As FCT Ward Chairmen, Party Leaders Reiterate Support
Former presidential candidate and businessman, Gbenga Hashim, has said that Nigeria can become economically strong again if the country has honest and visionary leaders.
He said this when leaders of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in the Federal Capital Territory visited him at his office in Utako, Abuja. The group included chairmen from the 62 wards in the FCT, local government chairmen from the six Area Councils, and members of the State Working Committee. They were led by the FCT PDP Chairman, Ismail Mohammed Dogara.
The party leaders said they came to thank Hashim for always supporting and engaging party members. They also promised to continue mobilizing people at the grassroots to strengthen the party.
During the meeting, Hashim said Nigeria has many natural resources and talented people. He said these strengths can help rebuild the country’s economy if the right policies and good leadership are put in place.
He explained that Nigeria once had a strong economy because leaders focused on discipline, transparency, and productive policies.
Hashim said that in 1966 Nigeria’s economy was even bigger than the economies of Malaysia and Indonesia combined. He also said that in 1976 the average income of Nigerians was three times higher than that of people in China.
He also spoke about the industrial growth in Northern Nigeria during the First Republic. Hashim said the policies of the late Northern Premier, Ahmadu Bello, helped turn Kaduna into a strong textile industry center that provided jobs for many workers.
According to him, this shows that Nigeria still has the ability to rebuild its industries, revive manufacturing, and create jobs for millions of people.
Hashim said poverty, disease, ignorance, and unemployment should not be normal in Nigeria because the country has done well before and can succeed again.
He also asked party leaders at the grassroots level to work harder to mobilize people. He described ward leaders as the “commanders” of the party’s structure and said their work is very important for winning elections.
Hashim also said he believes the ongoing reconciliation in the PDP will bring unity back to the party. He added that all factions have agreed to work together.
Earlier, the FCT PDP Chairman, Dogara, praised Hashim for always staying connected with party members at different levels.
He said many presidential candidates do not meet regularly with ward chairmen, but Hashim has shown humility by meeting with grassroots leaders.
Dogara also said he believes the Peoples Democratic Party remains strong across the country and can still win future elections.
The meeting ended with calls for unity, stronger grassroots mobilisation, and teamwork to prepare the party for future political contests.
