Retired FCTA Director, Mukhtar Galadima, honoured for keeping sanctity of Abuja Masterplan

By Stanley Onyekwere

In recognition of his central role in maintaining the sanctity of the Abuja Masterplan, friends and associates of the recently retired Director of the FCT Administration’s Department of Development Control, Town Planner Mukhtar Usman Galadima, gathered for a toast in his honour at the Transcorp Hilton Hotel, Abuja.
At the event Saturday evening, many described Galadima as an “extraordinary” and “selfless” public service career spanning more than three decades, who achieved the feat even in challenging and often than not dangerous circumstances.
It was observed that former colleagues, family members and associates who took turns reflecting on Galadima’s years in the civil service.
In her opening remarks, Dr. Jumai Ahmadu, Director of the FCTA Department of Reform Coordination and Service Improvement and chair of the planning committee, described Galadima as a tireless leader who carried his team along at every stage.
“Galadima is the kind of leader who not only demands excellence but supports everyone around him to achieve it. He is a workaholic in the best sense of the word”,Ahmadu said.
Similarly, Dr. Peter Olumuji, of the FCTA Security Department, said someone who has worked closely with Galadima, and has been at the centre of the storm with development control, said he earned all the accolades and recommendations, because his steadfast committment and teamwork while in service.
He however, noted that enforcement work is one of the most tedious and thankless jobs in the society.
He said: “Abuja is looking good because of the man we are celebrating today, and his shoe is so large that anybody that is going to step into it must be ready to give a lot of sacrifice and committment”.
Also speaking, Solomon Onojah, a Senior Advocate of Nigeria, and associate of the FCTA Minister, Nyesom Wike echoed the sentiment, praising Galadima’s temperament and discipline.
“He is humble, patient and always determined to get the job done,. In a system where it is easy to compromise, he stood firm”, he stated.
For Tpl Tom Edward, a senior staff member of the Development Control Department, said Galadima’s strength lay in his integrity, prudent and team spirit.
Edward said: “His work ethic is unmatched. He engages every member of the team and ensures no one is left behind.”
Not left out, Comrade Ikharo Attah, a former SSA on Enforcement to the immediate past FCT Minister, also commended TPL Galadima, for serving diligently and upholding the integrity of Abuja’s Masterplan.
And true to his nature, Attah created a touching moment at the toast event, when
he invited Barrister Onoja to symbolically hand Galadima back to his wife, a heartfelt gesture that reminded everyone of the sacrifices families make to support leaders who give their all.
Responding, a visibly elated Galadima thanked the organisers and the FCTA management, attributing his successes to the cooperation he enjoyed from his colleagues over the years.
“Whatever I may have achieved was never mine alone—it was always the team”,he said.
He also recalled moments of personal risk while enforcing the Abuja Masterplan, noting that some operations placed him and his team in harm’s way.
He recalls: “There were days we nearly got killed. Development control is not just about demolitions; it’s about protecting the integrity of the city, and that sometimes comes with danger.”
Galadima urged younger staff to remain committed to duty and support whoever is appointed to lead them.
“If you want to succeed, support your leader and stay focused on the work”, he advised.
A brief citation of Galadima revealed that after joining the Federal Capital Development Authority in 1992, he rose through multiple roles before being appointed Director of Development Control, where he served until retirement.