News Agency of Nigeria
Kugbo, Mabushi bus terminals ‘ll process 20,000 passengers daily – Otunola
Metro

Kugbo, Mabushi bus terminals ‘ll process 20,000 passengers daily – Otunola

 

By Philip Yatai

Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer, Planet Project Ltd, Mr Biodun Otunola, says the Kugbo and Mabushi Bus and Taxi Terminals, Abuja, are designed to process more than 10,000 passengers each, daily.

Otunola made this known in Abuja on Thursday, on the sideline of the inauguration of the Kugbo Bus and Taxi Terminal by President Bola Tinubu to celebrate his second year in office.

He added that the terminals, constructed by Planet Project, a local contractor, were also designed to accommodate 120 buses and taxis each, daily, for both intercity and intracity travels.

He, however, said that the terminal under construction in the Central Business District (CBD) was different, adding that it was essentially designed for intracity operations.

“We can take over 120 buses here and we’ve designed this place such that it can handle up to 10,000 passengers every day.

“It’s the same thing with the one in Mabushi as well. The same concept but the one at CBD, which is the third one, is a bit different.

“The one at CBD is essentially for the city operation within Abuja, while Mabushi and Kugbo are designed to run intracity and intercity operations,” he said.

On job opportunities, Otunola said that each of the three terminals would employ at least 100 persons.

He explained that people would be in the security department, some in the ticketing department, others in facility management, control room, electrical department, mechanical department, maintenance department, and bus control.

“It’s very huge. It’s like running a mini airport,” he said.

The managing director pointed out that Abuja, before now, has always been about car and road transportation, noting that for the first time, the government had invested in public transport to ensure comfort and safety.

He described the facility as a “transportation hub for the masses”, built in tandem with similar facilities found anywhere in the world.

“So, if you come here and you are travelling to any part of Nigeria, including within Abuja as well, you will have the lift, the escalator, and you will have security.

“This place provides you with safety, comfort and convenience for you to travel, and you can also shop while you are travelling. This is what we have all over the world.

“We have all the modern facilities – fully air-conditioned, you have a loading bay area for passengers, you can eat here, you can have public convenience and cinema.

“We also have escalators; we have lifts and we have a ticketing area. So, the area of stressing yourself because you are traveling is over.

“Now you can travel with convenience, you can travel with ease, with safety and peace of mind and that’s exactly what we have here,” he said.

He added that with this development, people would be able to travel with confidence and without any fear, in a very safe, secure and serene environment.

He commended Tinubu and FCT Minister Nyesom Wike for giving Planet Project, a local contractor the opportunity to showcase its capacity to execute world standard bust terminals for the residents of the territory.

“I feel very happy that the Nigerian government is beginning to trust its own people to do the right thing and to execute this kind of project.

“Although this is not the first project we have executed, but to have pioneered this in the FCT is no doubt a very, very major achievement for us.

“We are grateful to President Tinubu for giving us this opportunity and also the FCT Minister, Nyesom Wike because if they don’t believe in us, they will not try us and they wouldn’t have achieved this result,” he said.

Otunola commended Wike for the decision to handover the facilities to the private sector to manage to ensure efficiency and quality service delivery.

He, however, said that based on needs assessment, the FCT would need at least 12 bus and taxi terminals to cover significant parts of the territory.

“We will need one in Gwagwalada, one in Kuje in Gwarinpa, and Lugbe, including the city centre in places like Area 1, Area 3 in Garki, Wuse and other strategic locations,” he said.

Earlier, Tinubu, who was represented by Senate President Godswill Akpabio, said that the terminals would equally boost trade, bring orderliness, safety and comfort to commuters.

In his remarks, Wike thanked Tinubu for supporting the ongoing transformation in the FCT, including public transportation through the construction of bus and taxi terminals.

He said that with the bus terminals, residents do not need to be waiting on the roadside for vehicles, exposing them to once chance criminal operators. (NAN)

Edited by Sadiya Hamza

FCT bus terminals ‘ll boost security in public transportation – Tinubu
Metro

FCT bus terminals ‘ll boost security in public transportation – Tinubu

By Philip Yatai

President Bola Tinubu says the newly constructed bus and taxi terminals by the Federal Capital Territory Administration (FCTA) will address the insecurity associated with public transportation in the territory.

