The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, announced that President Bola Tinubu has approved the establishment of a Mandate Secretariat for Youth Affairs in the FCT. This decision follows a request from the youth during a previous interactive session. Wike made this announcement during an engagement with residents of Bwari Area Council, emphasizing the importance of peace-building across the FCT and discouraging participation in the planned nationwide protests from August 1 to 10.
Wike assured residents of the government’s commitment to providing basic infrastructure, with ongoing rural road constructions in the satellite towns of the FCT expected to be completed by December 2024. He also addressed issues of injustice and marginalization faced by indigenous people, promising to give them a sense of belonging. The youths in the FCT, represented by Ezekiel Dalhatu, decided to opt out of the planned protests and engage in dialogue with the government instead. John Gabaya, Chairman of Bwari Area Council, supported this approach, urging the youth to embrace dialogue over protest.
During the event, a life-size portrait of Wike was presented by the youths and stakeholders as a token of appreciation.