Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, has charged the leadership of the South-South Development Commission (SSDC) to be courageous and deliver on its mandate to develop the region.
Wike gave this charge when the leadership of the SSDC, led by the Board chairman, Chibudom Nwuche, visited him in his office.
Wike told the SSDC management team to justify Mr President’s trust and deliver on their mandate.
The Minister said leadership demands courage and that they should be firm and work in the interest of the South-South region.
Wike told the SSDC bosses that there will be challenges, but what should be paramount is the development of the region, not being carried away by their appointments, and not forgetting the purpose for which they were appointed.
“What matters most now is, are you willing to genuinely work for the development of your region? Are you ready to ensure that the President’s vision and mission are achieved? A leader without courage can’t deliver results.
“The only way to justify your appointment and make the President proud is to work tirelessly to deliver the Renewed Hope Agenda in your region.”
Wike also charged them to support Mr President’s Renewed Hope Agenda and capitalise on it to develop the South-South and embark on doable projects without leaving abandoned projects for successors.
“Support the President fully. Don’t divide your loyalty. Your loyalty is to the President who appointed you. People may have recommended you, but no recommendation is binding.
“Make him proud by ensuring the South-South Development Commission delivers real impact. Avoid political projects. Don’t incur unnecessary costs. Don’t leave behind liabilities for your successors. Use funds responsibly.”
Telling them that it takes courage to deliver, Wike said, “Be strong. Be firm. Work together. Politicians will try to divide you; they will tell you, ‘I recommended you, do this for me. Support people where necessary, but don’t lose sight of the core objective: bringing development closer to the people.”
Stating his experiences on the line of duty, Wike said he has faced several but has not been deterred.
“I know the battles I’m facing in the FCT. Every day, there are attacks left, right, and centre. Sometimes I go home and laugh, that’s Nigeria. When people think they can manipulate you, they’ll try everything to bring you down. But I won’t go down. I’ll keep doing the right thing.
He advised them to work with the board to achieve results, work with the governors and the people who will eventually benefit from the projects, so that they don’t duplicate projects.
Earlier, the team leader, Nwuche, said they were there to thank the Minister for his contribution to the SSDC.
He said they were proud of him, his courage, and his strides, and that they want to adopt his leadership style in the SSDC.
They assured the Minister that he would not be disappointed as they would work in harmony and deliver on their mandate.
He declared their desire to collaborate with the FCT Administration to deliver on their mandate.
