NEWS
Ramadan: Wike Donates 10,000 Bags of Rice to Muslim Community
By Laide Akinboade, Abuja
The Minister of Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike yesterday donated 10,000 bags of rice to the Muslim community in Abuja.The Minister was represented by his Chief of Staff, Chidi Amadi.He said the season is marked by fasting, prayer and alms giving and would like to identify with them.
Speaking on Wike’s behalf he said, “We are here for a purpose. Any time you have an opportunity to give, it is an opportunity to be very, very grateful to God Almighty. ”Ramadan is a very unique time and season in the life of our Muslim brothers. It’s a period and a season that has deep religious implications. This season is marked by fasting, prayer and alms giving. And in that wise, the Honorable Minister has considered it important, that aspect of the Ramadan season that goes with alms giving.”The Honorable Minister has considered it important to identify with our Muslim brothers in FCT. He has especially provided over 10,000 bags of rice to be distributed to the various religious leaders, religious associations and groups. And here we are today to ensure that that directive and that provision is formally handed over to the recipients”.The Minister appealed, “I want to urge our religious leaders, associations, please, as these items are made available to you, do well to ensure that they are well distributed. It’s a time we need to identify with the needy in our society, the less privileged in our society, those that truly need some form of assistance. 10,000 bags of rice will definitely go a long way to reach out to most of us in this season.”As we distribute these items today, we urge you, please, try as much as possible to identify our brothers and our sisters and young ones amongst you that truly are in need and ensure that they participate, they partake in this gift that the Honorable Minister has so willingly provided on behalf of the FCT administration.”We also use this opportunity to call on all other bodies, corporate bodies, non-governmental bodies to identify with this season. Reach out to our religious organizations, find where they are and ensure that you identify with them. Provide them with one thing or the other to ensure that this season is marked and marked well”.In his response the season Chief Imam of FCT, Imam Lawal Mustapha, commended the Minister for his kind gesture.He said, “Being the chief imam of the FCT minister residence and the representative of all the FCT imams here, I’m giving and providing my word of thanks.”Obviously, this kind gesture that has been demonstrated in our presence by distributing these foodstuffs to us as the citizenry of this country, and Abuja in particular, we are thanking Mr. Minister that he has done well.”In our religion, our God has given us the order that the kindness deserves kindness. Obviously, in our own stand here, what we do and what we say is just to include Mr. Minister with the deep prayers of concern and the respect that he has done well to us and we are very, very happy.”This is one of the things that the leaders should have done wherever they are, to have leniency, to have kindness, to have the understanding between them and their own subject, to distribute things that are needed in the society.”For this, he has done and we are so happy and we are registering our distant prayers to him. May God provide him with protection and may God help him and progress him in all his endeavors anywhere that he may find himself. We Are so happy and indeed, we are in full exuberance.”May God protect and help him and may God support him in anywhere he may find himself. Mr. Minister, we are happy in a serious manner and we hope that God will make you, give you success and counseling in anywhere that you may find yourself”.The Principal of the school for the deaf, AbdulRazzaq Surajo, who also commended the Minister and called him a father indeed.”We are very grateful for this good gesture by the Honorable Minister of FCT. He’s a father, indeed.”And the Chief of Staff, I’ve met with him on many occasions and during the scholarship. They have been so supportive, especially to educational institutions.”We work with the special needs children, we are very grateful that they did not forget us.”The recent total renovation, I was one of the beneficiaries. Our school was totally renovated. They did not forget, God will not forget the Honorable Minister and the people that are working with him and our overall President.”By this kind gesture during Ramadan, this is a blessing time; this is a month of bonus. People will be very happy when we are crying loudly that things are costly.”The Minister is turning things around in Abuja and touching lives. God will be with him, give him good health, long life, and prosperity. And this government will continue to give them a sense of direction to move FCT and Nigeria to a greater height”.NEWS
Nasarawa Lawmaker Supports Wadada Endorsement
By Tambaya Julius, Abuja
The Nasarawa State House of Assembly Member Representing Keffi West Hon. Ibrahim Aliyu Nana has pledged his full support to Sen. Ahmed Aliyu Wadada following his endorsement by Governor Abdullahi Sule.
The endorsement, which is seen as a strategic consolidation of party strength, is backed by the Governor, reinforcing confidence among party faithful ahead of forthcoming general election.
The honorable member led a large delegation of supporters and political associates, party faithful, including members of his campaign team, to Senator Wadada’s residence in Keffi.
During the visit, Hon. Nana reaffirmed his commitment to mobilising grassroots support across Keffi West and beyond in support of Hon.
