In Kubwa

23.4.24

FCT Minister Wike Shuts Down Int’l Conference Centre For 8 Months, Awards Renovation To Julius Berger

Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Minister Nyesom Wike on Monday shut down the International Conference Centre (ICC) for eight months for lack of maintenance.

See story at TheNigeriaLawyer

7.5.22

What happened today in Kubwa?

It’s interesting, isn’t it?

To be able to look some place and know everything that went down in your vicinity at a glance.

Or maybe you’re thinking, instead, what this has got to do with you or why you should care.

Well, if you carried out a search on what people are asking about Kubwa, you might just be surprised like I was. While you’re focusing on what puts bread on your table, someone somewhere is asking how old is Kubwa? (The answer by the way, is 32 years)

Someone else is wondering where in the world is Kubwa located in Abuja? You can tell that that someone is not a resident of Kubwa at the very least. Residents of Kubwa ask about things more internal to Kubwa, like where is Kubwa General Hospital? Where is Kubwa train station located? How much from Kubwa to Kuje? What happened in Kubwa Market today?

I also know that that someone is not a resident because I wondered the same thing about Lugbe and Mararaba until I visited these places myself. And unlike these places which fall under Abuja Municipal Area Council (AMAC), Kubwa is shockingly under a different local government area – Bwari.

If you go by size, Kubwa is far bigger than these other places under the Abuja municipal as Kubwa is the largest community in West Africa. That’s right. And it says so right here. So if your concept of municipal means a large city, like mine does, it’s a shock to find that Kubwa is not part of AMAC. Especially since Kubwa is a lot closer to Maitama than Lugbe and Mararaba.

So that’s how I know. Anyways.

There’s one question that I’ve seen asked that does not reveal if the person asking the question is a resident or non-resident. Hold on to that thought for a moment.

This post is about the myriad of opportunities that exist in Kubwa and how if you’re a resident you‘re really lucky to be living in Kubwa at this particular moment in time. If you’re looking for specific incidents or a particular event or the regular news stuff, this post is not for you. You can find all them news worthy reports at places like Nextdoor (They’re the neighbourhood news people) or national newspapers like Guardian, Leadership, Blueprint or simply Linda Ikeji’s blog because they carry the news from Kubwa from time to time.

This post is for you only if you’re focused or even just interested in knowing how you can live in Kubwa blissfully, maximising the opportunities that exist all around you. Some of them have to do with your talent, especially in the sports. Kubwa has a lot of fit nerds and sports lovers. Saturdays are joyously sporty days. That’s perhaps why an organisation like … came all the way from Germany to search for and recruit handball talents. They are already providing shoes, … and accommodation to participants and hope to transfer those selected to Europe for greener pastures.

This is generally seen in the proximity to the heart of town and Aso Rock, the seat of power. Then there’s the fact that Kubwa is a civil servants town and internal networking can be done to the tune of having a contact in almost every main government ministry, department or agency. The proximity to the heart of town and seat of power also instantly unlocks access to a higher quality of life and net worth in terms of your social circle as well as funding capital for businesses.

The first key to business opportunities that jumps out at you is the population of Kubwa. The residents were around 800,000 people in 2006 according to this 2017 National Population Commission survey. That number has since quadrupled at the very least. In fact, walking through the NNPC Junction in the evening and seeing the sea of faces returning from work or setting up their tables to sell stuff, you can fairly estimate that residents of Kubwa are in the millions.

This number represents business opportunities that range from physical goods to many many services, as much as you can think of and implement to make people’s lives better, easier and more enjoyable.

And lots of businesses are keying in. 2021 was definitely the year of the big launch in Kubwa businesses. It was as if the lockdown of 2020 helped people refine their thinking about the kind of business they would love to start and couldn’t wait for the world to return to normal to kick things off.

I mean, another Chicken Republic outlet opened on the same Gado Nasco way, Domino’s Pizza and Kilimanjaro were already in the offing and quickly escalated things. More supermarkets, retail stores and salons were opened. Schools and banks were not left out as they upped their ante in the scramble for new intakes and customers courtesy of the influx of migrants from neighbouring states in search of better opportunities following the economic meltdown. Demand for information and communication technology services skyrocketed just like the plazas that were springing up everywhere in Kubwa and are still springing up.

