Metro
Interstate restriction: FCTA taskforce arrests 27 Kogi, Edo-bound travellers hidden in trucks, impounds Dangote trucks
The FCT Ministerial Enforcement Task Team on COVID-19 restriction arrested twenty seven (27) persons trying to make their way through the city to other parts of the country.
The apprehended travellers were said to have been hidden in Dangote trucks, conveying bags of rice and onions from Zaria in Kaduna. js">
They were arraigned at the Zuba Mobile Court, where the presiding Magistrate, Ebiwari Damini convicted the driver, Olalekan Wasiu and other passengers for violating the ban on interstate travelling imposed by President Buhari to contain spread of the deadly coronavirus.
Unlike previous sentences, the magistrate who fined the driver five thousand Naira (N5,000) ruled that the Dangote company’s truck used to transport the violators be impounded until after the interstate travel restriction is lifted. He also ruled that those caught should be guided out of the FCT to the place of departure.
Speaking to journalists at Zuba after the judgement, Chairman of the FCT Ministerial Enforcement Task Team on Covid-19, Comrade Ikharo Attah, lauded the verdict by the magistrate, saying that it would deter violators of the interstate travel ban.
“Now that the truck drivers know that whenever they are caught transporting people from one state to another, their trucks would not be released, they would stop such act”
Attah stated this and appealed to Nigerians “To be mindful of their health”, decrying that “A situation in which people are hidden in between bags of onions in trucks and covered with tarpoline, as it is in this case, is not good for their health. Some even hid on the floor of trucks carrying cattle, which is also not hygienic.”
Warning owners of the trucks to desist from aiding violation of the interstate ban, Attah said: “Management of Dangote company, who are the owners of most of the trucks used for this illegal act must do all to ensure their trucks which are meant for haulage of goods are not converted to be illegally transporting persons from one state to another, thus violating the lockdown directive of the president”.
Speaking while pleading for mercy, the driver of The Dangote truck, Olalekan Wasiu admitted that after delivering items in Zaria, he was hired by someone to convey food items to Edo State, adding that he had to carry passengers to increase his profit.
In a related developmen, a mobile court sitting at Dei-Dei also convicted two bus drivers who were coming from Minna, Niger State for violating the same travel ban. They were fined by the magistrate who also ruled that they be returned to Niger State where they came from.
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Abuja Launches Clean Air and Clean Cooking Initiative, Receives 5,000 LPG Cylinders from IHS Towers
By Abdulrahman Aliagan, Abuja
The Federal Capital Territory Administration (FCTA) has launched the “Breathe Clean Air in Abuja” Initiative, a major public health and environmental programme aimed at combating household air pollution and promoting clean cooking across the territory.
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Speaking at the launch, the Health and Environment Mandate Secretary, Dr. Dolapo Fasawe, said the initiative represents a critical shift toward safer, healthier homes. She noted that millions of Nigerians still rely on firewood and charcoal, exposing families—especially women and children—to dangerous smoke that causes respiratory disease and increases cancer risk. “These deaths are preventable,” she said. “This transition is not about 5,000 cylinders; it is the beginning of a journey that every Nigerian must embrace because clean air is a right.”
Co-founder of IHS Towers, Mr. Sam Darwish, whose organisation donated the 5,000 LPG cylinders for the pilot phase, reaffirmed the company’s commitment to improving public health and supporting environmental solutions. “Clean energy access is essential for protecting families and empowering women,” he stated. “IHS is proud to partner with the FCTA on this pilot and to support future expansion across Nigeria.”
The World Health Organization estimates that 3.2 million people die globally each year from household air pollution, a statistic that underscores the urgency of the Abuja transition programme. In Nigeria, more than 120 million people still cook with firewood and charcoal, contributing to respiratory infections, lung cancer, and long-term health complications.
Dr. Fasawe recalled her experiences treating preventable illnesses linked to environmental hazards and emphasized that Nigeria’s successful Ebola response taught the nation the value of early action and strong public communication—principles she says are now guiding the Clean Air campaign.
Also speaking at the event, cancer prevention specialist Dr. Ramatu Usman warned about the rising incidence of lung cancer among women who have never smoked. “They inhaled smoke from kitchens, not cigarettes,” she said, noting that while treatment can cost up to ₦7 million per month, prevention simply requires a switch to clean cooking fuels.
