Connect with us

News

FCT indigenes, others set agenda for Wike

Published

on

Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, FCT, Nyesom Wike assumed office on Monday talking tough.

In a very loud statement he issued a stern warning to illegal developers, vowing to bring all such structures down.

Wike is known for his drive for infrastructural development while he was governor of Rivers State, reason many believed contributed to his emergence as the FCT Minister.

However, not many are comfortable with the manner of his speech, which was considered more draconian.

Some observers have already demanded that he should tread with caution to avoid creating more problems for the current administration amid the level of insecurity in the FCT and other parts of the country.

Advertisement

There are expectations that rather than focus on rendering thousands of Nigerians homeless, Wike should focus on other priorities.

Infrastructure

As Rivers governor, Wike put up a credible performance in the area of infrastructure, and this led to the title of ‘Mr Project’ by the immediate past Vice President, Yemi Osinbajo. It’s widely believed that he will replicate the same feat as the FCT Minister.

Since the creation of FCT, Abuja, the immediate past Governor of Kaduna State, Nasir El-Rufai, has been identified as the best Minister. Most of the infrastructures within the capital city can be traced to El-Rufai. Wike is seen as one that would march El-Rufai’s records.

A former Kaduna Central Senator, Shehu Sani tweeted: “The capacity and competence of the new FCT minister to deliver is without doubt.”

Advertisement

Apart from physical infrastructure, the FCT desires a new look in terms of sanitation.

Some parts of Abuja are littered with refuse dumps, slums, illegal markets and parks.

According to Wike: “We are not going to tolerate the issue where everywhere is turned to a market, the time is up. That was before now. Abuja has turned into a city, with refuse everywhere.”

Uplifting FCT communities and road networking

Indigenes of the FCT are urging Wike to open up more road networks within their local communities. This, they noted, would give communities within the FCT a facelift.

Advertisement

An indigene of FCT, Comrade Christopher Ikpebi told DAILY POST: “The communities within the FCT are looking unkempt due to the poor road network, so Wike should enforce urban renewal.

“For example, the road network into Kobi is very bad and the government needs to look into it and those of other communities within FCT.”

Speaking further, Ikpebi said Wike should further consider the empowerment of unemployed FCT graduates and skilled workers.

He said: “Wike should consider the indigenous people in the area of jobs.

“As the host state of the federation, Wike should work with the president to consider the youths for employment because there are many graduates at home without work.

Advertisement

“In the area of employment, States usually get slots allocated to them, so Wike should consider the indigenous graduates.”

Airing his views, an Abuja-based lawyer, Deji Adeyanju, expressed the belief that Wike would replicate his achievement in Port Harcourt as FCT Minister.

According to Adeyanju: “Wike is a workaholic so he will definitely develop the FCT; being a tireless workaholic, his ideas about infrastructure will help the FCT.

“The FCT has never had it this bad in the last eight years, the immediate past minister is the worst we have ever had in FCT.

“Wike’s negative side is going to be impunity and disrespect for court orders.

Advertisement

“This is because Wike believes in showmanship, he might overdo some of these things which may lead to bad blood.

“My advice for him is that he must be very mature and not be somebody known for going against political opponents, so he must be mindful that the right to property is the inalienable rights of the citizens.

“Whatever he is doing, Wike should follow laid down rules and proceedings.

“In his inaugural speech, you can see he was talking about refuse dumps, so he likes to sanitise the federal capital city which has the convergence of diplomatic Corps; it has to be extremely clean.

“With what Wike did in Port-Harcourt, I think he will surpass El-Rufai in the area of infrastructure if given the chance. El-Rufai was lawless at some point, so whatever Wike wants to do should be within the arm bit of the law.”

Advertisement

Meanwhile, there are also concerns that Wike may carry out his duties with vendetta.

During the last presidential election, he turned against his party, the PDP and worked for President Bola Tinubu of the All Progressives Congress, APC.

The bad blood arising from that election is yet to ease off, fueling speculations that he might demolish structures belonging to members of his party, PDP, and other opposition parties.

Reacting to the insinuation, Wike said in his maiden speech: “Is there anybody I want to fight that I’ll not tell you I want to fight? You hear that I went to PDP to check if they don’t have a C of O. If they don’t have C of O, then they don’t have it. I mean what kind of politics is that? If you don’t have it you don’t have it.

