RURAL ROADS, WATER PROJECTS CUTTING INSECURITY IN THE FCT – MINISTER

FCT Minister, Barr Nyesom Wike (middle) fielding questions from journalists during his monthly media parley in Abuja on Monday

FCTA PRESS RELEASE

RURAL ROADS, WATER PROJECTS CUTTING INSECURITY IN THE FCT - MINISTER

...SAYS OPPOSITION PRIMARIES EXPOSED ‘FAKE MESSIAH’ CLAIMS

The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Barrister Ezenwo Nyesom Wike, has said that the construction of roads and water projects in satellite towns and rural communities is significantly reducing insecurity and improving access to farmlands across the Territory.

Speaking during his monthly live media chat in Abuja on Monday, June 1, 2026, Barr. Wike disclosed that President Bola Ahmed Tinubu will commission several major projects in satellite towns as part of activities marking the administration’s third anniversary.

The Minister said his administration deliberately shifted focus to neglected rural communities after extensive consultations with traditional rulers, youths, women, and other stakeholders who identified poor road infrastructure as a major driver of insecurity.

“What we did was to go to the rural areas and interact with the stakeholders — the chiefs, the youths, the women and other leaders”, Barr. Wike said. “What I found very interesting is that they know their terrain. They told us most of the roads were not passable at all and that even when attacks occurred, security operatives could not effectively respond because the roads were bad. So, we took on the task and built the roads they themselves nominated”.

 He said the intervention has yielded positive results, particularly in Kuje Area Council, where several road projects have been completed. “Those roads have been built, and it really helps in terms of reducing insecurity and in terms of having access to their farmland”, he stated.

Barr. Wike stressed that unlike previous administrations that announced policies without implementation, the current FCT Administration is focused on delivering tangible results. “Whatever policies we make, by the grace of God, we will implement them. That is how people are going to see the impact of governance, particularly in the rural areas”, he said.

The FCT Minister further disclosed that President Bola Ahmed Tinubu is scheduled to commission extensive water projects in satellite towns, specifically targeting Karu and Bwari, following recent execution of city centre water projects. “We can't concentrate only on the city. We must also move to the satellite towns and provide them with critical infrastructure”, the Minister declared.

He revealed that water schemes in Kuje, Orozo, Gwagwalada which are also set to be executed this year will further improve access to potable water in underserved communities.

PICTURE: FCT MINISTER'S MEDIA PARLEY

FCT Minister, Barr.Ezenwo Nyesom Wike fielding questions from journalists during his June media parley in Abuja on Monday

Abdul Mahmud: Championing Human Rights And Legal Reforms In Nigeria

Abdul Mahmud 

Abdul Mahmud: Championing Human Rights And Legal Reforms In Nigeria

Abdul Mahmud stands out as one of Nigeria’s most respected voices in public interest law, human rights advocacy, and civic accountability. His career reflects a deep commitment to democratic governance and the protection of civil liberties, blending professional legal practice with public intellectual engagement to advance reforms in Nigeria’s justice system.

Born on November 20, 1968, in Bauchi, North-eastern Nigeria, Mahmud pursued his education at the Federal School of Arts and Science in Ondo State before earning his Bachelor of Laws (LL.B Honours) at the University of Jos, Plateau State.

He later attended the Nigeria Law School, where he obtained his Master of Laws (LL.M) idxidxidx. His academic journey laid the foundation for a career oriented toward public interest law rather than purely commercial practice.

Mahmud’s professional trajectory has been defined by his association with initiatives that strengthen democratic institutions and expand access to justice for ordinary citizens. 

Within the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA), he has played active roles in committees dedicated to public interest and development law, shaping conversations around legal ethics, governance, and institutional reform.

Ogun Emerges Nigeria’s 2nd Best Performing State in pSPI 2025 Ranking

Dapo Abiodun, Executive Governor, Ogun State

Ogun Emerges Nigeria’s 2nd Best Performing State in pSPI 2025 Ranking

Ogun State has been recognized as the second best-performing state in Nigeria in the 2025 State Performance Index (pSPI), a ranking compiled by Phillips Consulting.

