FCTA PHOTO NEWS: SUCCESSFUL PROJECTS FLAG-OFF/COMMISSIONING DINNER

FCTA PHOTO NEWS: SUCCESSFUL PROJECTS FLAG-OFF/COMMISSIONING DINNER

It was an evening of celebration, reflection, and high praise as the Federal Capital Territory Administration (FCTA) hosted a Special Thank-You Dinner to mark the successful completion, commissioning, and flag-off of 31 milestone infrastructure projects across the nation’s capital.

The event, which coincides with the FCT’s 50th anniversary, served as a platform to highlight the unprecedented transformation of Abuja under the President Bola Ahmed Tinubu administration, driven by the dynamic partnership between FCT Minister, Barrister Ezenwo Nyesom Wike, and Minister of State, Dr. Mariya Mahmoud.

INFRASTRUCTURE REVOLUTION: PRESIDENT TINUBU COMMISSIONS RECONSTRUCTED 4.2KM ARAB/GBAZANGO ROAD IN KUBWA

L-R: FCT Minister of State, Dr Mariya Mahmoud; Speaker of the House of Representatives, Rt Hon Tajudeen Abbas; FCT Minister, Barr Ezenwo Nyesom Wike at the commissioning of the Reconstruction of the Arab/Gbazango Road, Kubwa, on Friday, July 17, 2026

FCTA PRESS RELEASE

INFRASTRUCTURE REVOLUTION: PRESIDENT TINUBU COMMISSIONS RECONSTRUCTED 4.2KM ARAB/GBAZANGO ROAD IN KUBWA

…AS FCTA CONCLUDES UNPRECEDENTED 31 PROJECTS COMMISSIONING SPREE

… COMPLETES 221 KILOMETRES RURAL ROADS IN 3 YEARS

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, on Friday officially commissioned the newly reconstructed 4.2KM Arab/Gbazango Road in Kubwa, Bwari Area Council, marking the grand finale of an unprecedented 31 projects commissioning and flag-off marathon by the Federal Capital Territory Administration (FCTA).

Speaking at the colorful ceremony, which was met with widespread jubilation, singing, and dancing by a huge number of local residents, President Tinubu described the project as a practical validation of his administration's "Renewed Hope Agenda".

"Our developmental vision for the Federal Capital Territory is complete inclusion", President Tinubu stated. "We refuse to restrict development to the high-brow city center of Abuja. The suburbs, the outskirts, and the satellite towns deserve the exact same high-quality infrastructure. We will not rest until the dividends of democracy are equitably distributed to every community, not only in the FCT, but in Nigeria".

Represented by the Speaker of the House of Representatives, Rt. Hon. Tajudeen Abbas, the President noted that the Gbazango/Arab road in Kubwa had long been a source of severe commuting hardship, flooding, and economic stagnation for suburban residents.

He said its reconstruction will not only shorten commuting times for workers but will drastically ease traffic congestion along the busy Kubwa axis, which crucially links the area to the Outer Northern Expressway (ONEX) and nearby areas.

President Tinubu highly commended the FCT Minister, Barrister Ezenwo Nyesom Wike, stressing that his leadership had turned a path of frustration into a corridor of immense opportunity, proving that government can work with vision and integrity.

He assured that the government will not rest until the dividends of democracy are equitably distributed to every community, not only in the FCT, but the country as a whole. “As an Administration, our focus is to ensure that every citizen enjoys a life of dignity, safety, and prosperity”, the President declared.

The Speaker of the House of Representatives, while delivering the executive address, also described Barr. Wike as an extraordinary Minister, pointing out that the Minister had distinguished himself over the last three years, “showing that he is an exceptional person, exceptional leader and exceptional Minister like we never had before in the FCT”.

Speaking earlier at the event, the FCT Minister, Barr. Nyesom Wike, declared the final day of the marathon a "gyration and celebration day" rather than a formal commissioning, highlighting the sheer scale of development achieved over the last month.

Barr. Wike revealed that since President Tinubu assumed office in May 2023, the administration had awarded a staggering 317 kilometers of roads within the FCT satellite towns alone. Of this figure, he said 221 kilometers have been fully completed, while 96 kilometers are ongoing. He said this is separate from major infrastructure projects executed within the city center by the Federal Capital Development Authority (FCDA), which saw 53 major projects officially commissioned during this period.

