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FCT Women Traders Thank God For Peaceful Sallah, Hail Wike, Law Enforcement Agencies for security
By Ekuson Nw’Ogbunka ,Abuja
The women’s wing of Abuja, the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Chapter of the National Association of Nigerian Traders (NANTs) thanked God for peaceful Sallah celebration in the nation’s capital.
They also commended the minister, Chief Nyesom Wike and the law enforcement agencies for tight security in the FCT, during and after the Muslim feast.
On behalf of the association, their woman leader addressed journalists in her office on Friday.
Hailing the government for ensuring that there be religious tolerance in the FCT, she also appealed to those in authority to always have the plights of the women traders at heart, saying that the women in the business of buying and selling contribute a lot to the economy, adding that if they are being given adequate encouragement in the areas of grants from the government, it would go a long way to address the hardship in the country, as well as cushion the effect of hyper inflation and the economy, according to her would begin to improve.
Appealing to the government to intervene in the interests charged by commercial banks for loans, the woman leader said that high interests charged by banks to traders make the traders make nothing or even loose at the end of everything. This, she enjoined the government to address, for the economy to move forward.
While praising God for the peaceful celebration, as well as for cordial relationship between people from different religions, she said that religious tolerance would go a long way to promote peace and unity of purpose in the country, saying no religion preaches evil, but peace.
As the woman leader of the market Association in the FCT, Amb Rachael Adewumi informed that in the NANTs in Abuja, she had Muslims, Christians and people from other religious bodies, who, according to her, don’t discriminate against each other.
In order to achieve development, unity of purpose and make available, dividends of democracy to the traders and people of the FCT in general, the woman leader however called for the support of those in authority, even as she said that no government plans bad for its citizens.
The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has taken a significant step towards guaranteeing a smooth and transparent electoral process for the 2027 general elections with the inauguration of the Election Project Plan Committee (EPPC).
The Commission announced this development in a statement on its website on Wednesday. The committee, tasked with formulating a strategic framework for the elections, was officially inaugurated on Tuesday, 11th March 2025, at the INEC Conference Hall in Abuja.
Chaired by Professor Rhoda H. Gumus, the committee is mandated to create a comprehensive roadmap for conducting the elections. Its responsibilities include reviewing the Terms of Reference, developing a Work Plan, establishing sub-committees, designing an Elections Project Plan (EPP) Template, and setting submission deadlines for planning documents.
In her address during the inauguration, Professor Gumus highlighted the vital role of early planning in strengthening Nigeria’s electoral process.
She stated, “The significance of early planning cannot be overstated when it comes to ensuring a seamless electoral process. I urge all committee members to diligently fulfil their responsibilities to uphold electoral integrity and transparency.”
The committee comprises several senior INEC officials, including:
1. Mr. Kenneth Ukeagu – Chair, Tenders Board (Member)
2. Dr. Baba Bila – Chair, EOLC (Member)
3. Mr. Sam Olumekun – Chair, EPMC (Member)
4. Professor Abdullahi Abdu Zuru – Chair, BEI (Member)
5.
By Amos Tauna, Kaduna
The Kaduna State Government has expressed its appreciation to the Global Peace Foundation Nigeria, in partnership with the Back to School Initiative, for their commitment to enhancing educational opportunities for girls from low-income backgrounds.
Professor Usman Abubakar Zaria, the Director General of the Kaduna State Schools Quality Assurance Authority, made this statement during an advocacy visit from the Global Peace Foundation Nigeria and the Back to School Initiative, aimed at improving access to education for girls from disadvantaged backgrounds.
He stated that improving education in the state would significantly contribute to reducing social vices, emphasising his strong belief in the initiative to ensure that girls from low-income families receive the education they deserve, both in the state and across the country.
The Director General highlighted that last year, the state government covered the Junior WAEC examination fees for 136,000 students, and this year, a further 173,000 junior students will benefit from this government policy aimed at raising educational standards in the state.
He further explained that the state government has implemented policies to eliminate obstacles that hinder the revitalisation of education in the region.
Reverend John Joseph Hayab, Country Director of Global Peace Foundation Nigeria, assured that they would continue their efforts to enhance quality education for all, particularly for children from low-income backgrounds, enabling them to fully realise their academic potential.
He added, “We recognise that many students who could have completed their secondary education have been unable to do so, which has prompted civil society to advocate for the Kaduna State Government to reinstate the policy of assisting students from low-income backgrounds in exploring their full potential in society.
Yet another beneficiary of the New Nigerian Newspaper scheme has tragically passed away while awaiting payment, raising the death toll of those who have died in this situation to 107.
A statement published on the official WhatsApp group for NSGF Beneficiaries announced, “In submission to the will of God Almighty, I regret to inform you of the passing of our former colleague, Mr Zakka Bitiyong from the Commercial Printing Department and Radio Room. His death occurred last night, 11th March 2025.”
Investigations reveal that approximately 29 other beneficiaries awaiting payment from the Northern Governors are currently experiencing severe health issues and are hospitalised.
The Northern Governors have accrued 7 billion naira from the sale of New Nigerian Newspaper properties, ostensibly to pay the beneficiaries. However, to date, not a single kobo has been disbursed from the 2.5 billion naira owed to the retirees.