New Era Begins in FCT as Six Area Councils Inaugurate Legislatures, Pledge Grassroots Development
Njideka Ozoalor
A new chapter in grassroots governance commenced across the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) on Tuesday as the six area councils inaugurated their legislative arms, completing the transition to newly elected administrations.
The councils of Abuja Municipal Area Council (AMAC), Abaji, Bwari, Gwagwalada, Kuje and Kwali formally swore in their councillors, marking the commencement of legislative and administrative activities for the 2026–2030 tenure.
The inauguration of the councillors came a day after the newly elected chairmen took their oaths of office, effectively concluding the handover process in all six councils.
At the inauguration of the chairmen on Monday, the FCT Minister, Nyesom Wike, charged the new council leaders to prioritise rapid rural development and remain focused on delivering tangible benefits to residents.
He urged them to avoid absentee leadership and extravagant lifestyles, reminding them that the promises made during campaigns must translate into visible improvements in communities.
“Governance at the council level must be felt by the people,” the minister stressed, emphasizing the need for impactful projects and responsive leadership.
In Kuje Area Council, the transition was marked by colourful cultural displays and celebrations as the immediate past chairman, Alhaji Abdullahi Sabo, formally handed over instruments of office to the newly inaugurated chairman, Hon. Danjuma Samuel Shekwolo.
Addressing residents and stakeholders after taking office, Shekwolo pledged to begin work immediately and called on councillors to discharge their responsibilities diligently in line with the confidence reposed in them by the electorate.
“I will not be a runaway chairman,” he declared, promising an open-door administration that remains accessible to residents across Kuje’s 10 wards.
Speaking with journalists after the ceremony, the new chairman said his administration would consolidate on the achievements of previous governments, noting that governance is a continuous process.
“We will build on the foundations already laid and ensure there is no vacuum in service delivery,” he said.
With the inauguration of legislative councils across AMAC, Abaji, Bwari, Gwagwalada, Kuje and Kwali, the FCT’s new local government administration cycle is now fully underway.
Residents are expected to closely monitor the performance of the new leadership as it seeks to translate promises of rapid rural development into concrete projects and improved living conditions across the territory.
Cover Photo Caption: Newly sworn-in Kuje Area Council Chairman, Hon Danjuma Samuel Shekwolo addressing members of the area council legislature at the council chambers on Tuesday.
