FCTA BEGINS INVESTIGATION INTO AIRPORT ROAD, LOKOGOMA FLOODING INCIDENT

FCT Minister, Barr Ezenwo Nyesom Wike addressing journalists during a Media Chat with journalists in Port Harcourt on Wednesday, September 2, 2026

FCTA PRESS RELEASE 

FCTA BEGINS INVESTIGATION INTO AIRPORT ROAD, LOKOGOMA FLOODING INCIDENT

…AS MINISTER VOWS STRICT ENFORCEMENT OF ABUJA MASTERPLAN

The Federal Capital Territory Administration (FCTA) has officially launched an investigation into the recent severe flooding along the Airport Road axis and Lokogoma District to determine the root causes and implement lasting solutions.

Speaking during a media chat on Tuesday, September 2, 2026, the FCT Minister, Nyesom Wike, revealed that a high-level task force led by the Executive Secretary of the Federal Capital Development Authority (FCDA) and the Director of Development Control was immediately dispatched to conduct on-the-ground assessments across affected communities, including Lugbe and Lokogoma.

"When I heard of the incident, the Executive Secretary of the FCDA and the Director, Development Control had to go to the place, not only at the airport road but also in Lokogoma," the Minister stated. "The one that is man-made, we can solve the problem; the one that is natural, there is nothing we can do—it becomes a natural disaster. So, it’s something that we have to investigate”.

While acknowledging that recent torrential downpour in the nation’s capital has reached unprecedented levels, the Minister stressed that preliminary findings point to long-standing violations of the FCT masterplan, where structures have been erected across natural waterways and designated road corridors without valid approvals.

He vowed that the administration will take all necessary steps to correct abuse of the Abuja masterplan along the airport road axis and will not hesitate to bring down any structure found found along waterways.

According to him, "From our studies, Lugbe has always been violating the Abuja masterplan... All over the years, you see people building without approval and blocking where is supposed to be a roadway. As an administration, we are not taking it lightly”.

Beyond structural enforcement, the Minister disclosed that the FCTA is also taking stern administrative action against officials within the administration who facilitate illegal encroachments into green areas and water ways. 

He revealed that a government Director was recently suspended under civil service rules for issuing unauthorized "temporary approvals" to commercial operators on designated green zones, while another official faced disciplinary sanctions for illegally reallocating park lands under the guise of

security clearing. 

On allegations that some of the structures marked for demolition held prior government approvals, the Minister reiterated that illegal approvals obtained through undue influence would not serve as a shield against enforcement.

Breaking Nigeria’s Poverty Trap

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A visual representation of Nigeria’s job creation story

The fastest way to lift Nigeria and Nigerians out of extreme poverty is through a coordinated, rights-based social protection system that integrates economic empowerment, job creation, and transparent governance, rather than fragmented relief efforts. Current government initiatives like the One Humanitarian-One Poverty Response System (OHOPRS) and the Household Prosperity and Empowerment Project (HOPE-SP) aim to unify interventions and move millions from survival to self-reliance by 2030.

Breaking Nigeria’s Poverty Trap

Nigeria stands at a crossroads. With 133 million citizens - 63% of the population - classified as multidimensionally poor, the urgency of escaping extreme poverty cannot be overstated. The challenge is not the absence of interventions but the lack of coherence, accountability, and scale in their implementation. To break free from this cycle, Nigeria must embrace a paradigm shift: from managing poverty to architecting prosperity.

The Current Landscape

Government-led programmes have proliferated in recent years. The National Social Investment Programme and the National Social Safety Nets Project created a technical backbone, including a National Social Register covering over 70 million individuals. Yet, corruption scandals, underfunding, and institutional overlap have undermined their impact. The suspension of the National Social Investment Programme Agency in 2024 over financial misappropriation exemplifies these governance failures.

The New Blueprint

In response, the Federal Government has launched OHOPRS, a unified national architecture designed to lift 50 million Nigerians out of poverty by 2030. Its principles, one system, one register, one pathway, seek to eliminate duplication, enforce digital accountability, and align ministries, states, and development partners. Complementing this is the HOPE-SP initiative, which shifts focus from temporary palliatives to long-term empowerment, ensuring households are not just stabilized but placed on a path to economic independence.

