Leadership is at its best when it reflects fairness, inclusion, competence and the collective aspirations of the people. As discussions continue around the future of youth leadership in the Federal Capital Territory, it is important to look beyond personalities and consider the principle of equitable representation across the Area Councils.
Today, key political and public offices in the FCT are spread across different Area Councils. The Mandate Secretary for Agriculture, Hon. Suleiman Ango, is from Kuje. The current member representing Abaji, Gwagwalada, Kuje and Kwali Federal Constituency in the House of Representatives, Hon. Abdulrahman Ajiya, is from Abaji. The APC House of Representatives flag bearer, Hon. Danladi Chiya, is from Kwali Area Council. The APC flag bearer for Abuja North Senatorial District, Hon. John Gabaya, is from Bwari Area Council. The incumbent Senator representing the FCT and APC senatorial candidate, Senator Philip Aduda, is from AMAC.
When viewed together, the distribution of these major positions shows that virtually every Area Council has a visible place in the leadership structure. Gwagwalada, however, is represented primarily through the office of the Area Council Chairman.
This raises a legitimate question: should youth leadership not also reflect the same spirit of inclusion and balance?
The Abuja Youth Council should remain a platform that unites young people across the FCT rather than one that reinforces political divisions or personal interests. Its leadership should inspire confidence, encourage participation and ensure that every young person, regardless of Area Council, feels represented.
This is why many young people believe the conversation should focus less on who an individual is and more on what that individual can contribute. Competence, vision, accessibility, integrity and the ability to mobilize young people should be the defining qualities of anyone aspiring to lead the youth council.
If the objective is to strengthen youth development across the FCT, then every qualified individual deserves a fair opportunity to serve. Leadership should not be determined solely by geography or political influence, but where there is an opportunity to also promote equitable representation without sacrificing competence, it becomes a win for everyone.
In that context, voices supporting Dobiza argue that his emergence would represent more than just another appointment. They see it as an opportunity to encourage broader inclusion, give Gwagwalada’s youth another platform for participation, and demonstrate that capable young leaders can emerge from every part of the FCT.
Ultimately, the Abuja Youth Council deserves leadership that can unite rather than divide, listen rather than dictate, and deliver rather than merely occupy office. The future of FCT youth depends on choosing leaders based on capacity, ideas and commitment to service.
If the goal is genuine youth empowerment, then the conversation should not be about personalities alone. It should be about fairness, competence, balanced representation and the collective progress of every young person in the Federal Capital Territory.