“You are a force of nature” – Tinubu lauds Wike

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, on Monday, June 3, 2024 commissioned the full-scope development of the Outer Southern Expressway (OSEX) from the Villa Roundabout to Ring Road 1 junction Abuja.

The commissioning exercise which was held at the OSEX also known as the Mahamadou Issoufou Way; a boundary road defining the southern flank of the Abuja capital city, is the 4th in a row of infrastructure projects executed by the Federal Capital Territory Administration (FCTA) and commissioned by President Tinubu to commemorate his one year in office.

In his address at the commissioning exercise, President Tinubu, who was represented by Vice President Kashim Shettima, expressed delight at the opportunity to once again commission another infrastructure project in the FCT completed by the FCT Administration.

The President who paid glowing tribute to the FCT Minister for his dedication to the development of the FCT, also reemphasized the commitment of the government to the growth and economic development of the country through the provision of infrastructure to enhance the quality of life for all Nigerians.

Highlighting the importance of the project, President Tinubu said the expansion of the Outer Southern Expressway will not only improve the road traffic condition and transportation in the FCT but will also stimulate economic growth and create opportunities for business

The President also commended the FCT Minister, Barrister Ezenwo Nnyesom Wike and his remarkable team in the FCT for their visionary leadership and tireless dedication to the development of the capital city.

President Tinubu who described Barr. Wike as a force of nature, said the FCT Minister is redefining the meaning and concept of modern leadership in Nigeria.

He said, “Under Wike’s leadership, we have witnessed remarkable strides in infrastructure development, urban planning and sustainable growth in the nation’s capital.

“Under Wike, we have proved to the world that what counts is leadership and what this nation needs is quality leadership”.

President Tinubu also acknowledged the contributions of other stakeholders to the completion of the project and commended them for their efforts.

In his speech, the FCT Minister, Barr. Ezenwo Nyesom Wike thanked President Tinubu for his presence at the project commissioning activities in the FCT and for his support to the FCT Administration.

He reiterated that the completion of the project is in line with the Renewed Hope Agenda of the President and emphasized the commitment of the FCT Administration to providing both physical and social infrastructure to improve the quality of lives of FCT residents

Barrister Wike also attributed the successes in project delivery in the FCT to the exit of the FCTA from the Treasury Single Account and the robust cooperation and support of the leadership of the National Assembly as well as other stakeholders, adding that contractors’ confidence has now been restored in the FCT.

The Minister of State FCT, Dr Mariya Mahmoud, in her remarks, also thanked the President, the Vice President and the leadership and members of the National Assembly for their support to the FCT Administration.

Giving an overview and background of the Outer Southern Expressway, the Executive Secretary, FCDA, Engr. Shehu Hadi Ahmad said it is one of the boundary roads defining the city on the southern flank

He said the OSEX, on full development is a 67 kilometer stretch of road commencing at the Villa Roundabout and traversing through Wassa District and the Kuje Area Council down to the intersection of Abuja-Lokoja Highway or the Federal Highway 02 in Gwagwalada.

He said the OSEX is a 10-lane expressway with two main carriageways of six lanes and two service carriageways of 4 lanes.

Engr. Ahmad said the development of the OSEX is being done in phases, adding that the section of the road that was being commissioned is the stretch from the Villa roundabout or the popular Power House Junction to the Ring Road 1 Junction also known as the Nnamdi Azikiwe Expressway. He said the completed portion will bring relief to the Abuja/Nyanya/Keffi bound traffic and the traffic gridlock experienced at the Power House junction.

Another unique feature of the OSEX, according to the ES, was that it intersects five roads named after past presidents of Nigeria, including the Goodluck Ebele Jonathan Expressway, the Yakubu Gowon Way, Shehu Shagari Way, Muhammadu Buhari Way and Nnamdi Azikiwe Expressway.

The Executive Secretary who also disclosed that the OSEX is adjoined by two major prime Districts of Asokoro and Guzape said the FCT Administration has also devoted efforts to the rehabilitation of the roads in Asokoro District and the delivery of the Guzape Engineering Infrastructure