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Why FCTA is borrowing N200bn – Minister 

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Federal Capital Territory, FCT Minister Muhammed Bala
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By Laide Akinboade, Abuja

The Minister of Federal Capital Territory, FCT, Malam Muhammad Bello, on Tuesday said his administration was borrowing  N200 billion to finance the provision of road infrastructure and water projects across the Territory.

 
FCT Minister,  made this disclosure  during inauguration of a Technical Committee on the  Proposed FCT Issuance of SUKUK of N200 billion for the FCT 2022 Statutory Budget, in his office on Tuesday.
 
According to Bello, the loan facility was needed to enable the FCTA achieve its desired objective of rehabilitating and expanding some existing roads in the city and open up more roads to arrest traffic gridlocked on major roads in the city.

Attributing the congestion and traffic situation of the city centre to “unprecedented influx of people to the FCT” since return to democracy in 1999, Bello opined that an alternative funding outside statutory funding to finance completion of projects in the FCT was inevitable. 
He noted that the population upsurge in the FCT has overstretched Abuja’s infrastructure and social amenities, while resources for development became more and more scarce and unavailable, this threatening the dreams of the capital’s founding fathers. 

Expreasing gratitude to the Debt Management Office (DMO) and National Assembly for their continued support, Bello stated that the proposed N150 billion loan would complement the N29 billion loan earlier received from the Federal Ministry of Finance through SUKUK funding.

Some of the terms of targets given to the seven-man technical committee include to develop a framework for accessing SUKUK fund by the FCTA in the domestic capital  Arreton for financing of infrastructure projects in the FCT; review and advise on the procedure and options for obtaining sovereign guarantee for the issuance of SUKUK by the FCTA and prepare the budget estimates for the issuance of sukuk by the FCT and present same for approval. 

Others include, to advise on the appointment of transaction parties and methodologies and advise on the eligibility and packaging of projects identified for funding with the proceeds of SUKUK, among others. 

Earlier, Director-General, DMO, Ms Patience Oniha, while assuring the FCTA support in obtaining the loan facility, warned that it should be judiciously used for the purposes it was sought. 

She stated that one could hardly drive around Nigeria without noticing the good works of Sukuk, adding that Sukuk has attracted a lot of good will and buy-in from Nigerians because they were witnessing work done with monies borrowed. 

Senator, representing FCT and Senate Minority Whip, Senator Philip Aduda; Chairman, Senate Committee on FCT, Senator Abubakar Kyari, and Chairman, House Committee on FCT, Abdullahi Idris Garba, who was represented by Hon. Igariwe Iduma, all pledged the support of the lawmakers to the FCT Administration and promised to continue to work together to archives its goals.

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2027: We Must Unite to Reclaim Oyo, APC National Chairman Tells Aggrieved Aspirants

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The National Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Prof. Nentawe Yilwatda, has said that the party is handling the grievances of the aggrieved governorship candidates in Oyo State as a family matter.

Yilwatda stated this on Wednesday in Ibadan during a meeting with party stakeholders, noting that disagreements among members are normal in politics.

He affirmed that members have expressed readiness to work together to ensure victory in 2027, emphasising that the reconciliation process is an ongoing effort rather than a one-day affair.

He stressed that the national leadership remains committed to bringing all aggrieved members on board ahead of the next general elections.

Addressing the recent Osun State governorship election, Yilwatda insisted the outcome was not a failure for the APC.

He noted that despite the state government deploying its full machinery, the APC put up a strong fight and conducted itself with maturity.

According to him, the peaceful conduct of the election and eventual commendation from the opposition demonstrated the party’s high level of sportsmanship.

He added that Osun State Governor, Ademola Adeleke, acknowledged this sportsmanship and even declared support for President Bola Tinubu’s re-election bid.

When asked if the APC had officially accepted the Osun election outcome, Yilwatda explained that no official position has been taken yet, as any final decision requires a formal review involving the National Working Committee and the candidate.

The Chairman of the APC Reconciliation Committee in Oyo State, Senator Olufemi Lanleyin, emphasised that the party must go into the 2027 elections united in order to reclaim power in the state.

