FCTA PRESS RELEASE PRESIDENT TINUBU LAUNCHES ABUJA CITY WALK PROJECT

The Experience Centre of the Abuja City Walk launched on Thursday, July 16, 2026

FCTA PRESS RELEASE

PRESIDENT TINUBU LAUNCHES ABUJA CITY WALK PROJECT

…Hails multi multi-billion-dollar landmark project as a triumph for the Renewed Hope Agenda

In a historic move signaling a bold era of infrastructure renewal and economic expansion, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has officially launched the ambitious Abuja City Walk Development project with the inauguration of its experience centre.

Speaking during the ceremony in Abuja on Thursday, July 16, 2026, President Tinubu described the the multi-billion-dollar project, located within the Abuja Technology Village (ATV) corridor along the strategic Airport Road, as one of the most ambitious private-sector collaborations in Nigeria's history.

Represented by Vice President Kashim Shettima at the event which was attended by high-profile government officials, foreign diplomats, and captains of industry, President Tinubu stated that the project is a tangible manifestation of his administration's Renewed Hope Agenda.

He emphasized that the ambitious Abuja City Walk project, modeled after the Dubai City Walk, was not merely an architectural marvel, but a gateway to a prosperous, modern future designed to reposition the Federal Capital Territory as a premier global hub for commerce, tourism, and luxury living.

"Today, we are not just opening a building; we are unveiling the window to a multi-billion-dollar future. On assumption of office, we promised Nigerians a radical economic transformation and infrastructure renewal. This Experience Centre stands as proof that our administration does not just make promises: we execute them with determination," President Tinubu declared. 

To maximize the economic potential of the development, the President announced that the corridor has been granted Free Trade Zone status, which will eliminate traditional trade friction and foster a fertile environment for regional commerce, medical tourism, premium retail, and high-end hospitality.

Beyond its physical grandeur, President Tinubu also explained that the Abuja City Walk is designed as a massive economic engine tailored for Nigeria's unique demographic trajectory.

He said with the average age of the Nigerian population sitting at a youthful 17.9 years, and the nation projected to reach 440 million people by 2050, mega projects of such scale were vital to channelling youth energy productively.

President Tinubu added that the development is expected to generate tens of thousands of direct and indirect jobs, stimulating localized supply chains from cement manufacturing to advanced digital tech services.

He commended the Minister of the FCT, Barrister Nyesom Wike, for his dogged leadership and unwavering focus on execution, stressing that the Minister, through aggressive land administration reforms and the eradication of bureaucratic inertia, has transformed the Abuja Technology Village corridor which lay dormant for decades into a bustling construction hub.

Special Report: How Women Fake Pregnancies with Steroids and Buy Babies to Deceive Husbands - Ex-NAPTIP DG

Former NAPTIP Director-General Julie Okah-Donli

Special Report: How Women Fake Pregnancies with Steroids and Buy Babies to Deceive Husbands - Ex-NAPTIP DG

Former NAPTIP Director-General Julie Okah-Donli has alleged that some women in Nigeria use steroids to mimic pregnancy symptoms and later obtain trafficked babies to deceive their husbands into believing they gave birth. She warns that this practice is linked to baby trafficking syndicates and calls for maternity tests alongside paternity tests to expose such fraud.

Background of the Allegations

Julie Okah-Donli, who once headed the National Agency for the Prohibition of Trafficking in Persons (NAPTIP), made these claims in a resurfaced interview on the Kaa Truths Podcast. Her revelations have sparked widespread debate in Nigeria, drawing attention to the intersection of family deception, child trafficking, and fraudulent medical practices.

The Alleged Method of Deception

According to Okah-Donli, the scheme begins with steroid injections that cause physical changes resembling pregnancy. These include:

• Bloated faces and enlarged abdomens, giving the outward appearance of pregnancy.
• Mimicked symptoms such as morning sickness, vomiting, and excessive salivation, often performed when husbands are present to reinforce the illusion.

When the supposed delivery date arrives, women allegedly ensure their husbands are absent, either by sending them on errands or waiting until they travel, before returning home with a baby obtained through trafficking networks.

