Wike says leadership must be measured by service, not rhetoric, hails Dunamis Church for pedestrian bridge

Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, has challenged political, religious and other leaders to measure their leadership by tangible contributions to society, declaring that public service must be demonstrated through projects that improve people’s lives.

Wike gave the charge on Friday while commissioning a pedestrian bridge constructed by Dunamis International Gospel Centre in Abuja, describing the project as an example of how religious organisations could complement government efforts in addressing infrastructure and public safety needs.

He commended the Senior Pastor of the church, Dr Paul Enenche, and his wife for demonstrating that religious leadership should extend beyond preaching to practical interventions that improve the welfare of the people.

The minister said he attended the commissioning because he considered it important to recognise organisations that translated their teachings and values into meaningful contributions to society.

“Watching the documentary and seeing what you have done, touching lives, not only with your soul, but talking about the welfare of other people, that is leadership,” he said.

According to Wike, leadership, whether in government, religious institutions, private organisations or families, should be judged by the positive impact made on the lives of others rather than declarations of good intentions.

He noted that undertaking community projects required sacrifices, particularly for organisations with other competing financial commitments, adding that Dunamis had demonstrated a willingness to deploy its resources for the common good.

The minister also recalled the church’s previous engagements with the FCT Administration, saying an application first submitted in 2018 was brought to his attention after the church renewed its request in February 2026.

He said the administration granted approval within a short period, adding that the government remained willing to support initiatives that promote public welfare and community development.

Wike urged Nigerians to assess public office holders based on verifiable achievements rather than political rhetoric and narratives on social media.

He said leaders entrusted with public responsibilities must be prepared to account for their stewardship by identifying concrete projects and contributions made during their time in office.

According to him, future generations would remember leaders not for their promises or public relations campaigns but for the impact of their decisions and actions on society.

He also called for courage and consistency in leadership, stressing that those entrusted with responsibilities must sometimes take difficult decisions, even when such decisions attract criticism.

The minister urged religious institutions, corporate organisations and individuals to emulate Dunamis by investing in projects that address the needs of their communities.

He assured the church of the FCT Administration’s readiness to support similar interventions and indicated that the government would consider a 50 per cent contribution towards an associated project.

Earlier, Enenche said love, which forms the foundation of the Christian faith, must be expressed through giving, selflessness and practical contributions to humanity.

He said people should ultimately be remembered for the problems they solved and the positive difference they made in society, rather than the wealth they accumulated.

The cleric urged political, religious and other leaders to recognise that they would give account of how they utilised the positions, resources and opportunities entrusted to them.

He maintained that the church’s responsibility extended beyond spiritual ministrations to include practical interventions that improve lives and contribute to national development.

The commissioning of the pedestrian bridge highlights the role of partnerships between government and non-governmental institutions in addressing infrastructure gaps and improving the safety and welfare of residents.

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