By Daniel Tyokua
The Minister of FCT, Nyesom Wike has empowered youth in the territory with 80 new vehicles to cushion effect of hardship.
At the pilot scheme in Abuja on Thursday, he noted that past administrations did not think of women and youth inclusiveness, but President Bola Tinubu has thought it wise to create the youth Secretariat as well as the women affairs secretariat to empower them.
He noted that the vehicles were brand new and that there were given free as government was not demanding pay back for the vehicles
“These vehicles are brand new, ‘tier leather’ vehicles. They (beneficiaries) are not paying a kobo. This is government’s support for the youths to reduce cost of transportation in the city. We will fix the price because we bought cost the vehicles.”
When fully operational, it will transform Abuja like other modern cities. Those areas where the vehicles will operate, bikes and keke Napep will be phased out.
“Abuja should compete with other cities in the world. We are not banning keke Napep in Abuja, but there will no more operate in the three districts of Guzape, Maitama and Asokoro. We make sure all area councils are involved in the bidding for the vehicles.”
He said the drivers have been profiled by security agents and that by January, all taxi drivers in Abuja will be profiled for security reasons. Also, the bus terminals under construction in the FCT will be commissioned by January next year where all vehicles will operate from.
“We are bringing more vehicles, all commercial drivers will be profiled by security agencies. It’s time for keke Napep and bike operators to prepare for their exit in locations covered by the vehicles, we must have a modern city.”
Wike challenged the beneficiaries to operate without being ashamed. Four ladies and three men were beneficiaries of the free vehicles.
In attendance, Senator David Jimkuta, Senate Committee chairman on FCT area councils and ancillary matters said in the past 21 years that he has lived in the FCT, they have been praying for this, “thanks to Mr. President for the wonderful discovery (of Wike).
“Your records from local government chairman to Education ministry and governor are clear. The youth are the symbol of the renewed hope initiative and Wike has property captured it.”
In his good will message, Aliyu Betara, House Committee on FCT praised Wike for the legacy projects.
“After four years, Wike’s legacy will surpass all others. A legacy that no other minister will beat. As a National Assembly, we are with you because you stand for development.”
Earlier, the Youth Secretariat Mandate Secretary, Abdullahi Ango appreciated Wike for the scheme and said Wike was a blessing to the FCT and Nigeria as a whole.
He said some months ago they requested for done things and Wike has started providing those things.
He cautioned the beneficiaries not to default but obey the rules of the route.
The seven beneficiaries for the pilot were one from each area council, making six and one from the Renewed Hope Initiative.
The districts for the pilot scheme are Guzape, Maitama and Asokoro.