Tinubu said this while inaugurating the Kugbo Bus and Taxi Terminal, as part of activities to celebrate his second year in office.

Represented by Senate President Godswill Akpabio, Tinubu said that the terminals align with the development goals of transit-oriented cities equipped with smart mobility, compact living spaces and parking management.

“We heard your concerns; we understood your fears and we acted. With your compliance, you will no longer suffer from one chance by the roadside,” he said.

Tinubu added that the terminals, a meticulously planned transportation hub, would add to the numerous jobs being created by his administration in different sectors.

He explained that the terminals would equally boost trade, bring orderliness, safety and bring comfort to commuters.

“At the swearing-in of my government two years ago, I swore to uphold and defend the constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria and its people.

“With the security reports on the several menaces of one-chance robberies, kidnapping, and thuggery that characterised public transportation in FCT, I directed the FCT Minister, Nyesom Wike to put in place measures to address that situation.

“Here and now, you will find an organised system where vehicles and drivers are properly identified and registered, significantly reducing the risk associated with the normal informal transportation.

“The presence of advanced security features, including comprehensive CCTV surveillance, ensures that your journey begins and ends in a secure environment,” he said.

He said that the Kugbo bus terminal alongside its counterpart in Mabushi and that of the Central Business District under construction, would contribute to his government’s determination to turn around the fortunes of the people.

This, according to him, is being achieved through improved connectivity, reduced travel time and increased economic growth thereby creating opportunities.

“The decision of my administration to prioritise high-impact transportation infrastructure, among which is this bus and taxi terminal, is based on the undeniable fact that no nation around the world has been recorded to have made any noticeable progress without modernisation and expansion of its critical public mobility and public utilities.

“As encapsulated in the “Renewed Hope Agenda” of my administration, my solemn promise to rebuild and revitalise our nation’s infrastructure, enhance the lives of Nigerians, create an environment where security and efficiency become the order of the day, are being fulfilled, one step at a time.

“You will all agree with me that the Mabushi and now Kubo Bus Terminals meet with global principles of sustainable urban development in the area of transportation.

“This will automatically erase the ugly experiences of chaotic public transportation in our capital city, previously fraught with challenges.”

He commended Wike-led FCT Administration for yet again making his government proud by judiciously utilising scarce public resources towards initiating and completing within record time, this iconic public transportation infrastructure.

He equally thanked the National Assembly for support so far, which has enabled his administration to fulfil its renewed promises to Nigerian citizens.

In his remarks, Wike thanked Tinubu for supporting the ongoing transformation in the FCT, including public transportation through the construction of bus and taxi terminals.

He said that with the bus terminals, residents do not need to be waiting on the road side for vehicles, exposing them to once chance criminal operators.

“Here, when you come into this place you are sure of the vehicle; you are sure of the driver.

“If you enter a vehicle here, the driver is known. So, if anything happens, we will be able to know that this passenger entered so so and so vehicle, and the driver of the vehicle is also known.

“You have time to unwind, go to the cinema if you want. The loading bays are there, and that is what we see in civilized countries,” Wike said.

He said that terminals would be handed over to the private sector to operate, adding that additional terminals would be constructed in Gwagwalada, Bwari and Kuje. (NAN)

Edited by Abiemwense Moru

Tinubu int. conference centre fully booked till 2027 – Wike
Metro

Tinubu int. conference centre fully booked till 2027 – Wike

By Philip Yatai

The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Mr Nyesom Wike, says the recently rehabilitated Bola Ahmed Tinubu International Conference Centre is fully booked till 2027.

Wike disclosed this in Abuja on Thursday, during the inauguration of the Kugbo Bus and Taxi Terminal by President Bola Tinubu to celebrate his second year in office.

He recalled that the FCT Administration came under criticism for spending huge resources to rehabilitate and upgrade the conference centre to international standard.

He said that some people condemned the decision to refurbish the centre, adding that Tinubu had just hosted an ECOWAS meeting at the centre.

According to him, people and organisations are now rushing the edifice to hold their events.

“You know Nigerians can pretend. They like good things, but they pretend as if they don’t.

