Traditional leaders from the Federal Capital Territory have bestowed upon Minister Nyesom Wike the chieftaincy title Hasken Abuja, meaning the Light of Abuja, in appreciation of his transformative work in the region. During a gathering at the Federal Capital Development Authority Conference Hall in Abuja, the Council of Chiefs expressed gratitude to President Bola Tinubu for advancing infrastructure, particularly in satellite towns, while also calling for greater recognition of the territory’s indigenous communities.
The Ona of Abaji and Chairman of the FCT Council of Chiefs, Dr. Adamu Baba Yunusa, highlighted the minister’s visionary leadership and commitment, citing the approval for a new palace in Abaji, enhanced welfare for traditional rulers, and structural reforms that have uplifted the traditional institution. The chiefs presented a list of requests, including 17 tractors—one per chiefdom—to boost food security in rural areas. They also advocated for upgrading historically significant chiefdoms such as Garki and Jiwa to higher statuses.
Responding, Wike assured the stakeholders of his dedication to protecting indigenous interests. He promptly directed the Mandate Secretary for Agriculture to supply tractors to each chiefdom and asked the Council of Chiefs to submit names for the creation of third-class traditional stools. He also pledged to address land certificate issues based on submitted figures. Emphasizing his new role, Wike stated, “I’m now from here. For me to be the Light of Abuja, I must do everything to protect your interest.”
Turning to politics, Wike advised against electing weak representatives in 2027, stressing the need for a strong voice in the National Assembly to lobby for expanded senatorial seats. He criticized past representation for failing to articulate the FCT’s needs and endorsed Senator Philip Tanimu Aduda. Wike noted that despite the FCT’s low electoral support in 2023—less than six percent—President Tinubu has delivered numerous projects. He warned against repeating electoral mistakes, saying, “If you make a mistake this time, it will be difficult for you.”
Wike revealed that upcoming anniversaries would include inaugurations of water supply schemes and road networks in rural communities. He urged incoming area council chairmen to prioritize governance and education, stating, “It cannot continue that our children are at home because of strikes. Education is a first priority… without it, there cannot be development.”
Earlier, Dr. Aliyu Daniel Bakna Kwali, President of the FCT Stakeholders Assembly, commended the minister’s reforms and infrastructural advancements, while demanding increased representation for the FCT in the National Assembly and the creation of additional area councils. The event marked a new era of collaborative governance, with traditional institutions positioned as key drivers of political and economic expansion.