The Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Area Council Services Secretariat, under the leadership of the Mandate Secretary, Hon. Bitrus Lawrence Garki, has announced plans to host the inaugural FCT Area Council Cup.
In a statement issued on Saturday by Emmanuel Martin, SA Media to Mandate Secretary, FCT Area Council Services Secretariat, he said, “This groundbreaking initiative celebrates the historic achievement of local government autonomy championed by His Excellency, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, and ushers in a new era of grassroots empowerment, development, and community engagement.”
The tournament which holds on Sunday, January 19th, 2025, will feature 12 teams representing the six area councils of the FCT—Abaji, Abuja Municipal, Bwari, Gwagwalada, Kuje, and Kwali.
Justifying the need for the tournament, Martin said, “It aims to showcase the transformative potential of direct funding for grassroots leadership, ensuring that the over 858 communities in the FCT benefit from equitable resource distribution.
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“The autonomy granted to local governments marks a significant milestone in ensuring development reaches even the most neglected areas.
“Local government autonomy is a turning point for grassroots governance in Nigeria, enabling area councils to independently manage resources and guarantee equitable development opportunities.
“This monumental achievement is worth celebrating, and the Secretariat is thrilled to mark it with this historic competition.
“The FCT Area Council Cup is more than a football tournament—it is a platform for youth empowerment, community unity, and nation-building, while also promoting peace and fostering development across grassroots communities.