All this is nice. But how does it fall for you as an individual?

The key for you lies in making whatever talent, business or service you sprout to enjoy this freely available goodwill of people. In this age of social media, no business can afford to be isolated and living in a place like Kubwa could mean that if you actively pursue friends in your neighbourhood, both in person and offline, you guys will have something in common to bond with and that friendship will easily translate to hundreds of thousands in likes, hits and comments on your social media pages. Forums like Nairaland and Gistlover already enjoy this from afar, no reason for you to not go local with fan love.

Now, what’s that question that does not reveal if the person asking the question is a resident or non-resident of Kubwa? It is “what does Kubwa mean in Swahili?

The answer to the question is exactly what your dream cultivated in populous Kubwa is capable of becoming – big, large or great.

24.9.21

President Buhari’s Speech at UNGA76

President Muhammadu Buhari in a speech to the United Nations at its ongoing 76th session in New York called for extension of debt repayment timeline for developing countries. He also said Coups are eroding Democratic Gains in West Africa and that there's no easy solution to human rights abuses, poverty and equality.

Read more details at Punch.

FG issues October 1st Security Alert ahead of Celebration

Residents are enjoined to report suspicious persons and movements to the security agencies through the following numbers: 09-6305396, 08031230631, 08032003557 and 122.

The presidency also announced that President Buhari has also approved all the activities for the independence anniversary ceremony.

Read more details at TNL.

16.9.21

EFCC Boss, Bawa, has received medical attention, back at his desk

This clarification became necessary following an incident today September 16, 2021 at the Presidential Villa, Abuja where he was giving a goodwill message to the National Identity Day celebration, felt unwell and had to return to his seat.

Read more details at Punch.

I Would Rather Die Than Join APC Or Bow To Buhari — Fani-Kayode's tweet resurfaces

Following the ex-Peoples Democratic Party chieftain today's joining of the APC, a tweet by Femi Fani-Kayode in 2018 in which he vowed to die than join the All Progressives Congress has resurfaced.

Read more details at TNL.

Southern Governors say states will collect VAT

Read the full communique here.

15.9.21

AGF writes all 36 States Governors oer Stamp Duty suit

Following the 36 states through their attorneys-general, suing the Federal Government over the alleged failure of the government to remit funds generated from stamp duties into state accounts, Abubakar Malami, Attorney-General of the Federation (AGF) says the federal government is yet to recover stamp duty funds made from January 15, 2016, to June 30, 2020. The AGF wrote to all 36 state governors. The Federal government has also set up an inter-ministerial committee on audit and recovery of Gack years stamp duties from January 15, 2016, to June 30, 2020.

Read more details at The Cable.

Okonjo-Iweala makes Time’s 100 most influential people of 2021 list

The Director-General of the World Trade Centre, first African and first woman to lead the organisation,was included in the “leaders” category, alongside Joe Biden, president of the United States of America; Kamala Harris, US vice-president; Xi Jinping, president of China, and Narendra Modi, prime minister of India. Prince Harry and Meghan Markle, the Duke and Duchess of Sussex, spoke highly of her in their comment published in the magazine released on Wednesday.

14.9.21

Ron Kenoly, Nathaniel Bassey join Pastor Kumuyi for global crusade at Papal Ground, Kubwa

Pastor William Kumuyi, founder and great overseer of the Deeper Life Church has announced on his Official Facebook page his pleasure to let all Christians know that International worship leaders Nathaniel Bassey and Ron Kenoly will also be ministering with him at the Divine Solution Crusade. The global crusade is scheduled to hold at Papal Ground, Kubwa Road on 24th September - 3rd October, 2021.

Please, Don't miss it.

Read more details at Contact us: 08029976464 SMS & WhatsApp only. Email - inkubwa@gmail.com

Catholic priest kidnaped in Kaduna

Unknown gunmen have reportedly kidnapped Rev. Fr. Luka Benson Yakusak, the priest in charge of St. Matthew’s Catholic Church in Anchuna, Ikulu Chiefdom in Zangon Kataf Local Government Area of Kaduna State. The priest was said to have been abducted on Monday night, September 13 by the gunmen who stormed the priest’s official residence and whisked him away to an unknown destination. Hausa Christians Foundation (HACFO) shared this on their Facebook page and called for pryers for Kaduna State and Nigeria.

