By Ismaila Jimoh, Abuja
Federal Capital Territory Administration (FCTA) has disclosed that arrangements are in top gear towards ensuring that needed infrastructure that would make life more meaningful to the Apo traders being relocated to Wassa district are put in place for the smooth conduct of their businesses at the new site.
FCT Minister, Barr. Nyesom Wike made this known during the flagging off of construction of the Main Carriageways of Outer Southern Expressway (OSEX) from Ring Road 1 junction to Ring Road ll junction in Abuja.
He confirmed that the Administration had received cost of providing infrastructure at the new market site, describing President Bola Tinubu’s administration as one that keep to whatever promise it made.
According to him: “I do remember when we came to commission from the Apo junction down to Wassa junction. We made a promise that by the grace of God, and with approval and support of His Excellency, Mr. President, in order to decongest this very heavy traffic area, we are going to dualize this particular road. That promise was made, today to the glory of God, we are fulfilling that promise.
“You remember, I did also say to the Apo traders that we are going to relocate them to their new sites. Let me announce to you today, by the grace of God, we have received the cost of providing infrastructure from the Acting Executive Secretary of FCDA, to provide infrastructure in the new site that they will be relocated.
“So for us, every promise made by this administration, under the leadership of His Excellency, Mr. President, be assured that we shall fulfill the promises we have made to the people of FCT.
“You will agree with me that this road is very, very, very important. In fact, before the Apo to Wassa Junction was done, you hardly can even imagine when you are coming into the city, how many hours it will take you. It was very horrible, but I thank God, we are trying to do all we can to give the people of FCT the happiness that they desire.
The Minister praised the transformative leadership of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu which brought about the removal of subsidy, saying the good step has made states and the FCT not to be running around banks again looking for money to fund projects.
“Today, by the leadership of somebody, by the decisive leadership of somebody, who has made it possible for all the states and the Federal Capital Territory, not to be running around banks again, rather banks are now looking for states to say, don’t throw us away, we are here.
“Somebody by his leadership has made that possible. Every state now has money, not only to pay salaries, not only to carry out other government activities, but now to embark on projects. It was not like that before. If it’s for that reason, so many people are going to support Mr. President, I think it is worthwhile”, he stated.
Wike disclosed that if not for the removal of subsidy by President Tinubu, most States wouldn’t have been able to pay salaries by now.
While giving her vote of thanks during the flagging off, FCT Minister of State, Dr. Mariya Mahmoud described the OSEX main carriageway project as another remarkable achievement of the present FCT Administration, stressing that the road will enhance the quality of life of the teeming residents.
She also expressed gratitude to President Bola Tinubu for his visionary leadership as exemplified by the Renewed Hope Agenda, and thanked FCT Minister, Nyesom Wike for his consistence commitment towards the development of the territory.