Wadada. He emphasised that unity, loyalty, and strategic collaboration remain essential ingredients for electoral victory.According to him, the success of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in the coming elections will depend largely on the ability of party leaders and supporters to work together with a shared vision. He stressed that the endorsement of Senator Wadada is not only a personal decision but also a reflection of the collective will of his supporters and constituents.
The lawmaker further noted that the All Progressives Congress (APC) must remain focused and disciplined, especially at a time when political activities are intensifying. He called on party members to prioritise the interest of the state above individual ambitions, adding that a united front will strengthen the party’s chances at the polls.
Speaking during the visit, Senator Ahmed Wadada Aliyu expressed deep appreciation for the show of support and solidarity. He described his endorsement as timely and encouraging, noting that it reinforces confidence in the party’s direction.
The senator stated that such demonstrations of unity are critical in building momentum ahead of the elections. He added that the gathering sends a strong message of cohesion and readiness among All Progressives Congress (APC) stakeholders in Nasarawa State.
Senator Wadada also assured supporters of his commitment to inclusive leadership and development-oriented governance if elected as governor. He emphasised that his ambition is rooted in the desire to contribute meaningfully to the progress of the state and improve the lives of its citizens
NEWS
Centenary City Access Road Reaches 35 Per Cent Completion as Community Backing Drives Progress
By David Torough, Abuja
Construction of the 4.3-kilometre access road within Abuja’s Centenary City development has reached 35 per cent completion, marking a key milestone in the project’s early infrastructure rollout.
Speaking at a stakeholders’ meeting on Tuesday, the Managing Director of Centenary City Plc, Ike Odenigwe, highlighted visible progress on the ground, noting that work had advanced steadily since commencement.
He emphasised the company’s commitment to delivering essential infrastructure that would support the broader vision of the development.
Odenigwe credited much of the smooth execution to the cooperation of five host communities, describing their support as instrumental in avoiding disruptions and maintaining project momentum.
He said the company had built strong relationships with these communities through consistent engagement and mutual understanding.As part of its social responsibility efforts, the firm has introduced scholarships and job opportunities targeted at local youths, ensuring that surrounding communities directly benefit from the development. According to Odenigwe, these initiatives are aimed at improving livelihoods and fostering long-term socio-economic growth.
He further explained that Centenary City was conceived as a modern, sustainable urban hub designed to boost Abuja’s global competitiveness by attracting investment and delivering world-class infrastructure.
The project has also received backing from key authorities, including the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, and regulatory support from the Nigerian Export Processing Zones Authority, both of which have strengthened implementation efforts. Traditional leadership, under Idris Musa, has also played a supportive role in facilitating community cooperation.
The access road forms part of a larger master plan that includes approximately 95 kilometres of primary road networks. Odenigwe noted that the development would incorporate smart city technologies to create a sustainable and efficient urban environment aligned with international standards.
From the construction side, Julius Berger Nigeria Plc, represented by Jonnie Kouchan, described the partnership as a blend of vision and technical expertise. He confirmed that the four-lane carriageway, along with supporting infrastructure, remains on track for completion by April 2027, with strict adherence to global engineering and safety standards.
Kouchan added that the project would enhance connectivity, strengthen investor confidence, and stimulate economic activity across Abuja and neighbouring communities.
Despite the progress, community leaders have called for sustained engagement. The Emir of Juwa, Idris Musa, urged the developers to work closely with authorities to ensure fair compensation and proper resettlement for affected residents.
Local representatives also raised concerns about access to potable water following resettlement and called for the expansion of employment opportunities and continued scholarship support for youths.
Overall, stakeholders described the Centenary City project as a major step toward transforming Abuja into a modern, investment-friendly city capable of supporting long-term economic growth.
NEWS
Armed Herders Kill Five, Displaced Many in Renewed Attack on Benue Community
From Attah Ede, Makurdi
Suspected armed herdsmen has launched a renewed attack on Tse Ameen community in Mbapa Council Ward of Gwer West Local Government Area in Benue State, killing at least five persons.
A local sources disclosed that the incident occurred on early hours of Sunday when armed herders attacked the community at about 1:am.
One of the sources who spoke on condition of anonymity, told our correspondent on phone in Makurdi on Monday, disclosed that five bodies were recovered while many others remained missing.
“The corpses recovered after the attack included three males and two females,” the resident said.
Contacted, the Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO), DSP Udeme Edet, confirmed the incident to our correspondent on phone in Makurdi, Monday.
Edet said, “Four dead bodies were recovered.”
The PPRO did not disclosed further information.
Meanwhile, Governor Hyacinth Alia has sympathise with the people of Gwer West where the attack occured on Saturday night.
He appealed to all security heads to ensure those perpetrators are also apprehended.
He however called on all communities to join forces with government and security agents to comb forests of evil elements.

