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Says when city works, it tells the world govt is not just present but purposeful
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Hails Wike’s urgency in project development
By Juliana Taiwo-Obalonye, Abuja
President Bola Tinubu has underscored his administration’s commitment to inclusivity in the development of Abuja. Highlighting that the vision for the capital city extends beyond its affluent centre, Tinubu emphasised the importance of investing in the outskirts, marginalised neighbourhoods, and overlooked communities.
“Our vision for Abuja is not limited to its glittering centre,” he stated. “We are equally committed to its outskirts, to its margins, to its hidden corners where dreams often struggle to break. Every road we build, every bridge we complete, every community we connect is a firm step towards a more inclusive, more equitable Nigeria.”
He spoke at the official commissioning of the newly constructed Connector Road CN-8, also known as Asuquo Okon Street, along with other connecting roads in the Dakibiyu District of Abuja, on Monday, saying when a city works, its roads speak volumes.
The project, executed by the Federal Capital Territory Administration (FCTA), stretches from Arterial Road N5 (Obafemi Awolowo Way, Jabi) to Arterial Road N1 (Olusegun Obasanjo Way) and links key institutions, including the Police Service Commission Headquarters, FCT High Court Jabi, Code of Conduct Tribunal Headquarters, and the new FCT Division of the Court of Appeal.
Represented by Vice President Kashim Shettima, the President emphasised the symbolic and practical importance of infrastructure development in the nation’s capital.
“There is no louder proof of a government’s seriousness than the modernisation of its cities,” Tinubu declared. “When a city works, when its roads are paved, when its lights are on, and when its traffic flows smoothly, it tells the world that its government is not just present but purposeful.”
He continued, “Infrastructure, after all, is not just about concrete and steel. It is the most persuasive advertisement of leadership, of order, and of vision. A modern city inspires confidence, attracts investment, and, most importantly, restores the dignity of those who call it home.”
The President underscored that the commissioning was more than a ceremonial event. “Today’s occasion is not just about commissioning a road. It is a grand reassurance that cities must work for their people and that a functioning capital is the foundation upon which a functioning nation is built.”
Highlighting the transformative impact of the new road, Tinubu said, “For too long, inadequate infrastructure has choked the aspirations of these areas. Today, we tear down that wall. Today, we breathe life into communities long waiting to be seen, long waiting to be served.”
He painted a vivid picture of the benefits: “Communities will flourish, congestion will ease, and, most critically, livelihoods will thrive. Shops will open, markets will thrive, children will return to school faster, emergency services will arrive quicker.”
“This is what we mean when we speak of Renewed Hope. Not lofty rhetoric, but practical impact. Not policy for the sake of politics, but policy translated into progress.”
He also praised the efforts of the FCTA, saying, “I must pay tribute to the Honourable Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Barrister Nyesom Wike, whose sense of urgency in the execution of these projects is well known to Nigerians. We thank you and your entire team at the FCTA for this outstanding work.”
The President reaffirmed his administration’s commitment: “This administration remains steadfast in its support for the FCTA. We will continue to provide the resources, policy backing, and institutional cooperation needed to ensure that projects like this are delivered on time and to the highest standards.”
Concluding his remarks, Tinubu said, “So, as we commission this road, let it be a symbol not just of connectivity but of commitment, not just of movement but of momentum. This is the Nigeria we are building together, where governance is felt in everyday life and where every citizen, no matter how distant from the corridors of power, feels the warm embrace of purposeful leadership.”
Wike earlier expressed gratitude to the President for his continuous support. “Because of want of time, Your Excellency, let me again thank you today, in the 14th day, two weeks that you have commissioned projects initiated by the FCT Administration through your support. We want to sincerely thank you.”
He recounted the poor condition of roads in the area prior to the project: “When we wanted to find land for the construction of the Abuja Division of the Court of Appeal and I was told by the Director of Land that there was a space, I said, let me go and see the place. Your Excellency, you can’t believe that as a city we could have such terrible, horrible roads.”
Wike revealed the timeline of the project: “Through the Federal Executive Council, by your support, this contract was awarded last year, September, and we flagged it off October last year. Today, we are commissioning this.”
He concluded with a call for continued collaboration: “Your Excellency, there’s no way to talk much, but to thank you for your continued support, and we continue to solicit more support.”
The commissioning of Connector Road CN-8 marks a significant milestone in President Tinubu’s agenda to modernise Abuja’s infrastructure, improve urban connectivity, and foster economic growth—a concrete step towards a more vibrant and inclusive capital city.