“As I speak to you, that conference centre has been booked now till 2027. No space.

“In fact, I saw the application by the Deputy Speaker on constitutional amendment but there is no space, no day, but I’m trying to adjust if he can pay on time, because it’s not free.

“There’s nothing like a national assembly this or that, you have to pay something for us to sustain the facility.”

He commended Tinubu for taking a decisive decision to move the country forward.

He noted that there could be some challenges being experienced in the country, adding that and that’s the essence of leadership.

According to him, no leader can succeed without taking decisions that might come with criticism.

“No leader can succeed without taking a decision because people will say something – people must say something because if you don’t take that decision, people will say something.

“If you take the decision, people will say something. Therefore, do something.

“For me, that’s all about what we are doing in FCT. We are not here to make only big men happy; we are here to make big men and poor people happy.

“That’s what will move this country forward and that’s what the President has shown.”

He explained that the Kugbo bus and taxi terminal being inaugurated, alongside its counterpart in Mabushi and that of the Central Business District under construction would sanitise public transportation in the FCT. (NAN)

Edited by Abiemwense Moru

President Tinubu inaugurates multi-billion Lafia flyover, underpass
Metro

President Tinubu inaugurates multi-billion Lafia flyover, underpass

By Sunday John

President Bola Tinubu, on Wednesday inaugurated the more than N16 billion Lafia flyover and underpass during his one day working visit to the state.

The President, while inaugurating the project, which is the first of projects billed for commissioning during the visit, commended Gov. Abdullahi Sule for the prudent management of resources and commitment to better the lives of the people.

“Thank you very much. May God bless the state. I, therefore, commission the project,” he said.

Earlier, Gov. Sule thanked the president for honouring the state with his presence, and to inaugurate projects executed by his administration for the benefit of the people.

“This is the first project that you are going to commission for us. It is a combination of an underpass and a flyover covering one kilometre.

“This road was built within one year because of your reforms and our determination to better the lives of our people.

“We have paid the contractors 100 per cent without borrowing one naira because of your reforms,” Sule added.

The governor, therefore, announced that the project is named Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu Interchange.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the one-day state visit to Nasarawa is the first for President Tinubu since assumption of office in 2023.

Other projects inaugurated by the President include the dualised 5 kilometres Shendam Road, the Modern State Secretariat complex, tractors and operational vehicles for security, as well as official vehicles for traditional rulers. (NAN). (www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Modupe Adeloye/Isaac Ukpoju

Tinubu impressed with ongoing infrastructural transformation in FCT
Metro

Tinubu impressed with ongoing infrastructural transformation in FCT

 

By Philip Yatai

President Bola Tinubu says his administration is proud of the ongoing transformation in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) to pump life into its economy and foster social wellbeing.

Tinubu stated this in Abuja on Wednesday while inaugurating the newly constructed Interchange that linked Wole Soyinka Way (Arterial Road N20) to Murtala Mohammed Expressway.

The Interchange is the 11 projects inaugurated so far, out of the 17 outlined for inauguration to celebrate Tinubu’s second year in office.

Tinubu, who was represented by Senate President Godswill Akpabio, said that the FCT had turned around saying, “we are proud of what is happening in the FCT”.

Declaring that even the blind could see the ongoing transformation, the president commended the FCT Minister Nyesom Wike and his management team for the feat recorded so far.

He said that his administration’s “Renewed Hope Agenda” was built on the bedrock of robust infrastructure for the transformation of the country’s fortune.

He noted that the nation’s infrastructure must be strong, clear and efficient to pump life into its economy, and foster social wellbeing.

According to him, the interchange, strategically linking key areas and easing the flow of traffic, will unlock new opportunities for commerce, reduce travel time.

“This will contribute directly to increasing productivity and a better quality of life for all who traverse these vital routes.

“The interchange, a magnificent piece of engineering, is indeed a testament to our unwavering commitment to progress, a beacon of our collective aspiration for a more connected and prosperous FCT.”

Tinubu noted that while rapid urbanisation was a sign of growth, it had also presented challenges, particularly in ensuring smooth and efficient movement of people, goods and services.

This interchange, he said, was a crucial answer to those challenges, designed to alleviate traffic congestion, enhance safety, and significantly improve the daily lives of residents and commuters in the FCT.

