20260611

PRESIDENT TINUBU COMMISSIONS 9KM AIRPORT EXPRESSWAY - KUJE DUAL CARRIAGEWAY

Vice President Kashima (3rd from right) FCT Minister, Nyesom Wike (3rd left) Minister of State, FCT, Dr Mariya Mahmoud (2nd right), Minister of Petroleum, Heineken Lokpobiri (right), MD Arab contractors, Engr. Mohammed Eladoros, (2nd left) and Chairman, PDP Board of Trustees, Mao Ohuabunwa (left) cutting the tape to commission the newly reconstructed six-lane dual carriageway from the Airport Expressway to Kuje township in the FCT...Thursday.

FCTA PRESS RELEASE

PRESIDENT TINUBU COMMISSIONS 9KM AIRPORT EXPRESSWAY - KUJE DUAL CARRIAGEWAY

…SAYS IT WILL HELP TO DECONGEST THE ABUJA CITY CENTRE

…AS FCT MINISTER ANNOUNCES SWEARING-IN OF NEW COUNCIL CHAIRMEN ON MONDAY

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, has officially commissioned the newly dualized 9km section of FCT Highway 105 (Kuje Road), stressing that the six-lane dual carriageway will provide dignified connectivity between the city centre and suburbs and decongest the Abuja metropolis. 

Speaking on Thursday, June 11, 2026, at the commissioning ceremony of the vital artery with two river bridges stretching from the Airport Expressway to Kuje town Junction, President Tinubu, who was represented by Vice President Kashim Shettima, described the project as a physical manifestation of a promise kept on the third anniversary of his administration.

He noted that the project, which was initially awarded in 2022 but abandoned, had long served as a bottleneck that wasted productive hours for civil servants, traders, and commuters, adding that its construction will return valuable time to residents, lift property values, attract commercial investments, and enable local farmers to move their produce efficiently without delay.

He said, “This six-lane dual carriageway we are commissioning today completely changes the game. You no longer have to endure the suffocating bottleneck on the Kuje-Airport Road. This is your bypass to freedom and fluid movement. We are giving you back your time. The hours our mothers, our traders, and our civil servants used to waste in traffic traps entering or leaving Kuje are gone. Time is money, and we are putting that time back into your pockets”.

Reaffirming his commitment to balanced development across the territory, President Tinubu expressed confidence that connecting the suburbs through premium infrastructure would successfully decongest the Abuja metropolis while bringing the real benefits of governance straight to the grassroots level

He said, “Above all, we are opening up the satellite towns. Abuja cannot breathe if only the city center is developed. By creating a high-speed, dignified connection between the suburbs and the heart of the capital, we are decongesting our metropolis and spreading prosperity evenly”.

He praised the FCT Minister, Barr. Ezenwo Nyesom Wike for his aggressive political will in ensuring the execution of the project, and further commended him for paying the necessary compensation to affected citizens along the road corridor to clear obstructions and ensure the timely delivery of the road project.

President Tinubu, while also reminding residents that infrastructure development is a partnership, reiterated his call for property owners and developers to pay their taxes, ground rents, and land fees to enable the replication of the Kuje success story in other satellite towns. He strongly urged traditional rulers and the youth of Kuje to jealously guard the new infrastructure against vandalism, unauthorized markets, and refuse dumping.

Earlier in his remarks, the FCT Minister, Barrister Nyesom Wike, recalled the difficult and highly politicized history of the highway, stressing that the 9km road project, which was awarded in February, 2022 at a cost of over 54 billion, had no contractor on-site and was completely abandoned when the current administration took office.

20260610

“PAY YOUR GROUND RENT AND TAXES TO ENJOY MORE INFRASTRUCTURE”, PRESIDENT TINUBU URGES FCT RESIDENTS

FCT Minister Barr Nyesom Wike delivering his address at the commissioning of the Arterial Road N5 in Abuja on Wednesday

FCTA PRESS RELEASE

“PAY YOUR GROUND RENT AND TAXES TO ENJOY MORE INFRASTRUCTURE”, PRESIDENT TINUBU URGES FCT RESIDENTS

...AS HE COMMISSIONS THE DAPE DISTRICT SECTION OF ARTERIAL ROAD N5 IN ABUJA

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has called on residents and business owners in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) to fulfill their civic responsibilities by paying their taxes, ground rents, and land fees to enable government deliver world-class infrastructure projects in the nation’s capital.

