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Senate moves to stop annual rents in FCT  

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Senate President Ahmad Lawan
Senate President Ahmad Lawan
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…As bill to regulate payment mode passes second reading 
 
A bill seeking to make the annual payment of rent illegal in the Federal Capital Territory has scaled second reading in the Senate.

Tagged: “A Bill for the Regulation of Advanced Rent on Residential Apartments, Office Space” was sponsored by Senator Smart Adeyemi (Kogi West).
 
The lawmaker, in his lead debate on the general principles, said the bill seeks to regulate the mode of payment of rent on residential apartments, office space, rooms and accommodation in the FCT.

According to him, the move by the chamber to regulate the payment of rents in the FCT stemmed from the obligation of its constitutional responsibilities, aimed at  impacting the lives of residents.

“If passed, this Bill will improve the well- being and standard of living of residents and minimize corruption and immorality emanating from the oppressive tenancy system in the Federal Capital Territory.

“This Bill will make life less stressful and less painful for majority of the down-trodden and low income earners in the Federal Territory”, Adeyemi said.

He explained further that due to global economic recession, life  has become very challenging and almost unbearable for the low income earners despite the huge palliative measures by the Federal Government through the N-POWER traders money.

He noted that in the FCT, Landlords demand between one to three years advanced rent, a situation which he pointed, “automatically adds a huge burden on the masses, subsequently giving rise to desperation and corruption.”

He lamented that the “tenancy system has continuously impoverished Nigerians who are salaried employees that can only pay rent after haven received their first remuneration.”

“This tenancy system is unafrican, unislamic and indeed unbiblical”, the lawmaker added.

Adeyemi expressed concern that many residents of the FCT are finding it difficult to cope with huge rent payment, adding that, “many houses built within the city center for such purposes are empty.”

He said that yearly tenancy has continued to breed corruption, moral decadence and huge inequality as low income earners who cannot afford to continually pay their rent.

According to him, some tenants now engage in corrupt practices, immorality, and even criminal acts to meet the pressing need of shelter.

He underscored the need for Legislation aimed towards justice, fairness, equity and improved standard of living.

He noted that in the FCT, a single one room apartment ranges from one million (N1,000,000) Naira to two million (N2,000,000) Naira within the city.

According to the lawmaker, in the satellite towns such as Kubwa, Nyanya, Kuje, Lugbe, rents are still not affordable for the common man as it ranges from Three hundred and fifty thousand naira (N350,000.00) to Five Hundred thousand naira (N500,000.00).

He stated that the bill, therefore, seeks to reduce advance payment for new tenants to three months and, thereafter, proceed with the monthly payment scheme.

“It also seeks to protect low income earners from any form of oppression by homeowners.

“The bill also seeks to provide a window for legal action for any form of oppression.

“Importantly, it will also serve as a safety net for Landlords against erring tenants”, he added.

Contributing to the debate, Senator Aliyu Sabi Abdullahi, while supporting the bill, described the piece of legislation as “people-centered.”

He said, “The truth is out there, many residents in the FCT are groaning under this very difficult system where people are expected to pay house rent in advance.

“With the policy where government has withdrawn participation in providing official quarters with demonetization, we are all aware, young Nigerians who are gaining employment within the precinct of the FCT for example, majority of them are actually in the outskirts.

“This is because it is extremely difficult for most of these young Nigerians to get the quantum of money that represent two years rent.

“[And] so, Mr. President, I think we are doing the right thing if we look at the intendment of this bill.

“If there is a good system as this, where on a monthly basis as the man receives his salary, he is making payment for what he has consumed,  I think it will be a very good and welfare oriented system, one that is friendly to those that do not have.”

The Deputy Senate President, Ovie Omo-Agege, who presided over plenary, described the bill as “popular” owing to the number of Nigerians who have showed interest in it.

However, Senator Chimaroke Nnamani (Enugu East), a People’s Democratic Party (PDP) Senator and the only lawmaker in the chamber who spoke against the bill, argued the issue of rent payment should be driven by market forces.

“The issue of rental payment, either in advance or installments is purely economical and should be driven by market forces.

“Such market forces as availability of land, cost of building materials and income.

“If government wants to ameliorate the sufferings of the masses, government can go into housing schemes, mortgage schemes, housing credit facilities, not control the business of private individuals in an emerging African democracy.

“I, therefore, oppose, and oppose vigorously this bill”, he said.

