By Sarah NEGEDU
Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, on Tuesday, flagged off the rehabilitation of the Old Keffi Road, linking Kado Village to Dei-Dei Junction, describing it as another step toward fulfilling President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s infrastructure renewal agenda for the nation’s capital.
The 15-kilometre road stretch
project, is expected to ease movement for thousands of residents and traders along the busy corridor, improve road safety, and stimulate commercial activities within the Abuja Municipal Area Council, AMAC.
Wike said the rehabilitation marks the continuation of President Tinubu’s promise to complete priority road networks that connect key communities in the FCT, noting that the project had been on the administration’s radar since the commissioning of the Saburi 1 and Saburi 2 roads last year.
He recalled that, “When Mr. President assumed office in 2023 and appointed his ministers, one of the emergency road projects he immediately approved was the Saburi 1 and Saburi 2 roads. You will recall that when we commissioned those roads, I said they could only be complete if this Old Keffi Road, from Kado Village to Dei-Dei, was also rehabilitated.”
The Minister said the flag-off fulfills the commitment made to residents and traders in the area, assuring that the same contractor that delivered the Saburi roads was re-engaged based on proven competence.
“I made a commitment to the traders and residents here that it was not just a promise in words but one that would be fulfilled, given the importance of this road,. Today, to the glory of God, we are here to fulfill that promise made by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.”
Highlighting other ongoing interventions, Wike disclosed that the rehabilitation of Government Secondary School, Dei-Dei, had been approved, adding that educational infrastructure remains a top priority for the administration.
“Out of 103 schools, 73 are currently under construction, and 33 more will soon be flagged off. Out of 105 projects, 73 are located within AMAC and the city.”
The Minister warned residents against being swayed by politicians who failed to deliver when they had the opportunity. “Do not pay attention to those who had opportunities to contribute to Abuja’s development in the past but failed to deliver,” he cautioned.
“We gave them a first chance, they failed. We gave them a second chance, they failed again. If we make the mistake of giving them a third chance, they will destroy everything.”
According to Wike, the Tinubu administration is determined to redefine governance through visible and measurable projects that improve lives. “Seeing is believing. You can see the results for yourselves,” he added.
Earlier in her remarks, the FCT Minister of State, Dr. Mariya Mahmoud, applauded President Bola Tinubu for his unwavering support toward infrastructure renewal and for prioritizing projects that directly impact the lives of ordinary citizens.
She said the rehabilitation of the Old Keffi Road was yet another testimony to the President’s vision of promoting connectivity, accessibility, and economic growth through strategic road interventions across the FCT.
While commending Minister Wike for his purposeful leadership and commitment to delivering tangible results, Mahmoud underscored the significance of the project to the daily lives of residents along the corridor.
According to her, “This road is a lifeline that serves thousands of commuters daily, linking communities, reducing travel time, improving road safety, and stimulating socio-economic activities across the axis.”