Extreme Measures

Okah-Donli further alleged that some women undergo fake surgical procedures to simulate caesarean sections. In these cases, incisions are made and stitched back to create scars, convincing husbands and relatives that childbirth occurred.

In some instances, women reportedly claim to have delivered twins or triplets, which allows them to acquire multiple babies at once from trafficking rings.

“DISCHARGE YOUR DUTIES WITHOUT FEAR OR FAVOUR”, PRESIDENT TINUBU CHARGES JUDICIARY

(L-R) FCT Minister, Barr Ezenwo Nyesom Wike; Minister of Justice, Chief Lateef Fagbemi SAN; and the Chief Judge of the FCT High Court, Justice Husseini Baba Yusuf at the Commissioning of 20 units of residential quarters for Judges of the FCT High Court in Katampe District, Abuja on Wednesday, July 15, 2026

FCTA PRESS RELEASE

“DISCHARGE YOUR DUTIES WITHOUT FEAR OR FAVOUR”, PRESIDENT TINUBU CHARGES JUDICIARY

...AS HE COMMISSIONS 20 UNITS OF STATE-OF-THE-ART RESIDENTIAL QUARTERS FOR FCT HIGH COURT JUDGES IN KATAMPE

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, has issued a strong charge to Nigerian judicial officers to maintain an unwavering, fearless, and transparent commitment to the dispensation of justice, asserting that the nation expects nothing less in return for government’s efforts to improve their welfare and security.

The President gave the charge on Wednesday, July 15, 2026, in Abuja during the commissioning of 20 newly constructed residential quarters for Judges of the FCT High Court in the Katampe District of the Federal Capital Territory.

Represented by the Minister of Justice and Attorney General of the Federation, Chief Lateef Fagbemi, SAN, President Tinubu made it clear that while his administration is committed to shielding the judiciary from discomfort, judges must reciprocate by delivering justice strictly on its merits.

"To our lordships who will occupy these quarters: This country looks up to you", President Tinubu declared. "As we provide infrastructure to make your lives easier and your service safer, we only ask in return for your unwavering commitment to the swift, fair, and transparent dispensation of justice. Not favor for government, or for any gain. Let these quarters be a daily reminder of the trust the nation has placed in you. Let this be a home for deep reflection, integrity, and honour”.

Addressing concerns surrounding executive intervention in judicial welfare, President Tinubu reiterated that providing decent housing is a basic necessity for judicial independence, not an attempt to compromise it.

The President emphasized that the project is a distinct intervention that does not touch the statutory budget of the judiciary, which remains entirely intact and respected.

“We cannot expect judges to dispense justice without fear or favour if their basic comfort, security, and peace of mind are left to chance", the President stated, adding that, "True judicial independence is built on the dignity of our judicial officers... This intervention is a deliberate shield against vulnerability, a statement that Nigeria values those who interpret our laws."

The Katampe housing project for the FCT High Court judges, comprising 20 fully furnished 5-bedroom duplexes with boys' quarters, marks Day 26 of a series of project commissions celebrating the third anniversary of the administration. It follows the recent handover of 10 units for Court of Appeal Judges and another 10 for Federal High Court Judges in the same district.

Speaking at the event, the FCT Minister, Barr. Nyesom Wike, explained that the project was born out of direct presidential directives to enhance the security, dignity, and independence of the FCT judiciary.

Addressing previous criticisms regarding land acquisition for the project, Barr. Wike noted that his actions had been vindicated. He said the land, originally held by Julius Berger PLC, was acquired in the overriding public interest to serve the nation's temple of justice.

The Minister also announced plans to seek formal approval from President Tinubu to transition the residences to an owner-occupier basis for the judges.

 "I can assure you that we are going to seek approval of the President", Barr Wike remarked, expressing confidence that with the backing of the Attorney General, the approval will be obtained.

Barr. Wike also revealed plans to complete other ongoing residential quarters for heads of courts before the end of the year. He said, "Before the first tenure of Mr. President expires, we will have gone far in the construction of 20 more residences for FCT Judges".

