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Minister Congratulates Governor Okpebholo On Supreme Court Victory

Dominica Ijeoma Nwabufo
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Minister Congratulates Governor Okpebholo On Supreme Court Victory

The Minister of Women Affairs, Hajia Imaan Sulaiman-Ibrahim has congratulated the Executive Governor of Edo State Senator Monday Okpebholo,on his Supreme Court affirmation.

The Minister in a congratulatory message described the judgment as “a resounding affirmation of democratic integrity and the enduring will of the people,”.

She commended the Governor’s calm resilience throughout the judicial process, noting that the affirmation is a fresh opportunity to drive unity, development, and transformation across Edo State.

While noting that Governor Okpebholo’s victory comes at a time when the Renewed Hope Agenda of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu is driving a bold national shift toward inclusive governance, economic revitalization, and citizen-centred service delivery.

She expressed confidence that the administration of Governor Okpebholo will harness these opportunities to empower women, safeguard children, strengthen families, and drive sustainable development outcomes that benefit all segments of society.

The Minister reaffirmed the commitment of the Federal Ministry of Women Affairs, in championing transformative interventions across care , creative , digital and green economies, rural enterprise development, social protection and family strengthening systems in line with its expanded mandate, and further wishes Governor Okpebholo wisdom, strength, and success as he steers Edo State toward a new era of peace, prosperity, and inclusive governance.

Sulaiman-Ibrahim said “this victory is not just political; it is symbolic of the renewed responsibility to deliver visible impact. Edo State stands at the threshold of accelerated progress, and we are committed to working hand-in-hand to ensure women, children, and families are at the heart of that progress,”

The Supreme Court, today Thursday, affirmed Senator Monday Okpebholo as the duly elected governor of Edo state, dismissing a petition by the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and its candidate in the September 2024 governorship election, Asue Ighodalo.

Ebonyi State Farmers Receive Inputs to Boost Production

Rita Obiora
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Ebonyi State Farmers Receive Inputs to Boost Production

The Governor of Ebonyi State, Francis Nwifuru, has released farm inputs to farmers across the 13 local government areas of Ebonyi for increased food production in 2025.

The State Commissioner for Local Government and Chieftaincy Matters, Chief Uchenna Igwe, made the disclosure at Ezzangbo, Ohaukwu Local Government Area, during the distribution of the inputs, which include fertilisers, rice seedlings and herbicides.

Igwe said that Nwifuru was desirous that genuine farmers access the inputs to ensure a bumper harvest in the state.

“Increased food production is a cardinal objective of Gov. Francis Nwifuru’s administration and no effort will be spared in achieving it.

“This exercise is not just about distribution but empowering genuine farmers with required inputs and knowledge.

“There is a possibility that before anyone is given an appointment in the state going forward, the person may be required to show his or her farm,” he added.

The Commissioner for Agriculture and Natural Resources, Mrs Nkechinyere Iyioku, emphasised the importance of developing community-based farms and urged local councils to lead by example.

“Local government areas should inaugurate functional farms which must be replicated in the development centres.

“Individuals should also embrace farming to boost food production in the state.

“The items are not for sale and should not be hoarded in any form,” she said.

The commissioner disclosed that the governor recently announced the siting of a legacy project at Ohaukwu LGA which will create more than 500 jobs for indigenes.

The Executive Chairman of Ohaukwu LGA, Chief Ikechukwu Odono, thanked the governor for prioritising the welfare of rural farmers and promised that the inputs would be given to genuine farmers.

“I urge the beneficiaries to judiciously utilise the inputs to boost food production in the council, state and beyond.

“We will not condone hoarding or sale of the inputs to avoid jeopardising the governor’s objectives,“ he said.

A Resource Person at the event, Mr John Nweze educated the farmers on good agronomic practices to assist them in their farming endeavours

The distribution was also conducted at Ishielu LGA among other councils of the state.

Mali Junta Leader Approves Five-Year Extension for Himself

Kamila Bello
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Mali Junta Leader Approves Five-Year Extension for Himself

The head of Mali’s junta, General Assimi Goita has granted himself a five-year presidential mandate, renewable as many times as necessary and without election, in a bill signed into law on Thursday.

