1. President Bola Ahmed Tinubu on Wednesday, June 5, 2024 commissioned the extension of the Inner Southern Expressway (ISEX) and praised the FCT Minister, Barr. Ezenwo Nyesom Wike for his concerted efforts towards the infrastructural development of the nation’s capital.
2. Represented by Vice President, Senator Kashim Shettima, the President said the commissioning of the road, which spanned from the Outer Southern Expressway to the Southern Parkway was not just a celebration of the completion of another project, but a testament to his Administration’s commitment to progress and prosperity.
3. He said: “One year ago, I stood before the nation and pledged to prioritize the transformation of our infrastructure networks, recognizing them as the arteries through which our economy thrives and our people connect. Today, as we mark the completion of yet another project in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) under my administration, I am filled with gratitude for the dedication and hard work of all those involved in making this vision a reality.
4. “The extension of the ISEX represents more than just a road; it symbolizes connectivity, accessibility, and opportunity. It signifies our unwavering determination to bridge the gap between urban and rural areas, ensuring that development is not confined to city centers but reaches every corner of our great nation”.
5. President Tinubu also looked forward to the commissioning of more projects that have direct bearing on the residents of the FCT and visitors alike.
6. He said, “Let us not forget that this is just one of many projects that we have completed across the FCT. There are still many more strategic projects in the pipeline, each designed to address the evolving needs of our growing federal capital; from upgrading existing infrastructure to initiating new projects, we are laying the groundwork for a more sustainable and prosperous future”.
7. Describing the Minister as a Gadfly, the President, reiterated that Barr Wike is a force of nature and cannot be ignored.
8. He said, “As I said the last time, Wike is a force of human nature. Love him, hate him but you cannot ignore him because at every point in time, he is striving to redefine the meaning and concept of leadership.
9. “Wike is one of the best appointments ever made in the history of any democratic dispensation in this country… there were loud protest when his name was initially mentioned but I believe, all my brothers and sisters who opposed his appointment are now hailing him. He is an exemplary leader, worthy of emulation by us all. He is a Gadfly”.
10. He added that, “In the coming months and years, we will continue to prioritize infrastructural development as a cornerstone of our Renewed Hope Agenda. We remain committed to delivering on our promises, empowering our people, and building a nation that we can all be proud of”.
11. In his address, the FCT Minister, Barr. Ezenwo Nyesom Wike while commending the President for his support for the FCT Administration and the successful completion of the projects being commissioned, also noted that projects such as the first phases of the rehabilitation of the National Assembly and the Federal secretariat complexes, awarded by the last administration, were among the projects also completed but not slated for commissioning while the second phase of rehabilitation of the National Assembly complex has been awarded by the present administration with the support of Mr President.
12. Barr Wike also noted that the FCT Administration, with the support of the President embarked on the rehabilitation of major roads in the districts across the FCT which were hitherto in deplorable conditions, now giving the areas a new look.
13. The Minister said, “It is important to let you know. But we don’t believe that we should be going to inaugurate such projects. But for record purposes, it was as we came on board that the streets are wearing a new look”.
14. He explained that the contract for the extension of the Inner Southern Expressway (ISEX) from the Outer Southern Expressway (OSEX) to the Southern Parkway (S8/S9) was awarded in 2010 at 17Billion but reviewed to 18Billion in 2023, adding that the contractor was not owed a dime as the project has been fully paid for.
15. Barr. Wike said, “We thank the Almighty God. And the contractor can attest to the fact that we are not owing him a dime as far as this project is concerned. It is fully paid. And it is because of your directive that all ongoing projects, in line with the renewed hope agenda, must be completed and we are happy that the residents of Abuja can see the new look of the FCT”.
16. He assured that the second phase of the project, also awarded by the last administration will be completed, adding that the completion of the project will change the landscape of Abuja.
17. “Mr. President, I can tell you that that project is key to changing Abuja's landscape. I can tell you that when that project is completed, which has not less than ten bridges. I can assure you that by the grace of God we are going to complete that project”, he stressed.
18. The Minister thanked the President for making him and the Minister of State a part of his Renewed Hope Agenda, adding that the President’s support is not taken for granted while also urging the President to be present at the remaining three key projects to be commissioned over the next three days.
19. In her remarks, the Minister of State, FCT, Dr Mariya Mahmoud while commending the President and members of the National Assembly for their continued support for the FCT Administration, said the extension of the Inner Southern Expressway (ISEX) from the Outer Southern Expressway (OSEX) to the Southern Parkway (S8/S9) would enhance connectivity, save man hour on the road and improve the quality of life of residents of the FCT.
20. Giving an overview of the project, the Executive Secretary, FCDA, Engr. Shehu Hadi Ahmed said the extension of the Inner Southern Expressway (ISEX) from the Outer Southern Expressway (OSEX) to the Southern Parkway (S8/S9) is providing rapid east-to-west movement on the southern flank of the city and linking motorists to the Abuja/Keffi road.
ANTHONY OGUNLEYE
DIRECTOR OF PRESS
(OFFICE OF THE MINISTER)
05/06/2024
FCTA/ODP/PR/549
PHOTO CAPTIONS
1. FCT Minister, Barrister Nyesom Wike in a close conversation with the Vice President, Senator Kashim Shettima at the commissioning ceremony of the Inner Southern Expressway in Abuja on Wednesday
2. FCT Minister, Barrister Nyesom Wike reading his address during the commissioning ceremony of the Inner Southern Expressway in Abuja on Wednesday
3 L-R: APC National Chairman, Dr. Abdullahi Ganduje, Speaker, House of Representatives, Hon. Tajudeen Abbas, FCT Minister, Barrister Nyesom Wike, Vice President, Senator Kashim Shettima and the FCT Minister of State, Dr. Mariya Mahmoud during the commissioning of the extension of the Inner Southern Expressway, in Abuja on Wednesday.
Do you have any information or event for ABUJAPRESS to publish or cover? Kindly Call us on +2349075556668 or send us message on Whatsapp number +2349075556668 or send us an email [email protected]
No comments