News
HOW FAR WITH THE FCTA/CHINA COLLABORATION?
BY BOLAJI AFOLABI
Sports, football in particular is almost a religion across many nations. The humongous economic and financial importance of football; through multi-dollar investments, endorsements, and other commercial activities has seen rapid increase, and interests of the vast majority of people in the “beautiful game.” This is not forgetting the open-ended social, cultural, and diplomatic benefits. A recent report by an international media platform revealed that, football, in some countries contributes a sizable percentage of employment opportunities to different classifications of people. The chain effect of employment in the sector cuts across sex, age, and other considerations. Every properly structured club has full compliments of workers drawn from different professions.
Experts in varied fields of medicine; psychologists; dieticians; the media; environmentalists; groundsmen; and many others are recruited by clubs. These, and other factors have made football the darling of many people around the world.
Nigeria is no exception. Agreed, the management of our football is still tottering, largely due to the calibre and quality of the administrators, but football has become the “main menu” amongst the vast majority of people. On a regular basis, the huge numbers that converge on homes, leisure spots, relaxation joints, and events centres to watch matches are breathtaking. With the crowded football calendar that includes UEFA champions league; Europa league; UEFA conference league; and the respective leagues in England, Spain, Italy, and other nations in Europe, and across the world, people congregate at various locations almost, as a ritual to savour the skills, tackles, and numerous theatrics associated with the game. Of particular mention is the rising patronage of women to the growing population of football followers. On match days, at centres, in groups, on the streets, on the air waves, and other platforms, the brilliance, understanding, and knowledge exhibited by women are usually outstanding.
From observation, the number of enthusiasts who besiege viewing centres are more. Indeed, there has been an upsurge in recent years. This fast-growing trend can be explained. With the rising incidents of betting, many youths and some adults, stay glued to the giant television sets at centres to monitor matches, hoping to “hit jackpots.” By the way, it is expected that the National Orientation Agency, (NOA), and other relevant MDAs will take necessary steps towards addressing the implications of youths involvement in betting, and some other negative vices. For some others, it is a necessary escape route; even if momentary from the thoughts of hunger, hardship, and harrowing conditions they are passing through. A few others throng viewing centres to run away from the realities of pervading poverty and pressures from their households. Some other patrons, who may not necessarily be ardent lovers of football, described the viewing centres as veritable platforms for discussions on topical issues, and networking opportunities.
Events that unfolded on Saturday, September 28, 2024 confirmed the latter categorization. The writer was in the company of a few friends, and others who were regular patrons of a viewing centre in the Wuse 2 area of Abuja; that has virtually become the commercial and economic hub of the city centre. After watching a few “matchday 6” rounds of matches involving Wolves versus Liverpool; Chelsea and Bright & Holve Albion; Arsenal versus Leicester; and Everton vs Crystal Palace, it was time for gists, debates, information, and updates. Taking turns to analyse the staggering hyperinflation and its attendant accentuating hardship, and corrosive poverty among people, it was agreed that there should be a human face to every economic policy by the government. Typical of doctors who do ward rounds on in-patients in hospitals, the group mirrored activities of major MDAs; giving kudos and knocks as may be necessary.
As the early night-moons were descending, signalling the end of a fruitful relaxation day, a member who will prefer anonymity, spoke about the number of bilateral relations between Chinese firms and the Federal Capital Territory Administration, (FCTA) for infrastructure development. As expected, this triggered hours of back and forth by every member of the group. Many, angered by the negative outcomes of similar initiatives by a former influential Minister; in a different Ministry, and Heads of some agencies under the Buhari administration, wondered why the present leadership of the FCTA would follow the same route. Described as a wild goose chase, it was predicted that, like others before it, nothing positive will emerge from the pact.
The group engaged in further condemnation of the FCTA’s decision in exploring similar initiatives, which allegedly became conduits for fleecing our commonwealth by some very senior officials in the past administration. Though there was consensus that given the glaring infrastructure deficits in the FCTA, largely due to lack of political will and exposure by previous administrations, the capital city deserves urgent and decisive actions but the Chinese option did not bode well with members of the group. However, comments made by an elderly man; who confessed to have eavesdropped on our discussions sort of became healing balm for us all. He said, “young men, listening to all your thoughts, and views gives me encouragement that Nigeria will be great again. You have all shown passion for, and commitment towards the development of the capital city. Look at the cup half full and not half empty. What are the immediate challenges of the FCTA? Are the Minister’s initiatives targeted at resolving these issues?”
Indeed, there are empirical studies that confirmed that the capital city is in dire need of infrastructural development. Many residents are unanimous about the glaring decay, and deficits that pervades facilities in the city. Angered about these deplorable conditions, many residents have concluded that the situation may become worse if urgent steps are not taken. Following almost a decade of non-activity and non-ingenious actions by previous administration, the capital city (and satellite areas) were dotted with the dearth of infrastructures. From roads to water, lighting, education, and health, the vagaries of glot and gloom were evidently visible for every dispassionate person to see, and experience. Residents, and visitors were wondering when these development challenges would be addressed, for Abuja to emerge as Africa’s “events capital.”
