Wike flags off construction of 11km road in Kwali

Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Barrister Ezenwo Nyesom Wike has reiterated the commitment of the FCT Administration to the development of the rural communities in the FCT.

The Minister made this commitment when he flagged-off the construction of 11km Yangoji-Sukuku-Ebo Road in Kwali Area Council. The FCT Minister who noted that governance means nothing if the needs of the people at the rural level are not met, assured that President Bola Ahmed Tinubu is also fully committed to the welfare of the rural dwellers.

He said he was directed by the President to interface directly with the rural communities when the issues of insecurity arose, adding that the President has also directed him to provide the necessary infrastructure, in line with the Renewed Hope Agenda, to bring back the lost hope of the people.

According to the Minister, “Mr. President has said you don’t need to lose hope. I’m bringing back that hope for you. And how is he bringing back that hope? We must have to touch the rural areas because these are the people who felt they have been abandoned, who felt they are not going to get anything from government”.

“So, Mr. President said no, you don’t need to lose hope. I am here. I’m going to give you back your hope. I’m going to give you back your infrastructure. When the issue of insecurity came, he directed that I must interface with the people to let them know that he is there for you. He will not abandon you at this point in time”.

The Minister who also thanked the Yangoji Community in Kwali for coming out in large numbers to support the road construction project, urged them to take ownership and defend the project to the last.

The Minister also assured that all abandoned projects in Kwali Area Council under the Federal Capital Development Authority (FCDA) would be completed, adding that the FCT Administration has also identified 24 schools for rehabilitation in the six Area Councils.
Barr. Wike while also assuring that no project would be abandoned in the FCT under the administration of President Tinubu, pledged that the FCT Administration will continue to interface with FCT residents to better understand their needs.

He said, “FCT people, this is your own turn to benefit. We will not be tired of coming to meet you from time to time. In fact, if there was anyway to relocate and stay with you and understand how you feel, we will do it.

Also speaking on the effects of the economic reforms of the Federal Government, the Minister expressed confidence that the situation will soon turn around for the better and called for patience, understanding and continued support of the people for the government.
“Continue to support the Area Councils, continue to support Asiwaju’s Administration so that all the promises he has made, he will be able to fulfill them. Continue to pray for him for God to give him the strength, the health and the wisdom because it is not easy”.

The FCT Minister also stressed the need for cooperation between the FCTA and the six Area Councils, urging them to set aside their political differences and provide good governance for the interest of the people.

He said, “I don’t care where you belong to. All I care is how we are going to work together to make the lives of our people to be better and that is why we are here. I’m happy I’m working with all the Area Council Chairmen. I’ve never asked them one day which party do you belong to because I don’t care. All I care, are you doing what will make the people happy? If you are, then you are my friend. If you are not doing anything and then you say you are in the same party with me, I will turn my face because you must make people to be happy”.

Speaking on the availability of funds for contract awards in the FCT, the Minister revealed that contractors in the FCT no longer wait for mobilization before moving to the sites, due to the renewed confidence they now have in the FCT Administration.

On the efforts of government to tackle the security challenges in the FCT, the FCT Minister who was also conferred with the title of Kauran Kwali assured that he will continue to lead the battle against insecurity in the FCT and warned that criminals in the nation’s capital would soon meet their waterloo.

He Said, “You have an opportunity now to repent. If not, I’ve told the security agencies to send you where you are supposed to be”.
Speaking earlier, the Chairman, Kwali Area Council, Hon. Danladi Chiya, who is also the ALGON Chairman, thanked the Minister for the project and called for the completion of previously abandoned projects in the Council.

Hon. Chiya also disclosed that the road which will lead to Kuje Area Council, will, on completion make it easy for farmers to transport their goods to neighbouring Area Councils as well as enhance security in the council.

Giving the overview of the project, the coordinator, STDD, Olusegun Olusa, recalled that the FCT Administration had earlier flagged off the construction of the 7.2 kilometer Paikon Kore-Ibwa road in Gwagwalada, in addition to the 9km Gaba-Tokulo road in Bwari as well as a 5km dual carriageway in Kuje area Council, adding that the rural communities in the FCT are now beginning to feel the impact of the Renewed Hope Agenda of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.

He said the scope of work for the Yangoji-Sukuku-Ebo road will consist of the construction an 11km asphaltic road on 8 meter carriageway which also include site clearance and earthwork, reinforced concrete pipe culverts of various sizes, 150mm thick crushed stone-base course, among others.