• Remain focused on national devt, President tells Wike
From Juliana Taiwo-Obalonye, Abuja
President Bola Tinubu, at the official commissioning of the left-hand service carriageway of the Outer Southern Expressway (OSEX) Phase 2, has said, it marks a major milestone in his administration’s commitment to sustainable urban development and enhanced mobility in Nigeria’s capital city.
Represented by the President of the Senate, Godswill Akpabio, he emphasised the strategic importance of the new road, which stretches from Ring Road 1 Junction to Wasa Junction.
“This road is a significant addition to the road network in the heart of Abuja. It fully demonstrates our commitment to sustainable urban development, enhanced mobility, and improved quality of life for the people of the Federal Capital, Abuja, and by extension, to all Nigerians and visitors alike,” he said.
The Outer Southern Expressway serves as Abuja’s key transport backbone, connecting the city centre to rapidly growing districts such as Apo, Gudu, and Wasa. Over the years, rapid urban growth and residential expansion have placed increasing pressure on the city’s road infrastructure.
“Today, with the commissioning of this left-hand service carriageway, we are addressing that challenge head-on,” President said.
He also praised the Federal Capital Territory Administration under the minister, Nyesom Wike and the contractor for their “impressive pace and quality of work.” According to the President, “Through Wike’s leadership, uncompleted projects have been reactivated and delivered with discipline, quality, and time-earned speed.”
In his remarks, the Senate President conveyed President Tinubu’s encouragement to Wike to remain focused on national development despite criticism. “The President told you (Wike), do not mind those who are criticising you. Remain focused on the country to deliver. Nobody will remember you for the way you answered your critics. They will remember you for the legacies that you are leaving on ground. And we are seeing the legacy,” he said.