In his characteristic bold style, the Minister issued a 48-hour challenge to critics to dispute the figures:

"It is unprecedented in the history of this country for a president to commission projects for 28 days, commissioning and flagging off 31 projects. If anybody has a contrary view, let him come and challenge us... I challenge you in the next 48 hours to say we have not awarded 317 km of roads and completed 221 km in the satellite towns, and I will resign as Minister of the FCT".

Barr. Wike added that the historic infrastructure drive has effectively silenced political opponents. "This is what we call 'Operation Show Your Report Card'. If you call Tinubu today, he will show his report card for the satellite towns and the city center. Abuja is closed to empty politics", Barr. Wike said.

Demonstrating immediate governance, the Minister also responded directly to a request by the Chairman of the Arab Road Residents Association regarding water scarcity, ordering the Executive Secretary of the FCDA to immediately ensure the provision of potable water to the area.

Editorial: Strengthening Catholic Communications in Nigeria

Symbolic Photo
Strengthening Catholic Communications in Nigeria

Editorial: Strengthening Catholic Communications in Nigeria

The recently concluded Resolutions of the 2026 General Assembly alongside the Media Training for Directors of Social Communications and Executives of Catholic Communication Bodies in Nigeria marks a pivotal moment in the Church’s engagement with modern society.

At its core, this initiative reflects a recognition that communication is not merely a technical exercise but a pastoral mission, one that shapes how faith interacts with culture, politics, and the daily lives of millions.  

The General Assembly’s resolutions highlight the urgency of equipping Catholic communicators with the skills necessary to navigate today’s complex media landscape. Nigeria, with its vibrant yet often polarized public sphere, demands communicators who can balance truth with sensitivity, and faith with inclusivity.

The training of directors and executives is therefore not just about professional development; it is about safeguarding the credibility of Catholic voices in a digital age where misinformation spreads faster than truth.  

This editorial underscores the importance of institutional commitment. By investing in structured training, the Church acknowledges that communication is a strategic tool for evangelization, social cohesion, and national dialogue.

RESOLUTIONS OF THE 2026 GENERAL ASSEMBLY AND MEDIA TRAINING FOR DIRECTORS OF SOCIAL COMMUNICATIONS AND EXECUTIVES OF CATHOLIC COMMUNICATION BODIES IN NIGERIA

RESOLUTIONS OF THE 2026 GENERAL ASSEMBLY AND MEDIA TRAINING FOR DIRECTORS OF SOCIAL COMMUNICATIONS AND EXECUTIVES OF CATHOLIC COMMUNICATION BODIES IN NIGERIA

Held at the Catholic Secretariat of Nigeria, Abuja from 14–16 July 2026

Theme: Structure for Synergy: The Future of Catholic Media and Communications in Nigeria

1. PREAMBLE

We, the Diocesan and Religious Directors of Social Communications, alongside the National and Provincial Executives of all Catholic communication bodies in Nigeria, gathered for our 2026 General Assembly and Media Training program from 14 to 16 July 2026, at the Catholic Secretariat of Nigeria, Abuja. Guided by the theme, "Structure for Synergy: The Future of Catholic Media and Communications in Nigeria," we were privileged to have in attendance the Episcopal Chairman for Social Communications, Most Rev. Gerald Mamman Musa, and the National Director of Social Communications, Very Rev. Fr. Dr. Michael Nsikak Umoh. Following constructive and prayerful deliberations on advancing social communications within the Catholic Church in Nigeria, we issue these resolutions as the fruits of our assembly:

2. THE VALUE OF COMMUNICATION IN EVANGELISATION

We reaffirm the Church’s long-standing teaching that communication is not one other aspect, but it is at the very center of the entire Church’s life and mission. This reality is more relevant than ever in today's digital age. Recognising that the Church cannot exist without communication, we challenge ourselves and all Catholic communicators to actively work towards ensuring a synergy among all media organs, initiatives, and personnel. In this digital era, which is characterised by media convergence, communicators must strive to become versatile across all media spheres by effectively engaging all available digital tools and the diverse Catholic communication organs across Nigeria. Ultimately, the vision of the Catholic Bishops' Conference of Nigeria (CBCN) on social communications, especially as articulated in the newly approved CBCN Organogram, guarantees that the path to stronger media evangelisation lies in communion and collaboration, rather than in competition.

