The Committee of Youth on Mobilization and Sensitization (CYMS) has honoured the Executive Chairman of Abaji Area Council in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Hon. Abubakar Umar Abdullahi, with an Award of Excellent Performance in recognition of his contributions to grassroots development and youth empowerment.
The Director-General of CYMS, Chief Obinna Nwaka, presented the award during a mentorship and stakeholder engagement session with the council chairman.
Nwaka said the organisation recognised Abdullahi for his administration’s interventions in education, healthcare, agriculture, infrastructure, community welfare and youth development.
According to him, effective local government administration plays a critical role in bringing governance closer to residents, particularly young people and rural communities that rely on councils for essential public services.
Speaking during the engagement, Abdullahi reflected on his political journey and the legal battles that followed the local government election, saying determination, personal commitment and faith helped him navigate the challenges.
He said he personally monitored various stages of the legal proceedings rather than leaving the matter entirely to his lawyers, adding that the experience reinforced the importance of diligence, commitment and attention to detail.
The chairman also renewed his call for greater local government autonomy, arguing that stronger administrative and financial control at the council level would improve development and service delivery in rural communities.
According to him, local government chairmen are closer to residents and are therefore well positioned to identify and respond to challenges involving roads, primary healthcare, education and other essential services.
Abdullahi also encouraged young Nigerians aspiring to public office to prepare themselves for leadership by developing competence, discipline and a clear sense of purpose.
He said his administration had continued to provide opportunities for young people through appointments, empowerment programmes and support for youth-focused initiatives.
“Young people seeking leadership positions must prepare themselves for responsibility rather than wait for opportunities to come to them,” he said.
Earlier, CYMS Director of Contacts and Mobilization, Hon. Kelechi Ugwumba, commended Abdullahi for engaging young people and supporting initiatives aimed at strengthening grassroots development.
Ugwumba called for greater collaboration between CYMS and the Abaji Area Council, particularly in mentorship, sensitisation and stakeholder engagement programmes.
CYMS also renewed its advocacy for full local government autonomy, saying stronger councils could contribute to improved grassroots development, youth participation and public service delivery.
The organisation said it would continue to engage policymakers and other stakeholders on measures aimed at strengthening local government institutions and expanding opportunities for young Nigerians to participate meaningfully in governance.
Presenting the award, Nwaka said the recognition reflected what CYMS described as Abdullahi’s performance, youth representation and leadership at the grassroots.
The organisation congratulated the chairman and expressed hope that the recognition would encourage continued attention to community development, youth inclusion and responsive governance.
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