Residents in rural areas are entitled to quality roads — Wike

Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Minister, Barrister Nyesom Wike, has emphasized that people living in rural areas in the nation’s capital are entitled to quality roads.

Wike made this statement while flagging off the construction and rehabilitation of the nine-kilometre Paikon Kore – Ibwa Road on Thursday in the Gwagwalada area council of the FCT. This project is part of a 30-kilometre road development initiative that aims to enhance rural development across the six area councils of the territory.

The minister assured that the project would not only address insecurity but also improve access to schools, facilitate the evacuation of farm produce to the market, and boost economic activities.

He sternly warned the contractor, emphasizing that nothing short of quality work would be accepted. Wike emphasized that funding would not be a problem, stating that President Bola Tinubu’s renewed hope agenda was not just talk but action.

“Funding will not be a problem, but do it well; the people are entitled to quality roads. I will not tell you when I will come here for inspection. I will not depend on a report from the director overseeing the project. What I will depend on is what I see with my own eyes,” Wike said.

Earlier, Gwagwalada Area Council Chairman, Mr. Abubakar Giri, commended the minister for the gesture, describing it as the first rural project executed by the FCT minister in the area. Giri highlighted that the completed road would improve security in rural communities, enhance access, and boost the local economy, benefiting the majority of the area’s farmers.

The Chief of the area, the Aguma of Gwagwalada, Mr. Mohammad Magaji, expressed gratitude to the minister for taking the bold step to develop rural communities in the FCT. He announced that the community had bestowed the traditional title of Sarkin Yakin (warlord) Paikon Kore on the minister, awaiting his approval for coronation.

The Managing Director of Setraco Nigeria Ltd, Mr. Ziad Mouannes, assured that the project would be delivered according to specifications. Mouannes called for the support of the FCT Administration, particularly in terms of funding and security, to ensure the timely completion of the project.