This achievement places Ogun just behind Lagos State, highlighting the effectiveness of its governance and development strategies under Governor Dapo Abiodun’s ISEYA agenda.

The pSPI is an annual assessment that evaluates all 36 states and the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) using a methodology that blends 70 percent objective performance data with 30 percent citizen perception surveys. 

The objective component measures fiscal management, infrastructure development, education, healthcare delivery, and economic performance, while the perception survey captures residents’ views on governance and public service delivery.

Nigeria, China Explore Tech Partnership Through Youth Exchange

(L-R) CHINA  - NIGERIA FLAG

Nigeria, China Explore Tech Partnership Through Youth Exchange

Nigeria and China are deepening their cooperation in technology and innovation through youth exchange programmes designed to foster skills transfer, digital development, and stronger bilateral relations.

This initiative was highlighted during the China-Nigeria Youth Exchange Seminar on China-Africa Community with a Shared Future, held in Abuja and organized by the China Cultural Centre in Nigeria.

The seminar brought together government officials, diplomats, students, and members of the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) to discuss expanding collaboration in education, technology, and cultural exchange.

In his keynote address, Zhou Hongyou, Chinese Minister Counsellor, emphasized that China and Africa, including Nigeria, are committed to strengthening cooperation through practical engagement and people-to-people relations. He noted that this year marks 55 years of diplomatic relations between Nigeria and China, alongside 70 years of China-Africa relations.

Nigeria’s Electricity Crisis Declared a Human Rights Issue by IHRC

Electric Grid

Nigeria’s Electricity Crisis Declared a Human Rights Issue by IHRC

The International Human Rights Commission-Relief Fund Trust (IHRC-RFT), Nigeria Chapter, has raised alarm over the country’s persistent electricity crisis, declaring it a matter of human rights rather than just a technical or economic challenge.

Ambassador Abdullahi Bakoji Adamu, the Country Director of IHRC-RFT, emphasized in a statement that access to stable electricity is directly tied to the dignity, well-being, and development of citizens.

Adamu argued that Nigeria’s power problems have escalated beyond inconvenience, now threatening fundamental rights and national progress. He cited global human rights standards, including the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, which affirm the necessity of basic services for a decent standard of living.

He stressed that essential sectors such as healthcare, education, and small businesses cannot function effectively without reliable electricity.

The IHRC statement also highlighted troubling disparities, noting reports that the Presidential residence has shifted away from the national grid to alternative sources. Adamu questioned what this means for ordinary Nigerians if the highest office in the land no longer relies on public infrastructure.

Nigeria-US Intelligence-Led Strike in Borno: A Major Blow to ISWAP

Nigeria-US Intelligence-Led Strike in Borno: A Major Blow to ISWAP

Nigeria-US Intelligence-Led Strike in Borno: A Major Blow to ISWAP

A joint Nigeria-United States Africa Command (AFRICOM) operation has delivered a significant setback to the Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP), eliminating 21 fighters in Arege, Borno State.

Among those neutralized were three mid-level commanders who had orchestrated attacks in Monguno, Damasak, and other northern Borno communities.

The strike was the result of actionable intelligence gathered through surveillance and reconnaissance assets, which detected unusual terrorist activity in Arege, a strategic hub along ISWAP’s logistics corridor linking Nigeria, Niger, and Chad. Intelligence fusion between Nigerian forces and AFRICOM, including satellite imagery and signals intelligence, confirmed the presence of armed terrorists, leading to the precision strike.

Retired Colonel Timothy Antigha, a counterterrorism specialist, emphasized that this operation reflects the evolution of Nigeria-US security cooperation. What began as training and equipment support has now matured into real-time, intelligence-driven operations. He highlighted that the absence of civilian casualties underscored improved targeting and coordination, marking a shift toward precision rather than volume in counterterrorism efforts.

Arege’s strategic importance cannot be overstated. It serves as a transit point for fuel, food, weapons, and ammunition destined for ISWAP cells in Sambisa Forest and Mandara Mountains. It has also functioned as a recruitment hub and a command-and-control location for ISWAP operations across the Lake Chad region.

