By Adenike Lawal

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has officially commissioned key components of the Greater Abuja Water Supply Network; a long-anticipated infrastructure milestone aimed at expanding access to clean water across Nigeria’s capital.

The commissioning ceremony, held along Airport Road in Abuja on Monday, also saw the president pause to honour the memory of those killed in recent violence in Benue State.

In a solemn moment, Tinubu led a minute of silence and extended heartfelt condolences to the victims’ families.

He also revealed plans to personally visit Benue State on Wednesday to commiserate further.

“We are a nation bound by shared struggles and unity,” he stated. “I’ve spoken with the governor of Benue, and I urge all leaders to foster harmony. We may live in different rooms, but we share the same house.”

The president hailed the water supply network covering Loops 1, 2, 5, and 6 as a transformative leap in urban development and public health. He underlined the project’s broader significance, noting that access to potable water is not a privilege but a fundamental right.

“Water is life,” Tinubu emphasized. “This is not just a technical achievement it’s a moral one. No community in the FCT should be left behind. Through this initiative, we are laying a foundation for healthier homes and stronger communities.”

The project, first awarded in 2017 under a $470 million tripartite funding deal involving the Chinese Government, Nigeria’s Federal Government, and the FCT Administration, is now closer to completion.

Tinubu commended the collaborative effort, particularly the contributions of CGC Nigeria Ltd and Chinese partners.

The president also urged residents to take responsibility in preserving the infrastructure, stressing the importance of sustainable use and collective stewardship.

Minister of the FCT, Nyesom Wike, expressed appreciation to the president for his direct interest in the capital’s infrastructure renewal.

He recalled Tinubu’s early questions about Abuja’s rail system and water supply upon assuming office.

“You made it clear from the start,” Wike said. “‘It’s not just about the rails, we want functional water systems in place too.’ That clarity shaped our priorities.”

Wike noted that beyond urban areas, the administration is moving forward with efforts to bring water to underserved satellite towns like Bwari, Karu, Kuje, and others, a process accelerated by an agreement signed in China during Tinubu’s state visit in 2023.

“We are optimistic that by your third year in office, Mr. President, we’ll be back here celebrating new water infrastructure in rural communities,” he added.

Providing technical details, FCDA’s Acting Executive Secretary, Richard Dauda, explained that the current phase of the project involves laying 425 kilometres of ductile iron pipes comprising both main and distribution lines with over 1,600 appurtenances for efficient water flow management.

These loops will supply over 50 districts in the FCT’s growth corridors, stretching across Phases Two, Three, and Four of the city’s master plan.

“This development marks a significant stride in ensuring that safe and reliable water reaches the growing population of Abuja,” Dauda said.

The commissioning adds to a string of recent infrastructure rollouts under the Renewed Hope Agenda Tinubu’s policy drive to anchor development on practical, inclusive, and impactful projects nationwide.

By Adenike Lawal

Operations at the National Commission for Refugees, Migrants, and Internally Displaced Persons (NCFRMI), came to a standstill on Monday as aggrieved staff shut down the Commission’s Abuja headquarters, demanding the immediate dismissal of its Federal Commissioner and CEO, Aliyu Ahmed.

The protesting workers accused Ahmed of gross mismanagement, poor staff welfare, financial misconduct, and favoritism in the allocation of humanitarian relief materials.

According to the protesters, essential supplies meant for displaced persons have been hoarded, selectively distributed, or left to expire under Ahmed’s watch.

Appointed in September 2023 by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, Ahmed arrived with strong political credentials, including previous roles as Secretary to the Nasarawa State Government and commissioner in various ministries.

However, nearly two years into his tenure, staff describe his leadership as disappointing, marred by alleged injustice and inefficiency.

A senior staff member, who spoke on condition of anonymity, claimed that several internal memos calling for fair and transparent distribution of relief items were ignored.

“Only his home state, Nasarawa, is consistently prioritized,” the source alleged. “Many items expired unused, it’s criminal neglect.”

Further allegations include the hoarding of operational vehicles meant for zonal offices and the non-payment of approved staff allowances during festive periods like Sallah and Christmas.

“Even travel allowances approved and released months ago have not been paid,” another protester added.

This is not the first time the Commission has been embroiled in controversy.

In 2024, an investigation was launched after relief materials meant for Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs), were discovered locked in unused classrooms at the Durumi IDP camp in Abuja.

With no official response from Ahmed as of press time, the protesting workers insist they will continue their demonstration until their demands are met.

These include his immediate removal, a full audit of Commission finances, equitable aid distribution, and urgent reforms to enhance staff welfare and accountability.

As of Monday afternoon, the NCFRMI headquarters remains locked, with staff vowing to keep up the pressure on the federal government to act.

By Samuel Adeola

An Abuja-based businessman, Bright Umukoro, has commended the lawmaker representing Isoko North/South Federal Constituency, Rt. Hon. Engr. Jonathan Ukodhiko, for what he called impactful representation and quality projects.

In a statement on Sunday, Umukoro, MD of Zerahlight Global Services and a native of Emevor, Delta State, praised Ukodhiko for attracting development across sectors since assuming office.

He highlighted the lawmaker’s sponsored bill for a Federal University Teaching Hospital in Erawha-Owhe, currently awaiting Senate concurrence, and another to replace the Technology Business Incubation Foundation Act with a new National Agency for Technology Incubation.

Umukoro noted projects in education, including classroom blocks at Udueni Secondary School and Owodokpokpo Grammar School, scholarships for 10 students at Madonna University, JAMB sponsorship for 400 students, CBT training, and school furniture supplies to several towns.

In health, he cited ₦50 million worth of equipment delivered to local health centres and a medical outreach that served 2,862 people.

In agriculture, 700 bags of fertilizer were distributed, while 150 individuals were trained in fish farming and given fingerlings, feed, and cash support.

Umukoro urged constituents to support Ukodhiko’s developmental strides, describing his performance as passionate and commendable.