The law, which Goita approved, allows him to lead the West African nation until at least 2030, despite the military government’s initial pledge to return to civilian rule in March 2024.

The bill implemented recommendations of the national dialogue consultations organised by the military regime in April and boycotted by political parties.

It was passed by the military-appointed legislative body last week.

In May, he signed a decree dissolving all political parties. It coincided with a surge in kidnappings of pro-democracy activists in the capital, Bamako, and just days after a demonstration by several hundred activists.

The new law is the latest in a series of restrictions on freedoms by Mali’s military leadership to consolidate its power in the jihadist-hit Sahelian nation.

Goita has led the country since orchestrating two coups in 2020 and 2021 as an insurgency by jihadi groups linked to al-Qaida and the Islamic State group worsened.

Mali, a landlocked nation in the semiarid region of Sahel, has been embroiled in political instability that swept across West and Central Africa over the last decade.

 

 

 

Africanews/Kamila

BOSCHMA Set To Roll Out Formal Health Sector In Borno

patience ameh
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BOSCHMA Set To Roll Out Formal Health Sector In Borno

The Borno State Contributory Health Care Management Agency (BOSCHMA) has announced its readiness to implement the formal sector healthcare insurance scheme across the state.

Dr. Saleh Abba, the Executive Secretary of BOSCHMA, disclosed this on Thursday during a stakeholders’ sensitisation engagement held in Maiduguri. He said the initiative marks a major step toward strengthening access to affordable healthcare for workers in the formal sector.

Abbas announced that the state government had also approved the implementation of the formal sector scheme at the state level with immediate effect.

READ ALSO:Nigerian Troops Neutralise 24 Insurgents in Borno, Adamawa Operations

The executive secretary said that Gov. Babagana Zulum has further approved 6.5 per cent of the basic salary as part of the contribution of the state’s government in order to facilitate the commencement of

The formal scheme in ernest.

“We all know that it has to do with the employer and employee contribution, when the employee is to contribute 3.5 per cent of his basic salary, and then the employer which is the state government has to contribute 6 5 per cent.

“This is what actually brought us to look at how we can implements the programme without any hitches, and we all know that situation today is very difficult for the citizens in the state and that is why the agency has been established from the beginning,” he said.

Abbas said that their priority was to make healthcare services to the citizens in the state well accessible, affordable and of great quality toward achieving the desired objectives of the scheme in the state.

The executive secretary also said that accreditation for the service providers, the healthcare facilities had concluded.

“We have about 200 primary healthcare facilities across the state, and then we have about 40 secondary healthcare facilities which we did alongside National Health Insurance Scheme (NHIS) as partners and every two years, those accreditation has to be reviewed in order to ensure that those facilities were able to maintain their standard,” he said.

Abbas said that the scheme would start in ernest with the state civil servants, followed by the local government civil servants.

“A lot of primary healthcare facilities had been built up by the state, over a 100 of them and also the secondary healthcare facilities have been upgraded from general hospitals to now specialist hospitals.

“We also have general hospitals coming up in most of the towns and local government areas that have been resettled. So I think we are good to go as far as the facilities are concerned,” he said.

According to him, the agency has put on the eligibility criteria for the enrollees in the formal sector.

“We have the principle enrollee, which is the civil servants under the payroll of government, then his spouse, it may be her husband or his wife, then also four children, so the maximum of six per family.

“In addition to that, if the person wishes to enrolled more people under his care, we also have what we called extra defendants, but that one is coming with an extra cost, because the government is only subsidising for the principle enrollee and his immediate family which is the spouse and the four children,” the executive secretary said.

Also speaking, Mr Yusuf Inuwa, the state Chairman of the Nigerian Labour Congress, said that the commencement of enrollment of beneficiaries under BOSCHMA was a strong indication of Zulum’s administration’s commitment to ensuring accessible and affordable healthcare services delivery to the teeming workers in the state.

