The Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Minister, Barr Ezenwo Nyesom Wike, has praised President Bola Tinubu’s purposeful and service-oriented leadership, saying that it has set the country on the path to sustainable growth and inclusive development.
Delivering the key lecture themed, “Exemplary Leadership and Infrastructural Development in Nigeria; Between Dividends of Democracy and Good Governance”, at the 2026 Annual Distinguished Personality Lecture Series, organized by the Faculty of Social Sciences, Yakubu Gowon University, Abuja, on Tuesday, February 17, 2026. Barr. Wike highlighted President Tinubu’s commitment to democracy, citing his record in Lagos State as evidence of his ability to translate vision into sustained development.
He noted that President Tinubu’s decision to remove fuel subsidy, despite short-term challenges, has freed resources for subnational development and initiated market discipline in the energy sector.
The Minister also emphasized the importance of purposeful leadership in driving infrastructural development and democratic governance in Nigeria, adding that democracy must translate into tangible improvements in citizens’ lives, citing the FCT’s transformation under his leadership as a model.
He further highlighted the administration’s commitment to good governance, accountability, and inclusive development, noting that Abuja’s renewal is a testament to the power of focused leadership. He urged citizens to demand accountability and participate in nation-building, emphasizing that universities play a crucial role in shaping minds and fostering critical thinking.
Barr. Wike who reiterated that transformation depends on active citizen participation, urged Nigerians to rise above cynicism and work together with leadership towards national development, stressed that progress is forged when leadership and followership work in synergy.
The Minister’s address underscored the need for ethical leadership, institutional strength, and citizen engagement to drive Nigeria’s development, while assuring residents that the FCT Administration remains committed to delivering quality infrastructure and services.
Speaking earlier, Chairman of the occasion and former Coordinating Director of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, Prof. Aminu Ibrahim Gusau praised Barr. Wike’s leadership in the FCT, describing the Minister as a “public servant” whose tenure has been marked by visible transformation and accelerated project delivery.
He said, “Since assuming office in August 2023, Wike has embarked on an ambitious drive to restore the Abuja Masterplan, strengthen infrastructure and revive long abandoned projects”.
The event, themed “The Impact of Political Leadership on Infrastructural Development in Nigeria,” brought together scholars, policymakers, and students to discuss Nigeria’s democratic journey and development challenges.
In separate speeches at the event, the Vice Chancellor, Professor Hakeem Fawehinmi and the Dean, Faculty of Social Sciences, Prof. Mutiullah Olasupo, both eulogized the FCT Minister for the massive infrastructural development of the FCT under his leadership.
Highlight of the event was the presentation of the Distinguished Personality Award of the Faculty of Social Sciences, Yakubu Gowon University, to the FCT Minister by the Vice Chancellor, Prof. Hakeem Fawehinmi.