From Juliana Taiwo-Obalonye, Abuja
Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Nyesom Wike has issued a strong warning against efforts to undermine the ‘Light Up Abuja’ initiative, part of the Territory’s broader infrastructure development campaign.
The caution followed the recent failure of street lights on Airport Road as President Bola Tinubu returned to Abuja.
Speaking on Thursday during the groundbreaking ceremony for the Collector Road CN2 — a vital link between Yemi Osinbajo Way and Wole Soyinka Way — the minister vowed to resist opposition to the project.
googletag.cmd.push(function() { googletag.display(‘div-gpt-ad-1718806029429-0’); });
“I laughed, I already forewarned you that there will be a fight, but we are equal to the task,” Wike said. “Once you are alive, there will be a fight. It is only the dead that don’t fight. The living will always fight. People will come and fight you, you will also fight back.”
He revealed that he had called the contractors, CCECC, for explanations and acknowledged their ongoing efforts. Wike urged all stakeholders to persevere, underscoring his administration’s dedication to the project.
“Know that all those things are just to distract us and weaken us. But I can assure you, my team and I, we are very determined. We are very, very determined. If there is one project we must achieve, it is the ‘Light Up Abuja’ project,” he stated firmly.
Wike explained that the Collector Road CN2 forms part of a comprehensive infrastructure upgrade aimed at marking President Tinubu’s third anniversary in office and the FCT’s 50th anniversary in 2026. The road will complement the recently commissioned Gishiri-Maitama road and interchange, providing crucial connectivity.
“Recollect that sometime in July this year, Mr. President came and commissioned that interchange. So when we came, we found that without this road being linked up, it would not make sense,” Wike said.
He commended the China Geo-Engineering Corporation (CGC) for beginning work based on trust, reflecting confidence in the current administration.
Projecting the economic benefits, Wike predicted a sharp rise in property values around the area. “If a property here was worth 200 or 300 million, within the next one month, its value will go to 700 million or 1 billion Naira. That is what good administration is; that is what the real essence of making the economy thrive is,” he said.
Describing his leadership as divinely favoured, Wike remarked, “Some of us have been very lucky. We were golden governors, we are now golden ministers. So, you ask yourself, are we not so loved by God?”
The Collector Road CN2 project is expected to ease traffic congestion in the Katampe and Gishiri districts, with completion targeted for President Tinubu’s three-year anniversary in office.
The post Wike vows to go after saboteurs of ‘Light Up Abuja’ project appeared first on The Sun Nigeria.
