WE’LL EMULATE WIKE IN SOLVING PROBLEMS IN OUR AREA COUNCILS -CHAIRMEN

By: Wisdom Acka and Immaculate Hwange

The newly sworn-in Chairmen of Kuje and Gwagwalada Area Councils have pledged to replicate the development-driven leadership style of the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, in addressing challenges within their respective councils.

The chairmen made the commitment on Wednesday during the commissioning of Phase One of the newly dualised Kuje-Gwagwalada Road.

Speaking with journalists on the sidelines of the event, the Chairman of Kuje Area Council, Danjuma Samuel Shekwolo, praised the FCT Minister for delivering a project he said would significantly improve the area’s socio-economic fortunes.

According to Shekwolo, the completion of the dual carriageway has drastically reduced travel time between Kuje and Gwagwalada.

“For the first time, travelling from Kuje to Gwagwalada will take just 10 to 15 minutes, unlike before when it took more than an hour,” he said.

He added that the project has also enhanced security along the corridor, which had long been a source of concern for residents.

“This road used to be very difficult to ply, especially after 6 p.m. Today, people can travel safely even up to midnight because streetlights have been installed and the road is now fully motorable,” he stated.

Shekwolo commended the collaboration between the FCT Administration and President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, noting that the project demonstrates the government’s commitment to improving the lives of residents.

In a separate interview, the Chairman of Gwagwalada Area Council, Mohammed Kasim, described Wike as a transformative leader whose performance has set a new standard for governance across the country.

“We see the Honourable Minister, who has rightly earned the nickname ‘Mr. Project,’ as a game-changer, not just for the FCT but for Nigeria as a whole,” Kasim said.

“With projects like this, he is making the country proud and making the FCT a better place to live. He is opening up satellite towns and connecting communities, ensuring that the benefits of governance reach every citizen.”

Inspired by the Minister’s approach, Kasim said his administration is already implementing a comprehensive seven-point agenda aimed at improving security, agriculture, healthcare, education, inclusive governance, and skills acquisition programmes for women, youths and persons with disabilities.

Responding to questions on whether local government administrations could sustain the pace of development being championed by the FCT Minister, Kasim expressed confidence that his council would deliver despite inherited challenges.

“Yes, we will do it despite all odds. We assumed office with numerous liabilities, but that cannot be an excuse for failure,” he said.

“By the grace of God, and in line with the Minister’s charge to us, we have a clear mandate to follow suit. We are committed to delivering the dividends of democracy and sustainable social development to our people.”

The chairmen reiterated their determination to replicate the Minister’s results-oriented approach in their councils, with a focus on infrastructure development, improved public services and grassroots empowerment.