Presidency writes Senate to approve fresh $4bn, 710m Euros loans

After it submitted a request on 2018-2020 borrowing plan for the approval of the Senate in May 2021, the presidency has written to the Nigerian Senate seeking approval for $4 billion and €710 million external loans. It says this is in view of other emerging needs and to ensure that all critical projects approved by FEC as of June 2021 are incorporated. The letter from President Muhammadu Buhari was addressed to Senate President Ahmad Lawan and was read at the plenary today, Tuesday September 14.

NCDC says children aren’t immune, seeks compliance with COVID-19 protocol as school resumes

The Nigeria Centre for Disease Control (NCDC) has asked school owners, parents and guardians to ensure strict compliance with the COVID protocol to prevent the spread of the virus as schools resume across the country.

Chikwe Ihekweazu, director-general of the NCDC, said this on Monday at the media briefing of the presidential steering committee (PSC) on COVID-19, held in Abuja. According to him, children aren’t immune to the virus, but may present symptoms differently from adults.

Read more details at The Cable.

114 who escaped from Kabba Correctional Centre in Kogi have been re-arrested

The Cable reports that 114 of the 266 inmates who escaped from Kabba Correctional Centre in Kogi State have been re-arrested. This is after Rauf Aregbesola, minister of interior, said a special taskforce has been "activated" to recapture the fleeing inmates. It will be recall that gunmen stormed Kabba Correctional Centre in the early hours of Monday, September 13, killing two security operatives and freeing 240 inmates.

"We have about 114 inmates back now. Some of the inmates returned themselves but I cannot give a definite figure for that. In fact, two just returned not too long ago. Some of the inmates were brought back by their parents. We have a search party with other security agencies to capture the remaining inmates,"the minister said.

13.9.21

IPOB orders sit-at-home for victims of the military attack on Nnamdi Kanu’s residence in 2017

In remembrance of the victims of the military attack on Nnamdi Kanu’s residence in 2017 the proscribed Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) says it will enforce a sit-at-home on Tuesday in the south-east. A statement was issued on Monday by Emma Powerful, IPOB spokesman to honour the ‘freedom seekers’.

“We the global movement of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) wish to remind all Biafrans, friends of Biafra and lovers of Biafra freedom across the globe that the sit-at-home order issued by the IPOB leadership to be observed tomorrow, Tuesday, 14th of September 2021 is sacrosanct,” he said.

Read more details at The Cable.

3 people die in heavy flood at Trademoore Estate, Lugbe

After one person died in the flood last year, hree persons have been confirmed dead after a heavy flood swept through Trademore Estate, Lugbe District, Abuja. The incident was confirmed by the Director-General of the FCT Emergency Management Agency, Abbas Idris. Several cars were also swept away by the flood following the downpour on Sunday night September 12.

Kidnapped Zamfara students released after 11 days

All of the seventy-five students of Government Day Secondary School, Kaya, Maradun Local Government Area of Zamfara State, abducted about two weeks ago, have regained freedom. Armed bandits invaded the school in the early hours of September 1 and took over 70 students away to an unknown location, releasing five of them within 24 hours and now the rest. Nigerian Television Authority, NTA, made this known on its Facebook page on Sunday night, September 12. No mention of ransom made.

Army Chief warns that he will no longer accept excuses in the war against insecurity

On Monday at the opening ceremony of the ‘Combined Second and Third Quarter Chief of Army Staff Conference’ in Abuja, Faruk Yahaya, the chief of army staff, warned army commanders that he will no longer accept excuses in the war against insecurity in the country. He promised to ensure that through functional training, officers and soldiers of the Nigerian Army are equipped with the right attitude, competences and skills to effectively undertake daring missions in addition to developing special operations forces. Also, there will be procurement to ensures appropriate kitting and provision of protective gear, weapons, equipment and platforms. He also urged soldiers to uphold maintenance culture for the equipments.

Read more details at The Cable.

Kabba Prison break: over 100 inmates rearrested

The gunmen killed the military men guarding the facility before attacking the prison workers and setting 240 prisoners free from the medium security federal correctional centre in Kabba, Kabba/Bunu Local Government Area of Kogi State. Over 100 of the inmates have reportedly been rearrested, while an unspecified number voluntarily returned. Security operatives are chasing the rest escapees.

