…HIGHLIGHTS SIGNIFICANT INVESTMENTS IN THE AREA COUNCIL

…HOLDS ONE MINUTE SILENCE FOR USENI

1.      The Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Minister, Barr. Ezenwo Nyesom Wike on Friday, January 24, 2025, commissioned the 5km Gaba-Tokulo road in Bwari Area Council, marking another milestone in the administration’s commitment to infrastructural development across the territory.

2.      In his address at the ceremony, the Minister emphasized the FCT Administration’s dedication to fulfilling its promise of constructing one road in each of the six Area Councils, as directed by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu in 2024. He highlighted the ongoing road project commissioning activities,  demonstrating the government’s commitment to positively impacting every part of the FCT.

3.      Speaking on Bwari Area Council, the Minister detailed the substantial investments made by the Federal Government, not only in road infrastructure but also in education and other sectors.

 4.   In the words of the Minister,  “This Gaba-Tokulo road cost us not less than N7 billion. From Dutse coming to this area in Bwari, you see the total rehabilitation of the entire road, which has cost us not less than 27 billion. This is for this area council. The entire Ushafa, War College and all the roads in Ushafa have cost us not less than 28 billion Naira. Now, if you calculate for just road infrastructure for Bwari Area Council alone, it has taken 62.2 billion Naira.

6.      “Now, in terms of education, the government just renovated the Government Secondary School (GSS) Dutse, Government Secondary School Bwari, Government Secondary School Ushafa, which is a new one, GSS Deidei, GSS Kubwa, and GSS Jibi. All these schools have cost us not less than 27 billion. Now, if you add N27 billion to N62 billion, you’re almost getting to N100 billion for one area council” the Minister explained”.

7.      The Minister assured the residents of Bwari that President Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda is not just a promise but a reality, highlighting the government’s commitment to ensuring the timely and effective execution of all awarded contracts.

8.      Addressing the issue of security, the Minister announced the construction of two new police divisions in Igou and Ushafa, adding that the contractors are expected to hand them over by May this year, significantly enhancing security in the area council.

9.      Responding to a request by the Chairman of Bwari Area Council, Hon. John Gabaya, for the extension of the Gaba-Tokulo road to Kawu near the boundary with Kaduna State and  the provision of an alternative route from Bwari to Kubwa, the Minister  promised that the Tokulo-Kawu road requested by the council Chairman will be prioritised, considering its significance to the people and in fulfillment of the directive of Mr, President for each Area Council to get a minimum of one rural road in 2025.

10.  He also commended Setraco, the construction company, for delivering a high-quality road project, adding that the contractor has been directed to also provide streetlights on the road, beyond the initial scope of the contract.

11.  Earlier, the Bwari Area Council Chairman, Hon. Gabaya, had expressed gratitude to the Minister for providing infrastructure in Bwari and across all six Area Councils within the FCT. The Chairman acknowledged the historical challenges faced by residents, highlighting the previous dangers associated with the Gaba-Tokulo road, which had sadly resulted in the loss of lives.

12.  Describing the FCT Minister as an embodiment of the Renewed Hope Agenda of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, the Chairman presented a gift to the FCT Minister and the Minister of State on behalf of the grateful residents of Tokulo as a token of appreciation for the road project.

13.  In her vote of thanks, the FCT Minister of state, Dr. Mariya Mahmoud said all the projects executed in the FCT are a clear testament to President Tinubu’s commitment to improving the lives of the people by enhancing connectivity and facilitating economic growth.

14.  While thanking the President for his immense support and dedication towards the development of rural infrastructures in the communities, Dr. Mahmoud also thanked the FCT Minister and members of the National Assembly, for their vision and relentless efforts to see the initiative come to fruition.

15.  She also prayed that the project would bring about the positive changes envisioned.

16.  In his welcome address, the Coordinator, Satelite Town Development Department, STDD, Hon. Zulkiflu Abdulkadir, expressed gratitude to the FCT Minister for his unwavering commitment to the growth and development of the satellite towns and area councils.

17.  Hon. Zulkiflu said, under the leadership of Barr. Wike, the six Area Councils have witnessed a renewed sense of hope and progress, adding that the Minister’s dedication and passion for improving the lives of citizens have been instrumental in driving forward the goals of the STDD.

 18.  He said that the project has already made a remarkable impact on the rural environment, promoting small and medium-scale businesses.

 19.  The Coordinator expressed confidence that the road will not only improve the economic landscape of the community but also enhance the overall quality of life of the people.

20. Another highlight of the event was a minute silence held in honour of a former Minister of the FCT,  Lt. Gen. Jeremiah Timbut Useni (Rtd) who died late on Thursday.

ANTHONY OGUNLEYE

DIRECTOR, PRESS

(OFFICE OF THE HON. MINISTER)

24/01/2025