By Wumi Tewogbade, Abuja

The Federal Capital Territory Minister of State, Dr Mariya Mahmoud, has emphasized that a committed and ethical civil service remains the backbone of sustainable national progress.

The Minister stated this at the official launch of three books authored by Dr. Jumai Ahmadu.

The three books include “The Evolution and Development of the Federal Capital Territory,” “When the Spirit Whispers,” and “Steward of the Nation: The Role of the Civil Servants in National Development.”

She noted that the books collectively addressed Nigeria’s national journey, institutional growth, and the values sustaining public service and personal purpose.

While highlighting one of the books, “The Evolution and Development of the Federal Capital Territory” Mahmoud explained that the book provided critical documentation of Abuja’s transformation, offering valuable insights into the vision, planning, and governance shaping Nigeria’s capital city.

She described it as a significant contribution to policy discourse and urban development literature.

Mahmoud further stated that “When the Spirit Whispers” went beyond governance into introspection, reminding readers of the importance of moral clarity, purpose, and inner conviction in leadership and daily life.

The Minister emphasized its relevance at a time when the nation yearned for ethical leadership and personal responsibility, calling it both inspiring and instructive.

She equally praised “Steward of the Nation: The Role of the Civil Servants in National Development,” which underscored the indispensable role of civil servants in national progress.

“The book highlighted professionalism, accountability, and service as pillars of effective governance, reinforcing that a committed and ethical civil service remained the backbone of sustainable development,” she stated.

The Minister, therefore, commended Dr. Jumai Ahmadu for her dedication to knowledge, public service, and nation-building, stating that her works would serve as reference materials for policymakers, scholars, civil servants, and the younger generation.

She, however, encouraged readers to engage deeply with the books, as they offered lessons aligning with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda—promoting good governance, institutional strength, and inclusive national development.

Earlier, in her remarks, the author of the books and Ag. Director FCT Reform Coordination and Service Improvement, Dr. Jumai Ahmadu described the launch as the documentation of a journey; my personal journey, our collective journey, and the evolving story of service, faith, and nation-building.

In her words, “I joined the civil service twenty-eight years ago, young, idealistic, and full of hope about the power of public service to shape lives and institutions.

“Over the years, that belief has been tested, refined, challenged, and ultimately strengthened through reforms, transitions, setbacks, and progress.

“Those twenty-eight years taught me that institutions do not succeed by chance. They grow when people serve with integrity, competence, and a genuine sense of stewardship.

“That conviction inspired Stewards of the Nation, a tribute to the many civil servants whose quiet dedication keeps governance moving forward every day.”

She expressed hope that the books would inspire greater integrity in service, deeper understanding of governance, and renewed purpose in life’s journey.

By Wumi Tewogbade, Abuja

Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, (FCT), Nyesom Wike, on Tuesday, has assured Anima residents that Kuje/Airport and kuje/Gwagalada roads, would be commissioned by June ending, at the 3rd Anniversary of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.

Wike stated this when he inspected the ongoing projects in Kuje/Airport and kuje/Gwagalada roads, in Abuja.

He said Airport to Kuje, is over 70%, and here (from Kuje to Gwagwalada) I can see it’s almost 65% completed.

He said, “You know that the Airport to Kuje road is a one road that is very key for us. Then from Kuje to Gwagwalada, the last time I was there, you remember, we stopped at the mosque, where they were constructing and we were well impressed with the level of work done.

“Like the contractors have said now, God willing, by first week of June or June ending, we would have inaugurated this project. It’s a very important project, so that you don’t need to go through the airport if you are going to Gwagwalada or from Gwagwalada to town. We are very happy with what we have seen”.

On progress of the work, he said, “Well, if you take from Airport to Kuje, it is over 70%, and here (from Kuje to Gwagwalada) I can see it’s almost 65%, so I think they will meet up”.

By Wumi Tewogbade, Abuja

Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, (FCT), Nyesom Wike, at the weekend, threatened to sack the coordinator of Satellite Towns Development Department (STDD), Abdulkadir Zulkiflu over non evacuation of waste that have taken over strategic roads at the suburbs.

He said if Zulkiflu fails to comply between February 9th -10, his appointment as the coordinator will be immediately terminated.

This is not the first time Wike has taken a tough stance on waste management in the FCT.

He had in 2025 warned contractors that excuses would not be tolerated and that payment would be based on merit.

Wike said,” If I see that refuse from Orozo down to Apo-Karshi by Monday or Tuesday, February 9th-10th, your job will be terminated. Whatever you can do, make sure this is handled. Look at this, it’s very embarrassing. Those places are no longer villages, development has taken over all the whole area. Nobody will accept that”..

Speaking after inspection tour of some road projects, the Minister said President Bola Tinubu is doing massive road work in satellite towns, not just city to ensure that every part of the FCT is opened.

Wike expressed satisfaction with the progress of work on the Apo – Karish road which was awarded since 2010 by the past administrations but recorded no success, resulting to revocation and engagement of a new contractor.

“One very important road all of us know, is the Apo-Karshi road. That road was awarded in 2010. And of course, we have been to that road more than ten times. But because of the importance of that road, we couldn’t wait longer because of the excuses of the contractor. So we had to seek the permission of Mr. President and we got that job terminated, and was awarded to SCC”.

Wike also commended the work on Karu township and Kubwa-Gbazango- Bwari roads.