“So if we’re doing something to find out those who don’t have C of O or those who have it or have not complied and maybe PDP is one of them therefore, we’ll not do our work?”

Advertisement

DAILYPOST

Business

inDrive Emerges Most Outstanding Brand in Urban Service

Published

on

inDrive, a global mobility and urban services platform, has emerged the most outstanding brand in urban service in Nigeria at the maiden edition of Iconic Brands and Legends of Media and Marketing Communications Award held in Lagos on Tuesday, December 10, 2024.

inDrive was recognized and celebrated for its transparency, fairness, and affordability in intercity travel and logistics among ride-hailing platforms in Nigeria.

Speaking on the award, Timothy Oladimeji, Country Representative, Nigeria, inDrive, described it as a testament to the ride-hailing platform’s unique contribution and commitment to providing fair and accessible transportation options to its customers.

Oladimeji stated that the award highlights the company’s focus on safety, fairness, affordability, and satisfaction, thereby cementing its reputation as the go-to ride-hailing service in Nigeria.

He noted that the achievement underscores the company’s dedication to delivering the best ride-hailing and logistic experience for customers while continually pushing the envelope for innovation. He explained that the mobility platform remains a game-changer in the ride-hailing business in Nigeria as it empowers both drivers and passengers through its negotiation model.

“This recognition is a huge motivation that would help us expand our footprint and continue to provide exceptional services to all our customers. I can categorically say that the recognition validates the acceptability and rapid adoption of our platform by both drivers and passengers in Nigeria,” he said.

Speaking on the recognition and criteria, the lead convener of the award, Samuel Ajayi, said the award was truly deserving, given that the platform has provided unique, fair, and affordable services to all its users.

Ajayi emphasised the significance of acknowledging the brand’s achievements in Nigeria over the last few years adding that the company has shown exceptional performance by all parameters and standards.

“inDrive has really thrown its weight since joining other ride-hailing platforms in Nigeria. I am happy to say that inDrive has disrupted the Nigerian market with its unique offerings, which has endeared many users to the platform. From our findings, I can say that the brand remains the preferred platform given that it is the only one that provides safe, fair, efficient, and affordable transportation,” he said.

Since launching in Nigeria, inDrive has cemented its status as a market leader through its commitment to enhancing urban mobility and consistently delivering superior customer service.

Continue Reading

News

Electricity: Nigeria set to add 150 megawatts by year-end – Adelabu

Published

on

Adebayo Adelabu

The Minister of Power, Adebayo Adelabu, has disclosed that the country is on track to add an additional 150 megawatts of electricity to its national grid before the end of the year, following the successful completion of the pilot phase of the Presidential Power Initiative (PPI).

He made the disclosure to State House Correspondents after a closed door meeting with President Bola Tinubu and President of the Federal Republic of Germany, Frank-Walter Steinmeier at the Presidential Villa, Abuja.

Giving insights into what transpired at the meeting, Adelabu, explained that the initiative, which is being implemented in collaboration with Siemens, aims to enhance Nigeria’s electricity supply through a series of strategic projects.

“We believe that before the end of the year, an additional 150 megawatts will be added upon completion of the entire pilot phase.”

Minister of Power outlined significant advancements in the country’s energy sector, emphasizing the crucial role of international collaboration, particularly with Germany.

“We have a bilateral relationship with the Republic of Germany that focuses on energy and electricity support,” the minister stated. “The name of the game now is about cooperation, collaboration, and partnership.” He highlighted the Siemens project as a flagship component of this relationship, aimed at implementing both Brownfield and Greenfield transmission substations under the PPI.

He noted that since signing the agreement in December 2023 during COP 28 in Dubai, Nigeria has made substantial progress. “We have completed the pilot phase of this project up to 80%,” he noted. This phase includes the importation and installation of 10 power transformers and 10 mobile substations, with eight already commissioned.

“The positive impact of this is that it has added nothing less than 750 megawatts to our transmission grid capacity,” he explained, attributing the current stability in electricity supply to this achievement.

He said the next phase will involve rehabilitating 14 existing substations and establishing 23 new ones across Nigeria.

