The Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Minister, Mr Nyesom Wike has reiterated that President Bola Ahmed Tinubu would continue to support the judiciary to enhance productivity, reduce delays, and uphold its independence and integrity.

The Minister disclosed that budgetary provisions had been made to construct additional residential houses for FCT High Court Judges to address housing shortages and ensure all judicial officers were appropriately accommodated.

While delivering a goodwill message at the Special Court session formally marking the commencement of the 2025/2026 Legal Year of the Court of Appeal in Abuja on Monday, Wike said, “Well-equipped court facilities, chambers, and support infrastructure ensure that judicial work is conducted in a professional, safe, and conducive environment.”

He said that, “Under the President’s decisive action, the Federal Capital Territory Administration (FCTA) has formally handed over the Certificate of Occupancy for the Supreme Court’s land and commenced the full perimeter fencing of the entire complex to safeguard the nation’s apex court against encroachment and security breaches.”

Wike noted that this swift, long-awaited intervention had provided the Apex Court with much-needed confidence, stating, “This confidence-building action trickles down to each arm of the judiciary.”

He highlighted various interventions by the President through the FCTA, including the ongoing construction of secure residential quarters for Heads of Courts, a new Magistrate Court Complex in Jabi District to expand access to justice, Staff Quarters for the Nigerian Law School in the FCT, and the design and construction of the Court of Appeal Abuja division Complex, as well as residences for Justices of the National Industrial High Court Abuja Division and Federal High Court Abuja Division.

Wike said these projects were designed to directly support judges in performing their duties.

He said; “The reasoning of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s administration is that providing comfortable and secure accommodation allows judges to focus entirely on the timely and efficient administration of justice, free from the distractions of inadequate living conditions.”

Reiterating continued FCTA support for justice reforms, he said, “As we step into the new Legal Year, the FCT Administration remains resolute in its determination to further support the implementation of justice reforms. Our priorities for the 2025/2026 Legal Year are focused on consolidating the gains made and expanding support where it is most needed.”

Wike further stated, “We will aggressively push for the timely completion of the new residential quarters for Heads of Courts and the Jabi Magistrate Court Complex to ensure prompt utilisation. Furthermore, we have made budgetary provisions to construct additional residential houses for FCT High Court Judges to mitigate housing shortages and ensure all judicial officers are appropriately accommodated.”

The FCT Minister also stressed the need for collaboration with FCT-based judiciary, including the Court of Appeal, to support the digitisation of court proceedings and registries.

He said, “Justice must never be compromised under any circumstances, for it is the bedrock of our democracy and the safeguard of public trust. It is the responsibility of all stakeholders, judges, legal practitioners, government agencies, and citizens alike to work collaboratively to strengthen and improve our judicial system. I am confident that the commencement of this 2025/2026 Legal Year will herald a period of unprecedented success, wisdom, and efficiency for the Court of Appeal.”

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Stakeholders have called for more grassroots development in Nigeria to address challenges affecting the economy, security, agriculture, and education.

The calls were made during the 2025 Mam Asholio Cultural Day and Thanksgiving by the Asholio people from Southern Kaduna State, Northwest Nigeria.

The immediate past Director-General of the Abuja Chamber of Commerce and Industry, Victoria Akai, urged grassroots economic engagement to strengthen national development.

She spoke at the 2025 Mam Asholio event, organised by the Asholio Moro’a Development Association to mark their end-of-year cultural and thanksgiving celebration in Abuja.

Akai warned that Nigeria could not achieve meaningful growth by focusing only at the national level while neglecting local communities.

She said, “We are at a point where we must hit the grassroots to ensure that economic development actually gets there. We cannot sit at the National level and claim we are meeting global trends.”

Akai emphasised that women and young people should be central to economic inclusion, adding, “Without women and youth, there is no community. People should leave here convinced that they can contribute to national development without waiting for government employment.”

The former Director-General described the Asholio community as richly blessed with resources and capable of sustaining itself with the right knowledge and commitment. She also appealed to Kaduna State residents to embrace peace, tolerance, and inclusion.

He said; “Let us make Kaduna the most peaceful state in Nigeria. We can achieve it if we decide to live together and secure our state.”

The National President of the Moro’a Development Association, Jolly Joshua La’ah, said the gathering was meant to thank God for life despite the country’s difficulties.

He noted that insecurity in Southern Kaduna was partly driven by population pressure, climate change, and competition for land.

La’ah explained that the area, known for agriculture, had witnessed a surge of migrants from drought-hit regions, heightening pressure on resources and triggering clashes.

He said that the situation had improved under the current administration, which had demonstrated better understanding and balance in addressing grievances.

The Chief Host and Chairman of the Mam Asholio, Abuja Branch, Mr Kaboshio Dauda, said; “the association focused on empowering vulnerable members through knowledge and, where possible, financial support.”

