By Clement Adeyi, Ben Adoga, Linus Aleke, David Lawani and Kenny Folowosele
In the last year, Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, has made remarkable strides in implementing the Renewed Hope Agenda of President Bola Tinubu, on infrastructure development of Abuja. His goal has been characterised by a robust and transformative agenda to enhance the city’s urban landscape and functionality. Under his leadership, Abuja has witnessed significant improvements in road networks, public utilities, and urban planning, fostering a more efficient and aesthetically pleasing environment. Wike’s strategic vision and hands-on approach have accelerated ongoing projects and initiated new ventures, demonstrating his commitment to elevating the infrastructural standards of Nigeria’s capital city. His efforts have garnered widespread acclaim for addressing critical infrastructure needs and driving sustainable development in Abuja. A cross-section of FCT residents speak on these giant strides.
*Banke Afolabi
For me, I think the minister has started on a good note. Instead of abandoning projects, he completes and initiates another one. I think he has demonstrated his ability to deliver and he should be commended and allowed to work. Anybody that wants to work for Nigeria should be encouraged irrespective of where he comes from. I want to advise the minister not to allow politics to distract him. He should work for Nigeria because we are watching everyone, including the pretenders.
*Faruk Daud
The FCT Minister, Nyesom Wike has done well and I will rate him 60% for now. If you compare his administration as FCT minister and the previous ones, you will see major differences. In my area in Asokoro for instance, some roads are bad and were upgraded immediately he came to office. He has taken development to so many places in FCT and he should be given kudos for the great job he has been doing. With Wike, we will be able to see the nation’s capital as a good place to live irrespective of status and position. Although the previous administrations said the FCT is not for the poor or everybody as the case may be. I disagree because I believe it should be a place for every Nigerian to live in since it is the nation’s capital. That is exactly what Woke is aiming at and he is already achieving it
*Abiodun Amuda
I have been in FCT for like 12 years. So, I am in the position to compare between Wike’s administration and former administrations. Yesterday, I said I was going to my Facebook to write it there that may ‘God bless’ Nyesom Wike for all that he has done in the FCT within one year he has spent in office as minister. I was coming from Taj Bank and was going to Apo Mechanic village, for that journey alone, I said ‘God bless’ Wike because of the good road network. From this Mabuchi expressway, I came down to Area 3; there were infrastructures here and there that were not there before. He has completed nothing less than four bridges to get to Area 3 Roundabout. We counted Area 7 and continued counting. I think the guy is number one in infrastructure development. He has done so well. By the time the guy spends 4 years, Abuja would be seriously transformed. I heard from the news that the metro lane would be commissioned on the 27th or so and will be put to use immediately. We didn’t have it here before now. Nice one. You now see why we are applauding the minister.
*Emmanuel Ekwe, Abuja-based lawyer
Honestly speaking, I was not surprised that Wike was able to achieve this feat within this very short time. He is simply replicating what he did in Rivers here in Abuja. Look at the previous minister, what was he able to do? He allegedly awarded contracts for road construction and those roads remained unattended and immediately when Wike came, we started seeing major changes in terms of infrastructure. I believe before his term expires, he will do more. What Abuja needs as a federal capital now is to close all those infrastructure gaps, build more structures, road networks, etc, to be able to compete with other world capitals. Rail is one of the cheapest means of transportation and Wike will make it a reality. I also wish that he put a road network around Abuja satellite towns too after all they are situated in the FCT. But in all, I give the minister 98 per cent.
*James Adebesin, civil servant
Well, I think the man Wike has been trying to shape up Abuja compared to the last administration. He has tried to put a lot of things in place. Even the demolition we are talking about, especially the Lugbe town, has helped to expose some miscreants and criminals’ hideouts. That is not to say that they should not provide alternatives to low-income earners and the poor. If he demolishes let him relocate them.
*Comrade Martins, communications consultant
The Minister, Wike, has transformed the FCT in less than one year in office. He has been very effective in terms of road construction and rehabilitation. He has done a lot in these areas and has improved the FCT road network in greater dimensions. He is changing the face of the FCT in the area of road networks, street lights, and other social amenities. The minister has brought joy to the inhabitants of the FCT. Also, the security situation in the FCT has improved appreciably since the minister assumed office.
*Chidiebere Ugwu, journalist
Within a short period in office, Wike has demonstrated a strong commitment to improving the city and restoring the Abuja master plan. Abuja is now wearing a new look because of his dedication to work. Most of the projects earlier abandoned by past administrations have been completed by his administration, hence many roads are being commissioned for public use. He has also completed the Abuja metro rail line which I learnt, Mr President will ride on May 27th. The Vice President’s residence and National Assembly complex too have been renovated and lawmakers are now enjoying the facility. Wike’s performance so far suggests that he is a capable and action-oriented minister who is committed to improving Abuja and delivering on his mandate.
*Nelson Gowon
Nyesom Wike is rewriting the history of Nigeria’s ‘new’ Capital Territory, promulgated into law by decree 13 of 1976. Since he came to the office, he has executed many new projects. Wike is changing the narrative of snail-speed performance by former administrations through the speedy execution of projects. All the projects he executed were delivered in a record time. Besides his workaholic approach to project execution, his knack for excellence is unprecedented. For Wike, it’s either the project is done with a world-standard taste or no deal. Wike has demonstrated that whatever is impossible is possible with purposeful leadership. He has demonstrated what it means to occupy public office and use it for the service of the people. Given the current high momentum of his performances, by the time Wike will be four years as FCT minister, a lot will have changed positively at the FCT. The decision of President Bola Tinubu to remove FCT from the Single Treasury Account is paying off after all.
