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Over N100bn spent on Bwari road projects, education, security – Wike

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Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, on Friday revealed that the Federal Government has spent over N100 billion on road projects, education and security infrastructure in Bwari Area Council under President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda.

Speaking during the commissioning of the Gaba-Tokulo road project in Bwari, Wike emphasised the administration’s commitment to delivering tangible development to every area council.

“This Gaba-Tokulo road project alone cost the government no less than N7 billion. Since we flagged it off in January 2024, we ensured prompt payments, which allowed for timely completion without delays or abandoned contracts,” Wike stated.

The Minister highlighted other completed road projects in Bwari, including the rehabilitation of roads in Ushafa, War College, and other communities, which have collectively cost N28bn.

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He said: “In total, the Federal Government has invested N62.2 billion in road infrastructure for Bwari Area Council. This figure underscores our commitment to infrastructure development as part of the Renewed Hope Agenda”.

Beyond road projects, the Minister noted substantial investments in the education sector. New and rehabilitated schools in Bwari, including Government Secondary Schools in Dutse, Ushafa, Kubwa, and others, accounted for N27 billion in spending.

“Combining road infrastructure and education, the Federal Government has spent close to N90 billion in Bwari Area Council alone. This is a testament to our resolve to restore hope and bring development to the people,” Wike added.

Wike also announced the construction of two new police divisions in Igu and Ushafa to enhance security in the area. He assured residents that the projects would be completed and handed over by May 2025.

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“Security is paramount, and these police divisions will ensure that residents of Bwari can live and work in peace. This is another way the Renewed Hope Agenda is transforming communities,” he noted.

Looking ahead, Wike confirmed that every area council would have at least one major road project in the 2025 budget. For Bwari, he revealed plans to extend the Gaba-Tokulo road to Kawu, which will be prioritized for inclusion in the upcoming budget.

“We are listening to the people. This government is about fulfilling promises and delivering results. With your continued support, we will achieve even more,” Wike assured.

He commended the contractors for their quality work and directed them to include streetlights along the Gaba-Tokulo road as an added improvement.

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The Minister concluded by urging residents to maintain the completed infrastructure, stressing that the Renewed Hope Agenda is a reality aimed at improving the lives of all Nigerians.

Earlier, the Minister of State for the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Dr. Mariya Mahmoud lauded President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s administration for its unwavering commitment to rural infrastructure development, which she described as a driving force for connectivity and economic growth.

She also commended the leadership of FCT Minister, Barr. Nyesom Wike, and members of the National Assembly for their vision and relentless efforts in turning this initiative into reality.

Highlighting the importance of the new road and two-span river bridges, she emphasized the transformative impact it will have on trade, education, healthcare, and mobility within the community.

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“This is more than just infrastructure; it is a pathway to progress and prosperity,” she stated, urging the community to support the project’s smooth implementation and maximize its benefits for generations to come.

Responding to a request by the Chairman of Bwari Area Council, Hon. John Gabaya, for the extension of the Gaba-Tokulo road to Kawu near the boundary with Kaduna State and  the provision of an alternative route from Bwari to Kubwa, the Minister  promised that the Tokulo-Kawu road requested by the council Chairman will be prioritized, considering its significance to the people and in fulfillment of the directive of Mr, President for each Area Council to get a minimum of one rural road in 2025.

He also commended Setraco, the construction company, for delivering a high-quality road project, adding that the contractor has been directed to also provide streetlights on the road, beyond the initial scope of the contract.

Earlier, the Bwari Area Council Chairman, Hon. Gabaya, had expressed gratitude to the Minister for providing infrastructure in Bwari and across all six Area Councils within the FCT.

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The Chairman acknowledged the historical challenges faced by residents, highlighting the previous dangers associated with the Gaba-Tokulo road, which had sadly resulted in the loss of lives.

