Now We Can Breathe Again’: FCT Satellite Town Residents Celebrate New Roads, Better Business
By: Prudence Okonna
From Pai in Kwali Area Council, to Kabusa-Ketti in Abuja Municipal Area Council, to the War College, Ushafa road in Bwari Area Council, and the Aguma Palace–Radio Nigeria Market Road in Gwagwalada, excitement filled the air as residents and traders welcomed the commissioning of long-overdue road projects across the Federal Capital Territory (FCT).
The final day of the 16-day commissioning exercise led by the Minister of the FCT, Barr. Nyesom Wike, was marked with cheers and celebrations from grateful residents.
In Gwagwalada Area Council, hundreds came out to witness the unveiling of the newly rehabilitated Aguma–Radio Nigeria Market Road, hailing it as a major turnaround for their local economy.
Speaking with Abuja Digest, residents and traders could not hide their joy as they recounted how the road, once a nightmare for commuters, had crippled economic activities and isolated the bustling Gwagwalada Main Market for years.
Onyeka Asoanya, a businessman and resident of Jeremiah Useni Estate, recalled the hardship:
“I sell in Gwagwalada Main Market and have lived in Jerry Estate for several years now. The road became unmotorable. People used to park their vehicles five kilometres away and take commercial motorcycles just to access the market. It felt like driving in an ocean.
But since the era of Wike Mr. Project, things have changed. God will keep him for us. We’ve not seen a man like him. Since this road was done, our sales have tripled, even more. That is why I came here, I’ve never seen him before, but today I will. I thank President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for appointing someone who can truly deliver. My wish? That Wike will one day be president.”
The Secretary of the Gwagwalada Main Market Traders Association, Thomas Chika, described the road as a lifeline:
“For over seven years, our market was in a coma due to this road. But today, we are happy. This road was flagged off just seven months ago, and today it is done. Before now, people avoided our market because of the road. Sales were low. But now, things have changed. The Minister told us he is not a sitting Minister — and truly, he is Talk and Do. May God bless him.”
For Malomo Mojisola, Assistant Women Leader of the Southwest Group in the Market Traders Association, the change has been life-altering:
“It’s been over six years of struggling with this road. Rainy seasons used to kill our businesses. Now, sales are up, and movement is easier. I have lived in Gwagwalada for over 20 years and never saw any Minister visit — until now. We thank the President for giving us someone like Wike.”
Abuja digest recalls that the road rehabilitation project, which began on September 30, 2024, was officially commissioned on July 4, 2025, marking a new chapter for the community and reinforcing the FCT Administration’s commitment to the Renewed Hope Agenda under President Tinubu.
For many residents, the transformation is more than concrete and asphalt, it is dignity restored, businesses revived, and hope renewed.
