The indigenous people of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) have put forth a proposal to designate Kwali as the capital should the territory gain state status. This announcement was made by the Etsu of Kwali, Mr. Luka Nizassan III, during an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Kwali, the headquarters of the Kwali Area Council.
He revealed that a document has been submitted for the review of the 1999 Constitution to facilitate the elevation of the FCT to state status. As part of this proposal, the original inhabitants of the FCT and various stakeholders have recommended that Kwali serve as the headquarters of the new state.
The traditional ruler also called on the Federal Government to establish a tertiary institution in Kwali to accelerate development within the area council. He emphasized that according to the FCT’s master plan, Kwali is designated as the educational hub for the territory, evidenced by the presence of institutions like the National Educational Research and Development Council, which focuses on curriculum development.
Additionally, he noted that Kwali hosts several key educational establishments, including the National Mathematical Centre, Sheda Science and Technology, and the National Seed Council, all of which highlight the area’s significance as an educational zone.
Nizassan pointed out that while the University of Abuja is located in Gwagwalada, Kwali was previously the headquarters of the Gwagwalada Area Council. This history supports his appeal for a tertiary institution to be established in Kwali, complementing the existing educational facilities in the council.
He specifically urged the Federal Government to consider locating the recently approved FCT Federal Polytechnic in Kwali, citing the area’s ample infrastructure and available land. The Etsu expressed readiness to donate the Federal Technical College, Kwali, as initial infrastructure for the proposed Polytechnic.
