The Committee of Youth on Mobilization and Sensitization (CYMS) has honoured the Executive Chairman of Abaji Area Council, Federal Capital Territory, Hon. Abubakar Umar Abdullahi, with an Award of Excellent Performance, citing his reported contributions to grassroots development, youth empowerment and community-focused governance.
The award was presented by the Director-General of CYMS, Chief Obinna Nwaka, during a mentorship and stakeholder engagement session with the Abaji chairman.
Nwaka said the recognition followed what the organisation described as Abdullahi’s interventions in education, healthcare, agriculture, infrastructure, community welfare and youth development.
According to CYMS, the chairman’s leadership represents the importance of bringing government closer to residents at the grassroots, particularly young people and communities that depend heavily on local institutions for basic services.
Speaking during the engagement, Abdullahi reflected on his political journey, including legal battles that followed the local government election, saying determination, personal commitment and faith helped him navigate the challenges.
He disclosed that he personally monitored various stages of his legal proceedings rather than leaving the matter entirely to his lawyers, saying the experience taught him the value of commitment, diligence and attention to detail.
The chairman also renewed his call for greater local government autonomy, arguing that stronger control at the council level would improve development and service delivery in rural communities.
He said local government chairmen were closer to the people and therefore better positioned to identify and respond to challenges involving roads, primary healthcare, education and other essential services.
Abdullahi further urged young Nigerians aspiring to leadership to prepare themselves for responsibility by developing competence, discipline and a clear sense of purpose.
On youth participation in governance, he said his administration had continued to create opportunities for young people through appointments, empowerment programmes and support for youth-oriented initiatives.
He advised young people seeking leadership positions to prepare themselves for responsibility instead of waiting for opportunities to come to them.
Earlier, the Director of Contacts and Mobilization of CYMS, Hon. Kelechi Ugwumba, commended the chairman for his reported willingness to engage young people and support initiatives aimed at strengthening grassroots development.
Ugwumba called for deeper collaboration between CYMS and Abaji Area Council through mentorship, sensitisation and stakeholder engagement programmes.
The organisation also used the occasion to renew its advocacy for full local government autonomy, describing stronger local councils as important to effective grassroots development, youth participation and improved service delivery.
CYMS said it would continue to engage policymakers and other stakeholders on strengthening local government institutions and creating greater opportunities for young Nigerians to participate meaningfully in governance.
Presenting the award, Nwaka described the honour as recognition of Abdullahi’s reported performance, youthful representation and leadership at the grassroots.
The organisation congratulated the chairman and expressed the hope that the recognition would encourage him to sustain his focus on community development, youth inclusion and responsive governance.
Signed
Hosea Parah
CYMS Media Officer
