FCTA TO PARTNER WITH QATAR AND GERMANY IN INFRASTRUCTURAL DEVELOPMENT

L-R: Ambassador of Qatar, H.E. Yousef Al-Hail (left) and FCT Minister, Ezenwo Nyesom Wike (Right) during a courtesy call on the FCT Minister on Tuesday, October 13.

FCTA PRESS RELEASE

FCTA TO PARTNER WITH QATAR AND GERMANY IN INFRASTRUCTURAL DEVELOPMENT

…As Wike Proposes 10-Year Economic Development Plan for Nigeria’s Federal Capital

The Federal Capital Territory (FCT) is set to partner with the governments of Qatar and Germany for the overall development of the nation’s capital.

FCT Minister, Mr Ezenwo Nyesom Wike, announced this move when he received Ambassadors of both countries separately in his official residence in Abuja on Tuesday, October 13, 2026.

In his discussions with the Ambassador of Qatar, H.E. Yousef Mohammed Ahmed Al-Hail, the Minister declared the FCT Administration’s readiness to partner with Qatar to replicate its world-class urban development models in Nigeria’s capital.

Commending Qatar’s rapid evolution into a premier global hub for investment, infrastructure, and international events—including its successful hosting of the FIFA World Cup and ongoing high-level collaborations with the World Bank and the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), the FCT Minister proposed a landmark urban development partnership.

"We want to partner with you to see how we can establish a 'Doha City' right here in Abuja. We want to emulate the planning, concepts, and modern infrastructure that Qatar is known for", the Minister revealed.

2027 POLLS: WHY PRESIDENT TINUBU DESERVES RE-ELECTION — FCT MINISTER

FCT Minister, Nyesom Wike fielding questions from journalists during his monthly media parley in Abuja on Tuesday

FCTA PRESS RELEASE

2027 POLLS: WHY PRESIDENT TINUBU DESERVES RE-ELECTION — FCT MINISTER

…Dismisses concerns over opposition figures in the Presidential Campaign Council

The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Ezenwo Nyesom Wike, has said President Bola Ahmed Tinubu deserves a second term because he has taken the difficult economic decisions that earlier administrations avoided.

Speaking during his media parley in Abuja on Tuesday, October 13, 202, the FCT Minister declared that President Tinubu has also displayed the visionary leadership and courage needed to address Nigeria's foundational challenges.

Citing the fuel subsidy removal, Mr. Wike said against the advice of many, the President went ahead with the decision because Nigeria would otherwise have crumbled if it hadn’t been done.

He said the decision has freed up funds for state governments to build infrastructure and pay salaries, adding that pensioners are now being paid while students have been in school without strikes for the past three years.

 "We have had presidents who identified these problems, but they were unable to take a decision. Nigeria requires strong leadership. Take subsidy, for example: a lot of people advised against it, but he said, 'I will do it; if I don't do it, Nigeria will crumble.' That decision has made funds available for sub-national governments to provide infrastructure and pay salaries. Our children are now steady in school because there has been no strike in the past three years, our pensioners are being paid, and infrastructure is being provided because money has been made available”.

On the complaints about hardship in the country, the Minister said turning around the economy of a country requires more than simple fixes.  He said the poor may not get what they want now, but assured that they will get in due course.

The Green Revolution in Food Packaging

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The Green Revolution in Food Packaging

The Green Revolution in Food Packaging

The shift toward eco-friendly packaging is more than a trend; it’s a quiet revolution reshaping how we think about food and responsibility.

Sustainable materials such as bamboo fiber, cornstarch-based bioplastics, and kraft paper are redefining convenience without compromising safety.

They resist heat, preserve flavor, and decompose naturally, a trifecta that nylon can never achieve.

This transformation also carries cultural significance. In many communities, embracing biodegradable packaging signals progress and pride in environmental stewardship. It reflects a growing awareness that every meal served responsibly contributes to a cleaner planet.