Describing the FCT Minister as an embodiment of the Renewed Hope Agenda of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, the Chairman presented a gift to the FCT Minister and the Minister of State on behalf of the grateful residents of Tokulo as a token of appreciation for the road project.

In his welcome address, the Coordinator, Satellite Town Development Department, STDD, Hon. Zulkiflu Abdulkadir, expressed gratitude to the FCT Minister for his unwavering commitment to the growth and development of the satellite towns and area councils.

Hon. Zulkiflu said, under the leadership of Barr. Wike, the six Area Councils have witnessed a renewed sense of hope and progress, adding that the Minister’s dedication and passion for improving the lives of citizens have been instrumental in driving forward the goals of the STDD.

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He said that the project has already made a remarkable impact on the rural environment, promoting small and medium-scale businesses.

The coordinator expressed confidence that the road will not only improve the economic landscape of the community but also enhance the overall quality of life of the people.

Another highlight of the event was a minute silence held in honour of a former Minister of the FCT, Lt. Gen. Jeremiah Timbut Useni (Rtd) who died late on Thursday.

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SAD! ISWAP terrorists reportedly k!ll 2 sons of Police Inspector

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Islamic State of West African Province (ISWAP) have reportedy launched a deadly attack on Buni Yadi in Gujba local government area of Yobe State, killing two children of a Police Inspector, Mallam Jibril Mohammed, setting their corpses and house on fire.

A credible intelligence source confirmed that the attack occurred in the early hours of Monday around 1am in the Shuwari Baban Layi area of the town.

One of the resident who did not want his name in print said the assailants infiltrated the town and targeted the home of Inspector Mohammed of the Nigeria Police Force (NPF) and started shooting sporadically.

Another security information confirmed that the terrorists set the house ablaze and killing two of the police officer’s children before escaping.

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LEADERSHIP gathered that upon receiving intelligence report on the attack, troops of 27 Task Force Brigade, Sector 2 Operation HADIN KAI swiftly mobilised to the scene.

However, the terrorists fled upon sighting advancing troops, abandoning their bicycles in the process. (LEADERSHIP)

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CRYPTO: Trump to Host Top Industry Leaders

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U.S. President Donald Trump will host top crypto industry leaders at the White House on Friday, marking a significant shift in the administration’s approach to digital assets.

The summit comes as the cryptocurrency sector enjoys renewed momentum following Trump’s election victory.

The event, led by Trump’s newly appointed “crypto czar,” Silicon Valley investor David Sacks, will bring together prominent figures in the space, including Gemini founders Cameron and Tyler Winklevoss. Reports suggest that Coinbase CEO Brian Armstrong and Michael Saylor, the head of Bitcoin investment firm MicroStrategy, will also be in attendance.

Trump’s engagement with the industry has been personal as well as political. In January, he launched his own “Trump” memecoin in partnership with the exchange platform World Liberty Financial, following a similar move by former First Lady Melania Trump.

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These ventures have drawn accusations of conflicts of interest.

During his campaign, the crypto community overwhelmingly backed Trump, pouring millions into his effort to unseat Joe Biden, whose administration had taken a more skeptical stance on digital currencies and imposed tighter regulations. Now, industry players are looking for policies that will accelerate crypto adoption and provide long-sought legitimacy.

The summit comes at a crucial time for the sector, which continues to grapple with the fallout from the collapse of FTX, once one of the world’s largest crypto exchanges. Its founder, Sam Bankman-Fried, was convicted of fraud and is currently serving a 25-year prison sentence.

For advocates, cryptocurrencies represent a financial revolution, offering an alternative to centralized banking and serving as a hedge against inflation and political instability. Bitcoin, the world’s most traded digital asset, is increasingly compared to gold as a store of value.

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However, critics warn that digital assets remain highly speculative and vulnerable to abuse. Law enforcement agencies have raised concerns over their potential use in money laundering, while the rise of “memecoins” – cryptocurrencies based on internet trends or celebrities rather than technical innovation – has fueled worries about market manipulation and pump-and-dump schemes.