He commended the government of Governor Senator Uba Sani for giving unprecedented attention to Southern Kaduna.

He said residents were beginning to feel recognised and included after decades of marginalisation.

“As far as I’m concerned, this is the best government we have experienced. Stability is gradually returning, and if sustained, the next few years will bring even more progress,” Dauda stated.

He insisted that Southern Kaduna possessed both the population, strength, and capable leaders to assume higher political positions if Nigeria’s politics operated strictly on fairness.

Dauda prayed for continued inclusion at both federal and state levels, saying the people now felt they were finally being carried along.

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The Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives, Mr Benjamin Kalu has celebrated the President of the Senate, Senator Godswill Akpabio, highlighting his national impact and transformational leadership as he marked his 63rd birthday.

In a congratulatory message issued by his Special Assistant on Press Affairs, Udora Orizu, Kalu praised Akpabio’s democratic credentials, patriotic zeal and unwavering commitment to the Nigerian project.

He said; “the Senate President’s visionary leadership had continued to shape national governance and elevate the Senate, particularly the 10th National Assembly.”

Kalu noted that Akpabio’s political trajectory and contributions had strengthened legislative processes and promoted cooperation among the arms of government.

He prayed that God would grant the Senate President renewed strength, sound health and greater wisdom in his service to the nation.

Kalu said; “On behalf of my family and the good people of Bende Federal Constituency of Abia State, I extend our heartfelt congratulations to the President of the Senate, Federal Republic of Nigeria, Senator Godswill Akpabio on the occasion of his 63rd birthday. On this special day, we join millions of well-wishers across Nigeria and beyond to celebrate the life, leadership, and statesmanship of the President of the Senate.

“Senator Akpabio has, over the years, distinguished himself as a visionary leader whose impact continues to resonate across the nation. From his days as Governor of Akwa Ibom State to his service as a federal lawmaker and now as the President of the 10th Senate, he has remained committed to transformational governance, democratic growth, and the collective progress of our country.

“His dedication to strengthening legislative institutions, fostering cooperation among arms of government, and advancing policies that uplift citizens stands as a testament to his passion for public service. Today, we celebrate not just his achievements but the resilience, wisdom, and empathy he brings to national leadership. As he marks another year, we pray that God grants him renewed strength, sound health, and greater wisdom to continue steering the Senate with distinction and purpose.” the Deputy Speaker added.

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Referencing Genesis 1:27, Isaiah 46:3–4 and Psalm 91:4, she explained that; “Every woman and girl bears the image of God… This divine imprint demands their protection from all harm.”

Represented by the Director of Women Development and Empowerment, Mrs Blessing Anunike, the Minister outlined ongoing national efforts to eliminate GBV, including specialised gender courts, the VAPP Act, safe spaces, emergency care, and a National GBV Emergency Response Fund.

Highlighting digital empowerment initiatives to curb online abuse, the Minister said; “these measures responded to “pervasive challenges, from physical and emotional violence affecting over 28% of women aged 15–49 to rising technology-facilitated abuse.”

While noting that progress had been made, she emphasised that “true transformation demands collective action rooted in Christian values of justice, compassion, and love.”

Earlier, the President of the Catholic Women Organisation, Archdiocese of Abuja, Nneoma Ebele Okoye, described the commemoration as a collective call to action.

She said, “Today’s commemoration is not just for me, it’s for all of us. It’s so that when the bell is rung, the women’s song is brought to the picture.”

Okoye urged unity in tackling digital abuse, stating, “We have gathered and what is our task?… united to end digital violence against women and girls. When we are together as women, when we are together as girls, daughters, and as brothers, we see there will never be a cause. There will never be a cause. Thus, there will be an end to violence…”

She stressed that ending GBV required collective responsibility, saying, “It is not what one can do alone… We must come together as one and stand firm as a voice for the end of this, so that women can come out, and when they speak, people will listen.”

Similarly, the Special Assistant to the President on Community Engagement, Dr Abiodun Eshiet, in her goodwill remarks, applauded the significance of the commemoration.

She said, “It’s an important day for us to remind ourselves that women are great people… Women are developers.”

Eshiet noted the alarming prevalence of violence, stating, “When we have 10 women, at least three of them aged 18 and above have experienced violence.”

She commended the Minister for hosting the commemoration in a church setting and reaffirmed the support of the Presidency, saying; “We are committed to helping and promoting gender justice and also gender justice in other areas of our affairs.”

Erstwhile Acting President of the Naval Officers Wives Association, Dr Zainab Akpan, also underscored the national imperative of protecting women.

She said, “It’s only worth it to support the safety and the sanity of our women… If you support a woman, you are actually supporting your nation.”

The commemoration service featured a thanksgiving procession and the presentation of awards to outstanding women for their services to nation-building and humanity.

The 16 Days of Activism is commemorated globally from November 25th to December 10th annually.

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