The President made this call on Wednesday, June 10, 2026, during the official commissioning of the full-scope development of Arterial Road N5 (Obafemi Awolowo Way), stretching from Life Camp Junction to Ring Road III in the Dape District of Abuja.

Represented at the occasion by Vice President Kashim Shettima, President Tinubu emphasized that citizen compliance through tax payment is the economic engine that empowers the government to carry out development projects.

He said, “To the residents and business owners enjoying this transformation, I urge you to meet your obligations. Pay your taxes. Clear your land fees and ground rents. Your compliance gives the FCT Administration the strength to build more roads like this one”.

Reflecting on the progress made since the commissioning of the Gwarinpa I District section of the Arterial Road N5 in June 2025, President Tinubu reaffirmed his administration commitment to breaking the old cycle of abandoned projects and preventing them from becoming permanent budget lines.

While noting that the newly completed N5 corridor has successfully eliminated the notorious traffic bottleneck at Life Camp Junction and established a fluid, high-speed connection between key districts including Dape, Karmo, Gwarinpa I, Kado and  Idu, among others, President Tinubu praised the FCT Minister, Barrister Nyesom Wike, whom he described as ‘the engine of execution’, for his relentless political will and accountability.

PRESIDENT TINUBU COMMISSIONS OSEX MAIN CARRIAGEWAYS IN ABUJA

L-R Senator Mao Ohuabunwa, FCT Minister Barr Nyesom Wike, Senate President, Senator Godswill Akpabio and Minister of State, FCT, Dr Mariya Mahmoud at the commissioning of the main carriageways of the Outer Southern Expressway from RRI to RRII, Abuja..on Tuesday

FCTA PRESS RELEASE

PRESIDENT TINUBU COMMISSIONS OSEX MAIN CARRIAGEWAYS IN ABUJA

…SAYS ERA OF ABANDONED PROJECTS IS GONE

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR has officially commissioned the completed main carriageways of the Outer Southern Expressway (OSEX), stretching from the Ring Road I Junction (Nnamdi Azikiwe Expressway) to the Ring Road II Junction (the road leading to outer districts of Lokogoma and Galadimawa in the FCT).

The President, who was represented at the ceremony by the President of the Senate, Senator Godswill Akpabio, on Tuesday, June 9, 2026, described the landmark project as a tangible manifestation of the "Renewed Hope" agenda, declaring that his administration has effectively brought an end to the culture of uncompleted and abandoned public works across Nigeria.

He said, "When we took the oath of office to lead this great nation, …we promised a renewed hope that is tangible—hope that you can see, hope that you can feel, and hope that you can drive on! We don't start projects to abandon them. The era of uncompleted projects in Nigeria is gone! We finish what we start".

President Tinubu recalled that he had, in the last two years, commissioned the initial stages of the inherited OSEX project (also known as Mahamadou Issoufou Way) and stressed that its completion will further enhance traffic flow in the FCT, reduce lost man-hours and save fuel for commuters.

He commended the FCT Minister, Barr. Ezenwo Nyesom Wike, and his team for their dogged determination and focused vision in structurally transforming the nation’s capital for long-term prosperity, noting that the FCT Minister has shown that public service is about performance and not excuses.

"You have kept the contractors on their toes, and you have kept our vision alive. This is the spirit of the Renewed Hope agenda—delivering quality results for the Nigerian people, on time", President Tinubu stated.

The President also used the occasion to reassure Nigerians that the current administration was fiercely committed to infrastructure development across the country.  “We will continue to build, we will continue to reform, and we will continue to invest in the future of our people”.

20260609

Love in the Shadow of Violence: Can Affection Survive Brutality?

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Love in the Shadow of Violence: Can Affection Survive Brutality?

