From Juliana Taiwo-Obalonye, Abuja

At the official commissioning of the newly constructed 15-kilometre road linking the A2 Junction on the Abuja-Lokoja Expressway to Pai community in Kwali Area Council yesterday, Tinubu underscored how such projects serve as strategic enablers for agriculture, commerce, education and mobility, thereby strengthening the national economy from the grassroots level.

“Nyesom Wike and his team are doing a wonderful job, thinking about the people and their needs, and thinking about the country he represents,” the President said. “Thank you, Nyesom Wike, for all you are doing. We greatly appreciate the efforts you and your team have put in place to achieve this. I would not have been here if not for your efforts.”

The President highlighted that infrastructure projects like the Pai Road are not merely about physical connectivity but about unlocking the economic potential of rural communities traditionally marginalised through neglect and poor access.

“The commissioning of this newly constructed road from A2 Junction on Abuja-Lokoja Expressway to Pai Town is both symbolic and strategic. It opens a new corridor for agriculture, commerce, education, mobility, and other areas, strengthening our national economy from the grassroots up,” he said.

Highlighting the role of rural areas in Nigeria’s food production and local enterprise, the President acknowledged the challenges farmers and livestock owners face, including the need for designated grazing areas. “We will help you. We will work with you. We will combat what used to be a liability and a source of conflict, turning it into a means of prosperity,” he assured.

President Tinubu reiterated the administration’s resolve to ensure that development was balanced and inclusive across all zones of the FCT. “We will ensure that development is not lopsided but balanced, inclusive and targeted at lifting lives,” he stressed.

He also praised the contractors for their professionalism and quality workmanship, noting that the road was built to last and would serve future generations. “To the people of Pai, this is your road. I urge the community to take ownership of this infrastructure, guide it, maintain it and use it to the fullest. Let it be a pathway to growth and a bridge to a better life for the youth, farmers, traders and students who will move with great ease.”

Earlier, in his welcome remarks, Wike highlighted the progress achieved under the FCT Administration, revealing that over 150 kilometers of rural roads had been constructed and commissioned across the six area councils.

“We are happy with the kind of support you’ve given us to achieve all these results. We are willing to pay compensation to communities and give you farmland, so that we will come out of the food problem, which the Federal Government is trying to solve.”

He reaffirmed the administration’s commitment to continuing infrastructure investments under the Renewed Hope Agenda, aiming to transform Abuja into a globally competitive capital city.

He noted that the President’s focus extends beyond urban centres to include the development of satellite towns. “This also tells us that your emphasis is not just to improve infrastructure in the city, it is also to improve life and other infrastructure in the satellite town,” he said, outlining the impressive progress made since Tinubu took office on May 29, 2023, and stressing the volume of work completed and ongoing in rural areas.