Wike Tasks Mandate Secretaries on Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda

By: Wisdom Acka

Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Minister, Nyesom Wike, on Tuesday inaugurated Mandate Secretaries for the FCT Administration.

They are Bitrus Garki, Secretary for Area Council Services Secretariat; Lawan Geidam, Agriculture and Rural Development Secretariat and Danlami Ihayyo, Secretary for Education Secretariat.

Others are Dr. Adedolapo Fasawe, Secretary, Health and Environment Services Secretariat; Salman Dako, Legal Services Secretariat; Chinedum Elechi, Economic Planning, Revenue Generation and Public Private Partnership; and Uboku Nyah, Secretary, Transportation Secretariat.

Performing the inauguration at the Federal Capital Development Authority (FCDA), Conference Hall, the Minister stressed the need for the new Secretaries to work together and share information towards achieving the Renewed Hope Agenda of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.’s Administration.

He, particularly urged them to address issues affecting the delivery of services in FCT, especially contractual and procurement processes.

His words: “Transparency, efficiency, and accountability must become the cornerstones of our Administration.”

“As mandate Secretaries, your role in this journey of transformation is pivotal. You are not only advisors but also leaders and implementers of our policies,” he said.

“You must translate our vision into tangible actions that will shape the future of the FCT,” the Minister added.

“Our President has entrusted us with the monumental task of rebuilding and developing the FCT into a World-class city and to achieve this, we must address several key areas that are essential for the progress of our city and the well-being of our residents,” Wike emphasized.

He disclosed that the FCT Administration would give due attention to the development of satellite towns.

The Minister explained that the prosperity and well-being of residents extended beyond the City Center; stressing the need to ensure that all the nooks and crannies of the Territory experience progress and development.

Wike told the new appointees that the mission was to ensure the improvement of Internally Generated Revenue (IGR) through innovations, to raise the needed funds to support the developmental agenda.

Identifying public transportation as a major challenge that must be addressed comprehensively, the Minister noted that no modern city can function effectively and efficiently without a reliable and comprehensive public transportation system.

He, therefore, reiterated the commitment of the Administration toward establishing an integrated and efficient transport system that meets the needs of all residents.

On environment, Wike noted that a clean and well-maintained surrounding was not only a reflection of a city’s pride but also a fundamental requirement for a healthy and prosperous community.

He, however, pointed out that a clean environment was a collective responsibility of both government and the citizens; reiterating the need for collaboration to ensure a cleaner and greener FCT.

The Minister also promised to collaborate closely with law enforcement agencies and communities to ensure a safe and secure environment for all.

Wike said: “In addition to all these, we will place significant emphasis on the social sector. There is a pressing need to uplift our education, agriculture, and health sectors to World-class standards.

“A well-educated and healthy population is the foundation of any prosperous city, and we must provide our citizens with access to quality education, healthcare, and agricultural opportunities,” he stated.

“Furthermore, our tourism sector holds tremendous potential for economic growth and job creation. We will work diligently to promote and develop our unique cultural and natural assets to attract both local and international visitors, thereby, boosting our economy,” he said.

On the Abuja Master Plan, the Minister said that all development infractions would be dealt with decisively; adding that non-compliant buildings would be subjected to appropriate measures, including removal and penalties.

Wike added that relevant laws would be closely examined and strengthened, and any loopholes closed to make it impossible for offenders to exploit at the detriment of the Administration and the people of the FCT will be corrected.