Inuwa said that the Labour union discovered a lacuna in the bill shortly after it was assented to, regarding the a provision which required a flat rate contribution across the civil servants irrespective of their levels, but after their objection, it was rectified to make the contribution on percentage basis from the worker’s basic salary.

He, however, appealed to BOSCHMA to bring in the Labour Union to be part of the monitoring team in checking the operations of the healthcare facilities when the scheme fully takes up for transparency and accountability.

The Head of Service, Dr Mohammed Ghuluze, thanked the organisers for the sensitisation engagement on the formal sector scheme, saying the commencement of enrollment was a milestone in the pursuit of quality healthcare for the citizens in the state and the credit must be given to BOSCHMA.

However, the newsman reports that BOSCHMA had already enrolled 4,000 civil servants into the scheme alongside their 12,000 defendants, totaling 16,000 beneficiaries so far on its database.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

DR Congo Battles Rising Cholera Cases

Kamila Bello
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DR Congo Battles Rising Cholera Cases

The cholera outbreak in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) has reached an acute phase with infections still rising.

Health Minister, Roger Kamba said in s press conference on Thursday, since January 2025, over 33,000 cases and a fatality rate of around 2 percent have been recorded nationwide.

The 2025 case count has already surpassed 2024’s total of 31,749, according to the World Health Organization.

Up to 17 of the country’s 26 provinces have been affected so far, up from 14 reported just a day earlier, Kamba said, warning against the rapid spread of disease.

“The capital Kinshasa, home to more than 1.7 million people, is currently registering around 130 new cases weekly, with a significant number proving fatal,” the minister said.

In response, the government is opening new treatment centres in Kinshasa and offering free care to confirmed patients.

Kamba added that, DRC is also facing a resurgence of mpox, calling the current health situation a critical crisis.

The DRC declared a cholera outbreak on May 5, following laboratory confirmation of cases in multiple provinces.

 

 

Xinhua/Kamila

Four Arrested In Connection With M&S And Co-Op Cyber-Attacks

Jide Ibitoye
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Four Arrested In Connection With M&S And Co-Op Cyber-Attacks

Four people have been arrested by police investigating the cyber-attacks that have caused havoc at M&S and the Co-op.

The National Crime Agency (NCA) says a 20-year-old woman was arrested in Staffordshire, and three males – aged between 17 and 19 – were detained in London and the West Midlands.

They were apprehended on suspicion of Computer Misuse Act offences, blackmail, money laundering and participating in the activities of an organised crime group.

All four were arrested at their homes in the early hours of Thursday. Electronic devices were also seized by the police.

One of the suspects – a 19-year-old man – is from Latvia, the rest are from the UK.

Neighbours described a large police operation in the quiet Staffordshire cul-de-sac where the 20-year-old was arrested.

They said dozens of NCA officers, some wearing balaclavas, arrived in the early hours of this morning and smashed down the door of a family home. Later they were seen taking away a large number of electronic devices.

Paul Foster, head of the NCA’s National Cyber Crime Unit, said the arrests were a “significant step” in its investigation.

“But our work continues, alongside partners in the UK and overseas, to ensure those responsible are identified and brought to justice,” he added.

The hacks – which began in mid April – have caused huge disruption for the two retailers.

Some Co-op shelves were left bare for weeks, while M&S expects its operations to be affected until late July, with some IT systems not fully operational until October or November.

The chairman of M&S told MPs this week that it felt like the hack was an attempt to destroy the business. The retailer has estimated it will cost it £300m in lost profits.

Harrods was also targeted in an attack that had less impact on its operations.

A wave of attacks

M&S was the first to be breached. A huge amount of private data belonging to customers and staff was stolen.

The criminals also deployed malicious software called ransomware scrambling the company’s IT networks making them unusable unless a ransom was paid.

Reports revealed that the hackers had sent an offensive email to the M&S boss demanding payment.

A few days after M&S was breached the Co-op was also targeted by criminals who broke in and stole the private data of millions of its customers and staff.

The Co-op was forced to admit that the data breach had happened after hackers contacted the BBC with proof that the firm was downplaying the cyber attack.

