The Kuje Area Council chairman outlined progress in infrastructure, education, healthcare, security and job creation, while stakeholders commended his administration and called for sustained grassroots development.
The Executive Chairman of Kuje Area Council, Hon. Samuel Danjuma Shekwolo, has highlighted key achievements recorded in his first 100 days in office, reaffirming his administration’s commitment to infrastructure development, education, healthcare, security, youth empowerment and improved service delivery.
Shekwolo made this known during an event marking his first 100 days in office, which also provided an opportunity for him to present an account of his stewardship, engage stakeholders and receive feedback on the expectations of residents.
In his address, the chairman thanked God for the privilege to serve and expressed appreciation to the people of Kuje for entrusting his administration with the responsibility of leading the area council.
He noted that the occasion was not merely a celebration of 100 days in office but an opportunity to account for the administration’s activities and reaffirm its commitment to developing Kuje.
“Leadership is service, not position,” the chairman said, stressing that his administration had begun implementing promises made during the election campaign.
Shekwolo disclosed that his administration had approved the renovation of some classroom blocks and inaugurated a scholarship committee to screen eligible students for educational support.
He also announced that students from Kuje Area Council who emerged winners of a recent science competition had been awarded scholarships covering their education from Junior Secondary School One (JSS 1) to Senior Secondary School Three (SSS 3).
On infrastructure, the chairman said road upgrading and construction projects had been approved in several rural communities requiring urgent intervention.
He added that the administration was working to improve access to electricity through solar-powered streetlights in communities with limited access to the national grid, alongside streetlight installations in Kuje town.
The chairman further disclosed that efforts were ongoing to repair faulty boreholes and improve access to water across the council.
As part of efforts to promote environmental cleanliness, he highlighted the introduction of the Operation Keep Kuje Clean initiative to encourage proper waste disposal and a cleaner environment.
On security, Shekwolo said his administration had strengthened collaboration with security agencies, traditional rulers, vigilante groups and other relevant stakeholders through monthly meetings and coordinated engagements aimed at maintaining peace and protecting lives and property.
The chairman also disclosed that his administration had facilitated employment opportunities for residents, including 135 recruitment opportunities in the Nigerian Army, 200 in the Nigeria Police Force and approximately 10 slots with the Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC).
He pledged to continue creating opportunities for employment, vocational training and skills development, particularly for young people.
Shekwolo also emphasised the importance of including persons with disabilities in the council’s development programmes, noting that human capital development remained a priority of his administration.
The chairman said he had visited healthcare centres across the council to assess their condition and identify urgent needs.
According to him, approvals had been given for the rehabilitation of some health centres and the provision of essential medical equipment to improve healthcare delivery.
He also addressed concerns surrounding multiple taxation affecting traders and market operators, stating that his administration was engaging relevant stakeholders to address the challenges.
The chairman assured residents that his administration remained committed to improving the council’s various development sectors.
Stakeholders Commend Administration
The event attracted political leaders, traditional rulers, labour representatives, professional associations, market women, hotel owners, youth representatives and other stakeholders.
The FCT Chairman of the Nigeria Union of Local Government Employees (NULGE), Comrade Gabi, commended Shekwolo for prioritising staff welfare and addressing outstanding salary and other arrears.
A representative of market women also applauded the administration, while the representative of the Hotel Owners Association commended the council for its cooperation so far but raised concerns about alleged overbilling affecting hotel operators.
The youth representative praised the chairman’s performance during his first 100 days and observed that the high representation of young people among political appointees had strengthened youth participation in governance.
He appealed to the administration to expand scholarship opportunities for young people, including opportunities to study or acquire professional skills within and outside Nigeria.
The National Council of Women Societies (NCWS), Kuje Chapter, also commended the chairman and called for the establishment of a water board to improve water supply in the area council.
Representing the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA), Mr. N.D. Abdulsalaam, chairman of the branch covering Gwagwalada, Kuje, Abaji and Kwali, described Kuje as fortunate to have a chairman demonstrating commitment to development.
He noted that timely payment of contractors by local government administrations could reduce litigation and minimise avoidable distractions associated with contract disputes.
The first Executive Chairman of Kuje Area Council, Hon. John Adayilo, also commended the administration, referencing the projects and activities presented in a documentary screened during the event.
He expressed confidence that more achievements would be recorded as the administration progressed and assured Shekwolo of continued support.
The FCT PDP Chairman, Usman Dogara Yenche, called on stakeholders across political parties to unite behind the administration following the conclusion of the election.
He stressed the importance of peace and cooperation, commended the infrastructural developments highlighted at the event and urged the chairman not to neglect the welfare needs of political stakeholders.
Similarly, the FCT APC Chairman, represented by the party’s vice-chairman, commended Shekwolo for the developments recorded so far.
The Mandate Secretary of the Agriculture Secretariat, Mr. Abdullahi Ango, expressed confidence in Shekwolo’s leadership, saying he was not surprised by the developments presented at the event.
Ango attributed his confidence to the chairman’s relationship with FCT political leaders and urged him to sustain the pace of development.
He further observed that the presence of leaders from different political parties demonstrated the importance of collective support for the progress of Kuje Area Council.
He referenced the support available to the chairman from FCT Minister Nyesom Wike, Senator Philip Tanimu Aduda and Senator Jibrin Wowo, expressing confidence that the administration could deliver on its mandate.
Senator Jibrin Wowo, in his remarks, described Shekwolo as a leader committed to building a lasting legacy for the people of Kuje.
He encouraged stakeholders to offer constructive advice and support to help the chairman perform better, noting that successful leadership requires collaboration.
Wowo assured the chairman of his continued support and expressed optimism about the administration’s future, including the possibility of a second term.
Traditional Rulers Promise Continued Cooperation
The Gomo of Kuje, speaking on behalf of the Sa-Rubochi and Gwargwada traditional institutions, described Shekwolo as the 15th chairman of Kuje Area Council.
He acknowledged the contributions of previous administrations and expressed hope that Shekwolo would build on their efforts and leave behind a record of development that residents would appreciate long after his tenure.
The traditional ruler assured the chairman that the royal fathers would continue to support his administration.
Kuje Area Council Unveils Official Website
After a powerful documentary of the journey so far, another major highlight of the event was the unveiling of the official website of Kuje Area Council.
The website is expected to serve as a platform for showcasing the council’s development projects, activities and achievements, while improving public access to information about the administration, ity also has features for receiving complaints and feedbacks.
The event concluded with a vote of thanks delivered by the Vice Chairperson of Kuje Area Council, Hon. Hajara Asabe Zainab Boyi, who expressed appreciation to all attendees, stakeholders and invited guests for their participation and support.
The 100-day engagement provided an opportunity for the Shekwolo-led administration to present its activities, receive feedback from community representatives and reaffirm its commitment to addressing the developmental needs of Kuje Area Council.
