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Wike: Tungan Madaki-Zuba Road, 9 Others Ready Before 2027 Polls

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The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Barr Nyesom Wike, has expressed confidence that at least 10 major road and infrastructure projects in Abuja will be completed and ready for commissioning before the 2027 general elections.

Wike gave the assurance on Wednesday during an inspection of the ongoing Tungan Madaki-Zuba Road and Nile University-RR3 Road projects, saying the contractors handling them had demonstrated the capacity, equipment and commitment required to meet their delivery timelines.

The minister said the inspection was part of efforts to assess the progress of projects flagged off during the FCT Administration’s third anniversary and determine whether the contractors would meet their commitments ahead of the planned commissioning.

At the Tungan Madaki-Zuba Road project, Wike disclosed that five of the six box culverts had been completed, describing the pace of work as commendable.

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He said the contractor, China Geo-Engineering Corporation (CGC), had assured the administration that the project would be completed and handed over by December.

“They have the capacity. I mean, they are not a new company. They have the capacity, they have the equipment. What’s important is if you have the equipment, and they have the equipment as part of capacity. So, they’ve been tested before now, so I have so much confidence in them,” Wike said.

The minister commended CGC for its commitment, noting that the company had demonstrated willingness to support the development of the FCT.

Wike also disclosed that the projects were capital-intensive and that contractors had yet to receive up to 30 per cent mobilisation, but had continued to execute the projects.

He assured the contractors that the FCT Administration would meet its financial obligations to ensure timely completion.

“On our part, we will not take it for granted that they are committed to the realization of the project. We will do our own part to pay them their money,” he said.

According to Wike, the administration plans to have at least 10 major projects completed and lined up for commissioning before the 2027 elections.

“We are also visiting some other two projects tomorrow, believing that by the end of the year, we would have had up to 10 projects, as promised, lined up for commissioning before the general election,” he said.

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Wike also said the FCT Administration had intensified efforts to tackle flooding by removing structures obstructing waterways across Abuja.

He said the ongoing demolition exercise, which commenced in Maitama on Tuesday, would be extended to other areas affected by blocked waterways.

“We’ve just started somewhere. After that, we will move to another area. We are not going to end just with what we started yesterday,” he said.

The minister further disclosed that the Director of Development Control was being queried over approvals allegedly granted to car dealers to operate on designated green areas.

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He ordered the immediate removal of car dealerships operating on such spaces, insisting that green areas must be preserved for recreational and environmental purposes.

“This morning, the Director of Development Control is being queried now for giving approval to car dealers to use green areas for the sale of cars,” Wike said.

“I’ve already stopped it, and I’ve set up a task force to make sure that every car dealer is moved out of the green areas. If you want to sell your car, you go and purchase somewhere, or rent somewhere, and then develop it.”

The minister maintained that the decision would not be reversed, regardless of the individuals or businesses affected.

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He said the removal of structures erected on waterways would restore the free flow of stormwater and reduce the risk of flooding in affected communities.

Reacting to criticism on social media over the demolition of structures obstructing waterways, Wike challenged critics questioning the exercise to explain whether the construction of buildings on water channels followed due process.

“What is due process? What is due process? You went to block a water channel, is that due process?” he asked.

The minister maintained that the FCT Administration was enforcing planning and environmental regulations in line with its responsibility to protect public infrastructure and communities.

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Wike vowed that the enforcement exercise would continue until structures obstructing drainage channels and other public infrastructure were removed.

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Watch moment, traditional rulers present kola to FCT minister Wike at ongoing town hall meeting in Akpor, Obio/Akpor LGA

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A video clip showing traditional rulers presenting kola to FCT minister Nyesom Wike at Akpor in Obio/Akpor LGA in Rivers State has emerged.

Watch:

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Independence Day: NNPCL Slashes Petrol Price With N66 Discount for Nigerians

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The Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL) has announced a N66 per litre discount on petrol purchases at its retail outlets nationwide to mark Nigeria’s 66th Independence Anniversary.

The offer, which runs from October 1 to 7, 2026, comes less than 24 hours after the state-owned oil company reduced its petrol pump price to N1,370 per litre.

NNPCL announced the promotional offer in a notice posted on its official X account on Thursday, urging Nigerians to take advantage of the temporary price reduction.

According to the company, customers will enjoy a N66 discount on every litre of Premium Motor Spirit (PMS) purchased at participating NNPC Retail stations, provided they make payments through its mobile application.

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“N66 off every litre of PMS at NNPC Retail today till 7 October. Pay with the app at any participating station. T&Cs apply,” the company stated.

