President Bola Tinubu says he is laying a foundation for Nigeria’s prosperity through the provision of critical infrastructure projects executed by his administration in the Federal Capital Territory and beyond.
He said this at the inauguration of Phase I of the Kuje-Gwagwalada Dual Carriage Way project in Abuja, the nation’s capital.
Represented by Vice President Kashim Shettima, the President vowed that no community will be left behind under his watch, noting that the government is “building the nation of our dreams.”
The Nigerian leader outlined the significance of the Kuje-Gwagwalada Dual Carriage Way, noting that the road has both economic and geographical benefits
“This 7km dual carriageway with solar-powered street lights, pedestrian walkways, and proper drainage is more than a road. It is security. It is commerce. It is dignity. It is the economic corridor linking Abuja to three Area Councils and opening an exit route to southern Nigeria.”
The construction of the road has “unlocked the agricultural potential of the area, opened new residential layouts, and made it safer for mothers, students, and workers to move at any hour,” he noted, as he appealed to Nigerians to never give up on the country, while calling for support for his administration’s Renewed Hope Agenda.
Full Responsibility
President Tinubu took full responsibility for the hardship occasioned by the ongoing reforms, assuring the citizens that they are designed to bring lasting prosperity.
“To all Nigerians: I know the reforms have been tough. The hard choices today are for a stronger tomorrow. From the city centre to the farthest satellite town, we are laying the foundation for prosperity.
“Do not give up on Nigeria. Stay with us. Support the Renewed Hope Agenda. The results you are seeing here in Kuje-Gwagwalada are happening across the country,” he stated.
This, he declared, is Renewed Hope delivered to the doorsteps of the people in the satellite towns, just as he commended the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, for taking Renewed Hope to the grassroots.
“I gave you one instruction when I appointed you: “Make Abuja work for all Nigerians, not just for those in Maitama and Asokoro. You have taken Renewed Hope to the grassroots.
“From judicial quarters in Katampe to roads in Kuje and Gwagwalada, you are proving that development must not be selective. You heard the cries of satellite communities, and you responded. That is leadership. Well done,” he told the Minister.
President Tinubu assured the people of Kuje, Gwagwalada, Kwali, all the area councils and satellite towns that the government sees them, and that they are not forgotten.
He charged the direct beneficiaries of the infrastructure to protect the road from those who would attempt to build on the median or vandalise the solar lights, as he urged the citizens to pay their taxes and ground rents, observing that “when government works and citizens cooperate, development moves faster.”
Engagement
The Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Minister said the territory’s Administration under his watch had adopted a community engagement model in the selection and execution of projects across the territory, noting that the completion and inauguration of the road and other projects across the FCT are a manifestation of the model’s efficacy.
He acknowledged and commended the commitment of traditional rulers and stakeholders across the FCT who, according to him, are critical in the effective administration of the territory.
The Minister thanked President Tinubu for his relentless support and commitment in the transformation of critical infrastructure across the territory through the FCT administration.
In her remarks, the Minister of State for FCT, Dr Mariya Mahmoud, said the benefiting communities, people of Kuje, Gwagwalada and the entire FCT, remain grateful for the commitment of the Tinubu adminiatratio to uplift the state of infrastructure in the FCT, particularly in the satellite towns and communities.
In an overview of the project, the Coordinator of Satellite Town Development Department, Abdulkadir Zulkiflu, said the completion of the project marked a significant advancement in the present administration’s commitment to improving the state of infrastructure in the satellite towns and a fulfilment of the FCT Minister’s efforts to uplift the wellbeing of people living in the satellite towns.
He said the commissioning of the project is a manifestation of a promise made and kept by the FCT administration under the leadership of the Minister, noting that the inauguration of the road project for use will improve economic as well as social activities in Kuje, Gwagwalada and environs, which aligns with the Renewed Hope Agenda of the Tinubu administration.
