By Our Correspondent

Following the ongoing commissioning of new projects in Abuja,President Bola Ahmed Tinubu on Tuesday flipped the switch on the Bwari Township Water Supply Network, vowing to push clean, treated water to every FCT satellite town under his Renewed Hope Agenda.

Represented by First Lady Senator Oluremi Tinubu at the Bwari commissioning, the President said access to safe water is a basic right and promised that infrastructure will no longer stop at the city centre.

For too long, the story of Abuja has been a city split in two: a shining core and surrounding communities left behind. That chapter is closed, Tinubu declared.
“The Renewed Hope Agenda is not a slogan. It is a contract. It is a deliberate, calculated, and unyielding commitment to governance that works for the people,” he said.
“Nigeria belongs to all of us, and development must be spread out.”

The newly delivered 198-kilometre pipeline, built by China Geo-engineering Construction (CGC) Limited, now connects Bwari, Ushafa and nearby areas directly to treated water from the Lower Usuma Dam.

Tinubu said he gave immediate approval after FCT Minister Nyesom Wike presented the proposal to end years of residents depending on untreated boreholes and streams.
“I gave him a direct order: ‘Go out there, mobilise the best, and fix it.’ Today, we are commissioning this massive, state-of-the-art 198-kilometre water pipeline network,” the President said.

He listed the benefits: better public health through fewer waterborne illnesses, an end to expensive private boreholes, and fresh economic opportunities. The construction phase alone created more than 1,600 direct and indirect jobs, he added.

The President confirmed the water rollout will continue.
“Last year, it was the Lower Usuma Dam Phase II rehabilitation; last month, it was the Karu water network; today it is Bwari. Before our tenure is through, this water revolution will fully cover Kuje, Kwali, Gwagwalada and Abaji,” he pledged.

Tinubu praised the FCT Minister, calling him “Mr. Project” for speeding up delivery across the territory.
“From boosting the FCT’s Internally Generated Revenue to executing 31 landmark projects simultaneously across the territory from roads to housing and now water you have proven to be a reliable champion of the Renewed Hope Agenda,” he said.

He also called on Bwari residents to guard the facility against vandalism, noting it was funded with public money for public good.

In his remarks, FCT Minister Barr. Nyesom Wike said the project delivers on the President’s instruction to extend modern water infrastructure beyond the central district. He described it as the third major water intervention under this administration, following the rehabilitation of the Abuja city water system and the recent Karu satellite town water project.

“Since Mr. President came into office in 2023, he has provided water for the city centre, water for Karu and neighbouring communities, and today, water for Bwari. Let people know that we are not concentrating only on roads; we are making sure other sectors are also being touched,” Wike said.

Wike disclosed that 50 major projects have been commissioned since May 2023, with 10 more slated for inauguration before election campaigns begin next year. He credited the progress to presidential backing.

“You can be a minister, but without the support of the President, it is difficult to perform. Mr. President has given the FCT all the support required to change the narrative, and we will not disappoint him,” he added.

FCT Minister of State Dr. Mariya Mahmoud, in her vote of thanks, called the Bwari network another landmark of the Renewed Hope Agenda. She said it will expand access to safe drinking water, strengthen public health, and rebuild trust in government through people-focused infrastructure.

By Our Correspondent

As Osun governorship poll draws close,the National Orientation Agency (NOA) on Tuesday charged residents of the State to shun voter apathy, reject vote buying and embrace peaceful participation.

Director-General of the agency, Mallam Lanre Issa-Onilu, who was represented by a Zonal Director of the agency, Kehinde Ogunkuade, made the call at a stakeholders’ town hall meeting organised by the Osun State Directorate of the NOA in Osogbo.

He said the agency’s nationwide voter sensitisation campaign was aimed at promoting active civic participation while discouraging vote buying and election violence.

He lamented that voter apathy continues to pose a major threat to Nigeria’s democracy, noting that many eligible voters have become disillusioned and now believe their votes do not count.

According to him, democracy can only thrive when citizens actively participate in the electoral process. Unfortunately, voter apathy has continued to undermine democratic development in our country.

