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FCT Indigenes Reject Relocation Policy, Seek for Integration and Justice

By Our Reporter
The Indigenous people of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) have strongly opposed the long-standing relocation policy initiated by the Federal Capital Territory Administration (FCTA), describing it as a violation of their fundamental human rights and the rule of law.
The indigenes of the Abuja, the FCT had rather sought for an inclusive urban renewal and integration approachone that fosters acceptance, comfort, and provides humane and equitable alternatives.
Their position was canvassed during a public hearing organized by the House of Representatives Committee on Area Councils and Ancillary Matters, held on Wednesday at the National Assembly Complex, Abuja,
Declaring the event open, Speaker of the House Rt.Hon.Tajudeen Abbas urged stakeholders to freely express their views, noting that such contributions would assist lawmakers in crafting informed legislation.
Abbas represented by Hon. Joe Oke Onuakalusi, described the intervention as a critical step towards promoting national unity and the brotherhood embedded in Nigeria’s constitution and national anthem.
He noted that the issue of integrating FCT indigenes has been a recurring debate across successive administrations, emphasizing that the matter is not just relevant to Abuja but has broader implications for justice and equity across the country.
Chairman of the House Committee on Area Councils and Ancillary Matters, Hon. Fredrick Agbedi, explained that the hearing was prompted by a motion earlier moved on the need to explore alternative approaches to resettling or integrating both indigenous and non-indigenous residents in the FCT.
“The FCT is a symbol of unity and a representation of our national ideals. It was built for all Nigerians, irrespective of ethnic, religious, or regional backgrounds,” he said. “However, with growth and diversity come complex challenges—including the displacement of indigenous communities, the unclear status of non-indigenous residents, and the tension between customary land rights and modern urban planning.”
Speaker Abbas therefore charged the committee to carefully document all contributions made during the hearing, assuring that the 10th House, under his leadership, is committed to developing legislative solutions that reflect the collective aspirations of the people.
In his remarks, Director of Resettlement and Compensation at the FCDA, TPL Nasiru Suleiman, requested additional time for the agency to present its memorandum.
The committee granted a two-week extension to enable the FCDA to submit its presentation.
Also speaking at the event, the Sepeyi of Garki, Chief Usman Nga Kupi—who represented the Ona of Abaji—lamented the sacrifices made by FCT natives, including the loss of ancestral lands and property in the name of national development.
Hon. Bala Iya, representing the Kpaduma community, decried what he described as a longstanding pattern of injustice and discriminatory practices against indigenous residents.
He stated that farmlands had been seized without compensation, disrupting not only livelihoods but the people’s spiritual and cultural ties to their land.
“The resettlement process must include allocation of reasonably sized land, with proper title documents and financial support for building development as approved by Development Control,” he said.
Meanwhile, the Original Inhabitant Development Association of Abuja called for a constitutional amendment to secure equal rights for FCT natives.
The group represented by Giwa Bamaiyi, its President, Pastor Danladi Jeji, proposed the establishment of a National Commission for Indigenous Peoples to address the systemic challenges faced by original inhabitants.
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2nd Phase Leaders Complete Training on Leadership and Mediation – Gen. Elaye Lauds Otuaro’s Visionary Drive

By David Owei,Bayelsa
The 2nd Phase Camp Leaders’ training on “Leadership, Alternative Dispute Resolution and Mediation”, sponsored by the Presidential Amnesty Programme (PAP), has successfully come to a close Friday on a commendable note.
The intensive leadership-building initiative, held under the distinguished leadership of the Administrator of the PAP, High Chief Dr. Dennis Brutu Otuaro, aimed to equip leaders with practical skills in peacebuilding, mediation, and conflict resolution—critical tools for sustaining peace in the Niger Delta region.
Reacting to the successful completion of the programme, General Elaye ThankGod Dollar Slaboh, National Chairman of the Third Phase Presidential Amnesty Programme, alongside his national leadership, congratulated the participants for their commitment and active engagement throughout the training.
General Elaye commended Dr. Otuaro for his visionary leadership and strategic direction, which is rapidly changing the dynamics of the Presidential Amnesty Programme, shifting it towards human capital development and long-term peace.
He emphasized that such initiatives are essential for reinforcing grassroots leadership and consolidating the peace already being enjoyed in the region.
> “This training is not just a success for the 2nd Phase; it is a win for the entire Niger Delta. The wisdom of High Chief Otuaro in investing in leadership and conflict resolution will continue to bear fruit,” General Elaye stated.
The Presidential Amnesty Programme continues to champion developmental engagements that bridge gaps, empower beneficiaries, and promote sustainable peace in the Niger Delta.
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Regional Development Minister,Engr Momoh bags Awards

Regional Development Minister,Engr Momoh bags Awards
By Our Correspondent
Minister of Regional Development, Engineer Abubakar Momoh has been conferred with two Awards by the Institute of Professional Economists and Management Policy (IPEPM) tagged ‘ Excellent Leadership Award and Professional Doctorate Fellowship Award”.
Receiving the Awards today in his office, Engr. Momoh, expressed profound gratitude for the recognition and reiterated that true governance is about leaving a lasting legacies.
He further said “My track record speaks for itself and is a testament to the awards I have received “.
He used the opportunity to commend the President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, Bola Ahmed Tinubu for his visionary leadership and resilience in ensuring the holistic development of the country.
According to him, the establishment of the Federal Ministry of Regional Development is a bold step to integrate all Regional Development Commissions under one coordinated umbrella.
The Ministér said that the recognition bestowed upon him further reinforces his commitment to service and to impact mankind.
Earlier, the leader of the delegation who is the Executive Secretary/ National Coordinator of the Institute, Dr. Musa Aliu Yakub Okhumeode, said the courtesy visit was to present the prestigious Awards in recognition of his exceptional leadership and contribution to regional and national Development, as well as to seek partnership in strategic training programmes.
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Minna Lack of Sensitisation responsible for transporting small arms and light weapons to criminal gangs-Enanch and offi officials

By Uthman-Baba Naseer,Minna
The Zonal Director, North Central, National Centre for Small Arms and Light Weapons Mr Abdul Adamu Enenche made the submission during a visit to the Niger State Council of the Nigeria Union of Journalists NUJ in Minna.
Of recent, many Nigerians have been apprehended with cache of arms and ammunitions meant for delivery to bandits, kidnappers and other criminals.
This has raised questions as to why some individuals will willingly allow themselves to be used as couriers of illegal weapons to criminals.
The Zonal Director, National Centre for the Control of Small Arms and Light Weapons, Mr Abdul Adamu Enenche said lack sensitisation on dangers of such acts and intelligence from people are contributing to the spread of arms.
He observed that porous or poorly managed borders and activities of local fabricators who manufacture guns are other sources of weapons proliferation that the Centre is trying to address.
Mr Adamu Enenche who solicited the support of members of the NUJ to enable the Centre to achieve its objectives, promised to synergize with other sister agencies.
The Chairman, Nigeria Union of Journalists NUJ, Niger State Council, Comrade Abu Nmodu expressed optimism that there would be great reduction of criminal activities once the issue of small arms are resolved.
Comrade Nmodu urged the Centre to be open for collaboration with the Union especially in the area of training members on it’s activities.
Across section of members of the Union who spoke on the occasion stressed the need for the National Centre for the Control of Small Arms and Light Weapons to deploy officers of the Centre to the grassroots for easy intelligence gathering.
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