It’s was later discovered from the criminals that the company disconnected the internet from IT networks in the nick of time to stop the hackers from deploying ransomware and so causing even more disruption.

Shortly after Co-op announced it had been attacked, luxury retailer Harrods said it too had been targeted and had been forced to disconnect IT systems from the internet to keep the criminals out.

The four people arrested are a 17-year-old British male from the West Midlands, a 19-year-old British man from London, a 19-year-old Latvian male from the West Midlands and a 20-year-old British woman from Staffordshire.

The NCA said its operation was supported by officers from the West Midlands Regional Organised Crime Unit and the East Midlands Special Operations Unit.

BBC/Jide Johnson.

 

 

 

Russia Commits to Scholarship Increment for Nigerian Students

Chidimma Anikwenze
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Russia Commits to Scholarship Increment for Nigerian Students

The Russian Federation has proposed an increase in its annual scholarship quota for Nigerian students currently set at 220 to a potentially higher number, pending collaboration with Nigeria’s Ministry of Education.

The offer, which aims to explore areas of mutual interest in culture, was made in Abuja Nigeria’s capital during a meeting between the Russian Embassy and the Ministry of Art, Culture, Tourism and the Creative Economy.

According to a statement issued by Nneka Anibeze, media adviser to Minister Hannatu Musawa, the discussions centred on various areas, including youth development through creative industries, cultural exchange, and economic cooperation.

Hannatu Musawa the Minister of Art, Culture, Tourism and Creative Economy,  highlighted the importance of harnessing the country’s large youth population through the creative and cultural industries.

“Nigeria has a large youth population, with 70% under the age of 30. There is a great need to harness their potential through the creative and cultural industries. We emphasise the use of culture and creativity to engage young people on global issues like youth employment and economic hardship, climate change, education and mental health challenges”, the minister said.

The Russian Federation, represented by H. E. Ambassador A.L. Podelyshev, Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of the Russian Federation to Nigeria, invited Nigeria to participate in the Kazan Cultural Fair in November 2025, and proposed reviving a pending Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) on cultural cooperation, which was first proposed two years ago.

In addition, Ambassador Podelyshev expressed interest in promoting cultural exchange by inviting Nigerian cultural groups to Russia and Russian artists to Nigeria.

He pledged Russia’s assistance in the preservation of Nigeria’s culture through technology.

“The Russian Institute of Theatre Arts seeks and proposes collaboration with Nigeria for joint theatre programs and training. It also proposes cooperation in preserving Nigeria’s cultural heritage through digital technologies like 3D scanning and virtual reality”, the Ambassador stated.

The Ministry proposed adding creative economy and audiovisual co-productions to future bilateral agreements while both parties committed to taking concrete action, agreeing on the need for clear focal persons and timelines to ensure effective follow-up.

The Russian Embassy said it awaits concrete proposals from Nigeria on priority areas of cooperation, while expressing mutual willingness to move forward on the MOU and implement cultural, creative, and tourism-related projects.

China Launches Mandarin-Language Radio Programme on FRCN

Peace Piak Kanu
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China Launches Mandarin-Language Radio Programme on FRCN

The People’s Republic of China has launched a new magazine programme, Ni Hao China, on the Network Service of the Federal Radio Corporation of Nigeria (FRCN), to promote basic knowledge of Chinese language, culture, traditions, technology, food, and society.

Ni Hao China—which means Hello China—is designed to feature Mandarin language lessons and broader insights into China’s development and heritage.


The Chinese Ambassador to Nigeria, Mr Yu Dunhai, during the launch of the programme in Abuja, the nation’s capital, said the partnership between both countries goes beyond government ties. “In recent years, China-Nigeria people-to-people and cultural exchanges have been flourishing with remarkable achievements, and 2026 will be the year of China-Africa people-to-people exchanges. Against this backdrop, the Ni Hao China programme comes at an opportune moment,” he said.

He added that the programme would offer a platform for Nigerians learning Mandarin or interested in China’s culture and society. “You can learn authentic Chinese pronunciation, grammar, vocabulary, and appreciate the unique charm of Chinese culture and language,” Mr Yu said. “You can also have an in-depth understanding of China’s history, social development, customs and traditions, and also appreciate a real, multidimensional and comprehensive China.”

