The Nigerian President, Bola Ahmed Tinubu has lauded the progress of the Renewed Hope Agenda in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), highlighting its significant strides in good governance and improving the quality of life of residents
The President commended the FCT administration under Minister Nyesom Wike for the dedication and hard work in delivering critical infrastructure projects, which are integral to the agenda’s goals
He stated this on Sunday when he hosted his first set of guests for the Eid al-Fitr homage at the Presidential Banquet Hall, State House, Abuja.
President Tinubu also lauded infrastructural development in the nation’s capital, commending the several initiatives of the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory.
He highlighted several initiatives aimed at enhancing the quality of life for residents of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), including the removal of the FCT from the Treasury Single Account (TSA), the creation of an Independent Civil Service Commission, and the upward review of mobility and promotions for FCT workers.
“It is nothing other than a privilege to be the landlord of every one of us in Abuja, Federal Capital Territory. And when we started, he came up with a lot of good ideas to liberate the bureaucracy, bring forward-looking, progressive thinking to the administration, and giving the opportunity to many of you that would have still been hindered by property rights,” President Tinubu said.
He said; “The independent civil service commission solution and all of that we discussed give opportunity for upward mobility and promotions that is consistent with the civil service structure, the Area Council structure, and the indiscriminate development in the face of dwindling resources. I remember the day Nyesom Wike came to me and said ‘Please, take us out of this problem of TSA, so that I can do more work, and I achieve more.”
The Nigerian Leader acknowledged notable achievements such as the development of rural areas, the completion of previously abandoned projects, the modernisation of health centers across the Federal Capital Territory, and the refurbishment of federal buildings in the nation’s capital as progressive ideas.
The President said; “And things started changing rapidly, and I started looking at the opening up of the rural areas, of abandoned projects, and the residence of the vice president that has been abandoned for years came alive. The health centres were being rehabilitated.
“The health facilities of the residents of FCT are being upgraded. Our teachers at school are being rehabilitated, buildings are furnished.Thank you Wike.
“We wouldn’t have been able to open our mouth to even celebrate, if not, because of the progressive ideas you have given. Today, we are living in peace and security is improving. There is satisfaction in our output. The hunger is coming down. Food prices lowering. We are able to go to the market and do business. ”
Emphasising that Nigeria’s collective welfare surpasses individual interests, President Tinubu called for increased tolerance and encouraged residents of the Federal Capital Territory, FCT, to uphold the values of Ramadan, including sharing with the less privileged and providing support to orphanages and widows.
He said; “All I need to ask you for is the tolerance that got us together. We heard the lessons of Ramadan. We must continue to abide with that. We must continue to share. We must continue to remember the less privileged people, the orphanage, the widows, the have nots believing that we can share both in joy and in time of need. And we can believe that Nigeria is greater than anyone of us. Including myself as the president.”
The President expressed gratitude to the residents of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) for their cooperation and support for his administration.
He also commended their commitment to fostering peace and harmony, emphasising the importance of unity regardless of ethnic, religious, or cultural differences.
“Surprisingly, Nyesome Wike is not from the North. He’s not an Hausa man. He’s from the southern part of Nigeria. And his ability to work in the centre of the northern part of Nigeria yielding fruits. That is a very good reflection of our diversity that we must use for our prosperity,” the President explained.
The Minister of Federal Capital, Nyesom Wike, noted that removing the Federal Capital Territory Administration from the Treasury Single Account, establishing the FCT Civil Service Commission, creating two new Mandate Secretariat for Women and Youths, and appointing Permanent Secretaries have all bolstered the FCTA’s governance structure and enhanced service delivery.
According to him, “these reforms lead to a better quality of life for everyday residents.’
In anticipation of Tinubu’s second anniversary, Wike invited the President to the commissioning of projects completed in the past 12 months.
The Minister said; “As we approach the second anniversary of your administration, we are excited about the array of impactful projects that we have lined up for commissioning.
“These projects, designed to improve infrastructure, economic opportunities, and the overall quality of life, stand as evidence to your administration’s commitment to national development.”
“We look forward to hosting Your Excellency in the FCT to witness firsthand the tangible progress that has been made under your leadership over the last 12 months,” Wike said.
He also on behalf of the Federal Capital Territory Administration presented a sallah special greetings card to the President.
The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory pledged the administration’s “unwavering loyalty and support for the Renewed Hope Agenda” and promised to continue cooperating to ensure the success of the economic reforms of President Tinubu.
On the entourage of the Minister of the FCT were; traditional rulers from the area councils, religious leaders, lawmakers representing the FCT at the National Assembly, area councils’ chairpersons of the FCT, leaders of the Christian and Muslim community, senior judicial officers, among others.
Present at the event were also the Vice President, Kashim Shettima; the National Security Adviser, Nuhu Ribadu and the Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris.
Mercy Chukwudiebere
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