A group, the FCT Stakeholders Assembly, has urged stakeholders to sustain constructive engagement with the Federal Capital Territory Administration (FCTA).
It stated that unity, inclusion and cooperation are essential to the territory’s continued development.
The Supreme Leader of FCT Youths and Director of Projects and Programmes of the Assembly, Ambassador Isaac David, made the call in a statement issued on Sunday following a stakeholders’ meeting held at the Old Parade Ground, Abuja.
David said collaboration among government officials, traditional rulers, youths and indigenous communities would promote grassroots participation and strengthen efforts to address issues affecting residents.
He commended the FCT Minister, Nyesom Wike, for attending the meeting and spending about three hours listening to presentations and interacting with representatives of the 858 indigenous communities and other residents.
According to him, the minister’s participation demonstrated his willingness to engage stakeholders and consider their concerns before taking decisions.
David particularly praised Wike for apologising to youths over concerns that they had not been adequately carried along in the affairs and engagements of the FCT Administration.
He said the minister had also approved a separate meeting with the youths to provide them with an opportunity to present their concerns, make suggestions and participate more actively in decisions affecting their communities.
The Assembly also commended Wike for approving Sports Utility Vehicles (SUVs) for traditional rulers, describing the gesture as recognition of their responsibilities in maintaining peace, promoting security and mobilising communities for development.
David further appreciated the minister’s decision to issue promotion letters and staff of office to traditional rulers whose positions had been upgraded.
He said the move would formally recognise their new status and strengthen traditional institutions across the FCT’s six area councils.
David also acknowledged the minister’s promise to provide four buses for FCT youths but appealed to him to increase the number to seven to ensure adequate representation across the six area councils.
He said traditional rulers remained indispensable partners in grassroots administration, particularly in resolving communal disputes, addressing security concerns, preserving cultural heritage and promoting peaceful coexistence.
The meeting attracted traditional rulers, political leaders, area council chairmen, indigenous community representatives, youth groups and other residents from across the FCT’s six area councils.
David expressed optimism that the assurances given by the minister would translate into concrete actions, urging stakeholders to maintain constructive engagement with the FCT Administration to advance the development of the territory.
The gathering also witnessed the endorsement of President Bola Tinubu for a second term in office, alongside Senator Philip Tanimu Aduda for the FCT senatorial seat, Hon. Don Gabaya for Abuja North Federal Constituency and former Bwari Area Council Chairman, Danladi Bomboyi Chiya, for Abuja South Federal Constituency.