- Observes a minute for victims of Benue killings
From Juliana Taiwo-Obalonye, Abuja
President Bola Tinubu on Monday officially commissioned the Greater Abuja Water Supply Network, Loops 1, 2, 5 & 6, a major infrastructure project aimed at enhancing water accessibility in the Federal Capital City (FCC).
At the event where a minute silence was observed for the victims of the latest killings in Benue, Tinubu also addressed recent challenges faced by the nation, particularly expressing sympathy for the people of Benue.
He urged the governor, leadership, and citizens of Benue State to accept condolences and work consciously towards maintaining peace and harmony within their communities.
Highlighting the importance of national unity, the President reminded Nigerians that despite their diverse backgrounds, they are one large family living under the same roof. He stressed that this diversity should be a source of prosperity rather than division, encouraging everyone to manage anger and frustrations constructively.
He said: “While I sympathise with the Benue people, I have spoken to the governor, the leadership and people of Benue to accept our condolences and try hard, very consciously, to maintain peace and harmony among themselves.
“I have always said we are one single, huge family living in the same house, say in different rooms but living together in harmony which should be the result of our diversity for prosperity. We should be able to manage our anger and frustrations.
“I will adjust my programme and go see Benue people on Wednesday,” he said
Meanwhile, the Minister of Federal Capital Territory Nyesome Wike has expressed profound gratitude to President Tinubu for his unwavering support and encouragement.
He recounted the President’s early interest in critical infrastructure projects when he first assumed office. “Mr. President, I recall that when you came on board, you invited me and asked why the mass transit train was not operational. You went further to say, at the Nigerian Bar Association Conference, that you wanted to ride that train. You also asked about the Abuja Greater Water Supply and emphasized that it’s not just road infrastructure you want — you want the train to work and water to be supplied to the city,” Wike said.
The minister said water project, which began in 2017 with a contract valued at $470 million, was executed through a partnership involving the African Development Initiative, the Chinese government, and the Nigerian federal and FCT governments.
The Chinese government provided 85 percent of the funding, while the federal and FCT governments contributed the remaining 15 percent to cover loops 1, 2, 5, and 6 of the water supply network.
“Under this administration, the job has been completed, and today you are commissioning the water project,” Wike declared, acknowledging the President’s role in driving the project to completion.
Highlighting further achievements, Wike revealed that during the President’s visit to China last year, the FCT signed an agreement with China Gezhouba Group Company (CGC) to extend water supply to rural areas. “We are almost done with procurement to provide water to Bwari, Kubwa, Karu, and other communities. So, you are not only providing water to the city but also to the satellite towns,” he said.
Wike assured that the new satellite water projects would be completed on schedule, contrasting with the eight-year timeline of the current project. “We believe by your third year anniversary, we will also commission those satellite towns where you are providing water,” he added confidently.
The Minister also expressed appreciation for the National Assembly’s support, describing it as “very impressive” and “encouraging.” He concluded with a powerful message to the public: “We’ll do everything we can to make sure that every day, people will see what you are doing in the FCT. Those who want to see, will see. Those who don’t want to see, it’s not your fault because they decided not to see.”