Perhaps, realizing the imperatives of infrastructure as a catalyst towards ensuring multi-sectoral development of Abuja, Barrister Nyesom Wike, the FCTA Minister sometime in September 2024, entered agreements with some Chinese companies. The Memorandum of Association, (MOU) was signed in Beijing, China by Wike (for the FCTA), and Chen Si Chang and Lan Meizhong (for the China Civil Engineering Construction Cooperation, CCECC, and China Geo-Engineering Corporation Overseas Construction, CGCOC), on the sidelines of the Forum on China-Africa Cooperation, (FOCAC), which was held at the asian giant nation.
According to reports, these and other MOUs were for roads, water, power, health, education, and a few other critical sectors. It is instructive to note that, one year into bilateral relations, appreciable strides have been achieved. The CGCOC, for instance completed the Greater Abuja Water Works project in record time. The project, as the “main artery” of the water supply system has tripled the city’s daily capacity to over 700,000 cubic meters from the former 240,000. Impressed by the company’s performances, the FCTA signed an agreement with the Chinese Geo-Engineering Corporation Nigeria; a subsidiary of the CGCOC for improved water supply to Kubwa, Bwari, and Karu, Kwali, Kuje, Gwagwalada satellite towns.
The CCECC, and CGCOC have completed solar powered electrification of some streets in Asokoro, Guzape, Central Business District, Wuse, Garki, Mabushi, and Katampe. Others are Gwarimpa, Life Camp, Kado, Jabi, and Jahi. In its resolve to improve on the provision of power to residents amidst serial cases of theft, defacing, and destruction of panels, poles, and other materials, Minister Wike launched the “Light Up Abuja” initiative, a few days back. Also, the China Engineering & Machinery Corporation, (CMEC) is providing support towards the development of a Gwagwalada Independent Power Plant. The FCTA and Hunan Province, China collaboration has yielded positive impacts in the education sector. Companies including the China Road & Bridge Corporation, (CRBC) are strengthening cooperation in education towards facilitating infrastructural development. The firms are upgrading facilities, and providing learning facilities in some FCTA schools within the city-centre, and satellite towns, as proof of the successes of the MOUs.
Somehow, the overwhelming successes of the FCTA/China collaboration are evidently obvious, and unmistakably visible in roads infrastructure. Confident that the completion of long-abandoned roads will not only open-up many areas, but increase economic activities, and improve security of lives and properties, Wike ensured that contractors (which includes Chinese companies) went back to site. This courageous decision proved instructive, as many roads were completed. The Abuja South Outer Ring Road Phase 2 project constructed by the China Land Overseas Nigeria, (CLON) which covers the exit point of the capital city to neighbouring Nasarawa State, and many others, are successful fallouts of the collaboration.
No doubt, the laudable performances of these companies can be described as fidelity to the MOUs signed with the FCTA. More importantly, the dynamic drive, iron-cast resolve, and commitment of Wike and his team towards ensuring the infrastructure make-over of the capital city is the necessary impetus that has made these changes reality. It is encouraging that satellite towns are also factored as beneficiaries of timely delivery of projects by the companies. As it is, many residents of Abuja; including critics of Wike acknowledge the strings of impactful projects completed or on-going. As expected, residents of Abuja still desire more of these projects. Aware of this, Wike, at the flag-off of a few more road projects, this week promised to include health, education, and other sectors in the next round of infrastructure programmes.
* BOLAJI AFOLABI; a Development Communications specialist was with the Office of Public Affairs, The Presidency, Abuja.
The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has re-arraigned Bauchi State Accountant General, Sirajo Muhammad Jaja, and an unlicensed Bureau de Change operator, Aliyu Abubakar of Jasfad Resources Enterprises, before Justice O. A. Egwuatu of the Federal High Court, Abuja.
The duo were re-arraigned on Tuesday, 28 April 2026, on an amended five-count charge bordering on the conversion of public funds belonging to the Bauchi State Government and money laundering to the tune of N1,635,270,350.9k (One billion, six hundred and thirty-five million, two hundred and seventy thousand, three hundred and fifty naira, nine kobo).
DAILY POST reports that they were earlier arraigned on April 7, 2025, with Jaja as the first defendant, while Abubakar was the second.
However, in the amended charge, marked FHC/ABJCR/101/2025, dated January 5, 2026, and filed on the same date, Abubakar, trading under the name of Jasfad Resources Enterprises, became the first defendant and Jaja the second.
Early in the proceedings, prosecution counsel, Abba Muhammed, SAN, informed the court that the prosecution had filed a second amended charge and prayed the court for the defendants to take their plea.