3. UNIFYING ALL COMMUNICATION EFFORTS UNDER THE NATIONAL DIRECTORATE

Following the directives of the Catholic Bishops' Conference of Nigeria (CBCN), the National Directorate of Social Communications at the Catholic Secretariat of Nigeria holds the primary responsibility of coordinating and guiding all Catholic communication bodies in Nigeria, ensuring that they align with the CBCN's vision to remain truly mission-oriented. Crucially, the National Directorate serves as the central reference point for the communication efforts of all media bodies, as long as they bear the name "Catholic." Consequently, all diocesan and religious directors, media bodies, and communication initiatives must work in close synergy and collaborate directly with the National Directorate to achieve a unified voice and purpose.

FCTA PRESS RELEASE PRESIDENT TINUBU LAUNCHES ABUJA CITY WALK PROJECT

The Experience Centre of the Abuja City Walk launched on Thursday, July 16, 2026

FCTA PRESS RELEASE

PRESIDENT TINUBU LAUNCHES ABUJA CITY WALK PROJECT

…Hails multi multi-billion-dollar landmark project as a triumph for the Renewed Hope Agenda

In a historic move signaling a bold era of infrastructure renewal and economic expansion, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has officially launched the ambitious Abuja City Walk Development project with the inauguration of its experience centre.

Speaking during the ceremony in Abuja on Thursday, July 16, 2026, President Tinubu described the the multi-billion-dollar project, located within the Abuja Technology Village (ATV) corridor along the strategic Airport Road, as one of the most ambitious private-sector collaborations in Nigeria's history.

Represented by Vice President Kashim Shettima at the event which was attended by high-profile government officials, foreign diplomats, and captains of industry, President Tinubu stated that the project is a tangible manifestation of his administration's Renewed Hope Agenda.

He emphasized that the ambitious Abuja City Walk project, modeled after the Dubai City Walk, was not merely an architectural marvel, but a gateway to a prosperous, modern future designed to reposition the Federal Capital Territory as a premier global hub for commerce, tourism, and luxury living.

"Today, we are not just opening a building; we are unveiling the window to a multi-billion-dollar future. On assumption of office, we promised Nigerians a radical economic transformation and infrastructure renewal. This Experience Centre stands as proof that our administration does not just make promises: we execute them with determination," President Tinubu declared. 

To maximize the economic potential of the development, the President announced that the corridor has been granted Free Trade Zone status, which will eliminate traditional trade friction and foster a fertile environment for regional commerce, medical tourism, premium retail, and high-end hospitality.

Beyond its physical grandeur, President Tinubu also explained that the Abuja City Walk is designed as a massive economic engine tailored for Nigeria's unique demographic trajectory.

He said with the average age of the Nigerian population sitting at a youthful 17.9 years, and the nation projected to reach 440 million people by 2050, mega projects of such scale were vital to channelling youth energy productively.

President Tinubu added that the development is expected to generate tens of thousands of direct and indirect jobs, stimulating localized supply chains from cement manufacturing to advanced digital tech services.

He commended the Minister of the FCT, Barrister Nyesom Wike, for his dogged leadership and unwavering focus on execution, stressing that the Minister, through aggressive land administration reforms and the eradication of bureaucratic inertia, has transformed the Abuja Technology Village corridor which lay dormant for decades into a bustling construction hub.

Special Report: How Women Fake Pregnancies with Steroids and Buy Babies to Deceive Husbands - Ex-NAPTIP DG

Former NAPTIP Director-General Julie Okah-Donli

Special Report: How Women Fake Pregnancies with Steroids and Buy Babies to Deceive Husbands - Ex-NAPTIP DG

Former NAPTIP Director-General Julie Okah-Donli has alleged that some women in Nigeria use steroids to mimic pregnancy symptoms and later obtain trafficked babies to deceive their husbands into believing they gave birth. She warns that this practice is linked to baby trafficking syndicates and calls for maternity tests alongside paternity tests to expose such fraud.

