NEWS
Wike Orders Removal Of Scavengers’ Colony In Abuja
Nyesom Wike, the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), has issued a directive for the removal of the scavengers’ colony situated along the road corridor spanning Mabushi, Jahi, and Kado Districts.
Minister Nyesom Wike issued the demolition order during his visit to the area identified as ‘Road N12’ in Mabushi District in Abuja on Tuesday.
He characterized the colony behind the Minister’s Quarters in Mabushi as a “threat” to the city’s security.
The region, once occupied by scavengers commonly referred to as ‘Baban Bola,’ housed mechanics and furniture makers.
Minister Wike, joined by a joint team of security personnel and senior FCT Administration officials, emphasized an intensified effort to eliminate criminal elements from the city.
He issued a warning against planting trees in designated development areas, stating that the government would not provide compensation for such trees.
Wike further instructed the Development Control Department and the Federal Capital Development Authority to clear the entire area and conduct preliminary roadwork assessments.
He said “You should not compensate them. This is a hideout for criminals, and the communities should stop planting trees in the area.
“These are the kind of things you see that people commit crimes, and then before you know it, they run down here for cover, and people will say, “‘Oh, FCT is not safe’,” he added
Reassuring FCT residents, the minister pledged the government’s commitment to minimizing crime.
Mukhtar Galadima, the coordinator of the Federal Capital Territory City Management Task Team, emphasized that in the face of national security challenges, illegal activities like those in the area would not be tolerated.
He said “With the security challenges across the country, illegal activities of this nature will not be allowed to continue.
“That is why we are not giving consideration to compensation; we have to secure the place.”
The Kano State Police Command has refuted reports circulating on social media about an alleged attack on an 18-seater passenger bus in the state, calling the claims false and misleading.
In a statement issued on Saturday, the Command’s spokesperson, SP Abdullahi Kiyawa, dismissed the reports and urged the public to disregard them.
“The report is completely false and misleading. There was no such attack, and the public should not be misled by unverified information circulating online,” Kiyawa stated.
READ ALSO: Billions Lost As Fire Razes Kano Market, Recycling Hub
He reassured residents of the police command’s commitment to maintaining law and order, ensuring public safety, and fostering peaceful coexistence among diverse communities.
To address the spread of misinformation, the police have launched an investigation to identify the source of the false report. Authorities warned that those responsible would face consequences.
“The command urges the public to refrain from spreading unverified information that can incite fear, panic, and unrest in society,” Kiyawa added.
The police also advised citizens to rely on credible sources for information and avoid sharing unverified claims that could cause unnecessary alarm.
Saudi Arabia has announced the sighting of the Shawwal crescent moon, confirming that Eid al-Fitr will be observed on Sunday, March 30, 2025.
The announcement was made on Saturday via Haramain’s official Facebook page, stating, “The crescent moon for the month of Shawwal 1446 was sighted in Saudi Arabia. Therefore, Eid Al Fitr will be celebrated on Sunday, March 30, 2025.”
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Eid al-Fitr marks the end of Ramadan, the Islamic holy month of fasting and prayer, and is celebrated with communal prayers, festive meals, and acts of charity.
With Saudi Arabia’s confirmation, many countries that align their Islamic calendar with the kingdom are expected to follow suit, while others may conduct their own moon sightings to determine the date of the festival.
Muslims worldwide are preparing for the celebrations, which include special prayers, family gatherings, and the giving of alms, as part of Islamic tradition.
The International Monetary Fund (IMF) has named Tony Elumelu, Founder and Group Chairman of Heirs Holdings, to its newly formed Advisory Council on Entrepreneurship and Growth.
The council, convened by IMF Managing Director Kristalina Georgieva, is tasked with addressing regulatory barriers to entrepreneurship and shaping policies that foster innovation, resource allocation, and private sector-led economic expansion.
A statement confirming Elumelu’s appointment was released on Friday, highlighting his influence as a strong advocate for entrepreneurship in Africa.
READ ALSO: Tony Elumelu Marks Daughter’s Birthday
Through the Tony Elumelu Foundation, he has provided funding, mentorship, and training to over 25,000 African entrepreneurs since 2015, championing the belief that private sector investments can drive the continent’s economic transformation.
“Elumelu will be instrumental in ensuring that Africa’s entrepreneurial potential is central to global economic policymaking,” the statement noted.
The IMF Advisory Council comprises global leaders from business, finance, and academia, including: Marc Benioff, CEO and Co-Founder of Salesforce, Ana Botín, Executive Chair of Banco Santander, Margherita Della Valle, CEO of Vodafone Group, Natarajan Chandrasekaran, Chairman of Tata Group, Robert Smith, Founder and CEO of Vista Equity Partners, HRH Reema Bandar Al-Saud, Saudi Ambassador to the U.S., Federico Sturzenegger, Argentine Minister of Deregulation and Professor Ufuk Akcigit, Economist, University of Chicago.
At the council’s inaugural meeting on March 26, 2025, Georgieva emphasized the significance of entrepreneurship in economic growth.
“The Council brings together a group of leading thinkers and practitioners in business, finance, academia, and policymaking to share their views and experiences on how macroeconomic and financial policies can provide a supportive environment for innovation, entrepreneurship, and productivity—key ingredients for a thriving private sector and strong economic growth,” she stated.
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