News

Nigeria @65: FCT Residents Decry Hardship, Demand People-Oriented Policies

Published

1 month ago

October 1, 2025

Admin

By Patrick Idowu

As Nigeria marked its 65th Independence anniversary on Tuesday, residents of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), called on the Federal Government to implement people-centered policies that would ease the prevailing economic hardship across the country.

The anniversary, themed “Nigeria @65: All Hands on Deck for a Greater Nation,” featured civic, cultural, and religious activities, including Independence Day parades nationwide. But for many residents in the capital, the celebration was overshadowed by concerns over rising inflation, high cost of living, unemployment, and the impact of recent economic reforms.

Alhaji Ibrahim Musa, a businessman in Bwari, said the removal of fuel subsidies and the unification of foreign exchange rates had crippled small businesses.

“Both traders and consumers are struggling to cope. Sometimes I sell goods below cost just to feed my family.

If things continue like this, I’ll eventually go out of business,” he lamented, blaming corruption and poor policies for Nigeria’s woes despite its vast natural resources.

A university lecturer, Mr. Charles Ibe, stressed the need to diversify the economy. While noting that subsidy removal was well-intentioned, he said it had worsened poverty levels.

“Funds saved must be invested in visible infrastructure and poverty-alleviation programmes.

“With fertile land, mineral wealth, and favourable weather, no Nigerian should live in poverty,” he said.

For many civil servants, the economic reality has become unbearable. Mr. Stanley Osho from Gwagwalada said skyrocketing rents have forced workers to relocate to poorly serviced areas, while high transport costs mean many only report to the office a few times a week.

“These realities are destroying productivity and hurting the economy,” he said, urging government to regulate rents and provide affordable public transport.

Mrs. Confidence Samuel, another civil servant, described the N70,000 minimum wage as inadequate.

“Salaries barely last two weeks. The government must review wages and intervene in food production to stabilize prices,” she said.

Others emphasized reforms in the power sector. A teacher, Mr. Chinedu Okafor, argued that unreliable electricity is stifling investment and business growth.

“Without steady power, industries can’t thrive. Fixing the power sector must be a priority,” he said.

While frustrations ran high, some residents struck a note of optimism. Mr. Akpoko Uloko, a civil servant, said Nigeria had made notable progress despite its challenges, while cleric James Adeyemi described independence as a reminder of freedom and hope.

“With divine guidance and effective leadership, Nigeria can overcome its challenges,” Adeyemi added.

For many FCT residents, however, the consensus remains that at 65, Nigeria must urgently match reforms with policies that directly improve the daily lives of its citizens.

News

FG Targets Guinness World Record with 3.6km Dining Table in Abuja

Published

3 hours ago

November 6, 2025

By Onyeanya Ebere Immaculata

The Federal Government will attempt to break the Guinness World Record for the longest dining table during the Mega Renewed Hope NIHOTOUR Gastronomy Festival slated for December 6 in Abuja. The 3.6-kilometre table is expected to host between 2,000 and 3,000 participants.

Director-General of the National Institute for Hospitality and Tourism (NIHOTOUR), Dr. Abisoye Fagade, announced this on Thursday alongside the Minister of Art, Culture, Tourism and the Creative Economy, Hannatu Musa Musawa.

Fagade said the record attempt will be followed by communal dining, cultural displays, music, and comedy, adding that the initiative aims to position Abuja as a major cultural destination.

He noted that the festival aligns with President Bola Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda, promoting tourism, hospitality, and youth empowerment through skills development.

Minister Musawa described the event as a platform for economic inclusion and creative growth, highlighting gastronomy’s role in national development alongside film, music, and fashion.

The week-long festival, themed “Oriki: Taste of Culture,” will feature exhibitions, culinary masterclasses, food tastings, and investment dialogues showcasing Nigeria’s rich food heritage.

President Tinubu is expected to officially unveil the festival and record attempt in Abuja.

News

Senate Clears Air Peace, Faults NSIB Over Drug Allegations

Published

3 hours ago

November 6, 2025

By Onyeanya Ebere Immaculata

The Senate has cleared Air Peace of wrongdoing in the July 13 runway overrun at Port Harcourt International Airport, describing the drug and alcohol allegations against the airline’s pilots as “inconsistent and uncoordinated.”

The decision followed an investigation by the Senate Committee on Aviation, which reviewed the Nigerian Safety Investigation Bureau (NSIB), report and found discrepancies that could harm Nigeria’s aviation reputation.

Committee Chairman, Sen. Abdulfatai Buhari (Oyo North), said the aircraft sustained no damage and returned to Lagos the same day, warning that inaccurate reports could erode global confidence in the country’s air safety ratings.

He commended Air Peace and other domestic carriers for maintaining strict safety standards and urged regulators to support indigenous airlines.

Air Peace Chairman, Allen Onyema, criticised the NSIB’s handling of the matter, calling it misleading and damaging to the airline’s reputation.

He clarified that the incident resulted from human error, not mechanical failure, and reaffirmed the airline’s commitment to safety.

The Senate is expected to issue a final report recommending better coordination and clearer communication among aviation regulators.

Defence and Security

Army Chief Pledges Better Welfare, Fair Postings for Troops

Published

3 hours ago

November 6, 2025

By Onyeanya Ebere Immaculata

Chief of Army Staff, Lt.-Gen. Waidi Shaibu, has pledged to prioritise troop welfare, transparency, and fairness in postings to boost morale and strengthen operational efficiency.

Shaibu made the promise on Thursday in Maiduguri during an interactive session with defence correspondents as part of his operational tour of the North-East.

He commended troops for their resilience in defending the nation and assured that the Army would sustain and improve the soldier-first welfare policy introduced by his predecessor.

“As soldiers get what is due to them on time, we will extend that support to their families while they serve their fatherland,” he said.

The COAS also vowed that merit and professionalism would guide all postings and appointments, ensuring fairness and competence in leadership.

Shaibu, who assumed office on October 30, 2025, described morale as a key component of fighting power and reaffirmed his commitment to timely payment of allowances and other entitlements.

His visit was part of efforts to assess field operations and enhance the welfare of frontline troops battling insurgency in the region.

(NAN)