Despite his past skepticism, Trump has now positioned himself as a champion of crypto innovation, declaring his intent to make the United States a global leader in digital finance. The upcoming summit is expected to set the tone for his administration’s policies on the industry moving forward.

The summit comes as the cryptocurrency sector enjoys renewed momentum following Trump’s election victory.

The event, led by Trump’s newly appointed “crypto czar,” Silicon Valley investor David Sacks, will bring together prominent figures in the space, including Gemini founders Cameron and Tyler Winklevoss. Reports suggest that Coinbase CEO Brian Armstrong and Michael Saylor, the head of Bitcoin investment firm MicroStrategy, will also be in attendance.

Advertisement

Trump’s engagement with the industry has been personal as well as political. In January, he launched his own “Trump” memecoin in partnership with the exchange platform World Liberty Financial, following a similar move by former First Lady Melania Trump. These ventures have drawn accusations of conflicts of interest.

During his campaign, the crypto community overwhelmingly backed Trump, pouring millions into his effort to unseat Joe Biden, whose administration had taken a more skeptical stance on digital currencies and imposed tighter regulations. Now, industry players are looking for policies that will accelerate crypto adoption and provide long-sought legitimacy.

The summit comes at a crucial time for the sector, which continues to grapple with the fallout from the collapse of FTX, once one of the world’s largest crypto exchanges. Its founder, Sam Bankman-Fried, was convicted of fraud and is currently serving a 25-year prison sentence.

For advocates, cryptocurrencies represent a financial revolution, offering an alternative to centralized banking and serving as a hedge against inflation and political instability. Bitcoin, the world’s most traded digital asset, is increasingly compared to gold as a store of value.

Advertisement

However, critics warn that digital assets remain highly speculative and vulnerable to abuse. Law enforcement agencies have raised concerns over their potential use in money laundering, while the rise of “memecoins” – cryptocurrencies based on internet trends or celebrities rather than technical innovation – has fueled worries about market manipulation and pump-and-dump schemes.

Despite his past skepticism, Trump has now positioned himself as a champion of crypto innovation, declaring his intent to make the United States a global leader in digital finance. The upcoming summit is expected to set the tone for his administration’s policies on the industry moving forward.

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Wike in Italy, to meet with Lombardy Region’s President, agribusiness investors

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Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Minister Nyesom Wike yesterday arrived Milan, Italy, ahead of official engagements with the President of Lombardy Region, Attilio Fontana.

Wike is also expected to meet with agribusiness investors in the country.

The minister’s Senior Special Assistant on Public Communications and Social Media, Lere Olayinka, announced this in a statement in Milan.

The statement said Wike departed Abuja on Tuesday night and arrived in Milan around 4:30 a.m. yesterday. He was received by the Charge d’Affairs of the Embassy of Nigeria in Italy, Ambassador Mustapha Mohammed.

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“While in Milan, the FCT minister will hold a meeting with the President of Lombardy Region on Thursday, and also meet agribusiness investors.

“Lombardy is adjudged as the first region of Italy in terms of economic importance, with a population of about 10 million people. It is the second most populous region of the European Union (EU) and the second region of the European Union by nominal Gross Domestic Product (GDP).

“The FCT minister’s meeting with the Attilio Fontana will centre on seeking collaboration and evaluating possible prospects in the areas of Agriculture and Vocational Education, as well as strategic development partners with the Lombardy Region.

“Subsequently, Wike will meet investors in agribusiness and experts in vocational training, with a view to unlock new opportunities.

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“The FCT Mandate Secretaries for Education, Dr. Danlami Hayyo, and Mandate Secretary for Agriculture and Rural Development, Lawan Geidam, as well as the Senior Special Assistant on Administration, Dr. Udo Samuel Atang, and Senior Special Assistant on Legal and Multi-Lateral Cooperation, Benedict Daudu, accompanied the Minister on the trip,” the statement said.

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