He commended the FCT Administration under the dynamic leadership of the Minister, Mr Nyesom Wike, for their vision, dedication and tireless efforts in bringing the project to fruition.

He added that Wike’s commitment to transforming Abuja into a world-class capital was evident in projects of the magnitude.

In his remarks, Wike explained that the project was awarded in 2020 and was completed by the Tinubu-led administration.

“This is in line with your policy of completing abandoned projects that will impact the lives and economy of the people,” he said.

He commended Tinubu’s impactful leadership style, describing it as crucial to the survival of any government.

“When you provide the right leadership, you will get the right results.

“As the president has provided and is still providing the right leadership and that is why we are seeing the results today.

“There’s no magic. It’s just about commitment. The president has committed to see that good things happen in this country and that’s why we have renewed hope,” he said.

The minister also thanked the National Assembly for the support.

The FCT Minister of State, Dr Mariya Mahmoud, equally gave Tinubu’s visionary leadership credit to the numerous achievements recorded so far in the FCT.

Mahmoud said that he completed interchange stands as a testament to Tinubu’s dedication to improving the transportation network to ease the movement of residents in the FCT. (NAN)

Edited by Abiemwense Moru

Wike-led FCTA opening Abuja for businesses, housing, investment -Tinubu
Metro

Wike-led FCTA opening Abuja for businesses, housing, investment -Tinubu

By Philip Yatai

President Bola Tinubu says the Nyesom Wike-led Federal Capital Territory Administration is opening the territory for businesses, housing and investment.

Tinubu said this in Abuja on Tuesday, while inaugurating the right-hand service carriageway of the Inter Northern Expressway (INEX), from Ring Road III to Outer Northern Expressway, ONEX (Murtala Mohammed Expressway).

The project was among the 10 so far inaugurated out of the 17 projects outlined for inauguration to celebrate Tinubu’s second year in Office.

Represented by Deputy Senate President Barau Jibrin, the president described the newly constructed INEX as a “critical piece” of the Federal Territory Master Plan.

He added that the road was designed to ease traffic flow, enhance connectivity and improve urban mobility for millions of commuters, residents and businesses in the city.

He commended the FCT Administration led by Wike, for his vision and commitment to quality and timely execution of projects.

“What you have contributed to something larger than the roadway; you have contributed to the future of our capital.

“This vital carriageway we inaugurated today is not just a road; It is a symbol of progress and a reflection of my administration’s Renewed Hope Agenda.

“An agenda committed to building infrastructure that serves the people, unlocks economic potential and supports sustainable development,” he said.

Tinubu pointed out that as traffic volume increases in the FCT, and across the satellite towns, it has become imperative for continuous expansion and maintenance of critical routes.

This road, he said, would not only connect key junctions, but also facilitate safer and faster movement within Abuja transportation corridors.

“It will open more opportunities for businesses, housing, and investment in the adjoining districts.

“It is quite apt to say that projects like these are a testament to what we can achieve when planning, execution and leadership are aligned with purpose.

“We are determined to replicate these sources in every part of the country with roads, bridges, railways and more ensuring that no region is left behind,” he added.

Earlier, Wike said that the 16-kilometre road was awarded in 2014 at the cost of N7 billion but was executed and completed by the current administration at N31 billion due to inflation and variation.

He said that the completion of the project was in line with Tinubu’s renewed hope agenda, to complete ongoing projects that would impact the life and the economy of the people.

He commended Tinubu for the commitment to making sure that a project of this nature was concluded.

“This is the industrial site of Abuja. The Industrial Park is somewhere close, and the developer had not been encouraged until the Tinubu Administration rescued the situation.

“The Industrial Park, when completed, will create 40,000 direct jobs. If we are able to give them support, some of the problems will be solved,” he said.

The minister emphasised that road infrastructure was the driver of any economic growth, stressing that investors would come when there were roads.

He noted that Tinubu has done quite well for the residents and for the development of Abuja and appealed for his continued support.

“I will continue to do the best under the renewed hop agenda for the interest of our country and for the interest of Abuja,” he said.

