometre rural roads being constructed across the six area councils of the FCT.
Wike explained that Tinubu’s “Renewed Hope” agenda was not meant for only the people in the cities but was designed to also ensure that those in rural communities feel the impact of his administration.
“I am very glad to say that the renewed hope agenda is working, particularly as it concerns the area councils.
“The renewed hope Agenda is not only for the cities; it is also to make sure that those in the rural areas feel part of the administration.
“We have been to Bwari and we attest to the fact that, that is a very difficult terrain. No wonder people talk of insecurity.
“But with the construction of that road, you can say that there is hope.
“I feel so happy that I am part of this administration and that people can see changes.
“Again, we are here in Saburi, and you can see the work going on. When we came to inaugurate the road, you could see the enthusiasm among the people,” he said.
The minister added, “I am proud that the contractors are doing very well and by the grace of God all the six projects in the six area councils would be completed before the end of the year.
“That will not stop us from commencing the 2024 infrastructure development in the area councils as we promised.”
He explained that road projects were being funded from the 2023 emergency supplementary budget.
He added that the N1.28 trillion FCT 2024 statutory budget, when assented by Tinubu would also be used to construct additional roads in the six area councils.
Wike, who expressed optimism that the 2024 budget was realistic, added that 58 per cent of the capital budget would be expended on ongoing projects.
He also said that the remaining 42 per cent was earmarked for critical new projects, which would commence after the assent of Mr president.
“We are happy that everything we have started will be completed soon.
“This attests to the fact that Tinubu’s Renewed Hope” agenda is not just in theory; it’s practical – ‘seeing is believing’, the minister said.
JUDICIARY
Teenager Gets 10 Strokes Of Cane For Stealing Electric Cables

A Kaduna Magistrates’ Court, on Wednesday ordered that a teenager, be given 10 strokes of the cane for breaking into a house and stealing electrical cables worth N450, 000.
The Magistrate, Ibrahim Emmanuel, gave the sentence following a guilty plea by the 18-year-old now convict who resides at Kinkinau Kaduna.
Emmanuel said that the light punishment was because the convict saved the court from a prolonged trial, adding that he hoped that it would serve as a deterrent to others.
He also ordered that the recovered electrical cables be returned to the complainant, Sadiq Yusuf.
Earlier, the Prosecutor, Insp. Chidi Leo, told the court that the convict committed the offence on May 17 at Ungwan sarki Kaduna.
He said the convict and one Mohammed Sani, now attack large, broke into the complainant’s house and stole the electrical cables worth N450, 000.
Leo said the convict was arrested when a neighbour to the complainant saw him coming out of the house with the stolen items.
The prosecutor said the offence contravened the Penal Code of Kaduna State, 2017. (NAN)
CRIME
Woman In Court For Allegedly Stabbing Boyfriend With Knife

A 23-year-old woman, Abigail Victor, was on Wednesday arraigned before a Kaduna Magistrate’s Court for allegedly stabbing her boyfriend with a knife.
Victor, a resident of Ungwan Sunday, Kaduna, was facing a two-count charge of conspiracy and causing injury.
The Prosecutor, Insp Chidi Leo, told the court that the defendant committed the offences on May 17 at Sabon Tasha, Kaduna.
Leo said the defendant conspired with two others at large to beat her boyfriend, Dominic James, and also stab him with a knife in his shoulder.
He said the defendant, who had a misunderstanding with the complainant, accused him of cheating on her.
“In the process, she called two of her friends who came to the complainant’s house, beat him up and stabbed him.
“It took the intervention of neighbours who came to the aid of the complainant and rushed him to a hospital.
“The offences contravene Sections 58 and 284 of the Penal Code of Kaduna State, 2017.
“Section 58 attracts a one-year prison term if found guilty, while Section 284 attracts a prison term of not less than five years if found guilty,” he said.
The defendant pleaded not guilty to the charges.
The Magistrate, Ibrahim Emmanuel, granted bail to the defendant in the sum of N200,000 with one surety in like sum.
He said the surety must be a blood relation to the defendant and must present a three year tax clearance to the Kaduna State Government.
Emmanuel adjourned the case until June 17 for hearing. (NAN)
Metro
First Lady Urges Nigerians to Embrace Cultural Diversity, Promote Unity

The First Lady, Sen. Oluremi Tinubu, has urged Nigerians to embrace their cultural diversity and promote unity and respect within the diverse nation.
The first lady made the call in her message on Wednesday in commemoration of the 2025 World Day for Cultural Diversity for Dialogue and Development.
“The World Day for Cultural Diversity for Dialogue and Development, highlights the profound strength that lies our differences and the shared humanity that connects us all.
”There is indeed strength and unity in diversity.
“Nigeria for example is blessed with over 250 ethnic groups, each speaking a different language, but it is through our dialogue, our interactions, and our mutual respect that we find true identity and unity.
“On this day, I encourage every Nigerian to celebrate our cultural richness, to listen with empathy, and to lead with understanding.
“Let us embrace this journey together and shape a brighter future for Nigeria and the world,” Mrs Tinubu said.
The World Day for Cultural Diversity for Dialogue and Development is celebrated every year on May 21, to raise awareness on the role of Culture in sustainable socio-economic growth and development. (NAN)