ABAJI THANK YOU VISIT: FCT MINISTER ANNOUNCES UPGRADE OF All TRADITIONAL STOOLS ACROSS THE TERRITORY

…PLEDGES COMPLETION OF UNIVERSITY OF SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY ABAJI, OTHER INFRASTRUCTURE

By: Rabi Musa Umar

The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Barr. Ezenwo Nyesom Wike, has announced the immediate upgrading of all traditional stools in the FCT as part of a sweeping reform of the traditional leadership structure in the territory.

The Minister made the disclosure during a thank-you visit to Abaji Area council on Tuesday, March 10, 2026, where he addressed residents, stakeholders, and traditional leaders.

Speaking during the visit, the Minister declared that all Second-Class traditional rulers in the FCT have been upgraded to First-Class status, while all Third-Class chiefs have been elevated to Second-Class. He said the promotion is in recognition of the monarchs’ hard work and their vital role in maintaining community peace and cultural preservation.

Barr. Wike said, “By the powers conferred on me, all the second-class traditional rulers have been upgraded to first class and all the third class have been upgraded to second class because you have worked hard for it and you deserve it”.

The Minister also expressed deep appreciation for the loyalty shown by the people of Abaji during the council elections held on February 21, 2026, noting that out of 135 polling units, the residents delivered victory in 133 units for candidates supporting President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.

He emphasized that politics is a “give and take” arrangement, stating that since the people have fulfilled their promise to the President, the government is now duty-bound to deliver good governance and tangible development rather than empty stories.

In response to specific requests made by the Ona of Abaji, His Royal Highness, Alhaji Adamu Yunusa and the Council Chairman, Abubakar Umar Abdullahi, the Minister approved several major infrastructure interventions for the Abaji Area Council. He directed the Chairman to immediately provide a design for a new, befitting palace for the Ona of Abaji and pledged that the FCT Administration will also tackle two major erosion sites and an abandoned road project in the area.

Furthermore, Barr. Wike also assured the residents that the Gurara/Yangoji, bridge which he noted has been a major source of concern for residents would be fixed promptly to end the suffering of commuters and students alike.

Responding to requests for the full operation of the FCT University of Science and Technology located in Abaji, the Minister assured residents that under the current administration, the university will commence full operations. He called for patience, noting that anything worth doing was worth doing well, while emphasizing that the institution would not only serve as an educational hub but also act as an economic catalyst by creating jobs and opening up Abaji for further investment.

“Let me assure you that under this administration, that university will start operation. All I pray for you is to be patient. We have made a promise that, that University of Science and Technology, under this administration, you will see the reality of it”, the Minister stated.

While praising the humility of the Council Chairman, Barr. Wike however advised residents to be wary of those he described as fake politicians who only identify with the grassroots during election cycles.

The Minister urged the traditional rulers and the people to remain steadfast in their support for the “Renewed Hope” agenda, promising that more transformative projects were on the horizon for Abaji Area Council. “All I want to plead with you, continue to support Mr. President, you will see that more good things will come”, the Minister stressed.

In his welcome remarks, Chairman, Abaji Area Council, Hon Abubakar Umar Abdullahi attributed his re-election victory to the developmental strides of the FCT Minister. According to the Chairman, before Barr Wike assumed office, there was hardly any Federal Government presence in Abaji Area Council. He pointed out that immediately the Minister assumed office, there was rapid development and a sense of belonging.

Hon Abdullahi stressed that the Minister’s presence was a reassurance that the people of Abaji had not been abandoned, and that they were still regarded as part of the FCT.

Speaking on the recently concluded Area Councils polls, the Chairman went on to reveal that out of 135 polling units in Abaji, his party (APC) won 133 polling units, and went on to win the entire 10 political wards in the Area Council, a feat, he said, had never happened before in Abaji. He promised the people’s support for Mr. President come 2027.

In his address, the Ona of Abaji, and Chairman, FCT Council of Traditional Rulers, HRH Alh Adamu Baba Yunusa, expressed his appreciation to the FCT Minister for the provision of security and for the development projects carried out in Abaji Area Council. He also congratulated the Council Chairman for his re-election, and the Etsu of Kwali on his upgrade to the status of a First-Class Chief. The Royal Father described the act of upgrading the Etsu Kwali as a reflection of the Minister’s understanding of traditional institutions.

Earlier in his goodwill message, a former representative of the FCT in the National Assembly, Senator Sidi Ali extended profound appreciation to the FCT Minister for his developmental initiatives across the territory.