The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, has described Abuja as a symbol of Nigeria’s national unity, saying the city brings together people from diverse ethnic, religious and cultural backgrounds.
Wike made the assertion in his Independence Day message to residents of the FCT to mark Nigeria’s 66th anniversary of independence.
He said the significance of Abuja extended beyond its status as the nation’s capital, describing the city as a reflection of Nigeria’s diversity and shared national identity.
“The Federal Capital Territory stands as the ultimate symbol of our national unity a place where Nigerians from every tribe, tongue and faith come together to live, work and thrive in peace.
“Abuja is not just a city; it is the heartbeat of a diverse people bound by a common destiny,” he said.
Reflecting on Nigeria’s 66-year journey, Wike said the anniversary was an opportunity to acknowledge the resilience of Nigerians and reaffirm the country’s commitment to freedom, unity and progress.
He said the FCT, as the nation’s capital, had a responsibility to reflect the ideals of a united Nigeria and promote inclusive development.
“As an administration, our primary mission remains the transformation of Abuja into a world-class capital city that reflects this collective strength.
“We are driven by a vision of a modern, inclusive and functional territory where public services work for everyone,” he said.
Wike said the administration’s development agenda extended beyond the city centre to communities across the territory, stressing that residents in satellite towns and rural areas should also benefit from government projects and services.
He cited investments in road infrastructure, public transportation, healthcare and education as part of efforts to improve services across the FCT.
According to him, the administration had upgraded road networks across the territory, including roads linking the city centre with outlying communities, while incorporating drainage and solar lighting into some projects.
He also said modern bus terminals had been constructed in the Abuja Municipal Area Council, with plans to extend similar facilities to Kuje, Bwari and Gwagwalada.
On healthcare and education, Wike said the administration was working to improve access to essential services across the area councils, noting that a healthy and educated population was important to national development.
The minister also said security remained a priority, adding that the administration was working with security agencies to strengthen surveillance, community policing and the use of technology to combat crime.
Wike urged residents to support government development efforts by remaining law-abiding, protecting public infrastructure and maintaining the cleanliness of the capital.
“I, therefore, urge you all to remain law-abiding, support the government’s development initiatives, and protect our public infrastructure from vandalism.
“Let us take pride in our surroundings and maintain the cleanliness and orderliness of our beautiful capital,” he said.
As Nigeria marks its 66th Independence anniversary, Wike also urged residents to uphold peaceful coexistence and tolerance.
He said the anniversary should remind Nigerians of what could be achieved when they worked towards a common purpose and shared national vision.
“In conclusion, I urge us to continue to coexist in harmony, showing the love and tolerance that make our city a true home for all.
“Let this anniversary serve as a reminder of what we can achieve when we work with a shared purpose and a unified vision,” he said.
Wike thanked residents for their partnership and resilience and congratulated them on the Independence anniversary.
“Happy Independence Day, and may God bless the Federal Capital Territory and the Federal Republic of Nigeria,” he said.