Love, by its very nature, is fragile yet resilient. It thrives on trust, tenderness, and mutual respect. Violence, on the other hand, is its antithesis, a force that corrodes intimacy, instills fear, and fractures the delicate bonds between people.

The question of whether love can endure in the midst of violence is not merely philosophical; it is painfully real for countless individuals living in conflict zones, abusive relationships, or societies plagued by unrest.

At times, love does persist against all odds. Couples in war-torn regions cling to affection as a lifeline, parents nurture children despite chaos, and communities find solidarity in shared suffering.

These instances reveal love’s remarkable capacity to adapt, to become a form of resistance against brutality. Yet, we must not romanticize this endurance. Love that survives violence often bears scars, mistrust, trauma, and silence. It is not untouched love, but wounded love.

The truth is stark: violence suffocates love more often than it strengthens it. Where fear dominates, tenderness struggles to breathe. Where control and harm replace respect, love becomes distorted.

To allow love to truly thrive, violence must be dismantled. Only in peace can affection grow freely, unburdened by survival instincts.

Senate To Begin Deliberations On State Police This Week

A View of Nigeria's Senate

 Senate To Begin Deliberations On State Police This Week

The Nigerian Senate is set to open deliberations on the establishment of state police, a move that has gained urgency amid escalating insecurity across the country.

Senate Leader Opeyemi Bamidele announced that the issue has become a priority in the ongoing constitutional review process, reflecting the growing demand from Nigerians for localized policing structures.

He emphasized that consultations with stakeholders have already taken place and that the upper chamber intends to fast-track discussions so the bill can move to the 36 state houses of assembly before seeking presidential assent.

Bamidele underscored the Senate’s commitment to aligning with public sentiment, declaring, “We are standing with Nigerians on state police. That will come to fruition this week during plenary.” His remarks signal a significant step toward reshaping Nigeria’s security architecture, potentially decentralizing law enforcement to better address regional challenges.

The Senate Leader also weighed in on other pressing matters. He dismissed calls for a probe into the military as unpatriotic, arguing that such efforts would distract from the urgent task of tackling insecurity.

Editorial: Nigeria’s Path Beyond Hunger and Insecurity

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Editorial: Nigeria’s Path Beyond Hunger and Insecurity

Editorial: Nigeria’s Path Beyond Hunger and Insecurity

Nigeria today stands at a crossroads defined by hunger, insecurity, and fragile governance. Millions of citizens face daily struggles for food and safety, while institutions meant to protect and serve them falter under the weight of corruption and inefficiency. The urgency of this moment cannot be overstated: without decisive action, the cycle of poverty, violence, and despair will deepen, threatening the nation’s stability and future.

The immediate priority must be humanitarian relief. With over seven million people in the northeast requiring urgent assistance and thousands of children at risk of death from malnutrition, emergency food support and therapeutic care are non-negotiable.

International partners such as the FAO and OCHA have outlined ambitious plans to reach millions of vulnerable Nigerians, but these efforts will only succeed if the government ensures safe access to communities and protects civilians from armed groups.

Yet relief alone is not enough. Nigeria must invest in resilient agriculture to reduce dependence on aid and stabilize local markets. Climate-smart farming, irrigation, and seed distribution can help communities withstand floods, droughts, and displacement.

Empowering youth and women through agrifood value chains will not only create jobs but also reduce vulnerability to recruitment by armed groups. Peacebuilding at the community level is equally vital, fostering dialogue and reconciliation among groups torn apart by violence.

Governance reform remains the cornerstone of any lasting solution. Transparent management of resources, stronger institutions, and accountability in leadership are essential to ensure that aid reaches those who need it most. Decentralized service delivery can empower local governments to provide health, education, and agricultural support more effectively.

Early warning systems must be strengthened to anticipate crises before they spiral out of control.

Editorial: Lagos on High Alert - Guarding Against Ebola and Other Outbreaks

Lagos State Commissioner for Health, Professor Akin Abayomi

Editorial: Lagos on High Alert - Guarding Against Ebola and Other Outbreaks

At the Invest Lagos 3.0 Summit, Lagos State Commissioner for Health, Professor Akin Abayomi, delivered a sobering reminder of the city’s perpetual vulnerability to infectious diseases.