The Fastest Path Forward

The fastest way to end extreme poverty in Nigeria lies in four interconnected strategies:

1.   Social Protection Reform: Move from discretionary, donor-driven projects to a rights-based system with guaranteed entitlements.

Wealth Accumulation in the Passage of Human Life

A symbolic photo to represent the story of life as a passage and the tension between wealth and simplicity

Wealth Accumulation in the Passage of Human Life

If human life is seen as a mere passage - fleeting, transient, and ultimately finite, then the pursuit of excessive wealth becomes questionable. 

Wealth itself isn’t inherently wrong; it can provide comfort, security, and opportunities to help others.

But when accumulation becomes excessive, it risks turning into obsession, detachment from deeper meaning, and neglect of relationships or inner growth.

Philosophers and spiritual traditions often argue that since life is temporary, true fulfillment lies not in material hoarding but in cultivating virtues like wisdom, compassion, and purpose. Excessive wealth can even become a burden, you spend your short passage guarding it, rather than living freely.

On the other hand, some argue that wealth, if used wisely, can amplify one’s ability to leave a positive mark during this passage, funding education, alleviating poverty, or supporting innovation. In that sense, it’s not the accumulation itself that matters, but the use of wealth.

So perhaps the real question isn’t whether man should accumulate wealth, but whether he can do so without losing sight of the fact that life is a passage, and that the value of the journey lies in how it’s lived, not in what’s stored.

But then, let's look at it deeper at this point:

Introduction

If human life is understood as a passage - a transient journey from birth to death - then the pursuit of excessive wealth must be critically examined. The metaphor of life as a passage emphasizes impermanence, reminding us that material possessions cannot accompany us beyond the threshold of mortality.

The Nature of Wealth

Wealth, in itself, is neither inherently virtuous nor corrupt. It provides comfort, security, and the means to support others. Yet, when accumulation becomes excessive, it risks transforming into obsession. The pursuit of riches can overshadow the cultivation of wisdom, compassion, and purpose - qualities that endure beyond material possessions.

Ecuador’s Reckoning with Corruption

Ecuador’s Reckoning with Corruption

The sentencing of former Ecuadorian President Lenín Moreno to five years in prison marks a watershed moment in the nation’s struggle against entrenched corruption.

At 73, Moreno now faces not only incarceration but also a permanent ban from holding public office, a dramatic fall from grace for a leader who once promised transparency and reform.

The case centers on the Coca Codo Sinclair hydroelectric plant, Ecuador’s largest energy project, which began operating in 2016 but was plagued by technical failures. Investigations revealed that Chinese state-owned firm Sinohydro funneled approximately $76.1 million in bribes between 2009 and 2018 through fraudulent consulting contracts.

These funds allegedly traveled through offshore accounts and shell companies before reaching Moreno’s family and associates.

The court’s ruling did not stop at Moreno. His wife, daughter, two brothers, and their spouses were also convicted, each receiving two-and-a-half-year sentences. Cai Runguo, China’s former ambassador to Quito, was handed a five-year sentence, underscoring the international dimensions of the scandal.

Atiku’s Border and Port Promises - A Pledge of Economic Rebalancing

Atiku Abubakar, Nigeria’s Former Vice President, now the presidential candidate of the African Democratic Congress (ADC)

Atiku’s Border and Port Promises - A Pledge of Economic Rebalancing

Nigeria’s Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar, now the presidential candidate of the African Democratic Congress (ADC), has once again placed economic revitalization at the heart of his campaign.

In a recent address shared online, Atiku pledged to reopen Nigeria’s land borders and develop southern ports if elected president, framing these moves as essential to restoring trade, employment, and national security.

Atiku’s critique of the border closures is rooted in their impact on transborder trade. He argued that shutting Nigeria’s borders with Cameroon, Chad, Niger, and Benin Republic devastated legitimate businesses, particularly those run by young entrepreneurs who relied on cross-border commerce.

