By Remi Johnson
Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike says President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has spent over fifty billion naira on infrastructures sited in Gwagwalada Area Council alone within the last one year.
Wike stated this in Abuja during the official commissioning of 9km Paikon- Kore- Ibwa road in Gwagwalada, and added that the #50bn is exclusive of what is currently being expended on the ongoing two police stations under construction in the Council.
Wike pointed out that the over #50bn which was the least amount spent on each of the six area councils under President Tinubu’s administration on rural projects within the last one year, when multiplied will amount to over 300 billion naira .
He explained that the Paikon- Kore road project which started in January 2024 has gulped #8.5bn, #22bn earmarked for the Aguma Palace road that will be commissioned in May this year, while #16.5bn is earmarked for the ongoing renovation of 5 schools in the Gwagwalada council.
He listed the benefiting schools to include School for the Gifted, GSS Gwagwalada, GSS in Anagada community, GSS Tungamaje and GSS Giri adding that the gesture is an indication that President Tinubu has committed huge resources into the development of satellite towns, more than past Administrations.
The FCT Minister also promised to construct an additional bridge in Gwagwalada as requested by the Vice Chairman of the Council, refusing one of the roads requested for construction , on grounds that the leadership of the Council need to itemize the projects they have personally executed for him to see.
“We thank God we are here today to commission this Paikon Kore Road.
In May, God willing, during the second anniversary of Mr. President, we will also commission the Aguma Palace Road.
“Mr. President is not only committed to the development of the city, but Mr. President is also committed to the development of the satellite town.
“I thought you would have told us, Mr. Minister, I have done this, we have done this, we have done that. Now, I want you to help us to do this, to do that. Well, since you refused to tell us what you did, because of the love Mr. President has for you, I will take one.This bridge has to be constructed.”Wike declared.
In her vote of thanks, Minister of State for FCT, Dr Mariya Mahmoud expressed gratitude to National Assembly members for their support, and prayed that the project serves as beacon of hope and progress to the citizens.
The Chairman,Senate Committee on FCT, Senator David Jimkuta, who was represented by his deputy noted that President Tinubu and Senate President, Godswill Akpabio are proud of Wike’s performance .
Earlier, the Area Council chairman, Abubakar Giri, who was represented by his Vice Chairman, Saidu Zuba said Wike’s efforts had further open up development in Gwagwalada Area Council as well as stemmed the tide of insecurity.
The residents of Paikon- Kore were seen carrying placards with this inscriptions” Wike is Talk And Do Minister, Mr Project- We Are Grateful, Agreement is Agreement among others.