- As Akpabio urges Wike to remain focused
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.”
He called on Abuja residents and surrounding communities to safeguard the new road. “This road is for your safety and your convenience. Please protect the road, use it wisely, and let it serve as a pathway to increased economic opportunities, safer transportation, and stronger community growth,” he said.
Highlighting the broader infrastructure agenda of the administration, President Tinubu assured Nigerians: “This road is part of a broader national infrastructure agenda, including superhighways, bridges, railways, airports, and much more than you can imagine. These projects aim to lay a solid foundation for a more productive and prosperous Nigeria.”
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) yesterday, do not mind those who are criticizing 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.
Living close to the Presidential Villa, Akpabio expressed personal admiration for the new flyover linking the villa to Asokoro, describing it as a testament to visible progress. “Each time I pass there and I look down, I get a feeling that yes indeed, God is alive,” he remarked