News
How Wike’s road project promotes socio-economic activities in FCT community
Residents of Saburi I and II communities in Abuja Municipal Area Council, have described the recently constructed road in the community initiated by the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Minister, Nyesom Wike, as a “game changer.”
Some of the residents told the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on Sunday in Abuja, that the road project had significantly improved socio-economic activities in the area.
NAN correspondent alongside other members of the Ministers’ Press Corps, visited the community to assess the impact of road projects on FCT communities.
NAN recalled that Wike had on Jan. 21, 2024, inaugurated the construction of a 5-kilometre access road, connecting Saburi 1 and 11 and Dei Dei International Market.
The minister had said that the road, from Murtala Mohammed Expressway to Dei DeI International Market, was designed to ease the suffering of the people, particularly during the wet season.
The residents told NAN that the road had improved their businesses and triggered enormous socio-economic activities and other developmental strides in the area.
One of the residents, Mr Emmanuel Ogboh, a shop owner, said that businesses in the community had improved owing to the increased vehicular movement since the construction of the road.
The visibly excited Ogboh thanked Wike for extending his developmental agenda to Saburi community.
Also, Mrs Justina Ocheche, who sells beans cake, popularly known as Akara, said that her business had improved since the completion of the road.
Ocheche said that when the road was not completed her akara business suffered due to heavy dust particularly during the dry season and mud during the raining season.
“However, since Wike happened, there is no more dust or mud; people are now moving freely and we are experiencing significant patronage.
“God will bless Wike and his generation yet unborn because of what he did for us in Saburi and Dei Dei,” She said.
The akara seller, however, called on the FCT administration to tackle the epileptic electricity and portable water supply in the community.
“Sometimes this community stays two weeks without water supply due to epileptic power supply,”she decried.
A furniture maker, Mr Nicholas Emmanuel, said that the dust that before now emanated from the road had affected furniture business in the community.
He explained that furniture made of fabrics accumulates dust, making it unattractive to prospective buyers.
He added that residents were always putting on nose masks to protect them from the dust and prevent catarrh.
“Now the dust is over and so is our catarrh.
“We thank God that the minister remembered us in Saburi and we pray that God will keep him to continue the good work he has started,”he prayed.
For Mr Akin Akinwande, a car wash owner in the community, said that the road network was a game changer for his business.
“Before now, you barely see 20 cars pass through this community in a day, but now more than 100 ply this road daily.
“This is good for our businesses and we thank Wike and President Bola Tinubu for this gesture,” he said.
Mr Emeka Oduma, a truck driver, said “I am very impressed with what Wike did for us in this village; I am happy and everybody is happy that our minister is doing a good job.
“I have been in Saburi 1 for close to 10 years and the road was in terrible state, but thank God for Wike who is setting a good example for others to follow,”he said.
Describing Wike as a “good man” , Oduma urged the minister to continue with the good works by opening more roads in rural communities of the FCT.
The Village Head of Saburi, Alhaji Muhammad Yamawo, who could not hide his joy, described the road project as its “new bride.”
“This road is like someone who has never gotten married and when he finally does, he feels like the whole world belongs to him.
“We have suffered a lot due to the absence of a good road in Saburi, but we are happy that Wike has finally wiped our tears,” he said.
The village head also commended the minister for the ongoing construction of a Police Station and a hospital in the community.
NAN reports that the 5-kilometre Saburi to Dei Dei road is among several road projects awarded by the Wike-led FCT Administration in rural communities across the six area councils of the territory. (NAN)
By Nahum Sule, Jalingo
Making the event that marked the Nigeria Union of Journalists at 70, the Taraba State chapter of the NUJ Honour chief David Sabo Kente as the philanthropist man of the year
The award presentation was held in Jalingo, the state capital, at the grand finale of the NUJ Press Week celebration.
Speaking at the ceremony, the state chairman of NUJ, Mr Eliud Jen, noted that the awards were carefully chosen base on concrete evidence of performance in various categories and meant to spur the awardees to do more.
Chief Kente, who was the governorship aspirants of the All Progressives Congress APC, in 2023, has used his foundation, The DSK foundation, to help thousands of Taraban through scholarship, Small Medium Enterprises and lot more.
While congratulating the union for attaining 70 years, Kente called on government investors and everyone to give the union a support hand to enable its members to continue discharging their duties effectively.
