PRESIDENT TINUBU APPLAUDS WIKE’S TRANSFORMATIONAL LEADERSHIP AT GIRI ROAD COMMISSIONING

…as Wike declares Giri District open for investors

By: Wisdom Acka and Prudence Okonna

President Bola Tinubu has said that the transformational leadership of the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, has brought development closer to FCT residents in the satellite towns.

The President stated this on Monday, 30th June, 2025, during the commissioning of the new access road in Giri, Abuja.

During the event, President Bola Tinubu said that the transformational leadership of the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Barrister Nyesom Wike, has brought development closer to FCT residents in the satellite towns.

Speaking on behalf of the President, Speaker House of Representatives, Hon. Abbas Tajudeen, commended the Minister of the FCT, Barr. Nyesom Wike, for what he described as a transformational leadership style that has visibly redefined the landscape of the FCT.

The President praised the visible footprint of Minister Wike’s leadership, which spans both elite and emerging parts of the capital territory.

“Your work speaks for itself, from the vast-spaced districts of Maitama, Jahi, Katampe, Wuye, and Mabushi, to the satellite towns of Gwagwalada, Abaji, Kwali, Bwari, and Kuje, and even to the rapidly growing districts of Kabusa, Ketti, and now, Giri. Your leadership has brought progress closer to the people. Thank you very much.” President Tinubu said.

He commended Wike not only for aligning with the vision of the Renewed Hope Agenda but for localising it and making it visible, practical, and impactful.

The president also described the new access road as a symbol of unity and a bridge of inclusion.

In his words: “The road you commissioned here today is more than an access way; it is a bridge of inclusion, a signal of recognition, and an instrument of national unity. It reminds us that development must reach the outskirts just as it touches the centre.”

According to President Tinubu, the road is more than an access route; it is a strong statement that no community is too small, no area too distant, to enjoy the dividends of democracy.

“This road is a statement of intent, an intention to open up Giri District and the entire FCT. It shows that under this administration, no community is too small, no area too distant or insignificant to benefit from the dividends of democracy.”

The President, while thanking the Minister for bringing progress closer to the people, assured the FCTA of continued federal support.

“Honourable Minister, on behalf of myself, my Administration, and the good people of the FCT, I say thank you to you. thank you for reminding us that good governance is not about fanfare, but about footsteps,” he said.

Calling on the Minister to continue to shine his light because Nigeria sees it and history will record it, the President thanked the communities for their support.

In his remarks, FCT Minister Barr. Nyesom Wike thanked the President and expressed deep appreciation to the National Assembly for their consistent support.

The Minister thereafter revealed that the Giri District is open and available for investors to come and harness its potential.

He said that the access road is part of ongoing efforts to improve connectivity and boost development in key districts like Giri.

“This is not just about a road. This is about opening up Giri as an investment destination. The district houses the EFCC training facility and a federal university,” the Minister explained.

According to the Minister, in the next year, more roads will be constructed to open up further access within the Giri district.

 “We are committed to ensuring that more roads are constructed to support this growth,” Wike said.

The Minister also revealed that the FCTA has, for developmental purposes, reduced to 4,000 hectares from 11,000 hectares of land originally allocated to the Yakubu Gowon University, formerly known as the University of Abuja.

“So, I have told the Director of Lands and the other relevant agencies to carve out 4,000 hectares and give it to the university. They are the ones who are going to protect it because we are going to provide the roads here.” Barr. Wike said.

He also applauded Levant Construction Limited for keeping their word and delivering the project in time, reinforcing the FCTA’s commitment to efficient partnerships.

In her vote of thanks, FCT Minister of State, Dr. Mariya Mahmoud, noted that the Renewed Hope Agenda of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has continued to shape the transformation of the nation’s capital.

She said: “This project is yet another shining example of his administration’s commitment to infrastructure development, connectivity, and inclusive growth.”

Dr. Mahmoud commended the visionary and dynamic leadership of the FCT Minister for accelerating development across the Territory, stressing that the road is part of a broader initiative to open up underserved communities and stimulate economic activities within the area councils.

 The Chairman of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), Ola Olukoyede, represented by the Secretary to the Commission, Mallam Muhammad Hammajoda, conveyed deep appreciation to President Tinubu and the FCT Administration.

He revealed that on assumption of office, he realised that there was no access road to the proposed EFCC training Academy, adding that the construction of the access road is a great relief to the commission.

“Before now, we were stranded. Today, thanks to this road, we can commence construction of our training facility,” he said, lauding the Minister for delivering the road swiftly.

Presenting the project overview, the Executive Secretary of the Federal Capital Development Authority (FCDA), Engr. Richard Dauda, said that the Giri access road project was processed and awarded on November 4, 2024, and subsequently flagged off on December 5, 2024.

He added that the road was conceived as part of a broader plan to designate Giri as an institutional area, given its proximity to major establishments such as the EFCC Training Academy and the University of Abuja.

According to Engr. Dauda, the project scope includes three kilometres of asphalt-paved dual carriageway, Construction of box and pipe culverts for effective drainage, as well as solar-powered street lighting.

He added that the vital infrastructure has opened up the Giri District, paving the way for economic activities, institutional development, and significantly enhancing the security of the area.

Meanwhile, the Managing Director of Levant Construction Limited, Engr. Elie Tannous affirmed the company’s pride in executing the project in just five months, aligning with the Renewed Hope Agenda.

“This road symbolises the upliftment of the people of Giri. We are grateful to the FCT Minister for his trust and support, and we celebrate the spirit of partnership that made this project a success.” Tannous said.