A former minister of youth and sports, Solomon Dalung, has come under fire for his assertion that road construction in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) does not equate to development.
Lere Olayinka, the senior special assistant on public communications and new media to FCT Minister Nyesom Wike, described Dalung’s statement as “a clear indication of a mind in distress, shifting from rationality to delusion.”
In a statement yesterday, Olayinka expressed disbelief over Dalung’s apparent hostility toward Wike and President Bola Tinubu’s administration, questioning how he could claim on live television that “road projects in the FCT do not contribute to development as they do not enhance the overall well-being of the populace.”
He highlighted Dalung’s past failures as minister of youth and sports, pointing to his claim that road construction cannot be regarded as development since many Nigerians lack vehicles.
“It’s astonishing that someone whose tenure was marked by Nigeria’s failure to qualify for the Nations Cup believes that roads only benefit those who own cars. Such reasoning is incredibly shortsighted,” he said.
Olayinka further said that, from Dalung’s perspective, the completion of key infrastructure projects—such as the Saburi-Dei Dei road, the 5km Dutse-Usuma Dam road, and several other vital roads in the Bwari and Kwali Area Councils—would not signify progress or development.
He added that roads like the 11km Kuje road and the Aguma Palace-radio Nigeria-New Market road in Gwagwalada are supposedly irrelevant to those without vehicles, according to Dalung’s viewpoint.
Olayinka also mentioned that in December 2024, the FCT Minister inaugurated the construction of additional roads in communities like Kabusa and Ketti.
“In Dalung’s perspective, these efforts in satellite towns will bear no developmental significance once completed,” Olayinka asserted.
He reflected on Dalung’s history of public comments, citing his dismissive remarks about the Super Falcons when they faced funding delays in 2016 and his lack of concern for the under-23 football team during the Rio 2016 Olympics.
“Given his track record of irresponsible statements, it’s hardly surprising that he would express such outlandish opinions today,” Olayinka said, urging those close to Dalung to pay attention to his evident need for mental health support.
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