Continue Supporting President Tinubu, Wike Urges FCT Residents

…AS HE FLAGS OFF REHABILITATION OF 15KM OLD KEFFI ROAD

The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Barrister Ezenwo Nyesom Wike, has called on residents to continue to support President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, asserting that the administration has fulfilled every promise made to the people.

Barr. Wike made the call on Tuesday, October 7, 2025, while officially flagging off the rehabilitation of the 15-kilometer Old Keffi Road, from Kado Village to Dei-Dei junction on the Outer Northern Expressway, Abuja, stressing that residents have had only the best from the present government. He added that the Tinubu-led administration was doing its best to change things for the better for Nigerians and the Abuja people.

The Minister said, “I will urge you to also continue to support this government. Every promise Mr. President has made, particularly to the people of Abuja, we have always done it to show you our government is a government of making promises and fulfilling promises.

“I urge you to continue to support the administration of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, Grand Commander of the Federal Republic of Nigeria (GCFR). Don’t bother about those who are not serious. Don’t bother about those who had the opportunities to contribute to bringing meaningful development to this country and to Abuja but did not do it.

“Today, Mr. President is changing the narrative as far as Abuja is concerned. Do not make the mistake of looking for people whom we don’t know what will happen to us if we give them a third chance. We gave them the first chance, and they failed us. We gave them a second chance, but they failed us. If you make the mistake of the third chance, they will kill you”.

Highlighting the scale of development in the FCT under President Tinubu’s administration, the Minister stated that 73 out of the 105 schools in the FCT were undergoing rehabilitation with 33 more set to be flagged off for rehabilitation, adding that the FCT Administration had mapped out 27 days for project flag-offs in the nation’s capital, an achievement he described as the first of its kind.

The Minister pointed out that the rehabilitation of the old Keffi Road was in fulfillment of a promise made during the commissioning of the Saburi I and Saburi II emergency roads, which were among the first projects approved by President Tinubu upon assuming office.

"To the glory of God, we have come to fulfill that promise that the administration of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has made”, he said, stressing that the road will enhance connectivity and ease traffic flow when completed.

Barr. Wike further disclosed that the contract was awarded to Messrs. Lubrics Construction Company, the same contractor who executed the Saburi I and II road projects, due to the FCT Administration’s confidence in their capacity and quality of work, and urged the contractor to “prioritize the employment of local youths and residents, both men and women, for the project to help them fend for their families".

The Minister, while recalling how the Chairman of the Abuja Municipal Area Council (AMAC), Hon. Christopher Maikalangu, specifically requested the rehabilitation of the old Keffi Road, along with the Ketti to Kabusa and Kabusa to Takushara roads, during the commissioning of the Saburi roads, used the occasion to also emphasize the importance of electing good representatives.

"What this means is that in choosing those to represent you, choose people who know what you want", he advised, and praised the AMAC Chairman as a "good and true representative" worthy of re-election to ensure continuity in prioritizing the needs of the people.

Delivering the vote of thanks, the FCT Minister of State, Dr Mariya Mahmoud, said the rehabilitation of the vital road would enhance the quality of life for residents and thanked President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for the positive impact of his Renewed Hope Agenda in the FCT.

Dr Mahmoud also extended appreciation to the FCT Minister for his tireless efforts in infrastructural development and creating urban growth, while also thanking the leadership of the National Assembly for their invaluable support.

In his overview of the project, Executive Secretary, Federal Capital Development Authority, Engr Richard Yunana Dauda, went historical when he revealed that the Old Keffi Road predated the creation of Abuja as the Federal Capital Territory. He said the road used to be the major connecting route from Suleja in Niger State to Keffi in Nasarawa State and other northern cities via Old Wuse Village and Old Maitama Village.

Apart from being historically significant during colonial times, he explained that the road was equally strategic due to its socioeconomic impact in boosting commerce by providing access to regional markets in Dei Dei, Gwagwa, as well as the Pantaker markets, cutting across eight districts.

He said, on completion, the road would improve the socioeconomic lives of the inhabitants of communities in the area, improve infrastructure to the people, while enhancing general traffic circulation and safety of road users. He added that the 15km road was expected to be completed in 18 months and commended the contractor for having mobilized to the project site.

In his statement of commitment, Technical Manager, Lubric Construction Company, Engr. Anthony El-Khoury, thanked the Minister for his support and confidence in the company and promised to work with all stakeholders to ensure the timely delivery of the project in accordance with specifications.