FCTA TO CONCLUDE RELOCATION OF APO MECHANIC TRADERS BEFORE YEAR END, SAYS MINISTER

FCT Minister, Chief Nyesom Wike

FCTA PRESS RELEASE

FCTA TO CONCLUDE RELOCATION OF APO MECHANIC TRADERS BEFORE YEAR END, SAYS MINISTER

…TO ENFORCE RESTRICTION ON OKADA, KEKE OPERATIONS WITHIN THE ABUJA CITY CENTRE

The Federal Capital Territory Administration (FCTA) is on track to finalize governance frameworks that will ensure the relocation of Apo Mechanic Traders to their permanent site in Wasa District of the FCT before the end of 2026.

The FCT Minister, Chief Nyesom Wike made the revelation on Tuesday, August 4, 2026 during a media parley at his official residence in Lifecamp, Abuja.

Responding to a question, the Minister said that the basic infrastructure at the new relocation site in Wasa District has already been fully completed, explaining that a binding Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) was essential to ensure that government retains appropriate regulatory oversight over the area.

"That's what we are working on. It's not been easy when you have divisions among the trader associations. If we begin to give C of O directly, it becomes their property and government may not have control. There is a need to have an MoU so that government will also have control over it. I believe that before the end of the year, we would have sorted out the issues. Already, the infrastructure has been provided", the Minister said. .

Alongside the Apo mechanic update, the Minister also issued a strong call for residents and property owners in satellite settlements to regularize land allocations previously obtained through Area Councils. He reminded residents of the Supreme Court ruling that vested all FCT land authority exclusively in the FCTA, noting that thousands of residents have already successfully regularized their titles.

“No Area Council can allocate land to you—the Supreme Court has ruled that all lands in the FCT belong to the FCT Administration”, Wike stated. “What we have done is to say: come and regularize it so that we will be able to issue you a Certificate of Occupancy. I have signed over 5,000 to 6,000 regularizations for Area Council lands already”, he added.

The Minister also disclosed that a similar human-centered approach was extended to residents of River Park Estate, where the FCTA intervened to grant C of Os to home buyers affected by expired leases and third-party developer disputes, preventing widespread financial loss for ordinary citizens.

Highlighting recent urban milestones, the FCT Minister identified the newly commissioned Abuja City Gate and rural water expansion projects as key priorities that directly impact the daily lives of residents. He noted that the rejuvenated City Gate has quickly become a vibrant community hub and point of civic pride.

To build on this momentum, the Minister disclosed that FCT Aadministration is advancing redevelopment plans for abandoned recreational spaces, including the Life Camp Recreation Centre and Jabi Lake Recreational Park. He said the FCT will partner with the private sector to develop the Jabi Lake with firm construction deadlines.

The Power of Choosing the Right Skill

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The Power of Choosing the Right Skill

The Power of Choosing the Right Skill

In today’s fast-changing world, the ability to learn and adapt is more valuable than ever. The question isn’t whether to learn a new skill, it’s which skill will shape your future.

Three broad paths stand out: career growth, creativity, and personal development. Each offers unique rewards, and the choice depends on where you want to make the biggest impact.

Career Growth Skills

Skills like data analysis and project management are the engines of modern industries. They turn raw information into decisions and chaos into order. For anyone seeking stability and advancement, these are the skills that employers prize most.

Op-Ed: Nigeria’s Headlines and the Global Pulse | At This Time

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Op-Ed: Nigeria’s Headlines and the Global Pulse

Op-Ed: Nigeria’s Headlines and the Global Pulse

Nigeria today is a nation brimming with contradictions, hopeful strides in technology and labour mobility, yet weighed down by the stubborn realities of insecurity and economic strain.

The opening of ASUS’ flagship store in Lagos is not just a corporate milestone; it is a symbolic gesture that Nigerians interpret as validation of their country’s potential to lead in West African innovation.

Young people, in particular, see this as a beacon of opportunity, a chance to plug into global tech currents rather than remain on the margins.

But optimism is tempered by the energy debate. The government’s promise to lift crude output to three million barrels per day by 2030 is ambitious, yet Nigerians have heard such pledges before.

