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Wike rewards vigilante group for rescuing kidnapped victims in Kwali
The Minister of Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Mr Nyesom Wike, has rewarded a vigilante group in Kwali Area Council for rescuing four kidnapped victims.
The reward included an operational vehicle and an undisclosed cash, to encourage the group to do more.
The rescued victims were presented to Wike at Kaita Gembu, a community in Kwali, on Tuesday, when he visited the area to inspect an ongoing road project.
The minister commended members of the vigilante group for the display of bravery and courage.
He said that the operation vehicle and the undisclosed amount of cash gift was to motivate them to do more in tackling insecurity in their communities.
He urged residents of FCT to work with the FCT Administration to ensure that criminal elements and their evil activities are eliminated in the territory.
Wike explained that the rural road projects across the six area councils of the FCT were part of President Bola Tinubu’s efforts towards boosting economic activities in rural areas.
He said: “We have said before, that Tinubu’s “Renewed Hope Agenda” is not just for the city, it is also for the rural areas.
“While providing infrastructure in the city, we must also provide the same infrastructure in the rural areas.
“There are no roads for people to go to their various farms; there are no roads for people to go to their houses in their villages. The current administration is addressing this challenge.
“Today, this is the second road we are visiting as far as Kwali Area Council is concerned. Where we are standing now is the 11-kilometre road, and you can imagine the impact the road will have when it is completed in December this year.
“Where we are coming from is a 25km road and look how happy the people are. That’s the renewed hope, and that is why we are saying that people should be patient with the government.”
He urged the residents to support ongoing efforts by the current government to improve the livelihood of rural dwellers rather than supporting the Aug. 1 planned protest by selfish individuals.
He called on leaders at all levels within the communities to shun people disguising as anti-government protesters but have the intention to unleash mayhem.
“While the government is doing everything to reduce the level of hunger, the government is also providing basic infrastructure that will improve the economy of our country.
“If you come to the FCT, you will appreciate the fact that government is working. If FCT is working, why are you telling its residents to come and protest?
“No right-thinking government will fold its arms and allow people to come and cause mayhem, destroy properties and then we go back to square one,” Wike said.
Speaking of the kidnapped victims, Mr Danladi Chiya, Chairman, Kwali Area Council, explained that they were abducted from their homes in Kuje Area Council and taking into Kwali forest by the kidnappers.
Chiya assured all vigilante groups in the area council of continued support to enable them support security agencies in tackling the menace of kidnapping in communities.
One of the rescued victims, Mr Isaac Gbemu, said: “We were in our house around midnight when we heard gunshots.
“Initially, we thought it was armed robbers, but when the people broke into the compound, we discovered they were kidnappers.
“They took us away that night and brought us to the bush where we don’t know. We have spent three days before the vigilantes rescued us this morning.” (NAN
By Tambaya Julius, Abuja
In a powerful display of compassion and community spirit, Honourable Larai Sylvia Ishaku, Executive Chairperson of Jaba Local Government Area (LGA) in Kaduna State, spearheaded the distribution of rice to residents across all 10 electoral wards for Easter Celebration.
The well-organised event took place at the H.R.H Danladi Gyet Maude Secretariat at Kwoi, where crowds of grateful beneficiaries gathered to receive vital support from Hon. Laria Sylvia Ishaku.
Also in attendance were Hon. Mustapha Danladi Babaladi, the Executive Vice Chairman of Jaba LGA, and Comrade Abashiya Sahjury, Chief of Staff to Hon. Laria and other key political Leaders, which demonstrate strong leadership presence and a united front in delivering relief to the people.
The rice distribution reached a broad section of society, including former unit executives, recent political decampers, market women and traders, healthcare personnel, Okada riders (commercial motorcyclists), people living with disabilities, security personnel, and representatives from religious and community-based organisations such as the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) and others.
During her speech, Hon. Larai Sylvia Ishaku reaffirmed that the initiative was part of the broader support structure provided by Governor Uba Sani and All Progressives Congress (APC) for the people of Jaba LGA in Kaduna State.
She emphasised that her administration’s intention is to continue delivering practical benefits and genuine support to the masses (grassroots). “We are committed to ensuring every resident of Jaba LGA experiences the dividends of good governance. By the end of 2026 and beyond, no one will be left out,” she assured.
“Easter symbolises love, sacrifice and the joy of giving, such effort is a way of saying thank to you people while fostering peace and unity within our communities in Jaba LGA.”
Addressing the political atmosphere, Hon. Ishaku urged residents to stay vigilant and not fall prey to deceptive political tactics. “Be cautious of those who seek to mislead you for selfish political gain. Where were they when they held power? They forgot you,” she declared boldly.
In appreciation for the gesture, One of the beneficiary, Mr. Dennis Iliya, expressed deep thanks on behalf of the beneficiaries. “We thank the APC government for standing by the people of Jaba. May the Lord Almighty reward the kindness shown by Governor Sani and Hon. Larai Sylvia Ishaku. Their kindness has brought relief during these difficult times. May God continue to bless them and the APC leadership,” he stated joyfully.
Joseph Tegbe, director-general (DG) of the Nigeria-China Strategic Partnership (NCSP), says Nigeria will soon sign a deal on ‘Digital RMB’ with China to enable a direct conversion of naira to Chinese Yuan.
The digital renminbi (RMB) is a central bank digital currency issued by China’s central bank, the People’s Bank of China.
Speaking at the digital asset markets strategy masterclass series held recently in Lagos, Tegbe said the agreement is expected to reduce Nigeria’s dependence on the United States dollar.
He described the pact as a major step in Nigeria’s transition from a trade relationship with China to a mutually-beneficial development partnership.
The NCSP DG also said Nigeria has secured over $30 billion in investment commitments and 300 expressions of interest from Chinese companies within the last five months.
Tegbe also noted the importance of leveraging Chinese technology, particularly in the digital asset market and knowledge transfer, adding that the NCSP remains committed to supporting the globalisation of Nigeria’s capital market.
The director-general outlined the objectives of the partnership, which include driving infrastructure development, scaling up Chinese investments, strengthening trade and economic ties, promoting transparency, and advancing cultural exchange between both countries.
Also speaking at the event, Babajide Sanwo-Olu, governor of Lagos, said the state is developing a securitisation policy to monetise idle assets and raise green bonds to fund infrastructure needs.
Sanwo-Olu, who was represented by Abayomi Oluyomi, the commissioner for finance, said Lagos will become the first sub-national in the country to implement such a policy.
In his remarks, Nicholas Okoye, convener of the masterclass and a global investment advisor, said the digital transformation ushered in by the fourth industrial revolution has impacted all sectors and will open new frontiers of wealth for investors, institutions, nations, and sub-nationals.
“The most strategic ecosystem of this digital transformation has got to be ‘Digital Asset Markets’, which includes investment in cryptocurrencies as well as the tokenisation (digitisation) of traditional asset classes,” Okoye said.
“The proposed full adoption of ‘Digital Asset Markets’ in Nigeria’s capital markets and subsequently across Africa is going to be a game changer for wealth creation and economic growth sustainability.
“In addition, it will completely redefine the future of African finance, investment and capital market industries.”
Okoye said the digital assets present a unique opportunity for Africans to build wealth regardless of location or profession, providing for the first time, an accurate reflection of Nigeria and Africa’s true wealth position.
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.