The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, has announced the immediate upgrade of all traditional stools across the FCT as part of a major reform aimed at strengthening traditional institutions in the territory.
The Minister made the announcement during a thank-you visit to Abaji Area Council on Tuesday, where he addressed residents, stakeholders and traditional leaders.
Under the new directive, all second-class traditional rulers in the FCT have been elevated to first-class status, while third-class chiefs have been upgraded to second-class.
According to the Minister, the move recognizes the monarchs’ contributions to maintaining peace, preserving culture and supporting development in their communities.
“By the powers conferred on me, all the second-class traditional rulers have been upgraded to first class and all the third class have been upgraded to second class because you have worked hard for it and you deserve it,” he said.
During the visit, the Minister also commended residents of Abaji for their strong support during the February 21, 2026 Area Council elections. He noted that out of 135 polling units in the council, candidates supporting Bola Ahmed Tinubu secured victory in 133 polling units.
Wike described politics as a “give and take” process, assuring the people that their support would be rewarded with tangible development projects rather than empty promises.
Responding to requests from the Ona of Abaji, Adamu Baba Yunusa, and the Chairman of Abaji Area Council, Hon. Abubakar Umar Abdullahi, the Minister approved several infrastructure projects for the area.
These include the construction of a new palace for the Ona of Abaji, the rehabilitation of two major erosion sites and the completion of an abandoned road project.
He also assured residents that the long-awaited repair of the Gurara–Yangoji bridge would be carried out soon to ease transportation challenges faced by commuters and students.
On education, the Minister pledged that the FCT University of Science and Technology located in Abaji would soon commence full operations.
He urged residents to remain patient, noting that the institution would serve not only as a center for learning but also as a driver of economic development in the area.
“Let me assure you that under this administration, that university will start operation,” the Minister stated.
Wike also warned residents against what he described as “fake politicians” who only appear during election periods, urging the people to remain committed to the Renewed Hope agenda of the Federal Government.
In his remarks, the Chairman of Abaji Area Council, Hon. Abubakar Umar Abdullahi, attributed his re-election to the developmental initiatives of the FCT Minister, stating that Abaji had experienced visible federal presence since Wike assumed office.
The Chairman revealed that his party, the All Progressives Congress (APC), won 133 of the 135 polling units and all 10 wards in the council during the recent election, describing it as an unprecedented political victory in the area.
Earlier, the Ona of Abaji and Chairman of the FCT Council of Traditional Rulers, HRH Adamu Baba Yunusa, expressed appreciation to the Minister for ongoing development projects and improved security across the territory.
Also speaking, former FCT senator Sidi Ali commended the Minister for his developmental strides across the FCT and urged residents to continue supporting government initiatives aimed at improving their welfare.