By Rachel Usman
The Federal Capital Territory (FCT) is home to many exemplary individuals who embody the nation’s potential for greatness.
It is therefore fit and proper to extol the virtues of the current FCT Minister Barr. Nyesom Wike, a man whose life story is a testament to the power of hard work, discipline, integrity and the story of a true Nigerian.
Wike inherited upon appointment a capital city in decline, plagued by stagnation and unfulfilled potential. But he was not deterred by such challenges, as he set upon ambitious goals to revitalise Abuja through a hands-on, proactive approach.
He immediately embarked on a comprehensive assessment of ongoing FCT projects and identified funding shortages as a critical barrier to progress and initiated emergency meetings with contractors and stakeholders to address these issues.
The Minister has said that President Bola Tinubu is on a mission to transform satellite towns in the Federal Capital Territory, FCT, to cities. Among the eleven projects commissioned early 2024 include Wuye Ring Road, Southern Parkway and Guzape Lot II infrastructure in the FCT.
His firm stance on ensuring that contracts are awarded only after securing financing has ushered in a new era of accountability and transparency in project execution for the FCT Administration (FCTA).
Delivering results and enhancing operational effectiveness becoming his watchword, citizens and residents of FCT now have the comfort of seeing so many ongoing projects that cut across different sectors, the peace of knowing that their resources are judiciously used for.
One whose appointment as FCT Minister challenged the status quo, one thing that stands out for the Barr. Nyesom Wike-led FCT government is its dedication to infrastructural development.
Under his stewardship he has commenced and continued to flag-off of construction and rehabilitation of existing and new roads as well as other projects.
As 2024 winds down the minister flagged -off projects include the official launch of the construction of the 9.8 kilometre Kabusa-Takushara access road to further open up that area.
The event marked the beginning of a fresh round of flag-off of about seven projects lined up across the territory.
Having a breath of life in infrastructure provision for both rural and urban FCT dwellers is a befitting testimony to the power of continued implementation of transformative policies that addressed critical issues of development.
Today, Wike’s success story and legacy goes beyond politics. His humanitarian pursuits has restored hope for thousands of FCT workers who have been impacted directly or indirectly by his generosity among others.
Which is why in November 2024 he approved the payment of N70,000 national minimum wage for workers of the FCT Administration as well as the payment of three months arrears to the workers and is always granting expeditious approval for payment of staff allowances and claims.
By facilitating over 1,000 promotions, he reinforced a culture of optimism and advancement within the civil service.
In order to build staff capacity and ensure future administrators are trained, the Minister through the Head of the Civil Service approved the commencement of FCT Leadership Enhancement and Advancement Programme LEAD-P for staff of the Federal Capital Territory Administration aimed at developing and enhancing the leadership potential of civil servants of officers on grade level 10-14.
FCT Apo mechanics relocation scheme that has lingered for over 15 years was recently resolved with the Minister designating most part of Wasa district as the Federal Capital Territory informal sector where all artisans will eventually be relocated to.
Most importantly, FCT residents now know that they have a leadership that feels obligation to be accountable to its people and is instilling a new sense of hope and confidence in the FCT authorities.
The open desire to embrace past shortcomings and correct them is also a demonstration of uncommon leadership.
Unknown to many people, the FCT Minister is one whose office is always filled up with those who come to seek his favour, yet files get speedy passage on his desk as they spend less than 48 hours.
Known for inventing new ideas for growth, Wike inherited a legacy of service, fortitude, and integrity that would shape his path to greatness and set good examples for others to follow.
One of such is his on-ground inspection of projects in his domain, he famous saying ‘I don’t want stories’ explains his decision to embark on constant inspection of all ongoing projects in the territory, saying he won’t rely on stories from subordinates or the contractors.
Another of his most remarkable qualities is his grasp of how FCT’s role as not a state but a territory of the federal government, governed by an administration headed by himself as minister.
Nyesom Wike, who has had an illustrious career, holding various positions in government, from Local Government Chairman, Chief of Staff to Gov., Governor, Senator, Minister of State, and now Minister, he is indeed demonstrating a remarkable willingness to remain a beacon of national development and one who doesn’t shy away from any course he believes in.
A man of very rare personality and an administrator of repute who never settles for lesser values, his policies in the FCTA is establishing a high bar by unremittingly exhibiting the value of a leader whose philosophy echoes the sentiments of humility despite the immense influence, power and fortune at his beck and call.
The FCT Minister continues to shape the future of the territory with his visionary leadership and unwavering commitment to quality. His dedication for nation-building resonates deeply and his legacy shall remain a testament to the transformative leadership through the power of sheer hard work and the enduring impact of a life dedicated to the pursuit and unwavering commitment to excellence.
As we are reminded of the profound impact of Wike’s legacy, which is not only about completed projects and policy reforms, but also about empowerment, accountability, and a renewed sense of hope for the future of the FCT, Barr. Nyesom Wike continues to prove critics wrong.
As we celebrate Nyesom Wike’s December 13 birthday, the uninformed perception has to change. And the time to change it is now.
Rachel Usman writes from Wuse, Abuja in FCT.