Background of the Allegations

Julie Okah-Donli, who once headed the National Agency for the Prohibition of Trafficking in Persons (NAPTIP), made these claims in a resurfaced interview on the Kaa Truths Podcast. Her revelations have sparked widespread debate in Nigeria, drawing attention to the intersection of family deception, child trafficking, and fraudulent medical practices.

The Alleged Method of Deception

According to Okah-Donli, the scheme begins with steroid injections that cause physical changes resembling pregnancy. These include:

• Bloated faces and enlarged abdomens, giving the outward appearance of pregnancy.
• Mimicked symptoms such as morning sickness, vomiting, and excessive salivation, often performed when husbands are present to reinforce the illusion.

When the supposed delivery date arrives, women allegedly ensure their husbands are absent, either by sending them on errands or waiting until they travel, before returning home with a baby obtained through trafficking networks.

Extreme Measures

Okah-Donli further alleged that some women undergo fake surgical procedures to simulate caesarean sections. In these cases, incisions are made and stitched back to create scars, convincing husbands and relatives that childbirth occurred.

In some instances, women reportedly claim to have delivered twins or triplets, which allows them to acquire multiple babies at once from trafficking rings.

“DISCHARGE YOUR DUTIES WITHOUT FEAR OR FAVOUR”, PRESIDENT TINUBU CHARGES JUDICIARY

(L-R) FCT Minister, Barr Ezenwo Nyesom Wike; Minister of Justice, Chief Lateef Fagbemi SAN; and the Chief Judge of the FCT High Court, Justice Husseini Baba Yusuf at the Commissioning of 20 units of residential quarters for Judges of the FCT High Court in Katampe District, Abuja on Wednesday, July 15, 2026

FCTA PRESS RELEASE

“DISCHARGE YOUR DUTIES WITHOUT FEAR OR FAVOUR”, PRESIDENT TINUBU CHARGES JUDICIARY

...AS HE COMMISSIONS 20 UNITS OF STATE-OF-THE-ART RESIDENTIAL QUARTERS FOR FCT HIGH COURT JUDGES IN KATAMPE

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, has issued a strong charge to Nigerian judicial officers to maintain an unwavering, fearless, and transparent commitment to the dispensation of justice, asserting that the nation expects nothing less in return for government’s efforts to improve their welfare and security.

The President gave the charge on Wednesday, July 15, 2026, in Abuja during the commissioning of 20 newly constructed residential quarters for Judges of the FCT High Court in the Katampe District of the Federal Capital Territory.

Represented by the Minister of Justice and Attorney General of the Federation, Chief Lateef Fagbemi, SAN, President Tinubu made it clear that while his administration is committed to shielding the judiciary from discomfort, judges must reciprocate by delivering justice strictly on its merits.

"To our lordships who will occupy these quarters: This country looks up to you", President Tinubu declared. "As we provide infrastructure to make your lives easier and your service safer, we only ask in return for your unwavering commitment to the swift, fair, and transparent dispensation of justice. Not favor for government, or for any gain. Let these quarters be a daily reminder of the trust the nation has placed in you. Let this be a home for deep reflection, integrity, and honour”.

Addressing concerns surrounding executive intervention in judicial welfare, President Tinubu reiterated that providing decent housing is a basic necessity for judicial independence, not an attempt to compromise it.

The President emphasized that the project is a distinct intervention that does not touch the statutory budget of the judiciary, which remains entirely intact and respected.

“We cannot expect judges to dispense justice without fear or favour if their basic comfort, security, and peace of mind are left to chance", the President stated, adding that, "True judicial independence is built on the dignity of our judicial officers... This intervention is a deliberate shield against vulnerability, a statement that Nigeria values those who interpret our laws."

The Katampe housing project for the FCT High Court judges, comprising 20 fully furnished 5-bedroom duplexes with boys' quarters, marks Day 26 of a series of project commissions celebrating the third anniversary of the administration. It follows the recent handover of 10 units for Court of Appeal Judges and another 10 for Federal High Court Judges in the same district.

Speaking at the event, the FCT Minister, Barr. Nyesom Wike, explained that the project was born out of direct presidential directives to enhance the security, dignity, and independence of the FCT judiciary.

