Protest: Tinubu approves youth Secretariat for FCTA

President Bola Tinubu has approved the creation of a youth Secretariat for the Federal Capital Territory (FCT).

This was made known on Monday by the FCT Minister, Nyesom Wike, in Bwari Area Council during a town hall meeting to dissuade the youths of Bwari and Abuja Municipal Council from joining the planned nationwide strike billed to commence on August 1, 2024.

The secretariat in the FCT is equivalent to ministries in the states. It will be headed by a secretary which is equivalent to state commissioners.

Speaking at the town hall meeting, Wike told the people: “I have good news for you, following your complaints, I approached the president, Mr. President has graciously approved the creation of a youth Secretariat for the FCT.”

The minister also assured the people that he has equally taken their complaint of the Public Complaints Commission appointment which was held by an FCT youth and was taken to Kogi State.

Wike assured them that the president has assured him that he would look into the matter and make amends.

He also promised the people that in order to safeguard the people and provide adequate security, one additional police station has been approved to be built in each of the six area councils.

“Security is a critical priority in the renewed hope agenda. One police station each has been approved to be built in each area council.”

On the issue of marginalisation as claimed by the youth of Bwari Area Council, Wike said: “Nobody likes injustice, that is what informed my my policy of spreading amenities, when you are happy, allow your neighbour to be happy too, that is what brings peace.”
Following this he said when appointments would be given, he would give consideration to special areas.

Wike convinced the youths of Bwari and AMAC who gathered in the town hall meeting not to join the strike but to embrace dialogue.

The youths assured the minister that they were not going to be part of the August 1st planned strike.

“An economy that was down for decades cannot be fixed in one year, give us time,” Wike told the youths.

Earlier, youth leaders from Bwari Area Council and the Abuja Municipal Area Council, AMAC who took turns to talk said they preferred dialogue and would not join the planned nationwide protest.

Meanwhile, in a related development, Wike earlier in day inspected a 29 km road construction in Paikon more in Kwali Area Council.

Wike said he was pleased with the contractor and assured the people that the road would be completed and commissioned in December this year.