Traditional rulers in the Federal Capital Territory, FCT, have conferred the chieftaincy title of “Hasken Abuja” (Light of Abuja) on the FCT Minister, Nyesom Wike, recognising his contributions to development.
The title was conferred on Thursday in Abuja during an appreciation rally organised by the FCT Stakeholders Assembly in collaboration with the FCT Original Inhabitants Elders Forum to honour the minister.
Speaking for the traditional rulers, the Ona of Abaji and Chairman of the FCT Council of Chiefs, Dr Adamu Yunusa, thanked President Bola Tinubu for infrastructural development across the territory.
Mr Yunusa lauded improvements in satellite towns, welfare of traditional rulers, and approved projects including the construction of a new palace in Abaji, while also calling for greater recognition of indigenous people.
“This honour recognises Wike’s visionary leadership and commitment to the development of the FCT, especially the recent approval for the construction of a new Ona Palace in Abaji.
“The upgrading of the status and welfare of FCT traditional rulers, and structural reforms that have restored dignity to the traditional institution. Thus is more work for hard work,” he said.
Mr Yunusa also requested the provision of 17 tractors, one for each chiefdom, to boost food security, and advocated the elevation of historically significant chiefdoms such as Garki and Jiwa.
Responding, Mr Wike promised to protect indigenous interests and granted key requests, directing the Mandate Secretary for Agriculture to provide tractors and asking the Council of Chiefs to submit names for new stools.
“It is not in my position to write who will be; you people should do the right thing,” he said, adding that land certificate issues would also be addressed based on submissions.
“I am now from here. For me to be the Light of Abuja, I must do everything to protect your interest,” Wike said, reaffirming commitment to inclusive governance and development in the territory.
He emphasised that the FCT’s political future depended on strong representation in the National Assembly and cautioned against electing weak or inexperienced candidates ahead of the 2027 elections.
“The Senate is not an all-comers’ game. Experience matters, ranking matters; you must have a strong voice there,” he said, warning against poor representation that undermined development.
Mr Wike criticised past representation, stating that some elected officials failed to engage communities or articulate their needs, urging stakeholders to make more strategic political choices in future elections.
“If you make a mistake this time, it will be difficult for you. When it was time to help yourself, you didn’t help, don’t expect miracles,” he added, endorsing Sen. Philip Tanimu Aduda.
He linked political alignment to development, noting that in spite of low electoral support in 2023, the administration of President Tinubu had continued delivering infrastructure projects across the FCT.
“In 2023, most of you did not give Mr President up to six per cent, yet he has done so much for you. Now that you know, do not make that mistake again,” he said.
Mr Wike disclosed that projects including rural water schemes and road networks would soon be inaugurated to mark the President’s anniversary, adding that more roads would open up satellite communities.
He also charged incoming area council chairmen to prioritise governance, particularly education, stressing that prolonged strikes must end as education remained critical to development in the territory.
Earlier, President of the FCT Stakeholders Assembly, Dr Aliyu Daniel, Bakna Kwali, commended ongoing reforms and presented demands including increased National Assembly representation and creation of additional councils.
NAN
