By Ismaila Jimoh, Abuja
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has named the newly completed 3.5 kilometres Northern Parkway to Outer Northern Expressway, N20 in Abuja after Nigerian novelist, Wole Soyinka, as recommended to his office.
Tinubu made this known on Tuesday during the commissioning of the aforementioned road project which formed part of his ongoing inauguration of series of projects across the Federal Capital Territory to mark his administration’s one year in office.
He said it was only proper to honour the Nobel Laureate who has made the nation so proud.
On Nyesom Wike, the President was visibly impressed with the FCT Minister for actualising yet another infrastructural development in the capital city, described the feat as a very successful first year landing.
“My presence here today is to thank you for giving this government a very successful first year landing.”
According to him, “The commissioning of the full scope development arterial road N20 from Northern Parkway to Outer Northern Expressway, ONEX, is another testament to the actualisation of our developmental agenda to transform every part of this country.
“Let me say here that your recommendation to name this road as Wole Soyinka Way, is well received. He is our foremost play writer, novelist and Nobel Prize winner who has brought Nigeria’s name a pride of international acclaim. Thank you for thinking that way. We all accept your recommendation on behalf of the people, and of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.”
The president noted that the population of Nigeria, and indeed the FCT, was growing, said it was necessary to invest in infrastructure so as to bring economic property to the people.
“The completion of this strategic project with its underground system of waste water duct and fibre optics and many other facilities can not be but mentioned. The population of Nigeria is growing. The population of the FCT is growing. It is necessary to invest in infrastructure to sustain the growth and bring economic property to our people.”
Commended him for the reforms he recommended which was approved by the president and has seen FCTA staff rising to the position to Permanent Secretaries.
While welcoming the President to commission the road, FCT Minister, Nyesom Wike, disclosed that the road project was awarded four years ago at the cost of N30.6billion with no funding variation.
Wike, while recounting the level of work done on the road, said its completion is a reflection of government’s dedication and commitment fulfilling its promise to the people.
“I don’t want to talk politics now but I do know that it will be difficult for anybody to challenge you in FCT. It will be very difficult. Well, the facts are there. The things are there. It’s not for fun. It is not about theory now, it is about reality. You said you would do this, have you done it? Yes. You said you would do that, has he done it? Yes. So, what are we talking about?”
While appreciating the president and the engineering team for the monumental task of developing the arterial roads, FCT Minister of State, Dr Mariya Mahmoud, noted that the project would invariably create safer, more efficient, and more sustainable transportation networks that benefit everyone in the nation’s capital city.
“Permit me to also say that your tireless efforts have not only transformed the infrastructural landscape of our city, but have also laid the foundation for smoother transportation and enhanced connectivity. Mr. President, your dedication and commitment to excellence have made a significant impact on the lives of Abuja residents and visitors alike, and for that, we remain eternally grateful.”
Earlier, the Executive Secretary of the Federal Capital Development Authority, Engr. Shehu Hadi, while giving an overview of the project, said the N20, also regarded as Northern road 20, was one of the principal arteries and corridors for conveyance of engineering infrastructure from the primary sources to adjoining districts.
The road crisscross 2 sector centers A and B comprising 4 districts each of Katampe, Jahi, Mabushi and Kado on one hand, as well as Jabi, Utako, Daki-Biyu and Wuye districts on the other hand.
He explained that the just commissioned segment stretches from the Outer Northern Expresswayon Muhammadu Buhari Expressway, to the Northern Parkway, at the Ahmadu Bello Way, has two interchanges at the ONEX and at the Northern Parkway ends of the road.
END.
