The founding fathers who conceived the idea for the creation of the Federal Capital territory would be shaking their heads and gnashing their teeth in unbelieve seeing the display of indiscipline, corruption, criminality and lawlessness that have overshadowed a city once well conceived for greatness. They would marvel seeing Injustice perpetuated on all the roads, offices and other places. Also they will be surprised to witness private and government drivers display lawlessness by driving against the traffic creating a chaotic atmosphere along the roads, while traffic and security personnels either look unperturbed or are glaringly busy extorting money from either motorcyclists riding against traffic and private drivers driving without necessary particulars. Most unfortunate is the inroad of different shades of criminals into the Capital territory. Insecurity Is vividly noticeable around Abuja. Also many parts of the Federal Capital now stinks, oozing odor that are not associated with morden cities across the world.
The last Updated record on Abuja was in August, 2023.
It noted that the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), also known as Abuja Federal Capital Territory, administrative territory, central Nigeria, was created in 1976. It is located north of the confluence of the Niger and Benue rivers. It is bordered by the states of Niger to the west and northwest, Kaduna to the northeast, Nassarawa to the east and south, and Kogi to the southwest.
With an Area of 2,824 square miles (7,315 square km) , with an estimated population growth of 3,564,100 .
Painfully, the city has changed and if the political managers continue to exhibit lakaidestical attitude, then the Federal Capital would be comparable to Ajegunle of Lagos. Among issues creating fear include the uncontrolled influx of people from within the country and neighbouring countries. This are part of the contributory factor to the incessant security breakdown being experienced since 2011 when both the United Nation office in Abuja and the Force headquaters plus other places ,were bombed by sucide Boko Haram terrorists. Ever since those incidents, the peaceful face of Abuja authomatically changed.
Abuja became what novelist Chinua Achebe titled his epic novel, “Things fall apart” and behold, Abuja which was once the dream of every Nigerian was dashed as the proverbial water have entered the thick Okro soup. Sequel to these developments, Abuja residents began to live in constant fear. Insecurity beclouded the city. In Nyanya, Mararaba and Kugbo, residents homes are being broken into by hoodlums. Likewise in Kuje, Gwagwalada, Lugbe, Kubwa and other outskirts of the city, criminals have gone on prowl. Added to this, the mismanagement of the nation’s economy further escalated the fear among the people. The propensity among residents to make money is further enhanced by the corrupt atmosphere.
More unemployed youths throng into the city thereby compounding unemployment in the city. Of course, this definitely triggered criminality thereby posing unbearable security challenges. It is these security challenges and ruffianism that are gradually changing the face of Abuja. Unfortunately, as the face of the Federal Capital territory changes, the faces of the residents are also changing. They are worried over increase in insecurity and lack of access to money so, many easily embrace corrupt practices. Even the security personels are not insulated. Like a man stung by bees,
Abuja residents are predictable on the major roads either riding motor-cycle (Okada), vehicle drivers both private and commercial, they display acts of insanity(most especially security drivers). The dose of discipline injected into many Nigerians during the military regime had suddenly worn off as Nigerians have enthrone the act of indiscipline as a daily exhibition. Acts of indiscipline are displayed in homes, society and more disgusting by leaders and in government offices. Recently Abuja residents started displaying a new act of official indiscipline where workers of federal ministry of works and housing under minister Dave Umahi boldly challenged their minister for locking them out for coming late by 10.30AM despite an ealier gift of fifteen million Naira (N15 million) from the minister’s personal pocket to the workers. Indiscipline at it lowest ebb where would workers have the effrontery to accost their minister who ought to have a better understanding of the rules guiding workers ethics and rules of engagement before embarking on the lock out action.
The question is, “ was that the indiscipline Mr Fashola left in the ministry without raising an eyebrows?” Mr Umahi should curb this act of indiscipline by checkmating the workers lateness by providing Clocking machine, Abuja should not be allowed to loose its face. Abuja is the face we sell to international visitors that tends to woo the investors among them. Abuja should not loose its face because that is the face of the giant of Africa. Abuja should not loose its face because of her immense God deposited minerals and human potentials. Truely the gloomy faces that walk round the streets are also noticeable in all the states and local government areas across the country.
The stories are the same. Tales of woes, disenchantment, disillusionment and tales of anger due to lack that invited hunger into several homes around Abuja and the country at large. These were not the story that enticed many to Abuja. Abuja was the land of plenty and opportunities. Abuja was portrayed as a city flowing with milk and tasty honey . Abuja was the city where marriage is rather made very easy with no consideration for culture and tradition. Indeed, Abuja meant many things like the good, the bad and the ugly, to many Nigerian youths who throng into the city With various ideas of criminalities to make money thereby increasing the sleeplessness of security agencies. Among the noticeable vices include, scam, one chance driver, Family kidnapping for little ransom, kidnapping for huge ransom and bandits attack. Unfortunately, Virtually ninety percent of the structures built by the military administration are what the federal capital territory still parade. With the appointment of the former governor of Rivers State, Mr Nyesom Wike as the new Minister of the Federal Capital Territory of Nigeria, many opine that structural development and discipline would be visible and restored, so that Abuja would not loose its place as the face of Nigeria.
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Security Hint
How to effectively secure your gadgets
A: Use Strong Passwords: Create complex passwords with a mix of upper and lower-case letters, numbers, and symbols. Avoid using easily guessable information like birthdays or names.
B: Enable Two-Factor Authentication (2FA): Whenever possible, enable 2FA on your online accounts. This adds an extra layer of security by requiring a second form of verification.
C: Beware of Phishing: Be cautious of unsolicited emails, messages, or links. Cybercriminals often use phishing techniques to lure you into revealing personal, family and official information. Ensure you verify the sender’s identity before clicking on links or sharing sensitive data.
D: Update Your Softwares Regularly: Keep your operating system, antivirus software, and applications up-to-date. Updates often contain security patches that protect against known vulnerabilities.
E: Shop from Reputable Websites: When shopping online, stick to well-known and trusted websites. Look for “https://” in the URL and a padlock symbol to indicate a secure connection. (To be Continued)
By DCP Olamuyiwa Adejobi (FPRO).