President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has described the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Barrister Nyesom Wike, as “one of the most colourful politicians in the Nigerian political landscape,” applauding his fearless approach to leadership and the visible results his tenure is bringing to the nation’s capital.
Represented by Vice President Kashim Shettima at the commissioning of the newly rehabilitated Aguma Palace–Radio Nigeria–New Market Road in Gwagwalada Area Council on Friday, President Tinubu praised Wike’s unique style and political audacity, which he said have helped fast-track real development in the FCT.
“The inimitable, the incredible, the superb Minister of the FCT. One of the most colourful politicians in the Nigerian political landscape. I mean, he dances very well and he threw some jibes at the opposition today,” Tinubu said through Shettima, drawing laughter and cheers from the large crowd that gathered to witness the ceremony.
Turning to the importance of the project, Tinubu noted that the newly completed road goes beyond mere infrastructure; it demonstrates his administration’s commitment to bridging the gap between the city centre and communities that have long been neglected.
“For too long, those who lived beyond the city centre have watched development happen from a distance. They have watched their dreams of inclusion delayed by excuses and their hopes defied by shifting priorities. But we are here to rewrite that history,” he declared.
He emphasised that the road, chosen by the people themselves, symbolises responsive governance that listens to citizens and delivers real impact.
“What brings us together on this historic day is more than a road. It is a reminder that no community under this administration is too far to be seen and no voice too faint to be heard. We are not just rehabilitating roads, we are rehabilitating trust,” Tinubu said.
He described the transformation taking place in the FCT as the product of deliberate reforms, stating, “By expanding the revenue base of the FCT, we are investing in roads, schools, hospitals and our people.”
President Tinubu called the new road a “corridor of dignity for market women, a path to safety for school children, and a road to prosperity for the hardworking traders.”
“This road will do more than ease the movement of people and goods. It will make this community safer. It will improve access to education and healthcare. It will unlock economic potential, especially for our rural dwellers,” he said.
He also praised Wike for proving that bold, sometimes disruptive leadership is vital to deliver meaningful change.
“I thank him for proving that disruption is not a threat to order but a requirement for progress. Honourable Minister, Mr. President is mightily proud of your accomplishments and, of course, your political sagacity and no-holds-barred attitude,” the Vice President said on Tinubu’s behalf.
President Tinubu also appreciated the traditional rulers in Gwagwalada for their support and patience, describing them as true partners in progress.
“This project is not just a symbol of government presence. It is your project. It belongs to the people of Gwagwalada,” he said.
He assured the people that the era of abandoned projects and failed promises was over.
“We are determined to ensure that development is not a privilege reserved for the few, but a right enjoyed by all,” Tinubu said, before formally commissioning the road amid jubilation and cultural performances.
In his remarks, FCT Minister Nyesom Wike said the road, like others delivered under the Renewed Hope Agenda, was not designed from behind closed doors but chosen through genuine community engagement.
“One good thing about these projects in our rural areas is that we never sat in the city to dictate what to do. We came here and the people told us, ‘This is what we want.’ That is what we call community participation in governance,” Wike said.
He noted that the administration is committed to empowering local contractors who deliver quality jobs that benefit communities.
“The Ushafa–War College Road in Bwari was done by local contractors. The bus terminals were done by local contractors. That is the policy direction of this government: to empower our own people,” Wike stated.
Also speaking at the event, the FCT Minister of State, Dr. Mariya Mahmoud, said the road and other projects recently commissioned are clear evidence of President Tinubu’s vision for inclusive governance and tangible development.
“The commissioning of this road demonstrates our dedication to inclusive governance and infrastructure renewal in both urban and rural communities,” Mahmoud said.
She praised President Tinubu’s leadership for inspiring development that improves the lives of ordinary Nigerians across the FCT.