Restaurants and vendors adopting these alternatives not only protect their customers but also enhance their reputation as forward-thinking and ethical.

Safer Paths Beyond Nylon

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Safer Paths Beyond Nylon

Safer Paths Beyond Nylon

The quest for responsible food packaging is not just about convenience; it is about safeguarding health, preserving taste, and protecting the environment. 

Alternatives to nylon bags offer a spectrum of solutions that balance practicality with sustainability.

Biodegradable containers made from plant-based materials such as cornstarch or sugarcane fiber are one of the most promising options. They withstand heat without leaching harmful chemicals and break down naturally, reducing environmental burden.

Foil wraps, though not biodegradable, provide a safe barrier against heat and moisture, preserving flavor while avoiding chemical migration.

Reusable food-grade plastics, designed to endure high temperatures, present another avenue, especially when paired with consumer education on proper cleaning and reuse.

The Hidden Perils of Nylon Bags for Hot Food

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The Hidden Perils of Nylon Bags for Hot Food

The Hidden Perils of Nylon Bags for Hot Food

Packaging hot food in nylon bags has become a widespread practice, especially in informal food markets and street vending. Yet beneath its convenience lies a troubling reality that deserves closer scrutiny.

Nylon, a synthetic polymer, is not designed to withstand high temperatures. When steaming food is placed inside, the heat can trigger chemical leaching. Substances such as oligomers and additives may migrate into the food, raising concerns about long-term health risks, including potential carcinogenic effects.

Beyond the chemical hazards, nylon bags compromise the integrity of the food itself. Heat trapped within the bag accelerates condensation, creating a moist environment that fosters bacterial growth. Instead of preserving freshness, the packaging can inadvertently hasten spoilage.

2027 ELECTIONS: WIKE MOBILIZES CROSS-PARTY 'RAINBOW COALITION' IN FCT TO BACK PRESIDENT TINUBU'S RE-ELECTION

 

FCT Minister, Ezenwo Nyesom Wike (Left) in a chat with APC Candidate for the FCT Senatorial seat, Senator Philip Aduda (Right) at a meeting of the FCT PDP and FCT APC stakeholders in Abuja on Monday, October 12.

FCTA PRESS RELEASE

2027 ELECTIONS: WIKE MOBILIZES CROSS-PARTY 'RAINBOW COALITION' IN FCT TO BACK PRESIDENT TINUBU'S RE-ELECTION

…Pledges operational leadership across FCT and Rivers State

The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Ezenwo Nyesom Wike, has convened a high-level stakeholder meeting of the Rainbow Coalition Movement in Abuja, rallying multi-party political leaders, national lawmakers, and grassroots figures to secure the re-election of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu in 2027.

The meeting, which held at the Minister’s official residence in Life Camp on Monday, October 12, 2026, brought together a diverse political coalition, including the National Chairman of the Peoples’ Democratic Party (PDP), State Chairmen of both the PDP and the All Progressives Congress (APC), the six FCT Area Council Chairmen, candidates for the Senate and House of Representatives from both major parties, former National Assembly members, and key community leaders.

Addressing the gathering, the FCT Minister declared that governance and political momentum must transcend traditional party lines. He cited the recent governorship election in Edo State as proof of concept, where strategic cross-party collaboration between the APC and legacy PDP structures yielded victory.

"This meeting I called has to do with the 2027 general election, whether you are in PDP or APC, we are going to work together to achieve the same result. The last election that took place in Edo State, the victory was as a result of the coalition between the legacy PDP and APC... We are going to work together to return President Tinubu and APC candidates for the National Assembly", he said.

He grounded his call for President Tinubu's re-election on a series of structural and institutional achievements within the FCT under the current administration, citing historic milestones such as the establishment of the FCT Civil Service Commission—which allows civil servants to rise to Permanent Secretary and Head of Service ranks and employment for FCT indigenes—the creation of dedicated Secretariats for Youth and Women Affairs, cabinet representation for FCT indigenes, and key infrastructural projects including school renovations and the upcoming completion of the long-abandoned Apo-Karshi road.