The latest offer follows a fresh round of petrol price adjustments triggered by a reduction in the gantry price of petrol by the Dangote Refinery.

On Wednesday, NNPCL filling stations in Abuja and neighbouring areas reduced their pump price by N25, bringing the cost of petrol down to N1,370 per litre.

The adjustment came after the Dangote Refinery lowered its gantry price to N1,325 per litre, prompting changes in retail prices across parts of the country.

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Similarly, MRS filling stations in Abuja had earlier reduced their petrol pump price to N1,370 per litre.

With the latest price cuts and promotional offer, motorists in Abuja and surrounding areas can now access petrol at varying prices, with pump rates previously ranging between N1,370 and N1,450 per litre.

The NNPCL discount is expected to provide additional relief to motorists during the week-long Independence Day promotion, although customers must use the company’s mobile app and patronise participating outlets to qualify.

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Nigeria Bids Farewell to Reverend Okoye, Ex-Aso Villa Chaplain 

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National figures, religious leaders, and grieving family members gathered in Abuja on Wednesday to begin funeral rites for Rev. Dr. William Okoye, who passed away aged 74.

​The founding General Overseer of All Christians Fellowship Mission (ACFM) Worldwide was honoured during a solemn Lying in State and Service of Songs at the Church’s Maitama headquarters.

​Former Information Minister Prof. Jerry Gana paid emotional tribute to the late Cleric, highlighting his unwavering devotion to the Christian gospel and his profound influence on national governance.

​”He was never ashamed of the Gospel because for him it is the power of God for salvation.

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“He proclaimed it very clearly, firmly, and convincingly,” Gana said.

​Gana recalled working alongside Okoye as a spiritual advisor under the presidential administrations of Olusegun Obasanjo and Goodluck Jonathan, emphasising his absolute fearlessness before leaders.

​”Every morning at 6 a.m., he would pick me for prayer with the president. He was ready to speak truth to power. Nigeria has lost a giant,” Gana added.

​Emeritus Archbishop of Abuja, John Cardinal Onaiyekan, reflected fondly on Okoye’s pioneering role during the early days of the Federal Capital Territory’s development.

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​”When he started here to gather people in Abuja to pray on Sundays, there were no churches here. People in Lagos thought the new capital was not serious,” Onaiyekan recalled.

​The Cardinal noted that what began as a humble fellowship grew into a massive global movement through Okoye’s vision and commitment to community building.

​”What I remember him for is somebody who sees a need and does something to fill it.
“That little seed planted has now grown into a big tree,” Onaiyekan stated.

​Rev. Moses Aransiola, National Director of Nigeria Prays, praised the late clergyman for prioritising moral integrity over personal gain throughout his 52-year ministry.

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​”He did not value material things above integrity, commitment, loyalty, and faithfulness.

“To be a pastor to two sitting presidents is a real opportunity God gave him,” he said.

​Aransiola urged Nigerians to emulate Okoye’s steadfast character, noting that he lived an uncompromised life that earned him national respect.

​”When everybody is chasing after compromising their lives and integrity, God brought honour to Reverend Okoye easily. It pays to live a life of legacy,” he added.

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​In a joint tribute, the children of  Okoye remembered him not only as a renowned public minister, but as a devoted, loving, and humorous father.

​”Daddy lived his faith daily. We remember a busy man who still made time for his family, took us on vacations, and filled our home with laughter,” his children shared.

​They reaffirmed their commitment to upholding their father’s principle: “Labour hard, consume little, give much, and all to Christ,” while guarding the family name.

​”He may not have left us great material wealth, but he left us something far more enduring: his name, his faith, his values, and his example,” they added.

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​The family announced that Rev. Okoye’s vision would be preserved through the William and Helen Heritage Foundation, honouring both him and his late wife, Evangelist Helen Okoye.

​TheNews Agency of Nigeria (NAN)reports the events continue in Abuja with a Night of Tributes on Oct. 2 at the National Christian Centre, before moving to Agulu, Anambra State, for interment on Oct. 9.

The deceased is survived by six children, nine grandchildren, including Mr Victor Okoye, a journalist with theNews Agency of Nigeria(NAN), and the entire ACFM family.

Born in September 1951, the former Aso Villa Chapel Chaplain died on July 15, at the National Hospital in Abuja.

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The  Cleric will be buried on Oct. 9 in his country home, Amatutu Village, Agulu, Anaocha LGA, Anambra State, after a week-long funeral programme.(NAN)

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