The Executive Committee of the Federal Capital Territory (EXCO) has ratified the acquisition of 12 new state-of-the-art customized ambulances at a cost of N1.7 billion to enhance response to emergency situations in the FCT.
The acquisition of fertilizers for farmers in the territory is also ratified.
Addressing journalists in Abuja after the EXCO meeting chaired by the FCT Minister, Barr. Nyesom Wike, on Friday at his Life Camp residence, the FCT Health Secretary, Dr. Adedolapo Fasawe, stated that for the first time in nine years, the Federal Capital will receive 12 new ambulances of international standards which he said have already been handed over to the administration and will soon enter service.
The Mandate Secretary noted that unlike what was obtained previously, the ambulances will be highly operational and efficient, adding that the availability of new roads constructed across the FCT will also improve their operations.
Responding to journalists’ questions on its accessibility to ordinary FCT residents, Dr Fasawe said the Ministry of Health was working directly with FEMA on emergency medical requests. He also revealed that FEMA’s emergency toll line 112 was operational and the public could freely visit it. Regarding the use of ambulances to transport corpses, the Secretary of Health stated: “It is unethical for ambulances to transport corpses. We are advancing in the purchase of hearses for that purpose,” she added.
The Mandate Secretary for Agriculture and Rural Development, Ango Abdullahi Suleiman, for his part, stated that the FCTA had ratified the procurement of MPK fertilizers, which have already been supplied.
He said this was due to “the quest to make farmers smile and ensure food security in the territory.” The Mandate Secretary therefore expressed hope that production would be better at the end of the season, thereby contributing to food security in the FCT and across the country.
Other senior officials of the FCT administration who spoke on various sectors included the Executive Secretary of the FCDA, as well as the Mandate Secretaries, Education and Youth Development Secretaries.
Eng. Richard Yunana Dauda, Executive Secretary of the Federal Capital Development Authority, announced the approval of the contract for new alternative access roads to the Old Federal Secretariat, Durumi, as well as the resurfacing of existing roads. He noted that the road had become deplorable, adding that the contract was awarded on an emergency basis and was practically completed.
Dr. Danlami Hayyo, Mandate Secretary, Ministry of Education, on his part, announced that the FCT Executive Council had approved and procured educational materials for WAEC, NECO and other practical materials in 88 senior secondary schools at a cost of N384.8 million. He explained that this was necessary for effective teaching and learning for FCT students.
Youth Development Mandate Secretary Hon Lawan Geidam told reporters that the Federal Capital Territory Administration had approved a memorandum for the complete renovation of the Nyanya Youth Centre. He noted that when fully renovated, the Center will become a good tool for youth empowerment. He further said that the Center had metal fabrication, tailoring and sculpture centres, as well as an ICT centre, which will go a long way in helping the Territory’s youth become self-employed and independent.
Also speaking to journalists on the outcome of the meeting, the Chief of Staff to the FCT Minister, Hon Chidi Amadi, shed light on the water supply in the FCT, stating that the Administration had obtained approval for the procurement of treatment chemicals and automatic diesels for the smooth functioning of the Lower Usuma Dam.
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