President Bola Tinubu on Tuesday, commenced the opening of the Dakibiyu district in Abuja with the commissioning of the collector road CN8 – the Asuquo Okon Way and other connecting routes in the district, promising to invest heavily in urban renewal projects, for economic revitalization.
The President who was represented by Vice President Kashim Shettima at the ceremony said “There is no louder proof of a government’s seriousness than the modernization of its cities. When a city works, when its roads are paved, when its lights are on, and when its traffic flows smoothly, it tells the world that its government is not just present but purposeful”.
President Tinubu who described infrastructure as not just concrete and steel but the most persuasive advertisement of leadership, order, and vision, said a modern city inspires confidence, attracts investment, and most importantly, restores the dignity of those who call it home.
He said that the opening of Dakibiyu district, through the commissioning of the collector road CN8, was a grand reassurance that cities must work for their people and that a functioning capital is the foundation upon which a functioning nation is built.
While commending the Minister Wike for his steadfastness in the development of the FCT, the President stressed that opening of the district was a bold signature of the Administration’s commitment to urban renewal and economic revitalization.
“The capital of this great nation must reflect the strength and dignity of all who call it home. We are determined to ensure that development knows no postcode, that governance does not discriminate, and that the dignity of our citizens is not defined by their geography.
“I must, at this point, pay tribute to the Honorable Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Barrister Nyesom Wike, whose sense of urgency in the execution of these projects is well known to Nigerians. We thank you and your entire team in the FCTA for this outstanding work”, the Minister said.
The President who pledged more support for the FCTA, said, “This administration remains steadfast in its support for the FCTA. We will continue to provide the resources, policy backing, and institutional cooperation needed to ensure that projects like this are delivered on time and to the highest standards”.
The FCT Minister in his remarks earlier, expressed deep appreciation to President Tinubu for his unwavering support for the infrastructure development drive of the administration .
The Minister who noted that the ceremony marked the 14th project commissioned so far, in celebration of the President’s second year in office, said the presence of the President at each event is a testament to his commitment to improving the lives of residents of the Federal Capital Territory.
While acknowledging the patience and resilience of attendees who braved the day’s inclement weather to witness the event, the Minister reflected on how the project came to be, recalling the moment he was shown the proposed site for the Abuja Division of the Court of Appeal.
“Your Excellency, the road is good now. When we wanted to find a land for the construction of the Abuja Division of the Court of Appeal and I was told by the Director of Lands that there was a space. I said, let me go and see the place. Your Excellency, you can’t believe that as a city we could have such terrible, horrible roads.
“And through the Federal Executive Council, by your support, this contract was awarded last year, September, and we flagged it off October last year. Today, we are commissioning this.
“Your Excellency there’s no talking too much today, but to thank you for your continued support, and we continue to solicit for more support”, he added.
He stressed that the commissioning of the road was part of the broader urban renewal and infrastructure agenda being aggressively pursued by the FCT Administration under the leadership of President Tinubu.
Minister of State FCT, Dr. Mariya Mahmoud, said that the commissioning of the Collector Road CN8 (Asuquo Okon Way) and other connecting roads in Dakibiyu District was another milestone in the FCTA’s journey toward building a more connected, efficient, and inclusive capital city.
She highlighted the support of President Tinubu, which, she said, has been instrumental in translating the long-standing development aspirations into tangible realities for residents.
In the project overview, Executive Secretary FCDA, Engineer Richard Yunana Dauda, noted that the newly completed infrastructure represents a significant milestone in the ongoing execution of the FCT Master Plan.
He said that the project was designed to improve connectivity and support future developments across key districts in the Federal Capital City.
