18 hours ago
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ABUJA – The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Barrister Nyesom Wike, has reiterated his administration’s commitment to creating employment opportunities and transforming Abuja into a hub of infrastructure development.
Speaking during inspections of ongoing projects across the city and satellite towns, Wike emphasized that the Renewed Hope Agenda of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu prioritizes empowering the youth through meaningful engagement.
“Employment isn’t just about government jobs but creating opportunities where youths can work and earn a living. Look at the number of youths engaged at our project sites; it’s fulfilling to see them contributing meaningfully to society,” Wike remarked.
The Minister highlighted the transformative role of infrastructure projects in creating jobs and improving the quality of life for FCT residents. Youths employed in road construction, housing developments, and other projects have been actively engaged, reducing the risk of idleness and its associated challenges.
“When these jobs are not there, you can imagine what the number of youths would be doing now,” he stated, pointing to the tangible benefits of ongoing development initiatives.
Wike commended contractors like Julius Berger and CGC for their impressive work and commitment to world-class standards. He stressed the importance of maintaining equal quality for projects in both city centers and satellite communities, reflecting his administration’s inclusive approach.
Expressing satisfaction with the progress and quality of projects, Wike referenced key developments such as roads, residential areas, and the highly debated judges’ quarters. He dismissed criticism of such high-profile projects, emphasizing their necessity.
“When you have presidential approval and National Assembly backing, criticism becomes irrelevant. Our focus is on creating a conducive environment for the judiciary to function optimally. Those who criticize would still complain if nothing was done,” he said.
Wike acknowledged the support and appreciation shown by FCT residents during his site visits, noting how these gestures inspire his administration to do more. A particularly touching moment occurred when a resident offered him water and expressed gratitude for the ongoing improvements, which he described as a reminder of the importance of governance that directly impacts lives.
“Governance is about impacting lives positively, and the people’s support makes it worthwhile,” Wike noted.
On managing multiple projects simultaneously, Wike attributed his administration’s success to prudent resource allocation and a dedicated team. He emphasized the importance of completing impactful projects rather than spreading resources too thin.
“We’ve prioritized completing projects within available resources. It’s better to finish one impactful project than start 20 and barely complete any,” Wike explained, crediting President Tinubu’s unwavering support for enabling the team to deliver results.
