Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, has pledged to facilitate the completion of the abandoned Gwagwalada Mini-Stadium as part of efforts to promote grassroots sports development and provide sporting opportunities for young people.

Wike gave the assurance during a town hall meeting with stakeholders of the FCT Rainbow Coalition at the newly constructed Gwagwalada Civic Centre, which he also commissioned.

The Minister stressed the importance of investing in sports infrastructure at the grassroots, noting that completing the mini-stadium would provide young people with facilities to discover, develop and showcase their sporting talents.

He said the project would create opportunities for youths in Gwagwalada to participate in sporting activities and contribute to the development of sports across the FCT.

Wike also commended the Executive Chairman of Gwagwalada Area Council, Hon. Kassim Mohammed, for completing the civic centre, describing the facility as another demonstration of commitment to infrastructure development and improved public amenities.

The Minister further highlighted ongoing infrastructure projects in the area, including the road linking Gwagwalada to Zuba, expressing confidence that the project would be completed by December 2026.

On other developmental matters, Wike warned the Mandate Secretary for Agriculture and Rural Development, Ango Abdullahi, that failure to implement the directive on the relocation of the abattoir could cost him his position.

Meanwhile, the meeting also featured discussions on the political direction of the FCT ahead of the 2027 general elections.

Wike urged residents to support President Bola Ahmed Tinubu's re-election bid and other All Progressives Congress (APC) candidates contesting under the FCT Rainbow Coalition.

He criticised politicians opposing the coalition, accusing them of prioritising personal interests over unity and collective political objectives.

According to the Minister, the Rainbow Coalition provides a platform for political cooperation and should receive the support of residents interested in the continued development of the FCT.

Responding, Gwagwalada Area Council Chairman, Kassim Mohammed, reaffirmed his commitment to the coalition and expressed confidence in the electoral prospects of President Tinubu and other APC candidates in the area.

The women's and youth representatives at the meeting, Hon. Hajara Abdullahi and Comrade Inuwa Gusau, respectively, also pledged their support for the coalition and promised to mobilise their constituencies towards its success.

The town hall meeting provided an opportunity for political stakeholders and residents to engage with the FCT Minister on governance, infrastructure development and the political direction of the territory ahead of the 2027 elections.