By Remi Johnson
The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Dr. Nyesom Wike, has declared that President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s administration is not engaging in mere lip service or propaganda when it comes to rural development, stating that the President’s commitment is visible, measurable, and transformative.
Wike stated this during the commissioning of the newly completed A2 Pai Road in Kwali Area Council in Abuja.
Dr. Wike reaffirmed that Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda has brought unprecedented development to rural and satellite communities within the FCT.
“This is not about empty promises or political speeches. What we are witnessing here today is real, tangible development…the people are happy, and we are here to say it loud and clear, this is not lip service, and it is certainly not propaganda.”
According to Wike, since President Tinubu assumed office in May 2023, the FCT Administration has constructed and commissioned no fewer than 150 kilometers of roads in satellite towns, a feat he described as historic and unmatched.
He listed six emergency rural roads completed across the six area councils following the President’s approval of a supplementary budget in 2023:
The roads include, Paikon Kore–Ibwa Road (9km) in Gwagwalada Area Council, Gaba–Tokulo Road and Bridge (5km) in Bwari Area Council, and
Garage Junction Secretariat Road (5km) in Kuje Area Council.
Others include Yangoji–Sukuku–Ebo Road (11km) in Kwali Area Council,
Access Road to Saburi 1 and 2 (5km) in AMAC, and A2 to Pai Road in Kwali Area Council.
“All these roads have been completed and commissioned. They are not phantom projects. Anyone in doubt (doubting Thomases) can go and see for themselves,” he emphasized.
The Minister also unveiled ongoing projects such as the 13km Pai to Gomani Road, another 13km stretch from Gomani to Yangoji, and the dualization of the Ushafa to War College to Kaduna Checkpoint Road measuring 16.4km.
Others include,Aguma Palace to Radio House New Market Road (10km) in Gwagwalada, Nyanya to Karshi Dual Carriageway (18km), Old Ushafa Road Rehabilitation (7.4km), Lower Usuma Dam Access Improvement.
“These roads are not just about beautifying our landscape,” Wike stated. “They are about improving access, boosting security response, enhancing agriculture, and connecting forgotten communities to the rest of the FCT.”
Dr. Wike also used the platform to invite serious farmers to take advantage of the access created by the new road networks. He promised land and support for those who are committed to agricultural productivity, warning against political farmers and land speculators.
“With these roads, we are ready to pay compensation and give land to real farmers, not those who only want to sell off land when development reaches their doorsteps,” he said.
Wike attributed the achievements to the unwavering support from President Tinubu. “You can appoint someone into office, but without support, they can’t deliver. Mr. President, you gave us the support and the result is what we are seeing today,” thank you.
Dr. Wike assured Nigerians that the development of rural areas will continue under the current administration.
“Mr. President, you have put smiles on the faces of people in rural communities. You have made it easier for security to penetrate hard-to-reach areas. You have empowered farmers and opened up the land. This is not lip service. This is leadership in action,” Wike declared.