Many of these traders, he noted, had invested millions of naira and employed others, only to be driven into bankruptcy and unemployment when the borders were sealed. 

For Atiku, reopening the borders is not just about trade; it is about restoring livelihoods and reducing insecurity by tackling the economic despair that fuels instability. “All the upcoming young men and women who used to have a capital of 10 million, 20 million, and they were employing two, three other people, and then all of them went bankrupt and unemployed. How can there be security?” he asked. “So I said I am going to reopen the borders and I will,” he added..

Equally significant is his promise to develop ports in the South and South-East. Atiku revealed that he had previously engaged European shipping companies to explore partnerships for port expansion. His vision is to balance the flow of goods across Nigeria, reducing the reliance on Lagos ports and easing the logistical bottlenecks that currently plague the system. 

He illustrated the inefficiency by citing his own experience: transporting containers from Lagos to Yola in Adamawa State can take up to two months, whereas using ports in Calabar, Uyo, or Port Harcourt could cut the journey to just 24 hours.

“So when, if I drop my container in Calabar or in Uyo or in Port Harcourt, it will just take me 24 hours to take the container to Yola.

“But right now, it takes me not less than two months to take my container from Lagos because you have to cross over from South-West, you go to North-East, and then there is even no road,” Atiku said.

The US Drawdown in Nigeria and Its Complex Legacy

The US Drawdown in Nigeria and Its Complex Legacy

The Pentagon’s decision to withdraw 200 troops from Nigeria marks a significant turning point in America’s counterterrorism engagement in West Africa. Deployed earlier this year, these forces were tasked with supporting Nigerian efforts against Islamist militants.

Though relatively small in number, officials have described the mission as having outsized results, particularly in intelligence sharing and training operations that will continue even after the bulk of the contingent departs by late September.

The withdrawal follows a major operation in May that killed Abu-Bilal al-Minuki, ISIS’s second-in-command, in the Lake Chad Basin. US Africa Command (AFRICOM) hailed the strike as a decisive blow to ISIS leadership both in Nigeria and globally.

Commander Dagvin Anderson emphasized that Nigeria has since taken a more active role in dismantling terrorist networks and curbing their ability to sustain themselves. 

Yet, while the US will maintain its intelligence partnership, the drawdown signals a shift toward lighter, more targeted engagements rather than large-scale deployments.

The AFRICOM chief noted that the US would retain its intelligence partnership with Nigeria..

This development also comes against the backdrop of sensitive diplomatic exchanges. The US and Nigeria recently convened their second round of talks in Washington under a joint working group focused on protecting Christian communities in Nigeria’s Middle Belt.

Nigeria and the World: A Daily Chronicle

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An llustration representing “Nigeria and the World: A Daily Chronicle.”

TOP NEWS STORIES | AT THIS TIME

Here are the top news stories you need to read up at this time:

Nigeria Politics & Economy

• Atiku Abubakar vows to end insecurity within one year if elected, and promises to reopen borders and develop southern ports .
• President Tinubu orders rollout of 500 new CNG stations to reduce transport fares nationwide .
• Reports highlight Nigeria’s kidnapping crisis: over 7,800 abducted and ₦7.78 billion paid in ransom in the past year .

Global News

• King Harald V of Norway has died at age 89, sparking national mourning and succession by his son .
• A glacier collapse has triggered deadly flash floods in Nepal and Tibet, with the death toll surpassing 500 .
• Former U.S. President Donald Trump signed an order renaming Lake Ontario to “Lake America,” drawing sharp responses from Canada .

Sports

• UEFA Champions League draw completed: Arsenal, Man Utd, Liverpool, Aston Villa, and Man City learn their opponents .
• Chelsea defeated Luton Town 2–0 in the Carabao Cup .
• Masai Russell set a new women’s 100m hurdles world record, surpassing Nigeria’s Tobi Amusan .