Count two of the charge reads, “That you Aliyu Abubakar (trading under the name and style of “Jasfad Resources Enterprises,” a purported Bureau de Change operator), Sirajo Muhammad Jaja (Accountant General of
Bauchi State), Abubakar Muhammad Hafiz (at large), between 29 October, 2024 and 31st December, 2024 within the jurisdiction of this Honourable Court, did commit an offence to wit: money laundering by converting the sum of One Billion, Two Hundred and Ninety Million, One hundred and Fifty four thousand, Three hundred and Thirty seven Naira, Two kobo (N1, 290,154,337.2) of public funds, belonging to Bauchi State Government which you transferred from the Bauchi State Sub-Treasury Account, domiciled in United Bank for Africa with account number 1018819396 into the bank account of Jasfad Resources Enterprise domiciled in United Bank for Africa with account number 1023444660 and thereby committed an offence contrary to Section 18(2)(b) and punishable under Section 18(3) of the Money Laundering (Prevention and Prohibition) Act, 2022.”
Count three reads; “That you Aliyu Abubakar (trading under the name and style of “Jasfad Resources Enterprises,” a purported Bureau de Change operator), Sirajo Muhammad Jaja (Accountant General of Bauchi State), Abubakar Muhammad Hafiz (at large), Ari Manga (at large), and Muhammad Aminu Bose (at large), between 3rd January, 2025 and 14th March 2025, within the jurisdiction of this Honourable Court, did commit an offence to wit: money laundering by converting the sum of Four hundred and twenty-six million, One hundred and sixteen Thousand, Thirteen Naira, Seven kobo (N426, 116,013.7) of the public funds, belonging to Bauchi State Government which you transferred from the Bauchi State Sub-Treasury Account, domiciled in the United Bank for Africa with account number 1018819396 into bank account of Jasfad Enterprise, domiciled in United Bank for Africa with account number 1023444660 and thereby, committed an offence contrary to Section 18(2)(b) and punishable under Section 18(3) of the Money Laundering (Prevention and Prohibition) Act, 2022.”
They pleaded “not guilty” to the charges, following which counsel to the first and second defendants, Gordy Uche, SAN, and Chris Uche, SAN, respectively, applied for the defendants to continue to enjoy the bail earlier granted by the court, which was not opposed by the prosecution counsel.
The first defendant’s counsel further moved a motion challenging the competence of the charge and asked the judge to strike out counts two, three, four and five for allegedly being a duplicity of action and to save the defendants from suffering double jeopardy.
This found support from counsel to the second defendant, Chris Uche, SAN, while it faced opposition from the prosecution counsel.
The court, however, reserved a ruling on the contention until the end of trial, citing Section 395 of the Administration of Criminal Justice Act (ACJA) 2015.
In continuation of the trial, the prosecution called its first witness, Prosecution Witness One (PW1), Abimbola Williams, a compliance officer with the United Bank for Africa (UBA) with 20 years’ experience.
She informed the court that the bank, in February 2025, received a request from the EFCC for details of some of its clients.
“The request asked for the bank statements of Jaspa Resources account, Bauchi State Sub-treasury account and the documents were printed and copies given to EFCC,” she said.
The banker, who said that the documents were certified by her, tendered them through the prosecution, and they were admitted in evidence by the court and marked as exhibits.
Although the defence lawyers raised an objection, they said their objection would be expounded in their written addresses.
Further in her testimony, PW1 narrated to the court how money running into multi-million naira, belonging to Bauchi State, was allegedly moved from the Bauchi State Sub-Treasury Account number: 1018819396 to Jasfad Resources Enterprises account number: 1023444660, domiciled in UBA.
She told the court that on October 29, 2024, there was a debit transfer from the Bauchi State Sub-Treasury Account to Jasfad Resources to the tune of N13,144,500. Also that “On October 29, 2024, we have a debit transfer of 1N7,196,300. On October 30, 2024 there were two debit transfers from Bauchi Sub-treasury account to Jasfad Resources Enterprise, first for N50 million and the second for N7, 321,000,” he said.
The witness further disclosed that there were 18 other instances, on different dates within the period, when transfers were made from the Bauchi State Sub-Treasury Account to Jasfad Resources.
Following the conclusion of PW1’s evidence-in-chief, Justice Egwuatu adjourned the matter until 12 May for continuation of trial.
Security operatives have foiled a bandit attack on a community watch and hunters’ base in Sukunkumi village, Kankia Local Government Area of Katsina State.
Security sources said the incident occurred around 7:30 pm on March 26, when about 15 heavily armed bandits on motorcycles attempted to overrun the facility.
According to counter-insurgency expert Zagazola Makama, the sources said security teams quickly moved to the area and engaged the attackers in a gun duel, forcing them to flee into nearby bushes.
