By Ben Adoga, Abuja
President Bola Tinubu has commended the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Minister, Nyesom Wike, for completing some road projects in the FCT.
The president gave the commendation on Tuesday during the commissioning of the projects executed by the minister’s administration to commemorate the president’s one year in office.
At the event, Wike announced Southern Parkway as Bola Ahmed Tinubu Way.
While pouring encomiums on the minister, Tinubu thanked him for keeping hope alive.
He said, “I will not say that I am surprised. Barrister Nyesom Wike, Mr Project, thank you for giving us this hope, and sincere commitment to shared values. Well done. As a team leader, you work so hard, and tirelessly.
“I must recognise your vision that is revolutionary and very inspiring to many of our people. The changes you made to the FCT structure and administration are yielding results and elevating the hearts of many Nigerians. Thank you very much.
“Today, we are here to mark a significant milestone in the journey of our nation towards progress and development. As we commemorate my first year in office, it is a great joy and challenge that we have a huge job.
“This transformative project you are seeing, I heard it could have been an abandoned project, for 13 years, scratching the surface.
“Once again, our dear team landlord, Nyesom Wike, thank you for bringing life back to our Federal Capital Territory. I understand the Southern Parkway does not only represent a physical artery that connects vital areas within FCT but also symbolises our collective aspirations for connectivity, ease of livelihood, accessibility, and progress.
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“By providing a seamless and efficient transportation corridor, this road will not only ease traffic congestion but also enhance mobility and creativity for the residents and visitors to FCT. The completion of the Southern Parkway underscores our commitment to inclusive and sustainable development, as we strive to build a world-class capital city.
“We recognise the fact that infrastructure is an enabler of jobs, economic development, and prosperity. We believe we are going to achieve all of that.”
Tinubu reassured that his administration would remain citizen-focused.
“The needs of our citizens are paramount in our minds. So, by making our citizens the central focus of our development, we believe Nigeria will succeed. As we formally inaugurate this road, I am greatly honoured. I heard him mention my name as the beneficiary. Thank you very much; thank you for being a very good team leader, we all collectively will not let you down.”
Earlier, Wike noted, “This landmark project, the first among nine visionary projects scheduled for commissioning by Mr President in the coming days represents a significant milestone in our collective efforts to enhance the infrastructure and livability of our great capital and her inhabitants.”
“As we mark the first year of your transformative leadership, Mr. President, this event underscores our shared commitment to progress, innovation, and the enduring prosperity of Nigeria. Today, we celebrate not just the completion of a roadway, but the opening of new pathways to economic growth and national unity.
“Your Excellency, distinguished ladies and gentlemen, the Southern Parkway is one of the principal arteries conceived and planned as a freeway to provide access and connectivity to the Southern development flank of the city as provided in the Abuja Master Plan.”
*FCT Minister names Southern Parkway Road after President
The Minister, thereafter, proceeded to announce the renaming of the road as Bola Ahmed Tinubu Way.
He said that the development of the Southern Parkway, now Bola Ahmed Tinubu Way, at par with the Northern Parkway, was awarded in December 2010 to Setraco Nigeria Limited at N16.23bn.
He added that the cost of the project was later revised to N35.76bn in March 2021 due to changes in scope and other economic indices.
He explained that the road would provide freeway access and connectivity to the Southern development flank of the city as provided in the Abuja Master Plan.
“I am happy that the project is now completed in line with the “Renewed Hope” agenda of Mr. President, which will enhance traffic circulation around the city centre, thereby, reducing delays in travel time.
“It will also complement the developed portion of the Northern Parkway by easing the traffic congestion experienced in the Southern Districts of Garki, Gudu, and Durumi.
“The road will also accelerate the development of the Southern axis of the city in general, thereby, bringing improved socio-economic benefits to residents and visitors to the city.
“It is in this regard and for many other patriotic persuasions that the FCT Administration hereby humbly resolved that this very important road be named the Bola Ahmed Tinubu Way,” Wike said.
Earlier, the Executive Secretary of the Federal Capital Territory, Mr Shehu Ahmed, said that the road was 5.4 km, made up of two main carriageways of four lanes each, and two service carriageways of two lanes each, making a total of 12 lanes.
“It also includes the construction of four interchanges, with eight bridges in addition to other facilities. It traverses the city centre, linking the outer fringes and inner portions of the city expressways.
“It is expected to optimise vehicular movement between developed sectors in the southern part of the city with the Central Area of the federal capital city,” he said.
