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Senator Kingibe free Medical Outreach defies odds, restores sight to 18-year-old, others

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Auwal Saidu

Despite facing opposition from some elements in the FCT, Senator Ireti Kingibe’s free medical outreach has successfully provided medical care to hundreds of people, including an 18-year-old boy who regained his sight after seven years of blindness.
Senator Kingibe who represents the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) in the National Assembly Launched a four-day free Medical outreach she facilitated for constituents in Abuja
The free medical outreach, organise in collaboration with the National Commission for Refugees and and Internally Displaced Persons (NCFRMI), attracted many people seeking eye tests, free treatment and referrals for suspected cataract cases.
As many as 25 other elderly persons were reported to have regained their sights as the programe wound down on wednesday evening
The team of eye surgeons that were assembled were not dettered by the order from above which denied them access to the Kabusa Primary Health Care center which was the original venue for the outreach.

The surgeons resorted to a makeshift arrangement at the senator’s constituency office in Kado where 18-year-old Auwal Saidu was operated for Complicated Cataract and regained his sight.

The outreach, which included free surgeries, has been hailed as a miracle for many, including Saidu, an 18-year-old from Gwagwalada who had been blind for seven years due to a complicated cataract. After surgery, Saidu was elated as he started seeing everybody around him.

His Father Yunusa Hassan could not believe that his son can see again as tears of joy flowed down his cheeks.

He fell to the ground and started praising God for the miracle, saying if not the Senator’s kind gesture where would he have been able to pay for such high level medical surgery.

One of the surgeons, Dr. Ibrahim Sani Danmusa who said, he has been part of the medical team for Senator Ireti Heba Kingibe’s free medical outreach indicated, “We’ve seen numerous patients, and one of the major achievements is restoring sight to those who were blind. About 25-26 patients have regained their sight after surgery.

“We’ve treated various cases, including cataract, glaucoma, and pterygium. All services, including drugs, surgery, and food, were provided free of charge. I commend the organizers for their efforts, despite initial challenges.
“My message is for the organizers to continue this good work. We’ve seen retired generals, directors, and permanent secretaries who cannot afford these services outside of this program. 
“The organizers should keep up the good work, and God will make it easier for them.”
Many attendees expressed gratitude for the opportunity to receive medical attention, with some even receiving treatment for conditions they had been unable to address due to financial constraints.
Mrs. Elsie Dama, a retiree who attended the program, praised the senator for her efforts.
Mrs. Dama highlighted the positive impact on the community, particularly for retirees who struggle to access healthcare.
Dr. Juliette Essien, Special Assistant on Health in the Senator’s office, revealed that the team was denied access to the Kabusa Primary Health Care Center, but the King of Kabusa provided an alternative venue. The medical team improvised and created a makeshift theater to conduct surgeries.
Dr. Essien praised the Senator’s efforts, saying, “May God bless Senator Ireti Heba Kingibe. May God add more years to her. May God give her good health. Because when you treat the disadvantaged, the less privileged, there are people who cannot even afford a meal in a day.”
She said, the outreach is set to continue, with plans for an even bigger event in the near future.

Emmanuel Destiny, head of the senator’s constituency office, expressed fulfillment at the program’s impact, citing the case of a young boy who regained his sight after seven years of blindness. “Sight is life,” Destiny said. “She has restored hope and vision to many.”
He promised that the program will continue as a routine initiative, with plans for a second batch of medical outreach already underway. 
Additionally, he indicated that a 40 feet of medical equipment will be distributed to primary health centers, general hospitals, and people living with disabilities.
Destiny praised Senator Kingibe as a selfless leader who prioritizes the needs of her constituents, urging the people of FCT to support her efforts to deliver the dividends of democracy. “Nobody can stop her,” he said. “It’s a program from God. It’s divine.”

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FCT

School Feeding Programme is Boosting Education, Empowering Farmers -FCT minister

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The Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Minister of State, Dr. Mariya Mahmoud, has emphasized the transformative impact of the Home-Grown School Feeding Programme (HGSFP), describing it as a dual-purpose initiative that fosters education and drives local agricultural development.

Speaking through the FCT Focal Person on Social Investment Programme (SIP), Hajia Maijidda Adamu Kuku, at an interactive session with stakeholders across the six area councils of the FCT, Mahmoud highlighted the programme’s reliance on locally sourced produce.
Special Adviser on Media to the minister Austine Elemue, in a statement quoted the minister to have indicated that the approach, is to empower farmers, strengthen the rural economy, and enhance community participation.
Mahmoud affirmed the FCT Administration’s commitment to facilitating the programme’s effective implementation by fostering collaboration among stakeholders.
“Regular interactive sessions like this are vital to reflect on successes, address challenges, and chart a sustainable path forward,” she said.
She commended the efforts of government officials, school administrators, farmers, cooks, and development partners, stressing the administration’s determination to ensure inclusivity and leave no school behind in the programme.
The Minister also called for innovative ideas and practical solutions to sustain the programme’s impact, urging stakeholders to work in synergy to confront emerging challenges.
Senior Special Assistant to the President on School Feeding Programme, Dr. Yetunde Adeniyi,
underscored the initiative’s national importance, citing its role in improving school enrollment and learning outcomes.
“Since its inception, thousands of children have benefited from nutritious meals, leading to increased attendance and retention in schools,” she noted.

