Abuja, Nigeria – November 22, 2024: The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Barrister Nyesom Wike, has reaffirmed his administration’s dedication to creating employment opportunities and transforming Abuja into a hub of infrastructure development under the Renewed Hope Agenda of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.
Speaking during an inspection of ongoing projects across the city and satellite towns, Wike highlighted the administration’s focus on youth empowerment through meaningful engagement.
“Employment isn’t just about government jobs but creating opportunities where youths can work and earn a living,” he remarked. “Look at the number of youths engaged at our project sites; it’s fulfilling to see them contributing meaningfully to society.”
Infrastructure as a Catalyst for Job Creation
The Minister underscored the transformative role of infrastructure projects in job creation and improving residents’ quality of life. According to Wike, youths actively involved in road construction, housing developments, and other projects are being empowered, mitigating the risks of idleness and its societal consequences.
“When these jobs are not there, you can imagine what the number of youths would be doing now,” he stated, emphasizing the tangible benefits of these development initiatives.
Commending Contractors and Addressing Criticism
Wike commended contractors like Julius Berger and CGC for their commitment to delivering world-class infrastructure. He stressed the importance of ensuring equal quality for projects in both the city center and satellite communities, reflecting his administration’s inclusive approach.
On the much-debated judges’ quarters, Wike dismissed criticisms, highlighting the project’s necessity and the support it has received at the highest levels.
“When you have presidential approval and National Assembly backing, criticism becomes irrelevant,” he said. “Our focus is on creating a conducive environment for the judiciary to function optimally. Those who criticize would still complain if nothing was done.”
Residents’ Support and Governance Impact
The Minister expressed appreciation for the support and gratitude shown by FCT residents during his site visits, noting that such gestures inspire his administration to achieve more.
“Governance is about impacting lives positively, and the people’s support makes it worthwhile,” Wike said, recalling a touching moment when a resident offered him water and praised the ongoing improvements.
Strategic Project Management
Wike attributed his administration’s ability to manage multiple projects simultaneously to prudent resource allocation and teamwork. He stressed the importance of completing impactful projects rather than overextending resources.
“We’ve prioritized completing projects within available resources. It’s better to finish one impactful project than start 20 and barely complete any,” he explained.
Wike credited President Tinubu’s unwavering support for enabling the FCT Administration to deliver on its promises, reaffirming his commitment to the Renewed Hope Agenda’s goals of youth empowerment and infrastructural development.
Transforming the FCT
With ongoing infrastructure projects reshaping the landscape, Wike’s vision for a modern, inclusive, and economically vibrant FCT continues to gain momentum, setting new benchmarks for governance and urban development in Nigeria.
