As Abuja gears up to celebrate 50 years as Nigeria’s Federal Capital, the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Barrister Nyesom Wike, has praised the Acting Executive Secretary of the Federal Capital Development Authority (FCDA), Engr. Richard Yunana Dauda, for what he described as purposeful and result-driven leadership in fast-tracking infrastructure development across the territory.
Wike spoke in Abuja when the management of the FCDA paid him a courtesy visit in his capacity as Chairman of the FCDA Board. He said the ongoing transformation of Abuja was a product of strong leadership and commitment within the system.
“Today, everybody is saying there is massive infrastructural development. If that was not made possible, we would still be hanging around and saying nothing is going on,” the minister said, stressing the need to appreciate those who laid the foundation for the progress being recorded.
The FCT minister revealed that a committee would soon be set up to plan activities to mark Abuja @50, which will coincide with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s third year in office. According to him, the celebration would provide an opportunity to showcase Abuja’s growth and development over the decades.
Wike commended the Acting FCDA Executive Secretary for aligning with the vision of the present administration, insisting that leadership and performance, not sentiment, determine success in public office.
“When you have the right leadership, you get results. Since your appointment, you have shown that you are up and doing. If you are not, you won’t be there. There is no two ways about it,” he declared.
He also applauded the management and staff of the FCDA for their cooperation, noting that teamwork had played a key role in the achievements recorded so far. He urged public officers to remain focused on service delivery, reminding them that public office comes with responsibilities, not just privileges.
Expressing concern over neglect of some satellite communities, Wike described the situation in Tudun Madaki as “shocking,” citing poor access roads and lack of basic infrastructure. He assured residents that the ongoing road project linking the area to Zuba would open up the communities and improve their access to the city.
“We talk too much about the city and forget the communities. Government must reach the villages and make people feel its impact,” he said, adding that with President Tinubu’s support, the FCT Administration would continue to open up underserved areas.
Earlier, the Acting Executive Secretary of the FCDA, Engr. Dauda, presented a detailed account of Abuja’s development journey over the past 50 years, highlighting what he described as unprecedented achievements under the current administration. He said the FCT had witnessed its most productive period since August 2023, with dozens of projects completed and commissioned.
“About nine projects were commissioned in 2024, 17 in 2025, and by 2026, we are likely to hit 50 projects,” Dauda said, praising President Tinubu and Wike for their leadership and reaffirming FCDA’s commitment to building Abuja into a world-class capital city as it marks its golden jubilee.
