By Kolawole Ojebisi
The Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Minister, Nyesom Wike, has said the prevailing hunger, suffering and economic woes in Nigeria are not perculiar to the Tinubu administration.
Wike argued that these challenges have always been associated with Nigerians during both Peoples Democratic Party(PDP) led governments and military regimes in Nigeria.
The Minister said it would take patience to weather the storms as no leader wields a magic wand that can bring immediate transformation to the country.
He, however, stressed that the perception of Nigerians about the Tinubu administration will change for the better after the completion of his first tenure.
The Minister stated this at the weekend during a flag-off ceremony for the construction of a road from Life Camp Junction to Ring Road 3, known as the N5 arterial road in Abuja.
This is the fifth road flagged off for construction within the week. Wike further explained that President Tinubu is making every effort, economically and infrastructure-wise, to address the various challenges facing the country.
He expressed confidence that these strategic measures will soon yield the expected results, including alleviating hunger.
The FCT Minister urged Nigerians to pray for the country and its leaders, assuring them that measures have been put in place to ensure that all citizens benefit from the various Renewed Hope Initiatives.
According to Wike, the multiplier effect of the recent road projects flagged off within the last week has already generated direct and indirect employment for hundreds of FCT residents.
He said: “I can tell you, before the end of this administration of President Tinubu, Nigerians will smile. These problems — hunger, suffering — have been around for decades, whether under PDP, APC, or military rule. But with his commitment, he’s implementing temporary but challenging measures that will ultimately bring relief. Keep praying for Mr. President.”
He added: “I thank Mr. President for ensuring continued work in the FCT and giving us the latitude to increase our development threshold. School renovations are also underway. I’m sure residents didn’t believe this road would be completed, but Mr. President insisted on it. We are here to restore hope.”
At the flag-off ceremony, Senate President Godswill Akpabio, represented by Senate Committee Chairman on FCT, Ibrahim Bomai, praised the FCTA’s road construction efforts, highlighting the importance of good road networks in promoting socio-economic activities.
Providing an overview of the project, Federal Capital Development Authority (FCDA) Executive Secretary Shehu Hadi Ahmad said the 4.4-kilometer, six-lane road will facilitate seamless access to key areas like Kado Fish Market, Life Camp, and Karimu.