Others who were awarded for outstanding performance are His Excellency Dr, Agbu Kefas the governor of Taraba State, Alhaji Yakubu Jafaru Chiroma, member representing Bali/Gassol Federal constituency, Dr Aisha Adamu, the CMD of Federal Medical Centre Jalingo, Hon. Aminu Hassan, ALGON chairman in the State, Professor Joseph Albasu Kunini, former Speaker of Taraba State and Professor Sunday Bako, Vice Chancellor Taraba State University Jalingo, the state Commissioner of Women Affairs and Child Development Mrs Mary Sinjen, Commandant 6 Brigade Jalingo Gen. Kinsley Uwa and several others were also given recognition as friends of the press.
Kente further appreciated journalists for finding him worthy to be honour, emphasizing that the award will spur him to do more.
The Concerned Christian Youth Forum has strongly denounced the ongoing violence in Nigeria’s Plateau and Benue states, describing the attacks by bandits as an “affront to natural justice” and a violation of human dignity.
In a statement issued on Thursday by the group’s convener, James Paul Adama, the forum called for an immediate end to the “relentless onslaught” against innocent civilians.
“This human carnage must stop,” Adama said, urging the government to take swift action to halt the attacks and support affected communities in their recovery and rebuilding efforts.
The group demanded that the perpetrators of these “atrocious acts” be brought to justice, stressing that all Nigerians deserve safety and security.
“The time for action is now,” the statement added.
While commending the efforts of Nigeria’s security agencies, the forum called for intensified measures to curb the violence.
“We ask that they redouble their efforts to nip this menace in the bud,” Adama said, acknowledging the sacrifices of security personnel.
“Your courage and commitment to safeguarding the lives and properties of our citizens are an inspiration to us all.”
The statement also highlighted the constitutional duty of the government and security forces to ensure the safety and well-being of Nigerians, describing the violence as a threat not only to the affected communities but to the nation’s survival.
THEME: IGNITE THE FIRE
The atmosphere was electric as thousands of worshippers within and outside Kogi State gathered at Afims hotel, Oro, Obehira road for the highly anticipated event.The programme which was to start by 7p.m in the evening of Friday March 28,2025 started to have worshippers trooping at the venue around 4p.m.
The programme which was organised by professor Yusuf John Suberu featured a line of powerful men of God and gospel singers which included Bishop Steve Balogun(JP); Apostle Jide Ogunsakin; Rt.Rev.Dr.E.I Onsachi, Bishop, Anglican communion, diocese of Okene;Prophet(Dr.)Ajinomoh Anda Isaac;Rev. Isaac Ogunmola; Pastor Isaiah Alabi, General overseer of the Gospel Assembly Intercontinental; Pastor Solomon Enya, Kogi central coordinator of Peace House;Evangelist Job Apana,Kogi central CAN coordinator; Evangelist Eunice Omonayi;Pastor P-Daniel; Pastor Emerald Johnson; Minister Samuel Temitope; Evangelist Ify Obi and many others.
Another great personality who was in attendance was Dr.James Anaza Duro Joseph,provost of Kogi state college of nursing science, Obangede who represented the secretary-general of Kogi State,Dr. Folashade Arike Ayoade.As a special prayer request made by the secretary-general,he(Dr.James) specifically called on professor Yusuf John Suberu to pray for the peace and progress of the state and as well the government officials.
The speakers preached messages emphasizing the importance of seeking God’s mercy in these turbulent times.Prayers for deliverance ,healing and salvation were also rendered.The night was marked by numerous deliverance ,healings and miracles.There was never a period of dull moment as different sessions of prayers,deeper worships and praises were had.
The final preaching of the Kogi night of mercy and worship was delivered by the convener of the programme,Professor Yusuf John Suberu.He preached on the topic “*Principles of igniting the fire”*. To further aid the congregational understanding,he proceeded to highlight four principles required to ignite the fire :
(1). Seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness
(2). Render faithful service to God
(3). Become a radical giver
(4). Pray without ceasing.
Professor Yusuf also led the people in a powerful session of prayers.In this session of prayers, God’s power and release was made manifest, with people receiving deliverance, healings and fresh anointing.
Kogi night of mercy and worship was a divine encounter,a moment of spiritual connection and transformation.As the worshippers departed,they carried with them a renewed sense of hope and faith, knowing God’s mercy is always
available to those who seek it.
The programme also features distribution of food items to 1000 participants and a scholarship award of two hundred thousand naira (#200,000.00) to miss Ann Ochenika.Professor Yusuf assured that he will execute more scholarship awards through the Kogi central CAN and PFM.He,therefore, charged youths to be in their best behaviour so as to aid qualification for such.
The programme has been described by many to be of one of its kind in Ebira-land.It was proclaimed that never a time was a programme like this held in the land.It had in attendance over one thousand five hundred people(excluding the underaged).The hall with the gallery was totally full and had an overflow.
*To God alone be praised*
Media Team,
Kogi night of mercy and worship.