ADVERTISEMENT

ADVERTISEMENT

Ahead of the Saturday, February 21 Area Council elections in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), the Minister, Nyesom Wike, has announced work free day on Friday, as well as restriction of movement from 8pm on Friday to 6pm on Saturday.

The Minister, who made this known in a special broadcast on national television and radio stations on Thursday, urged residents of the FCT to come out enmasse to vote for candidates of their choice.

The broadcast read; “On Saturday, February 21, we will all have a crucial opportunity to shape the future of our great Federal Capital Territory. The election of either new or returning Chairmen and Councilors for the six area councils is a momentous occasion, and I urge you to come out in your numbers to exercise your right to vote.

“I urge you to go to the polls with a sense of purpose and responsibility.

“As we exercise our democratic right, let us do so in an orderly and lawful manner. Let us respect the rules, respect each other, and respect the outcome of the election. We must show the world that we are a mature and responsible electorate, capable of conducting ourselves with dignity and decorum.

“At this juncture, with the approval of the President Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu, I hereby declare Friday, February 20, 2026, as a Work Free Day to enable movement of residents to their various communities to participate in the elections.

“Similarly, the President has approved the restriction of movement within the FCT from 8pm of Friday, February 20 to 6pm of Saturday, February 21, 2026. Consequently, all security agencies are directed to ensure strict compliance with this directive.

“Let me again use this opportunity to appreciate President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for signing the Electoral Act Amendment bill 2026 into law. This demonstrates his commitment to strengthening our democratic institutions and ensuring that our electoral processes are free, fair, and transparent.

“My dear residents, Democracy has always been a work-in-progress due to the evolving democratic process. However, we will keep getting better by always looking into the Electoral Act with a view to strengthening our democratic process.

“To all FCT residents, I urge you to make your voice heard. Come out on Saturday, February 21, 2026 and vote for the candidates of their choice.

“Our prayer, as an administration, is that the elections will facilitate the emergence of such quality leaders that will contribute meaningfully to development, peace and prosperity in the FCT.

“Together, let us build a brighter future for ourselves, our children, and our territory.”

ADVERTISEMENT

ADVERTISEMENT

…as Reps Pledge Wider Coverage

By Gloria Ikibah

Members of the House of Representatives Press Corps (HoRPC) were on Thursday formally enrolled into the Federal Capital Territory Health Insurance Scheme, as the  10th House restated its commitment to strengthening welfare support for journalists covering legislative affairs.

Speaking at the symbolic presentation of the enrolment identity cards in Abuja, on Thursday, the Spokesperson of the House and Chairman, House Committee on Media and Publicity, Rep. Akin Rotimi, described the initiative as the beginning of a broader partnership aimed at improving access to sustainable healthcare for journalists.

The Spokesperson acknowledged the role played by the Speaker of the House, Rt. Hon. Tajudeen Abbas, noting that the initiative was made possible through his support.

“What is happening today is only the beginning. There is much more that we can and will do. We thank you for your partnership and for the work you do.

“I wish I could take credit for what is happening today, but this initiative has been possible because of the strong support of the Speaker, Rt Hon Abbas Tajudeen. From the commencement of the 10th Assembly, we made open engagement and strengthening the capacity of the Press Corps one of our fundamental principles.

“We recognise that members of the Press Corps work just as hard as we do. Everywhere we go, they are there covering our activities and amplifying our work. They are critical stakeholders in the legislative affairs of this country”, he said.

The lawmaker also commended the FCT Health Services and Environment Secretariat for driving the process, as well as the administration of the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, for reforms within the health insurance system.

“We commend him for the strides recorded under his administration. We have noted significant achievements, including the clearance of substantial insurance claim backlogs between 2022 and 2024. Clearing those debts strengthens the health insurance system and ensures more sustainable healthcare financing,” Rotimi said.

He disclosed that over 198,000 residents had been enrolled in the FCT Health Insurance Scheme within one year, describing it as a significant milestone. He also highlighted free maternal and child healthcare services, including coverage for children under five and other vulnerable groups.

Rotimi linked the initiative to the Renewed Hope health agenda of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, emphasising that preventive healthcare must remain central to national strategy.

“These are commendable steps towards building a system that leaves no one behind.

“Preventive healthcare is also central to the strategy. Public health education, regular screenings and periodic medical checks are critical. I personally choose my wedding anniversary each year as a date for my family to undergo routine health checks. Everyone can designate a particular date annually for medical screening. Early detection reduces pressure on secondary and tertiary health facilities and improves outcomes.

