By Kehinde Olaosebikan
‘See Paris and die’ is a phrase used to describe the beauty of Paris, the capital city of France. Not that one would die after seeing Paris, it presages that feeling Paris is the ultimate fulfillment of life’s aspirations; signifying that one could die happy having sighted the city. Seeing the city gives a sense of completeness and finality to one’s life journey after witnessing the best of beauties, Paris.
But, today, as capital cities across the world outpace France in beauty, Abuja, Nigeria’s 8,000 square kilometer capital is burgeoning towards attaining the status of one of the leading best cities, globally, and this is astounding. The Federal Capital Territory is steadily becoming an acme of beauty, desire and culture, making it a dream destination for all.
The city has in the past 20 months witnessed massive quality development and progress. Sprawling, breath-taking roads from all the entries to the city, functional street lights, modern rail system, seamless waste management, efficient water supply, Abuja has become a splendid city that both local and foreign visitors marvel at.
Just like in football and our national team, where Nigerians are lovingly bound without any primordial sentiment, Abuja, since its promulgation in 1976, has remained a project that enjoys total acceptance by all Nigerians. From West to East, North to South, every region of the country hailed the relocation of the capital to the centrally situated, Abuja. Consequently, all the successive governments have been developing the city, constructing both physical and social infrastructure all aimed at making Abuja the best capital city in Africa and one of the best, world over.
Though, the pace of growth of the city got inhibited with the inertia of the minister in charge of the territory between 2015 and 2023 when there was virtually no development for the whole of eight years, the present Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Mr. Ezenwo Nyesom Wike has satisfactorily filled the gap returning the glory and beauty of the FCT. In less than 20 months, the incumbent minister has achieved what his last two or three predecessors could not realize in about 12 years.
With clear direction and unwavering support of the President, Mr. Wike has made remarkable progress in the evolution of Nigeria’s capital in the critical areas of security, education, health, transportation, roads, rail mass transport scheme, electricity supply, waste management and general administration. The city has become more attractive and better managed under the Renewed Hope Agenda of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and with the rate of progress and quality of construction, Abuja may become the best capital city in Africa and one of the best in the world before the end of this administration.
Living to his sobriquet of Mr. Project, Wike upon assumption as the FCT Minister utilized his experience as governor of the oil-rich state of River for eight years, put all the necessary machinery in place towards getting all the needed funds and the right policies for accelerated development of the capital city. He got the consent of the President to move FCT from Treasury Single Account ,TSA, and approval of enhanced security personnel and facilities for the territory. With more funds and improved security, Nyesom Wike went to action and the results are the straggling roads from all the ingress to the city centre; new schools, new hospitals, markets etc. seen all over Abuja today.
Delightfully dotted by super structures like the World Trade Centre, Afreximbank African Trade Centre, Churchgate Tower, Millennium Towers, NNPC Towers, Central Bank Complex, FIRS Towers, National Mosque, National Christian Centre, ECOWAS Secretariat, Federal Secretariat, Abuja meets the international standards in basic necessities of great city in terms of good transportation system, education, healthcare, housing, green spaces, culture, sustainability and economic diversity.
Topnotch is the word for hospitality and entertainment in the city as visitors to Abuja have a wide range of 5-star hotels like the prestigious Transcorp Hilton Hotels, Fraser Suites, Abuja Continental Hotel, The Destination, NICON Luxury, Summerset, BON Grand Towers Hotel for the best of comfort experienceable anywhere in the world. There are also lower classes but equally scintillating homes away from for thousands that throng the FCT daily. Exquisite tourists’ centres, parks, restaurants, green spaces, lounges, clubs, museums are also adequately available for visitors and tourists in Abuja.
Steadily meeting the international benchmarks of an ideal modern city, Abuja has become vibrant, inclusive, safe, resilient and sustainable. What is witnessed in the city now, shows clearly that a leader with great mission and vision is in charge. Abuja is changing now almost on a daily basis. It is excellence in development.
Olaosebikan, a former Abuja Bureau Chief of Vanguard Newspapers is the CEO of Midas Communications Ltd, a global Public Relations firm.
Eno: We Shouldn’t Blame Tinubu For Current Economic Challenges
President Bola Tinubu did not create the economic challenges currently affecting Nigeria, says Gov. Umo Eno of Akwa Ibom.
He stated this yesterday while speaking to State House correspondents after meeting with Vice-President Kashim Shettima at the Presidential Villa, Abuja.
The Governor praised Tinubu’s ongoing efforts to revive Nigeria’s economy and improve infrastructure across the country.
“As I often say, President Tinubu did not create the economic problem we face today.
“I believe he is doing his best and deserves our support to complete the job”, he added.
Speaking about his tenure, Eno said his administration has enhanced basic amenities in Akwa Ibom over the past two years.
“In Akwa Ibom, we’ve addressed key areas and are making steady progress.
“We’ve made gains in education, healthcare, roads, and markets our presence is felt across sectors.
“The first two years focused on rural development. We’re now prioritising major infrastructure and promoting tourism in the state”, Eno said.
He acknowledged his predecessors’ roles in developing Akwa Ibom and pledged to build on their legacies.
The Governor said, “We’ve continued the work of past leaders from Obong Attah to Akpabio, to Udom Emmanuel and now myself.
“It’s a strong foundation. Each leader builds on it. Akwa Ibom is progressing well compared to many other states”.
On youth empowerment, Eno said his administration launched an employment portal to boost job creation and engagement.
“We are investing in young people through skills training and support for small and medium enterprises.
“We are making sure youths gain employment, and the portal is helping in that direction.
“We aim to rebuild the middle class through youth empowerment and enterprise support”, the Governor said.
