By Anifowoshe Oladipupo

The Federal Capital Territory Administration is stepping up efforts to transform Abuja into a thriving center for arts, music and entertainment through fresh partnerships with key industry stakeholders.

At a stakeholders’ forum hosted by the Arts and Culture Department, experts, guilds and cultural troupes gathered at the Social Development Secretariat to chart a new course for the city’s creative industry.

Permanent Secretary of the Secretariat, Olubunmi Olowookere, described Abuja as a city brimming with artistic potential but in need of structure, investment and policy support to match global standards.

“Our dream is to make Abuja a cultural capital like Lagos, alive with creativity, rhythm and talent,” she said, pledging to push stakeholders’ recommendations to FCT Minister Nyesom Wike for immediate consideration.

Among the groups present were the Performing Musicians Association of Nigeria, the Actors Guild, Directors Guild and indigenous troupes, all committed to building a sustainable future for the capital’s creative economy.

By Patrick Idowu

The House of Representatives has passed the N1.738 trillion 2025 budget proposal for the Federal Capital Territory at its second reading.

Presented on Tuesday by the House Leader, Professor Julius Ihonvre, and seconded by Minority Leader Kingsley Chinda, the bill reflects the FCT’s financial plan for the coming year.

The budget was originally submitted to the House by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu in a letter addressed to Speaker Abbas Tajuddeen, who presided over Tuesday’s plenary. After the presentation, the Speaker put the bill to a voice vote, securing its approval by the House.

The bill has now been referred to the House Committees on Federal Capital Territory and FCT Area Councils and Ancillary Matters for further legislative review and action.

By Oso Abidemi 

In celebration of the 2025 World Family Doctors Day, the Federal Capital Territory Administration has called on all tiers of government to significantly increase funding and support for primary healthcare across Nigeria.

Dr. Mariya Mahmoud, FCT Minister of State, made the appeal at an event organized by the Society of Family Physicians of Nigeria, FCT/Keffi chapter.

She highlighted the growing health challenges communities face and stressed the urgent need to strengthen primary care systems.

This year’s theme, Building Mental Resilience in a Changing World, formed the core of her message, emphasizing the vital role family doctors play in promoting mental health and helping people withstand global pressures such as climate change, social unrest, and economic instability.

“Family doctors are the backbone of our healthcare system,” Mahmoud said, “providing continuous, person-centered care that nurtures mental wellness and resilience.”

She praised family physicians for their lasting relationships with patients, which are essential for early intervention and management of mental health and chronic diseases.

Mahmoud also called for greater efforts in training, recruiting, and retaining family doctors, especially in underserved regions.

The Chairperson of the Society of Family Physicians, Dr. Ngozi Mmamelu, noted Nigeria’s challenges, including limited mental health services, stigma, and a shortage of specialists.

She urged integrating mental health into primary care, with family doctors playing a critical role in screening, awareness, and basic psychological support.

The event marked the global founding of the World Organization of Family Doctors in 1972, a milestone in uniting practitioners worldwide toward better health for all.