Other Headlines

• WAEC exam results crisis deepens amid allegations of irregularities and CBT glitches .
• Dangote Refinery threatens to export petrol as rising imports squeeze Nigeria’s fuel market .
• Nigeria’s EFCC reports recovering over $500 million in assets for the federal government in three years .

Op-Ed: Nigeria at the Crossroads

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Op-Ed: Nigeria at the Crossroads

Op-Ed: Nigeria at the Crossroads

Nigeria today stands at a critical juncture, where politics, economics, and society intersect in ways that will shape the nation’s future. The headlines reveal not just isolated events but interconnected struggles that demand deeper reflection.

Leadership Under Scrutiny Senator Ali Ndume’s sharp rebuke of President Tinubu’s aides is more than a political outburst; it is a symptom of a wider crisis of confidence in governance. When those closest to the president are perceived as incompetent, the machinery of state risks grinding to a halt. For Nigeria, the implication is clear: without a capable and trusted inner circle, reforms will falter, and public trust will erode further.

The Fuel Subsidy Debate: A Test of Transparency Atiku Abubakar’s insistence on clarity regarding subsidy savings touches the nerve of Nigeria’s economic dilemma. The presidency’s claim of a ₦19.1 trillion funding burden illustrates the scale of the challenge. Yet Nigerians are less concerned with figures than with the tangible impact on their daily lives, rising costs, shrinking incomes, and a sense of economic suffocation. The debate is not just about policy; it is about whether leaders can convince citizens that sacrifice today will yield relief tomorrow.

The Certificate Controversy: Politics of Legitimacy The renewed challenge to President Tinubu’s academic credentials underscores how questions of legitimacy continue to haunt Nigerian politics. In a country where institutions are often distrusted, the symbolism of a leader’s qualifications carries weight. This controversy risks distracting from pressing governance issues, yet it also reflects a deeper yearning for accountability and integrity in public office.

Security and Trust in Institutions The abduction of villagers in Niger State, voter intimidation in Abuja, and police extortion scandals all point to a troubling erosion of security and institutional credibility. When citizens cannot rely on law enforcement to protect rather than exploit them, the social contract itself begins to fray. Nigeria’s future stability depends on rebuilding trust in these institutions, without which democracy itself is imperiled.

Football Governance: A Mirror of National Challenges The resignation of Nigeria’s football leadership is emblematic of a broader governance malaise. Just as mismanagement has plagued the nation’s sports, so too has it hindered progress in politics and the economy. Football, often seen as a unifying force, now reflects the same failures of accountability and vision that afflict the state. Reform here could serve as a symbolic starting point for wider institutional renewal.

Technology and Innovation: Glimpses of Progress The partnership between UAE’s Al Ashram and Africa’s largest network provider to build AI data centers signals a bold step toward modernization. Coupled with the government’s rollout of electric vehicles for civil servants, these initiatives suggest that Nigeria is not entirely trapped in its crises. The challenge lies in ensuring that such innovations are not isolated projects but part of a coherent strategy to leapfrog into a more sustainable future.

Nigeria and the World in Focus | Top Stories | At This Time

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Nigeria and the World in Focus | Top Stories | At This Time

Nigeria and the World in Focus | Top Stories | At This Time

Ndume’s Rebuke of Tinubu’s Aides Senator Ali Ndume has openly criticized President Bola Tinubu’s aides, branding them as incompetent and unfit for their roles. His remarks underscore growing frustrations within the political class about the administration’s handling of governance. Ndume’s call for reform reflects a wider sentiment that the president’s team must be reshuffled to restore confidence in leadership and deliver on promises made to Nigerians.

Atiku’s Clash Over Fuel Subsidy Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar’s aides have engaged in a heated exchange over the government’s fuel subsidy policy. Atiku has demanded transparency on the savings supposedly accrued from subsidy removal, while the presidency insists that Nigeria faces a staggering ₦19.1 trillion funding burden. This dispute highlights the deep divisions over economic policy and the struggle to balance fiscal responsibility with the welfare of citizens.

