Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, has hailed President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s leadership as purposeful, servant-oriented and transformative, crediting it with setting Nigeria firmly on the path of sustainable growth, inclusive development and national renewal.
Speaking on Tuesday, February 17, 2026, at the 2026 Annual Distinguished Personality Lecture Series organised by the Faculty of Social Sciences, Yakubu Gowon University, Abuja, Wike delivered a lecture titled “Exemplary Leadership and Infrastructural Development in Nigeria: Between Dividends of Democracy and Good Governance.”
Wike described Tinubu as a leader who demonstrated long-standing commitment to democratic struggle at great personal risk, building credentials well before assuming the presidency. He pointed to Tinubu’s record in Lagos State as evidence of his capacity to translate vision into sustained development, particularly through internally generated revenue, infrastructure and institutional reform.
The Minister highlighted key decisions taken by the President since May 2023 as proof of bold leadership: Removal of fuel subsidy “A policy long acknowledged as economically destructive but avoided by successive administrations for lack of political courage. This decision exemplifies leadership willing to endure temporary unpopularity in pursuit of long-term national interest.” Freeing resources for subnational development, halting unsustainable debt and restoring market discipline to the energy sector.
Devolution of development initiatives through zonal and regional commissions, responding to long-standing complaints about over-centralisation and weakened federalism. Security reforms, increased funding and systematic training of the armed forces to rebuild state capacity and restore public confidence.
“Taken together, these measures suggest a deliberate attempt to reposition Nigeria on a path of reform, responsibility and renewal, where leadership consciously serves as the hinge between democratic authority and developmental outcomes.”
He however stressed that no leader however visionary or courageous can succeed in isolation, calling on Nigerians to rise above cynicism and disengagement: “Progress is forged where leadership and followership work in synergy. The current situation demands more than criticism it demands commitment.The time for belief is now, and the time for action is now.”
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The Vice Chancellor Prof. Hakeem Fawehonmi said the annual lecture series advances the university’s intellectual tradition and provides a platform for critical discourse on national issues, particularly the link between leadership and development.
Chairman of the Occasion, Prof. Aminu Gusau (former Coordinating Director, EFCC) described Wike as a “public servant” whose tenure in the FCT has been marked by visible transformation and accelerated project delivery. He noted: “You may like his personality; you may not like his personality, but one thing is certain: he works, and he works for the people.”
Dean, Faculty of Social Sciences, Prof. Mutiullah Olasupo described Wike as an “icon” of democracy and infrastructural development, saying the lecture would enlighten the university community and Nigerians on their roles in the 2027 general elections and how to deepen democracy and good governance.
The event drew a large audience of academics, political leaders, traditional rulers, students and civil society representatives.
By Ogungbayi Beedee Adeyemi
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