Defending the administration's broader policy trajectory, the Minister pointed to ongoing efforts to establish state police as a critical step toward resolving national security issues, while acknowledging that structural economic reforms require patience and strong executive leadership rather than quick fixes.

FCTA PRESS RELEASE FCT TEACHERS’ STRIKE ACTION IS POLITICAL – FCT MINISTER

FCT Minister, Ezenwo Nyesom Wike, briefing journalists shortly after a meeting with security chiefs and Area Council chairmen on Friday, October 9, 2026

FCTA PRESS RELEASE

FCT TEACHERS’ STRIKE ACTION IS POLITICAL – FCT MINISTER

…INSISTS ISSUES RAISED WERE ALREADY BEING ADDRESSED

…SAYS 'NO WORK, NO PAY' RULE WILL BE IMPLEMENTED

Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Ezenwo Nyesom Wike, has condemned the strike action declared by the FCT Chapter of the Nigeria Labour Congress as a politically motivated attempt to blackmail the administration, describing the strike action as ‘political’.

The Minister made this statement during a press briefing in Abuja on Friday, October 9, 2026, shortly after a closed-door meeting with Area Council Chairmen and security operatives.

Nyesom Wike clarified that the FCT Administration had fulfilled all obligations to local government workers and teachers, rendering the industrial action entirely baseless. He pointed out that overseeing labour unions, had not been consulted, among other contraventions, before the strike action was called, hence, he has announced the immediate implementation of the "no work, no pay" policy across all Area Councils to protect public interests and maintain order.

Addressing the media on the development, the Minister stated, "We want to state categorically and let it be known to the public that this so-called strike declaration is political, and we will not accept it. We will not accept it because there's no basis for anybody to call for a strike. We don't have any issue with anybody, either be it area council local education primary authority, or be it secondary schools, we have no issues".

FCTA PHOTO NEWS

The FCT Minister, Ezenwo Nyesom Wike

FCTA PHOTO NEWS

GOD USED LATE DAN ORBIH TO MAKE ME RIVERS STATE GOVERNOR - FCT Minister 

The FCT Minister, Ezenwo Nyesom Wike has revealed that late Chief Dan Orbih was the divine instrument God used to make him Governor of Rivers State in 2015. Speaking at a Night of Tributes in Abuja in honour of the PDP National Vice Chairman, South-South, who died on August 31 at age 64, Wike said Orbih stood firm despite massive inducements and pressure from opponents to abandon him.

Wike recalled the turbulent 2013/2014 period, stating that his then governor sent people to Orbih with offers of everything in the world to withdraw support, but Orbih refused. He disclosed that Orbih donated two bulletproof buses for his campaign security and mobilized structural support across the South-South, insisting that without his strength as Vice-Chairman, many current lawmakers would not be in office today.

The Minister described Orbih as a rare, selfless politician who never for once, in his eight years as governor, asked for a contract or patronage. He said loyalty and commitment to friendship run in Dan’s family and urged Edo stakeholders to honour him with a state burial for his contributions to the state’s political development.

Speech for Nigeria at 66

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Speech for Nigeria at 66

Fellow Nigerians,

Today, we gather to celebrate a milestone in our nation’s journey, 66 years of independence.

On October 1st, 1960, Nigeria stepped into the light of freedom, carrying the hopes of millions and the promise of greatness.

Sixty-six years later, we stand as a people resilient in spirit, rich in culture, and blessed with abundant resources. Our journey has not been without challenges, but each trial has strengthened our resolve to build a nation worthy of its destiny.

We celebrate the courage of our founding fathers, who envisioned a Nigeria united in diversity. We honour the sacrifices of countless citizens who have worked tirelessly to uphold democracy, justice, and peace. And we recognize the boundless creativity of our youth, whose innovation and energy continue to shape our future.

Nigeria at 66 is more than a number; it is a testament to endurance. It is a call to renew our commitment to unity, to embrace progress, and to ensure that every citizen enjoys the fruits of independence.

