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FCT: Demolition Should Be Last Resort, Dr Pillah Tells Wike

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By Samson Adeyanju

Renowned public affairs analyst and a Senior Lecturer at Veritas University Abuja, Dr. Patrick Pillah, has urged the Federal Capital Territory Administration (FCTA), under the Honourable Minister, Nyesom Wike to adopt a more humane approach in addressing urban planning violations, emphasizing that demolition should be the last resort.

Speaking on Trust TV’s segment on land use, Dr. Pillah, who has more than Forty articles in international academic journals critiqued the recent demolitions in the Federal Capital Territory, describing them as a “necessary evil” but questioning their timing, execution, and impact on vulnerable communities.

The writer of the book “Land Policy Administration and Development” on Amazon, Goggle Scholar, Research Gate and Academia, highlighted that the demolitions have exacerbated the housing crisis and displaced countless residents, calling for a balance between urban planning and the rights of citizens.

“The Land Use Act of 1978 and the FCT Act of 1976 clearly outline mechanisms for land allocation and revocation.

However, the absence of a functioning Land Use and Allocation Committee has left unchecked powers in the hands of the minister,” he said.

Dr. Pillah recommended the immediate establishment of the committee to guide decisions and ensure inclusivity in land administration.

He further criticized past and present administrations for failing to enforce the FCT Master Plan adequately.

“The influx of people into Abuja due to insecurity nationwide has overwhelmed available infrastructure.

“This, combined with poor planning, has led to unregulated developments,” he explained.

Dr. Pillah advocated for the development of satellite towns with robust infrastructure to decongest the city center.

“If satellite towns like Karshi and Nyanya are properly developed with accessible transportation systems, many would prefer to live there,” he noted.

Addressing concerns over illegal structures, he attributed blame to both residents and government agencies for negligence.

“While residents should ensure proper documentation, government agencies must enforce regulations consistently,” he added.

Dr. Pillah then called on the FCTA to prioritize dialogue, education, and planning over demolition.

“Demolition should never be the first step. A well-implemented urban planning policy can preserve the city’s integrity without displacing its people,” he said.

The discussion has sparked fresh debates on the need for comprehensive urban development policies in Nigeria’s capital.

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Federal fire service decorates 130 officers in Kano

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The Kano State Command of the Federal Fire Service (FFS) has decorated 130 officers recently promoted to various ranks in a ceremony held in Kano.

The Command’s Controller in the state, Kazeem Sholadoye disclosed this in a statement issued by the service’s Public Relations Officer, Al-Hassan Kantin on Wednesday in Kano.

Congratulating the officers, the state controller described their promotion as well deserved and a call to greater responsibility and professionalism.

Sholadoye charged the officers to see their new ranks as an opportunity to demonstrate increased commitment to protection of lives and property.

He reminded them that promotion comes with higher expectations in service delivery.

Speaking on behalf of the promoted officers, Deputy Superintendent of Fire in the command, DSF Abdullahi Muhammad expressed appreciation to the management for organising what he described as a befitting ceremony.

He reiterated the readiness of the officers to rededicate themselves to duty and uphold core values of the Federal Fire Service. 

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Tinubu salutes Bisi Akande’s national legacy at 87

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President Bola Tinubu has paid glowing tributes  to Chief Bisi Akande, elder statesman and former APC national chairman, as he marked his 87th birthday.

Tinubu said this in a special tribute  on Thursday to celebrate Akande’s life of service and democratic commitment.

He described Akande as a towering figure who contributed significantly to Nigeria’s political development and democratic institutionalisation.

The President said Akande’s political journey was shaped by Chief Obafemi Awolowo’s progressive ideology and commitment to public service.

Akande began his career as an accountant with British Petroleum before leaving the private sector for public service.

He served as Secretary to the State Government in old Oyo State in 1979 and later became Deputy Governor during the Second Republic.

Tinubu noted that Akande later served as Governor of Osun  from 1999 to 2003, where he further distinguished himself.

As interim chairman of the APC, Akande laid the foundation for the party’s historic victory in 2015, Tinubu said.

The President praised Akande’s leadership, integrity, industry and sacrifices for the party and the nation.

He described Akande as a mentor whose guidance, advice and encouragement shaped his political journey.

Tinubu said Akande’s continued support for his administration and the Renewed Hope Agenda remains invaluable.

He noted that, even at 87, Akande remained a firm advocate of democracy, social justice and good governance.

The President prayed for Akande’s good health and renewed strength as he marked the milestone birthday. 

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Lawal presents certificates to 50 Crescent varsity graduates 9 years after graduation

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Gov Dauda Lawal, on Thursday presented certificates to 50 former students of the Crescent University, Abeokuta, Ogun, nine years after their graduation.

This is contained in a statement by the governor’s spokesperson, Sulaiman Idris in Gusau, Zamfara.

The presentation took place at the Grand Chamber of the Government House, Gusau.

 According to Idris, the former students, who were on the state government’s scholarship,  graduated nine years ago, but could not receive their certificates due to the state government’s failure to settle their outstanding tuition fees owed the institution.

“The former students were left hanging for nine years because their tuition fees were not settled.

“The Crescent University declined to release the students’ results due to the non payment of their outstanding tuition fees.

“The state government, under Gov. Dauda Lawal, after carefully studying the case, reached out to the university and settled the outstanding tuition fees.

“Among the 50 students, is a First Class graduate in Chemistry and several Second Class Upper degree holders,” he said.

While presenting the certificates to the  graduates, Lawal restated his commitment to revamping the educational sector.

Lawal also reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to continue to prioritise education to enhance the even development of the state.

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