News
Wike inspects new ministry of livestock site
By Francesca Hangeior.
The Federal Capital Territory Minister, Nyesom Wike, says President Bola Tinubu has directed the FCT Administration through the Federal Capital Development Authority to refurbish the former Ministry of Agriculture building for the newly created Ministry of Livestock.
The minister stated this following an inspection tour of the ministry’s building in the Central Business District of Abuja, and the ongoing construction of the Kugbo International Market along the Abuja-Keffi Expressway, on Wednesday.
Wike, while addressing journalists after the inspection, described the project as “an emergency work” and said the FCTA would invite companies to assess the building and give quotation for the project.
He added that an integrity test had been conducted on the building, which came back “okay”.
“Well, it is the former Ministry of Agriculture, and we have a directive from Mr President to go and immediately refurbish the place and furnish it for the new Ministry of Livestock, and that is why we went there to see things for ourselves. We will get some companies to come and look at it, and quote for it. It is an emergency work because the creation of the Ministry of Livestock is a welcome development, and you can see people are happy, waiting for it to start.
“We are bringing some companies to look at it, and then we will take the best, or what do we call it, the most responsive builder that we know that the government will afford to handle. But don’t be in a rush, what is important is that we have gone there to see for ourselves, and the job will soon start,” he said.
The minister also said he had directed the Department of Development Control to demolish buildings obstructing a road corridor leading to the Kugbo International Market from Mpape.
Noting that the market was constructed under a Public Private Partnership, Wike added that the administration will also liaise with the investor to make the completed first phase of the project affordable to traders, to dissuade roadside trading in the FCT.
“This is an investment that should be encouraged, as an international market of this standard. There are a lot of problems, there is encroachment, and I have directed the Development Control to immediately demolish anything that will cause an impediment. This is a road corridor, and we will not allow that, and the Development Control Director is here, he has been ordered to move in with his men to demolish whatever is an obstacle.
“Somebody invested his money. But that is not why we should allow traders to be on the road, we must take into cognisance all of those things. An investor must also make profits. I mean, we are not running a socialist economy. People should know, that when you invest your money, you don’t expect that the investor will just come, open it for you, and then you pack in for free, nobody does that, and we should not encourage that. And that is not why I will allow people to sell on the road.
“Anyway, we will not also allow the investor to take advantage of that, and then people cannot afford it, no. We will look into that, we will do the costing and we will ask the MD and Chief Executive of Abuja Investment Company to sit down with the investor, to see what agreement we can reach. And we can put our stake to see that people get allocations there,” he stated.
News
Gunfire Hits Southwest Airlines Plane at Dallas Airport
A Southwest Airlines flight bound for Indianapolis was reportedly struck by gunfire while preparing for departure at Dallas Love Field Airport on Friday night, as confirmed by the airline. The incident occurred around 9:48 p.m. at 8000 Herb Keller Way, and authorities were quickly alerted to the scene.
According to a spokesperson for Southwest Airlines, a bullet hit the aircraft, but fortunately, no injuries were reported among the 99 passengers and crew on board. The aircraft taxied safely back to the terminal immediately after the incident.
In a statement issued on Saturday, Southwest Airlines provided further details, explaining that Flight 2494 was preparing for takeoff when a bullet struck the plane’s right side, just below the flight deck. The airline reassured passengers that it would accommodate them on another flight and has since taken the affected plane out of service.
While law enforcement was promptly notified, Dallas Police have not yet disclosed information about the source or motive behind the gunfire. The Dallas Police Department has intensified security efforts at the airport, and a thorough investigation is currently underway to determine the circumstances surrounding the incident. Further updates are expected as authorities continue their inquiries into this unexpected and concerning situation.
Gist9ja
News
(Photos)Just in: Ondo Election: DSS Arrest Vote Buyer
The Department of State Services (DSS) operatives made a notable arrest during the Ondo State governorship election, apprehending a suspected vote-buyer in Akure.
The individual was found in possession of two large bags filled with cash, believed to be intended for influencing voters in the election. The arrest occurred around 9 a.m. at Ward 4, Polling Unit 007, near St. Stephen’s Primary School.
Meanwhile, the election day saw Ondo State’s incumbent governor and the All Progressives Congress (APC) candidate, Lucky Aiyedatiwa, casting his vote early in the day. The governor voted at Polling Unit 05, Ward 4, in Obenla, Ilaje Local Government Area at precisely 8:52 a.m.
After casting his ballot, Governor Aiyedatiwa commended the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) for ensuring an organized and seamless process at the polls, particularly in his ward. He also encouraged voters across the state to participate peacefully, stressing the importance of each vote in shaping Ondo’s future.
Reports from polling units across the state indicate that voting materials arrived on time, and INEC ad-hoc staff were present and prepared to conduct the election. Security personnel from multiple agencies were stationed across Ondo to ensure a secure and orderly voting environment.
The Ondo governorship election has drawn widespread attention, with Governor Aiyedatiwa and a diverse field of candidates from several political parties competing for the state’s highest office. The election marks a critical moment for Ondo’s residents, who are eager to see their chosen leaders guide the state forward.
News
DJ Cuppy Shares Heartfelt Prayer to God About Her Future Husband
By Kayode Sanni-Arewa
Nigerian DJ and billionaire heiress, DJ Cuppy, has shared a heartfelt prayer on social media, expressing her desire for a deep spiritual connection with God.
In the post, she prayed that her relationship with God be so strong that her future husband would first have to seek God in order to find her.
The emotional prayer resonated with many of her followers, who praised her commitment to faith and personal growth.
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