Chairmen of Kuje and Gwagwalada Area Councils have vowed to replicate the infrastructure revolution being championed by the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Barr. Nyesom Wike, in their respective councils.
The council bosses made the pledge on Wednesday during the inauguration of the newly constructed 7-kilometre Kuje-Gwagwalada Dual Carriageway (Phase I), describing the project as a game-changer for residents and businesses in the two councils.
Chairman of Kuje Area Council, Danjuma Samuel Shekolo, also pledged to replicate the infrastructure strides recorded by Wike across the FCT.
He described the newly commissioned road as a major boost to economic activities, transportation and security in both Kuje and Gwagwalada.
According to him, the road has drastically reduced travel time between the two councils.
“For the first time, travelling from Kuje to Gwagwalada will take just 10 to 15 minutes. Before now, people spent more than one hour on this road.
“This project will open up the area for more development, increase business activities and improve the economy of both councils,” he said.
Shekolo noted that the road would also strengthen security in the corridor, which was previously considered unsafe at night.
“Before now, many people avoided this road after 6pm because of security concerns. Today, because of the streetlights installed on the road, people can travel safely even at midnight,” he added.
The chairman commended President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and Wike for fulfilling their promise to construct the road, noting that previous administrations had made similar promises without results.
“For years, ministers came and went with promises, but Wike has delivered. That is why the people are celebrating today,” he said.
Earlier, the Chairman of Gwagwalada Area Council, Mohammed Kasim Ikwa, who hailed Wike as a “messiah” to FCT residents, said the minister’s performance had become a model for local government administrators.
He promised that his administration would follow in Wike’s footsteps by delivering people-oriented projects despite the challenges inherited from previous administrations.
“By the grace of God, just as he has charged us, we have a marching order to follow suit by giving our people the dividends of democracy.
“Wike is making Nigeria proud and making the FCT a better place to live. He is opening up satellite towns and connecting every part of the territory. Today, development is everywhere and the people can see and feel it,” Ikwa said.
The council chairman added that his administration would focus on security, agriculture, healthcare, education and youth empowerment under his seven-point agenda.
“All we can say is thank you. May God continue to bless him as he sets the pace for us at the local government level. We shall emulate all his good programmes by the grace of God,” he stated.
The newly inaugurated Kuje-Gwagwalada Dual Carriageway is expected to boost commerce, improve connectivity, enhance security and accelerate development in the two councils and other neighbouring communities within the Federal Capital Territory.
