By Sarah NEGEDU
President Bola Tinubu has described the delivery of key infrastructure across the Federal Capital Territory as a reflection of serious, deliberate leadership aimed at restoring public confidence in governance.
The President who was speaking at the commissioning of Collector Road CN-8, also referred to as Asuquo Okon Street, in Dakibiyu District, said infrastructure remains the most persuasive advertisement of leadership.
Tinubu who was represented by Vice President Kashim Shettima, said modernization of cities remained the loudest proof of a government’s seriousness. “When its roads are paved, when its lights are on, and when its traffic flows smoothly, it tells the world that its government is not just present but purposeful.”
He stressed that the transformation of Nigeria’s capital must be holistic and not just centered on “its glittering center,” but inclusive of “its outskirts, margins, and hidden corners where dreams often struggle to break.”
“Every road we build, every bridge we complete, every community we connect is a firm step towards a more inclusive, more equitable Nigeria.”
The President hailed FCT Minister Nyesom Wike for delivering the project, saying its dividends are immediate and enduring. “Communities will flourish, congestion will ease, and most critically, livelihoods will thrive. Shops will open, markets will thrive, children will return to school faster, emergency services will arrive quicker.
“This is what we mean when we speak of Renewed Hope. Not lofty rhetoric, but practical impact. Not policy for the sake of politics, but policy translated into progress.”
Wike, in his brief remarks, recalled the terrible state of the road when he first visited the are for a proposed Court of Appeal division, describing it as an unacceptable eyesore in a city like Abuja.
“When we wanted to find a land for the construction of the Abuja Division of the Court of Appeal and I was told by the Director of Land that there was a space, I said, let me go and see the place. Your Excellency, you can’t believe that as a city we could have such terrible, horrible roads,” Wike said.
He said the road was awarded in September 2023 and flagged off in October under the President’s directive, commending Tinubu’s continued support in enabling rapid progress on infrastructure.
“Your Excellency, there’s no way to talk much but to thank you for your continued support, and we continue to solicit for more support,” the minister said.
In her remarks, FCT Minister of State, Dr. Mariya Mahmoud aligned herself with the views expressed by the FCT Minister, stating that the Renewed Hope Agenda continues to bring tangible transformation to the landscape of the Federal Capital Territory.
According to her “Today’s project is yet another testament to his administration’s unwavering commitment to infrastructural development and inclusive urban growth.”