Read more details at The Cable.

12.9.21

BBNaija S6: Jaypaul and Jackie B evicted this week

Jackie B and JayPaul are the housemates evicted from the Big Brother Naija house this week. They got the lowest votes and joined the others who have left the show, Arin, Beatrice, Boma, Jaypaul, JMK, Kayvee, Maria, Michael, Niyi, Peace, Princess, Sammie, Tega and Yerins. While in the house, JayPaul's love interest was Saskay while that of Jackie B was Michael.

Read more details at Punch.

Presidency says PMB was misquoted on future invitations to Imo comment

Special Adviser to the President on Media and Publicity, Femi Adesina, has explained in a statement titled Presidency ‘What President Buhari said (didn’t say) in Imo State,’, that purveyors of misinformation” have “deliberately contorted” the president’s speech out of context.

During his visit to Imo State last Thursday, a lighter note, the President had quipped: “‘Governor of Imo State, I cannot thank you enough, but I will be careful with your future invitations.’’ This, the Presidency says, has no other meaning other than the light nature with which Buhari made the statement.

Read more details at Punch.

Scores of bandits killed in Niger State

Soldiers at Maganda village near Allawa in Shiroro Local Government Area of Niger State ambushed bandits trying to escape the ongoing military operation in Zamfara and Katsina states. Scores of the bandits were neutralised and several others escaped into the forest with bullets injuries. One soldier was allegedly missing at the end of the gun battle. six machine guns and a number of AK-47 riffles and bags of ammunitions were recovered from the bandits who looked like foreigners, all of them carrying long hair like women and who didn’t know the terrain.

Read more details at Punch.

11.9.21

Sheikh Gumi wants creation of Ministry for Herdsmen

According to the Islamic cleric, as a medical professional, he was trained to excise a brain tumour without destroying the tissues, adding that as a former military officer, he also knows what a military action entails and as a cleric, he is well-positioned to speak out against injustice when he sees one.

Read more details at TNL.

‘Unity Is Our Greatest Strength,"President Biden on the 20th Anniversary Of 9/11

The 46th President of the United States addressed the families of the 2,977 people from more than 90 nations killed on September 11, 2001, in New York City, Arlington, Virginia, and Shanksville, Pennsylvania, and the thousands of more that were injured, saying America and the world "commemorates you and your loved ones.” On Saturday, Biden and First Lady Jill Biden will travel to all three sites of the attacks.

Read more details at TNL.

IPOB Sit-At-Home Order: South East economy collapsing, trading partners pulling out of zone

South East Nigeria repotedlylost N50bn in four weeks. The fear of attacks has forced residents of cities, towns and villages in the region to stay at home in the last four Mondays. During the period, banks, markets, shopping malls, eateries and shops remained locked. Schools, mechanic workshops, recreational centres and churches were also under lock and key.

Read details at TNL.

PMB appeals to doctors to call off strike, says it's in best interest of Nigerians

Striking doctors have been urged by President Muhammadu Buhari to return to work, saying embarking on strike at a time Nigerians need them the most is not the best action or in the interest of Nigerians. The president said this while receiving members of Nigeria Medical Association (NMA) at the State House on Friday. He also advised others contemplating strikes to opt for settlement of issues by negotiation regardless of how long it'll take to reach an agreement.

10.9.21

Court of Appeal suspends VAT collecction by Rivers and Lagos States

The court of appeal in Abuja has ordered both Rivers and Lagos states to maintain status quo over the collection of value-added tax (VAT), pending the determination of an appeal filed by the Federal Inland Revenue Service (FIRS). The appellate court said the order was to preserve the ‘Res’ (subject matter) of the appeal before it.

Moyosore Onigbanjo, Attorney-general of Lagos state, informed the court of an application for Lagos State to be joined as a party in the appeal after its House of Assembly passed a VAT bill into law. The Court however deferred the hearing of Lagos state application for joinder to September 16 causing Onibanjo to protest against the issuance of the order to maintain status quo, insisting that such an order could not be binding on Lagos state since it is yet to be joined as a party in the appeal by FIRS.

Read more details at The Cable.

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