…The Gains Of Having A Square Peg In A Square Hole
As the Honorable Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Chief Barr. Nyesom Ezenwo Wike, celebrates his one-year milestone in office on August 21, 2024, it is evident that his collaborative leadership style, coupled with the unwavering support of the Honorable Minister of State, Hajiya (Dr.) Mariya Mahmoud, has been instrumental in driving positive change and progress within the FCT.
Mr. Project and StarBoy of Abuja as he is fondly called has spearheaded initiatives to enhance infrastructure, improve service delivery, and foster sustainable development in the territory.
Upon assumption of office exactly a year ago on August 21, 2023, the FCT Minister announced his short, medium, and long-term plans to restore the Abuja Master Plan which according to him would reposition the FCT to be among the leading cities in the world to manifest the “Renewed Hope Agenda” of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.
Mr. Wike who assured that his administration would give step by step approach to getting projects done in other to fully restore the glory of the Abuja metropolis, also pledged to extend development in the capital city to the six Area Councils as part of efforts to reduce rural-urban drift while opening up the less developed areas of the FCT.
With abandoned projects worth billions of taxpayers money spread across Abuja at the time Wike assumed office, he promised to block possible revenue leakages in order to improve funds to facilitate the development in the area. To achieve that, a Special Task Force on the issuance of Certificates of Occupancy for mass housing developments and the recovery of land use contravention fees in the FCT was established. Wike enforced the payment of outstanding ground rents and other taxes in the FCT which significantly improved the internally generated revenue (IGR) of the FCT.
Outside budgetary allocations, the recent declaration of N126.54 billion collected and remitted between January and June by the FCT Board of Internal Revenue Services and the minister’s ability to get the approval of Mr. President to withdraw the administration of FCT from Treasury Single Account, to make possible access to funds from financial institutions to fund projects are some of Wike’s masterstroke that opened up funds for the laudable projects so far completed and many more to come.
Wike’s penchant for infrastructural development and urban renewal has made residents of the FCT to question the activities of the previous administration especially due to the spate of successful projects carried within just a year of his administration.
These projects which are completed and commissioned are; the official residence of the Vice President, Federal Secretariat (First Phase), the Abuja Metro Line, the Inner Southern Expressway from the Outer Southern Expressway to the Southern Parkway, the construction of Southern Parkway from the Christian Centre to Ring Road 1 which was named after President Tinubu, the B6 a.k.a Constitution Avenue /B12 a k.a Independence Avenue roads in Central Area, the construction of about 6.7km of 10 lanes Outer Southern Expressway from Villa Roundabout to Ring Road 1 Junction, and Wuye interchange bridge.
Others are the construction of the Arterial Road, N-20, from Shehu Musa Yar’Adua Expressway to Murtala Mohammed Expressway which was named after noble laurel winner Wole Soyinka, the resurfacing of 189 roads covering 57 km within Abuja city centre, and the engineering infrastructure in Guzape District Lot II.
While ongoing projects recently inaugurated and awaiting soon completion and commissioning before year 2025 according to the minister are, the construction of three bus terminals in the FCT, the rehabilitation of District Hospital Gwarimpa, the rehabilitation of 19 public primary and secondary schools across the FCT, the rehabilitation and resurfacing of 366 roads in Wuse, Garki, Asokoro and Maitama Districts, covering about 117 km, Greater Abuja Water Supply Project, Cottage Hospital Gwagwalada and District Hospital Utako, and the construction of the Abuja Division of the Court of Appeal Complex.
Evidently, the pro-people projects as seen today in the FCT will undoubtedly improve the aesthetics, productivity and functionality of the nation’s capital city to the credit of the President Tinubu led government.
Corruption under his watch as FCT Minister is also under serious attack. CSOs and other anti-graft advocates has praised his anti-corruption drive which is aimed at fostering transparency and accountability in the FCTA.
Wike’s unmatched drive for development has led to a massive overhaul of the FCT’s road, health, and educational infrastructure. His undying pursuit of progress has transformed the Abuja’s scape, making transportation and other forms of services to be done easily, safely and smoothly too.
Wike is indeed an uncommon and extraordinary performer going by the significant development strides he has achieved within only a year of taking the mantle of leadership in the FCT. His presence as minister is felt all over Abuja, not just the Abuja central, but also places like Kuje and other outskirts of Abuja.
His approach regarding land administration which previously was a mess is attracting commendations and as such restoring due process in the FCT in such areas to strengthen procedural fidelity.
By establishing a joint security task force within the FCT to end the menace of “one chance kidnappings” and other vices, he has successfully dislodged and decimated the once very disturbing challenge of insecurity in the FCT.
His Excellency’s effort has resulted in tangible improvements in key sectors such as healthcare, education, transportation, and urban planning.
The leadership style of the Hon. Minister alongside the Hon. Minister of State, with the unflinching commitment of the entire management and staff has resulted in the uncommon development in Abuja within the last one year.
As we commemorate their first year in office, we pray for God to bless him with wisdom and ability to do more.
With the Honorable Minister of The FCT the Renewed Hope Agenda is active and alive to it’s responsibilities.
Congratulations and best wishes my brother and friend the H E , HM Ezebunwo Nyesom Wike .
Otunba Abayomi Abdulfalil Odunowo
National Chairman AATSG
Asiwaju Ahmed Tinubu Support Group
Hon Sam Atasia Oburu National Chairman Renewed Hope Agenda
The Way Forward RHATWF.
And National PUBLICITY Secretary AATSG ASIWAJU Ahmed Tinubu Support Group