“Many citizens have become discouraged and now believe their votes do not count. Some others have lost confidence in governance and therefore choose to stay away from elections. We must collectively reject this attitude.

“Every eligible voter in Osun State must understand that voting is not merely a political activity; it is a civic duty and a patriotic responsibility. The future of our communities, our state, and our democracy depends on the choices we make at the polls.

“Citizens must understand that the temporary financial gains from vote selling cannot compare with the long-term consequences of bad governance, poor infrastructure, unemployment, insecurity, and lack of social services.

“We must resist all attempts by politicians or their agents to compromise our conscience and dignity through inducement. Democracy loses its value when votes become commodities for sale.”

By George Mgbeleke

The Senate on Tuesday called on the Federal Government to sustain and intensify ongoing military and intelligence operations against terrorists, kidnappers, bandits and other criminal elements across the country.

This is as the Red chamber has commended President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, the Nigerian Armed Forces, security agencies and other stakeholders for the successful rescue of abducted schoolchildren and teachers in Orire Local Government Area of Oyo State, describing the operation as a remarkable demonstration of courage, professionalism and commitment to national security.

The call followed the adoption of a motion sponsored by Senate Leader, Sen. Opeyemi Bamidele (APC-Ekiti Central) and co-sponsored by all other senators during plenary on Tuesday.

It urged the government to strengthen security operations by providing modern equipment, advanced surveillance technology, enhanced intelligence capabilities, improved logistics and better welfare packages for members of the Armed Forces.

The lawmakers stressed that these measures should be pursued consistently until all Nigerians can live, work, conduct their businesses and pursue education without fear.

The upper chamber also urged the Federal Government to ensure the prompt payment of statutory death benefits, insurance claims, pensions and other welfare entitlements to the families of fallen security personnel.

It further called for sustained investment in the welfare, training, equipment and operational capacity of members of the Armed Forces and other security agencies.

Moving the motion, Bamidele praised Tinubu for what he described as his decisive leadership and commitment to strengthening Nigeria’s security architecture following the abduction of the pupils and teachers on May 15, 2026.

He noted that the President at that time immediately directed the Armed Forces and all security and intelligence agencies to deploy every lawful resource, necessary to secure the unconditional rescue of the victims.

The senate leader recalled that after more than 50 days of coordinated intelligence-driven operations, security forces rescued the victims on July 10, arrested eight suspected terrorists and neutralised several others.

He observed that the operation restored hope among Nigerians, especially parents and school communities, while demonstrating the growing operational effectiveness and professionalism of the nation’s security agencies.

Bamidele, however, paid glowing tribute to three security personnel who lost their lives during the rescue mission.

They were identified as Lt. F. A. Isaac of the Nigerian Army, Private Silas Musa of the 81 Battalion, Nigerian Army, and Sgt. Abena John Jerome of the Nigeria Police Force.

The Senate also commended Lance Corporal Adamu Hussain of the 81 Battalion, who sustained injuries during the operation, wishing him a speedy recovery and urging the relevant authorities to provide him with the best medical care and all his welfare entitlements.

The lawmakers observed a minute’s silence in honour of the fallen heroes and extended condolences to their families, the Armed Forces, the Nigeria Police Force and the entire security community

The Senate noted that the abduction of the students and teachers represented a serious threat to national security and a disturbing expansion of organised criminal activities into the South-West region.

According to the motion, “the security and welfare of the people shall be the primary purpose of government,” citing Section 14(2)(b) of the 1999 Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria (as amended).

The Senate stated that following the incident, President Tinubu, in his capacity as Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces, directed security agencies to deploy all necessary resources to secure the safe return of the victims.

Contributing to the motion:Senator Abdulfatai commended the Nigerian military and other security agencies for their continued sacrifices and for the successful rescue of the teachers and pupils abducted from Oriire Local Government Area of Oyo State. He also narrated the events that led to the successful rescue of the victims. He further appreciated the Federal Government for securing the release of the students.