Let us remember that independence is not just freedom from colonial rule, it is the responsibility to govern ourselves with wisdom, fairness, and compassion. It is the duty to rise above division and to harness our diversity as strength.

As we look ahead, may we dream of a Nigeria where prosperity is shared, where justice is upheld, and where peace reigns.

May we pledge to work together, government, private sector, civil society, and citizens, to build the Nigeria our children deserve.

Fellow Nigerians, let us lift our voices with pride: Nigeria at 66 is alive, strong, and moving forward. May God bless our beloved country, and may the green-white-green forever wave in glory.

Happy Independence Day, Nigeria!

Curtesy: The SEB MEDIA Team

Second Chances

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SECOND CHANCES

Second Chances

Second Chances:  Ada and Kunle’s emotional journey, from their first meeting in a café to their tender moments under the Abuja skyline.

Genre: Romantic Drama

Setting: Modern-day Abuja, Nigeria - a mix of urban sophistication and quiet domestic life.

Main Characters:

• Ada: 46, a successful interior designer, independent but emotionally guarded.
• Kunle: 49, a widowed civil engineer, kind-hearted and introspective.
• Chika: Ada’s younger sister, lively and outspoken.
• Emeka: Kunle’s teenage son, smart and observant.

Scene 1 – The Coffee Shop

Interior – Morning. A bustling café in Wuse 2. Ada sits alone, sketching designs on her tablet. Kunle enters, looking for a seat.

Kunle: Excuse me, is this seat taken? Ada (without looking up): Not unless you plan to steal my coffee. Kunle (smiling): I promise I only steal good conversation.

Ada looks up, amused. They share a brief smile.

Ada: You’re bold for a stranger. Kunle: I’m an engineer. We build bridges — even conversational ones.

They laugh. The chemistry is subtle but undeniable.

Scene 2 – The Unexpected Reunion

Exterior – Evening. A networking event for professionals. Ada spots Kunle across the room.

Ada: You again? Are you following me? Kunle: Maybe destiny’s GPS is just accurate.

They toast with glasses of wine.

Ada: I don’t believe in destiny. Kunle: Then let’s call it good timing.

Scene 3 – The Dinner

Interior – Ada’s apartment. Warm lighting, soft music. Kunle helps set the table.

Kunle: You cook like someone who designs kitchens for a living. Ada: I design spaces, not meals. But tonight, I’m making an exception. Kunle: I’ll take that as a compliment — and a warning.

Love in the City Lights

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Love in the City Lights

Love in the City Lights

Chapter One: A Chance Encounter

It was a rainy Thursday evening in Lagos. The streets glistened under the neon glow of billboards, and the hum of traffic filled the air. Amaka, a 45-year-old architect, hurried into a cozy café to escape the downpour. She shook off her umbrella and sighed.

At the corner table sat Tunde, 48, a marketing consultant, sipping his cappuccino while scrolling through his tablet. Their eyes met briefly.

Tunde: “Looks like the rain is determined to keep us indoors tonight.” Amaka (smiling): “I’m not complaining. It’s the perfect excuse for coffee.” Tunde: “Then allow me to recommend the caramel latte. It’s the best thing here.” Amaka: “You sound like you’ve tried everything on the menu.” Tunde (laughs): “Guilty. This place is my second office.”

And just like that, a conversation began—easy, warm, and unexpectedly familiar.

Chapter Two: Conversations Over Coffee

Days turned into weeks. Amaka and Tunde found themselves meeting at the café more often, sometimes by chance, sometimes by choice.

Kenyan Ingenuity Floats on Lake Victoria

Kenyan Ingenuity Floats on Lake Victoria

Kenyan Ingenuity Floats on Lake Victoria

In late September 2026, social media in Kenya was set ablaze by a video that seemed almost surreal: a modest mabati house, built not on land but floating serenely on the waters of Lake Victoria.