The initiative received a major boost from the National Assembly, as Chairman of the House Ad-hoc Committee on FCT Health, Hon. Dr. M. A. Oriyan, directed that the programme be included in the 2026 national budget, signalling legislative backing for its sustainability and nationwide expansion.
A highlight of the launch was a poem by schoolgirl Isabella, who delivered an emotional recital titled “Abuja, Our Hope Will Breathe Again,” drawing a standing ovation and reinforcing the generational importance of clean air advocacy.
The Clean Air Initiative also aligns with broader climate and developmental goals, including reducing carbon emissions, promoting recycling, improving urban sanitation, and supporting economic empowerment for women. Dr. Fasawe, known for her leadership in environmental protection, reiterated her belief in resource recovery, saying, “Everybody’s waste is somebody’s raw material.”
While celebrating Abuja’s progress, she cautioned that environmental protection must be regional to be effective. “Environment has no boundaries. If Abuja succeeds but Nasarawa fails, we have not won,” she said.
With government commitment, private sector support, and community participation, Abuja is positioning itself as a model for clean energy transition in Nigeria. Officials say the initiative marks the start of a long-term effort that could significantly improve public health and reshape the nation’s approach to household energy.
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We will choke them with what we have done in education – Wike
By Wumi Tewogbade, Abuja
Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike,on Tuesday,said his administration has concluded arrangement to commence the commissioning of projects that have been concluded in Education Sector.
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Wike stated this during the commissioning of the newly Provided Engineering Infrastructure in Wuye District Abuja.
After 20 days of flag offs and commissioning, he said he will take a break and come back for commissioning of projects in the education sector.
He said, “After this series of flag-offs and commissionings, we’ll take a short break. Twenty days of events is not a small feat. Afterward, we’ll turn our focus fully to education. For twenty more days, we’ll show Nigerians what we have done in that sector — and it will surprise many. Our work is not only about roads and infrastructure; it also extends to education.
Taking a swipe at the last administration, he said the project was awarded in 2009 but President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, came in and completed the project.
“Under previous administrations, projects were abandoned. But today, those roads are being dualised and completed. President Tinubu has transformed not just the city but the satellite towns as well.
“People often come to us to say this contract was awarded long ago. Yes, it was awarded in 2009, and yet it remained abandoned because there was no payment. From that time till 2023, nothing was done.
“When this administration came in, the President took immediate steps to revive it. The entire Gwagwalada district — with hundreds of hectares of land — was developed to include road networks, sectoral arterials, tunnels, water and electricity. The President said clearly: I have come to bring renewed hope to the people.
“Many had lost faith, but he restored it. Within one year in office, major projects were completed — including the interchange that had caused traffic chaos in the area. Today, the entire district is fully developed”,he said.
He therefore challenged, “If there’s any administration since the creation of the Federal Capital Territory that has done more than what we are doing, let them speak up now. Their silence says it all — this is leadership that is committed, leadership that is changing lives”.
He commended the management and staff of FCT for all their supports and hardwork and urged them to be proud of themselves anywhere they go.
“Let me thank everyone working with the FCTA. You’ve done well. Stand tall and be proud of your efforts. You’ve broken records. Wherever you go, carry your shoulders high — tell anyone who doubts it that the FCT is working”, he noted .
In her remarks, FCT Minister of State, Dr Mariya Mahmoud, described the project is about giving communities the infrastructure they deserve and the comfort they have long awaited.
In her words, “As we celebrate this achievement, let us remember that every milestone is a promise kept, and every completion is a beginning anew.”
Mahmoud, therefore, expressed gratitude to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, whose Renewed Hope Agenda continues to illuminate every corner of the Federal Capital Territory.
In the same vein, Mahmoud extended the administration’s profound appreciation to the FCT Minister, Barrister Nyesom Wike, for his exemplary leadership and relentless drive to deliver projects that touch lives and uplift communities.
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Senate Committee Passes Vote of No Confidence on Abdullahi Attah Led FCT-IRS
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- … Improper management of FCT IRS will lead to collapse of infrastructure, social amenities in FCT – Senator Abubakar Kyari
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- Prince Abdulrahman Obaje is a Media, Information and Computer Technology Consultant. A quintessential Journalist, online marketer, social media strategist, Mathematician and Computer Scientist is based in Abuja, Nigeria. He is the Founder and the Publisher of The Informavores!. You can reach me on +234 805 939 5252 or send i-witness report directly to me on news@informavores.com.ng.
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