President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has approved the creation of a Youth Secretariat for the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), following persistent requests from FCT youths.
This announcement was made on Monday by FCT Minister Nyesom Wike during a town hall meeting in Bwari Area Council, aimed at dissuading the youths of Bwari and Abuja Municipal Area Council (AMAC) from joining the planned nationwide strike commencing on August 1, 2024.
The Youth Secretariat in the FCT is equivalent to ministries in the states and will be headed by a secretary, equivalent to state commissioners. Wike shared the news with the attendees, saying, “I have good news for you. Following your complaints, I approached the president, and Mr. President has graciously approved the creation of a Youth Secretariat for the FCT.”
Wike also addressed the complaint regarding the Public Complaints Commission appointment, which was previously held by an FCT youth and transferred to Kogi State. He assured the people that the president has promised to look into the matter and make necessary amends.
To enhance security, Wike announced that one additional police station has been approved for construction in each of the six area councils of the FCT. “Security is a critical priority in the renewed hope agenda. One police station each has been approved to be built in each area council,” he stated.
Addressing claims of marginalization by the youth of Bwari Area Council, Wike emphasized the importance of justice and equity in governance. “Nobody likes injustice, that is what informed my policy of spreading amenities. When you are happy, allow your neighbor to be happy too; that is what brings peace,” Wike said. He assured that special areas would be given consideration during appointments.
Wike successfully convinced the youths of Bwari and AMAC to refrain from joining the planned strike and to embrace dialogue instead. The youths assured the Minister that they would not participate in the August 1 strike.
“An economy that was down for decades cannot be fixed in one year. Give us time,” Wike appealed to the youths.
Earlier, youth leaders from Bwari and AMAC Area Council expressed their preference for dialogue over protest during the town hall meeting.
In a related development, Wike inspected a 29 km road construction project in Paikon Kore, Kwali Area Council.
He expressed satisfaction with the contractor’s progress and assured the people that the road would be completed and commissioned by December this year.
