Post by EMMA COURAGE

JUST IN: President Bola Tinubu has praised FCT Minister Nyesom Wike for ending what he described as the era of abandoned road projects in Abuja, following the commissioning of the full-scope development of Akinwumi Ajibola Street in Gaduwa District. Represented by Senate President Godswill Akpabio, the President said Wike transformed infrastructure delivery in the Federal Capital Territory by reviving neglected projects, returning contractors to site, setting clear deadlines and ensuring adequate funding. According to Tinubu, “You ended the era of mobilisation without movement. You ended the era of abandoned inner roads while major highways took all the attention.” He added that Wike had taken development beyond Abuja’s city centre into districts and satellite towns, ensuring that more residents benefit from government projects. The President noted that residents of Gaduwa had lived for years without a motorable access road despite building homes in the district. He said the completed project would improve mobility, reduce travel time, minimise vehicle damage and increase property values. Tinubu also urged residents to protect public infrastructure by avoiding vandalism and keeping drainage channels free from refuse. At the event, Wike cautioned the Chairman of the Abuja Municipal Area Council (AMAC), Christopher Maikalangu, against naming roads constructed by the Federal Government without approval. While acknowledging that street naming falls under local government councils, the minister stressed that roads built with federal funds remain subject to federal clearance before being named. Wike said the inauguration was the 16th project commissioned under a 31-day programme marking the administration’s third anniversary, adding that several districts and satellite towns across the FCT have benefited from ongoing infrastructure projects under the Renewed Hope Agenda. The minister also reaffirmed the administration’s commitment to extending development beyond the city centre to communities across the FCT.