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Traditional rulers in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) has conferred on the FCT Minister, Nyesom Wike, the Chieftaincy title of “Hasken Abuja” (Light of Abuja), in recognition of his contributions to the development of the territory.

The traditional rulers, who thanked President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, for the infrastructural development in the FCT, especially the satellite towns, asked for more recognition of the indigenous people of the federal capital.

Speaking during an appreciation visit by the FCT Stakeholders Assembly at the Federal Capital Development Authority (FCDA) Conference Hall in Abuja, the Ona of Abaji and Chairman of the FCT Council of Chiefs, Dr. Adamu Baba Yunusa, praised the administration for improving the welfare of traditional rulers and approved projects such as the construction of a new palace in Abaji.

​The monarch noted that the honor recognizes Wike’s “visionary leadership” and “commitment to the development of the FCT,” specifically citing his recent approval for the construction of a new Ona Palace in Abaji, the upgrading of the status and welfare of FCT traditional rulers, and structural reforms that have restored dignity to the traditional institution.

​Reading out their list of “more work for hard work,” the traditional rulers requested the provision of 17 tractors—one for each of the 17 Chiefdoms—to bolster food security for the territory’s rural agrarian communities.

They also advocated for the elevation of historically significant chiefdoms, such as Garki and Jiwa, to higher statuses.

​Responding to traditional rulers demands, Wike promised to protect the interests of the indigenous people, granting several immediate requests:
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He directed the Mandate Secretary for Agriculture to provide tractors for each of the 17 Chiefdoms.

​Also, he instructed the Council of Chiefs to submit names for the creation of third-class traditional stools, stating, “It is not in my position to write who will be… you people should do the right thing.”

​He pledged to resolve issues regarding land certificates based on the numbers submitted by the stakeholders.

​”I’m now from here. For me to be the Light of Abuja, I must do everything to protect your interest,” Wike concluded, while maintaining that the FCT’s political future depends on having a “strong voice” in the National Assembly to lobby for the expansion of senatorial seats.

On the 2027 elections, the minister counselled the FCT stakeholders against electing weak or inexperienced representatives, saying that such choices could leave the territory voiceless at the National Assembly.

“The Senate is not an all-comers’ game. Experience matters, ranking matters… you must have a strong voice there,” he said.

The minister expressed concern that past representation had failed to effectively articulate the needs of the FCT, urging stakeholders to make more strategic decisions in future elections.

“You elected a senator you can’t see… a senator who cannot even organise the indigenous community to ask what their needs are,” he stated.

Wike said that repeating such mistakes would further weaken the territory’s ability to attract development and influence national policy decisions.

“If you make a mistake this time, it will be difficult for you. When it was time to help yourself, you didn’t help… don’t expect miracles,” he added as he endorsed Sen Philip Tanimu Aduda.

Beyond electoral choices, the minister linked political alignment with development outcomes, noting that the administration of President Bola Tinubu had continued to deliver infrastructure projects in the FCT despite low electoral support in the 2023 elections.

“In 2023, most of you did not give Mr. President up to six per cent, yet he has done so much for you… now that you know, do not make that mistake again,” he said.

“In 2023, most of you did not give Mr. President up to six per cent, yet he has done so much for you… now that you know, do not make that mistake again,” he said.

He disclosed that several projects, including water supply schemes in rural communities and new road networks, would soon be inaugurated as part of activities marking the President’s anniversary in office.

“Mr. President has touched virtually all the satellite towns… more roads will be constructed to open up our communities,” Wike said.

The minister also charged incoming area council chairmen to focus on governance and address pressing challenges, particularly in the education sector.

“It cannot continue that our children are at home because of strikes. Education is a first priority… without it, there cannot be development,” he emphasised.

Earlier, President of the FCT Stakeholders Assembly, Dr. Aliyu Daniel Bakna Kwali, commended the minister for ongoing reforms and infrastructural development, while presenting key demands including increased representation for the FCT at the National Assembly and the creation of additional area councils.

​The event, which opened with remarks from former Federal Commissioner Dr. Aliyu Almakura Abdulkadir, underscored a new era of collaborative governance, with the traditional institution positioning itself as a central pillar in the FCT’s drive for political and economic expansion.