Wike Upgrades Kwali Traditional Ruler To First-Class Chief

The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, has announced the upgrade of the Kwali traditional ruler to a First-Class Chief, while also promising key infrastructure road projects for the area.

Speaking during a thank-you visit to Kwali Area Council, the minister said the decision followed the community’s support for President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.

Wike explained that the visit was on behalf of the president to appreciate the people of Kwali for fulfilling the promise they made during his earlier interactive session with residents.

According to him, when he previously visited Kwali, he had asked the people what they wanted, and they clearly presented their demands.

“Remember when I came to Kwali for an interactive session, I asked you what you wanted and you told me. I told you then that agreement is agreement,” Wike said.

He added that the people had kept their promise to the president, stressing that the Federal Government would also fulfill the promise it made to the community.

The minister assured residents that the outgoing chairman and the chairman-elect of the council would continue to be consulted because they have the interests of the people at heart.

Wike further pledged that the road projects earlier requested by the community would be executed.
“The promise I made on roads, please consider it done,” he stated.

In addition, the minister announced that the traditional ruler of Kwali would soon have a befitting palace.

He noted that the monarch had earlier assured him that the people of Kwali would support President Tinubu, a promise he said had now been fulfilled.

“In appreciation, I hereby, by the powers conferred on me, upgrade his chieftaincy to a First-Class Chief,” Wike declared.
He also reassured the community that President Tinubu would continue to support and work with the people of Kwali for development.

On his part, the Chairman-elect of Kwali Area Council, Daniel Nuhu expressed deep appreciation to the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Dr Nyesom Wike, for what he described as unprecedented support that has helped reshape the political landscape of the council.

“I am too overwhelmed. I don’t even know how to thank you. Today we are so happy. The people of Kwali are grateful for all you have done and the support you have given us to make history in Kwali politics,” he said.

The chairman-elect also pledged that the council would continue to support the administration and promised to deliver the area council for Senator Philip Tanimu Aduda in the next election.

“We will deliver Kwali for Senator Aduda in the next election. Kwali has always shown loyalty and we will continue to do so,” he added.

Also speaking at the event, the outgoing Chairman of Kuje Area Council, Abdullahi Suleiman Sabo, commended the FCT minister for his commitment to infrastructure development across the six area councils of the Federal Capital Territory.

He noted that the ongoing interventions by the FCT Administration were gradually transforming rural communities and improving access to critical infrastructure.

However, he raised concerns about ongoing road projects in the area, noting that the contractors handling the Ija–Kago road and the Kwaita–Yebo road had abandoned the sites.

He appealed to the FCT minister to intervene and ensure that the contractors return to complete the projects, stressing that the roads are critical to the economic and social life of the communities.

He also appealed to the minister to assist in facilitating the construction of a bridge linking Kwali, Kuje and Nasarawa State to ease transportation and boost economic activities in the area.

He recalled that Kwali Area Council played a significant role during the last presidential election, revealing that it was the only area council in the Federal Capital Territory that delivered all its wards for President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.

The event drew community leaders, traditional rulers, and residents who gathered to receive the FCT minister and his delegation.

Remi Johnson, Edited By Grace Namiji