The Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Executive Committee has approved the purchase of 12 brand-new, state-of-the-art ambulances valued at N1.7 billion to strengthen emergency medical response across the FCT.
Speaking after the Council meeting chaired by the Minister of the FCT, Nyesom Wike, the Mandate Secretary for Health Services and Environment, Dr Adedolapo Fasawe, disclosed that the ambulances, the first of such acquisition in nine years have already been delivered and would soon be commissioned.
According to her, the vehicles meet international standards and are fully equipped for emergency response. She noted that the newly constructed roads across the capital will further enhance their operational efficiency.
Dr Fasawe emphasised that the Health Secretariat is working closely with the FCT Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) to handle medical emergencies, urging residents to make use of the 112 emergency hotline for timely response.
On the misuse of ambulances, she clarified that it is unethical to use ambulances for conveying corpses, revealing that the Administration plans to procure dedicated hearses for that purpose.
Meanwhile, the Mandate Secretary for Agriculture and Rural Development, Ango Suleiman, announced that the Council also ratified the procurement and supply of fertiliser to farmers across the FCT.
He explained that the initiative is aimed at supporting local farmers, improving crop yields, and advancing food security in the Territory and the nation at large.
In the area of infrastructure, Richard Dauda, Executive Secretary of the Federal Capital Development Authority (FCDA), confirmed that the FCTA had approved and completed the construction of alternative access roads to the Old Federal Secretariat in Durumi, as well as the resurfacing of the existing road network, which had deteriorated over time.
For the education sector, the Mandate Secretary for Education, Dr Danlami Hayyo, disclosed that the FCT Executive Council approved the procurement of educational materials worth N384.8 million for 88 senior secondary schools.
The materials, he said, include WAEC and NECO resources, as well as science and technical practical items to improve teaching and learning standards.
Similarly, Lawan Geidam, Mandate Secretary for Youth Development, revealed that the Administration had approved the complete renovation of the Nyanya Youth Centre. He said the facility, when upgraded, would serve as a key hub for youth empowerment with sections for metal fabrication, tailoring, sculpting, and ICT training, helping young people in the FCT acquire skills for self-employment and independence.
Also speaking, the Chief of Staff to the FCT Minister, Chidi Amadi, announced that the Administration had approved the procurement of treatment chemicals and automatic gas oils to ensure uninterrupted operations at the Lower Usuma Dam, thereby guaranteeing steady water supply within the Territory.
Source: FRCN online
