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Independence Day: Wike commends residents, says FCT remains Nigeria’s symbol of unity

The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Barr. Nyesom Wike, has commended residents of the FCT for their support and peaceful coexistence, pledging more infrastructure and social development across the territory. Delivering his 65th Independence anniversary message, Wike noted that the FCT represents Nigeria’s bond of unity and national character. “This is a special
Independence Day: Wike commends residents, says FCT remains Nigeria’s symbol of unity

The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Barr. Nyesom Wike, has commended residents of the FCT for their support and peaceful coexistence, pledging more infrastructure and social development across the territory.

Delivering his 65th Independence anniversary message, Wike noted that the FCT represents Nigeria’s bond of unity and national character.

“This is a special occasion when we pay tribute to our founding fathers who laboured dauntlessly to birth a formidable country which today stands tall in the comity of nations. The Federal Capital Territory remains Nigeria’s symbol of unity and nationhood, hence, we must continue to embody the faith that we are greater together,” he said.

The Minister appreciated residents for backing President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda, which focuses on economic growth, security, food security and infrastructure. 

According to him, the FCT Administration has already recorded progress with the completion and commissioning of strategic roads, schools, hospitals and support for farmers, youths and small businesses.

“We strongly believe that a city cannot truly be called a city without a solid road network, which is why we are prioritising road construction, even as other sectors are not left out,” he stated.

Wike also commended FCT residents for sustaining peace and unity in the face of challenges.

“Consequently, the FCT has become one of the most peaceful places to reside in the entire country. This is not only due to the security measures we have put in place, but also because of the zero tolerance of residents for insecurity, and their readiness to promote peace in every part of the Territory,” he said.

Looking ahead to the February 2026 area council elections, the Minister urged residents to remain peaceful and orderly. 

“I urge residents to conduct campaigns for their preferred candidates peacefully and with order. When the time comes, I also encourage all to turn out in large numbers to elect leaders who genuinely have their welfare at heart,” he added.

The Minister said he is hopeful about the country’s prospects with President Tinubu’s leadership and assured that the FCT stands to gain from ongoing transformative projects.

“Amidst the various challenges we face as a country, we are very optimistic that the future is brighter. We must, therefore, continue to work together faithfully to ensure that the FCT’s potentials and our collective aspirations are realised to the fullest,” he said.

Independence Day: Wike commends residents, says FCT remains Nigeria’s symbol of unity

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• October 1, 2025
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Insecurity: We’ve entered a pause, threat isn’t over – Kukah

Catholic Bishop of Sokoto Diocese, Matthew Kukah, says Nigeria has entered a temporary period of reduced conflict and violence. This was as he warned against assuming the country’s insecurity woes are over, despite recent improvements in the fight against insurgency and banditry. Bishop Kukah said this on Wednesday, while responding to questions in an interview
Insecurity: We’ve entered a pause, threat isn’t over – Kukah

Catholic Bishop of Sokoto Diocese, Matthew Kukah, says Nigeria has entered a temporary period of reduced conflict and violence.

This was as he warned against assuming the country’s insecurity woes are over, despite recent improvements in the fight against insurgency and banditry.

Bishop Kukah said this on Wednesday, while responding to questions in an interview on Arise Television.

The clergyman was responding to President Bola Tinubu’s Independence Day speech that stated that the threat of insecurity in Nigeria was now over, warning that such a conclusion would be premature.

“Nobody can say the threat is over. We have entered a lull, and major progress has been made. There is a substantial sense of lull but not that insecurity is over.

“Only yesterday, a young Fulani boy who is still being held said he had to climb a tree to call me. Let’s appreciate the fact that we are in a fairly better place, but there is still a lot to be done,” he said.

The Bishop stressed that insecurity in Nigeria is far more complex than the popular focus on guns and violence, describing it as the product of deeper structural decay.

Insecurity: We’ve entered a pause, threat isn’t over – Kukah

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Ugep unrest: I haven’t inaugurated investigative panel – Council Chair, Inyang

The Chairman of Yakurr Local Government Area of Cross River State, Yibala Igiri Inyang, has clarified that he has not set up any panel to probe the recent cult-related violence in Ugep town, where a woman and her daughter were struck by stray bullets. Inyang said the clarification became necessary to correct misleading reports in
Ugep unrest: I haven’t inaugurated investigative panel – Council Chair, Inyang

The Chairman of Yakurr Local Government Area of Cross River State, Yibala Igiri Inyang, has clarified that he has not set up any panel to probe the recent cult-related violence in Ugep town, where a woman and her daughter were struck by stray bullets.

Inyang said the clarification became necessary to correct misleading reports in the media suggesting that he had inaugurated an investigative panel. According to him, such a move would have been publicly announced with the names of members clearly stated.

Trouble erupted on 25 September 2025 when members of the Bagga confraternity reportedly clashed violently, firing shots indiscriminately in public spaces. Tragically, a woman and her daughter were hit by bullets during the incident, sparking outrage in the community.

The council boss explained that security agencies were already handling the matter. “I have reported the incident to the security authorities in the state. The DSS and Police are carrying out investigations as we speak,” he said.

He stressed that his statement was misinterpreted. “I was wrongly quoted by the media. I did not set up any panel to investigate the incident. It is the duty of the security agencies to do that,” he maintained.

Inyang, who described himself as a trained security officer, emphasized the importance of a thorough investigation and assured that further steps would be taken once official findings were made available.

Reacting, former presidential aide, Chief Okoi Obono-Obla, whose community was affected, described the killings and violence as alarming.