On her part, the FCT Minister of State, Dr Mariya Mahmoud, noted that the project was another testimony to Tinubu administration’s resolve to deliver impactful and people-centred governance.

Mahmoud said that the road would serve as a symbol of collective determination to build a better, more connected, and more prosperous Nigeria under Tinubu.

Mr Richard Dauda, acting Executive Secretary, Federal Capital Territory Development Authority, said that the INEX was the primary road that bound the inner development corridor of the northern flank of the city.

Dauda said that the full scope of the road in the Abuja Master Plan from Maitama to ONEX was a 32.5 kilometre, 10-lane expressway.

He said that the road was planned to consist of two main carriageways of three lanes each and two service carriageways of two lanes each.

“The Master Plan provides that the expressway commences at Maitama by the IBB Golf Course, traverses through the Central Area, passing between the National Mosque and the Yar’adua Centre in Phase I and continues through Phase II of the city to Wuye and Dakibiyu Districts.

“It then proceeds to Phase III and Phase IV, through the Idu Industrial Area and terminates at ONEX,” he said.

He said that the road was being developed in stages with the first phase being the right-hand carriageway from Ring Road II to Ring Road III, adding that the second stage was the section being inaugurated. (NAN)

Edited by Abiemwense Moru

Helpline unveils project to strengthen cultural rights of FCT original inhabitants 
Metro

Helpline unveils project to strengthen cultural rights of FCT original inhabitants 

By Philip Yatai

Helpline Social Support Initiative (HSSI), an NGO, has unveiled a two-year project to strengthen the cultural rights of the Original Inhabitants (OIs) of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT).

Unveiling the project at a news conference in Abuja on Tuesday, the HSSI Project Manager, Mr Onoja Arome, said that the move was to preserve the cultural heritage of the OIs.

Arome said that the project would be supported by the MacArthur Foundation, through the Resource Centre for Human Right and Civic Education (CHRICED).

He explained that the project was designed to train 100 vulnerable women and youths in cultural attire production.

This, according to him, is to increase the cultural identity awareness of the OIs and create job opportunities through skill acquisition in arts and craft.

He added that the project was to advocate the resettlement and adequate compensation of OIs whose land had been encroached upon or taken over by developers without adequate compensation.

He said “it will also create awareness of their presence as OIs whose voices are gradually going into
extinction.

“These, among others, are what the Helpline Social Support Initiative shall be engaged with in the next 18 months of the project.”

Arome said that the 1973 decree that created the FCT came with a lot of consequences for the OIs.

He noted that the OIs were forced to relinquish their ancestral land for the development of the nation’s capital.

He added that “the development scattered the indigenous people, with many of them losing most of their economic trees and farmlands, thereby causing high unemployment rate among the OIs.

“This was why the MacArthur Foundation stepped in, through CHRICED, and in 2021 supported HSSI to implement the first phase of the project.”

The manager said that the project recorded huge success with a total of 200 vulnerable women and youths trained and empowered to preserve their cultural identity.

He said the beneficiaries were now making a living by producing cultural attire as entrepreneurs.

On awareness creation, Arome added that 39 jingles were produced and aired in OIs local languages, while advocacy visits to the department of resettlement and compensation were carried out.

He said “today, we make bold to reiterate that CHRICED has deemed it fit to continue on the project, thereby supporting us again to continue with the second phase of the project.

“We hereby call on stakeholders in this venture to empathise and sympathise with the OIs and join us in this venture to create an incredible impact that will out-leave us and usher new generations to a life of ease in the FCT.” (NAN)

