From Juliana Taiwo-Obalonye, Abuja
Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, has appealed to residents across the territory to take responsibility in protecting government-provided infrastructure in their communities.
Speaking to journalists yesterday after an inspection tour of several project sites in Kwali, Gwagwalada, and Bwari Area Councils, the minister stressed the importance of community ownership in ensuring the longevity of development efforts.
Accompanied by former Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives, Chibudom Nwuche, the Minister urged residents to guard against vandalism and destruction of facilities such as streetlights and other public utilities.
“First of all, government has provided infrastructure to the areas to better the life of residents, it is now for the residents to own it so that it will have sustainability, let people not vandalize or destroy what has been provided. For example, we are providing streetlights, and the residents will need to secure these streetlights. Government cannot do everything,” Wike said.
He further called on the public to collaborate with security agencies by reporting any suspicious activities that could threaten the safety of these assets.
“While we have security agencies, we can also be of help to security agencies by providing useful information. It would be wrong that we will come back here tomorrow, and you hear that one of the poles has been vandalized, also the wires have been taken away. If we own this property, it will not happen; this is our community.”
Wike expressed satisfaction with the quality of work delivered by contractors on the projects saying, “In fact, I can attest to the fact that today I was very happy. You know, when we flagged off that project in Kwali, where we stopped is from A2 to Pai, which had been completed. And we flagged off that Pai to Gomani. So of course, there was no road for you to drive. But thank God we were able to go there today.”
Highlighting the potential for agricultural development within the FCT, the Minister remarked, “We shouldn’t be talking about food security in Nigeria. Look at the land and water to make irrigation directly to supply to the farmers, it’s just leadership, and I believe the leadership we have today under Bola Ahmed Tinubu, you will see what is going to happen.”
On his part, Nwuche commended the Minister’s dedication and the support from the presidency. “We should commend the minister for putting his heart to the job, and commend the president for giving all the support that he requires for these wonderful feats achieved so far.”
Nwuche described the ongoing developments as transformative, noting the rapid progress in both urban and rural parts of the FCT. “We’ve been to Gwagwalada, from there to Kwali, and then we’re here now. The level of work going on is just incredible in under two years. I’m quite amazed. Abuja is becoming something else. It’s a world-class city and the developments are such that it covers both the urban and rural areas.”
He also highlighted the agricultural potential in Kwali, pointing out the availability of farmland, water, and coal resources. “So I think Abuja has come back to life. If we had been at this pace from 1999, Abuja would have long ago been much more than where it is today. I have seen many ministers come and go. But this is the one that really has made a great impact on the nation’s capital,” Nwuche said.