ABUJA: For some Nigerians, President Bola Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda is just an attempt at political sloganeering that successive leaders have always embarked on. But for residents of and regular visitors to Abuja, the Federal Capital Territory FCT, developments in the territory indicate a concrete expression of renewed hope.

Yesterday, August 21, 2024, was a milestone in the annals of the FCT, as its Minister, Ezenwo Nyesom Wike, alongside the Minister of State, Dr Mariya Mahmoud, marked their first anniversary in office.

With President Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda as his guiding light, Wike has revolutionised the nation’s capital on various fronts, leaving an indelible mark on its security, land administration, staff welfare/career progression and infrastructural landscape.

Wike’s security initiatives have brought renewed hope to residents. Town hall meetings fostered collaboration between traditional rulers and security agencies, while donations of fit-to-purpose vehicles and gadgets have enhanced quick response capabilities of the agencies. Motorcycles distributed to security outfits and vigilance groups have empowered them to effectively deter criminals, detect crimes, delay them, deny them entry or defend the people as the case may be.

In land administration, Wike has ensured transparency in the issuance of Certificates of Occupancy, protecting homeowners’ rights. His stance against illegal commercial conversions has enhanced the innocent outlook and scenic beauty of residential areas.

Financial autonomy for the Federal Capital Territory Administration, FCTA, has been achieved, thanks to Wike’s persuasion of President Tinubu, allowing the FCTA to exit the Treasury Single Account and to harness its internally generated revenue for development.

Staff welfare has seen very significant improvements, with the establishment of the FCT Civil Service Commission, enabling career progression. Today, the FCT administration has a complement of nearly 15 Permanent Secretaries unlike before when civil servants could not rise above the directorate cadre. The establishment of two new Secretariats for women and youth has helped to address pressing concerns, promoting inclusivity.

Infrastructure development has flourished under Wike’s leadership, with landmark projects like the Abuja Light Rail, Southern Parkway, and Outer Southern Expressway, resurfacing of 189 city roads covering 57 kilometres, provision of roads and engineering infrastructure in Guzape, construction of the all-important Wuye Bridge, among a host of other ongoing projects.

Minister Wike has also renewed the hopes of people  in the satellite towns and rural areas, constructing, at least, two roads in each of the six Area Councils within the scope of the 2023 budget. More roads are also being constructed in the Councils under the 2024 budget.

The minister only recently presented staff of office to four graded Chiefs in the FCT, resolving chieftaincy disputes that preceded his administration. 

Within 30 minutes of engaging youths and community leaders from Jiwa, Wike has been able to resolve the age-long communal dispute hindering the development of a second runway for the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport, Abuja. The onus is now on the relevant ministry and the contractors to begin work.

Working with the Minister of State, Dr Mariya Mahmoud – a first class medical practitioner – Wike has regularly engaged traditional rulers in the territory, according them important roles to ensure the stability of their domains.

While Wike has renewed focus on schools and health care facilities, it is to his credit and Dr Mahmoud’s that the recent outbreak of Cholera and Lassa Fever did not make incursions into the FCT.

Wike’s achievements have earned widespread recognition, contributing to the relative calm in the FCT even in testy moments.

As Wike and Mahmoud mark their first anniversary in the saddle, residents and stakeholders alike look forward to a legacy of continued progress, one that even his worst critics will in their private moments give a thumbs up.

In spite of the economic issues afflicting the country, Wike’s activities in the FCT present a strong glimmer of hope. With both leaders steering the ship, the people can only be the winner.