Wike Pledges More Infrastructure, Welfare, Economic Dev’t in 2024
By: Wisdom Acka
FCT Minister, Nyesom Wike, has said that the FCT Administration would implement robust policies that would bolster development of the FCT as a model of excellence in all ramifications.
Specifically, the Minister disclosed that his Administration would focus on critical areas of infrastructural and sustainable development, economic empowerment, social welfare, as well as security, community engagement and inclusivity.
Wike’s plan for this year was contained in his new year message.
Parts of the message read: “We thank the Almighty for the gift of life to witness the dawn of a new year and pray that He guides us through it successfully, meeting all our aspirations and goals.”
“I extend my warm and heartfelt greetings to all the residents of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) as we usher in the New Year, 2024,” he said.
His words: “Let me begin by saying that the successes recorded in 2023 under the visionary leadership of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, and the promises inherent in the Renewed Hope Agenda will serve as a blueprint as we implement our development agenda for the FCT.”
“Over the past few months, we have made significant strides in various sectors, propelled by a commitment to excellence and innovation. Our efforts have been directed towards enhancing infrastructure, ensuring effective urban planning, bolstering healthcare facilities, improving education, and creating an enabling environment for businesses to thrive,” Wike added.
According to him, the FCT Administration would continue to work in line with “President Tinubu’s commitment to good governance, economic prosperity, and social development….for a better Nigeria and a Federal Capital Territory which will be the pride of all of us.”
The Minister revealed that he would, thereby, continue on accelerated infrastructural development, including road construction, public transportation with re-opening of the Abuja Metro System and the expansion of essential amenities such as water supply and electricity to meet the demands of the ever increasing FCT population.
In the area of economic empowerment, Wike said his government would remain committed to fostering economic growth through creation of enabling environment for businesses to thrive.
He stressed that the FCTA would do more in promoting entrepreneurship, and the provision of employment opportunities for the youth, while focusing on the untapped tourism sector, and turning it into a major major revenue earner for the FCT.
On social welfare, he said that priority would be given to healthcare, education and housing, with a view to ensuring that every resident has access to essential services and quality living conditions.
“We will intensify efforts to enhance educational institutions, equip our youth with the necessary skills, and create opportunities for their holistic development”, he pledged.
Other sustainable development areas such as green initiatives, waste management, and renewable energy would be looked into, just as removal of shanties and slums would also not be left out to sustain the sanctity of the Abuja Master Plan.
Speaking on security, Wike reaffirmed “Administration’s unwavering commitment to ensuring the security and well-being of all residents.”
“Security remains a top priority, and we will continue to support the efforts of the security agencies in keeping the FCT safe. While we will remain vigilant and responsive by adapting to evolving threats, I equally call on residents to play their roles by cooperating with security agencies by providing much needed information should the need”, he emphasized.
The Minister, therefore, called on all FCT residents to support the President’s Renewed Hope Agenda; saying it was poised to bringing about positive change and elevating our nation to higher heights.
