As President Bola Tinubu marks one year in office on May 29, (Wednesday), the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesome Wike, has named some major roads he (Wike) completed since he assumed office after the president.
Wike announced Southern Parkway as Bola Ahmed Tinubu Way on Tuesday, during the commissioning of the projects executed by the minister’s administration to commemorate the president’s one year in office. The minister also announced the renaming of another road as Bola Ahmed Tinubu Way.
Tinubu has also commended Wike for successfully completing some road projects in the FCT.
While showering praises on the minister, he thanked him for keeping hope alive.
He said: “ I will not say that I am surprised. Barrister Nyesom Wike, Mr Project, thank you for giving us this hope, and sincere commitment to shared values. Well done. As a team leader, you work so hard, tirelessly.”
“I must recognise your vision that is revolutionary and very inspiring to many of our people. The changes you made to the FCT structure and administration are yielding results and elevating the hearts of many Nigerians. Thank you very much,” he added.
“Today, we are here to mark a significant milestone in the journey of our nation towards progress and development. As we commemorate my first year in office, it is a great joy and challenge that we have a huge job.
“This transformative project you are seeing, I heard it could have been an abandoned project, for 13 years, scratching the surface.
“Once again, our dear team landlord, Barrister Ezenwo Nyesom Wike, thank you for bringing life back to our Federal Capital Territory. I understand the Southern Parkway does not only represent a physical artery that connects vital areas within FCT but also symbolises our collective aspirations for connectivity, ease of livelihood, accessibility and progress.
“By providing a seamless and efficient transportation corridor, this road will not only ease traffic congestion but also enhance mobility and creativity for the residents and visitors to FCT. The completion of the Southern Parkway underscores our commitment to inclusive and sustainable development, as we strive to build a world-class capital city.
“We recognise the fact that infrastructure is an enabler of jobs, economic development and prosperity. We believe we are going to achieve all of that.”
The president assured that his administration would remain citizen-focused.
“The needs of our citizens are paramount in our minds. So, for making our citizens the central focus of our development, we believe Nigeria will succeed. As we formally inaugurate this road, I am greatly honoured. I heard him mentioning my name as the beneficiary. Thank you very much; thank you for being a very good team leader, we all collectively will not let you down.”
Earlier, Wike had noted: “This landmark project, the first among nine visionary projects scheduled for commissioning by Mr. President in the coming days represents a significant milestone in our collective efforts to enhance the infrastructure and livability of our great capital and her inhabitants.”
” As we mark the first year of your transformative leadership, Mr. President, this event underscores our shared commitment to progress, innovation and the enduring prosperity of Nigeria. Today, we celebrate not just the completion of a roadway, but the opening of new pathways to economic growth and national unity.
“Your Excellency, distinguished ladies and gentlemen, the Southern Parkway is one of the principal arteries conceived and planned as a freeway to provide access and connectivity to the Southern development flank of the city as provided in the Abuja Master Plan.”
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Earlier, the Executive Secretary of the FDA, Engr. Shehu Ahmed Hadi gave an overview of the project.
He explained that the portion of the Southern Parkway, now Bola Ahmed Tinubu Way starts from the National Christian Centre to Ring Road 1 (Nnamdi Azikiwe Express Way with a distance of 27 km.
He said that the portion that has been completed and commissioned is 5.4 km. It is a 12-lane road with four interchanges and eight bridges, a standard walkway, street lights and other facilities.
The contract for the road was originally awarded in 2010 and re-awarded in 2012.