Addressing previous criticisms regarding land acquisition for the project, Barr. Wike noted that his actions had been vindicated. He said the land, originally held by Julius Berger PLC, was acquired in the overriding public interest to serve the nation's temple of justice.

The Minister also announced plans to seek formal approval from President Tinubu to transition the residences to an owner-occupier basis for the judges.

 "I can assure you that we are going to seek approval of the President", Barr Wike remarked, expressing confidence that with the backing of the Attorney General, the approval will be obtained.

Barr. Wike also revealed plans to complete other ongoing residential quarters for heads of courts before the end of the year. He said, "Before the first tenure of Mr. President expires, we will have gone far in the construction of 20 more residences for FCT Judges".

He commended the contractor, Details 2 Dot, for delivering the project within 18 months, emphasizing that the FCTA only awards contracts when cash flow is fully secured to prevent abandoned projects. He also stressed the critical need for top-tier maintenance of the new facilities.

How Humans Evolved to Be Twice as Big as Our Ancestors

Symbolic Photo

How Humans Evolved to Be Twice as Big as Our Ancestors

The story of human evolution is not just about intelligence, language, or culture, it is also about size.

Over millions of years, our species has undergone a remarkable transformation in body mass and stature, becoming nearly twice as large as many of our early ancestors.

This increase in size is not a trivial detail; it is deeply tied to survival, adaptation, and the trajectory of human history.

In the earliest chapters of our lineage, species such as Australopithecus afarensis—best known through the famous fossil “Lucy”, stood at barely over a meter tall and weighed around 30–40 kilograms. These small-bodied hominins were well-suited to climbing trees and navigating mixed woodland environments. But as climates shifted and grasslands expanded, evolutionary pressures began to favor larger frames.

A bigger body meant longer strides for covering open terrain, greater resilience against predators, and the ability to regulate heat more effectively under the sun.

By the time of Homo erectus, roughly 1.9 million years ago, humans had already grown significantly taller and heavier. Fossil evidence shows individuals reaching heights of 1.7 meters and weights approaching 60–70 kilograms.

This increase in size coincided with other evolutionary leaps: the use of fire, more sophisticated tools, and long-distance hunting strategies. A larger body required more calories, but it also enabled endurance running and cooperative hunting—traits that became hallmarks of our species.

“WATER IS LIFE, CLEAN WATER IS DIGNITY”, SAYS PRESIDENT TINUBU AS HE COMMISSIONS 198KM BWARI TOWNSHIP WATER NETWORK

(L-R) FCT Minister,  Barr Nyesom Wike, First Lady of the Federal Republic of Nigeria,  Senator Oluremi Tinubu and the Minister of State, FCT, Dr Mariya Mahmoud during the commissioning of Bwari Water Supply Network in Bwari Area Council of the FCT on Tuesday

FCTA PRESS RELEASE

“WATER IS LIFE, CLEAN WATER IS DIGNITY”, SAYS PRESIDENT TINUBU AS HE COMMISSIONS 198KM BWARI TOWNSHIP WATER NETWORK

-      VOWS FULL FCT COVERAGE

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, has officially commissioned the Bwari Township Water Supply Network in Bwari Area Council, describing the 198-kilometre pipeline project as proof that the Renewed Hope Agenda is delivering tangible results to satellite towns.

Speaking at the event in Bwari on Tuesday, July 14, 2026, the President said the project directly links Bwari and its environs to treated water from the Lower Usuma Dam, ending decades of reliance on untreated boreholes and streams.

“Water is life. Clean water is dignity. It is a fundamental right, not a luxury”, President Tinubu declared.  He added, “When the FCT Minister drew my attention to the plight of residents in Bwari and its environs, I told him: ‘Go out there, mobilize the best, and fix it’. And today, we are commissioning this state-of-the-art network. That is how we work. We don't make excuses; we deliver results!”

The President noted that last month a similar promise was fulfilled in Karu with water and road projects, adding that the Renewed Hope Agenda is “a deliberate social contract, and a commitment to governance that works for the people”.

He said the Bwari water project has already created over 1,600 direct and indirect jobs for youths in the Area Council and will drastically reduce waterborne diseases and the cost of private borehole drilling for residents.