Senators, however, voted overwhelmingly in support of the bill when the Deputy Senate President put the question for it to be read a second time.

The bill was subsequently referred by Omo-Agege to the Committee on Housing and Urban Development for further inputs.

The Committee was given four weeks to report back to the Senate in plenary.

Meanwhile, three other bills also scaled second reading during plenary on Tuesday.

They are a bill to establish the Federal University of Environmental Technology Saakperwa Tai Ogoni, Rivers State; a Bill to Establish the Solid Minerals Development Bank; and a Bill to amend the National Health Act 2014.

The bills were sponsored by Senators Mpigi Barinada (Rivers South East), Yakubu Useni (Kogi Central) and Yahaya Oloriegbe (Kwara Central), respectively.

The bill to establish the Federal University of Environmental Technology, was referred by the Deputy Senate President after consideration to the Committees on Tertiary Institutions and TETFUND to report back in two weeks.

The other two bills to Establish the Solid Minerals Development Bank; and to amend the National Health Act 2014, were referred to the Committees on Solid Minerals, Mines, Steel Development and Metallurgy; and Health (Secondary and Tertiary) for further work.

Both Committees were given four weeks to report back to the chamber in plenary.

 

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ICDA Honour Renowned Radio Nigeria Journalist with Community Service Award

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By AbdulRahman Obaje

The Igala Cultural and Development Association (ICDA), Federal Capital Territory and Surroundings (FCT & S) has honoured a renowned Abuja-based Radio Nigeria Journalist, James Itodo with a meritorious award.

The award ceremony took place Saturday, July 19th, 2025, during the association’s monthly meeting in Abuja

The Chairman, ICDA, FCT & S, Alhaji Ahmed Usman said the Award is a show of appreciation for commitment and dedication to the development of ICDA, FCT & S.

James Itodo, also the Chairman, ICDA, Kuje Branch in his appreciation speech while expressing surprise and appreciation said, “I dedicate this award to my community in Kuje and all ICDA executives and, members in the FCT”

“Thank you very much” , he concluded.

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Appreciation: “We Are Grateful for Your Support” – Ajia

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By AbdulRahman Obaje

The Ajia Ogbonde family of Ilorin has expressed deep and heartfelt appreciation to individuals, families, religious leaders, institutions, dignitaries, and well-wishers who stood by them during the mourning period following the passing of their beloved matriarch, Hajiya Maryam Mohammed Ajia.

In a press statement personally signed by Alhaji Ibrahim Mohammed Ajia, the Dan Amanar Fune, on behalf of the family, the Ajia Ogbonde clan expressed immense gratitude for the outpouring of love, prayers, and condolences received from across the country and beyond.

Describing the support as overwhelming, the family acknowledged the role played by those who participated in the Janaza rites at the National Mosque, Abuja, and those who made time to attend the 3rd Day and 7th Day Fidau prayers held in Abuja and Ilorin respectively, despite their tight schedules.

“We are truly grateful to everyone who stood in solidarity with us during this painful moment. Your presence, prayers, and words of comfort meant so much to us,” the statement read.

The family offered special thanks to His Royal Highness, the Emir of Ilorin, Mai-Martaba Sheikh (Dr.) Ibrahim Sulu-Gambari, CFR, for his fatherly support and spiritual leadership during the mourning period.

They also appreciated His Royal Highness, the Emir of Fune, Dr. Idris Saleh Uthman, for honouring the family through a powerful delegation led by the District Head of Cubana to the Abuja Fidau prayer.

The statement listed an array of dignitaries and high-profile personalities whose presence and messages of condolence brought great comfort to the bereaved family. These include former Senate Presidents Sen. Anyim Pius Anyim (GCON) and Dr. Abubakar Bukola Saraki, the Waziri of Ilorin, and former Inspector-General of Police IGP MD Abubakar (CFR).

Also acknowledged were former Kwara State Governor, HE Abdulfatah Ahmed, former Minister of Youth and Sports, Mallam Bolaji Abdullahi, former Minister of Power, Engr. Abubakar D. Aliyu, current Senator representing Kwara Central, Sen. Saliu Mustapha, Sen. Ibrahim Yahaya Oloriegbe, former DG of NEMA, Alhaji Sani Sidi, and Prof. Oba Abdulraheem, former Chairman of the Federal Character Commission.

