Prioritise working for Abuja’s development – Wike urges stakeholders

Stories by Stanley Onyekwere

The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Barr. Ezenwo Nyesom Wike, has called on political appointees and other stakeholders in the Territory to prioritise working towards the inclusive and rapid development of the Nigeria’s seat of power.
Wike made this point when the newly appointed Mandate Secretary for Youth Development, Hon. Abdullahi Suleiman Ango alongside four Permanent Secretaries of the FCT Administration were on sworn into office at a brief ceremony.
Speaking after the oath of office was administered by the representative of the Chief Judge of the FCT High Court, Hon. Justice Sylvanus Oriji, the minister particularly charged the new appointees to work for the overall development of the FCT, said the appointments were a part of promises made and fulfilled by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu as part of his Renewed Hope Agenda.
He assured that the President would always fulfill his promises to residents of the FCT and appealed for patience as conditions would soon improve for the better in the FCT and across the country.
He also explained that the decision to create a Secretariat for Youth Development and the appointment of its Mandate Secretary was not taken in isolation but was a result of wide consultations with the Area Councils and other stakeholders following the clamor by youths in FCT for a youth development Secretariat.
He therefore tasked the new Secretary to initiate programmes to engage and uplift the youthful population in the FCT.
“When Mr President makes promises, he keeps to his words. That is why I always say that we should be patient. Yes, it may be difficult today but the President is working hard to alleviate the hardship in the land.
“Having appointed you as Mandate Secretary for Youths, you must sit down and come up with a programme that will help the youths.
“Sit down and think of what you will do to help the youths of Abuja. Mr President has fulfilled his part, it is now left for you to sit down and work with us to help the youths, to make them entrepreneurs, programs to reduce the effects of hardship.
“If anything happens otherwise, you will be held responsible”, the Wike was quoted in a press release from the Director of Press, (office of the hon. minister), Mr. Anthony Ogunleye.
Wike also charged the new Permanent Secretaries with working hard or resigning if they could not meet the challenges of the office.
According to him, “As for the new permanent Secretaries, my interest is for you to be committed and work. If you know you don’t have the capacity to work, it’s better you resign now.”
Furthermore, the minister who opined that the President has done his part of bringing hope to civil servants of the FCTA by removing stagnation, said he would not tolerate any laxity.
Meanwhile, on the formalization of the Solicitor General (SG)as Permanent Secretary, Legal Secretariat, the minister expressed hope that the move would ensure that all loopholes in the secretariat are covered and charged the SG to work with the General Council/ Secretary, Legal Services Secretariat, to ensure success.
Wike also used the occasion to thank the chairmen of the six Area Councils of the FCT for the role they played in ensuring peace in their domain during the 10-day protests across the country.
The newly sworn-in Permanent Secretaries are: Nancy Sabanti Nathan,Ajayi Rotimi Babatunde, Chinwe Joy Okeke, and Garduya Bawa Gamiya.