He commended the contractor, Details 2 Dot, for delivering the project within 18 months, emphasizing that the FCTA only awards contracts when cash flow is fully secured to prevent abandoned projects. He also stressed the critical need for top-tier maintenance of the new facilities.

How Humans Evolved to Be Twice as Big as Our Ancestors

Symbolic Photo

How Humans Evolved to Be Twice as Big as Our Ancestors

The story of human evolution is not just about intelligence, language, or culture, it is also about size.

Over millions of years, our species has undergone a remarkable transformation in body mass and stature, becoming nearly twice as large as many of our early ancestors.

This increase in size is not a trivial detail; it is deeply tied to survival, adaptation, and the trajectory of human history.

In the earliest chapters of our lineage, species such as Australopithecus afarensis—best known through the famous fossil “Lucy”, stood at barely over a meter tall and weighed around 30–40 kilograms. These small-bodied hominins were well-suited to climbing trees and navigating mixed woodland environments. But as climates shifted and grasslands expanded, evolutionary pressures began to favor larger frames.

A bigger body meant longer strides for covering open terrain, greater resilience against predators, and the ability to regulate heat more effectively under the sun.

By the time of Homo erectus, roughly 1.9 million years ago, humans had already grown significantly taller and heavier. Fossil evidence shows individuals reaching heights of 1.7 meters and weights approaching 60–70 kilograms.

This increase in size coincided with other evolutionary leaps: the use of fire, more sophisticated tools, and long-distance hunting strategies. A larger body required more calories, but it also enabled endurance running and cooperative hunting—traits that became hallmarks of our species.

“WATER IS LIFE, CLEAN WATER IS DIGNITY”, SAYS PRESIDENT TINUBU AS HE COMMISSIONS 198KM BWARI TOWNSHIP WATER NETWORK

(L-R) FCT Minister,  Barr Nyesom Wike, First Lady of the Federal Republic of Nigeria,  Senator Oluremi Tinubu and the Minister of State, FCT, Dr Mariya Mahmoud during the commissioning of Bwari Water Supply Network in Bwari Area Council of the FCT on Tuesday

FCTA PRESS RELEASE

“WATER IS LIFE, CLEAN WATER IS DIGNITY”, SAYS PRESIDENT TINUBU AS HE COMMISSIONS 198KM BWARI TOWNSHIP WATER NETWORK

-      VOWS FULL FCT COVERAGE

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, has officially commissioned the Bwari Township Water Supply Network in Bwari Area Council, describing the 198-kilometre pipeline project as proof that the Renewed Hope Agenda is delivering tangible results to satellite towns.

Speaking at the event in Bwari on Tuesday, July 14, 2026, the President said the project directly links Bwari and its environs to treated water from the Lower Usuma Dam, ending decades of reliance on untreated boreholes and streams.

“Water is life. Clean water is dignity. It is a fundamental right, not a luxury”, President Tinubu declared.  He added, “When the FCT Minister drew my attention to the plight of residents in Bwari and its environs, I told him: ‘Go out there, mobilize the best, and fix it’. And today, we are commissioning this state-of-the-art network. That is how we work. We don't make excuses; we deliver results!”

The President noted that last month a similar promise was fulfilled in Karu with water and road projects, adding that the Renewed Hope Agenda is “a deliberate social contract, and a commitment to governance that works for the people”.

He said the Bwari water project has already created over 1,600 direct and indirect jobs for youths in the Area Council and will drastically reduce waterborne diseases and the cost of private borehole drilling for residents.

Commending the FCT Minister, Barrister Nyesom Wike, for his commitment to execution, the President assured residents that the administration will extend similar water interventions to Kuje, Kwali, Gwagwalada and Abaji before the end of its tenure.

“To the people of Bwari: this project belongs to you. It was built for your benefit with your commonwealth, for your progress. I charge you to guard it jealously”, the President said.

President Tinubu added that as the administration marks its third anniversary, the fruits of reforms were becoming visible across the FCT and the nation, with infrastructure laying the foundation for a prosperous, resilient and inclusive Nigeria.

