METRO Transition: FCTA Perm Sec. Adesola, now ‘acting FCT Minister’

By Stanley Onyekwere

In the wake of the inauguration of Mr. Bola Tinubu as the 16th Nigeria President, the Permanent Secretary of the Federal Capital Territory Administration, Mr. Olusade Adesola, has assumed leadership of the FCTA, in acting capacity, pending the nomination and confirmation of substantive Ministers for the Territory.

Also, this followed the exit of former FCT Minister, Malam Muhammad Musa Bello, and the Territory’s Minister of State, Dr. Ramatu Tijani Aliyu, who had signed and handed over official notes, signaling the transfer of leadership baton to Adesola, in line with the Executive Order 14, which stipulates peaceful transition of power.

Adesola, while receiving the FCT Ministers’ official Handover Notes, explained that the Administration of President Muhammadu Buhari was the first that provided for a smooth transition in the history of Nigeria.

According to him: “There are situation where the Outgoing Government did not hand over any document, and this could be challenging for incoming Administration, and by the Executive Order 14, the President directed that this should be cascaded into the transition bill that will soon be signed into law.

“So , the document you are leaving behind Sir, does not capture the full range of activities that you undertook while you were in office, but we have made the efforts to Capture as much as possible so that whoever will be your successor in office will be able to carry on from here”.

He revealed that the FCTA had commenced the process of compiling the handover notes two weeks before President Muhammadu Buhari gave directive on the implementation of the

Executive Order 14.

He added that the handover report is a document written in Vol. 1, 2 &3 and captured a wide range of activities that were carried out during administration of Muhammad Musa Bello from the FCTA- SDAs, particularly in the area of Abuja Light Rail, Garki Hospital and collapsed buildings.

“Volume 1 is the main report which is over 380 pages, volume 2 contain the annexes, while the volume 3 carries the appendix, the report and submission by the Executive Secretary FCDA, the Mandate Secretaries and Coordinators of STDD and AMMC”, he stated.

Earlier, Malam Bello charged the City Managers /Heads of Secretariats to step up their duties in preserving the Abuja Master plan ,especially the water bodies, like Jabi Lake and the reserved green areas.

His words: “Obviously the FCT Particularly the FCC is going through tremendous challenges that would warrant those manning the responsibility of managing the territory and the city itself, have to really go extra mile or else the city will be beyond your grip.

“ If we are not careful, in the next two years the Jabi Lake may dry up due to encroachment, because once you loose environment, vegetation, and water bodies, it is impossible to regain them back”.

The now former FCT Minister also used the medium to ask for forgiveness of all his misdeeds, as he exit office.

“So, I ask you to forgive me for all my follies, my weaknesses, for all the things I ought to have done and have not done God bless the Federal Capital Territory”, he stated.

Similarly, his colleague, and former FCT Minster of State, Dr. Ramatu Aliyu stressed the need for Management Staff to strengthen the institutional frame work of FCDA/FCTA and cultivate the habit of keeping ‘History’ of the system.

Aliyu thanked the Adesola, Directors, staff and drivers for their cooperation and tolerance, even as she harps on the need to forgive one another and allow collaboration to lead.

Her words:” I want to thank particularly the drivers that accommodated my excesses, even during their weekends when I have hospitality functions, they will always be there.

“The FCT Family is a big family and that is one thing am going to miss. No Parastatal or agency is neatly bonded like FCTA. We must agree to disagree among ourselves, but most importantly the ability to forgive, understand. Whosoever you encounter, let forgiveness and understanding be the watch word”.

Menstrual Hygiene Day: Foundation distributes 400 pads to Abuja students

By Stanley Onyekwere

In commemoration this year's World Menstrual Hygiene (WMH) Day, the Helpline Foundation for the Needy Abuja, a Non Governmental Organisation (NGO) distributed sanitary pads to no fewer than 400 female students, and donated to school dispensary, in the nation's capital.

It was gathered that one menstrual hygiene kit containing an ample amount of pads each was distributed to the female students for promotion of hygiene and proper education on menstrual health.

Making the donation at Government Girls' Science Secondary School, Kuje, Abuja, over the weekend, President of the Foundation, Dr. Jumai Ahmadu said the NGO aimed at addressing the issue of menstrual hygiene management and contributing to the well-being of the students, in line with this year's theme, which is "Promoting Menstrual Health".

Represented by the Foundation's

Research Officer, Itodo Ojonoka Felicia, Ahmadu noted that the outing was to promote menstrual health awareness, empower young students, and ensure they have access to menstrual hygiene products.

According to her, prior to the distribution exercise, her team conducted research on menstrual hygiene, engaged with stakeholders and assessed the needs of the students and the school.

She explained that the school was known for having significant number of female students, with limited resources, before making available an appropriate quantity and type of menstrual hygiene products required.

The Foundation President also disclosed that the NGO organised an interactive session with the students, where discussions on menstrual health and hygiene practices and proper use of pad were carried out, including debunking of common myths and misconceptions about menstrual cycle.

She revealed that the students actively participated in the interactive session, sharing their experiences, concerns and asking questions for clarification.

She adds: "We gathered that

FCT road traffic chief slams int’l traffic report

By Stanley Onyekwere

The Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Squadron Leader and National Coordinator of Road Traffic and Vehicle Inspection Officers Mayors, Yusuf John Suberu, has expressed his criticism towards the International Traffic Observation Initiative.

The organisation released a report highlighting several issues within the FCT Directorate of Road Traffic Services (DRTS), including alleged lopsidedness in appointment of sectional heads, the use of casual staff, and deviation from constitutional roles

The DRTS, responsible for various public services such as driver’s license issuance and number plate registration, has been praised for its efficient operations.

Dr Suberu dismissed the claim of an imbalance in appointments, asserting that the present leadership structure represents a fair distribution across Nigeria’s geopolitical zones.

He said “the commercial division, for instance, is headed by someone from the North Central, while the Northwest oversees motor vehicle administration.

“Additionally, the DTT division is led by a representative from the North Central, and the SERVICOM division is headed by a South easterner.

“The South Easterners hold key positions in the finance, administration, and public relations divisions.

“Moreover, the legal division is headed by an individual from the North Central, and the deputy director of operations hails from the Southwest.

“This diversity exemplifies adherence to the principles of true federal character.

Addressing concerns over casual staff, Dr Suberu acknowledged the presence of some individuals who do not uphold their duties adequately.

However, he assured that efforts are being made, under the supervision of the director and area commanders, to identify and rectify such cases.

It should be noted that the issue of touting within the DRTS predates the current director’s tenure. The intelligence and provost department has been diligent poor menstrual hygiene is caused by a lack of education, persisting taboos, stigma, limited access to hygienic menstrual products and poor sanitation". in apprehending those involved in the production of counterfeit documents and number plates,” he said.

Contrary to calls for a complete overhaul of the directorate, Dr Suberu argued that such action is unnecessary at this time due to ongoing reforms initiated by the director.

As the representative of NGOs/CSOs on road safety matters in Nigeria, he emphasised the strong and collaborative working relationship between his group and relevant government traffic agencies, including the DRTS, Vios, and the FRSC

While acknowledging the right of the International Traffic Observation Initiative to raise concerns, Dr Suberu believes it is important to respond and provide a more balanced perspective.