Honoring a Visionary Legacy: Commemorating Nigeria’s Capital Movement from Lagos to Abuja

Chief Mobolaji Ajose Adeogun, First Minister of the Federal Capital Territory & the Abuja City Gate

The Federal Capital Territory Archives and History Bureau stands as a guardian of Abuja’s historical wealth, poised to pay tribute to a significant event in the nation’s journey—the relocation of Nigeria’s capital from Lagos to Abuja. This commemoration, slated for the 14th of December 2023, marks a pivotal moment following the establishment of the new Federal Capital in 1976.

Established on May 11th, 2005, the Bureau, in accordance with the National Archives Decree of 1992, holds a vital mission—to serve as a centralized repository for the effective preservation of public records dating back to the inception of the Federal Capital Territory in 1976.

In honoring this historic shift, the Bureau, bolstered by the support of the FCT, pays homage to Chief Mobolaji Ajose Adeogun, the inaugural Minister of the Federal Capital Territory. Chief Adeogun’s exceptional vision and multifaceted initiatives played an instrumental role in shaping the FCT’s development. His pioneering efforts birthed the Original Master Plan, a blueprint that laid the groundwork for the capital city’s future growth and prosperity.

Chief Mobolaji Ajose Adeogun, who passed away on July 1st, 2023, at the age of 96, leaves behind an enduring legacy characterized by community engagement, social welfare programs, and economic growth. His master plan remains a testament to his foresight and lasting impact on Abuja’s landscape.

In celebration of this visionary icon, the FCT Administration, through the FCT Archives and History Bureau, orchestrates a day of reflection. A roundtable discussion and a pictorial exhibition are planned to delve into the essence of history and ponder the future implications of this historic movement on our national consciousness.

Scheduled to commence at 10:00 AM at the FCT Archives and History Bureau, this event seeks not only to honor the past but also to illuminate the path toward a future enriched by an understanding of our shared history.
By Suweiba Suleiman Abdullahi.