The sitting Governor of Kwara State was represented by Alhaji Abdulrazak Jidda at the 7th Day Fidau prayer in Ilorin.

Other prominent individuals and community leaders recognized for their support include Alhaji Tajudeen Ibrahim Eleku, Alhaji Toyin Abubakar, Prof. Zanna Mohammed (Nile University), Alhaji Mohammed Bukar, Sarkin Sumaila Alhaji Bello Dansumaila, Engr. Musa Saidu, Engr. Ibrahim Usman, Engr. Kamaldeen Ubandawaki, Barr. Ismail Ahmed, Alhaji Mohammed Adamu Cimo, and executives of Saiha Network.

Particular gratitude was extended to the Council of Ulama of Kwara State, led by the Chief Imam of Ilorin, Sheikh Muhammad Bashir (CON), and the FCT Council of Ulama, including Sheikh Abdulkadir Oba Sholagberu, Sheikh Fuad Adeyemi, and Sheikh Sharafudeen Aliagan, for their spiritual guidance and physical presence during the mourning.

The family also commended members of the Nigeria Police Force, particularly Courses 21 and 36/2002, various youth groups, political party stakeholders from the PDP, APC, and a new coalition party, as well as War College Estate Muslim Community and Resident Association, members of the National Assembly, Federal Executive Council, and the business and academic communities.

Also mentioned among the sympathizers were Engr. Suleiman Yahaya Alapasanpa (Danmasani of Ilorin), Sarauniya of Ilorin, Hajia Muinat Shagaya, Hajiya Saadat Dogobauchi, Princess Aisha Bubaram (ED North, First Bank Plc), Hon. Muktar Aliyu Betara, Sen. Haliru Jika, Hon. Ibrahim Jimba Baba, Hon. Nalaraba, Hon. Kabir Tukura, Hon. Jaafar Mubi, Chairman of Sobi FM, Alhaji Lukman Mustapha, Hon. Ladi Hassan, Engr. Kale Kawu, Ambassador Abdulfatai Yahaya Seriki, Hon. Ahmed Yinka Aluko, Hon. Muktar Shagaya, Alhaji Sheriff Shagaya, Alhaji Hakeem Shagaya, former Kwara Assembly Speakers, Hon. Ali Ahmad and Hon. Razaq Atunwa, as well as the executives of IEDPU and IEYDPU.

“We are indeed overwhelmed by the outpouring of love and support during our moment of grief. The legacy of our beloved mother, Hajiya Maryam Mohammed Ajia, lives on in our hearts,” the family stated.

The Ajia Ogbonde family concluded the message by praying for Allah’s mercy upon the departed soul and asking for divine blessings upon all who shared in their pain.

“We pray that Almighty Allah grants our dear mother Aljannatul Firdaus and continues to unite us in peace and brotherhood. We shall forever remain grateful.”

Late Hajiya Maryam Mohammed Ajia was a revered matriarch known for her piety, wisdom, and compassion. Her life, the family said, remains an enduring source of inspiration and spiritual strength.

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Ododo Mourns Late Former President Muhammadu Buhari

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From Joseph Amedu, Lokoja

Governor Ahmed Usman Ododo of Kogi State has expressed deep sorrow over the passing of Former President Muhammadu Buhari.

Ododo in a statement signed by the State Commissioner for Information and Communications, Kingsley Fanwo, described President Buhari’s passing as a monumental loss not only to Nigeria, but to the African continent, and indeed the world.

He described President Buhari as a leader of quiet strength, deep convictions, and a patriotic heart wholly committed to the unity, progress, and stability of Nigeria.

Ododo further described the death if the former president as “a moment of national grief and a reminder of the enduring legacy of discipline, integrity and sacrifice that President Buhari stood for.

“President Buhari was a man who came at different times in our national history to steer the ship of state with a deep sense of responsibility.

“He was not a man of many words, but one whose actions consistently reflected his belief in a better, safer, and more self-reliant Nigeria.”

“Kogi State will remember him for his commitment to critical infrastructure, national security, and his consistent stand against corruption.

“His efforts laid a solid foundation upon which successive administrations, including ours in Kogi, continue to build.

“We stand in solidarity with the Government and people of Katsina State, the family of the late statesman, and indeed all Nigerians, as we mourn a patriot who gave his all in service to the nation.

“May Allah (SWT) forgive his shortcomings and grant him Aljannah Firdaus.”

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