Tinubu to Wike: You’ve not disappointed me

By Omeiza Ajayi

ABUJA: President Bola Tinubu on Friday gave his strongest public endorsement yet of the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory FCT, Barrister Nyesom Wike, declaring that the former Rivers State governor has justified the confidence reposed in him to transform Abuja into a modern capital city.

The President, represented by Vice President Kashim Shettima, spoke at the commissioning of Collector Road CN2 (Emmanuel Okanla Boulevard) and other road networks in the Katampe District of the FCT.

“When I gave him the assignment to make Abuja a true capital city, I knew his track records. Wike, you have not disappointed Mr President.

“From transforming abandoned roads into new boulevards, to delivering water projects and judicial quarters, you work day and night. You do not give excuses; you give results. The people of the FCT call you ‘Mr Project’ for a reason”, the president said. 

Tinubu’s remarks came on the eighth day of a marathon commissioning exercise by the FCT Administration showcasing infrastructure projects delivered under his administration.

He described the newly completed road as a symbol of the administration’s determination to restore confidence in governance through visible development, noting that the installation of solar-powered street lights along major corridors had improved security while reviving Abuja’s nightlife and economic activities.

“We have installed solar street lights, and today Katampe is bright at night. Abuja’s city life is coming back, and criminal hideouts are disappearing. This is exactly what good governance delivers: security, mobility and dignity,” Tinubu said, adding that the road “represents hope” and demonstrates that the Renewed Hope Agenda “is translating into tangible results.”

In his remarks, Wike said the Katampe road project was conceived to close a critical infrastructure gap that became apparent after the completion of adjoining road networks.

“Last year, when Mr President commissioned the Gishiri road and the bridge linking Maitama, this road did not even exist. We identified the missing link and immediately moved to address it because infrastructure must be holistic,” he said.

The minister noted that the project had already unlocked significant real estate development in Katampe, attracting investors and stimulating economic activities.

“People say nothing is happening in Nigeria, but when you look around Abuja and see construction sites everywhere, new buildings emerging daily and businesses investing heavily, the evidence speaks for itself,” he said..

Wike argued that infrastructure development remains one of the most effective tools for economic growth and job creation, saying thousands of Nigerians have benefited directly and indirectly from ongoing projects across the territory.

He also pointed to efforts to extend development into satellite communities, citing the recently commissioned road linking Tungan-Madaki communities.

“For the first time, many of these communities are experiencing what government presence truly means. We are connecting people to opportunities, schools, healthcare and economic activities,” he said, disclosing that another milestone would be recorded on Monday with the commissioning of a strategic water supply project in Karu designed to improve access to potable water in satellite towns.

In her vote of thanks, the Minister of State for the FCT, Dr Mariya Mahmoud, said the project reflected President Tinubu’s vision of using infrastructure as a catalyst for economic growth, social inclusion and improved quality of life. She commended the President, the National Assembly, Wike, engineers, contractors and community leaders for their contributions to its successful delivery.

Earlier, the Acting Executive Secretary of the Federal Capital Development Authority FCDA, Richard Dauda, said the project comprises a 3.9-kilometre road network equipped with underground drainage systems, water pipelines, sewer infrastructure, telecommunications ducts, solar-powered street lighting, walkways and green areas. He said the road improves connectivity between Katampe, Mabushi, Jahi, Maitama and adjoining districts while opening up new corridors for residential and commercial development.

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