“I encourage all members of the Press Corps to take advantage of the opportunities created by the House of Representatives for breast cancer screening, cervical cancer screening, prostate screening and other annual tests. You work long hours, sometimes late into the night, and often neglect your own wellbeing. But we need you healthy and strong to continue discharging your mandate effectively”, he stated.

In a move to broaden the reach of the programme, Rotimi announced that ten additional executives of the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ) FCT Council had been included among the beneficiaries.

“We hope that this initiative can eventually be extended to cover more journalists in Abuja. In fact, we have included ten additional executives of the NUJ Abuja Council in this programme, which accounts for the additional beneficiaries announced,” he said.

Calling on well-meaning individuals and organisations to support vulnerable persons through health insurance sponsorship, the lawmaker noted that an annual contribution of ₦22,500 per person could secure coverage.

“In this season of Ramadan and Lent, what better gift can one give than the gift of health insurance? Instead of temporary gestures, this provides year-long security and dignity,” he said.

Rotimi added that wider participation in the scheme would strengthen the pooled fund system and improve access to essential medicines.

“The pooled funds strengthen the entire health system, including the drug revolving fund, ensuring availability of essential medicines and improved hospital viability. Health insurance must translate into access to quality care when beneficiaries visit health facilities,” he said.

He expressed confidence that the initiative would be sustained, thanking officials of the FCT Health Services Secretariat, members of the Press Corps leadership and staff of his office for their contributions.

The Mandate Secretary of the FCT Health Services and Environment Secretariat, Dr Dolapo Fasawe, expressed “immense pleasure” at what she called a “remarkable and generous decision” by Hon. Akin Rotimi to sponsor the health insurance of all 120 members of the press corps for one year.

Dr Fasawe who was represented by the Permanent Secretary, Dr. Baba-Gaba Adams, said the Chairman of the House of Representatives Committee on Media and Public Affairs had shown “exemplary leadership, compassion, and a deep commitment to the welfare of those who serve our nation through information and public accountability.”

“This noble gesture is not only commendable; it is visionary.

“By voluntarily sponsoring the health insurance coverage of the press corps, Hon. Rotimi has demonstrated exemplary leadership, compassion, and a deep commitment to the welfare of those who serve our nation through information and public accountability. A healthy press is vital to a healthy democracy, and this act ensures that those who keep us informed can access quality healthcare without financial hardship”, she said.

She noted that the initiative aligns with the flagship “Adopt and Enrol” programme of the FCT Health Insurance Scheme, designed to expand access to healthcare through collective responsibility.

“This initiative aligns perfectly with our flagship programme at FHIS, ‘Adopt and Enrol.’ Through this programme, we encourage philanthropists, corporate organisations, public office holders, and well-meaning Nigerians of great standing to pay health insurance premiums on behalf of persons in our communities. It is a practical pathway toward achieving Universal Health Coverage and fulfilling our collective goal that no one is left behind.

“We call on other leaders, institutions, and kind-hearted Nigerians to emulate this worthy example,” she said, adding that affordability should not be a barrier to participation.

“With just ₦22,500 per individual per year, anyone can enrol a person into the FCT Health Insurance Scheme and give them access to quality healthcare services,” Dr Fasawe said.

Dr Fasawe also acknowledged the support of the leadership of the press corps in bringing the initiative to fruition.

“I’ll like to thank the Chairman of the press corps and other executives who gave us an unalloyed support to achieve this great idea. Together, through shared responsibility and social solidarity, we can reduce out-of-pocket spending and build a healthier, more productive society,” she said.

On behalf of the Secretariat and the FCT Health Insurance Scheme, she conveyed her appreciation to Hon. Rotimi, expressing hope that the gesture would inspire wider participation in health insurance coverage across the territory.

“On behalf of the FCT Health Services and Environment Secretariat and the FCT Health Insurance Scheme, I sincerely thank Hon. Akin Rotimi for this impactful contribution. May this act inspire many more to rise to the call of humanity and support the drive toward Universal Health Coverage in the Federal Capital Territory and beyond,” she said.

Chairman of the House Committee on Nutrition and Food Security, Chike Okafor, described the intervention as historic and commended the leadership of the 10th Assembly for supporting the initiative.

“I am particularly pleased that it is happening in the 10th Assembly,” he said.
Okafor, who previously chaired the House Committee on Healthcare Services, underscored the value of health insurance in protecting citizens from catastrophic health costs.

“My purpose here is to support my friend and colleague as he marks this important milestone of enrolling over one hundred members of the Press Corps into a health insurance programme.”

