By Abbanobi -Eku Onyeka
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has declared that every Nigerian citizen must feel the impact of government through visible infrastructure in their communities, saying that is the foundation of the Nigeria of our dream.
The President made the declaration on Thursday in Abuja while commissioning the rehabilitated 16-kilometer Old Keffi Road, stretching from Kado to Dei Junction along the Outer Northern Expressway, ONEX. He was represented by the President of the Senate, Senator Godswill Akpabio.
The commissioning marked Day 17 of a 31-day project inauguration programme by the Federal Capital Territory Administration, FCTA, to mark the third anniversary of the Tinubu administration. The road project is one of several infrastructure works delivered by the FCT under the Renewed Hope Agenda.
Quoting the President, the Special Assistant to the Senate President on Media and Communication, Anietie Ekong, said the administration is focused on inclusion, safety, and growth. “We are building for inclusion, for safety, and for growth. Every district deserves access. Every citizen deserves to feel the impact of government where they are. Let us join hands for growth and development. Together we can build the Nigeria of our dream,” Tinubu stated.
Tinubu described the road as more than a carriageway, calling it an economic artery for the FCT. “By linking Kado, Saburi, Gwagwa, Idu, Karmo, and Dei directly to the Outer Northern Expressway, we have cut travel time and cut costs for residents. Goods will move. Markets will breathe. Workers will get to their jobs with less stress,” he said.
The President also highlighted safety and commerce benefits through the Light Up Abuja initiative. “We have integrated streetlights here, so movement at night is safer and commerce can extend beyond sunset. That is what the dividends of democracy look like: government showing up where citizens live,” he added.
Charging residents to protect public assets, Tinubu warned against vandalism and poor waste disposal. “Do not vandalize streetlights. Do not block drains with refuse. Report any damage early. A road maintained by its community lasts for a generation. A road abused by its community dies early,” he cautioned.
FCT Minister, Nyesom Wike, said the rehabilitation responded to residents’ long-standing demands, with communities pledging continued support for the President. “The Renewed Hope Agenda is to bring back hope where the people had lost hope. These communities have experienced renewed hope and will never forget President Tinubu,” Wike said, while thanking traditional rulers and residents for cooperating with contractors and assuring more road projects to improve connectivity in the area.
