President Bola Tinubu has reaffirmed his administration’s dedication to enhancing the quality of lives for all Nigerians.
Represented by the Vice-President Kashim Shettima, Tinubu stated this at the inauguration of the Expansion of the Outer Southern Expressway (OSEX) from the Villa Roundabout to Ring Road 1 (RRI).
He said that the expansion of the outer southern motorway would not only alleviate traffic congestion and improve transportation but would also stimulate economic growth and create opportunities for prosperity.
Tinubu said, “What is unfolding in our capital city is a testament to what can be achieved with our government’s Renewed Hope Agenda, quality transformation of the Federal Capital Territory and indeed Nigeria.
“This ambitious undertaking holds profound significance for the FCT and its residence. With additional interchanges we are enhancing connectivity and accessibility.
“Making it easier for residence and visitors alike to navigate our beautiful capital city.”
The President, therefore, commended the FCT Minister, Mr Nyesom Wike and his remarkable team in the territory, for their visionary leadership and tireless dedication to the upliftment of the capital city.
“Wike is redefining the meaning and concepts of modern leadership in Nigeria.
“The President is mightily proud of you for your dedication, for your persistent, for your courage and the will to do well.”
Tinubu, who asked Wike to stand and take a bow, noted that under Wike’s leadership, FCT had witnessed remarkable strive in infrastructural development, urban planning and sustainable growth in the nation’s capital.
“Under Wike, we have proven to the world that what counts is leadership, and what this nation needs is quality leadership.
“The completion of this project expansion is not only a piece of engineering but a testament to the power of collaboration and partnership.
“It is a shining example of what we can accomplish when we work together, towards a common goal transcending political divide and personal interest for the greater good of our nation.”
Earlier, Wike, expressed gratitude to the President for designating this week – from Monday to Saturday – as FCT week, even as he acknowledged the challenges that the city had faced in the past.
He recalled that the road project awarded in 2013 had remained incomplete for 11 years, emphasizing that the Renewed Hope Agenda of the Tinubu administration is targeted at making life easier for the people of Abuja.
“Mr President said that every uncompleted project must be completed. Under the Treasury Single Account (TSA), it was very difficult for us to continue with this project.
” But because the President allowed us to pull out of the TSA, it became easy for us to access funds and pay the contractors who now have confidence in our ability to pay,” Wike explained.
The minister also highlighted the collaborative efforts between the government and the National Assembly leadership, which he said was instrumental in making the road project a reality.
He assured the FCT residents that the government’s focus was not limited to roads, adding that government was also working to rehabilitate the city’s schools, ensuring that all the bad schools are brought up to standard.
“Why people have their hope back is that before now, they only heard about the government but didn’t see the impact of the government.
” In the Renewed Agenda, they have seen that really, the government exists, and they can feel the pulse of the government,” he said.