The footage, shared on Facebook, showed the corrugated iron sheet structure perched on a platform, surrounded by the endless expanse of Africa’s largest lake.

The sight was striking for two reasons. First, the familiar image of a mabati dwelling, ubiquitous in Kenya’s informal housing landscape, was transposed into an extraordinary setting. Second, the symbolism was impossible to ignore. In a country where land scarcity and rising rent are pressing issues, the builder’s bold declaration of “Hakuna kulipa rent” (“No rent to pay”) resonated deeply. It was not just a house; it was a statement of defiance and resourcefulness.

Lake Victoria, shared by Kenya, Uganda, and Tanzania, has long been home to fishing communities. Yet a full residential structure floating on its surface is rare enough to spark both admiration and curiosity. How was the floating base engineered? How long has it been there?

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These questions remain unanswered, as the builder’s identity has not been publicly confirmed. What is clear, however, is that the house includes the basic features of a typical mabati home, suggesting it is more than a stunt, it may genuinely serve as a living space.

2026 INDEPENDENCE DAY ANNIVERSARY MESSAGE BY THE FCT MINISTER

FCT MINISTER, HIS EXCELLENCY, EZENWO NYESOM WIKE

2026 INDEPENDENCE DAY ANNIVERSARY MESSAGE BY THE FCT MINISTER, HIS EXCELLENCY, EZENWO NYESOM WIKE, CON, TO RESIDENTS OF THE FCT

 

1. Dear Residents of the Federal Capital Territory,

2. On this auspicious day, as we celebrate the 66th Independence Anniversary of our great nation, on behalf of the FCT Administration, I extend my warmest greetings and congratulations to every one of you.

3. Sixty-six years ago, our founding fathers laid the foundation for a sovereign nation built on the ideals of freedom, unity, and progress. Today, we look back at our journey with pride, acknowledging our resilience as a people and reaffirming our commitment to the growth and prosperity of our beloved country.

4. In keeping with the theme of this year’s celebration, “From Reforms to Stability: Consolidating Nigeria’s Renewed Hope for Shared Prosperity”, we acknowledge the challenges that have faced our nation in the past 66 years, but also see a great opportunity for renewal and sustainable growth. We are very optimistic that the future is brighter. We have a President who is intentional about prioritising the well-being of the citizens and has brought unprecedented development to the FCT.

5. The Federal Capital Territory stands as the ultimate symbol of our national unity—a place where Nigerians from every tribe, tongue, and faith come together to live, work, and thrive in peace. Abuja is not just a city; it is the heartbeat of a diverse people bound by a common destiny.

6. As an administration, our primary mission remains the transformation of Abuja into a world-class capital city that reflects this collective strength. We are driven by a vision of a modern, inclusive, and functional territory where public services work for everyone.

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7. This administration understands that a capital city must lead by example, and we are fully committed to setting a standard of excellence in governance. In line with the Renewed Hope of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, we have ensured that the benefits of good governance extend to the common man outside the city centre.

8. To achieve this, we invested heavily in critical infrastructure, upgrading our road networks, and expanding public transportation to ease commuting. We are tackling the challenges of urban sprawl by ensuring that development reaches every corner of our territory. From the city center to the outermost communities, our focus is on building durable infrastructure that will serve generations to come.

FCTA SET TO COMMENCE RELOCATION OF APO MECHANICS AND TRADERS, AS MINISTER SETS UP COMMITTEE TO ENSURE HITCH-FREE EXERCISE

FCT Minister, Ezenwo Nyesom Wike, addressing Apo mechanics and traders, on Wednesday, September 30, 2026, ahead of their relocation to Wasa Informal Sector, Abuja.

FCTA PRESS RELEASE

FCTA SET TO COMMENCE RELOCATION OF APO MECHANICS AND TRADERS, AS MINISTER SETS UP COMMITTEE TO ENSURE HITCH-FREE EXERCISE

…DRUMS UP SUPPORT FOR PRESIDENT TINUBU’S REELECTION

Following the successful provision and commissioning of vital infrastructure at the Informal Sector in Wassa District for the relocation of Apo Mechanics and Traders, the Honourable Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Ezenwo Nyesom Wike, has constituted a high-powered Committee to ensure a seamless and hitch-free relocation exercise.