Pipeline vandalism, corruption, and underinvestment have long undermined the sector. Citizens are skeptical, asking whether reforms will truly deliver or whether this is another round of rhetoric.

Energy insecurity is not just an economic issue, it is a daily frustration that shapes public trust in leadership.

The Pulse of Public Opinion on Today’s News

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The Pulse of Public Opinion on Today’s News 

Nigeria’s headlines today reflect a nation at the crossroads of innovation, energy reform, and security challenges, while globally, tensions in the Middle East and shifting economic currents dominate the pulse of public discourse. Nigerians are particularly focused on technology investments, energy reforms, and labour migration policies, while the world watches geopolitical negotiations and economic shifts with cautious optimism.

The Pulse of Public Opinion on Today’s News

Nigeria’s Technology Leap

The opening of ASUS’ first flagship store in Lagos has sparked optimism among Nigerians who see it as a vote of confidence in the country’s innovation ecosystem. The store, located in Ikeja’s Computer Village, is more than a retail outlet, it symbolizes Nigeria’s growing role as a hub for West African technology.

Citizens view this as a step toward positioning Nigeria as a digital powerhouse, with young entrepreneurs and students particularly energized by promises of training and innovation programs tied to the initiative.

Energy Reform and Security

Nigeria’s energy sector is again in the spotlight. The government’s push to attract global capital through reforms in licensing and debt settlement has been met with cautious optimism.

Industry leaders emphasize that Nigeria must prioritize gas infrastructure and energy security to remain competitive, especially as global supply chains face disruptions in the Strait of Hormuz.

Public sentiment reflects both hope and skepticism: while reforms are welcomed, Nigerians remain wary of whether promises to lift crude output to 3 million barrels per day by 2030 can overcome entrenched challenges like pipeline vandalism and underinvestment.

Labour Migration Blueprint

The unveiling of a new framework to transform Nigeria into a global labour hub has stirred debate. On one hand, many Nigerians see this as a pathway to safer, more ethical migration and access to overseas jobs.

PRESS STATEMENT: CATHOLIC LAITY COUNCIL OF NIGERIA

 

FCTA TO REMODEL LIFE CAMP RECREATIONAL PARK INTO WORLD-CLASS FACILITY

L-R Executive Secretary, FCDA, Engr Richard Yunana Dauda, Deputy Director, Engineering Services, FCDA Engr. M.S Raji, FCT Minister, Barr. Nyesom Wike, Chairman, Board of Trustees of the PDP, Senator Mao Ohuabunwa, and the Vice Chairman South South of the APC, Hon. Victor Gaidom and Senator Philip Aduda, during the Minister's inspection of the Lifecamp recreation park slated for remodeling on Monday

FCTA PRESS RELEASE

FCTA TO REMODEL LIFE CAMP RECREATIONAL PARK INTO WORLD-CLASS FACILITY

…AS MINISTER ANNOUNCES PLANS FOR NEW YEAR’S EVE FIREWORKS DISPLAY AT THE ABUJA CITY GATE

Following high praise from the First Lady Her Excellency, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, CON, for keying into the Renewed Hope Green Area Initiative, the Federal Capital Territory Administration (FCTA) has announced plans to comprehensively remodel and restore the abandoned Life Camp Recreational Park along Jeremiah Useni Way.

Speaking during an on-the-spot assessment of the park in Abuja on Monday, August 3, 2026, the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Chief Ezenwo Nyesom Wike, reaffirmed the administration’s commitment to expanding green spaces and delivering modern recreational facilities for residents of the nation’s capital.

The FCT Minister highlighted that the decision to revitalize the long-neglected Life Camp Park stems from the FCTA’s alignment with the First Lady’s vision to green urban centers and transform abandoned spaces into vibrant community hubs. He cited the recent transformation of the Abuja City Gate, which was recently commissioned as a successful benchmark of this vision.

He disclosed that the First Lady had earlier in the day presented the FCTA with a Certificate of Commendation for keying into the Green Area Challenge initiative of the Renewed Hope Initiative. 

"You are aware today that the First Lady of the Federation... has given a commendation to the FCT Administration for keying into the Renewed Hope initiatives of the green area challenges—how we should be able to turn around our facilities to be recreation centers to make sure the environment is green. 