He said health insurance remains one of the most effective mechanisms for expanding healthcare access and improving welfare outcomes.

In a goodwill message, Chairperson of the FCT Council of the Nigeria Union of Journalists, Comrade Grace Ike, said the initiative underscored the importance of journalists in democratic governance.

She said improved welfare would strengthen professionalism and accountability in the media.

“Health insurance is not a luxury; it is protection. Media professionals work under intense pressure; tight deadlines, constant mobility, exposure to risks, and the mental strain that comes with covering governance and national issues.

“When journalists are healthy and secure, they are better positioned to discharge their duties with clarity, courage, and professionalism”, she said.

Ike added that the initiative strengthens democratic engagement by supporting those who provide credible information to the public.

“This initiative therefore strengthens not just the welfare of the Press Corps, but the quality of democratic engagement itself.”

Chairman of the House of Representatives Press Corps, Gboyega Onadiran, described the programme as a practical step toward universal health coverage in Nigeria.

He expressed appreciation to the House Spokesperson and the FCT Health Services Secretariat for the collaboration that made the initiative possible.

“Health insurance remains one of the most effective tools to protect families from catastrophic health expenses. As journalists, we are witnesses to the realities many Nigerians face when healthcare is not affordable.

“Today’s initiative is a practical step in that direction. It demonstrates that achieving universal coverage requires partnership, commitment, and deliberate action”, he added.

Onadiran urged organisations and professional bodies to prioritise the health of their members by embracing structured health insurance schemes.

Participants described the intervention as a demonstration of how legislative leadership, health authorities and the media community can collaborate to advance public welfare while strengthening democratic institutions.

ADVERTISEMENT

ADVERTISEMENT

The Senate Committee on Environment has commenced the budget defence of the Federal Ministry of Environment as part of legislative consideration of the 2026 Appropriation Bill currently before the Nigerian Senate.

Speaking during the session, the Chairman of the Committee, Senator Olubiyi Fadeyi underscored the strategic importance of the environment to national health, economic stability and security, noting that environmental sustainability remains fundamental to Nigeria’s long-term development.

He expressed concern over the persistent underfunding of the Ministry and its agencies, particularly in light of the growing challenges of oil pollution, erosion, coastal flooding, deforestation, biodiversity loss, environmental degradation and remediation.

The Lawmaker observed that while the 2025 recurrent budget recorded appreciable performance, capital releases remained significantly constrained, with warrants issued but no corresponding cash backing for major projects.

According to the Ministry’s presentation, the 2026 budget proposal stands at ₦65.96 billion, largely a rollover of the 2025 allocation in line with directives from the Budget Office of the Federation. However, a substantial portion of the proposed capital allocation is tied to ongoing externally supported programmes, including the Agro-Climatic Resilience in Semi-Arid Landscapes (ACReSAL) project, leaving limited resources for other pressing environmental priorities.

Fadeyi reiterated the need for improved funding mechanisms and appealed for the consideration of a Special Intervention Fund to strengthen the Ministry’s capacity to deliver on its mandate. It also emphasised the importance of meeting Nigeria’s climate-related financial commitments in order to unlock international climate finance opportunities and strengthen global environmental partnerships.

In his remarks, the Minister of Environment, Hon Balarabe Abbas Lawal highlighted key interventions undertaken by the Ministry, including flood and erosion control projects, solar-powered boreholes, renewable energy initiatives, clean cooking policy implementation, forest conservation efforts, and strengthened collaboration with relevant ministries and stakeholders.

“I can confidently say that a large number of population, particularly around the coastal areas, have disappeared because of the rising sea levels. We need to do more in that area.

“Then we have also put in some funds on clean cooking stoves , because the federal government approved the clean cooking policy. And this policy, which I’m sure most of us know, is supposed to do three things. Number one, try to reduce deforestation.

“And number two, it’s also trying to address the issues of health. Because when a woman goes into the kitchen and cooks for a family of three to five, you find that she has a lot of this smoke. And from what we have heard from the doctors, she smokes three packets of cigarettes.

“And we have seen a lot of cases of lung cancer come from the rural areas, from people who have never seen cigarettes in their lives. They are coming down with lung cancer. So that’s why we took this policy to the council, Lawal said

The Committee Chairman Assured the Ministry of its continued support while reaffirming its commitment to transparency, accountability and diligent oversight to ensure that appropriated funds are effectively utilised for the benefit of Nigerians.

“The Senate Committee on Environment remains resolute in working collaboratively with the Executive to achieve a cleaner, safer and more sustainable Nigeria.” Olubiyi said.