Speaking during a consultative meeting with the leadership and members of the Apo Mechanics and Traders Association at his official residence in Life Camp, Abuja, on Wednesday, September 30, 2026, the Minister disclosed that he will chair the Committee while members will include the Chief of Staff to the Minister, Hon Chidi Amadi, Executive Secretary of the Federal Capital Development Authority (FCDA), Engr. Richard Yunana Dauda and the Director of Land Administration, Chijioke Nwankwoeze.

Other members of the Committee, according to the Minister are the Ag Director Urban Affairs, in AMMC, Tpl Abubakar Makama and the Chairman of the Abuja Municipal Area Council (AMAC), Hon. Christopher Maikalangu.

The Minister directed the committee to engage directly with the traders' associations to resolve all lingering grievances and submit a comprehensive report within one week. To guarantee transparency, Barrister Wike ordered an immediate fresh physical verification exercise at the Apo Mechanic Village to ensure that every genuine business operator is accurately captured. The directive follows concerns raised by a faction of the association regarding the previous enumeration process, which they alleged compromised their interests.

Addressing the aggrieved members, the Minister stressed that a physical identification method is essential to eliminate fraud and administrative inflation. He emphasized that physical verification remains the only credible approach to ensure that genuine traders and mechanics occupying the area are duly protected, noting that allowing unverified list submissions invites non-stakeholders who have no actual business presence at the site.

“What is better is to do physical identification and enumeration because if we allow people to go and write names, you will write your in-laws, you will write your great grandchildren who do not even have anything to do with the area. So, physical identification and enumeration is the best method”, the Minister stated.

He urged all parties to cooperate fully to enable a swift conclusion of the exercise, noting that the continued presence of the mechanics and traders at the current Apo location is directly obstructing an ongoing major road project. Giving a three-day window for affected traders to participate in the fresh enumeration, he appealed for calm and understanding, reassuring them that the administration is determined to finalize the relocation and issue titles before the end of the year once full cooperation is established.

“Now, if you say you were not part of it, I will give you an opportunity within three days to go and do the enumeration that you are saying you didn’t do. I’m talking about those who are doing business there and we will see the type of business you are doing”, the FCT Minister said.

“However, I don’t want any hiccups. What I will plead with all of you is that please take it easy so we don't use this excuse and stop this movement. It is for your own good. Let us agree in principle that the time to move has come. I must give you this title anyhow before the end of this year. For me I can sign it in a day, even if it is 4,000 or 5,000, I can sign it in a day. My problem is you cooperating. Government has designed that area as a different place. If we don’t do it now, you may not get it again. Cooperate with them and we will do it in one week”, the Minister stated.

Demonstrating the administration's commitment to securing the livelihoods of the traders, Barrister Wike instructed the Director of Land Administration to immediately prepare the Rights of Occupancy (R of O) for his signature. He assured the traders that upon the commencement of development at the permanent site in Wassa, Certificates of Occupancy (C of O) will also be issued to all verified beneficiaries.

Reiterating that previous attempts to relocate the traders over the years were bogged down by political promises, the Minister assured the delegation that the administration of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu is fully committed to making the relocation a reality.

He recalled that primary infrastructure at the Wassa site had already been completed and officially commissioned by the administration, calling on the traders to also give their full support to the President.

“See as we are taking pains to solve your problems. So, take pains to also give the President your support. It would be an act of wickedness for you not to appreciate it. What is governance? It is making the people to be happy …The Man has done the roads and where you can move to, why will you not vote for him”, the Minister queried. 

He announced that should the President lose the FCT or Rivers State, it would be an indication that he is not worthy of occupying the seat as the Minister of the nation’s capital city.