FCT MINISTER ORDERS IMMEDIATE EXTENSION OF ARTERIAL ROAD S1 IN KAURA DISTRICT TO BOOST ABUJA'S INFRASTRUCTURE

FCT Minister, Barr Nyesom Wike, fielding questions from journalists after inspecting ongoing construction of the Access road to the Fire Service and adjoining properties in Kaura district, Abuja on Friday

FCTA PRESS RELEASE

FCT MINISTER ORDERS IMMEDIATE EXTENSION OF ARTERIAL ROAD S1 IN KAURA DISTRICT TO BOOST ABUJA'S INFRASTRUCTURE 

The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Barr. Ezenwo Nyesom Wike, has directed the immediate extension of the Arterial Road S1 currently under construction in Kaura District in Abuja to link directly with Arterial Road S20 (Oladipo Diya Way).

Barr. Wike issued the directive on Friday, July 31, 2026, during a routine inspection of the project which is slated for completion by December this year.

Speaking to journalists during the inspection, Barr. Wike emphasized that extending the vital 2.4-kilometer corridor will further open up Kaura District, enhance accessibility, and stimulate socio-economic activities across the area.

He said "The first segment of this road involved building the bridge, but we have directed that it be extended to link directly with Oladipo Diya Road...I have put pressure on the contractor to include this extension so the project achieves its full impact".

Barr. Wike expressed satisfaction with the rapid progress of the project, noting the completion of the three-span bridge component.

He assured that the FCT Administration is committed to ensuring prompt financial disbursements to enable the contractors to expedite action ahead of their targeted December handover date.

Beyond improving vehicular movement, the Minister noted that the project is expected to trigger significant real estate growth and urban transformation.

"This road is very key, very important, and you can see that at the end of the day, when it is completed, it will change the topography and landscape of this area, and the other beneficiaries is the real estate developer", the Minster stated.

“WE WON’T ALLOW THIS": FCT MINISTER ORDERS IMMEDIATE REMOVAL OF SECURITY FLASHPOINTS IN ABUJA CITY CENTRE

FCT Minister, Barr Ezenwo Nyesom Wike (Middle) speaking with security chiefs during a visit to an illegal settlement at Kukwaba District on Friday, July 31.

FCTA PRESS RELEASE

“WE WON’T ALLOW THIS": FCT MINISTER ORDERS IMMEDIATE REMOVAL OF SECURITY FLASHPOINT IN ABUJA CITY CENTRE

The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Barr. Ezenwo Nyesom Wike, has ordered the immediate clearance of illegal shanties and identified security flashpoints along the Kukwaba rail corridor, close to Karmajiji, in the heart of Abuja.

The directive was issued on Friday, July 31, 2026, following an emergency high-level security meeting at the Minister’s official residence in Life Camp, after which the Minister led heads of various security agencies in the FCT on a direct, joint inspection of the affected site.

Addressing security chiefs during the initial briefing, Barr. Wike stressed the necessity of a hands-on, proactive approach to intelligence and enforcement rather than static decision-making.

"We have seen where insecurity is breeding, and we cannot allow it to reach a stage where it becomes difficult to control. We have to stop it now. What I saw is a threat to the city. I couldn’t believe such a thing could exist here", Barr. Wike stated.

The Minister emphasized that the illegal settlements serve as covert hideouts for criminal elements, posing a direct threat to the safety of residents in the nation's capital.

Following the site inspection along the Kukwaba rail corridor, Barr. Wike reiterated that firm action would be taken without sentiment to safeguard the city center.

Nigeria and the World at THIS TIME

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Nigeria and the World at THIS TIME

Today’s headlines in Nigeria are dominated by political arrests, military restructuring, and economic concerns, while globally the focus is on escalating conflicts, migration crises, and financial market shifts. These developments highlight both Nigeria’s internal governance challenges and the world’s broader geopolitical and economic turbulence.

Nigeria and the World at THIS TIME

Nigeria’s Political and Security Front

Nigeria woke up to a dramatic development in Osun State where the Secretary to the State Government, Teslim Igbalaye, was arrested alongside five others over alleged vote-buying and criminal activities. Police raids uncovered millions of naira in cash, voter registers, and electronic equipment, intensifying concerns about electoral malpractice ahead of the 2027 elections. This incident underscores the persistent struggle against corruption and the fragility of Nigeria’s democratic institutions.

