FCT MINISTER PLEDGES SUPPORT FOR PIONEER MEDIA CITY PROJECT IN ABUJA

…TASKS MEDIA PRACTITIONERS ON FACTUAL REPORTING

By: Rabi Musa Umar

The Honourable Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Barrister Ezenwo Nyesom Wike, has expressed the FCT Administration’s readiness to partner with DAAR Communication Plc to establish a pioneer “Media City” in the Asokoro District of the FCT.

The Minister made this commitment on Tuesday, April 7, 2026 during a courtesy visit by the Board and Management of the media outfit (operators of Raypower FM and Africa Independent Television, AIT) led by its Chairman, Chief Raymond Dokpesi (Jnr).

Reacting to the proposal for the ambitious Media City, Barrister Wike encouraged the management of DAAR Communication to remain committed to the vision despite its scale, noting that the project would be a landmark achievement for Nigeria and a significant boost to the capital city’s profile.

“I want to partner with you over your ambitious media city project. It’s very ambitious but with commitment, you can achieve it. It will be the first of its kind in Nigeria if it materializes. While we have the opportunity to be in office now, we want to give support that will promote the image of the city”, the Minister stated.

The Minister who also addressed long-standing land documentation issues concerning DAAR Communication’s Plot 4241 in Asokoro, directed the Department of Land Administration to liaise immediately with the company to find an amicable resolution to the dispute regarding land size and perimeter fencing for its office complex within Asokoro District.

The Minister praised DAAR Communications for its enduring support and professionalism, noting that they were the first media organization to pay such a visit to his office. He specifically acknowledged the company’s historical contributions to national development and its consistent support for the current FCT Administration during periods of administrative challenges.

The Minister while also speaking on trending political issues within the country, used the platform to urge media professionals to prioritize non-partisan and evidence-based reporting. He expressed concern over the prevalence of reports that lack factual depth, which he noted could mislead the public.

“It is important that our reporters should go and make research and find out if what they’ve heard or what has been said is correct or not. Sometimes, when you watch television, you begin to wonder where they are getting these facts from; it’s very misleading. The citizens deserve the best. If you let the citizens know the correct thing, you will find that people will not have the wrong impressions they currently hold”.

The Minister further challenged the media to hold politicians accountable to due process, emphasizing that political actors must “keep their houses in order and play according to the rules” rather than blaming electoral bodies or the judiciary when things go wrong.

Earlier in the meeting, Chief Raymond Dokpesi (Jnr) had explained that the Media City project was designed to enhance media production technology, stimulate tourism, and create opportunities for small and medium-scale enterprises within the FCT. He thanked the Minister for his previous interventions, including the issuance of a Certificate of Occupancy for their current headquarters and the cessation of indiscriminate rock blasting in the Asokoro area.

Chief Dokpesi also commended the provision of quality infrastructure within the highbrow districts of Guzape and Asokoro and other parts of the territory and assured the Minister of the organization’s commitment to deepening its constructive relationship with the FCT Administration.

“We wish to place on record our appreciation for the renewed momentum and quality of road construction within the Guzape, Asokoro, Kpaduma corridor. We recognize the scale and complexity of these works and commend your excellency’s leadership in advancing access, safety and the orderly development within the FCT”, the Chairman stated, and congratulated the Minister on the successful hosting of the PDP’s national convention.