With a population exceeding 30 million, Lagos is a bustling hub of human and animal traffic, a gateway to Africa, and consequently, a fertile ground for contagion. 

Abayomi’s words underscore the delicate balance between economic vibrancy and public health security in one of the world’s fastest-growing megacities.

The commissioner highlighted the sheer scale of daily inflows, 18,000 cattle, countless poultry, fish, and other livestock, feeding millions of residents. This constant movement of people and goods, by air, sea, and land, creates a web of exposure that demands vigilance.

“We are always anxious on some kind of high alerts in Lagos,” Abayomi noted, emphasizing that the city’s openness is both its strength and its Achilles’ heel.

Drawing a stark comparison between COVID-19 and Ebola, Abayomi reminded the audience that while the former had a fatality rate of about 1 percent, Ebola’s mortality can reach 25 percent or higher. His blunt assessment, “COVID is kindergarten compared to Ebola”, was not hyperbole but a call to recognize the catastrophic potential of future outbreaks.

PRESIDENT TINUBU BEGINS PROJECT COMMISSIONING IN ABUJA ON TUESDAY

L-R MD Arab Contractors, Engr Mohammed Eledarous, FCT Minister Barr Nyesom Wike and the Executive Secretary, FCDA, Engr Richard Yunana Dauda during the Minister's last minute inspection of projects slated for commissioning in Abuja on Monday

FCTA PRESS RELEASE

PRESIDENT TINUBU BEGINS PROJECT COMMISSIONING IN ABUJA ON TUESDAY

…TO INAUGURATE PROJECTS IN THE AREA COUNCILS

The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Barr. Ezenwo Nyesom Wike has announced that His Excellency, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, will officially begin the commissioning of several high-impact legacy infrastructure projects across the nation's capital on Tuesday, June 9, 2026, as part of his third anniversary celebrations.

Speaking with newsmen during a high-level site verification tour to assess final delivery arrangements and mobilization frameworks on Monday, June 8, 2026, the Minister stated that the President will commence with the commissioning of stage two of the Outer Southern Expressway (OSEX) Main Carriageways, which he said was 100 percent complete.

Barr. Wike, who was visibly excited at the rapid engineering turnarounds achieved across multiple strategic arterial corridors within the territory during the visit, said, “Tomorrow, the President will start with the commissioning of the OSEX road, which was the first place we visited this morning".

The Minister further disclosed that the commissioning itinerary will extend through a packed multi-day calendar to celebrate the administration's third anniversary, adding that the President will commission the strategic Arterial Road N5 in Life Camp on Wednesday, June 10, 2026, which will be followed on Thursday by the commissioning of the newly dualized Highway 105 (Airport-to-Kuje carriageway), providing critical economic links to outlying development zones.

"These three projects are one hundred percent complete and ready for commissioning. What is important to us is that we have been able to achieve the timeline, and I commend the various contractors that are involved for keeping to their promises", the Minister remarked.

20260608

Atiku Would’ve Won 2027 Presidency If He Supported Obi In 2023 - Baba Ahmed

Datti Baba-Ahmed, the former Labour Party vice-presidential candidate

Atiku Would’ve Won 2027 Presidency If He Supported Obi In 2023 - Baba Ahmed

In a recent interview on Inside Sources with Channels Television, Datti Baba-Ahmed, the former Labour Party vice-presidential candidate, made a striking political observation.

He argued that former Vice President Atiku Abubakar could have secured the presidency in 2027 had he chosen to support Peter Obi during the 2023 elections instead of pursuing his own bid.

Baba-Ahmed explained that Atiku missed a strategic opportunity to emulate President Bola Tinubu’s political patience and tactical generosity. Tinubu, he noted, had previously offered his party’s platform to other politicians, including Atiku in 2007 and Muhammadu Buhari in 2015, while carefully planning for his own eventual rise to power.

