The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, has felicitated with FCT residents on Nigeria’s 66th Independence Anniversary, urging them to support government reforms and sustain the development drive in the capital territory.
In his independence anniversary message on Wednesday, Wike said the theme of this year’s celebration, “From Reforms to Stability: Consolidating Nigeria’s Renewed Hope for Shared Prosperity”, reflects an opportunity for renewal and sustainable growth.
“We acknowledge the challenges that have faced our nation in the past 66 years, but also see a great opportunity for renewal and sustainable growth. We are very optimistic that the future is brighter. We have a President who is intentional about prioritising the well-being of the citizens and has brought unprecedented development to the FCT,” he said.
The minister described the FCT as a symbol of national unity where Nigerians from all tribes and faiths live and thrive in peace, noting that the administration’s mission is to transform Abuja into a world-class capital city.
He said the administration has invested heavily in critical infrastructure, road networks, public transportation and tackling urban sprawl to ensure development reaches every part of the territory.
“This administration has totally transformed the road network of the FCT from the city centre to the remotest rural parts, providing world class roads equipped with drainage and solar lighting, thereby putting an end to both inaccessibility and insecurity in far-flung settlements,” Wike said.
He added that ultramodern bus terminals have been built in the Abuja Municipal Area Council, with plans to extend to Kuje, Bwari and Gwagwalada to provide safe transportation.
Wike said the FCTA is also improving access to quality healthcare and education across all area councils, revitalising schools and primary health centres.
He assured residents that security remains a top priority, with intensified surveillance, enhanced community policing and deployment of modern technology to combat crime.
The minister urged residents to remain law-abiding, support government initiatives and protect public infrastructure from vandalism.
On the 2027 general elections, Wike enjoined residents to vote for progressive and visionary leaders who will sustain the infrastructural revolution in the FCT.
“As the nation prepares for the forthcoming general elections in January 2027, I enjoin you all to see it as an opportunity to vote in progressive, visionary leaders that will sustain and expand the infrastructural revolution that has commenced in the FCT,” he said.
He called for peaceful coexistence and unity, saying the anniversary should remind Nigerians of what can be achieved with shared purpose.
“Let this anniversary serve as a reminder of what we can achieve when we work with a shared purpose and a unified vision. Together, we will build an FCT that we can all be proud of – a beacon of hope and prosperity for the entire African continent,” Wike added.