YANGOJI RESIDENTS TROOP OUT EN-MASSE TO RECEIVE FCT MINISTER DURING PROJECT INSPECTION

FCT Minister Barr Nyesom Wike addressing a mammoth crowd who came to welcome during his inspection of Gomani - Yangoji road in Kwali area council, on Monday

FCTA PRESS RELEASE

YANGOJI RESIDENTS TROOP OUT EN-MASSE TO RECEIVE FCT MINISTER DURING PROJECT INSPECTION

- MINISTER SAYS GOVERNMENT HAS COME TO CHANGE THE LIVES OF RURAL DWELLERS

Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, was welcomed by a swarming crowd at Yangoji, Kwali Area Council, while on an inspection visit to the Yangoji - Gomani Road on Monday, June 1, 2026.

Addressing Journalists after an inspection tour of road projects in Gbazago in Bwari Area Council and Yangoji in Kwali Area Council, Barrister Wike attributed the joyful reception to improvement in the lives of the people who had never had any impact from government for many years.

“We can see how happy the natives here are. You can see the people are happy. We are also happy too”, he added.

Responding to journalists on the implication of the high turn out of people, the FCT Minister said the people were not even aware he was visiting Yangoji because he had not informed them of his visit. He rather attributed the rousing welcome from them as an acknowledgement of the changes they had seen in their community.

“Things were bad. Things are getting better. We have come to change their lives. They have been hearing, “government, government” but now they can see what government means. They never believed that this could happen. They never felt any impact of the government before. They are happy. It makes us happy too. This is the evidence of the Renewed Hope Agenda - to make people believe that things can come back to what they are supposed to be”, the Minister stated.

He further promised to continue to do what will make the people happy by improving on their lives, and by continuing to do better, and to bring more dividends of democracy to them.

Speaking on the project he inspected, from the Abuja Lokoja Expressway to Dafa, Yangoji then Gomani in Kwali Area Council, being constructed by Messrs Zeberced, the Minister said the project was virtually completed with just the fitting of streetlights and a few drainages left. He further commended Zeberced for their timeliness, ability to keep to terms, and adherence to project timelines.

“They have kept to terms, and I want to recognize Zeberced for a job well done”.

FCTA PICTURE

FCT Minister, Nyesom Wike (Right) in a handshake with the Rivers State APC Governorship candidate, Kingsley Chinda while the Governorship candidate of AA, Ben Eke (1st Left), others watch during a luncheon organised by the Rivers State Rainbow Coalition held in Port Harcourt on Saturday, in honour of candidates participating in the forthcoming Governorship, National Assembly and State Assembly elections in Rivers State.

We're using 31 days to commission projects in FCT to mark Tinubu’s 3rd year anniversary - FCT Minister

Nyesom Wike, Hon. Minister of Nigeria's Federal Capital Territory (F.C.T)

FCTA PRESS RELEASE

We're using 31 days to commission projects in FCT to mark Tinubu’s 3rd year anniversary - FCT Minister 

The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT),  Nyesom Wike, has announced an unprecedented 31-day marathon project commissionings across the nation’s capital to celebrate President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s third anniversary in office.

Speaking at a political luncheon in Port Harcourt on Saturday, May 30, 2026, the Minister showcased the administrative landmark achievements under his watch, attributing the massive infrastructural development to the strategic backing and vision of the President.

Barr. Wike said, the month-long commissioning circuit will feature major road networks, public utilities, and massive urban renewal projects designed to completely reshape the nation’s capital.

Brushing aside critics, the Minister issued a direct challenge regarding the scale and quality of his administration's output in the FCT.

"This third year of Mr. President alone..., we are taking 31 days for commissioning of projects in Abuja. I'm not talking about boreholes. I challenge anybody to contradict this" the Minister stated.

Adebayo vs. Morka: Clash Over Tinubu’s Governance

Adewole Adebayo, former presidential candidate of the Social Democratic Party (SDP)

Adebayo vs. Morka: Clash Over Tinubu’s Governance

Adewole Adebayo, former presidential candidate of the Social Democratic Party (SDP), has sharply criticized President Bola Tinubu’s administration, declaring that “no one is better off” under his government.