According to Baba-Ahmed, if Atiku had surprised the political landscape by backing Obi and himself in 2023, he would have earned the goodwill necessary to become the consensus candidate in 2027.

20260607

NUJ-FCT Council Calls For Stronger Security, Accurate Reporting, Safe Schools

NUJ official logo

NUJ-FCT Council Calls For Stronger Security, Accurate Reporting, Safe Schools

The Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ) FCT Council has issued a strong call for urgent action on insecurity, transparency in reporting, and the protection of schools, stressing that the safety of citizens and journalists must be treated as a national emergency.

The Congress, held in Abuja on June 6, 2026, brought together over 500 journalists who demanded decisive measures to restore public confidence in Nigeria’s security architecture.

The NUJ FCT Council expressed deep concern over the rising wave of insecurity in Abuja and across Nigeria. Journalists urged security agencies to intensify efforts against kidnappings, abductions, and community attacks. They emphasized that citizens’ safety must remain the government’s top priority, and called for greater transparency in official communications to ensure that public statements match realities on the ground.

20260606

WIKE AT UNIPORT: TINUBU'S BOLD REFORMS TURNING INFRASTRUCTURE INTO NATIONAL RENEWAL

FCT Minister Barr Nyesom Wike at the 36th Convocation Lecture of the University of Port Harcourt, Rivers State on Saturday

FCTA PRESS RELEASE 

WIKE AT UNIPORT: TINUBU'S BOLD REFORMS TURNING INFRASTRUCTURE INTO NATIONAL RENEWAL 

The FCT Minister, Barr Ezenwo Nyesom Wike has said that President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s decisive actions on infrastructure are “rebuilding Nigeria brick by brick” and proving that purposeful leadership can close the country’s development gap. 

Delivering the 36th Convocation Lecture today, June 06, 2026, at the University of Port Harcourt, titled, “Leadership and Infrastructure Development in Nigeria: Lessons for Future Leaders”, Barr Wike said the current administration has moved beyond rhetoric to execution, with projects across roads, rail, power, housing, and energy now reshaping Nigeria’s economic future.  

“What we are witnessing today is not politics. It is governance with courage”, Barr Wike told the gathering of academics, students, and national leaders. 

“Mr. President has chosen the hard road of reform because he knows there is no shortcut to national greatness.  

“The evidence is clear: President Tinubu has the courage to confront difficult choices, the capacity to mobilise resources, and the political will to use infrastructure as a real tool of transformation”, he said.

20260605

Editorial: Climate Crisis and Policy Failures Threaten Nigeria’s Food Security

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Editorial: Climate Crisis and Policy Failures Threaten Nigeria’s Food Security

On World Environment Day, experts in Nigeria raised urgent alarms about the looming threat to the nation’s food security, linking the crisis directly to climate change and weak government policies.

They argue that rising temperatures, erratic rainfall, and extreme weather events are already disrupting agricultural productivity, leaving farmers vulnerable and communities exposed to hunger.  

The editorial consensus highlights that Nigeria’s reliance on rain-fed agriculture makes it particularly susceptible to climate shocks. Floods and droughts have become more frequent, destroying crops and livestock, while desertification continues to encroach on arable land.

Special Report: World Environment Day 2026 — Nigeria’s Climate Reckoning and the Call for Sustainable Governance

Special Report: World Environment Day 2026Nigeria’s Climate Reckoning and the Call for Sustainable Governance

Special Report: World Environment Day 2026 - Nigeria’s Climate Reckoning and the Call for Sustainable Governance

World Environment Day 2026 unfolded across the globe with renewed urgency, as environmental experts in Nigeria sounded the alarm over the country’s deepening climate crisis and its ripple effects on food security, public health, and national stability.

The commemoration, held in Abuja, became a rallying point for scientists, activists, and policymakers who warned that weak environmental governance and unsustainable resource exploitation are pushing Nigeria toward an ecological tipping point.  

Dr. Michael Terungwa David, Executive Director of the Global Initiative for Food Security and Ecosystem Preservation (GIFSEP), led the discussion, describing environmental degradation as an “urgent national crisis already affecting millions.”

