News

FCTA to prohibit use of ambulances for transporting corpses

The Federal Capital Territory Administration (FCTA), has strongly condemned the increasing use of ambulances to transport corpses within Abuja, describing the practice as both ‘unethical and unacceptable’.

The Secretary of the Health Services and Environment Secretariat, Dr Adedolapo Fasawe made this known while addressing journalists on Friday after the fifth meeting of the FCT Executive Committee, which was presided over by the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike.

According to Fasawe, the administration has approved the purchase of 12 brand-new, fully equipped ambulances and plans to procure special hearses designated exclusively for the conveyance of dead bodies, in order to prevent the misuse of emergency medical vehicles.

‘In the FCT, we have zero tolerance for an ambulance to carry a corpse. It is not ethical because a living person will lie on that stretcher without decontamination. So, we are also looking into buying hearses in the next budget, specifically to carry dead bodies’, she said.

Fasawe added that the newly acquired ambulances — 12 units of the Toyota Hiace Hiroof (2023/2024 models) — are ‘specially fitted to international standards’, and will soon be deployed across the territory.

‘For the first time in about nine years, FCT will get 12 brand-new special ambulances. These are state-of-the-art vehicles, each equipped with a Bluetooth system, airbags, keyless entry and advanced medical fittings. They have been delivered and will be commissioned soon’, she stated.

She emphasised that the new ambulances would significantly enhance the FCT’s emergency response system, especially with the recent improvement of road networks that now allow quicker access to outlying areas.

‘A journey that used to take 20 minutes now takes five. With these ambulances, it may take just three minutes to reach a patient in need. This is another example of how the FCT system is working under the current administration’, she added.

The Health Secretary also reminded residents that the national emergency number, 112, is active and can be used to request medical assistance in Abuja.

‘We are in direct communication with the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC). The 112 number works right now.

‘Once we complete our ambulance command base, calls to 112 will be patched directly to the nearest available ambulance, whether from FEMA, NEMSAS, or the FCT Health Services’, she explained.

News

Unijos confirms murder of student by colleague

The Management of the University of Jos, has confirmed the murder of Peter Mafuyai, a 300-level student of the department Banking and Finance of the institution by his friend and fellow student.

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Dr Rejoice Songden, the Registrar of the university confirmed the incident in a condolence message on Monday in Jos.

‎Songden, who condemned the incident, however, clarified that the incident occured outside the school premises.

‎“The Management of the University of Jos has received with deep sadness the report of the unfortunate incident involving two students, which tragically resulted in the death of a 300-level student of the Department of Banking and Finance.

‎‎“The deceased was allegedly murdered by his friend, Nanpon Timnan, a 200-level student of the Department of Agricultural Science.

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“On behalf of the council, management, staff and students, we express our heartfelt condolences to the family, friends, colleagues of the deceased and pray for God’s comfort and strength to bear the painful loss.

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“The Management, however, wishes to clarify that the incident occurred off campus, not within the university premises as erroneously reported by some media outlets,”she said.

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The registrar explained that the university had concluded for 2024/2025 academic session since Aug. 30.

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‎“Therefore, students were not in session at the time of the incident; they are expected back on campus for the 2025/2026 academic session on Nov. 10.

‎“We deeply regret this tragic development and assure parents, guardians, students, staff and the general public that adequate security measures are in place to safeguard lives and property within the university vicinity,”she said.

‎‎Songden said that the university is fully cooperating with the security agencies to ensure speedy investigation into the matter and ensure justice is served.(NAN)

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News

Wike arrives Dubai for 2025 Asia Pacific cities summit and Mayors’ forum

The Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Minister, Nyesom Wike, arrived in Dubai, UAE, for the 2025 Asia Pacific Cities Summit and Mayors’ Forum (2025APCS) in Dubai this week.

This is contained in a statement issued by the Minister’s Senior Special Assistant on Public Communications and Social Media, Lere Olayinka, on Monday.

Wike was received by the Consul General of l.k.lthe Federal Republic of Nigeria in Dubai, Amb. Zayyanu Ibrahim as well as officials of the Federal Capital Territory Administration who had arrived earlier.

Wike will on Tuesday, lead a discussion panel in which he would field questions on the FCT, and also interact with Mayors of other capital cities during the summit.

NAN reports that the 2025APCS is expected to deliver long-term value for cities and businesses seeking trade and investment opportunities in Asia Pacific, the Middle East, Africa, South Asia and beyond.

The event, which is an initiative of Brisbane City Council, Australia, is one of the most diverse convenings of mayors, city leaders, business executives and young professionals worldwide.

NAN reports that the 2025APCS theme is Collaborate, Inspire, Transform.

The sub-themes for the summit include “Centres of Connection,” which focuses on the role of transportation networks, and other topics related to fostering sustainable urban development and enhancing quality of life. (NAN)

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Okpebholo vows to sack incompetent contractors

Gov. Monday Okpebholo of Edo has vowed to sack incompetent contractors because no contractor paid any bribe to anyone to secure a project under his watch.

This is contained in a statement by Fred Itua, the Chief Press Secretary to the Governor in Benin.

According to Itua , the governor said this when the leadership of the Inter-Party Advisory Council (IPAC) in Edo visited him at Government House, Benin.

Okpebholo said, “My mission is clear; to serve the Edo people selflessly and to transform their lives through meaningful development.

“We will not tolerate mediocrity. Any contractor, who fails to meet project specifications will be shown the way out.

“Edo resources are for the people, not for compromise or favoritism,” he said

According to Okpebholo, this administration remains firmly committed to transparency, service, and inclusive governance.

He emphasized that any contractor who fails to meet project specifications will be shown the way out.

The governor reaffirmed his administration’s zero-tolerance policy for corruption, stating that no contractor or political actor had influenced his decisions.

He reiterated that members of his administration would not be spared if they were involved in any corrupt activity.

Okpebholo called on IPAC to remain partners in progress, emphasizing that the time for partisan politics was over and governance must now take the centre stage.

According to him, the people must unite and work towards building a state that all can be proud of.

The IPAC delegation, led by the Chairman of the People’s Redemption Party (PRP), Greg Igbinomwanhia, lauded the governor for embarking on legacy projects, including the Ramat Park Flyover.

Igbinomwanhia commended him for regularising the appointments of over 5,000 teachers who were previously on contract.

The delegation expressed their readiness to collaborate with the administration, noting that they were convinced of the governor’s sincerity and commitment to the welfare of the Edo people.

The IPAC delegation comprised chairmen of 17 political parties in Edo.(NAN)