*Juliet Iroegbu
Nyesom Wike has brought to sanity to FCT since he assumed office. I would like to make a particular reference to two areas that he has done exceedingly well- security and road network. ‘One chance’ criminals were on a rampage within the FCT metropolis, but these days, people can board vehicles without their hearts in their mouths. Also, there were kidnapping incidents daily within the territory, but the stories of kidnapping have disappeared into the air. Also, most of the roads within the city centre are now wearing new looks. Wike has indeed shown good leadership in these two critical sectors.
*Princess Ekwi Ajide, journalist
Nyesom Wike is doing marvelously well, especially in the area of road network. I was at his sectoral briefing in commemoration of President Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda and one year in office on Friday, at Radio House Conference Centre, where he reeled out some of his achievements and I marvelled. Going by what he enumerated and the ones we see, I’ll say he’s doing wonders in Abuja
*Chief David Osietefeyi, UK-based FCT resident
The Minister is doing very well. He has shown that he can work. This is the kind of person the FCT needs. The new highway from Asokoro down to Apo is a long stretch of road that is now in great shape. I commend him for it. He is putting his name among officeholders that history will be kind to.
*Remilekun Johnson, public servant
Before Wike came to FCT as minister, there were lots of abandoned projects. But he has completed a lot of them. The establishment of the Women Affairs Secretariat, exiting the Single Treasury Account, and making the FCT Administration staff actualise their career potential by growing up to the head of the service and permanent secretaries is an achievement that workers will ever remain thankful for. He has restructured the infrastructure of the FCT as well as the civil service. He is truly a change agent. With Wike as minister, Abuja will never be the same again.
*Peter Odey, retired civil servant
I live in the Kurudu area of Abuja and I’ve been here for quite a while. Since Wike came in, he has lived up to his name, Mr. Project. Everybody can attest to what he has been doing. He has made life more comfortable for the residents of Abuja. In the area of security, you can see that the tension that was there has drastically gone down. We no longer hear cases of kidnapping and ‘one chance’ as it used to be. In terms of road construction, nobody expected that some of these roads would be fine in such a short time. Some of these roads were not taken care of by the past administrations. But since Wike came, he has fixed most of the roads within a short time. I was amazed when I watched him inspect some road projects recently and people are happy that this kind of development can happen so quickly.
*Patrick Itor, retired civil servant
Since Wike came to Abuja as FCT Minister, things have been happening fast. He has completed many laudable projects that impact on everyday life of the people. The roads and bridges that were abandoned for so many years have been fixed and people are happy. Streetlights and other facilities are also coming up. Also, security has improved significantly. We no longer hear much about ‘one chance,’ frequent kidnapping, and snatching of bags and phones like before. Crime has come down drastically.
*Chinedu Onwe, PR practitioner
As a resident who has lived in Abuja for the past 25 years, I can attest to the fact that Nyesom Wike has performed creditably well. When you talk about road infrastructure that is the area where what he has done is very visible. Even a blind man on the street can feel the impact of what he has done in the area of road infrastructure. In the city centre, roads that link different districts that were abandoned have been completed. The road network in Abuja is now of international standard. Apart from roads, he is also doing very well in the education sector. Recently, he commissioned the renovation and rehabilitation of about I9 roads across the six area councils.
*Aliyu Sanusi
I’ve been in Abuja for over 10 years. I’ve witnessed up to three administrations. But since Wike came on board, the difference has been clear. A lot of old roads have been reconstructed. A lot of bridges that were abandoned have also been completed. The metro line will be opened soon for residents to enjoy.
*Pastor Adioza Omoluabi
Nyesom Wike’s governance style, both as the former governor of Rivers State and now honourable Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), exemplifies the hallmark of leadership. Within just 100 days of assuming office, FCT has witnessed a significant development. He has prioritized infrastructure development, investing heavily in construction projects that enhance the capital city’s aesthetic and functional appeal. Wike’s leadership style is characterized by a strong emphasis on accountability, transparency, and timely project completion. His commitment to finishing projects initiated by him within the stipulated timeframe is highly commendable.
*Ayetuo Alao, fashion designer
Since the commencement of President Bola Tinubu’s administration, one person has stood out among the cabinet members. He is former Rivers State governor, Barrister Nyesom Wike. He is a bulldozer. Everywhere in the FCT is feeling his performance vibes. The roads are wearing new looks. Streetlights are receiving attention. He is doing everything possible to justify his appointment. I doff my hat for him.
*Ozavize Jimoh, civil servant
Nyesom Wike is a good leader who has made FCT much more comfortable and stress-free for the residents. He has continued to rebuild the infrastructures that were left to waste by previous ministers. He has shown that he is a man of character. He is stamping his authority that he knows his onions. As former governor of Rivers State, he is replicating The Mr Project that he is known for. He is taking the FCT to another level of modern development. FCT residents are proud of his sterling performances and achievements. I’m glad that under him, the FCT is wearing a brighter look. We appreciate what he is doing. He has our total support in the FCT.
*Kingsley Oseh
We are seeing the great jobs Honourable Minister Wike is doing to turn the fortunes of the FCT around for everybody living in the Capital Territory. We call him Mr. Project because his coming to Abuja is good for us. He is doing wonders. The pieces of evidence are everywhere. He is a workaholic. Abuja has reenacted itself under him as the true FCT. Well done, my number-one Minister in President Tinubu’s administration. But we want him to do more for us. Our bridge in the FO1/Jabu community around the Army Pension Board requires his urgent attention.