Edited by Hadiza Mohammed-Aliyu

Peace Anniversary: C’River Communities vow never to return to war
Metro

Peace Anniversary: C’River Communities vow never to return to war

By Christian Njoku
The people of Bahumonu in Abi Local Government Area of Cross River, have reiterated their resolve to eschew violence in resolving conflicts in their communities.
The people made the remark while celebrating the fifth Anniversary of Bahumonu Peace Day on Monday in Otumosa, the ancestral home of the Bahumonu tribe.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) recalls that Bahumonu in Abi Local Government Area consists of nine autonomous communities out of which four were involved in a communal war that started from 2005 and ended in 2020.
Speaking to NAN during the celebration, Dr Solomon Edward, Paramount Ruler of Abi, said he was excited to be part of the anniversary, adding that they were all victims in the war that lasted for 15 years.
According to Edward who doubles as the Chairman, Cross River Traditional Rulers Council, “I was a victim of the war.”
“I lost my house and vehicles, but I thank God that today I am being restored, we will never subscribe to war again.”
He said that although they still had unresolved issues bordering on the return of Ebijakara and the resolution of the boundary issue between Ediba and Usumutong, they were still meeting to resolve the issues.
“The elders are still meeting but it is not easy, that is why we call on the government to help us, especially in the implementation of the white paper by the Sen. Victor Ndoma-Egba Peace Committee of 2021,” he said.
On his part, Dr Ernest Eteng, Chairman, Bahumono Peace and Development Union, encouraged the people to embrace unity and peace.
He appealed to them not to dwell on the things that divided them but to recognise one another’s strengths.
Eteng, however, proposed a celebration of the New Yam Festival and the construction of a Unity Hall which would be a joint Bahumono Project and serve as a manifestation of their commitment to unity.
Similarly, Mr Collins Bassey, Community Relations Officer to Gov. Bassey Otu for Abi LGA, commended the people for sustaining peace in the last five years.
He added that he would take the report to the governor to attract developmental projects to the areas.
On his part, Mr Ernest Abam, Central Youth Leader of the Bahumonu Nation, said the youths of the nine communities had resolved never to take up arms but to sit on a round table to settle their differences amicably.
“However, I appeal to the state government to fulfil its promises to the youths of Bahumonu which will help us get busy with profitable ventures, prevent idleness and eschew crimes,” Abam maintained.
NAN also reports that although the war officially ended in June 2020, the people of Ebijakara, who were sacked from their land by the Ebom Community, are yet to return.
Also, the boundary dispute between Ediba and Usumutong Communities has not been resolved. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)
CBN/ESI/JEO
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Edited by Ehigimetor Igbaugba/Jane-Frances Oraka
Tinubu’s govt. constructs 150km roads in FCT satellite towns – Wike
Metro

Tinubu’s govt. constructs 150km roads in FCT satellite towns – Wike

By Philip Yatai

The administration of President Bola Tinubu has constructed not less than 150- kilometres of roads in satellite towns of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) between 2024 and 2025.

The FCT Minister, Mr Nyesom Wike disclosed this in Abuja on Monday, during the inauguration of the newly constructed rural road from A2 Junction (Abuja-Lokoja Expressway) to Pai community in Kwali Area Council of the FCT.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports road was among the 17 projects executed by the FCT Administration and being inaugurated to celebrate Tinubu’s second year in office.

Wike said that the 150km roads consisted of both completed and ongoing projects.

“This shows that the emphasis is not just to improve infrastructure in the city, but also to improve life and other infrastructure in satellite towns,” he said.

He explained that the 15-km A2 to Pai road was executed under emergency intervention after the contract for the construction of Pai to Gumani was awarded.

He added that the Pai to Gumani, another 15-km road, was ongoing and would be completed before the end of the year.

The Minister added that a 13 km road from Gumani to Yangoji had been equally awarded.

“At the end of the day, along the stretch of this road, we will have done about 45 km,” he said.

The minister equally recalled that Tinubu approved six emergency roads in the six area councils of the FCT in the 2024 National Budget.

According to him, the six road projects had been completed and inaugurated in 2024.

“When we were appointed in August 2023, in our supplementary budget, we included six emergency roads in the six area councils, and you provided funds for them in the national budget.

“I want to inform you that these roads have all been completed and inaugurated.

“We are providing these data so that doubting Thomas can go and check whether they are in existence or they are just mere propaganda.”

He identified the roads as the 9km Paikon Kore to Ibwa Road in Gwagwalada Area Council, and 7.2 km Gaba and Tokulo Road in Bwari Area Council.

Also completed and inaugurated were the 5km dualised Kuje township road from Tipper Garage to LEA Secretariat in Kuje Area Council and the 11km Sukuku-Ebo-Yangoji. Road, in Kwali Area Council.

Others are the 5km access road to Saburi I and II in Abuja Municipal Area Council and another 5-kilometre road in Abaji Area Council.

