PRESIDENT TINUBU REAFFIRMS ADMINISTRATION’S COMMITMENT TO COMMUNITY-LED DEVELOPMENT
…AS HE COMMISSIONS SIXTEENTH PROJECT IN FCT TO CELEBRATE SECOND YEAR IN OFFICE
By: Wisdom Acka, Gyang Dakwo & Prudence Okonna
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to a community-led development approach that ensures equitable distribution of infrastructure across the country
The President stated this on Friday, July 4, 2025, while commissioning the newly rehabilitated 10-kilometer Aguma Palace-Radio Nigeria-New Market Road in Gwagwalada Area Council of the FCT.
Represented by Vice President Kashim Shettima, President Tinubu noted that the key project was nominated by the people of Gwagwalada Area Council, stressing that its subsequent delivery by the FCT Administration was a demonstration that government is listening to the people.
According to him, “What makes this moment even more remarkable is that the projects we are unveiling were not imposed from above. They were nominated by the people of Gwagwalada themselves, and this is the kind of democracy we believe in. One that listens, one that responds, and one that delivers. We are not just rehabilitating roads; we are rehabilitating trust”.
The President observed that the rural dwellers have watched development happen from a distance for far too long and described the rehabilitated road as “a corridor of dignity for the market women, a path to safety for our school children and a road to prosperity for the hard-working trader in Ggwagwalada Area Council”.
He lauded the transformation unfolding across the FCT as a product of deliberate and bold reform-oriented policies that have expanded the FCT’s revenue base, allowing the administration to invest in critical infrastructure like roads, schools, and hospitals.
The President commended the Minister of the FCT, Barrister Nyesom Wike, for his exceptional dedication and “no-holds-barred attitude” in driving progress, while expressing his appreciation for the Minister’s accomplishments.
Speaking earlier, the Minister of the FCT, Barrister. Nyesom Wike highlighted the administration’s emphasis on inclusive development, transparency, and performance-based governance, underscoring that the ongoing commissioning activities demonstrate accountability to the people.
He further lauded the use of local contractors, including OKMAS Nigeria Ltd, for completing the project in eight months, stating, “We believe in the capacity of local contractors. This administration has made it a policy to prioritize and support them”.
The Minister also expressed gratitude to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for creating an enabling environment for infrastructure renewal across the FCT, stating that the President, through his people-oriented policies, has positively impacted the lives of the people. “His administration has focused on impact, not politics. Regardless of distractions, the work is speaking for itself”, Barr. Wike said.
Delivering the vote of thanks, the Minister of State, FCT, Dr. Mariya Mahmoud expressed profound gratitude to President Tinubu and Vice President Shettima for their consistent support to the FCT, which, she said, has continued to inspire infrastructure development across the nation and the FCT.
Dr. Mahmoud also acknowledged the support and cooperation of the National Assembly leadership and the people of Gwagwalada, especially the traditional institution, stressing that the rehabilitation of the road will stimulate social harmony and improve the quality of life of the rural people in the FCT and the nation at large.
Providing the technical brief for the road project, the Coordinator, Satellite Towns Development Department (STDD), Hon. Abdulkadir Zulkiflu said the scope of work covered the construction of 10 kilometers of road network and the provision of accompanying engineering services, including the installation of solar streetlights.
He expressed appreciation to the Hon. Minister of FCT for entrusting the department with the successful delivery of the project, which he said reflects the Renewed Hope agenda of President Tinubu, while reaffirming the Minister’s commitment to equitable development across all Area Councils of the FCT.
The Managing Director, OKMAS Nigeria Ltd, the contractor to the project, Mr Owhonda Ebere also extended appreciation to the Federal Capital Territory Administration (FCTA), for its support and commitment to local content. He noted that the project, completed in 8 months, has revived socio-economic activity in the area, particularly around the once-declining market hub. “Your Excellency, this project restored hope to the people of Gwagwalada and stands as a testament to the capacity of indigenous contractors when given the opportunity”, he said.
