Reported by: Oahimire Omone Precious | Edited by: Oravbiere Osayomore Promise.
Federal Capital Territory Minister Nyesom Wike has offered a rare and personal glimpse into his spiritual life, revealing that while he does not consider himself a man of elaborate prayer, he relies on a simple daily petition for divine protection as he carries out his official duties. Speaking on Tuesday during the commissioning of the Bwari Satellite Town Water Supply project in the Federal Capital Territory, Wike confessed that his wife, Suzzette, is the devout one in the family, while his own prayer life is refreshingly straightforward. "I don't know how to pray very well," he admitted. "The only best prayer I can pray: 'God, let me come back safely today'".
Wike made the remarks at an event held as part of activities marking the third anniversary of President Bola Tinubu's administration, where he also credited the President's unwavering support for the progress recorded in the territory. The minister, who previously served as Governor of Rivers State and as a minister under the previous administration, drew from his extensive political experience to emphasise that presidential backing is non-negotiable for ministerial success. "I've said to so many people, I was a governor, and I was a minister before. You can be a minister… you see, if you don't have that support, it is difficult for you to perform. You must have that support," he declared.
Wike disclosed that he regularly instructs his wife to continue praying for President Tinubu's sustained support for the FCT Administration, acknowledging that her prayers are more effective than his own. "And that's why, each day I wake up, I tell my wife—she prays a lot, I don't know how to pray very well," he said. "But she prays very well. I say, 'Continue to pray that Mr President will not look away from us'". He expressed gratitude that those prayers have been answered, noting that President Tinubu has given the FCT all the support required to change the narratives in the nation's capital. "And Mr President has given FCT all the support required to change the narratives. And that's why we, on our own part, say we will not disappoint Mr President," Wike said.
The minister also used the occasion to highlight the administration's impressive infrastructure delivery record, revealing that the Bwari project was the 50th official project commissioning under his watch. "This is the 50th commissioning of project. I'm talking of official commissioning. I'm not talking about the unofficial ones. And before January next year, God willing, we'll commission another 10 projects before we'll go for campaigns," he said. The Bwari Satellite Town Water Supply project, commissioned by President Tinubu himself, features a 198-kilometre water pipeline network constructed by China Geo-engineering Construction Limited, which will provide potable water to Bwari, Ushafa and surrounding communities by linking them directly to the Lower Usuma Dam treated water source. President Tinubu, who also spoke at the event, declared that the era when Abuja's city centre flourished while satellite communities remained neglected was over, pledging to extend clean water to all satellite towns in the FCT as part of his administration's Renewed Hope Agenda.
Wike further reflected on the philosophy of governance, arguing that the primary purpose of leadership is to bring happiness to the people. "When people are happy, those in authority will be happy. But when people are not happy, those in authority are bound not to be happy. After all, what is governance? Governance is to make people happy, to make changes in their life, to make it better. And that's what Asiwaju Tinubu is doing," he said. He also linked the happiness of FCT residents to their electoral choices, noting that they expressed their satisfaction by voting for council chairmen aligned with President Tinubu during the last area council election—a feat he described as unprecedented in the history of the FCT.
The minister's candid remarks about his prayer life and reliance on his wife's spiritual devotion have resonated widely, offering a humanising glimpse into the man behind the often combative political persona. His admission that he does not know how to pray elaborately, coupled with his simple petition for daily safety, stands in stark contrast to the high-stakes world of Nigerian politics where he has long been a dominant figure. Wike's testimony that he was a governor and minister before and understands the critical importance of presidential support underscores his pragmatic approach to governance—one that acknowledges both the spiritual and institutional foundations of effective leadership.
As the FCT Administration prepares to commission another ten projects before January 2027, Wike's message is clear: with presidential backing and his wife's prayers, he remains committed to delivering on his mandate and ensuring that the people of the Federal Capital Territory experience the dividends of democracy. The Bwari Water Project, which provided 1,600 direct and indirect jobs during its execution, stands as a testament to the administration's determination to extend development beyond Abuja's city centre and into the satellite communities that have long awaited government attention. For Wike, the journey continues—one day at a time, one prayer at a time, and always with the hope of returning home safely.
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