In a bid to elevate living standards in the Federal Capital Territory, the FCT Executive Council presided over by the Minister, Nyesome Wike on Friday approved 22 impactful projects, spanning healthcare, road infrastructure, water supply, education, agriculture, and youth empowerment.
Addressing reporters after Friday’s session, Chief of Staff to the FCT Minister, Chidi Amadi, revealed that the fifth EXCO meeting, reviewed and unanimously endorsed 14 new contracts alongside eight ratifications.
“This meeting delivered significant decisions touching on the Agric Secretariat, Health Secretariat, and other vital departments,” Amadi explained.
Mandate Secretary for Health Services and Environment Secretariat, Adedolapo Fasawe, announced the historic procurement of 12 ultra-modern ambulances — the first in nine years.
“For the first time in about nine years, FCT will get 12 brand new special ambulances… state-of-the-art units that will drastically improve emergency response,” she said.
The Toyota Hiace high-roof ambulances, equipped with advanced life-support systems, cost ₦1.741 billion, with delivery completed and commissioning forthcoming. Integration with the national 112 emergency line is underway.
She warned: “We have zero tolerance for ambulances carrying corpses. It’s unethical. We are proposing dedicated hearses in the next budget.”
Acting Executive Secretary of FCDA, Richard Dauda, confirmed urgent approval for a new access road and resurfacing of the deteriorated main entrance to the Old Federal Secretariat in Durumi.
“The road was deplorable. Work has practically been completed to ensure unhindered access to the complex housing key ministries and agencies,” he noted.
Agriculture Mandate Secretary Ango Suleman said EXCO approved delivery of vital fertilizers including MPK and Urea, already distributed to farmers.
“This season, we are going to have a different output… contributing immensely to food security in FCT and the nation,” he said.
Youth development also received a boost with approval for renovation of Nyanya Youth Centre, supporting skills training in ICT, metalwork, tailoring, and creative arts.
“It’s part of our drive to make youths self-reliant,” shared Mandate Secretary Lawan Geidam.
Water Board secured contracts worth billions for alum, gaseous chlorine, and diesel supplies to enhance water treatment at Lower Usuma Dam. Acting General Manager Daniel Audu assured continuity in water supply throughout the city and its councils.
Education Mandate Secretary Danlami Hayyo confirmed ₦394.85 million funding for WAEC/NECO teaching and practical science materials to 88 senior secondary schools.
“Without instructional materials, effective teaching, learning and exams cannot take place,” he stressed.
Finally, Development Control Director, Murktar Galadima announced the extension of maintenance at Jabi Pump Station, a critical facility protecting the environment from toxic effluents.
Credit: The Sun