The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, has called on Muslims across Nigeria to use the Ramadan fasting period as a time for fervent prayers for the nation’s peace and unity.

He also encouraged them to embrace the teachings of Islamic scholars during this sacred period.

In a statement released by his Senior Special Assistant on Public Communications and Social Media, Lere Olayinka, Wike emphasized the importance of prayer, particularly among Muslims in the FCT, for the well-being of the country.

“Fasting, as one of the five pillars of Islam, should not only be about abstaining from food and drink but also a time for deep reflection and intense prayers for the nation,” he said.

He urged Muslims to open their hearts and minds to the Tafsir (interpretation) of the Holy Month of Ramadan, allowing themselves to be guided by its teachings.

The Minister congratulated the Muslim faithful on witnessing the beginning of the 30-day fast and prayed for their strength to complete the sacred period.

“I wish all Muslim faithful a Ramadan filled with joy, unity, and spiritual fulfillment. May your ibadah be accepted by Allah (SWT), and may this holy month bring peace, prosperity, and abundant blessings to us all. Ramadan Mubarak,” Wike added.

Justice Aisha Kumaliya of the Borno State High Court, Maiduguri on Monday, January 27, 2025, convicted and sentenced one Babagana Kansulum to six months imprisonment for criminal misappropriation.

Kansulum was arraigned by the Maiduguri Zonal Directorate of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission EFCC, on a one-count charge for the offence of criminal misappropriation to the tune of N2,650,000.00 (Two Million, Six Hundred and Fifty Thousand Naira).

The count reads: “That you Babagana Kamsulum, with national identification number 5763879198 sometime in 2020, in Maiduguri, within the jurisdiction of this Honourable court dishonestly converted to your own use the sum of N2,650,000.00 monies purportedly meant to finance contract for the renovation of office at Government House Damaturu which you knew to be false and thereby committed an offence contrary to Section 308 and punishable under Section 309 of the Penal Code Laws of Borno State Cap.102 Vol.3 of 1994 respectively.”

The defendant pleaded guilty to the charge when it was read to him

Counsel for the prosecution, Faruk Muhammad prayed the court to convict and sentence the defendant accordingly, while defence counsel A. A Yaro urged the court to temper justice with mercy.

Justice Kumaliya thereafter convicted and sentenced Kamsulum to six months imprisonment with an option of N200, 000.00 (Two Hundred Thousand Naira) fine

The convict’s road to the Correctional Centre began when he collected the sum of N2, 650,000.00 from Nafiu Mohammed Ibrahim for a purported contract to renovate an office in Damaturu Government House. He neither returned the money to the victim nor carried out the renovation.

EFCC

The Federal Capital Territory Minister, Nyesom Wike, has commissioned the newly completed 5km Gaba -Tokulu road in Bwari Area Council, making it the fifth project inaugurated within the week.

Speaking during the occasion, Wike revealed that Tinubu’s Administration has spent over #89bn in the execution of roads, school construction and renovation, and security infrastructure in Bwari Area Council.

The Minister explained that the over #89bn so far spent on infrastructural development in Bwari Area Concil is a proof that the Renewed Hope Administration is not paying lip service to the plight and yearnings of the Abuja rural dwellers.

Wike noted that plans have been concluded to ensure that the six area councils equally get captured for at least a project in the 2025 budget, aside the numerous ongoing projects.

He urged the residents to own the projects and compliment Government’s effort by maintaining and protecting the completed infrastructures from vandals.

The Minister who further promised that the two ongoing police station meant to improve security in the Bwari area will be ready for commissioning by May this year, also approved the construction of Igwu-Kawu road, as requested by the chairman of Bwari, John Gabaya.

Giving the break down of the total cost, Wike said Gaba -Tokulo road costs #7bn, the entire Dutse road stretch rehabilitation cost #27bn, the entire Ushafa War college roads gulped not less than 28bn while the construction of a new school in Ushafa and rehabilitation of 5 other schools across the Bwari Area Council cost #27bn.

“Now, in terms of education, Government Girls Secondary School, Dutse, Government Secondary School, Bwari, Government Secondary School, Ushafa which is a new one, GSS Dei dei, GSS Kubwa, GSS Jibi, all these schools have cost us not less than 27 billion.

“This Gaba-Tokulo road project alone cost the government no less than N7 billion. Since we flagged it off in January 2024, we ensured prompt payments, which allowed for timely completion without delays or abandoned contracts.

“If you add 27 billion to 62 billion, you’re almost getting to 100 billion naira for one area council. Does it not tell you that indeed, we will now have our hope back? Before, you had lost hope, until Mr. President came and said, you don’t need to lose hope, and the Renewed Hope is working” Wike said.

Earlier, the Minister of State for the Federal Capital Territory ,FCT, Dr. Mariya Mahmoud expressed delight that the project will improve living standard, enhance connectivity and economic growth for the residents.

“The road and bridges will open up new opportunities for trade, education, healthcare access, and overall mobility. This is more than just infrastructure; it is a pathway to progress and prosperity.”

On his part, the Chairman Bwari Area Council, John Gabaya who recalled that many people have died untimely as a result of the dilapidated road and the river, expressed gratitude to the FCT Minister, Nyesom Wike for coming to wipe away the tears of the people at the grassroots.

“Sir, once upon a time, many people have gone in this river. Whenever we are going to market, we don’t have access to market, especially those living around this road. Sir, you have come to wipe away our tears. We are grateful”.Gabaya said.