House Member Challenges Atiku on Tinubu’s Certificate In another political twist, a member of the House of Representatives has challenged Atiku Abubakar to clarify his position on President Tinubu’s certificate controversy. This confrontation adds fuel to the ongoing debate about the president’s academic credentials, a matter that continues to polarize the political landscape.

Catholic Bishops as Guardians of Common Humanity

Catholic Secretariat of Nigeria logo

Catholic Bishops as Guardians of Common Humanity

In a nation battered by sectarian violence and political complacency, the Catholic Bishops’ Conference of Nigeria (CBCN) has once again stepped into its role as the moral conscience of society.

On 26 August 2026, the Bishops issued a resounding condemnation of the attack on Muslim worshippers in Borgu, Niger State, where over 60 faithful were abducted, alongside the massacre in Ukum, Benue State that claimed 47 lives and left 17 critically wounded.

The statement, signed by CBCN President Most Rev. Matthew Man-Oso Ndagoso, was more than a routine denunciation of violence. It was a deliberate act of solidarity with Muslim compatriots, a reminder that the prophetic mandate of the Church transcends creed and dogma.

Rwanda’s Milk Bars - Between Tradition and Health

Moses Sansiman taps into cold whole milk at his milk bar. Some milk bars offer a variety of flavors but Sansiman says he likes to keep it simple. Claire Harbage/NPR

Rwanda’s Milk Bars -  Between Tradition and Health

In Kigali, Rwanda’s bustling capital, one of the most beloved social rituals is not centered around beer or coffee, but milk. Milk bars, where patrons gather to sip tall glasses of cold, pasteurized whole milk, have become a defining feature of urban life.

They emerged as a solution for city dwellers who lost direct access to cows when moving from rural areas, yet they quickly evolved into cultural institutions.

For many Rwandans, milk is more than nourishment; it is sacred, tied to centuries of reverence for cows as symbols of prosperity and well-being.

The ritual of drinking milk carries deep cultural meaning. Customers often insist on consuming it fresh, either at the bar or directly from a cow, never from a boxed container. Respect for cows dictates that milk must be drunk while seated, a gesture of reverence.

Expressions such as “may you have a cow” remain embedded in the language, reflecting the animal’s role as a traditional measure of wealth. For many, milk is not just a beverage but a sacred inheritance, a daily affirmation of cultural identity.

2026 EID-EL-MAULUD: FCT MINISTER FELICITATES WITH RESIDENTS

His Excellency, Ezenwo Nyesom Wike, Hon. Mins. of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT)

FCTA PRESS RELEASE

2026 EID-EL-MAULUD: FCT MINISTER FELICITATES WITH RESIDENTS

… URGES THEM TO EMBRACE PEACE, UNITY, AND DIALOGUE

The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), His Excellency, Ezenwo Nyesom Wike, CON, has extended his warm felicitation to the Muslim faithful in the FCT and across Nigeria on the occasion of this year’s Eid-el-Maulud, celebrating the birth of Prophet Muhammad (Peace Be Upon Him).

In his official message to residents, the Minister highlighted the core virtues of the Holy Prophet’s life and teachings, describing Eid-el-Maulud as a sacred period for deep reflection on peace, compassion, sacrifice, patience, tolerance, and fellowship.

He emphasized that the FCT was established on the principles of unity and tolerance, and urged all residents to exhibit these values in their daily interactions and embrace dialogue as the primary means to resolve differences.

"The FCT was built on the foundation of unity, diversity, and tolerance for all Nigerians", the Minister stated, adding that, "There is the need for us to embrace the true meaning and virtues of sacrifice, patience, tolerance, and fellowship in our daily interactions”.

"WE HAVE DELIVERED ON OUR PROMISES" - FCT MINISTER

L-R: Coordinator, STDD, Hon Abdulkadir Zulkiflu; Director, Regional Infrastructure, STDD, Engr Bayo Baderinwa; FCT Minister, Barr Ezenwo Nyesom Wike; AMAC Chairman, Hon Christopher Maikalangu; Hon Kenneth Chikere, during an inspection tour of the Apo-Karshi Road on Saturday, August 22, 2026.

