Abuja Reports

Nigeria’s Rich Resources Must Not Fuel Insecurity, SGF Warns

Published

2 months ago

December 3, 2024

By Samson Adeyanju

Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF), Senator George Akume has issued a stern warning on the misuse of Nigeria’s natural wealth.

Addressing the theme, “Our Natural Resources and Insecurity in Nigeria,” at the fourth-quarter meeting of the Nigeria Inter-Religious Council (NIREC) held in Abuja, Akume lamented the paradox of a resource-rich nation plagued by insecurity and poverty.

“Our abundant resources must not become a curse but a blessing that fosters growth and unity,” Akume asserted, highlighting the critical role of sustainable management in tackling challenges such as oil bunkering in the Niger Delta and banditry in the north.

He called for stronger policies, enhanced security frameworks, and transparent governance to deter criminal activities fueled by resource exploitation.

The SGF emphasized the importance of involving local communities in resource management to build trust and create economic opportunities.

He also advocated for educational reforms and vocational training as tools to combat poverty and reduce the allure of illegal activities.

In his remarks, Akume called on religious and political leaders to guide Nigerians toward accountability and justice, urging a collective effort to transform the nation’s resource wealth into a source of national pride and stability.

Speaking at the event, the Executive Secretary of the National Inter-Religious Council (NIREC), Fr. Cornelius Afebu Omonokhua, lamented the unintended consequences of gold discovery in Zamfara State, describing it as a catalyst for violence rather than an avenue for economic growth.

Highlighting the paradox of resource wealth leading to instability, Fr. Omonokhua pointed out that instead of fostering development, Zamfara’s gold reserves have become a source of strife, with banditry and illegal mining thriving in the region.

He expressed disappointment over the complicity of some traditional rulers and security agents in perpetuating these vices, further undermining efforts to harness the resources for the common good.

“What should have been a blessing to Zamfara has turned into a hotbed of insecurity and lawlessness,” Fr. Omonokhua said, citing fears among local farmers and the collapse of agricultural activities that once defined the region.

He called for urgent reforms in resource management and governance, advocating for policies that prioritize equity, environmental sustainability, and the security of all citizens.

Fr. Omonokhua also stressed the need for mental re-engineering, value reorientation, and interreligious collaboration to address the root causes of these issues.

The meeting served as a clarion call for reforms, aiming to ensure that Nigeria’s resources drive prosperity rather than conflict.

Abuja Reports

Abuja Doctors Suspend Strike After Wike’s Intervention

Published

4 hours ago

January 25, 2025

Samson Adeyanju

By Jesusemen Oratokhai
The Association of Resident Doctors (ARD), in Abuja has ended its warning strike following the intervention of the FCT Minister, Nyesom Wike.
The strike, which began on Wednesday, had paralyzed services in FCTA-owned hospitals, with doctors demanding payment of salary arrears and other entitlements.
Dr. George Ebong, ARD President, announced on Friday that the FCTA had fulfilled key demands, including the payment of six months’ salary arrears, disbursement of accoutrement allowances, approval of a two-year residency bonding program, employment of additional doctors and health workers, and payment of outstanding wages for locum staff.
Doctors are set to resume work on Saturday, January 25, 2025, averting an indefinite shutdown of healthcare services.
While expressing gratitude to Minister Wike for his swift response, Dr. Ebong urged the government to address other lingering issues, including hazard allowances and facility upgrades, to avoid future industrial actions.

Abuja Reports

Hoodlums Unleash Terror on Saburi Community

Published

5 hours ago

January 25, 2025

Samson Adeyanju

By Patrick Idowu
Residents of Saburi in the Dei-Dei area of Abuja are gripped with fear as hoodlums continue to terrorize the community, carrying out multiple attacks since the start of the year.
The assailants, who reportedly use scavengers to survey the area before striking, have attacked at least three times, stealing valuables worth millions of naira.
The first incident occurred during the New Year crossover night, with subsequent attacks targeting homes on Ikejani Street, Osumeayi Street, Sani Abacha Lane, and other parts of Saburi.
During one attack, the hoodlums severely injured a security guard, Sunday Ogbor, slashing his face with a knife.
Ogbor recounted, “They tied me up, hit me, and cut my face from ear to ear. I can no longer see properly.”
Another resident, Gift Udago, narrated how the robbers, armed with machetes, axes, and guns, invaded his house, broke windows, and demanded money and phones.
“They destroyed everything and took valuables. It was a terrifying experience,” he said.
Princess Amaka Chijioke, the community’s women leader, described how the robbers stormed her home after learning she had withdrawn money.
“They threatened to kill my son and took everything,” she said, urging the government to intervene.
Residents expressed frustration over the slow response of the police, claiming it often takes an hour for officers to arrive after an attack.
Many have resorted to organizing vigilante patrols to protect themselves.
The Vice Chairman of the Saburi residential district, Engr. Gerald Aziegbe, lamented the lack of a strong police presence, saying, “This is the fifth time in over three years that we have been attacked, and no arrest has been made.”
The community is calling on the government and security agencies to address the escalating insecurity in the area.

Abuja Reports

TCN Completes Tower Relocation, Restores Power

Published

1 day ago

January 24, 2025

Samson Adeyanju

By Patrick Idowu

The Transmission Company of Nigeria (TCN), has announced the successful relocation of eight 132kV and 33kV transmission towers along the Kukwaba/Apo 132kV line, restoring full bulk power to the 132/33kV Apo Transmission Substation in Abuja.

In a statement issued by Ndidi Mbah, TCN’s General Manager of Public Affairs, on Friday, the company confirmed the completion of the project, which had been necessitated by the Federal Capital Development Authority’s (FCDA), road dualization project in the Apo area.

The relocation work, which began on January 6, 2025, included dismantling and reconstructing the towers and restringing power cables.

TCN had earlier announced a planned outage between January 6 and January 20 to enable the smooth execution of the project.

With the restoration of power to the Apo Substation, the Abuja Electricity Distribution Company (AEDC), can now resume normal electricity distribution to affected customers, ending weeks of load rationing.

“We are pleased to announce the restoration of full bulk power to the Apo Substation following the successful relocation of the towers along the Southern Expressway route.

TCN thanks all affected electricity consumers for their patience during this period,” Mbah stated.

This development brings relief to residents of the Federal Capital Territory who had experienced power disruptions during the two-week relocation project.