Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Barrister Nyesom Wike, has approved the sum of N1.7 billion for the procurement of 12 brand-new, state-of-the-art customized ambulances to improve emergency response and for the purchase of fertilizers for farmers in the territory.
Addressing newsmen after the Federal Capital Territory Executive Committee (EXCO) meeting in Abuja, Wike stated that for the first time in nine years, the FCT would be getting 12 new ambulances of international standard, which had already been delivered to the Administration and would soon be commissioned.
Represented by the FCT Mandate Secretary for Health, Dr. Adedolapo Fasawe, the minister noted that unlike in previous years, the ambulances would be fully operational and efficient. He added that newly constructed roads across the FCT would enhance their effectiveness.
In response to questions on their accessibility to residents, Fasawe said the Health Secretariat was working directly with FEMA on emergency medical requests. She confirmed that FEMA’s 112 emergency toll-free line was functional and urged residents to make use of it.
On the use of ambulances for conveying corpses, the Health Secretary declared:
“It is not ethical for ambulances to carry corpses. We are moving into buying hearses for that purpose.”
Mandate Secretary for Agriculture and Rural Development, Hon. Ango Abdullahi Suleiman, on his part, stated that the FCTA had ratified the procurement of fertilizers (NPK), which had been supplied.
He said this was in “the quest to put smiles on the faces of farmers and to ensure food security in the territory.”
The Mandate Secretary expressed optimism that there would be better yields at the end of the farming season, contributing to food security both in the FCT and nationwide.
Other senior officials of the FCT Administration who spoke on sectoral updates included the FCDA Executive Secretary, as well as Mandate Secretaries for the Education and Youth Development Secretariats.
Engr. Richard Yunana Dauda, Executive Secretary, Federal Capital Development Authority, announced the approval of a contract for the construction of new alternative access roads to the Old Federal Secretariat, Durumi, as well as the resurfacing of existing roads. He said the road had become deplorable, adding that the contract was awarded on an emergency basis and was almost completed.
Dr. Danlami Hayyo, Mandate Secretary for the Education Secretariat, revealed that the FCT Executive Council had approved the procurement of educational materials for WAEC, NECO, and other practical subjects in 88 senior secondary schools at the cost of N384.8 million. He said this was necessary for effective teaching and learning in FCT schools.
Mandate Secretary for Youth Development, Hon. Lawan Geidam, announced that the FCTA had approved the complete renovation of the Nyanya Youth Centre.
He noted that upon completion, the Centre would serve as a major hub for youth empowerment, featuring metal fabrication, tailoring, sculpting, and ICT facilities to help FCT youths become self-employed and self-reliant.