Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Barr. Ezenwo Nyesom Wike, on Wednesday, October 30, 2024, flagged off the rehabilitation of the 10-kilometer Aguma Palace – Radio Nigeria – New Market Road in Gwagwalada Area Council.
2. Speaking during the flag-off exercise, the Minister reiterated the FCT Administration’s commitment to ensuring that governance positively impacts the FCT Area Councils, in line with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda.
3. The Minister, who recalled that the stakeholders in the Area Council selected the road for rehabilitation during the interactive town hall between the FCT Administration and the FCT Area Councils, said the flag-off of the project fulfils the president’s promise to deliver the dividends of democracy to the FCT Area Councils.
4. He said, “I told you that Mr. President has directed that we should give it to you whatever you ask. And today, by the special grace of God, one of the special requests you made is the reconstruction of this very important segment of the road….”.
5. “This is not the time when a contract is awarded and the contract is abandoned. This contract has been awarded. This contract has been flagged off today, and this contract will be commissioned next year”.
6. He assured that adequate budgetary provisions had been made for the project and called on Gwagwalada residents to support the contractor and ensure the project was completed on time.
7. Barr. Wike also urged the contractor to involve the Area Council youths by giving them employment opportunities during the road reconstruction.
8. Stressing that the FCT Administration was committed to the development of the FCT Area Councils as directed by President Tinubu, the Minister also disclosed that the President had approved the provision of potable water in the Gwagwalada Area Council.
9. He said, “Let me reiterate that Mr. President did not appoint the Hon. Minister of State and my humble self to come here to preside over the selling of land. We are here to give you roads, we are here to give you water, and we are here to make you happy.
10.“This is what we talk about government, government for the people, the government of the people, and government by the people.”
11.In their separate goodwill messages, the Chairmen of the Senate and House of Representatives Committees on FCT Area Councils and Ancillary Matters, Senator David Jimkuta and Hon Fred Agbedi (represented by Hon Peter Ekwe), respectively, and the Hon. Member representing Abuja South in the House of Representatives, Abdulrahman Ajiya commended the FCT Minister for the provision of infrastructure in the FCT Area Councils.
12.The lawmakers also commended the Minister’s judicious utilization of appropriated funds in the FCT and pledged the continued support of the National Assembly for the FCT Administration.
13.In her remarks, the Minister of State, FCT, thanked President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for his support for the FCT Administration and the FCT Minister for his doggedness in ensuring that Mr President’s Renewed Hope Agenda touches every part of the territory. She added that the rehabilitation of the Aguma Palace-Radio Nigeria-New Market Road is a testament to the administration’s commitment to improving the quality of life of residents.
14.Dr Mahmoud said the construction of the road will improve accessibility in the Gwagwalada Area Council and stimulate economic activities in the area.
15.Highlighting the scope of the project, the Coordinator of the Satellite Towns Development Department (STDD), Hon. Abdulkadir Zulkiflu, said the 10-kilometer road project has a 12-month completion timeline and will have street lights and all the services of a well-apportioned road when completed.
16.He added that the road project will alleviate the challenges of rural dwellers, improve their living conditions, and bridge infrastructure gaps in the FCT Area Councils.
17. Also speaking at the event, the Chairman, Gwagwalada Area Council, Hon. Abubakar Giri thanked the Minister and Minister of State for the good work they are doing in transforming the FCT.
18.The Chairman, who stressed that poor road conditions were the major problem in the area councils, thanked the Minister for rehabilitating the Aguma Palace-Radio Nigeria-New Market Road, which he described as the only major road in Gwagwalada town. Unfortunately, it has been in a deplorable state for many years.
19.He said that with the earlier flag-off of the construction of the Paikon Kore-Ibwa road and the rehabilitation of the New Market Road, the council has started reaping the dividends of democracy.
20.While making his commitment to deliver, the Executive Director, Okmas Nigeria Limited (the Contractors handling the project), Engr. Ebera Owhonda, said the project will be completed and delivered in ten months and assured of quality.
ANTHONY OGUNLEYE
DIRECTOR, PRESS
(OFFICE OF THE HON. MINISTER)
30/10/2024