The sources added that three motorcycles were recovered at the scene, including two that had earlier been taken from hunters during the clash.
They further stated that a Community Watch member, Yusuf Ibrahim, 30, sustained a gunshot wound to his left leg and was taken to General Hospital Kankia for treatment.
The sources also said patrols and clearance operations have been stepped up in the area to track down the fleeing suspects and prevent further attacks.
Former Senator representing Zamfara Central Senatorial District, Senator Kabir Garba Marafa, formally defected to the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) on Tuesday, along with his supporters. This move marks his second party switch in under a month.
Senator Marafa, who served in the Senate from 2011 to 2019, was welcomed by the NDC National Leader and Senator for Bayelsa West, Seriake Dickson, at Dickson’s residence in Abuja. The NDC National Chairman, Senator Moses Cleopas, and other party stakeholders were also present.
The defection comes just three weeks after Marafa joined the African Democratic Congress (ADC) on 8th April 2026. He had previously resigned from the All Progressives Congress (APC) on 28th August 2025, citing internal disputes within the ruling party.
Speaking to journalists shortly after receiving his NDC membership card, Marafa explained that his departure from the ADC was prompted by concerns over numerous ongoing legal challenges and the limited time remaining before critical electoral deadlines set by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC).
“The point of joining a political party is to provide an opportunity to contest and serve your people. If I were to ask you, what are the chances of the ADC succeeding?” Marafa questioned.
He stressed that his decision wasn’t motivated by ill will towards the ADC. “I’m not wishing them anything bad, as they are my friends and partners. We are united in this struggle. However, considering the number of legal cases pending and the limited time left, anyone intending to contest an election in Nigeria needs to be a member of a substantial political party by, at the latest, 9th May,” he said.
Marafa expressed doubt about the ADC’s ability to resolve its legal issues before key dates for party primaries and candidate registration. “How many court cases are we waiting for to determine the ADC’s fate? Let’s be honest and fair to ourselves. We’re awaiting a decision from the Supreme Court, knowing that the outcome could be evenly split, potentially leading to further litigation.”
He warned that prolonged legal battles could leave him and his supporters without a viable platform. “If that happens, where would we begin? By the time registration closes, what will I tell my people? That I waited in the ADC hoping for a favourable resolution, which isn’t even in their control?”
The former Senator said the decision to move to the NDC followed extensive consultations with his political base and legal advisors. “This is the main reason I met with my supporters to brainstorm and engaged experienced lawyers to assess the situation and advise us. Their advice led me and my supporters to join the NDC.”
Marafa pledged his loyalty to the NDC’s leadership and internal processes. “Therefore, whatever decision my new party, the NDC, takes regarding its presidential candidate when the time comes, we will respect it,” he said.
Senator Dickson described Marafa as a seasoned politician whose arrival would strengthen the NDC, particularly in Zamfara State and the wider North-West geopolitical zone. He urged Marafa to utilise his grassroots network to mobilise support and help address insecurity in the region.
“I welcome and recognise the distinguished delegation you’ve brought with you. Marafa is a significant figure, hailing from the Savannah region of Nigeria,” Dickson said. “This isn’t simply about joining a political party; it’s about a commitment to service, leadership, and delivering results for the people. The NDC is a party for everyone, including the less privileged and those who are hungry and insecure. That’s why our motto is service to the people.”
NDC National Chairman, Senator Moses Cleopas, added that the party is founded on a people-oriented agenda centred on inclusion, service delivery, and national renewal. He noted that the NDC is positioning itself as a credible alternative platform for women, young people, and people with disabilities as political activity intensifies ahead of the 2027 general election.
Marafa’s defection is considered a boost to the NDC’s efforts to expand its presence in the North-West, a region considered crucial in national elections.
EFCC re-arraigns Bauchi Accountant-General, BDC operator over N1.63bn fraud case
NGX penalizes over 30 firms for filing breaches
Security operatives foil bandit attack in Katsina
-
News22 hours agoSanwo-Olu’s resignation on health grounds story is false- Lagos govt
-
News22 hours agoEXPOSED! Senator Kingibe Allegedly Collected $65,000 For A Contract That Never Existed, Dragged To ICPC As Bizman Insists She Used Her Office To Defraud Him
-
News22 hours agoUS Considering Latest Iranian Proposal
-
Economy19 hours agoSEE Dollar To Naira Exchange Rate – Tuesday, April 28, 2026
-
News15 hours agoJust in: Tinubu Picks APC Nomination Forms For 2027 Re-Election Bid
-
News19 hours agoOver 29 Feared K!lled in Adamawa Community Attack on Football Spectators- Gov Fintiri confirms
-
News14 hours agoCourt orders MTN, AIRTEL to resume airtime lending services
-
News15 hours ago2027: Campaign Quietly Underway as Tinubu Secures APC Forms