By Stanley Onyekwere
Hundreds of civil servants and political appointees of the Federal Capital Territory Administration (FCTA) and Federal Capital Development Authority (FCDA), yesterday set the Secretariat agog with a surprise birthday celebration organised in honour of the FCT Minister, Nyesom Wike, who clocked 56 years.
It was observed that as early as 8am, the mood of the people within and around the Minister’s office environment was already electrified, with special decorations which adorned the premises.
Also, the jubilant workers and political appointees especially Mandate secretaries, and senior management waited from the morning hours to around 6: 30pm when the Minister, who was said to have been busy with Presidential assignments showed up.
The FCT Cultural Troupe added to the festive ambiance, showering praises on Wike with colourful dancing steps, leading up to the ceremonial cutting of the birthday cake.
However, Wike, who was received by the Minister of State, Dr. Mariya Mahmoud and top management staff on arrival, expressed shock seeing the magnitude of the surprise party organised for him.
Addressing the people, the glaringly elated Minister said, “On behalf of my wife and family, I sincerely thank you the honourable Minister of State, and your team for this surprise package.
“The honourable Minister told me that they would want to see me in the office today, So I was waiting to see Mr. President, but she was still calling, and I told her that I don’t know whether I will see Mr. President, but she said no, that they will still wait.
“Just for me to get here that I realised that the entire staff have organised this (birthday celebration).
“I want to say sincerely from the bottom of my heart that I appreciate for the love you have shown to us. I thank you so much. I assure that all of us will continue to cooperate and work together for the betterment of the FCT”.
Earlier in her remarks, FCT Minister of State, Dr.Mariya Mahmoud, said the surprise birthday celebration package was to honour Wike, whose life has become a true reflection of patriotism and national interest.
Mahmoud also noted that Wike whose hard work and dedication to national service, has earned him the “ Mr. Project “ title, need to be encouraged to do more for the people and country.
