The Chairman of Kuje Area Council, Mr Danjuma Samuel Shekolo, and his counterpart in Gwagwalada Area Council, Mr Mohammed Kasim Ikwa, have pledged to replicate the development initiatives of the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Mr Nyesom Wike, in their respective councils.
The council chairmen made the commitment on the sidelines of the inauguration of the Gwagwalada-Kuje Dual Carriageway, describing the minister’s performance as a model for effective grassroots governance.
Shekolo said the newly completed road would bring significant socio-economic and security benefits to residents of Kuje and Gwagwalada Area Councils.
According to him, travel time between Kuje and Gwagwalada has been reduced from more than an hour to between 10 and 15 minutes.
“As you can see, for the first time, travelling from Kuje to Gwagwalada Area Council will take just 10 to 15 minutes, unlike before when it took more than one hour.
“In terms of socio-economic development, this area is going to grow rapidly, while economic activities in both Kuje and Gwagwalada Area Councils will increase significantly.
“The road will also improve security along the corridor. Previously, it was difficult to use this road after 6 p.m., but with the installation of streetlights, residents can now travel safely even at midnight,” he said.
Shekolo commended President Bola Tinubu and the FCT Minister for delivering the project, noting that while previous administrations made promises, the current leadership fulfilled them.
Similarly, the Chairman of Gwagwalada Area Council, Mr Mohammed Kasim Ikwa, said residents of Gwagwalada, Kuje and other parts of the FCT would benefit immensely from the project.
Ikwa described Wike as a transformative leader whose achievements had inspired him to deliver the dividends of democracy to the people of Gwagwalada.
He acknowledged inheriting several challenges in office but insisted that these would not prevent him from fulfilling his mandate.
“By the grace of God, just as the minister has challenged us, we have a marching order to follow his example by bringing meaningful development to our people,” he said.
Ikwa added that the minister’s delivery of impactful infrastructure projects was enhancing the image of the FCT and improving the quality of life of residents.
He noted that Wike’s ongoing projects were opening up satellite towns and connecting communities across the territory, ensuring that development reached all parts of the FCT.
“All we can say is that we are grateful. We pray for continued strength and wisdom for the minister as he sets the pace for local government leaders to follow. We will emulate his positive initiatives by the grace of God,” he said.
The chairman also pledged to implement his administration’s seven-point agenda aimed at transforming Gwagwalada Area Council.
According to him, the agenda prioritises security, agriculture, healthcare, education and inclusive governance.
He added that his administration would work closely with traditional institutions to promote accountability and transparency, while providing skills acquisition and empowerment opportunities for women, youths and persons with disabilities.