He said petitions had already been sent to the Inspector General of Police, the DSS, and other relevant authorities for urgent intervention.

Confirming developments, Deputy Police PRO in the state, Igri Ewa, said, “Petitions routed to Police heads are documented and referred for investigation. The outcome of such investigations is always made public,” he assured.

Ugep unrest: I haven’t inaugurated investigative panel – Council Chair, Inyang

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Nigeria at 65: El-Rufai advocates true federalism, fair elections

Former Kaduna State Governor, Nasir El-Rufai, has urged Nigerians to embrace federalism, credible elections, and elite consensus as the foundation for the country’s progress over the next 65 years. El-Rufai made this call while interacting with clergy, professionals, and citizens, in Owerri, Imo State capital. H stressed the urgent need for a collective vision to
Nigeria at 65: El-Rufai advocates true federalism, fair elections

Former Kaduna State Governor, Nasir El-Rufai, has urged Nigerians to embrace federalism, credible elections, and elite consensus as the foundation for the country’s progress over the next 65 years.

El-Rufai made this call while interacting with clergy, professionals, and citizens, in Owerri, Imo State capital.

H stressed the urgent need for a collective vision to address Nigeria’s structural challenges.

The former FCT Minister also explained that while Nigeria has made democratic gains since 1999, including regular elections, participation has drastically declined, from over 60 percent voter turnout in 2003 to barely 27 percent in 2023, reflecting growing public estrangement from the electoral process.

“The evidence compels us to say it plainly. Nigeria is the world’s most populous Black nation, projected to exceed 400 million by 2050, yet remains structurally fragile,” El-Rufai said.

The politician highlighted high poverty rates, unemployment among youth, inflation, and mounting public debt as pressing concerns that threaten national stability.

El-Rufai stressed that a new elite consensus, an agreement among political, business, and civil society leaders on the nation’s direction, is critical.

Nigeria at 65: El-Rufai advocates true federalism, fair elections

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Only Telecom Reforms can earn Tinubu second term – Reps Deputy Spokesperson, Agbese

The Deputy Spokesperson of the House of Representatives, Hon. Philip Agbese, has said only the reforms in Nigeria’s telecommunications sector, can secure a second term for President Bola Tinubu in office. Speaking to National Assembly Correspondents in Abuja,Tuesday, Agbese argued that while Nigerians have endured economic pains triggered by necessary reforms in other sectors, transformation
Only Telecom Reforms can earn Tinubu second term – Reps Deputy Spokesperson, Agbese

The Deputy Spokesperson of the House of Representatives, Hon. Philip Agbese, has said only the reforms in Nigeria’s telecommunications sector, can secure a second term for President Bola Tinubu in office.

Speaking to National Assembly Correspondents in Abuja,Tuesday, Agbese argued that while Nigerians have endured economic pains triggered by necessary reforms in other sectors, transformation of telecoms directly touches the daily lives of millions of citizens.

According to him, if the current trajectory is sustained, the sector will become President Tinubu’s most compelling re-election asset.

“The transformation in telecoms is not cosmetic; it is foundational. When millions of Nigerians get safer, more reliable connectivity, and when our networks begin to deliver broadband that supports jobs, education and business, citizens will remember who made that possible. That is why reforms in this sector alone can merit another mandate for President Tinubu,” Agbese said.

He noted that one of the most significant steps has been the consolidation of the National Identification Number (NIN) and Subscriber Identity Module (SIM) linkage.

“What had lingered for years under previous administrations was achieved within one year of Tinubu’s presidency, cleaning up the database of active mobile lines and strengthening national security,” Agbese observed.

According to the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC), over 153 million SIMs have now been harmonised with the NIN, a development Agbese described as “one of the most far-reaching exercises in Nigeria’s digital history.”

The lawmaker also noted the necessity of broadband expansion, citing figures released by the NCC indicating a steady rise in penetration since 2023.

He maintained that improved access to high-speed internet was beginning to change the landscape of education, business and civic engagement across the country.

“Connectivity is the new infrastructure. More people online means more economic activity, more taxation base and more resilience. This is the quiet revolution that the Tinubu administration is delivering,” he said.

He noted that the NCC was also increasingly looking at corporate social responsibility as a necessity for communities, ensuring that telecoms investment leaves a wider impact beyond profits.

The deputy spokesperson added that the push towards 5G technology and the careful management of spectrum licensing have further underlined the government’s determination to future-proof Nigeria’s digital economy.

He stressed that the policy environment has given operators the confidence to continue investing in infrastructure despite foreign exchange pressures and a challenging macroeconomic climate.

According to him, this fiscal reprieve has kept services affordable and has allowed the sector to maintain momentum at a time when households are grappling with high living costs.

“President Tinubu deserves credit for recognising the strategic importance of this sector and making the right calls. By removing unnecessary levies and encouraging reforms that promote investment, the government has ensured that Nigeria remains one of the fastest-growing digital markets in Africa,” the lawmaker added.

Agbese, however, acknowledged that challenges remain, particularly in extending reliable services to rural communities and ensuring that tariff adjustments do not widen the digital divide. He urged private operators to deepen investment while calling on regulators to maintain policy stability that would attract new capital.

He noted that despite these challenges, the telecoms sector offers a powerful narrative of delivery that the administration can proudly take to the Nigerian people.

“Delivery on telecoms is tangible for ordinary Nigerians. It is visible in schools, markets and farms. It is the kind of delivery that people feel – and remember – when they go to vote,” Agbese added.

Only Telecom Reforms can earn Tinubu second term – Reps Deputy Spokesperson, Agbese