The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Barr. Nyesom Wike, has reaffirmed the commitment of President Bola Tinubu’s administration to infrastructure development and community enhancement, citing the recent fulfillment of key promises made to residents of the Kwali Area Council.

Speaking on Tuesday during the official inauguration of the newly constructed 11km Yangogi-Sukuku-Ebo Road in Kwali, Wike commended the local community for their support and emphasized the administration’s dedication to improving the area’s infrastructure.

The minister recalled a stakeholders’ meeting held last year in Kwali, where residents identified their pressing needs, including the now-completed road.

“Today, a promise made is a promise kept. You are the first community where we are constructing a road and installing streetlights.

“I assure you, the bridge you’ve requested will also be built,” Wike said.

Wike praised the leadership of the Kwali Area Council and the Association of Local Governments of Nigeria (ALGON), for their support, attributing the success of the project to collaborative efforts.

He urged residents to remain patient as more development initiatives are underway.

“President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s government is committed to uplifting our people.

“If you stay patient, we will all enjoy the benefits of this administration,” he assured.

The minister also commended Gilmore Construction Company, the project contractor, for timely delivery and its corporate social responsibility efforts, including the renovation of a local school.

“I encourage other companies to emulate Gilmore by contributing to community development,” he added.

Highlighting other ongoing projects in Kwali, such as the construction of police stations, Wike reiterated the administration’s focus on partnerships for sustainable growth.

“An agreement is an agreement. You do for me, and I do for you,” he emphasized.

Residents of Kwali expressed gratitude to President Tinubu and the FCT leadership for addressing their needs, reaffirming their support for the government’s vision of inclusive growth.

The Minister of State for the FCT, Dr. Mariya Mahmoud, also lauded the administration’s commitment to rural development under the Renewed Hope Agenda.

She noted that the road project, completed less than a year after its groundbreaking in February 2024, demonstrates Wike’s dedication to delivering results.

“Investing in rural infrastructure is not just about economic development; it’s a vital step toward building inclusive, resilient, and sustainable communities,” Mahmoud said.

She further highlighted the road’s transformative impact on rural communities, enhancing access to markets, schools, healthcare facilities, reducing insecurity, and fostering economic growth.

By Ade Iyamoye

The CEO of the Presidential Compressed Natural Gas (CNG), Initiative, Engr Michael Oluwagbemi, has assured Nigerians that the government’s CNG conversion program will significantly reduce transportation costs while fostering local content development in the sector.

Speaking during an exclusive interview, Oluwagbemi outlined ambitious plans to expand the adoption of CNG-powered vehicles nationwide.

He revealed that over 10,000 commercial vehicles in Abuja and Lagos are targeted for conversion within the next 10 weeks under the “10 for 10” program, with projections to increase this figure to 250,000 vehicles within a year.

“We are starting with critical urban centers like Lagos and Abuja to achieve the critical mass needed to lower transportation costs,” he said.

To sustain the initiative, Oluwagbemi emphasized the importance of local content, noting that over 80% of the program’s spending so far has been directed toward Nigerian companies.

He also highlighted growing investments in local manufacturing of CNG kits, cylinders, and vehicles.

“This program has created over 9,000 jobs and attracted $470 million in investments, with more opportunities on the horizon,” he added.

The CEO acknowledged the challenges of scaling up, such as increasing conversion centers and training technicians.

Plans are underway to double the current 193 conversion centers to 500 by year-end, with a capacity to convert 250,000 vehicles annually.

Additionally, partnerships with state authorities aim to implement CNG policies at the local level, with Abuja poised to become a model for full adoption of CNG-powered taxis.

Oluwagbemi commended President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for prioritizing energy transition policies and urged Nigerians to embrace the program.

He assured that ongoing investments in refueling stations and modular refilling units will ensure adequate CNG supply across the country.

“CNG conversion is not just about reducing costs; it’s about driving local capacity and positioning Nigeria as a leader in energy transition,” Oluwagbemi said.

By Ade Iyamoye

The Federal Government has approved the establishment of the Bola Ahmed Tinubu (BAT) Federal Polytechnic in Gwarinpa, Abuja, marking a significant milestone in its drive to boost technological, vocational, and entrepreneurial education across the country.

In a letter dated January 9, 2025, addressed to the Honourable Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Barr. Ezenwo Nyesom Wike, the Minister of Education, Dr. Tunji Alausa, outlined the government’s decision, emphasizing its alignment with the National Policy on Education, which mandates the establishment of at least one federal polytechnic in every state.

The FCT Minister has been tasked with suggesting suitable locations for the polytechnic’s temporary and permanent campuses within Gwarinpa. A technical team from the Federal Ministry of Education (FME) and the National Board for Technical Education (NBTE) is set to inspect the proposed sites to ensure they meet the requirements for approval.

In a bid to fast-track the institution’s takeoff, Dr. Alausa hinted at the possibility of repurposing existing tertiary institutions, should the FCT administration deem it feasible.

The establishment of the BAT Federal Polytechnic is expected to transform Gwarinpa into a hub for skills development, innovation, and entrepreneurship, enhancing Abuja’s reputation as a center for educational excellence and contributing to national development.