Meanwhile, President Bola Tinubu has approved the creation of four new Nigerian Army divisions, with the Chief of Army Staff, Lt. Gen. Waidi Shaibu, appointing commanders to lead them. This restructuring aims to bolster Nigeria’s fight against insurgency and banditry, reflecting the administration’s recognition of mounting security threats.

On the political stage, Atiku Abubakar criticized Tinubu’s rhetoric, urging him to focus on governance failures rather than political opponents. His remarks came after Tinubu vowed to “wrestle his opponents to the finish,” a statement that has drawn backlash from civil society and religious leaders.

The Department of State Services (DSS) also arraigned five alleged members of the Ansaru terrorist group for their role in the abduction of schoolchildren and teachers in Oyo State, a chilling reminder of Nigeria’s ongoing battle with extremist violence.

Economically, Nigeria faces troubling signals: consumer credit has fallen to ₦3.78 trillion, the first decline in six years, reflecting rising interest rates and shrinking household borrowing power. This contraction could dampen consumer spending and slow economic recovery.

FCT MINISTER EXPLAINS DELAY IN MILLENNIUM TOWER PROJECT COMPLETION

R-L: Ag. Executive Secretary, FCDA, Engr Richard Yunana Dauda, Managing Director Arab Contractors, Engr. Mohammed Eldaros and the FCT Minister, Barr Nyesom Wike, during the Minister's inspection of the ongoing construction of Arterial Road N1 from Wuye District to Ring Road II in Abuja...Thursday.

FCTA PRESS RELEASE

FCT MINISTER EXPLAINS DELAY IN MILLENNIUM TOWER PROJECT COMPLETION

…REAFFIRMS COMMITMENT TO DELIVER ALL ONGOING INFRASTRUCTURE PROJECTS IN THE FCT BY YEAR END

The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Barrister Nyesom Wike, has explained why the long-abandoned Abuja Millennium Tower project remains uncompleted, noting that the required funding—currently estimated at over ₦400 billion—is too massive to be executed within the FCT’s statutory budget alone.

Speaking with journalists after an extensive inspection tour of key infrastructure projects across the Federal Capital Territory on Thursday, July 30, 2026, Barr. Wike disclosed that discussions are ongoing with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to classify and fund the iconic complex as a strategic national project and tourist center.

"That is a national project. I believe it is one project that the government should reconsider as a tourist center project. The capital involved is too huge for the FCT’s statutory budget. As I speak to you, the contractor is talking about not less than ₦400 billion. If we attempt to carry out such a project alone, every other project in Abuja will be abandoned. But we are discussing with the President to consider it as a national project", Barr. Wike stated.

During the inspection, the Minister visited several critical infrastructure projects designed to ease traffic congestion and boost economic activity within the nation's capital. The visited sites were: the extension of Collector Road CO1 in the Institution and Research District, which spans from Nile University to Ring Road III alongside an extension from Baze University Junction, designed to integrate premier academic, legal, and research institutions into the wider city road networks and the Arterial Road N1 project.

The Minister noted that providing such critical infrastructure reflects the administration’s determination to elevate Abuja into a truly world-class capital city and expressed satisfaction with the pace and standard of work at the collector Road CO1.

Also providing updates on the Arterial Road N1 project, stretching from Wuye District to Ring Road II, being executed by Arab Contractors, Barr. Wike assured residents that both the FCTA and its construction partners were working in complete synergy to ensure the formal handover of the completed project by December.

POLITICAL CAMPAIGNS ARE FOR SHOWING YOUR REPORT CARD - FCT MINISTER

L-R Director, Procurement, FCDA, Mr. Rasheed Salimonu, FCT Minister, Barr Nyesom Wike, Hon. Thompson Emmanuel; Senator Philip Tanimu Aduda during the Minister's inspection of ongoing construction of Arterial Road N16, Gwarimpa ( linking Ring Road II to Ring Road III) on Wednesday, July 29.

