President Bola Tinubu on Friday gave his strongest public endorsement yet of the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, FCT, Barrister Nyesom Wike, declaring that the former Rivers State governor has justified the confidence reposed in him to transform Abuja into a modern capital city.
The President, represented by Vice President Kashim
Shettima, spoke at the commissioning of Collector Road CN2 (Emmanuel Okanla
Boulevard) and other road networks in the Katampe District of the FCT.
“When I gave him the assignment to make Abuja a true capital
city, I knew his track records. Wike, you have not disappointed Mr President.
“From transforming abandoned roads into new boulevards, to
delivering water projects and judicial quarters, you work day and night. You do
not give excuses; you give results. The people of the FCT call you ‘Mr Project’
for a reason”, the president said.
Tinubu’s remarks came on the eighth day of a marathon
commissioning exercise by the FCT Administration showcasing infrastructure
projects delivered under his administration.
He described the newly completed road as a symbol of the
administration’s determination to restore confidence in governance through
visible development, noting that the installation of solar-powered street
lights along major corridors had improved security while reviving Abuja’s
nightlife and economic activities.
“We have installed solar street lights, and today Katampe is
bright at night. Abuja’s city life is coming back, and criminal hideouts are
disappearing. This is exactly what good governance delivers: security, mobility
and dignity,” Tinubu said, adding that the road “represents hope” and
demonstrates that the Renewed Hope Agenda “is translating into tangible
results.”
In his remarks, Wike said the Katampe road project was
conceived to close a critical infrastructure gap that became apparent after the
completion of adjoining road networks.
“Last year, when Mr President commissioned the Gishiri road
and the bridge linking Maitama, this road did not even exist. We identified the
missing link and immediately moved to address it because infrastructure must be
holistic,” he said.
The minister noted that the project had already unlocked
significant real estate development in Katampe, attracting investors and
stimulating economic activities.
“People say nothing is happening in Nigeria, but when you
look around Abuja and see construction sites everywhere, new buildings emerging
daily and businesses investing heavily, the evidence speaks for itself,” he
said..
Wike argued that infrastructure development remains one of
the most effective tools for economic growth and job creation, saying thousands
of Nigerians have benefited directly and indirectly from ongoing projects
across the territory.
He also pointed to efforts to extend development into
satellite communities, citing the recently commissioned road linking
Tungan-Madaki communities.
“For the first time, many of these communities are
experiencing what government presence truly means. We are connecting people to
opportunities, schools, healthcare, and economic activities,” he said,
disclosing that another milestone would be recorded on Monday with the
commissioning of a strategic water supply project in Karu designed to improve
access to potable water in satellite towns.
In her vote of thanks, the Minister of State for the FCT, Dr
Mariya Mahmoud, said the project reflected President Tinubu’s vision of using
infrastructure as a catalyst for economic growth, social inclusion, and improved
quality of life. She commended the President, the National Assembly, Wike,
engineers, contractors, and community leaders for their contributions to its
successful delivery.
Earlier, the Acting Executive Secretary of the Federal
Capital Development Authority FCDA, Richard Dauda, said the project comprises a
3.9-kilometre road network equipped with underground drainage systems, water
pipelines, sewer infrastructure, telecommunications ducts, solar-powered street
lighting, walkways, and green areas. He said the road improves connectivity
between Katampe, Mabushi, Jahi, Maitama, and adjoining districts while opening
up new corridors for residential and commercial development.
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