Speaking in her capacity as the First Lady of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, quoting the Christian scripture, prayed for healing, fruitfulness and peace for the nation.

While delivering his speech at the event, FCT Minister, Barr Nyesom Wike, recalled how President Tinubu requested for the extension of potable water to satellite towns during the second anniversary of his administration in 2025.

He highlighted the Karu Township Project commissioning weeks before, and the commissioning of the Bwari Water project as a testament to the fact that project execution in the FCT was not only about road construction.

Rolls-Royce, Maybach, and the Call to Conscience

Her Excellency, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, Nigeria's First Lady

Rolls-Royce, Maybach, and the Call to Conscience

Nigeria’s First Lady, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, has struck a chord that reverberates far beyond the glittering stages of Afrobeats.

At the launch of the National Community Food Bank in Lokoja, she urged stars like Davido, Burna Boy, and Asake to balance their opulent lifestyles with a deeper sense of responsibility.

Her words were sharp yet measured: “Good cars are good; a Maybach is good, Rolls-Royce is good, but still you can help. The burden on the government is huge.”  

This statement is more than a passing remark, it is a moral challenge. In a country where poverty remains widespread, the sight of celebrities flaunting luxury vehicles and extravagant mansions often fuels resentment.

Tinubu’s appeal reframes the conversation: wealth is not inherently wrong, but it carries obligations. She invoked the example of Akon, who has invested in electrification projects across Africa, showing how fame and fortune can be harnessed for collective uplift.  

Her message also tied into grassroots empowerment. She highlighted the story of a graduate who, unable to find formal employment, turned to selling akara. With support, he expanded his business to employ twelve workers.

This anecdote underscores her belief that small-scale entrepreneurship, pepper selling, kuli-kuli production, akara frying, can be dignified paths to survival and prosperity if given the right backing. 

Makinde Calls on UN to Probe Oyo Schoolchildren Abduction

Seyi Makinde, Oyo State Governor

Oyo State Governor Seyi Makinde has urged the United Nations and international human rights bodies to investigate the abduction of schoolchildren and teachers in Oriire Local Government Area, describing the incident as “grave and unusual” and demanding independent scrutiny beyond Nigeria’s domestic institutions.

Makinde Calls on UN to Probe Oyo Schoolchildren Abduction

Governor Seyi Makinde’s appeal to the United Nations marks a significant escalation in Nigeria’s struggle against insecurity, particularly the targeting of schools by armed groups.

On May 15, 2026, heavily armed gunmen attacked schools in Ahoro-Esiele and Yawota communities of Oriire LGA, abducting 39 pupils and six teachers. Tragically, one teacher was killed during the attack, and another died in captivity during the victims’ 56 days of abduction.

Rescue and Aftermath

The victims were rescued through a coordinated military operation involving the Nigerian Army, police, DSS, Amotekun, hunters, and vigilantes. They were handed over to the Oyo State Government after receiving medical care at the 2 Division Medical Centre in Ibadan. Governor Makinde emphasized that while their release was a relief, the ordeal left deep scars: “What they went through in 56 days cannot be undone in 56 months.”

Call for International Scrutiny

Makinde’s demand for UN involvement stems from his belief that the circumstances surrounding the abduction were unusual and potentially indicative of institutional failures or collusion.

He stressed that the probe was not politically motivated but aimed at ensuring accountability and restoring public confidence. He insisted Nigerians deserve a transparent account of what happened, who was responsible, and what measures will prevent recurrence.

Political Undertones

The timing of the abduction has raised eyebrows. Makinde had declared his intention to contest the 2027 presidential election under the Action People’s Movement (APM) just hours before the attack.

While he insists his call for UN intervention is not political, the coincidence has fueled speculation about whether the abduction was orchestrated to undermine his ambitions.

iOS 27 Public Beta Is Here — 10 Features You Should Try

Photo: A visual concept of iOS 27 Public Beta highlighting its new features.