The envoy described Ni Hao China as a strategic cultural initiative, noting its potential impact. “This programme is going to provide opportunity for Nigerian people, because China is an opportunity, China is a partnership. And in order to catch this opportunity, I think if you could speak the language of that country, it will definitely provide a better tool,” he stated.

He revealed that bilateral trade exceeded $20 trillion in the previous year and said Nigeria stands to benefit further under a zero-tariff scheme. “Our estimation is it will save billions of U.S. dollars for Nigerian export to China. So that provides more opportunities for Nigerian trade and also investment between China and Nigeria,” he added. “We need more people that are better equipped with language tools, with better understanding of each other. So I believe that this programme is definitely going to serve that purpose.”

Responding, Director General of FRCN, Dr Mohammed Bulama, said the relationship between China and Nigeria is taking on global significance. “We are gathered here to start writing a new chapter of China-Nigeria comprehensive strategic partnership. For the first time, a media organisation will start teaching the Mandarin language in Nigeria,” he said. “This is in recognition of the importance of China as a country. So we are aligning basically with our President’s strategic move.”

Dr Bulama stressed that language plays a critical role in diplomacy and communication. “Introducing Nigerians, especially young Nigerians, to the Chinese language, the Mandarin, would be to the advantage of Nigeria,” he said. “And in any case, China is doing a similar thing. And we are looking forward to when Voice of Nigeria, our sister, will start broadcasting in the Mandarin language to China.”

He added that Radio Nigeria is acting in line with the Federal Government’s broader foreign policy agenda. “Our relationship transcends bilateral dimensions, it is gaining ground. And we are becoming global partners,” he said. “Mr President appointed a Director General and a global liaison of Nigeria-China strategic partnership. That is because Nigeria recognises that China is a very, very important and strategic country in the world.”

The FRCN boss assured that the station is committed to sustaining the initiative. “We don’t want it to be a one-off thing,” he said. “We are hoping that in another three, four, five years, instead of bringing somebody from China, Nigerians will take over running the programme. This partnership we are fostering today is only a continuation of the one we have started already.”

He called on Chinese companies in Nigeria to support the show. “We hope that you will mobilise the many Chinese businesses in Nigeria to patronise this programme,” he added.

Also speaking, Director of Programmes, FRCN, Mrs Msurshima Kghir, said the initiative evolved beyond language lessons to include broader cultural components. “Actually, the proposal was for training in Chinese language… but our teachers saw the need for us to touch on other aspects of the Chinese people,” she said. “Each edition will feature a little bit of all this, but the emphasis will be on the teaching of Mandarin.”

The language instructor on the programme, Zhang Yaping, said it would offer Nigerians a window into real Chinese life. “We hope that through this programme, more Nigerian friends will experience the unique charm of Chinese culture and forge deep friendship with the Chinese people,” she said.

Ni Hao China will air every Wednesday at 5:00 p.m. on the Network Service of Radio Nigeria.

The weekly magazine-format broadcast will include various cultural segments, with a special focus on teaching Mandarin.

PIAK

Nigeria’s Youth Minister Partners With UAE To Boost Innovation

Christopher Ojilere
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Nigeria’s Youth Minister Partners With UAE To Boost Innovation

In a bold move to advance the Federal Government’s digital and innovation agenda for young Nigerians, the Minister of Youth Development, Comrade Ayodele Olawande, has undertaken a strategic mission to the United Arab Emirates (UAE), forging international collaborations aimed at strengthening youth innovation, enterprise, and digital skills development.

During a high-level engagement with the Sharjah Entrepreneurship Center (Sheraa), a premier institution in youth enterprise and innovation, the Minister explored areas of collaboration in alignment with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Nigerian Youth Academy (NiYA) initiative.

The programme aims to empower over 7 million Nigerian youth through digital skills training, entrepreneurship development, civic leadership, and global exposure.

“We are building bridges between Nigerian youth and global innovation ecosystems. Sheraa’s mission to nurture talent aligns perfectly with our goal of unlocking the creative and entrepreneurial potential of our young people,” the Minister stated.