APC spokesperson Felix Morka, however, strongly disagreed, defending Tinubu’s policies as necessary reforms.

Adewole Adebayo has consistently argued that President Tinubu’s policies have worsened the economic and social conditions of Nigerians since he assumed office in May 2023.

Appearing on Channels Television’s Sunday Politics, Adebayo stated that ordinary Nigerians have not experienced any improvement in their living standards, with hardship and insecurity persisting.

He emphasized that only those in government circles seem to benefit from current policies.

Adebayo specifically described Tinubu’s decision to announce the removal of fuel subsidy during his inauguration as a fundamental economic error, arguing that there was no actual subsidy to remove, only a price hike.

World Milk Day 2026: Nourishing Lives, Empowering Economies, and Celebrating Women Farmers

Symbolic Photo

World Milk Day 2026: Nourishing Lives, Empowering Economies, and Celebrating Women Farmers

World Milk Day 2026, celebrated globally on June 1st, carries the theme “Sustainability in the Dairy Sector.”

This year’s observance is not merely a tribute to milk as a universal food but a reflection on how dairy continues to shape nutrition, economies, and gender empowerment across continents.

Milk remains one of nature’s most complete foods, offering a balanced blend of proteins, carbohydrates, fats, vitamins, and minerals essential for human health. It is rich in calcium, which strengthens bones and teeth, and vitamin D, which aids calcium absorption. The B-complex vitamins in milk support energy metabolism, while vitamin A enhances vision and immunity.

For children, milk is a cornerstone of growth; for adults, it helps maintain muscle mass and bone density.

In regions where malnutrition persists, milk serves as a vital source of affordable nutrition, bridging dietary gaps and improving public health outcomes.

World Milk Day 2026: An Editorial

Symbolic Photo

World Milk Day 2026 is being celebrated today, June 1st, with the global theme “Sustainability in the Dairy Sector.” This year’s focus highlights the role of milk and dairy in nutrition, economic resilience, and sustainable farming, while also honoring women farmers and the billions of people whose livelihoods depend on dairy. 

World Milk Day 2026: An Editorial

World Milk Day was established in 2001 by the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) of the United Nations to recognize milk as a universal food and to promote its consumption worldwide.

Since then, it has grown into a global movement observed annually on June 1st, uniting communities, schools, businesses, and governments in celebrating the nutritional, economic, and cultural importance of dairy.

Theme for 2026The theme “Sustainability in the Dairy Sector” underscores the urgent need to balance dairy production with environmental responsibility. It emphasizes safe, hygienic, and eco-friendly practices while acknowledging the sector’s contribution to food security and rural livelihoods.

This year also shines a spotlight on women farmers, recognizing their critical role in dairy production and community development. Nutritional

Milk remains a staple in households worldwide, valued for its calcium, protein, and vitamins (A, B-complex, D, and K). A single cup contains about 8 grams of protein, making it essential for bone health, growth, and immune function. For children, milk is a cornerstone of healthy development, while for adults it supports long-term wellness.

Achebe’s Reflections: Leadership and Lost Promise

Symbolic Photo

Achebe’s Reflections: Leadership and Lost Promise

In There Was a Country (2012), Chinua Achebe offered a searing indictment of Nigeria’s trajectory. He traced the nation’s decline from independence optimism to corruption, ethnic strife, and civil war.

Achebe’s most enduring phrase, “The trouble with Nigeria is simply and squarely a failure of leadership”, crystallizes his belief that insecurity and dysfunction stem not from ordinary citizens but from elites who abandoned principles of justice and merit.

He warned that tribalism, opportunism, and oil-fueled corruption had hollowed out the Nigerian dream, leaving behind poverty, violence, and disillusionment.

Achebe’s reflections remain relevant today, as terrorism, banditry, and kidnappings mirror the systemic failures he described.

