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FCTA, World Bank Partner on Accessible Infrastructure for Persons with Disabilities
By our reporter
The Federal Capital Territory Administration (FCTA), in collaboration with the World Bank, is working to develop accessible infrastructure across the capital, aiming to create an inclusive environment that ensures equal opportunities for Persons with Disabilities (PwDs).
Dr. Mariya Mahmoud, FCT Minister of State , at the close of a three-day workshop on rights-based approaches to disability-inclusive development, governance, and public policy held in Abuja. Dr. Mahmoud was represented by her Special Assistant on Social Investment, Hajiya Maijidda Kuku.
The minister emphasized that the FCT is working diligently toward inclusive governance that leaves no one behind. She noted that this goal would be achieved through the full implementation of the Discrimination Against Persons with Disabilities (Prohibition) Act, 2018.
“This workshop has not only enhanced the technical capacity of participants but also renewed our collective resolve to dismantle barriers and foster inclusive governance,” Mahmoud stated.
She urged participants to apply the knowledge gained in their respective institutions, adding, “Together, we can build an FCT that truly embodies the principles of inclusion, accessibility, and equal opportunity for all.”
Dr. Mahmoud also commended President Bola Tinubu’s administration for its unwavering commitment to equity, inclusion, and dignity—particularly for women and persons with disabilities. She highlighted that the workshop aligns with the Renewed Hope Agenda for a more inclusive Nigeria.
She expressed appreciation to the FCT Women Affairs Secretariat for championing disability inclusion and to the World Bank for its consistent support of social inclusion initiatives within the FCT.
Also speaking at the event, Dr. Adedayo Benjamins-Laniyi, Mandate Secretary of the FCT Women Affairs Secretariat, described the workshop as part of broader efforts to domesticate and implement the United Nations Conventions on disability inclusion, alongside the 2018 Disability Act.
She explained that the workshop, supported by the World Bank, aimed to ensure the meaningful inclusion of persons with disabilities in all aspects of life within the FCT. As a result, the FCTA has developed a framework for coordinated action on disability inclusion, to be led by the Women Affairs Secretariat.
“What began as a disability desk within the Secretariat has now evolved into a comprehensive disability action platform, built through strong collaboration and partnership,” Benjamins-Laniyi said.
She added that the Secretariat would work closely with the existing structures of the FCT Social Development Secretariat to expand disability-inclusive initiatives. The newly developed platform, she explained, would operate as a superstructure reaching from the FCT Administration down to the area councils and rural communities.
“The multi-sectoral framework includes representation from all FCTA secretariats, the six area councils, and community stakeholders—such as the wives of council chairmen, traditional and religious leaders, women and youth groups, civil society organizations, and the media,” she said.
“This model represents a de facto disability convention within the FCT, uniting stakeholders across government, international bodies, communities, and CSOs. It is a vital mechanism for ensuring full implementation of the Disability Act across every part of the FCT,” she added.
Benjamins-Laniyi concluded by emphasizing that the initiative is not merely a slogan but a concrete demonstration of the Renewed Hope Agenda’s political will to create a more inclusive society—one that truly leaves no one behind.
News
Activists confess receiving N500m Naira to blackmail Tinubu’s Minister Matawalle, beg for forgiveness
Five civil society activists and media operatives on have openly confessed to being part of a N500 million coordinated blackmail campaign against the Minister of State for Defence, Dr. Bello Mohammed Matawalle, and tendered an unreserved public apology to him.
The activists, led by Comrade Aryan Abdul Kareem, made the shocking revelation at a press conference in Gusau, the Zamfara State capital.
Speaking on behalf of Comrade Olumu Lucky, Comrade Olukayode Williams, Comrade John Osumbor Mark, and Engineer Bashir Muhammad, Kareem disclosed that the entire operation was sponsored and supervised by the administration of Governor Dauda Lawal Dare through his Spokesperson, Sulaiman Bala Idris.
According to the group, Sulaiman Bala Idris personally convened several secret meetings where they were briefed, handed instructions, and provided with funds.
The campaign, they said, cost “above five hundred million naira” and involved recruiting social media influencers, bloggers, political commentators, conventional media houses, and prominent Zamfara politicians including Senator Kabiru Marafa and Sani Abdullahi Shinkafi.
“We were part of that machinery. We accepted money and roles to circulate damaging and false narratives against Dr. Bello Matawalle even though we knew they were lies. We chose financial inducement over conscience,” Kareem admitted.
The activists said their actions caused “serious emotional pain, reputational damage and distress” to the Minister, his family, and supporters, adding that after deep reflection, they decided to come clean.
“Today, we tender our unreserved apology to His Excellency, Dr. Bello Mohammed Matawalle, and to every Nigerian who was misled by the falsehood we helped spread. We beg for his forgiveness and the forgiveness of the public. This apology is born out of genuine remorse,” the statement read.
The group further declared readiness to face any legal or moral consequences, stating that they possess “documentary evidence” of every transaction and meeting, including with Governor Lawal’s Spokesperson.
“We are ready to submit all the evidence and cooperate fully with the EFCC, DSS, police or any competent authority that wishes to investigate this matter,” they affirmed.
While urging other participants in the alleged plot to also confess, the activists said their decision was aimed at cleansing their conscience and helping to enthrone truth and accountability in Nigerian politics.
Nigeria’s security agencies have reportedly uncovered a plan by some opposition politicians to organise protests in Sokoto and other northern states against President Bola Tinubu and National Security Adviser Nuhu Ribadu.
Fresh intelligence reports made available to journalists on Friday show that former Senator Kabiru Marafa is the main arrowhead of the plot.
The group is allegedly working to discredit NSA Nuhu Ribadu and the Minister of State for Defence, Bello Matawalle, by falsely linking them to bandit groups and using a Sokoto-based militia to trigger violent protests.
Sources say the Zamfara State Government, led by Governor Dauda Lawal, is strongly backing the plan and providing funding, determined to paint the federal security team as incompetent and force the removal of both Ribadu and Matawalle.
Security operatives detected the scheme this week, monitored several planning meetings in Gusau and Abuja, blocked funding channels, and quietly disrupted the operation.
No arrests have been made, but all the key figures are now under close surveillance.
The key figures are now being monitored by security agencies to track their key sources of funding.
Nigeria’s security agencies have reportedly uncovered a plan by some opposition politicians to organise protests in Sokoto and other northern states against President Bola Tinubu and National Security Adviser Nuhu Ribadu.
Fresh intelligence reports made available to journalists on Friday show that former Senator Kabiru Marafa is the main arrowhead of the plot.
The group is allegedly working to discredit NSA Nuhu Ribadu and the Minister of State for Defence, Bello Matawalle, by falsely linking them to bandit groups and using a Sokoto-based militia to trigger violent protests.
Sources say the Zamfara State Government, led by Governor Dauda Lawal, is strongly backing the plan and providing funding, determined to paint the federal security team as incompetent and force the removal of both Ribadu and Matawalle.
Security operatives detected the scheme this week, monitored several planning meetings in Gusau and Abuja, blocked funding channels, and quietly disrupted the operation.
No arrests have been made, but all the key figures are now under close surveillance.
The key figures are now being monitored by security agencies to track their key sources of funding.
NUPRC’s Digital Compliance Systems, Licensing Reforms Positioning Nigeria for Stronger Energy Investment, says BusinessMetrics
Forgive your blackmailers and focus on helping Mr. President deliver on his security agenda, group tells Minister Matawalle
Activists confess receiving N500m Naira to blackmail Tinubu’s Minister Matawalle, beg for forgiveness
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