By Dr. Nafisat Makinde
The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Barrister Ezenwo Nyesom Wike, has called on residents to continue supporting President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, noting that the administration has demonstrated its commitment to fulfilling promises made to the people. Wike made the appeal on Tuesday, October 7, 2025, while flagging off the rehabilitation of the 15-kilometre Old Keffi Road, stretching from Kado Village to Dei-Dei Junction on the Outer Northern Expressway, Abuja. He said the renewed effort reflects the President’s determination to improve infrastructure and the lives of FCT residents.
Addressing guests at the event, the Minister stated: “I urge you to continue to support the administration of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR. Every promise Mr President has made, particularly to the people of Abuja, we have fulfilled. Ours is a government that makes promises and keeps them.” He cautioned residents against giving “a third chance” to those who had previously failed to deliver meaningful development, stressing that the current administration was “changing the narrative as far as Abuja is concerned.”
Highlighting the scale of ongoing projects, Wike disclosed that 73 of the 105 public schools in the FCT are currently undergoing rehabilitation, while another 33 will soon follow. He explained that the 27-day project flag-off schedule introduced by the FCT Administration marks an unprecedented drive for rapid infrastructure delivery. The Minister added that the rehabilitation of the Old Keffi Road was part of promises made earlier during the commissioning of the Saburi I and II roads, the first set of projects approved by President Tinubu upon assumption of office.
According to Wike, the project, awarded to Messrs Lubrik Construction Company, is expected to enhance connectivity, ease traffic flow, and create local employment. He urged the contractor to prioritize the engagement of local youths and residents to support their families. “To the glory of God, we have come to fulfill that promise,” he said. The Minister also commended the Abuja Municipal Area Council (AMAC) Chairman, Hon. Christopher Maikalangu, for his advocacy on the road project, describing him as “a good and true representative” who understands the people’s needs.
In her remarks, the FCT Minister of State, Dr. Mariya Mahmoud, thanked President Tinubu for his Renewed Hope Agenda and appreciated Wike’s drive toward expanding infrastructure and improving urban development. The Executive Secretary of the Federal Capital Development Authority (FCDA), Engr. Richard Yunana Dauda, gave a historical overview of the Old Keffi Road, noting that it predates Abuja’s creation and once served as a major trade route linking Niger and Nasarawa States. He said the 15-kilometre road, scheduled for completion in 18 months, will boost commerce and safety across eight districts.
With the contractor already mobilized to site, the Technical Manager of Lubrik Construction Company, Engr. Anthony El-Khoury, pledged timely and quality delivery of the project. He expressed gratitude for the FCTA’s confidence in the firm, promising strict adherence to specifications. The event was attended by several dignitaries, including Senator Magnus Abe, Senator Samuel Anyanwu, Senator Mao Ohuabunwa, and Rt. Hon. Chibudom Nwuche, underscoring the administration’s broad support for renewed development in the nation’s capital.