“For the 2025, we will also inaugurate the completed 10km of Aguma Palace, Radio Nigeria and Market Road in Gwagwalada.

“There is also the 18km Nyanya Karshi dual carriageway.

“We are equally going to inaugurate the 7.4 km Dutse Alhaji to Usuma Dam Road and the dualised Ushafa to War College and Army Checkpoint Road, a 16.4 km road and other roads in Bwari Area Council.

“If you calculate the ongoing roads and those completed, within the satellite towns, we have constructed not less than 150 km of roads,” the minister said.

He said that the roads were strategic not only in improving the lives of rural dwellers and economic activities but also in improving security response in satellite towns. (NAN)

Edited by Rotimi Ijikanmi

Tinubu promises inclusive devt. to uplift lives of Nigerians
Metro

Tinubu promises inclusive devt. to uplift lives of Nigerians

By Philip Yatai

President Bola Tinubu says his administration will ensure a balanced and inclusive development targeted at lifting the lives of Nigerians.

Tinubu stated this in Abuja on Monday, while inaugurating the newly constructed rural road, from A2 Junction (Abuja-Lokoja Expressway) to Pai community in Kwali Area Council of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT).

The road was among the 17 projects executed by the FCT and being inaugurated to celebrate Tinubu’s second year in office.

Tinubu said that the A2 to Pai road project was one of many that his administration was delivering across the country, “and we will not stop.

“We will continue until every Nigerian can feel the touch of meaningful governance”.

He, however, said that road and infrastructure development were meaningless if they were not developed for the benefit of the people.

“Indeed, this project will continue to elevate our lives if this administration continues to prioritize infrastructure development in all zones.

“The inauguration of the newly constructed road from A2 Junction on Abuja-Lokoja Expressway to Pia town is both symbolic and strategic.

“It is strategic because it opens a new corridor for agriculture, commerce, education, mobility, and other areas, strengthening our national economy from the grassroots up,” he said.

Tinubu added that rural communities such as Pia make an important contribution to Nigeria’s social and economic fabric, especially in food production and local enterprises.

He, however, pointed out that the community potential had been hindered by poor road access, isolation, and neglect for far too long.

“Today, that narrative is changing.

“To the people of Pia, this is your road. I urge the community to take ownership of this infrastructure, guide it, maintain it, and use it to the fullest.

“Let it be a pathway to growth and a bridge to a better life for the youth, farmers, traders, and students who will move with great ease,” he said.

He commended the FCT Minister, Mr Nyesom Wike and his team for what he described as a “wonderful job”.

He added that Wike was thinking about the people and their needs and thinking about the country he represents.

“Nyesom Wike and his team, you are doing a good job for the underserved rural areas.

“Thank you, Nyesom Wike, for all you are doing. We greatly appreciate the efforts you and your team have put in place to achieve this.

“I would not have been here and noted what is here if not for your efforts,” he said.

Earlier, Wike explained that the 15-km A2 to Pai road was executed under emergency intervention after the contract for the construction of Pai to Gumani was awarded.

“We awarded the contract for a road project from Pai to Gumani. So, when we were coming for the flag -off, I was asking, where are we going to flag-off the road?

“I now ask, how do we get to that Pai, when this road is not constructed? It doesn’t make sense.

“All we would have done is, okay, let us construct the road from A2 to Pai, later we can construct from Pai to Gomani, and I thank God that today we are inaugurating it,” he said.

He added that the Pai to Gumani, a 15-km road, was ongoing and would be completed before the end of the year.

He equally said that a 13 km road from Gumani to Yangoje was equally awarded.

On his part, the Coordinator, Satellite Towns Development Department (STDD), Abdulkadir Zulkiflu, said that the road project was awarded to Zeberced Group in November 2024.

Zulkiflu said that the road was already uplifting the wellbeing of the people and stimulating economic activities.

Also, the Village Head of Pai, Alhaji Sani Abubakar thanked Tinubu for appointing Wike as the minister of the FCT saying, “he is the right person for the job”.

He said that communities along the road have been facing challenges of transporting their farm produce, adding the constructed road was already improving economic activities in the area. (NAN)

Edited by Abiemwense Moru

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