FCT PRESS RELEASE

POLITICAL CAMPAIGNS ARE FOR SHOWING YOUR REPORT CARD - FCT MINISTER

- Says August campaigns will not affect ongoing infrastructural projects

The Minister of the FCT, Barr Ezenwo Nyesom Wike has stated that the August 19 onset of campaigns towards the 2027 general elections will not affect development activities in the nation's capital. 

Speaking to newsmen on Wednesday, July 29, while on an inspection tour of ongoing road projects, Barr. Wike said that development efforts in the FCT will only boost campaign activities, and cannot be halted by politics.

He said the FCT Administration (FCTA) will leverage its track record of infrastructural development as its primary campaign platform for the 2027 elections.

According to the Minister, "Campaigning is about showing what you have done. What are you going to tell the people when you have nothing to show? For me, campaign means presenting your report card. All we have to do is return to the people and say: 'We made these promises to you, and we have kept them.' This administration, as far as the FCT is concerned, has shown its report card and will have no problem winning elections."

During his project assessment which included a tour of he Full Scope Development of Arterial Road N16 at Gwarimpa (Lnking Ring Road II to Ring Road III) and the Tungan Madaki–Zuba Road connecting the Abuja–Kaduna Highway, the Minister  commended key contractors for maintaining momentum and executing quality work ahead of funding disbursements.

Barr. Wike noted that the N16 interchange bridge and its connecting corridors is essential for opening up the local axis and relieving traffic gridlocks and pledged prompt release of necessary funds to keep project completion on schedule.

FCT MINISTER INSPECTS STRATEGIC ROAD PROJECTS, VOWS TO COMPLETE ALL INHERITED PROJECTS

L-R Director, Procurement, FCDA, Mr. Rasheed Salimonu, Deputy Managing Director, CGC Nigeria Limited, Hong Chong, FCT Minister, Barr Nyesom Wike, former Mayor of Port Harcourt City, Hon. Victor Ihunwo and Hon. Thompson Emmanuel during the Minister's inspection of ongoing construction of the Inner Southern Expressway II, Abuja on Tuesday

FCTA PRESS RELEASE

FCT MINISTER INSPECTS STRATEGIC ROAD PROJECTS, VOWS TO COMPLETE ALL INHERITED PROJECTS

The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Barrister Nyesom Wike, today carried out an on-the-spot inspection of two strategic road projects in the FCT to assess progress and reaffirm the administration’s commitment to project completion.

The Minister first visited the Inner Southern Expressway ISEX II Road project, a 10-kilometre road with interchanges and bridges first awarded in 2014. He described it as the only major inherited project, aside from Apo-Karshi Road, still outstanding from previous administrations.

According to the Minister, the contractor has assured that with timely funding, the road can be completed by December. He revealed that the project was already captured in the national budget.

“We have appealed to the Minister of Finance because funding for the project is already captured in the national budget. If part of the allocation is released, the contractor will be able to meet the deadline. We will continue discussions with the Minister of Finance to ensure that the necessary funds are released. This project is very important to us because it will significantly transform the landscape of the Federal Capital Territory”, he said.

Also visited was the service carriageways of the Southern Parkway project, from arterial road S20 to Ring Road II, which was flagged off during the third anniversary project commissioning. He noted that the contractor mobilized to site immediately after the ceremony and expressed confidence in the delivery timeline.

FAMILY MISFORTUNE - a curse or coincidence?

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FAMILY MISFORTUNE - a curse or coincidence?

FAMILY MISFORTUNE - a curse or coincidence?

Family misfortune is often interpreted as a curse, but modern perspectives suggest it can also be explained by coincidence, inherited patterns, or social and psychological factors.

In Nigeria today, belief in ancestral curses remains strong, yet science and psychology increasingly frame these struggles as choices shaped by genetics, trauma, and environment rather than supernatural fate.

The Idea of Family Misfortune

Across cultures, families sometimes experience repeated tragedies, untimely deaths, infertility, failed marriages, or chronic poverty. In Nigeria, such patterns are frequently described as ancestral curses, rooted in the belief that the sins or covenants of past generations bring consequences upon descendants.

Biblical references, such as Exodus 20:5, reinforce this idea by speaking of “iniquity visited upon children to the third and fourth generation.”

