Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Nyesom Wike has pledged to enhance governance for residents, especially those in rural communities.
Wike made the promise while flagging off the construction of a 1.7 km interdistrict road, also known as the collector road, connecting Daki Biyu, Utako, Jabi, and Wuye districts in Abuja.
After initiating several projects in the city centre over the past four days, the minister announced plans to return to the six area councils next Monday to kick off another series of community-focused projects.
He expressed gratitude to President Bola Tinubu for prioritising rural residents in project allocations, emphasising that the goal is to improve their welfare and elevate their quality of life.
“I believe that this is the first time in so many years that people who reside outside the city can feel the impact of governance, the impact of government, and this is what it is supposed to be.
“That is why Mr President, in his New Hope Agenda mantra, has said that development must not only be concentrated within the city where it is believed that development should also be taken to the rural areas where those who are considered not to be very wealthy and settling,” he said.
Wike also highlighted plans to enhance the visual appeal of the capital city in line with modern standards, revealing upcoming upgrades for Garki Area 1 and other aging neighborhoods in need of revitalisation.
“As I was coming in, I told my ADC that we must go to Area 1 on Saturday and see how bad the place is. And I can assure you we will take action. Because no part of Abuja in the city should be seen to be looking different from the other parts of the city.
“As Mr President has said, everywhere in the city must have a good road network. At least anybody who comes here will know that yes, indeed, this is the city of the great country, of the biggest country in Africa.
“I want to thank all of you, particularly the FCDA and government departments that have been giving support to make sure that we achieve all these results,” he said.