BY Abdul Jelil Adebayo
Beginning from Monday June 8th, 2026, subject to the approval of the Presidency, the FCT Minister, Barrister Nyesom Wike will be showcasing laudable strides of his administration in the transformation of the FCT in the last three years.
The event will last for 30 days, back to back. The credit, the Minister has repeatedly told those who cared to listen, belongs to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.
Being the 17th Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, FCT and the second southerner to hold that position since the creation of the ministry, history beckons him to prove that what he did in Rivers State was not a flash in the pan.
Wike has announced that several major infrastructure projects executed across Abuja are ready for commissioning as part of activities marking the third anniversary of President Bola Tinubus administration.
Describing the completed works as evidence of the administrations commitment to infrastructure development and improved service delivery.
According to him, the projects demonstrate President Tinubus resolve to transform both Abuja city centre and satellite communities through strategic investments in road networks and urban renewal.
Governance is about delivering results, and these projects are clear evidence of President Tinubus commitment to improving the lives of Nigerians, he submitted.
The projects to be commissioned include the Jahi-Gwarimpa Interchange, the Airport Expressway- Kuje Road, the Kuje-Gwagwalada Road, the Outer Southern Expressway (OSEX) main carriageways and the newly redesigned Abuja City Gate.
Wike is of the view that the quality of work delivered by contractors, that the projects would improve transportation, connectivity and economic activities across the territory.
He particularly highlighted the impact of the Airport Road-Kuje Road and the Kuje-Gwagwalada Road, saying both projects have significantly reduced travel time between the city centre and surrounding communities.
You can now travel from the city to Kuje in less than 25 minutes. This is what governance should be aboutmaking life easier for the people and ensuring development reaches every part of the territory, he said.
The minister also commended the transformation of the Abuja City Gate, describing it as a landmark project that enhances the image of the nation’s capital.
Anyone entering Abuja will immediately appreciate the beauty and identity of the capital city. It is one of the signature projects showcasing the ongoing transformation of the FCT, he added.
He said projects such as the Outer Southern Expressway extension and the Airport Road-Kuje Road are among those scheduled for early commissioning, while other projects will be inaugurated by senior government officials on behalf of the President.
It is a comprehensive programme, and Mr. President may not be able to commission all the projects personally. The Vice President, Senate President, Speaker of the House of Representatives, the First Lady and other senior government officials will participate in the exercise, he said.
He called on the media to highlight the achievements recorded under the Tinubu administration in the FCT, stressing that residents are already benefiting from the ongoing transformation.
You have seen the transformation yourselves. The media should help tell the story of what is happening in Abuja. These projects are changing both the city centre and the satellite towns, and residents are already beginning to feel the impact, he said.
Who is Wike self, one may be tempted to ask. He is the man of the moment that destiny has entrusted the affairs of the seat of the Federal government into his hands.
One thing no one can take away from Nyesom Wike is that he has a golden touch to everything he puts his hand on.
You may not like him out rightly but the fact remains that he has changed the narrative and configuration of the capital city of Abuja.
As humans, everyone has his shortcoming but both friends and foes agreed that the massive transformation Abuja is witnessing is unprecedented in the history of Abuja as the nation’s capital.
All over the city, the change is enveloping residents, and it is one aspect of infrastructural development that can be related with which is obvious.
Talking about him could be likened to the elephant and the blind men. While some see him as a do-and-talk, few see him as garrulous yet many consider him as a person that attracts attention.
Whatever yardstick one may use; one fact stands him out. Ezenwo Nyesom Wike, born on 13 December 1967, is a workaholic that is leaving indelible mark in the sand of time for good.
In spite of whatever anyone would say, generally he is known as a performer.
Wike is a young man in a haste to make and create history, hence he didn’t hesitate to tell the world that a new Sheriff has come to town.
When it comes to service to the fatherland, age is immaterial; some people are gifted with a Midas touch as to anywhere they find themselves in position of leadership, they excel. They are easily noticed by their human nature and touching lives irrespective of tribe or religious leanings.
These include as chairman of Obio-Akpor local government in Rivers State; national president of Association of Local Government of Nigeria, ALGON where he led all local government councils across the country to commit to effective grassroots development.
He also served as the Chief of Staff at Government House, Port Harcourt. He was later appointed Minister of State Education on July 2007.
The success story is that for the first time in recent history the FCTA under the leadership of Wike, is spreading development to the rural areas of the Territory. Happy third year celebration on the saddle. Wike is indeed working!
Abdul, Abuja based journalist wrote in via abduljelil2001@gmail.com