The Curse Perspective

In folklore and religion, curses are seen as spiritual forces passed down through bloodlines. For example, Nigerian communities often attribute repeated accidents or illnesses to ancestral wrongdoing.

Deliverance ministries dedicate services to “breaking covenants,” while traditional worshippers acknowledge ancestral spirits as agents of misfortune. This worldview emphasizes the supernatural, suggesting families are bound by forces beyond their control.

Key Dynamics Shaping Nigeria’s 2027 Elections

Key Dynamics Shaping Nigeria’s 2027 Elections

Nigeria’s politics ahead of the 2027 general elections is being shaped by voter apathy, coalition realignments, and questions of electoral credibility. While INEC pledges reforms and global observers are watching closely, citizens’ trust in institutions and active participation will determine the real impact.

Key Dynamics Shaping Nigeria’s 2027 Elections

Voter apathy and trust crisis

• Stakeholders warn that declining public trust in democratic institutions could lead to low voter turnout in 2027.
• Youth engagement remains high on social media, but experts stress the need for active political participation through voter registration and civic accountability.

Global attention

• INEC Chairman Joash Amupitan confirmed that international observers and African Union bodies are closely monitoring Nigeria’s elections, making credibility a global concern.
• INEC is working on logistics and infrastructure improvements to avoid repeating past shortcomings.

Opposition alliances

• The Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) has emerged as a major opposition platform, bringing together Peter Obi and Rabiu Kwankwaso in what analysts call the “OK alignment.”
• This coalition seeks to merge Obi’s urban youth support with Kwankwaso’s grassroots northern base, though studies suggest opposition fragmentation may weaken its effectiveness.

Incumbency advantage

• President Bola Tinubu enters 2027 with strong incumbency power, deep party control, and endorsements across geopolitical zones.
• However, economic hardship and northern dissatisfaction remain vulnerabilities that could mobilize opposition support.

Civil society and religious mobilization

• Christian leaders are actively mobilizing voters, rejecting money politics, and promoting civic education.
• This grassroots push emphasizes responsible participation and conscience-driven voting.

FCTA TO COMPLETE 10 STRATEGIC PROJECTS BY JANUARY, SAYS FCT MINISTER

L-R: Hon. Thompson Emmanuel; FCT Minister, Barr Ezenwo Nyesom Wike; Engr. Bayo Baderinwa, Director, Engineering Services, STDD, ; Mr Eldad Almakiyes, Zonal/Project Manager, SCC Nigeria Limited at the inspection of the Apo Karshi Road, on Monday, July 27, 2026.

FCTA PRESS RELEASE 

FCTA TO COMPLETE 10 STRATEGIC PROJECTS BY JANUARY, SAYS FCT MINISTER

...AS HE VOWS CRACKDOWN ON ILLEGAL STREET RACING IN ABUJA 

The Federal Capital Territory, FCT Minister, Barr. Ezenwo Nyesom Wike has revealed that the FCT Administration will complete and hand over eight to ten ongoing infrastructure projects across the nation's capital before January next year.

The Minister made the revelation on Monday, July 27, 2026, while addressing journalists during an inspection tour of ongoing projects in the FCT.

The Minister reaffirmed that the Federal Capital Territory Administration (FCTA) is not slowing down following the recent project commissioning, confirming that 8 to 10 additional projects flagged off by the administration remain on schedule for completion by January.

Following an assessment of the long standing Apo-Karshi road project, Barr. Wike noted that the critical artery originally awarded in 2010 was nearing completion with streetlights installations currently ongoing and commended the contractor, SCC, and local communities for their cooperation.

 Additionally, the Minister explained that construction of the Bwari-Kubwa road is also advancing rapidly, with contractors expected to deliver the quality project before the onset of the next rainy season.

He expressed confidence that contractors will deliver the projects before the end of the year, promising timely funding to clear critical stages ahead of heavy rainfall.

"People have seen promises made and promises fulfilled, and we will not let them down," the Minister said. "We believe by tomorrow we will go out again to inspect other projects flagged off to see how far the contractors are going. About eight to ten projects which we agreed will be completed before January, so we will make sure that all these things are done."

In response to growing public safety concerns regarding illegal street racing on public roads, Barr. Wike pledged swift administrative action to protect residents.