Commending the FCT Minister, Barrister Nyesom Wike, for his commitment to execution, the President assured residents that the administration will extend similar water interventions to Kuje, Kwali, Gwagwalada and Abaji before the end of its tenure.

“To the people of Bwari: this project belongs to you. It was built for your benefit with your commonwealth, for your progress. I charge you to guard it jealously”, the President said.

President Tinubu added that as the administration marks its third anniversary, the fruits of reforms were becoming visible across the FCT and the nation, with infrastructure laying the foundation for a prosperous, resilient and inclusive Nigeria.

Speaking in her capacity as the First Lady of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, quoting the Christian scripture, prayed for healing, fruitfulness and peace for the nation.

While delivering his speech at the event, FCT Minister, Barr Nyesom Wike, recalled how President Tinubu requested for the extension of potable water to satellite towns during the second anniversary of his administration in 2025.

He highlighted the Karu Township Project commissioning weeks before, and the commissioning of the Bwari Water project as a testament to the fact that project execution in the FCT was not only about road construction.

Rolls-Royce, Maybach, and the Call to Conscience

Her Excellency, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, Nigeria's First Lady

Rolls-Royce, Maybach, and the Call to Conscience

Nigeria’s First Lady, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, has struck a chord that reverberates far beyond the glittering stages of Afrobeats.

At the launch of the National Community Food Bank in Lokoja, she urged stars like Davido, Burna Boy, and Asake to balance their opulent lifestyles with a deeper sense of responsibility.

Her words were sharp yet measured: “Good cars are good; a Maybach is good, Rolls-Royce is good, but still you can help. The burden on the government is huge.”  

This statement is more than a passing remark, it is a moral challenge. In a country where poverty remains widespread, the sight of celebrities flaunting luxury vehicles and extravagant mansions often fuels resentment.

Tinubu’s appeal reframes the conversation: wealth is not inherently wrong, but it carries obligations. She invoked the example of Akon, who has invested in electrification projects across Africa, showing how fame and fortune can be harnessed for collective uplift.  

Her message also tied into grassroots empowerment. She highlighted the story of a graduate who, unable to find formal employment, turned to selling akara. With support, he expanded his business to employ twelve workers.

This anecdote underscores her belief that small-scale entrepreneurship, pepper selling, kuli-kuli production, akara frying, can be dignified paths to survival and prosperity if given the right backing. 

Makinde Calls on UN to Probe Oyo Schoolchildren Abduction

Seyi Makinde, Oyo State Governor

Oyo State Governor Seyi Makinde has urged the United Nations and international human rights bodies to investigate the abduction of schoolchildren and teachers in Oriire Local Government Area, describing the incident as “grave and unusual” and demanding independent scrutiny beyond Nigeria’s domestic institutions.

Makinde Calls on UN to Probe Oyo Schoolchildren Abduction

Governor Seyi Makinde’s appeal to the United Nations marks a significant escalation in Nigeria’s struggle against insecurity, particularly the targeting of schools by armed groups.

On May 15, 2026, heavily armed gunmen attacked schools in Ahoro-Esiele and Yawota communities of Oriire LGA, abducting 39 pupils and six teachers. Tragically, one teacher was killed during the attack, and another died in captivity during the victims’ 56 days of abduction.

Rescue and Aftermath

The victims were rescued through a coordinated military operation involving the Nigerian Army, police, DSS, Amotekun, hunters, and vigilantes. They were handed over to the Oyo State Government after receiving medical care at the 2 Division Medical Centre in Ibadan. Governor Makinde emphasized that while their release was a relief, the ordeal left deep scars: “What they went through in 56 days cannot be undone in 56 months.”

Call for International Scrutiny

Makinde’s demand for UN involvement stems from his belief that the circumstances surrounding the abduction were unusual and potentially indicative of institutional failures or collusion.

He stressed that the probe was not politically motivated but aimed at ensuring accountability and restoring public confidence. He insisted Nigerians deserve a transparent account of what happened, who was responsible, and what measures will prevent recurrence.

Political Undertones

The timing of the abduction has raised eyebrows. Makinde had declared his intention to contest the 2027 presidential election under the Action People’s Movement (APM) just hours before the attack.

While he insists his call for UN intervention is not political, the coincidence has fueled speculation about whether the abduction was orchestrated to undermine his ambitions.