In a significant development, the Minister announced a strategic partnership with GITEX Global, one of the world’s foremost technology and innovation events. From September 1st to 4th, 2025, Nigeria will host a GITEX-powered National Digital Innovation Showcase, a landmark event designed to elevate the talent and innovation of Nigerian youth to the global stage.

Through this initiative, 300 high-potential Nigerian startups will gain access to global visibility, international markets, and targeted support to scale their ventures.

The effort is being coordinated in close collaboration with the National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA), led by Director-General Dr. Inuwa Abdullahi, who accompanied the Minister during the visit.

The Minister also revealed that over 210,000 young Nigerians have already been onboarded onto the NiYA platform, with Green House Centres being established in all 774 Local Government Areas across the country. These centres will provide structured training, enterprise support, and access to emerging technologies at the grassroots level.

In addition, the Ministry is launching a GITEX Youth Local Showcase Series Powered by NiYA to ensure a continuous talent pipeline into major global events such as GITEX Africa and GITEX Global, further integrating Nigeria’s youth into international innovation ecosystems.

Strategic dialogue
Another highlight of the UAE mission was a strategic dialogue with His Excellency Omar Al Olama, UAE Minister for Artificial Intelligence, Digital Economy, and Remote Work Applications.

Discussions centred on collaboration in AI education, business process outsourcing (BPO), startup incubation, and remote work innovations, all critical to Nigeria’s youth employment and digital economy transformation goals.

“The future belongs to those who innovate. Our mission is to position Nigerian youth as creators, not just consumers, in the global digital economy,” the Minister affirmed.

“We are laying the foundation for a generation of leaders who will define Africa’s tech-driven future,” he said.

These engagements reflect the Federal Government’s unwavering commitment to leveraging international partnerships to equip young Nigerians with the skills, tools, and platforms needed to compete and lead on the world stage.

“To every young Nigerian innovator, tech founder, designer, and change-maker: your time is now. The world is paying attention, and Nigeria is ready,” the Minister added.

 

FCTA Evacuates 210 Beggars, Others Over Suspected Criminal Activities

Bilkisu Halilu Pai
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FCTA Evacuates 210 Beggars, Others Over Suspected Criminal Activities

The recently launched Operation Sweep Abuja of the Nigerian Federal Capital Territory Administration (FCTA) says it has so far evacuated 210 suspected street beggars, scavengers, one chance syndicate for allegedly constituting a nuisance, and other nefarious activities within the nation’s capital, Abuja.

Acting Director of the Social Welfare Department of the Social Development Secretariat of the FCTA, Mrs. Gloria Onwuka, disclosed this when she took the apprehended beggars to the Vocational and Rehabilitation Centre in Bwari on Thursday.

Mrs. Onwuka said out of those arrested in continuation of its ‘operation sweep Abuja clean’, include 58 females, 72 children, and 80 men.

She explained that due to outcry over criminal activities, the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, had directed officials of the department to step up the arrest of unhoused persons.

Onwuka said, “Most of the beggars go even to the extent of hiring people’s children to come on the road and beg. And there are families where they are hiring these children, we don’t even know that this is what they are using their children to do.”

On the issue of one-chance, she explained that “there is one that our officers picked at night by 2 am. He was carrying a machete with POS and different bank ATMs.

“We have arrested 80 men since the commencement of the exercise, the females are 58, while the children are 72 in number. The exercise will continue until Abuja streets are free of beggars.”

 

On security, the Director of FCTA Security Services Department, Adamu Gwary, said those arrested were committing degrees of crime in the territory.

Gwary, represented by the Secretary Command and control of the Department, Mr. Peter Olumuji, said the activities of the beggars was a threat to the security of the residents.

He said, “We want to believe that most of the people arrested have committed degrees of crime and other things in the nation’s capital.

“The security concern of most of these nuisances within the FCT has become a source of great worry to the residents. And the Minister has given that directive to the Commissioner of Police and all other relevant agencies to ensure that the FCT is rid of all these security threats,” Gwary said.

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