The Hon. Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Barrister Ezenwo Nyesom Wike, today flagged off the reconstruction of the 25km Kwaita-Yebu road in the Kwali Area Council of the FCT.
The flag-off event, held at the project site in Kwaita, drew a large crowd of residents who gathered to witness the significant occasion. In his address, Barr. Wike urged FCT residents to have confidence in the Administration of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, emphasizing the President’s commitment to restoring lost hope among Nigerians.
“All of you have lost hope as far as this road is concerned. You never believed that any government would return to this road because of past disappointments. That is why Mr. President wants to bring back the hope that you have lost. By the grace of God, that hope is back,” Wike stated.
The Minister assured the residents that the road project, along with all other projects initiated by the FCTA, would be completed. He emphasized that the FCTA would not undertake any projects that it could not finish. Barrister Wike also confirmed the availability of funds for the road project and directed the contractor to complete it in 12 months, ahead of the originally scheduled 18 months.
“We will fund you because I have seen the importance of this road to the people, and we must not disappoint them. So, my message to you is, do not lose hope. By next year, by the special grace of God, we will be here to commission this project,” he added.
The Minister disclosed that the six roads previously flagged off in the six area councils would be commissioned before December 2024, highlighting President Tinubu’s determination to ensure that all areas of the FCT feel the impact of the government. “will do everything to ensure that the rural areas feel the impact of government. When the people do not feel the impact of government, they do not know that government exists. When the people are not feeling the positive impact of government, then there is a disconnect between the people and the government. So, when we are building the city, we must also build the rural areas,” he said.
Barrister Wike thanked the residents for their support and urged them to continue to pray for the success of the current Administration. He assured that he would work with individuals and groups, regardless of party affiliation, for the development of the FCT. He also announced that the FCTA would soon commence the rehabilitation of schools across the six area councils.
In his remarks, Honourable Abdurrahman Ajiya, representing Abuja South Federal Constituency, expressed confidence in the Minister’s ability to ensure timely completion of the road and commended his efforts toward developing the FCT area councils. He emphasized the importance of the Kwaita-Yebu road to the local community and urged the Minister to extend the reconstruction to Nasarawa State, where the road originally leads.
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Chairman, Kwali Area Council, Hon. Danladi Chiya
The Chairman of Kwali Area Council, Hon. Danladi Chiya, in his welcome address, thanked the Minister for the projects initiated in Kwali, which he said had made the council the envy of all. He pledged the continued support of Kwali residents for the FCT Minister and assured ongoing efforts for the development of the Area Council and the FCT at large.
Etsu Kwali HRH Luka Ayedo Nizassan commended the Minister for embarking on the road project, which he noted was first awarded in 2005 but abandoned after minimal work. He stated that the event symbolized the restoration of hope for the people of Kwali.
The Head of Service of the FCTA, Dr. Samuel Atang, thanked the Minister for his determination to improve Abuja. He also expressed gratitude to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and the National Assembly for their support, which has contributed to the FCTA’s success stories thus far.
The Coordinator of the Satellite Town Development Department, Hon. Abdulkadir Zulkiflu, provided an overview of the project, describing the reconstruction of the 25km Kwaita-Yebu road as a turning point in the FCTA’s efforts to improve infrastructure, facilitate the flow of goods and services, and open up Area Councils in the FCT in line with President Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda. The contract was awarded to an indigenous construction firm, Messrs El and Matt Nigeria Limited, and is expected to be completed within 12 months.
