Federal Capital Territory (FCT) minister, Barr. Nyesom Wike, in the spirit of Easter, has charged residents to embrace unity and national cohesion.
The minister in a statement he personally signed, also urged residents of the nation’s capital, Abuja, to fulfil their civic responsibilities by taxes to fund infrastructure development.
The statement reads: “Easter is a season that reminds us of the timeless virtues of compassion, sacrifice, and forgiveness.
“These virtues, embodied by Jesus Christ, are not only central to the Christian faith but are values we should all strive to uphold in our daily lives.
“As the nation’s capital and the symbol of our collective unity, the FCT occupies a unique place in the heart of our great country.
ALSO READ: Emulate Jesus’ selflessness, Speaker Abbas greets Christians at Easter
“We must continue to be the example of peaceful coexistence, mutual respect, and harmonious living.
“I therefore urge all residents to embrace the spirit of Easter by showing love to one another, being our brother’s keeper, and fostering an environment where unity, tolerance, and understanding prevail.
“Let us also use this season to offer special prayers for our dear President, His Excellency Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR and all our leaders at every level.
“May God Almighty continue to guide them in the pursuit of the Renewed Hope Agenda for a better, more prosperous Nigeria.
“The FCT Administration remains resolutely committed to the Territory’s infrastructural development and the sustained provision of quality education, healthcare, agriculture, transportation, security and other vital social services.
“I call on all residents to continue supporting and cooperating with the Administration by fulfilling their civic responsibilities, particularly in tax payment and compliance with government regulations.
“Your contributions play a vital role in funding the infrastructure, services, and development projects we all rely on.
“By meeting your obligations and supporting the various reform programmes of the administration, you are directly helping to build a stronger, more efficient, and people-centred Federal Capital Territory.”
In a related development and rare show of grassroots-focused governance, the Minister on Saturday undertook an inspection of ongoing road construction projects in Ketti and Takushara, two densely populated satellite communities within the Abuja Municipal Area Council (AMAC).
The visit marks a significant step toward bridging the development gap between Abuja’s urban center and its underserved outskirts.
Speaking to journalists during the inspection, Wike emphasized President Bola Tinubu’s directive for inclusive development, stating that infrastructure must not be limited to city centers.
“Like the emphasis Mr. President has always made, we should not only concentrate in the cities. We should take development to the satellite towns,” Wike said.
The minister revealed that the roads, which will serve as key arteries between the satellite towns and central Abuja, are scheduled for commissioning by the end of May—timed to coincide with the second-year anniversary of President Tinubu’s administration.
Wike commended AMAC Chairman Christopher Maikalangu for spotlighting the road needs of the two communities.
“If not for him, probably we would not have had our attention drawn to this place,” Wike acknowledged.
Beyond transportation, the minister hinted at broader plans for socio-economic development, including the construction of schools in Ketti and Takushara.
“We have approved it, waiting for the passage of the 2025 statutory budget for us to commence,” he said.
Highlighting the strategic importance of the roads, Wike noted that the improved access will make living outside the city more appealing.
“From here to the city is up to 10 minutes. That’s what the road network brings. It will open up the entire place,” he said.
According to him, this shift will encourage migration away from the city center, reduce urban congestion, and drive property development in the satellite communities.
When asked about the dilapidated state of roads within the Federal Housing Authority (FHA) estates, the Minister was unequivocal.
“Why should we do roads for the Federal Housing Authority? That is their estate, and they should be able to take care of it,” he said, insisting that the FCT Administration’s priority remains on roads that serve the broader public rather than private enclaves.
The Ketti and Takushara road projects are part of a wider vision to make the Federal Capital inclusive, accessible, and equitable—an urban hub that doesn’t forget its rural heart.
and then