Since the creation of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) in 1976 by the then Murtala/Obasanjo military administration inhabitants, especially the indigenous inhabitants, have not been fairly treated and given equal opportunity as their fellow countrymen from other states even though previous governments have dismissed any wrong doing as regards this concern and observations from many quarters. Youths as known are the future leaders of tomorrow’s Nigeria but with majority of them lacking in selflessness, patriotism commitment, determination, nationalistic posture, love of the country and devotion to service of fatherland.
While many youths in the F.C.T are only concerned about material wealth, class acquisition and ego carrying, one outstanding activist cum civil servant, community leader and youth emancipator has proven through his benevolence and defence of the forts and rights of all the F.C.T tribes, namely, the Gbagyi, Bassa, Gade, Gana-Gana, Igbira and Gwandara as well as other tribes resident in the territory, that he is indeed capable, reliable, a force to reckon with and ally of development, mass mobilisation and creation of awareness courtesy of the immense, tremendous and laudable contribution and achievements in areas of ensuring that F.C.T people are taken along in all federal appointments like ministerial, heads of parastatals and even in the security circle.
This amiable youth is no one other than Chiroma Alhaji Mai (Sardaunan Matasan Abuja). For some time now, he has been actively involved in silent, enigmatic and open crusade, agitation and awareness on general challenging issues befalling the good people of the territory which in appreciation made many youths within the territory to rally round and recommend him for the prestigious tradition title of Sardaunan Matasan Abuja. As widely known, the Sardauna traditional title got prominence right from the late premier of the northern region era, the late Sir Ahmadu Bello (Sardaunan Sokoto). Chiroma Alhaji Mai has proven through his youth emancipation and empowerment initiatives that he is worthy of the title and could be trusted with the task and responsibility of moving the F.C.T youths to the next level. Above all, Chiroma Alhaji Mai as the Sardaunan Matasan Abuja is of the view and opinion that the Buhari administration allocates at least two ministerial slots to the indigenous people of the F.C.T in order to balance most of the suppressions and marginalisation they have faced under previous administrations, categorically citing security of the nation’s geographical setting of it capital where every part of the country has been able to linkup with the seat of power unlike while Lagos was the capital. The need to also bring closer to the F.C.T people the various skill acquisition, empowerment programme and also human capacity development oriented initiative of the change agenda of the Buhari administration in tandem with next level.
Chiroma Alhaji Mai’s several calls and clamour for a consistent stakeholders forum to be chaired by some prominent politicians from the territory with spread across all the various tribes that make the F.C.T. according to the existing six area councils. Such forum should also comprise technocrats, professionals, traditional institution, youth association as well as women groups. Non-partisanship and neutrality should be maintained.
There exists a distinguished class of dignitaries in the private sector, civil society, independent community based groups and even governmental circle, it is only few that possess credibility, competence and patriotism which distinguished Chiroma among his peers.
As the choice of the next Sardaunan Matasan Abuja falls on Chiroma Alhaji Mai as demonstrated by different youth, women and cultural base groups in the F.C.T, there is the need for all the youths to ensure mass endorsement, support and loyalty to the most qualified youth like Chiroma Alhaji Mai who has been tested and trusted by all and sundry. Presently, there are many issues militating against unity and co-existence in the FCT, foremost among them are the self centeredness, favouritism and sentiment that have played out within the various tribes forgetting that only oneness and trust in one another can enhance development. When merit and competence is put into practice and given consideration, F.C.T as a whole especially the indigenes can achieve greatness.
Outside the main capital city, all other components are left under developed. With the agitation from youthful activists like Chiroma Alhaji Mai, the traditional title of Sardaunan Matasan Abuja could further motivate him to offer more of these community services. Bestowing of this title should not be narrowed to only the tribes that make up the F.C.T. Notable friends of the F.C.T people should also be seen as forces to reckon with. Nigeria has moved from a country to a nation where irrespective of tribe and religion together we can salvage this great country. Good leaders they say are assets even outside their homes in view of why Chiroma deserves the support of all youths in his quest to give the best to youths across the capital territory.
All the traditional institutions in the F.C.T should join hands with the expectant Sardaunan Matasan Abuja in order to readdress the future of FCT youth for the betterment of their lives.
Drug abuse, illicit crimes, rape and other related anti social vices are minimal in the capital city due to sensitization, enlightenment and citizen education embarked on individual capacity by youthful personalities like Chiroma Alhaji Mai. Once again, the Sardaunan Matasan Abuja is a courageous youth who is desirous of moving the entire FCT youths forward in all ramification.
