By Philip Yatai
Dr Jumai Ahmadu, acting Director, Reform Coordination and Service Improvement, Federal Capital Territory Administration, on Friday unveiled three books she authored on the evolution of Abuja as Nigeria’s capital city.
The books, Abuja: The Evolution and Development of a Federal Capital City (2nd edition); Stewards of the Nation; and When the Spirit Whispers, were unveiled in Abuja.
Ahmadu explained that the books document her personal journey, collective journey of FCT residents and the evolving story of service, faith, and nation-building.
She said that Abuja: The Evolution and Development of a Federal Capital City (2nd edition) enriched with remarkable contributions from individuals who lived in the city, witnessed its growth firsthand.
She said that the people, which include the builders, labourers, teachers, doctors, and engineers among others were directly involved in shaping Abuja’s planning, development, and institutions.
“This second edition basically documents the people who lived in the city; the laborers, the architect, the engineers, the teachers, the traditional rulers, and politicians.
“These people saw the city evolve from the pronouncement to where we are today. Like in the first edition, I also analysed the Minister’s policies and how far they have gone,” she said.
She explained that the book also analysed how the ministers’ policies impacted positively or otherwise on the development of the city, with focus on the nine inhabitant tribes and their distinctive attires.
Ahmadu added that the people’s experiences bring history alive, not as theory, but as reality.
According to her, the book captures Abuja, not merely as a physical space, but as an idea, a national project, and a living example of how vision translates into governance, infrastructure, and community.
“I joined the FCT civil service 28 years ago, young, idealistic, and full of hope about the power of public service to shape lives and institutions.
“Over the years, that belief has been tested, refined, challenged, and ultimately strengthened through reforms, transitions, setbacks, and progress.
“Those 28 years taught me that institutions do not succeed by chance. They grow when people serve with integrity, competence, and a genuine sense of stewardship,” she noted.
Ahmadu added that the belief that institutions do not succeed by chance inspired the book ‘Stewards of the Nation: The Role of the Civil Servants in National Development’.
She explained that the book was a tribute to the many civil servants whose quiet dedication keep governance moving forward every day.
On ‘When the Spirit Whispers’, which she described as the “most personal” of the three, the public servant turned author said the book reflects on faith, resilience, and the quiet guidance that shapes people’s decisions, especially during moments of uncertainty and growth.
“None of this journey has been walked alone. I am deeply grateful to mentors, colleagues, family, contributors, and friends who supported this work in countless ways.
“Above all, I thank God for His grace, guidance, and sustaining strength through every season of service.
“Today marks not an end, but a continuation, a reminder that service is ongoing, learning never stops, and documenting our experiences is essential for future generations,” she said.
The FCT Minister of State, Dr Mariya Mahmoud noted that the books collectively addressed Nigeria’s national journey, institutional growth, and the values sustaining public service and personal purpose.
Mahmoud said that the book on the evolution of the FCT provided critical documentation of Abuja’s transformation, offering valuable insights into the vision, planning, and governance shaping Nigeria’s capital city.
She also said that ‘When the Spirit Whispers’ went beyond governance into introspection, reminding readers of the importance of moral clarity, purpose, and inner conviction in leadership and daily life.
The Minister emphasised its relevance at a time when the nation yearned for ethical leadership and personal responsibility, calling it both inspiring and instructive.
She equally praised ‘Steward of the Nation’ which underscored the indispensable role of civil servants in national progress.
She commended the author for her dedication to knowledge, public service, and nation-building, stating that her works would serve as reference materials for policymakers, scholars, civil servants, and the younger generation. (NAN)
Edited by Muhammad Lawal
