Traditional rulers in the Federal Capital Territory on Tuesday in Abuja honoured Nyesom Wike with the title of “Hasken Abuja,” meaning Light of Abuja, for his role in the development of the territory, while also commending Bola Ahmed Tinubu for ongoing projects across the capital city and its satellite towns.
The honour was announced during a visit by the FCT Stakeholders Assembly at the Federal Capital Development Authority conference hall, where the chiefs said the award followed recent changes in infrastructure, governance and support for traditional institutions.
The Chairman of the FCT Council of Chiefs and Ona of Abaji, Adamu Baba Yunusa, led the delegation and said the minister’s actions had brought changes to rural and urban communities. He pointed to projects such as the construction of a new palace in Abaji, improved welfare for traditional rulers and ongoing works in several parts of the FCT.
The chiefs also used the visit to ask for more attention to the needs of indigenous people, including better recognition and inclusion in decision-making.
During the meeting, the traditional rulers presented requests aimed at supporting local communities. They asked for the provision of tractors for each of the 17 chiefdoms to improve farming and food production. They also called for the upgrade of some chiefdoms, including Garki and Jiwa, to higher traditional status.
These demands were part of efforts to strengthen local administration and improve living conditions in rural areas.
In his response, Wike accepted the requests and gave directives to relevant officials. He asked the agriculture secretariat to arrange the supply of tractors to all the chiefdoms and told the Council of Chiefs to submit names for the creation of new traditional stools.
He also assured them that issues relating to land documents would be reviewed based on submissions from stakeholders. The minister said he would work to protect the interests of indigenous residents and support their development needs.
He also spoke on politics, urging stakeholders to choose experienced representatives ahead of the 2027 elections. He warned that poor choices in the past had limited the FCT’s influence at the National Assembly and affected its ability to attract development.
He advised that future leaders must be capable of representing the territory and pushing its interests at the national level. He also backed the return of Philip Tanimu Aduda, saying strong representation would help the FCT secure more benefits.
The minister linked development to political cooperation, noting that despite low electoral support in the last election, the current administration had continued to deliver projects in the FCT. He listed road construction and water supply schemes as part of ongoing efforts that would soon be completed and opened to the public.
Wike also addressed incoming area council chairmen, asking them to focus on governance and tackle key issues such as education. He said school disruptions should be addressed quickly, as education remains important for community growth and stability.
Earlier, the President of the FCT Stakeholders Assembly, Aliyu Daniel Bakna Kwali, praised the minister’s reforms and development efforts. He also presented demands for increased political representation for the FCT and the creation of more area councils.
The meeting ended with calls for continued cooperation between government officials and traditional leaders to improve development across the territory.