The Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Minister, Barrister Nyesom Wike, launched the FCT Renewed Hope Youth Empowerment Programme, a new initiative aimed at providing employment opportunities and reducing transportation costs in Abuja. As part of the program, 80 vehicles were distributed to young beneficiaries from across the six Area Councils of the FCT.
At the flag-off ceremony, which concluded nine days of project launches, Minister Wike highlighted the Federal Government’s commitment to improving the lives of FCT youth through the Renewed Hope Agenda. This initiative aligns with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s focus on youth empowerment and community support.
The fleet of vehicles distributed includes 30 Sports Utility Vehicles (SUVs), 30 seven-seater Suzuki minibuses, and 20 fourteen-seater Hiace buses. Minister Wike emphasized that these vehicles are provided entirely at no cost to the beneficiaries, giving them an opportunity to earn a livelihood and help ease transportation within the capital.
“These are brand-new vehicles, and the beneficiaries won’t pay a dime. The government is offering this as direct support, to help young people to support their families and contribute to the local economy,” Wike stated, encouraging the youth to use the vehicles responsibly
Minister Wike also announced plans to use the distributed vehicles as part of a pilot program to reduce tricycle (Keke) operations in certain central parts of Abuja, including Maitama, Guzape, and Asokoro. While tricycles will still operate in other areas, the government aims to fazed them out gradually in specific city zones to improve security and enhance transportation efficiency.
“I’m not saying there won’t be Keke operations at all, but we’re starting with a pilot in certain areas to assess the impact,” the Minister said. He noted that the pilot scheme reflects President Tinubu’s vision for a safer and more structured public transportation system within the city.
Minister Wike also raised concerns about potential security risks associated with unregistered tricycle and taxi operators, some of whom, he mentioned, have reportedly acted as informants for criminals. He disclosed plans to introduce security profiling for all commercial drivers in the FCT, ensuring they operate under approved standards and maintain the Abuja taxi color scheme.
“Starting in January next year, no one will operate as a taxi or bus driver without going through security profiling and obtaining clearance,” he announced. “Operators must follow the rules and maintain the official Abuja colors. We’re bringing in more vehicles to avoid any shortage once these measures are in place.”
The Minister directed Hon. Abdullahi Ango, Mandate Secretary of the Youth Development Secretariat, to create programs that will equip youth with essential skills. He stressed that funds would be allocated solely for initiatives that deliver practical benefits, like skill acquisition programs, rather than conferences with minimal impact on youth welfare. Wike also shared plans to revive the Nyanya Skills Acquisition Centre, which would provide training in information technology and other fields to further support youth employment.
Minister Wike took a moment to thank President Tinubu for his strong support for the FCT Administration, noting that all FCTA requests have received swift approval. He urged youth in the FCT to support the President’s Renewed Hope Agenda and avoid disruptive behavior.
Senator David Jimkuta, Chairman of the Senate Committee on FCT Area Councils and Ancillary Matters, and Hon. Aliyu Betara, Chairman of the House of Representatives Committee on FCT, were also present at the event. Both lawmakers commended Minister Wike’s efforts to prioritize infrastructure and youth empowerment and pledged to continued support from the National Assembly for FCT initiatives.
Okezie Ikpeazu, former Governor of Abia State, lauded the Youth Empowerment Programme, saying it’s not only uplifts youth in the FCT but also serves as a symbol of hope for young people nationwide. “This initiative shows that with time, other youth across Nigeria will receive similar opportunities to improve their lives,” Ikpeazu remarked.
Hon. Abdullahi Ango, Mandate Secretary for the Youth Development Secretariat, expressed appreciation for the Minister’s efforts to engage and empower young people. He affirmed that the distribution of these vehicles and other youth-centered programs will ensure that the Renewed Hope Agenda positively impacts FCT communities. Ango also pledged the full support of FCT youth for the government’s policies.
The vehicle distribution ceremony was presided over by Chief Ferdinand Alabraba, a respected elder statesman, who highlighted the importance of youth empowerment as a cornerstone for sustainable growth and prosperity.
The FCT Renewed Hope Youth Empowerment Programme marks a significant step in the Federal Government’s ongoing efforts to improve the lives of young people in Abuja. With the distribution of 80 vehicles, the initiative provides much-needed employment opportunities while addressing transportation challenges within the city.
Looking forward, the FCT Administration plans to monitor the pilot scheme and assess its impact on reducing tricycle operations in central Abuja. Meanwhile, security profiling and standardization measures for commercial drivers will enhance public safety across the FCT. By fostering economic growth through these initiatives, the Renewed Hope Agenda continues to deliver on its commitment to empower youth and ensure prosperity for all residents of the Federal Capital Territory.