Lanleyin acknowledged that while some members were disappointed with the primary outcomes, the party retains the strength, will, and capacity to unite.

He said that the committee is meeting with aggrieved aspirants to present their grievances to the national leadership for resolution.

On the lesson from Osun, Lanleyin noted that unity determines electoral success, promising that the committee will continue its work until Election Day.

He expressed absolute confidence that the APC will sweep Oyo State in 2027, winning the presidency, governorship, three senatorial seats, 14 federal constituencies, and 32 House of Assembly seats.

He appealed to leaders and stakeholders to embrace unity because members do not want to remain out of government for another day.

He added that the party would not take anything for granted and would continue the reconciliation process until Election Day.

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FG Releases Emergency Medical Numbers, Urges Nigerians to Dial 112

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The Federal Government has urged Nigerians to dial 112 during emergencies requiring urgent medical assistance, while releasing state emergency call centre numbers.

The National Emergency Medical Service and Ambulance System (NEMSAS), in an update on Wednesday, said 112 serves as a central contact for emergency medical assistance.

It said several states also had dedicated emergency call centre numbers to support faster responses to medical emergencies.

According to NEMSAS, the emergency response system provides fast response, professional care and life-saving services, with first responders available 24 hours daily.

The agency released emergency call centre numbers covering 35 states and the Federal Capital Territory, with most states using 112 alongside dedicated numbers.

For Abia, the listed emergency numbers are 112 and 08000000800, while Adamawa residents can call 112, 1755 or 07011111443.

Akwa Ibom residents can call 112, 08000022322 or 08000022422, while Anambra residents can use 112, 5111, 0800 220 0008 or 112.

For Bauchi, the listed numbers are 112 and 07038636433, while Bayelsa residents can call 112 or 0800 220 0223.

NEMSAS listed Benue’s emergency call centre as “Not Operational,” while Borno residents can call 112 or 08000000033.

Cross River has 112 as its listed emergency number, while Delta residents can call 112, 07041008130 or 07041008131.

For Ebonyi, the listed numbers are 112, 08086446891 and 08086445736, while Edo residents can call 112, 739 or 09037999871.

Ekiti residents can call 112, 08000606606, 08111111-22, -33, -44 or -55, while Enugu residents can use 112, 09074996090 or 07066466429.

Gombe residents can call 112 or 07033825646, while NEMSAS listed Imo’s emergency call centre as “Not Operational.”

Jigawa has 112 as its listed emergency number, while Kaduna residents can call 112 or 08064111599.

For Kano, the listed numbers are 112, 09019999920 and 09049999914, while Katsina and Kebbi each have 112 listed.

Kogi also has 112 as its listed emergency number, while Kwara residents can call 112, 09062010001 or 09062010002.

Lagos residents can call 112 or 767, while Nasarawa residents can use 112 or 08144911269 for emergency assistance.

For Niger, the listed numbers are 112, 0802 242 2953 and 0815 557 7513, while Osun residents can call 112, 08111110532 or 08111110561.

Ogun residents can call 112 or 08112000033, while Ondo residents can use 112 or 08055300300.

For Oyo, the listed emergency numbers are 112 and 615, while Plateau residents can call 112 or 09136982496.

Rivers residents can call 112, 09040222281, 09040222283 or 09040222285, while Sokoto residents can use 112, 07045963318 or 07071765080.

For Taraba, the listed numbers are 112, 07041122777 and 07041100777, while Yobe residents can call 112, 09169981792 or 08000090009.

Zamfara has 112 as its listed emergency number, while residents of the FCT can call 112, 09157892931 or 09157892932.

NEMSAS advised members of the public to save the emergency numbers and use them whenever urgent medical assistance was required.

The agency said its first responders were ready to provide quick response and professional care to help save lives during emergencies.

It urged Nigerians to dial 112 during emergencies, describing the service as available 24 hours daily, seven days weekly.

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Sanwo-Olu Awards LASU best Graduates N20m Each

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Lagos State Governor, Babajide Sanwo-Olu, on Wednesday awarded N20 million each to LASU’s best graduating students for the 2024-2025 and 2025-2026 sessions.