Apple has officially released the iOS 27 public beta, giving iPhone users in Nigeria and worldwide an early chance to test its most ambitious update yet. The headline feature is the fully rebuilt Siri AI, alongside speed boosts, refined design elements, and smarter app tools. If you’re curious about Apple’s next big leap, here are the ten standout features worth exploring. 

iOS 27 Public Beta Is Here - 10 Features You Should Try

Apple’s iOS 27 public beta marks a turning point in how the iPhone feels and functions. Unlike past betas, this release is surprisingly stable, though it’s still best installed on a secondary device. Here’s what makes it worth your attention.

Performance Gains Across the Board

The first thing you’ll notice is speed. Apps launch faster, animations are smoother, AirDrop transfers finish quicker, and even older iPhones like the iPhone 11 benefit. Everyday actions, opening the keyboard, browsing the App Library, or switching between Wi-Fi and cellular, are more responsive. This isn’t just cosmetic; it makes the iPhone feel new again.

Siri AI: Apple’s Boldest Overhaul

Siri has been transformed into Siri AI, now capable of back-and-forth conversations similar to ChatGPT. Unlike third-party bots, Siri AI has private access to your messages, emails, photos, and apps, enabling tasks like finding specific files, creating shopping lists, or answering questions about what’s on your screen. It even integrates with home automation and can recommend restaurants or activities based on your habits.

Liquid Glass Refinements

The Liquid Glass interface, introduced in iOS 26, now comes with a slider to adjust clarity and tint. This subtle but powerful customization lets you tailor the iPhone’s look to your preference, making the UI feel more personal.

America’s Isolationist Gamble: Ebola Patients Sent Abroad Instead of Home

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America’s Isolationist Gamble: Ebola Patients Sent Abroad Instead of Home

The United States has refused to repatriate Ebola-infected citizens from the Democratic Republic of Congo, sending them instead to Germany for treatment. This marks the second case in which an American aid worker was evacuated to Frankfurt rather than being brought home, highlighting Washington’s controversial stance amid a growing outbreak.

A Growing Crisis in Congo

The Democratic Republic of Congo is facing one of the largest Ebola outbreaks on record, with over 1,900 confirmed cases and more than 700 deaths as of mid-July 2026.

The outbreak is driven by the Bundibugyo strain of Ebola, a lesser-known but deadly variant. Humanitarian workers, including Americans, have been on the frontlines, and infections among aid staff are not unexpected.

The Second American Case

The latest patient is a Samaritan’s Purse staff member in his 60s, working in logistics rather than direct patient care. Despite not treating Ebola patients, he contracted the virus and was evacuated to Frankfurt University Hospital, where he is reported to be in stable condition.

The first American case earlier this year involved Dr. Peter Stafford, who was also flown to Germany for specialized care.

EDUCATION REFORM: HOW CAN NIGERIA BUILD A WORLD-CLASS EDUCATION SYSTEM?

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EDUCATION REFORM: HOW CAN NIGERIA BUILD A WORLD-CLASS EDUCATION SYSTEM?

Education remains the cornerstone of national development, yet Nigeria’s system continues to grapple with deep-rooted challenges that hinder its ability to compete globally.

From underfunded schools to outdated curricula, the nation faces a pressing need for reform if it is to build a world-class education system capable of equipping its youth for the demands of the 21st century.

At the heart of the problem lies inadequate investment. Nigeria’s budgetary allocation to education has consistently fallen short of UNESCO’s recommended benchmark of 15–20% of national expenditure.

This chronic underfunding manifests in dilapidated infrastructure, overcrowded classrooms, and poorly motivated teachers. Without significant financial commitment, the dream of a world-class system remains elusive. 

Reform must begin with prioritizing education in national budgets, ensuring resources are not only increased but also transparently managed.

Equally critical is the quality of teaching. A world-class system cannot thrive without well-trained, well-paid, and continuously developed educators. Nigeria must overhaul teacher training institutions, integrate modern pedagogical methods, and incentivize excellence in the profession.