Wole Soyinka, Nigeria’s Nobel laureate, has consistently challenged governments over insecurity. He cautions against foreign intervention, arguing that external involvement could worsen Nigeria’s crises.

More importantly, Soyinka insists that insecurity is not fundamentally religious but driven by extremists who exploit faith for political and economic gain. He highlights incidents like the killing of Deborah.

Editorial Analysis: I Weep for Nigeria: Ogbomosho on My Mind

Symbolic Photo

Editorial Analysis: I Weep for Nigeria: Ogbomosho on My Mind

Ambassador AndersonOsiebe’s essay is a heartfelt lamentation on the state of Nigeria, framed through the lens of personal experience and national concern. His narrative blends autobiography, cultural reflection, and political critique, creating a powerful editorial that resonates with both emotion and urgency.

At its core, the piece juxtaposes nostalgia with disillusionment. Osiebe begins by recounting his upbringing in Northern Nigeria, painting a vivid picture of a region once defined by hospitality, unity, and peaceful coexistence.

This personal testimony establishes credibility and emotional weight: he is not an outsider criticizing from afar, but someone who lived and thrived in the North for decades. His recollections of harmony serve as a stark contrast to the present reality of insecurity, banditry, and terrorism.

The rhetorical question, “What exactly is happening to Northern Nigeria today?”,  captures the bewilderment of many Nigerians who feel alienated by the rapid decline in safety and trust.The editorial then broadens its scope, moving from the North to the entire nation.

By invoking places from Ogbomosho to Maiduguri, Osiebe underscores that insecurity is not a regional affliction but a national crisis.

His emphasis on Nigeria’s diversity, with references to his own multi-ethnic family tie,  reinforces the idea that ethnic and religious divisions should not define the country’s destiny. Instead, he argues that diversity was meant to be Nigeria’s strength, a theme that echoes the founding ideals of the nation but now feels betrayed by current realities.

A central strength of the piece lies in its moral urgency. Osiebe insists that Nigerians must rise above politics, tribe, and religion to demand accountability and justice. His tone is both accusatory and motivational: accusatory toward a government that appears complacent in the face of crisis, and motivational toward citizens who must reclaim their agency.

I Weep for Nigeria: Ogbomosho on my Mind.By Amb. Anderson Osiebe

I Weep for Nigeria: Ogbomosho on my Mind

By Amb. Anderson Osiebe

My name is Amb. Anderson Osiebe. I am Urhobo by tribe, from Delta State, while my mother is Igbo, from Anambra State. 

I was born in Nsukka, Enugu State, but I grew up in Kaduna State. I had my primary and secondary education in Kaduna, before proceeding to Bida, Niger State, for my tertiary education.

Having lived over three decades of my life in Northern Nigeria, I can boldly say that growing up in the North was one of the greatest experiences of my life. 

The North was known for hospitality, unity, tolerance, respect for culture, and peaceful coexistence. In fact, I have always believed that Northern Nigeria remains one of the best places to live in this country.

But sadly, that belief and trust are gradually fading because of the frightening level of insecurity ravaging the region today.

The Northerners I grew up with were not known for violence, terrorism, banditry, or kidnapping. 

The people I knew valued peace, family, hard work, and community living. So, one cannot help but ask: what exactly is happening to Northern Nigeria today?

Who are these bandits, terrorists, and kidnappers terrorizing innocent citizens daily? 

What exactly is their mission in Nigeria? Who is sponsoring them, and why?

These are questions begging for urgent answers.

As someone married to a Northerner (Plateau), with Hausa-Fulani, Yoruba, Igbo, and Igala relatives and cousins, I see Nigeria beyond ethnicity or religion. 

Nigeria is home to all of us. Our diversity was supposed to be our greatest strength, not the reason for our destruction.

Sadly, today, from Ogbomosho to Kwara, from Plateau to Benue, from Imo to Anambra, and down to Maiduguri, insecurity has become the order of the day. 

Kidnapping, banditry, terrorism, and senseless killings have become recurring headlines.

Communities are living in fear. Farmers can no longer go to their farms safely. Travelers are afraid of highways. Parents sleep with one eye open, uncertain of what tomorrow may bring.