Sanwo-Olu announced the awards during Lagos State University’s 29th and 30th combined convocation ceremonies at the Buba Marwa Auditorium, Ojo.

Ayilara Olawale, from the Department of Project Management, emerged overall best graduating student for 2024-2025.

Olawale recorded an impressive Cumulative Grade Point Average (CGPA) of 4.96 to emerge top of the graduating cohort.

Similarly, Adebanjo Samuel, from the Department of Aerospace Engineering, emerged overall best graduating student for 2025-2026.

Adebanjo achieved a CGPA of 4.97, earning recognition as the university’s overall best graduating student for the academic session.

Sanwo-Olu congratulated the 20,604 graduands from both academic sessions, describing the cohort as the largest graduating class in LASU’s history.

He noted that the graduands included 494 First Class students, attributing their achievements to their parents, guardians, sponsors and lecturers.

“Your achievements reflect the commitment of your parents, guardians, sponsors and lecturers who supported you throughout your academic journey,” he said.

The governor also congratulated 3,383 postgraduate graduands, including Doctor of Philosophy graduates, urging them to expand knowledge and mentor younger scholars.

He said LASU had recorded remarkable growth since its establishment 43 years ago, describing the institution as a product of Lateef Jakande’s vision.

Sanwo-Olu said LASU had emerged as Nigeria’s most subscribed university for two consecutive years, attracting more than 84,000 first-choice applications.

He added that Times Higher Education ranked LASU Nigeria’s best state university and fourth-best university overall.

According to him, LASU was also rated West Africa’s best university for four consecutive years, from 2022 to 2025.

He noted that the recognition came through the UI GreenMetric World University Ranking, further demonstrating the university’s growing international profile.

Sanwo-Olu said LASU’s selection as South-West host of the N3 billion TETFund Centre for Artificial Intelligence, Robotics and Cyber Sciences reinforced its rising profile.

The governor said his administration prioritised education and technology under the THEMES Plus agenda because both remained central to Lagos’ development.

He listed the Babajide Sanwo-Olu Library Complex, student union building, accommodation facilities, lecture theatres and other infrastructure among achievements recorded at LASU.

Describing the ceremony as his final convocation as Visitor, Sanwo-Olu urged graduands to represent Lagos and Nigeria with competence, character and courage.

 “Use your education to serve humanity. Degrees open doors, but service builds lasting legacies,” the governor told the graduands.

He congratulated LASU Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Ibiyemi Olatunji-Bello, on her final convocation and commended her contributions during her five-year tenure.

Sanwo-Olu said Olatunji-Bello had elevated LASU’s profile, adding that history would remember her contributions to the institution’s development.

He also congratulated LASU Chancellor, Oba Olufolarin Ogunsanwo, who presided over his first convocation after recently obtaining a Doctor of Business Administration degree.

Olatunji-Bello said LASU was graduating 20,604 students across diploma, first-degree and higher-degree programmes from the two academic sessions.

She described the ceremony as her fifth and final convocation as vice-chancellor and expressed gratitude to Sanwo-Olu for supporting her administration.

The vice-chancellor said LASU successfully elevated its standing among Nigerian and African universities despite challenges encountered during her five-year tenure.

The university conferred honorary doctorate degrees on Akin Kekere-Ekun, Bola Adesola and Aliko Dangote for contributions to national development, scholarship, business and humanity.

The Pro-Chancellor and Chairman of LASU Governing Council, Babatunde Ogala, said the university would sustain partnerships, research and programmes aligned with Lagos’ strategic position.

He specifically highlighted aviation and maritime studies as areas requiring continued development because of their importance to Lagos’ economy and future.

Ogala announced a strategic partnership between LASU and the University of Illinois Chicago to promote collaboration among students, lecturers and researchers.

He urged the graduands to regard their degrees as a call to deeper intellectual engagement and greater responsibility to society.

The combined convocation marked a significant milestone for Sanwo-Olu and Olatunji-Bello as they prepare to leave their respective positions as Visitor and Vice-Chancellor, respectively.

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