"FROM ONE ROAD TO A NETWORK OF ROADS”: PRESIDENT TINUBU FLAGS OFF TUNGAN MADAKI TO ZUBA ACCESS ROAD, SAYS RENEWED HOPE IS REACHING ABUJA’S GATEWAY COMMUNITIES

Rt. Hon Tajudeen Abbas, Hon Speaker of the House of Representatives descending from the payloader after Flagging off the construction of access road from Tungan Madaki to Zuba, on Monday, July 13, 2026

"FROM ONE ROAD TO A NETWORK OF ROADS”: PRESIDENT TINUBU FLAGS OFF TUNGAN MADAKI TO ZUBA ACCESS ROAD, SAYS RENEWED HOPE IS REACHING ABUJA’S GATEWAY COMMUNITIES

…AS SPEAKER ABASS LAUDS FCT MINISTER

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, today performed the official flag-off for the construction of the Access Road from Tungan Madaki to the Abuja-Kaduna Expressway by Zuba, saying that the new road will connect rural productivity to urban opportunity and ease the burden of residents who have for years contended with poor access, and high cost of transportation.

Describing the road as a direct continuation of the Bill Clinton Drive to Tungan Madaki road which was commissioned weeks ago as one of the many projects executed by the FCT Administration to mark the third anniversary of the Renewed Hope Administration, President Tinubu who was represented by the Speaker of the House of Representatives, Rt Hon. Tajudeen Abass said: “What began as one road is now growing into a network, and that is how real development takes root”.

The President noted that Tungan Madaki, Zuba and other communities along the corridor were home to farmers, traders and students who, “deserve the same dignity of access as those in the city center”.

He linked the project to his administration’s broader economic and security agenda, saying, “When farmlands are opened, food becomes cheaper in our markets. When communities are connected, young people have more reason to build enterprises at home. When response time for security agencies improves, our people are safer. Infrastructure is not just concrete and asphalt. It is the bridge between potential and prosperity, and that is the core of the Renewed Hope Agenda”.

President Tinubu described the road as strategic to the FCT Master Plan, adding that it will decongest the city center, create alternatives for commuters, and strengthen the economic corridor between Abuja, Kaduna and the North West. The President also said the project will signal to investors that the axis is open for housing, schools, health facilities and industries.

The New Dawn of Outdoor Advertising in Nigeria — Regulation, Responsibility, and Reinvention

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The New Dawn of Outdoor Advertising in Nigeria - Regulation, Responsibility, and Reinvention

The passage of the Chartered Out-of-Home Media Practitioners of Nigeria Bill marks a defining moment for the country’s advertising ecosystem. It signals a transition from a loosely governed industry to one anchored in professionalism, accountability, and national development. As the law takes shape, its ripple effects will be felt across the advertising value chain,  from creative agencies to billboard owners, regulators, and consumers.

Advertisers stand at the intersection of creativity and compliance.

Under the new framework, they will operate within a more structured environment where ethical standards and licensing requirements dictate engagement with out-of-home platforms.

This shift promises to elevate the quality of advertising content, ensuring that public messaging aligns with national values and avoids misinformation or indecency.

However, regulation also introduces cost implications. Advertisers may face higher fees for compliance, certification, and space acquisition as the industry formalizes. Smaller brands could struggle initially, but the long-term benefit lies in a level playing field that rewards professionalism over influence. The bill’s emphasis on accountability will likely reduce cluttered, unregulated billboards and foster data-driven advertising, where audience measurement and impact assessment become central to campaign planning.

The Advertising Regulatory Council of Nigeria (ARCON) remains the apex body overseeing advertising practice nationwide. Its mandate, established under the 2022 ARCON Act, covers all advertising, marketing, and communication activities.

The new bill introduces a chartered professional body specifically for out-of-home practitioners, complementing ARCON’s broader oversight.

ARCON’s role will evolve into a coordinating and supervisory function, ensuring that the new body operates within national advertising standards. Collaboration between ARCON and the Chartered Out-of-Home Media Practitioners Council will be crucial to avoid regulatory overlap.

Ideally, ARCON will focus on policy direction and consumer protection, while the new council handles technical certification, professional ethics, and operational compliance within the outdoor sector.