President Bola Tinubu on Saturday approved the naming of the M18 road infrastructure in Guzape District, Abuja after renowned novelist Professor Chinua Achebe.
Tinubu said his administration is prioritisingpeople-focused development by providing essential infrastructure and amenities that will improve the quality of life of citizens.
He said this while commissioning the provision of engineering infrastructure to Guzape Lot 11 District.
Tinubu who was elated over the development said: “Minister Nyesom Wike has provided exceptional leadership at a trying time for the country. It has been a very challenging time for us in the country. We are still retooling and rejigging our financial system to bring prosperity and relief to the people of this country.
“You have demonstrated the capacity to build a team, lead a team, and deliver on promises. I commend you, well done. To all of you here, to the District Head of Guzape, and the representatives, litigation is not the answer. Compensation is the answer.
“Development that is focused on the people for economic prosperity and benefits is what we should pursue. Of what value is a swathe of land that is blocked by hills and rocks, and that is inaccessible. Let us talk to our people and come together to help build Nigeria”.
President Tinubu, who commended the contractor handling the project, Gilmor Engineering Limited, emphasised that his commitment to providing infrastructure across the country is not for personal enrichment or aggrandizement.
“I stand here as President; I do not have a plot of land here (Guzape District). But I have the people’s support and the mandate to deliver a good quality of life and a living environment.
“That should be enough for all of us to share in the joy of commitment, dedication, perseverance, and the little gifts God has endowed us,” the President said.
The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, explained that the contract initially awarded in 2003 at the cost of N14 billion was divided into Lots 1 and 2 to Messrs Dantata & Sawoe Construction Company Nigeria Limited and Messrs Gilmor Engineering Limited.
Wike said: “Dantata had left the site for a long time. We had to bring them back after the President approved a memorandum to that effect”.
The Minister disclosed that the development of the district, which covers 32km of road, had been fraught with litigation, which, however, did not deter the progress of the project.
He said shortly before the present administration assumed office; the cost of the project was revised to N18.17 billion.
Wike commended the President for not abandoning the project owing to his belief in government as a continuum.
“Since I assumed office as FCT Minister in August 2023, you have never interfered with our work. We are sincerely happy that you gave us the free hand to work,” he said.
The FCT Minister, who appealed to the President to name major roads in Guzape District after literary giants, Chinua Achebe and JP Clark, hinted that the ‘diplomatic area’ in the district will be completed within one year.
THE NATION