He underscored that climate change is no longer a distant threat but a daily reality shaping livelihoods, from shrinking farmlands and coastal erosion in Bayelsa, Lagos, and Delta, to the aftermath of the catastrophic 2022 floods that claimed over 600 lives and displaced 1.4 million people.  

According to Dr. David, Nigeria loses approximately ₦1.1 trillion annually to land degradation, with environmental damage consuming nearly 10 percent of its GDP.

He warned that “the cost of inaction will be felt at the dining table, in hospitals, classrooms, and even in national security,” urging citizens to hold leaders accountable for environmental stewardship.  

The event also marked the relaunch of the Vote4Climate 2027 Campaign, a nationwide movement designed to embed climate action, clean energy, and food security into Nigeria’s democratic discourse.

Dr. David challenged voters to move beyond ethnic and religious politics, insisting that the 2027 elections must be about “choosing between a livable future and an uninhabitable one.”  

Mr. Richard Nzekwu, Consultant on Land Degradation Neutrality under the UN Convention to Combat Desertification (UNCCD), highlighted policy gaps in mining, renewable energy, and agriculture.

He noted that while solar energy adoption is growing rapidly across Nigeria, the sector remains largely unregulated. Nzekwu cautioned against banning solar imports prematurely, as local manufacturing capacity remains insufficient to meet national demand.

20260604

WE ARE SET TO GO” -WIKE SPEAKS ON PREPAREDNESS FOR MARATHON COMMISSIONING

The Outer Southern Expressway maina carriageways, Abuja, ready for commissioning on Thursday

“WE ARE SET TO GO” -WIKE SPEAKS ON PREPAREDNESS FOR MARATHON COMMISSIONING

-      SAYS ADDITIONAL TWO NEW PROJECTS MAY BE FLAGGED OFF

Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Ezenwo Nyesom Wike, has confirmed the preparedness of his Administration to commence the commissioning of over 30 projects across the Territory.

Speaking with newsmen on Thursday, June 4, 2026, shortly after an inspection tour of some of the projects slated for commissioning, Barr Wike expressed his delight over the quality of all the projects inspected and confirmed that they were 100% completed.

“From what we have seen, we are set to go. I can say all the projects we inspected are one hundred per cent ready...I am very happy with the quality of the job”, he said.

Projects inspected included the Gwarinpa-Jahi Interchange, the Airport-Kuje Road, the Kuje-Gwagwalada Road, the Outer Southern Expressway main carriageways and the aesthetic redesign of the Abuja City Gate.

With specific reference to the Abuja City Gate, Barr Wike pointed out that its launch may be done at night so that the beauty of the redesigned Abuja City Gate would be better appreciated. “We believe that the City Gate will be inaugurated sometime in the night so that we can see the beauty of the place. We are very happy indeed, and I am sure that the residents of Abuja are also happy. This is governance in action, and you can see the dividends of democracy. You can see the Renewed Hope working, and we believe by the grace of God, from Monday we will start the commissioning of these projects”, he said.

NERC directs DisCos to compensate Band A customers with electricity units, bill adjustments for supply shortfall

Electricity Meters

NERC directs DisCos to compensate Band A customers with electricity units, bill adjustments for supply shortfall

The Nigerian Electricity Regulatory Commission (NERC) has ordered Distribution Companies (DisCos) to compensate Band A customers with electricity units and bill adjustments after failing to meet promised supply levels between February and March 2026.

The directive ensures that affected customers receive credits equivalent to 20% of their billed energy, with prepaid users getting token credits and post-paid users receiving bill reductions.

The Nigerian Electricity Regulatory Commission (NERC) issued Order No. NERC/2026/002 mandating compensation for Band A customers who experienced electricity supply shortfalls.  Band A customers are premium consumers expected to receive at least 20 hours of electricity daily under the service-based tariff regime.

The disruptions were attributed to inadequate gas supply and vandalism of critical gas and transmission infrastructure, which limited generation capacity across the national grid.

DATE-LINE BLUES REMIX EDITION ONE