The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Barrister Ezenwo Nyesom Wike, has reaffirmed the Administration’s commitment to developing rural communities by constructing critical infrastructure in the Area Councils. This initiative aligns with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s directive to expand development across the FCT.
A statement on Wednesday, December 4, 2024 by the Director Press, Anthony Ogunleye, Office of the FCT Minister said the Minister officially launched the construction of the 10.5-kilometer Kabusa-Ketti access road in the Abuja Municipal Area Council (AMAC). Barrister Wike emphasized that the project would enhance residents’ quality of life by improving access to farmlands, bolstering rural security, and fostering socio-economic development. He also assured that the project would receive adequate funding to ensure its timely completion, targeting its commissioning during President Tinubu’s second-year anniversary.
“We are not concentrating development in the city alone,” Wike stated. “Mr. President has directed us to open up the satellite towns, and this Kabusa-Ketti road is part of that effort. The road will also feature streetlights to address security concerns.”
During the event, the Minister responded to community members’ requests displayed on banners, particularly the demand for a Senior Secondary School in Ketti. He approved the project on the spot, stating, “I’ve seen your request, and I assure you that Ketti will get a Senior Secondary School.
Wike highlighted that governance is a mutual contract between the people and the government, adding, “Mr. President has come through me to fulfill his promises. Together, we will address your needs.”
The Minister also spoke about other ongoing projects, including the dualization of the Kuje-Gwagwalada road and the installation of streetlights along the Garage Road in Kuje.
“By the time we finish the Airport Road to Kuje, residents can comfortably commute to and from Abuja within 15 minutes. This is the kind of development this administration is committed to delivering,” he said.
Senator David Jimkuta, Chairman of the Senate Committee on FCT Area Councils, and Hon. Mukhtar Aliyu Betara, Chairman of the House of Representatives Committee on FCT, praised the Minister’s commitment to development and pledged the National Assembly’s continued support for the FCT Administration.
Hon. Betara also urged residents to fulfill their civic responsibilities by paying ground rents and levies, emphasizing that such contributions would enhance the FCT’s ability to deliver infrastructure.
The Acting Executive Secretary of the FCDA, Engr. Richard Yunana Dauda, outlined the project’s scope, noting that the Kabusa-Ketti road would be completed within six months. The road will include streetlights and modern road facilities.
The Project Manager of TeckOil Global Concept Ltd, Engr. Abdullahi Murtala, expressed gratitude for the opportunity granted to an indigenous company to execute the project. He pledged to deliver the road on time and in line with the highest standards.
The Chairman of AMAC, Hon. Christopher Maikalangu, extended his appreciation to the Minister for prioritizing rural development, noting that projects like the Kabusa-Ketti road would significantly improve security and the livelihoods of residents.
