President Bola Tinubu on Wednesday hailed the performance of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Minister, Nyesom Wike, declaring that it has become very evidently clear that all districts in the FCT are now feeling the impact of governance through completed projects that improve the quality of life of residents.
The President, represented by Senate President Godswill Akpabio, spoke while commissioning the Full Scope Development of Akinwumi Ajibola Street, comprising Important Local Streets (ILS) 16, 18 and 19, in Gaduwa District, Abuja.
Describing the project as a practical demonstration of the Renewed Hope Agenda, Tinubu said his administration was focused on delivering projects that address the everyday needs of Nigerians.
“We are here to open a road, but more importantly, we are here to restore access. The Full Scope Development of Akinwumi Ajibola Street is now complete and open for use. In this government, we measure ourselves by finished work. This street is finished work,” he said.
According to the President, residents of Gaduwa endured years of hardship despite owning homes in the district because there was no motorable road linking them to their properties.
“For years, families in Gaduwa built homes here in good faith, yet they had no motorable road to reach those homes. When the rains came, the place became impassable. That is not how a capital city treats its citizens. Under the Renewed Hope Agenda, we came to work, and today that promise is visible on these streets,” he added.
Tinubu commended the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Barr. Nyesom Wike, for changing what he described as the culture of project delivery in Abuja through effective supervision, prompt funding and timely completion of projects.
“When the Honourable Minister reviewed the files and saw the neglect, he did not issue another memo. He brought contractors back to site, gave clear targets and backed those targets with funding.
“You have changed the culture of delivery in the FCT. You ended the era of mobilisation without movement and abandoned inner roads. You are taking development from the city centre into the districts and satellite towns so that no resident is left behind. You have my confidence and my commendation,” the President said.
He noted that the completed road would improve mobility, reduce travel time, enhance property values and provide safer access for residents through the provision of drainage and streetlights.
Tinubu also urged residents to protect the infrastructure by preventing vandalism and ensuring drainage channels remain free of refuse.
“We will not stop here. Across the FCT, from the city centre to the area councils, our task is to finish what matters, connect what was separated and ensure that public funds translate into public value,” he said.
Earlier, FCT Minister Barr. Nyesom Wike said the commissioning formed part of the 16th project in the administration’s ongoing 31-day project inauguration programme marking President Tinubu’s third year in office.
According to him, the President had directed upon assumption of office that every district in the FCT must benefit from government projects, irrespective of whether they are located in the city centre or satellite communities.
“You instructed us that every district in the FCT must feel the impact of this administration. Today, I can confidently say that no district can claim it has been neglected. We have taken development to Jahi, Gwarimpa, Katampe, Guzape, Kwali and now Gaduwa,” Wike said.
The minister attributed the rapid execution of projects to the cordial working relationship between the Executive and the National Assembly, which ensured timely budget approvals and releases.
He also cautioned the Abuja Municipal Area Council (AMAC) against naming roads constructed by the Federal Government without due approval.