Omo-Agege Quits APC, Vows to Pursue Delta’s Interests Elsewhere

Former Deputy Senate President, Senator Ovie Omo-Agege

Omo-Agege Quits APC, Vows to Pursue Delta’s Interests Elsewhere

Former Deputy Senate President, Senator Ovie Omo-Agege, has formally resigned from the All Progressives Congress (APC).

His decision, announced in a statement dated May 22, 2026, marks a significant political shift in Delta State and beyond.

According to his Media Adviser, Sunday Areh, Omo-Agege’s resignation followed extensive consultations with his political associates and supporters, as well as a careful review of recent developments within the APC in Delta State.

In his statement, Omo-Agege emphasized that his political aspirations and the interests of Delta Central could no longer be effectively pursued within the APC. He declared that remaining in the party would render him a “sitting duck,” unable to advance the cause of his constituents. He therefore concluded that his objectives, and those of the people he represents, would be better served outside the APC.

2026 EID-EL-KABIR: FCT MINISTER URGES RESIDENTS TO EMBRACE SACRIFICE, DISCIPLINE, AND CIVIC DUTY FOR NATION-BUILDING

NYESOM WIKE, HON. MINISTER OF NIGERIA'S FEDERAL CAPITAL TERRITORY (F.C.T)

FCTA PRESS RELEASE

2026 EID-EL-KABIR: FCT MINISTER URGES RESIDENTS TO EMBRACE SACRIFICE, DISCIPLINE, AND CIVIC DUTY FOR NATION-BUILDING

The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Barrister Ezenwo Nyesom Wike, CON, has called on residents of the nation’s capital to channel the spiritual lessons of Eid-el-Kabir — sacrifice, obedience, and selflessness — into active civic responsibility to help build a world-class city.

In his official 2026 Eid-el-Kabir message to FCT residents, Barrister Wike emphasized that the celebration extends beyond a holiday. “It was a profound reminder of Prophet Ibrahim’s (AS) unwavering faith and willingness to place the common good above personal desire", he said.

He noted that the modern expression of the obedience taught by Eid-el-Kabir requires residents to make sacrifices of patience and discipline. He urged the public to keep streets clean, obey traffic and building regulations, pay taxes promptly, and cooperate with security agencies.

FCT TARGETS 20-DAY COMMISSIONING MARATHON AS MINISTER INSPECTS LANDMARK JUDICIAL, HOUSING, ROAD PROJECTS

Judges quarters in Katampe, Abuja on Tuesday ..ready for commissioning

FCTA PRESS RELEASE

FCT TARGETS 20-DAY COMMISSIONING MARATHON AS MINISTER INSPECTS LANDMARK JUDICIAL, HOUSING, ROAD PROJECTS 

-       SAYS SPREAD OF DEVELOPMENT TO SATELLITE TOWNS SHOWS IMPACT OF GOVERNANCE UNDER TINUBU ADMINISTRATION

The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Barrister Ezenwo Nyesom Wike, has announced a 20-day project commissioning marathon across the Territory next month to mark the third anniversary of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s administration.

Barr. Wike made the disclosure on Tuesday, May 26, 2026, while briefing journalists after an extensive inspection of critical judicial, residential, and road infrastructure projects in Abuja.

“What the people want is to feel the impact of governance. Indeed, Nigerians are not interested in ethnicity or religion. What they are interested in is good governance, and we have provided it”, the Minister said.

The Minister emphasized the administration’s deliberate push to extend infrastructure beyond the city centre to long-neglected satellite towns and rural communities. 

“Can you state how many governments have been able to impact on the satellite towns like the current administration? This is the first time they can really know that there's a government in FCT, not just within the city, but going to the satellite towns”, he said.

He cited the Wasa Informal Sector site for the relocation of Apo Mechanic Village as a prime example. “You can imagine when the Apo mechanic village people will go down to the informal sector in Wasa, what the place will look like. That is what you call governance”, he said, while confirming that access roads and streetlights at Wasa are fully operational, and work on water connection, a dedicated police station, and staff quarters are ongoing.