By Toyin Adebayo
Toyin Adebayo
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has described the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Barrister Nyesom Wike, as “one of the most colourful politicians in the Nigerian political landscape,” praising his fearless leadership style and the visible transformation taking place across the nation’s capital.
Represented by Vice President Kashim Shettima during the commissioning of the newly rehabilitated Aguma Palace–Radio Nigeria–New Market Road in Gwagwalada Area Council on Friday, President Tinubu commended Wike’s energy, boldness, and trademark political flamboyance that continues to reshape Abuja’s development story.
“The inimitable, the incredible, the superb Minister of the FCT. One of the most colourful politicians in the Nigerian political landscape. I mean, he dances very well and he threw some jibes in the opposition today,” Tinubu said through the Vice President, drawing loud laughter and applause from residents and dignitaries gathered for the event.
Turning to the significance of the project, the President said the road was far more than just an asphalt stretch it symbolises his administration’s promise to bridge the gap between the city centre and communities often left behind.
“For too long, those who lived beyond the city centre have watched development happen from a distance. They have watched their dreams of inclusion delayed by excuses, and their hopes defied by shifting priorities. But we are here to rewrite that history,” he declared.
He stressed that the project demonstrates a new era of responsive governance.
“What brings us together on this historic day is more than a road. It is a reminder that no community under this administration is too far to be seen, and no voice too faint to be heard. We are not just rehabilitating roads, we are rehabilitating trust,” Tinubu said.
According to the President, the transformation unfolding across the FCT is the result of “deliberate reforms and bold, reform-oriented policies.”
“By expanding the revenue base of the FCT, we are investing in roads, schools, hospitals, and people,” he added.
Tinubu described the newly completed road as a “corridor of dignity for the market women, a path to safety for our school children, and a road to prosperity for the hard-working trader.”
“This road will do more than ease the movement of people and goods. It will make this community safer. It will improve access to education and healthcare. It will unlock economic potential, especially for our rural dwellers,” he said.
Commending Wike’s trademark style, the President noted that tough, sometimes disruptive leadership is exactly what Abuja needs at this time.
“I thank him for proving that disruption is not a threat to order, but a requirement for progress. Honourable Minister, Mr. President is mightily proud of your accomplishments and of course, your political sagacity and no-holds-barred attitude,” Shettima said on Tinubu’s behalf.
The President also praised traditional leaders for their patience and support, describing them as true pillars of the progress being achieved.
“This project is not just a symbol of government presence. It is your project. It belongs to the people of Gwagwalada,” he stressed.
He assured residents that the days of abandoned projects and empty promises are over.
“We are determined to ensure that development is not a privilege reserved for the few, but a right enjoyed by all,” Tinubu said before formally commissioning the road to the delight of the cheering crowd.
In his own remarks, FCT Minister Barrister Nyesom Wike emphasised that the project reflects true community participation, not top-down decision-making.
“One good thing about these projects in rural areas we never sat in the city and said, ‘Go and do so-so road.’ We came here and the people said, ‘This is what we want.’ That’s community participation in governance!” Wike said.
He highlighted the administration’s commitment to promoting Nigerian contractors, noting that local companies handled many of the ongoing road and infrastructure projects.
“The Ushafa–War College Road in Bwari was done by local contractors. The bus terminals were done by local contractors. That’s the policy thrust of this government: empower our own people!” Wike added.
Also speaking, the FCT Minister of State, Dr. Mariya Mahmoud, described the series of projects commissioned in recent weeks from roads and interchanges to bus terminals and support for traditional institutions as “tangible testimonies” of President Tinubu’s vision and the FCT Administration’s resolve to deliver.
“The commissioning of this road is a demonstration of our dedication to inclusive governance and infrastructure renewal in both urban and rural communities,” she said.
Mahmoud further applauded President Tinubu for inspiring a new era of impactful development that puts people first and leaves no community behind.