“The entire grid is quite fragile and dilapidated,” he lamented. “We need to revamp it to ensure stability going forward.” He reiterated that these efforts are essential for transforming Nigeria’s energy landscape, aligning with President Bola Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda.

In addition to addressing immediate power needs, Adelabu emphasised Nigeria’s commitment to renewable energy as part of its long-term strategy. “We have an energy transition plan to achieve net-zero emissions by 2060,” he said.

He pointed out that Germany’s expertise in renewable technologies aligns perfectly with Nigeria’s abundant natural resources. “Germany has technology; we have the sun and wind,” he added, highlighting that over 30 states in Nigeria enjoy a minimum of 10 hours of sunshine daily.

The minister also discussed plans for off-grid solutions, advocating for a distributed power model where each state would have its own generating plants. “This model will shield states from problems on the national grid and ensure rural electrification,” he explained.

Germany’s involvement extends beyond traditional energy sources; it includes significant investments in green energy projects.

The Minister of Power reaffirmed his commitment to advancing policies that enhance energy access and sustainability across the nation. “Together with our partners, we can build a robust energy infrastructure that supports economic growth and improves quality of life for all Nigerians,” he declared.

The German Consul General in Lagos, Weert Borner, recently announced that Germany has added 670 megawatts to Nigeria’s grid capacity in 2024 alone through their ongoing partnership. “This partnership is vital for improving electricity access for final consumers,” Borner remarked during an interview.

Additionally, Nigeria is set to benefit from Germany’s ambitious €4 billion investment in green energy projects across Africa by 2030.

 

DailySun

Continue Reading

News

Sanwo-Olu reaffirms commitment to empowerment, poverty alleviation

Published

on

Lagos State Governor, Babajide Sanwo-Olu, has reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to initiatives that foster inclusivity, economic empowerment, and poverty reduction.

He made this pledge during the 2024 Micro Enterprise Support Initiative (MESI) for vulnerable and indigent residents, organised by the Ministry of Women Affairs and Poverty Alleviation (WAPA) in Agidingbi, Ikeja, on Wednesday.

At the event, approximately 1,500 residents were provided with various empowerment tools, including sewing and stoning machines, pepper grinders, hairdryers, barbing kits, cake mixers, welding machines, tiles-cutting machines, and more.

Governor Sanwo-Olu emphasized that this initiative exemplifies his administration’s dedication to creating a Greater Lagos, where every resident has the opportunity to thrive and contribute to collective progress.

The governor explained that the MESI programme extends beyond offering financial aid to residents. He stressed that it focuses on building a foundation for self-reliance, driving economic growth, and unlocking the potential of women.

“It ensures that every woman, regardless of background or circumstance, has access to the tools and resources needed to transform her life, community, and Lagos State,” he stated.

Governor Sanwo-Olu further highlighted the importance of skill acquisition, capacity building, and financial empowerment, stating that the government is working towards a future where poverty is eradicated, and prosperity becomes a reality. He encouraged the programme’s beneficiaries to use the tools and resources wisely to grow their businesses, enhance their livelihoods, and inspire others in their communities.

“Remember, this programme is just the beginning. Your success will contribute to the larger success of Lagos State,” he added.

Also speaking at the event, the Commissioner for Women Affairs and Poverty Alleviation, Cecilia Bolaji-Dada, described the initiative as a beacon of hope for aspiring entrepreneurs in Lagos. She commended Governor Sanwo-Olu for his steadfast support of Lagos communities and for making the Micro Enterprise Support Initiative possible.

Bolaji-Dada detailed the variety of tools distributed, which were selected to meet the diverse needs of entrepreneurs. These included stoning machines, pepper grinders, sewing machines, hairdryers, barbing kits (including clippers, sterilizers, and generators), standing facial steamers, aluminum cutting machines, two-phase burners (with 30-inch cooking pots and 12.5kg cylinders), cake mixers, welding machines, agricultural items (fertilizers, knapsacks, and seeds), and cash grants.

“These tools are not just instruments of trade, but instruments of transformation, designed to help you grow your businesses and uplift your communities,” the commissioner said.

She urged beneficiaries to fully embrace the opportunities before them and work diligently toward realizing their entrepreneurial goals.

 

DailySun

Continue Reading

Trending

Copyright © 2024 Naija Gatekeeper News