FCT Stakeholders Assembly Commends Wike Over Youth Engagement, Traditional Rulers’ Upgrade

The FCT Stakeholders Assembly has applauded the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, for demonstrating responsive leadership by apologising to youths over their perceived exclusion from government engagements and approving a separate meeting with them.

The Assembly also commended the minister for approving Sports Utility Vehicles (SUVs) for traditional rulers and agreeing to issue promotion letters and staff of office to traditional rulers whose positions had been upgraded.

The Supreme Leader of FCT Youths and Director of Projects and Programmes of the Assembly, Ambassador Isaac David, gave the commendation in a statement issued on Sunday, following the stakeholders’ meeting held at the Old Parade Ground, Abuja.

David said Wike’s decision to honour the invitation and spend about three hours listening to presentations and interacting with representatives of the 858 indigenous communities and other residents demonstrated his commitment to grassroots engagement.

“We particularly appreciate the Honourable Minister for attending our programme and taking his time to sit with us for about three hours, listening to our presentations and interacting with community leaders and residents.

“That is the kind of leadership we appreciate. It shows that he values the people and understands the importance of listening to stakeholders before taking decisions,” he said.

He said the Assembly was especially impressed by the minister’s decision to apologise to the youths over concerns that they had not been adequately carried along in the affairs and engagements of the FCT Administration.

“One of the things that stood out for us was the minister’s willingness to acknowledge the concerns of the youths and apologise to them for not being adequately carried along.

“Rather than dismissing their concerns, he accepted the need for better engagement and approved a separate meeting between the youths and himself. This is commendable because our young people deserve to be heard and given opportunities to contribute to the development of the FCT,” David stated.

He added that the approval for a direct meeting with the minister would provide an avenue for young people to present their concerns, make suggestions and participate more actively in decisions affecting their communities.

David also praised Wike for approving SUVs for traditional rulers, noting that the gesture recognised the important responsibilities of traditional institutions in maintaining peace, promoting security and mobilising communities for development.

“We are equally grateful to the Honourable Minister for approving SUVs for our traditional rulers. This is an important recognition of the traditional institution and the enormous responsibilities our royal fathers carry in their respective communities,” he said.

On the upgrading of traditional rulers, David said the Assembly appreciated the minister’s acceptance to issue promotion letters and staff of office to those whose traditional positions had been elevated.

“We also appreciate his decision to give promotion letters and staff of office to the traditional rulers whose positions have been upgraded. This will formally recognise their new status and strengthen the traditional institution across the six area councils,” he added.

The Assembly maintained that traditional rulers remained indispensable partners in grassroots administration, particularly in resolving communal disputes, addressing security concerns, preserving cultural heritage and promoting peaceful coexistence.

The meeting attracted traditional rulers, political leaders, area council chairmen, indigenous community representatives, youth groups and other residents from across the FCT’s six area councils.

The gathering also witnessed the endorsement of President Bola Tinubu for a second term in office, alongside Senator Philip Tanimu Aduda for the FCT senatorial seat, Hon. Don Gabaya for Abuja North Federal Constituency and former Bwari Area Council Chairman, Danladi Bomboyi Chiya, for Abuja South Federal Constituency.

David said the Assembly was encouraged by the minister’s willingness to engage different interest groups and expressed optimism that the assurances given at the meeting would translate into concrete actions.

He urged stakeholders to sustain constructive engagement with the FCT Administration, stressing that unity, inclusion and cooperation among government officials, traditional institutions, youths and indigenous communities were essential to the continued development of the territory.