FCTA PRESS RELEASE

"WE HAVE DELIVERED ON OUR PROMISES" - FCT MINISTER

…SAYS PRESIDENT TINUBU’S RE-ELECTION CAMPAIGN WILL FOCUS ON VISIBLE ACHIEVEMENTS

Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Minister, Barrister Ezenwo Nyesom Wike, has declared that President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s re-election campaign will be anchored on tangible, visible projects delivered to improve the livelihoods of citizens rather than empty political promises.

Speaking to newsmen following an inspection tour of key satellite town road projects—including the long-awaited Apo-Karshi road and the 14-kilometre Bwari-Kubwa road—the Minister expressed delight that the administration has turned longstanding infrastructure challenges into concrete achievements.

"Campaign is not about promises; it is about what you put into action that impacts the lives of the people," Wike stated. "The administration of President Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu has delivered for the residents of the FCT. Our team can go home satisfied that promises made have been fulfilled."

Speaking on the 13.5km Apo-Karshi road project, the Minister explained that the contract was awarded as far back as 2011 and was among the abandoned projects inherited by the current administration. Citing its importance to residents and persistent complaints over the delay, the Minister said the original contract was terminated and re-awarded to SCC, a firm he described as having the capacity to deliver.

The Minister commended SCC for continuing work on the project despite payment delays, calling it a sign of confidence in the administration's commitment to fulfilling its obligations. He said the contractor has projected a November completion date.

The Minister also highlighted progress on the 14-kilometre Bwari-Kubwa Road, a project he said residents never imagined would materialize. He stated that the project is expected to be handed over to the FCT Administration by December.

“I have said by December this project will be handed over to us. Now it's for the people here to also do their own part by appreciating Mr. President for not just making promises but making promises and fulfilling those promises. So, I'm highly delighted”, the Minister stressed.

Remarking on his three years anniversary in office, the Minister thanked President Tinubu for the opportunity to serve, acknowledging that the tenure had not been without challenges but expressing satisfaction that his team had worked to overcome them. He pointed to his prior record as a local government chairman, a former Minister of State, and a former Governor of Rivers State as evidence of his commitment to public service.

The Minister announced plans to publish a comprehensive record of infrastructure projects inherited from previous administrations — dating back to the Obasanjo, Yar'Adua, Jonathan, and Buhari governments — alongside projects awarded and completed under the current administration, to allow the public to independently assess performance.

FCTA PHOTO NEWS

FCTA PHOTO NEWS

 FCT Minister Nyesom Wike today paid a condolence visit to D D Dodo, SAN, in his Maitama residence, Abuja over the demise of his mother, Mrs Veronica Rabi Dodo who died on Wednesday, 19th August, 2026.

Late Mrs Rabi Dodo was born on the 29th of November 1944.

Below are pictures from the visit:

Weekend Editorial: Nigeria’s Economy, Climate, and Global Tensions

Nigeria’s Economy, Climate, and Global Tensions

Weekend Editorial: Nigeria’s Economy, Climate, and Global Tensions

Nigeria stands at a crossroads where economic resilience, environmental urgency, and geopolitical complexity converge. The nation’s economy, though challenged by inflation and currency volatility, continues to show sparks of ingenuity.

From fintech startups in Lagos to agricultural innovation across the north, Nigerians are proving that creativity can thrive even under pressure. Yet, the government must move beyond rhetoric to structural reform, addressing energy supply, fiscal discipline, and industrial diversification.

The naira’s stability and the cost of living are not mere statistics; they define the daily reality of millions. Economic recovery will depend on restoring confidence through transparency, investment in local production, and a renewed social contract between leadership and citizens.

Climate change adds another layer of urgency. Floods, desertification, and erratic rainfall are reshaping livelihoods across the country. Nigeria’s commitment to renewable energy and sustainable agriculture must shift from policy papers to tangible projects. 

The world’s climate crisis is not waiting for bureaucratic consensus, it demands immediate adaptation and innovation.