This disclosure was made in Abuja where the pilot copy of the vehicle distribution took place at the Federal Capital Development Authority (FCDA) premises.
Wike noted that even though past administrations did not think of women and youth inclusiveness, the President Bola Tinubu’s has thought it wise to create the youth and women affairs secretariat to empower them.
While empowering the FCT youth, Wike noted that the vehicles were brand-new, and that they were given free as the government was not demanding a pay back for the vehicles.
‘’This is the government’s support for the youths to reduce the cost of transportation in the city. We will fix the price because we bought the vehicles.
‘’When fully operational, it will transform Abuja like other modern cities. Those areas where the vehicles will operate, bikes and Keke NAPEP will be phased out.
“Abuja should compete with other cities in the world. We are not banning Keke Napep in Abuja, but there will no more to operate in the three districts of Guzape, Maitama and Asokoro.
‘’We make sure all area councils are involved in the bidding for the vehicles.”
He said the drivers have been profiled by security agents and that, by January, all the taxi drivers in Abuja will be profiled for security reasons.
Also, the bus terminals under construction in the FCT will be commissioned by January next year where all vehicles will operate from, and then, full operations will commence.
“We are bringing more vehicles, all commercial drivers will be profiled by security agencies. It’s time for Keke NAPEP and bike operators to prepare for their exit in locations covered by the vehicles. We must have a modern city.”
Wike challenged the beneficiaries to operate without being ashamed of being operators. Four ladies and three men were beneficiaries of the free vehicles.
In attendance, Senator David Jimkuta, the Senate Committee Chairman on FCT Area Councils and Ancillary Matters, said that, in the past 21 years that he had lived in the FCT, they had been praying for transportation.
His words: ‘’Thanks to Mr. President for the wonderful discovery (of Wike).
“Your records as local government chairman to the Education ministry and governor are clear.
‘’The youth are the symbol of the Renewed Hope Initiative, and Wike has properly captured it.”
In his goodwill message, the House Committee Chairman on FCT, Aliyu Betara, praised Wike for the legacy projects.
“After four years, Wike’s legacy will surpass all others. A legacy that no other minister will beat. As a National Assembly, we are with you because you stand for development.”
Earlier, the Youth Secretariat Mandate Secretary, Abdullahi Ango, appreciated Wike for the scheme and said Wike was a blessing to the FCT and Nigeria as a whole.
He said some months ago they requested for things to be done and Wike had started providing those things.
He cautioned the beneficiaries not to default, but obey the rules of the routes.
The seven beneficiaries for the pilot were one from each area council, making six and one from the Renewed Hope Initiative.
The districts for the pilot scheme are Guzape, Maitama and Asokoro.
