Barely 24 hours after launching the Utako Farmers Market, the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, has once again made headlines by commissioning another major commercial hub, the first phase of the solar-powered Kugbo International Market in Abuja.

The market, which officially opened on Saturday, marks a significant milestone in the FCT’s economic transformation agenda. The first phase of the development features 1,600 fully equipped shops, and upon completion, the project is expected to house a total of 5,200 stalls. It will also boast 20 underground warehouses, 20 cold storage rooms, 10 restaurants, banking halls, a healthcare clinic, and dedicated police and fire service units. Daily foot traffic is projected to exceed 20,000 visitors, reinforcing its status as a premier commercial destination in the region.

Speaking through the Minister of State for the FCT, Dr. Mariya Mahmoud, Wike emphasized the economic and social value of the market beyond its physical structure.

“This market is not just a collection of stalls — it is a vibrant economic ecosystem,” he said. “It will boost trade and commercial activities, enhance revenue generation through taxes and levies, and, more importantly, create jobs for traders, artisans, logistics workers, and service providers. This aligns perfectly with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda.”

Wike further lauded Ambassador Maureen Tamuno, Group Managing Director of Abuja Investment Company Limited (AICL), for her effective leadership and strategic efforts in mobilizing investments and supporting economic growth in the FCT.

In her remarks, Amb. Tamuno acknowledged the minister’s unwavering commitment to urban transformation, praising the significant progress made in infrastructure and commercial development under Wike’s administration.

A notable highlight of the commissioning ceremony was the allocation of 120 rent-free shops to local traders. As part of Wike’s empowerment initiative, 20 shops were designated for each of the six area councils in the FCT, providing opportunities for grassroots entrepreneurs to thrive in a modern commercial environment.

The event attracted an array of prominent dignitaries, including former Speaker of the House of Representatives, Rt. Hon. Yakubu Dogara; former Minister of Information, Prof. Jerry Gana; Senator Anthony Yaro; Senator Binta Masi Garba; Prof. Suleiman Bogoro; and the FCT Head of Service, Grace Adayilo. In their goodwill messages, they commended the FCT administration and AICL for their commitment to driving inclusive economic development and positioning Abuja as a hub for sustainable investment and urban innovation.

The Minister of Education, Dr. Tunji Alausa, has put forward a bold proposal to extend the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) program from its current one-year duration to two years.

The move, he explained, is part of a broader strategy to reform the scheme, curb certificate fraud, and enhance the quality and impact of the NYSC on national development.

Dr. Alausa made the proposal during a recent visit to the NYSC headquarters in Abuja, where he emphasized the urgent need to digitize the NYSC mobilization process to combat rising cases of fraudulent credentials among prospective corps members.

His remarks follow a 2024 federal investigation that uncovered a massive scandal involving nearly 23,000 Nigerians who allegedly used fake foreign university degrees to gain admission into the NYSC program.

“We must take decisive steps to protect the integrity of our education and national service systems,” the minister said. “Extending the NYSC program will not only help prevent fraud, but also give corps members the opportunity to fully engage with the Skill Acquisition and Entrepreneurship Development (SAED) initiative, which is vital for empowering them to become job creators, not job seekers.”

The SAED program, a core component of NYSC’s vision, is designed to equip corps members with practical, income-generating skills during their service year. Alausa believes that with more time, participants can gain deeper expertise, gain work experience, and transition into entrepreneurial ventures that support Nigeria’s economic growth.

In support of the minister’s proposal, NYSC Director-General, Brigadier General Olakunle A. Nafiu, stated that the proposed two-year program would significantly enhance the scheme’s effectiveness.

“Extending the service duration would allow for a more thorough implementation of SAED, giving corps members the time they need to develop key skills and prepare for the labor market,” Nafiu said.

He also highlighted the ongoing digital reforms within the NYSC, aimed at establishing a more secure and transparent verification system to detect and prevent the use of fake academic certificates.

To further strengthen these reforms, Nafiu proposed the creation of a centralized database to monitor Nigerian students studying abroad. According to him, such a system would ensure that only graduates with verified and legitimate qualifications are mobilized into the NYSC program.

The proposal has generated considerable debate among stakeholders, with some praising the government’s focus on youth empowerment and integrity, while others question the practicality of a longer service year amid existing challenges faced by corps members.

If adopted, the reform could represent one of the most significant overhauls of the NYSC scheme since its inception in 1973.

The remains of the late elder statesman and leader of Ijaw and Pan Niger Delta Forum (PANDEF), Chief Edwin Clark, will be laid to rest on May 13, 2025, in his hometown, Kiagbodo in Burutu Local Government Area (LGA) of Delta State.

The late former Federal Commissioner for Information, Senator in the Second Republic, and leader of the South-South region died on February 17, 2025, in Abuja.

The eldest son of the deceased, Mr. Penaowei Clark, announced the burial arrangement yesterday at a brief ceremony held at the Kiagbodo residence of the late PANDEF leader.

The Pere of Mein Kingdom, Kiagbodo, HRM Samuel Fuludu, Ogiogio II; Head of the Clark family, Prof. C. C Clark; Delta State Commissioner for Directorate of Riverine Infrastructure Development, Chief Ebikeme Clark and other notable members of the family were present at the briefing.

The statement indicated that the burial ceremony would begin on Wednesday, May 7 with a lecture in his honour at the NAF Conference Centre and Suites Abuja at 11 am.

As part of the burial programmes, there will be a valedictory session on Thursday, May 8 in his honour at the Senate Chamber at 11 am.
According to the statement, the day of tribute is Friday, May 9, 2025, at NAF Conference Centre & Suites, Abuja, at 3 pm.

The statement showed that on Saturday, May 10, 2025, there will be a wrestling contest at Yenagoa, while Service of Songs will take place at St. James’ Anglican Church, Asokoro, 39, Haile Selassie Street, Asokoro, Abuja, at 5 pm.

“Sunday, May 11, 2025 – Boat Regatta; Port Harcourt Masquerade, Candlelight Memorial – Yenagoa Kiagbodo, Abuja: No. 43, Haile Selassie Street, Asokoro, Abuja. Time: 7 pm-8 pm.
The commendation service will take place on Monday, May 12, 2025, at 8 am, at the National Christian Centre, Abuja, while the Valedictory Court Session will be held simultaneously at 10 am, at the High Court of Justice, Warri, Delta State.

By 10:30 am, his body departs from Abuja to Yenagoa, Bayelsa State, while the commendation service will be held at Ijaw House, Yenagoa, Bayelsa State.

The body departs to Warri, Delta State while lying in state takes place at No. 5, Swamp Road, Warri, Delta State from 6:30 to 7 pm.

At 7:30 pm, his body departs to Kiagbodo Town, Delta State while service of songs and all-night vigil will be held at Kiagbodo Town, Delta State.

“Tuesday, May 13, 2025; 10 am-10:30 am, lying-in-state at Edwin Clark University, Kiagbodo Town, Delta State. 10:30-11 am – commendation service at Edwin Clark University, Kiagbodo, Delta State. 11 am is the funeral service. 1 pm is Reception. 5 pm is Internment/all-night vigil.”

On Sunday, May 18, 2025, there will be thanksgiving service.