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The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Abuja, Nyesom Wike, is a man with both admirers and critics. He turned 57 years old on Friday, December 13, 2024, and his loyalists and acolytes held nothing back to celebrate him.
Prior to the event, some of his loyalists had vowed to “shut down Rivers State” and they tried very hard to keep to that promise.
A statement released to the media some days earlier read in part, “The occasion is being organised to make a bold statement about Wike’s undisputed political leadership in Rivers amidst the ongoing political crisis in the state.”
Indeed the state played host to the many members of the country’s political elite, including Senate President Godswill Akpabio; National Chairman of the All Progressives Congress, Abdullahi Ganduje, and members of the party’s National Working Committee.
The events for the celebration included the presentation of a book titled, ‘A Reminiscence of the Pragmatic Footprints of a Visionary Leader’ and public lecture in Port Harcourt, the Rivers State capital; as well as a luncheon/reception at the former governor’s residence in the GRA area of the state.
Speaking at the book presentation, Akpabio described Wike as a visionary, stating that “you have made us proud as the FCT minister”.
He noted that Wike was appointed as a minister because of his track records.
“You have turned Abuja into a model city befitting the capital of a country. You are a very committed public officer who has no room for excuses on any given task.
“Today, we gather to celebrate not just the years in your life, but the life in your years. We honour not just the duration of your life but the donation of your life and the countless ways you’ve enriched the lives of the people around you,” he added.
In a similar vein, the FCT’s Minister of State, Mariya Mahmoud, stated that his unwavering dedication to service was an inspiration to many.
She wrote on social media, “Your visionary guidance and dedication to service inspire many. As you mark another year of impactful existence, may you be blessed with wisdom, strength, and good health to continue your noble service to the nation.
“May this year bring you fulfillment and success in all your endeavors. Happy Birthday, Mr. Project!”
The event also featured performances by cultural troupes, even as some of his associates took to the stage to felicitate him.
Meanwhile, the luncheon which held in the banquet hall of the minister’s residence was well attended by his loyalists and political associates who were on hand to celebrate with him.
The walls of the venue were enlivened by pictures of Wike with several dignitaries, including President Tinubu and President Emmanuel Macron of France.
Another highlight of the event was a gigantic cake which was baked in the form of a Lexus SUV complete with outriders on black and white motorbikes.
Guests at the events include Minister of State for Petroleum Resources (Oil), Heineken Lokpobiri; Senator David Jimkuta; former governor of Abia State, Okezie Ikpeazu, Ibrahim Dankwambo, OCJ Okocha (chairman on the occasion), among others.
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