Senator Muhammad Adamu, on his part, commended the Senate Leader for bringing forth the motion, which he described as timely. However, he noted that thousands of Nigerians are still in captivity and urged security operatives to double their efforts in rescuing those still being held across the country.

Senator Muhammad Mongono thanked the President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for his leadership and commended the bravery of Nigerian troops. He called for that same energy and courage to be used to rescue the other victims still being held captive across the country.

Senator Ningi called for those arrested over the kidnapping of teachers and pupils in Oriire LGA, Oyo State, to be prosecuted immediately. He also urged security agencies to apply the same teamwork used to rescue the Oyo victims to other parts of the country where Nigerians are still being held captive.

On his part, Sen. Adams Oshiomhole (APC-Edo) knocked Gov. Seyi Makinde of
Oyo over his call for a United Nations-led probe into the abduction of pupils and teachers in Oriire Local Government Area.

He said: “Makinde should not be seen as downplaying and politicising the issue.

“At this moment, suggesting that external bodies such as the United Nations should take over responsibilities that rightly belong to Nigeria would amount to questioning our nation’s sovereignty.

“It will also be undermining the efforts of our security institutions and the leadership that has supported these operations.

“This is a time for us to unite, commend the achievements recorded and encourage our security agencies to sustain their efforts until peace and security are restored across the country.

Sen. Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan (PDP-Kogi) called on government to provide psychological support, trauma counselling and rehabilitation of the rescued victims.

In his remarks, Deputy Senate President Jibrin Barau who presided over plenary commended President Tinubu saying “the president has done very well”.

“We know the commitment he has deployed to change the trajectory of insecurity in the country.

The motion further revealed that the Nigerian Armed Forces, working alongside intelligence and other security agencies, carried out a coordinated intelligence-driven operation lasting more than 50 days, leading to the rescue of the abducted children and teachers.

“The successful rescue operation demonstrated the increasing operational effectiveness, professionalism and tactical superiority of the Nigerian Armed Forces and the nation’s security architecture,” the Senate stated.

The lawmakers also acknowledged the sacrifices made by security personnel during the operation, particularly Lieutenant F. A. Isaac of the Nigerian Army, Private Silas Musa, and Sergeant Abena John Jerome of the Nigeria Police Force, who lost their lives while defending the lives of innocent citizens.

The Senate paid tribute to the fallen officers, describing their sacrifices as acts of “exceptional courage, patriotism and selfless service to the nation.”

It also recognised the bravery of Lance Corporal Adamu Hussain of the Nigerian Army, who sustained injuries during the operation, and called for adequate medical care and welfare support for him.

“The supreme sacrifice made by our gallant personnel deserves the highest national recognition and serves as an inspiration to all security personnel serving across various theatres of operation,” the Senate noted.

The upper chamber also congratulated the rescued schoolchildren, teachers and their families, while sympathising with the family of the teacher who died during captivity.

In its resolutions, the Senate commended President Tinubu for his “decisive leadership, strategic direction and unwavering commitment to strengthening Nigeria’s security architecture.”

It equally praised the Chief of Defence Staff, service chiefs, the National Security Adviser, the Inspector-General of Police, the Department of State Services, the National Intelligence Agency and all officers involved in the operation for their professionalism and dedication.

The Senate urged the Federal Government to sustain and intensify military and intelligence operations against terrorists, kidnappers, bandits and other criminal elements across the country.

It called for improved equipment, advanced surveillance technology, stronger intelligence capabilities, better logistics and enhanced welfare packages for members of the Armed Forces and other security agencies.

The lawmakers further urged Nigerians to continue supporting security agencies through timely sharing of information, cooperation and patriotism.

In his remarks, Deputy Senate President Jibrin Barau who presided over plenary commended President Tinubu saying “the president has done very well”.

“We know the commitment he has deployed to change the trajectory of insecurity in the country.

“The Senate will continue to support him,” Barau said.

The Clerk of the National Assembly was also directed to transmit copies of the Senate resolution to President Tinubu, the Chief of Defence Staff, service chiefs, security advisers and heads of relevant security agencies as a mark of appreciation and support.