News
Betara Hails Wike’s Transformation Efforts, Celebrates Best Minister of the Year Award

By Gloria Ikibah
The Chairman, House of Representatives Committee on Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Rep. Aliyu Muktar Betara, has commended the FCT Minister, BarrIster Nyesom Wike, for his exceptional leadership and commitment to developing the nation’s capital.
In a congratulatory message, Betara, who represents Biu/Bayo/Shani and Kwaya Kusar Federal Constituency of Borno State, praised Wike for earning the prestigious “Best Minister of the Year” award by THISDAY/Arise TV, citing his dedication to infrastructure and transformation in Abuja.
He said: “On behalf of the House of Representatives Committee on FCT, I wish to extend my warmest congratulations to the Honourable Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, His Excellency Bar Nyesom Wike (CON, GSSRS), on your well-deserved recognition as the Minister of the Year by THISDAY/Arise TV.
“This prestigious honour is a testament to your visionary leadership, tireless dedication, and exceptional contributions to the infrastructural transformation of the Federal Capital Territory.
“Your unwavering commitment to service and your determination to improve the lives of residents and visitors alike to the FACT has been nothing short of exemplary.
“Through your bold initiatives and strategic policies, you have not only enhanced the aesthetics and functionality of Abuja, but have also reaffirmed the FCT’s position as a beacon of progress and modernity in Nigeria.”
According to Betara, the award reflects the Minister’s positive impact and the widespread admiration he has garnered across different sectors.
“I celebrate this outstanding achievement with you and express my gratitude for your leadership and passion for development.
“May this milestone serve as an inspiration for even greater accomplishments as you continue to serve with integrity and purpose.
“Once again, congratulations on this remarkable feat. I wish you continued success in your endeavours,” he noted.
Betara described Wike as an outstanding leader whose transformative vision for the FCT is delivering remarkable results.
News
SAD! ISWAP terrorists reportedly k!ll 2 sons of Police Inspector

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.
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)
News
CRYPTO: Trump to Host Top Industry Leaders

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

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.
“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.
“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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