Tinubu Names 3.5km Abuja Road Wole Soyinka Way
By: Wisdom Acka
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has approved the naming of the Arterial road N20 from Northern Parkway to the Outer Northern Expressway (Murtala Mohammed Expressway) Wole Soyinka Way.
Tinubu disclosed this in his address during the commissioning of the road in Abuja, Tuesday.
The President described Soyinka as a foremost playwright, who has brought international recognition to Nigeria and, therefore, appreciated the FCT Minister, Nyesom Wike, for the recommendation.
His words: “Let me say here that your momentous recommendation to name this road Wole Soyinka Way is well received. He is our foremost playwright, novelist, and Nobel prize winner, who has brought Nigeria fame and pride of international acclaim.”
The President thanked the Minister for thinking that way; saying, “We all accept your recommendation on behalf of the people and the Federal Republic of Nigeria”.
“Professor Wole Soyinka has brought immense honour and fame to Nigeria through his unparalleled contributions to literature and his unwavering commitment to human rights and social justice. Naming this highway after him is a fitting tribute to a man who has dedicated his life to the pursuit of truth, freedom, and artistic excellence,” Tinubu added.
He said the commissioning of the road was a testament to the actualisation of his administration’s agenda to transform every part of the country; noting the importance of investing in infrastructural development to sustain growth and deliver economic prosperity to the people.
The FCT Minister, Nyesom Wike, in his address, explained that the Wole Soyinka Way was awarded in 2020, at the cost of N30.6 billion; noting that it was the fastest of all the projects completed in four years.
He added that with the work done in the FCT under Tinubu’s administration, it would be “very difficult” for anyone to challenge him in the FCT.
“This road was awarded in 2020. In fact, this is the fastest. It was awarded 2020, not the ones that were awarded 15 years ago, or 16 years ago. It was awarded at the cost of N30.6 billion”, he stated.
FCT Minister of State, Dr. Mariya Mahmoud, on her part, expressed “deepest appreciation to the President and all those involved in the monumental task of developing this arterial road in our city.”
She, however, noted: “our tireless efforts have not transformed the infrastructural landscape of our city but has laid foundation for smoother transportation and enhanced connectivity.”
Mahmoud added that, the President’s “dedication and commitment, with excellence has made a significant impact on the lives of FCT residents and visitors alike and for that we remain eternally loyal and grateful to you, Mr. President.”
Executive Secretary, Federal Capital Development Authority (FCDA), Engr. Shehu Hadi-Ahmad, ealier in his project overview, stated that the aretial road N20 was “one of the principal arteries of corridors for conveyance of network of engineering infrastructure, which will take from the primary sources and convey into districts adjoining such roads.”
He disclosed that the road is located in the northern flank of the FCT, crisscrossing sectors centres, which under the Abuja Master Plan, is a confluence of about four to six districts.
