President Bola Tinubu has reaffirmed his administration’s dedication to enhancing the quality of life for all Nigerians.
Tinubu, who was elated, said the nation’s capital has witnessed sustainable growth under the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike.
Tinubu said Wike is redefining the meaning and concept of modern leadership in Nigeria.
The president hailed the minister while commissioning the full-scope development of the outer southern expressway (OSEX) from Villa Roundabout to Rind Road 1(RRI).
Under Wike, Tinubu said the country has proven to the world that what counts is leadership.
What Nigeria needs, the president said is quality leadership.
Tinubu called on those in leadership positions to collaborate and work as a team for positive results.
Tinubu who was represented at the event by Vice President Senator Kashim Shettima said: “I reaffirm my administration’s dedication to enhancing the quality of life for all Nigerians.
What is unfolding in the federal capital is a testament to what can be achieved by the government’s renewed hope agenda of quality transformation of the FCT and Nigeria.
“Issues undertaken hold profound significance for the FCT and its residents, a function of the Outer Southern Motorway will not only alleviate transport congestion and improve transportation but will also stimulate economic growth and create opportunities for prosperity.
“With the addition of 4 Interchanges, we are enhancing connectivity and accessibility, making it easier for residents and visitors alike to navigate our beautiful capital city.
“I will therefore, once again commend the FCT Minister ENW and his remarkable team in the FCT for his visionary leadership and tireless dedication to the upliftment of our capital city.
“Wike is a force of nature. Wike is redefining the meaning and concept of modern leadership in Nigeria.
“The President is mightily proud of you, for your dedication, for your persistence, for your courage, and the will to do good. I think you deserve to stand and take a bow.
“Under Wike’s leadership, we have witnessed stride in infrastructural development, urban planning, and sustainable growth in the nation’s capital. Under Wike, we have proved to the world that what counts is leadership, and what this nation needs is quality leadership.
“The completion of this motorway extension is not merely a piece of engineering but a testament to the…..power….of collaboration and partnership. It is a shining example of what we can accomplish if we work together towards a common goal, transcending political divides and personal interests for the greater good of our nation.
“As we admire the basic infrastructure before us, let us not forget the countless hands that have laboured tirelessly to bring this project to fruition.
“As we celebrate the commissioning of this project, let us also remember that our work is far from over; there are still many challenges to overcome, and many more opportunities to explore, but with determination, perseverance, and a shared sense of purpose, which is clearly evident in the FCT, there is no limit to what we can achieve.”
Wike commended the president for the support to complete the Expressway which was awarded 11 years ago in 2013.
The road project, the minister said was N39.8 billion when it was awarded and was later revised to N59 billion in 2021.
He also commended the National Assembly for its support towards the completion of the project.
Wike said: “Those of us who have stayed in Abuja for some time we know how bad it was. This project was awarded in 2013. For eleven years now, we have been battling how to make life easy for our people. That is why the whole essence of the ‘renewed hope agenda’ is that we will make you feel comfortable, and bring back your hope, and this is what we are doing today. Mr president said, that every project I met must be completed, and I thank God almighty that we are doing that today.
“I thank Mr. President and his team for all the necessary support that he gave to us. The cost of this project when it was awarded was N39.8bn but in 2021 it was revised to N59.9bn and it was not easy, knowing fully well what we do. Under the TSA it was very difficult for us to have finished this project.
“By Mr. President allowing us to pull out from this TSA, it became easy for us to access funds and pay contractors. In fact, I can tell you that the confidence contractors now have is that most of them run back to us that we know you will pay, and give us jobs. That is confidence.
“As far as I am concerned, this road is partly funded by Sukuk. This achievement would also not have been possible but for our robust corporation, and relationship with the National Assembly Leadership (NASS).
“I don’t know any more minister that is very lucky than me and my minister of state, I don’t know. I have 24-hour access to the leadership of the NASS, and so we are lucky that we don’t have any problems. We are doing well because we have Mr President giving us support and the NASS giving us support.
“I can assure you it’s not only on road infrastructure, go and see what is happening in education, we are trying to see that all our schools that are bad are rehabilitated and that is what is supposed to be, we are also going to the health sector. Before December Mr President will invite you to commission not less than 75 kilometres of the area council roads, which has never happened before.
“People are having hope back because before they only hear about government but they don’t see the impact of government but with the renewed hope agenda they have known really government exist, they can feel the purse of the government.”
Credit: thenationonlineng.net