Adeniyi encouraged stakeholders to prioritize transparency, accountability, and active community involvement to ensure the programme’s longevity and effectiveness.

FCT Programme Operations Officer, Hauwa Abubakar, outlined the objectives of the stakeholders’ dialogue, emphasizing its focus on enhancing service delivery through transparency, accountability, and linkages with other empowerment initiatives in the FCT.

World Food Programme representative, Agnes Mungatia, further stressed the importance of collaboration, urging stakeholders to unite efforts to amplify the programme’s reach and impact.

The Home-Grown School Feeding Programme has remained a beacon of hope, providing nutritious meals to children while empowering local farmers. With continued commitment from stakeholders, the programme promises to sustain its role as a cornerstone of education and rural development in Nigeria.

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FCT

FCT-IRS Urges Employers to File Annual Tax Returns Ahead of January 31 Deadline

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Michael Ango

The Federal Capital Territory Internal Revenue Service (FCT-IRS) has called on private companies, Ministries, Departments, Agencies (MDAs), and other employers of labor within the Federal Capital Territory to file their employees’ annual tax returns for 2024 by January 31, 2025.

This directive is in line with Section 81 of the Personal Income Tax Act (PITA) 2011 (as amended) and PAYE regulations, which mandate employers to submit detailed annual returns of emoluments paid to employees and total taxes deducted for the preceding year.
A statement issued on Sunday by the Corporate Communications Manager of the Service, Mustapha Sumaila urged Employers are required to use the forms prescribed by FCT-IRS for this purpose.
The statement quoted the Acting Executive Chairman of FCT-IRS, Mr. Michael Ango, whike speaking at a stakeholders’ engagement recently tobhave emphasized the importance of compliance, warning that failure to meet the deadline would attract penalties and sanctions.
He encouraged voluntary compliance, highlighting its role in fostering accountability and easing tax administration.

“We urge all private organizations, MDAs, government enterprises, and sole proprietorships within the FCT to fulfill their tax obligations.
Beyond avoiding sanctions, this compliance will contribute significantly to the development of the FCT and support the Honourable Minister, Barrister Ezenwo Nyesom Wike CON, in his vision of transforming the FCT into a modern city,” Ango stated.

The FCT-IRS reiterated its commitment to efficient tax administration and calls on all stakeholders to cooperate in building a financially sustainable capital territory.

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FCT

Police Inaction in Abuja Property Fraud Sparks Outrage

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***As Barrister Maxwell Opara demands Justice for Mama Yesufu

In a fiery press conference held on Tuesday, Barrister Maxwell Opara reignited calls for justice in a high-stakes property fraud scandal that has left 79-year-old Hajia Colleen Mero Yesufu fighting to reclaim her properties in the Katampe and Guzape districts of Abuja.
The case, involving allegations of forgery, criminal trespass, and fraudulent property sales, has also raised questions about police integrity and accountability.
Central to the case is Rebecca Omokamo Godwin Isaac (alias Bilkisu Ishaku Aliyu) and her company, Homadil Realty Limited.
They are accused of orchestrating a conspiracy to fraudulently seize Yesufu’s properties, allegedly with the complicity of certain police officers.
Despite substantial evidence presented by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), including forged documents used to manipulate the Abuja Geographic Information System (AGIS), the Nigeria Police Force has controversially dismissed the matter as a “civil issue.”
Opara criticized the Nigeria Police Force, specifically the Inspector General of Police (IGP) and spokesperson ACP Olumuyiwa Adejobi, accusing them of shielding the accused.
“How can the Police classify a case as civil without conducting any investigation?” he asked. He further revealed that the EFCC had not only identified the fraudulent documents but also secured an interim forfeiture order on the disputed properties. Yet, according to Opara, the Police have not only failed to act but have allegedly provided armed escorts to protect the suspect’s illegal constructions.
Opara highlighted what he termed the Police’s selective approach to justice. “If the Police can arrest someone for stealing a chicken or detain activists over tweets, why can’t they prosecute those involved in such brazen fraud?” he asked, launching the #ProsecuteTheCrime campaign to demand accountability.

The human rights lawyer also condemned alleged police harassment of the Yesufu family and journalists covering the case, stating that such actions undermine public trust in law enforcement. “Justice in Nigeria often wears the veil of influence instead of being blind,” he said, urging the IGP to distance himself from the case to ensure impartial investigations.

Opara called on the EFCC to expedite the prosecution of the suspects and appealed to the media to amplify the call for justice for vulnerable citizens like Mama Yesufu. “This is not just about one woman; it’s about the future of justice and the protection of the weak in our society,” he said.

In closing, Opara vowed to pursue justice relentlessly, declaring, “We will not stop until every shred of influence shielding criminals is removed and Mama Yesufu’s rights are restored.”

This case, which highlighted the interplay between corruption, influence, and justice in Nigeria, has sparked public outrage and rekindled debates about the integrity of the nation’s justice system.
The call for justice for Mama Yesufu is not just a legal battle but a test of Nigeria’s commitment to fairness and equality before the law.

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