In continuation of his inspection and evaluation of ongoing projects in the nation’s capital, the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory of Nigeria, Ezenwo Nyesom Wike on Tuesday, July 30, 2024, inspected the ongoing construction of 25-kilometer Yebu Kwaita road, the 11-kilometer Yangoji/Sukuku Ebo road, both in the Kwali Area Council of the FCT.
Addressing newsmen during the inspection visit, Wike expressed satisfaction with the pace and quality of work on the road projects and assured that they would be completed by December this year.
He said the roads, when completed will not only provide access to the farmlands in the rural areas but will also improve transportation in remote parts of the FCT.
Speaking about the capacity of the contractors to deliver the road projects within the agreed schedule he said, “I have confidence in Gilmor and other contractors who are involved in the construction of these roads in the satellite towns that they will keep to the promise they have made.
“On our own part, in terms of funding, it will not delay. It will not be our problem that we will go and delay the finishing of these roads. They know that we have been funding them and we will continue to fund them.’’
The minister also stated that his frequent visits to project sites in the FCT were to showcase to Nigerians that the FCT is working, adding that there was no need for protests in the FCT.
He said the government has acknowledged the challenges in the country and commended FCT residents for opting out of the planned protests and embracing the option of dialogue.
“If the FCT is working, why are you telling the residents to come and protest? We quite appreciate the level of hunger but we have said we should sit down and talk about it rather than give room for hooligans to perpetrate crimes against innocent Nigerians.
“No right-thinking government will fold its arms and allow people to cause mayhem, destroy properties, and then we go back to square one”.
Speaking further on the impact of the Renewed Hope Agenda of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu in the FCT, Barr. Wike said the policies and programs of the government have positively impacted both the Abuja city center and the satellite towns.
“I have said before that the Renewed Hope Agenda is not just for the city. It’s also for the rural areas.
“Where we are coming from now, you can see it is 25 kilometers, and look at how happy the people are. That is the essence of renewed hope and that is why we are saying that people should be patient with the government.
“While the government is doing everything to reduce the level of hunger, the government is also providing basic infrastructure that will improve the economy of our country”.
Meanwhile, the FCT Minister also encountered some victims of a kidnapping incident in Kuje, who were rescued by the local vigilante outfit in Kwali Area Council and commended the team for its bravery and for taking it upon itself to contribute to the security of the place.
He reiterated that security was a key component of the Renewed Hope Agenda of the government and assured of the provision of logistics and financial support to the vigilante group to improve its capacity to fight crime in its locality.
