• Vows to build nation where no one is excluded
From Juliana Taiwo-Obalonye, Abuja
President Bola Tinubu yesterday commissioned the Wuye Flyover-Link Bridge in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Abuja.
The President reiterated his commitment to building a nation where no one is excluded, saying: “We will build a nation where no one is excluded.” He highlighted the significance of the infrastructure project as a testament to the government’s dedication to the people.
The event was part of the celebration of the first anniversary of his administration which was inaugurated on May 29. Tinubu praised the resilience and support of the Wuse and Wuye communities, stating that their unwavering commitment had been instrumental in making the project a reality.
He thanked the FCT Minister, Nyesom Wike and his team, for their tireless efforts in ensuring the completion of the project, noting that the minister’s dedication was evident in the results achieved.
He stressed that his administration’s focus was on delivering essential services such as water supply, electricity, and road network to lay the groundwork for economic growth and prosperity.
He noted that the completion of the Wuye Bridge would significantly improve traffic flow within the district and adjoining areas, bringing security and prosperity to the people.
The president also highlighted the importance of looking forward and aspiring for great results, rather than focusing on obstacles, adding that the government was committed to empowering the people and ensuring that everyone had access to the benefits of development.
He said: “Listening to you as I have listened before now, as we inaugurate this engineering structure in Wuse District of Federal Capital Territory, it is just another one in the series of commitments you made to the people and the government, that you will definitely make a difference and you are making it including waves. Thanks to your team, all of you have worked together to deliver a good example to the people of Nigeria.
“Nyesom, Honourable Minister, if they say you dragged me from sleep, most of the time this is for results. Wuse, as a vibrant community within the nation’s capital and the supporting areas will be the beneficiary of this engineering infrastructure.
“Your resilience, patience and unwavering support have been instrumental in making this moment possible. And for that and to all of you in FCT please accept my heartfelt gratitude.
“We celebrate not just the infrastructure, also the empowerment of the Wuse and Wuye community are the fulfillment of promises made some several years back. But you always say and the experts acknowledge the fact government is a continuum. The best way to achieve greatness is to look forward, aspire for great results and not look at obstacles. See opportunity from the obstacles and grab it,
“We are investing in essential services such as water supply, electricity and road network that lay the groundwork for economic growth and prosperity, to share progress and improvement in the quality of life for all residents of Abuja Capital Territory. With the completion of this project, we will witness a fast improvement in traffic flow within the district and the adjoining districts.”
Continuing, he said: “I extend once again my heartfelt appreciation to FCT minister for making this a realizable dream for all of us and for the country as a whole. The completion of this facility will bring security of live close to our people, making the people central focus of our development and that is the way democracy should work.
“Our determination to succeed and extend happiness is on the teaming population, bring about prosperity and value of immense proportions to our people is the goal of the government. And thank you for making a dream realizable.
“It is my great honour and singular privilege to declare this project inaugurated.
“Once again, I commend the entire team of FCT. Whatever anybody may say, it should be that Nigeria definitely make progress and the prosperity, the hope, the achievement is in our hands.
“We will build a nation we are no one is excluded.”
Wike had earlier commended Tinubu for the attention given to the FCT, saying his pulling the Federal Capital Territory Administration (FCTA) out of the Treasury Single Account (TSA), has effectively paved the way for the successful implementation of projects.
“All these projects wouldn’t have been possible if you didn’t pull us out of the TSA. You see governance as business and you take it very serious. No one will set up a business and want it to rundown, no. So you must be very committed.
“That is why when I came to you and say we cannot implement these projects if you don’t pull us out of TSA. And being who you are, you said, if this is going to make you to do the projects or do what you want to do to give Nigerians that renewed hope, then go ahead.
“Today, we are happy. FCT is performing because you have given us massive support. The kind of support you are giving us may create a problem for us but it is a good problem, it is not a bad problem. So we are happy because if you had to given us all these support all these wouldn’t have happened.”
The Minister said the Wuye Flyover-Link Bridge, is one of the projects the people of FCT will always cherish because it took 15 years to complete.
He said: “When we were inaugurated and we sat down to look at projects that we can complete within time and that has value that can impact positively on the lives of the people, in fact, residents of this district had lost hope. Anybody familiar with this terrain will appreciate what you have done. This job was awarded in 2009, 15 years or thereabout at the cost of N34 billion but before you came in, on May 29th, it was reversed to N74 billion.
“So, you can imagine for 15 years we were struggling to construct just one interchange and you can imagine the hardship the people here have faced. The business activities here, of course, will crumble. But to the glory of God and your determination, and that is why you have said that your mission is to bring back hope that has been lost.
“So, the people of this area will always appreciate you and thank you for this inter-change.
It is not about how many kilometres, it is about the importance of the inter-change.”
He also commended the two chairmen in the Senate and House of Representatives, saying “we in the FCT are lucky that these chairmen and area councils’ chairmen have given us all the necessary support required.”