FCTA Approves 250 Tonnes Of Fertiliser To Boost Food Security

In a strategic effort to bolster food security in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), the Executive Council of the Federal Capital Territory Administration (FCTA) has approved the procurement of 250 metric tonnes of fertiliser for distribution to local farmers.

During its 10th meeting, chaired by Minister of FCT, Nyesom Wike, the Council also allocated N995 million for the purchase of 1,000 laptops to modernize senior secondary schools and approved plans for a new office complex for the Body of Benchers to be completed within the next 10 months.

The mandate secretary for FCT Agriculture and Rural Development Secretariat, Lawan Geidam, while briefing the press after the meeting, noted that the approved fertiliser distribution aims to support year-round irrigation farming, thereby increasing food production in the territory.

“With the rainy season coming to an end, we are entering the dry season, which necessitates irrigation. This is the first time such an approval has been granted to encourage continuous farming, as it is often said, ‘a hungry man is an angry man,’” he said.

Regarding the transition to digital education, FCTA Chief of Staff, Chidi Amadi, highlighted the minister’s commitment to integrating technology into schools.

“Minister Nyesom Wike is dedicated to digital education and has mandated the procurement of laptops for senior secondary schools to equip students with essential digital skills necessary for success in today’s tech-driven world,” he stated.

Amadi emphasised the importance of aligning FCT schools with global standards, asserting that digital resources will become a fundamental aspect of classroom interactions. “It is imperative that we modernize our educational facilities to reflect the realities of current global practices,” he added.

Also, the mandate secretary for the FCT Education Secretariat, Danlami Hayyo, confirmed that N995 million has been allocated for the immediate procurement of digital learning materials.

“The Executive Council has approved the provision of all necessary examination materials for students.

“This contract to transform FCT schools into a digital education system includes the provision of 1,000 laptops equipped with educational and vocational curriculum content to facilitate a media-driven learning environment,” he stated.

Speaking on the proposed Apo Mechanic Traders relocation to Wassa, the Coordinator, Abuja Metropolitan Management Council (AMMC), Chief Felix Obuah who explained that over 12,000 people have registered and submitted their applications, said the EXCO members would give the final approval for the relocation of affected traders in the next meeting.

The FCTA EXCO meeting was also attended by the Minister of State for the FCT, Dr Mariya Mahmoud, and mandate secretaries from the various FCTA Secretariats.