President Tinubu’s administration is about changing lives of Nigerians not party, says Wike

The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Mr Nyesom Wike, says President Bola Tinubu’s administration is not about party but about changing the lives of Nigerians.

Wike stated this while inaugurating the five-kilometre dualised Kuje township road, from Tipper Garage Junction to LEA Secretariat, in Kuje Area Council, Abuja.

He explained that the execution of various people-oriented projects across the six area councils was in fulfilment of Tinubu’s pre-election promise to residents of Abuja.

“You have fulfilled your own part. The covenant Mr President has entered with you was that you should vote for him.

“Having voted for him, Mr President is now coming to fulfil part of his own agreement.

“You, having performed your own agreement, Tinubu is now coming to perform his agreement by providing basic infrastructure for you.

“We know we have not gotten to the point you all want but by the grace of God, we will get there.

“My people say, ‘small, small, you will catch a monkey.’ We are getting there,” the minister said.

Wike, who could not hide his excitement over the display of joy by the people of Kuje, stressed that the essence of governance was to make people happy.

“Since you are happy, then we are happy; when you are not happy, we cannot be happy,” he added.

The minister added that the Tinubu-led government understands the plights of the people, describing it as a “government that communicates with the people.”

He explained that only Tinubu’s administration gives residents the opportunity to ask for what they want, and the government would fulfil their demands.

“So, the renewed hope agenda is a reality. I can assure you that with your continued support, you will get more projects in Kuje,” he said.

Wike explained that the Kuje township road was executed following a demand by the Gomo of Kuje, Jibrin Tanko, who equally appealed for the completion of Airport Road to Kuje.

He explained that the project was awarded to Arab Contractors by the previous administration at more than N59 billion.

He said that to renew the hope of residents of Kuje, Tinubu government had recalled the contractor, and the project was ongoing and would be completed soon.

He also said that the FCT Administration had promised to dualise Kuje to Gwagwalada Road, adding that work had already begun by Gilmor Engineering ltd.

The Minister also announced the Administration’s decision to extend the Airport Road to Kuje up to Pegi and from Pegi, in response to the demand of the residents.

“President Tinubu has approved the extension of Airport Road – Kuje Road to Pegi. We will also continue from there to Kwakwu.

“By the grace of God, when we are presenting our statutory budget to the National Assembly, we will include it.

“Again, sometime last year, we went to China and signed a Memorandum of Understanding with CGC, a Chinese company to provide water to satellite towns.

“One of the benefiting area councils is Kuje Area Council,” he said.

Wike also said that Tinubu has provided N50 billion in the 2025 budget to provide water to the satellite towns, adding that Kuje would be a beneficiary.

Earlier, the Chairman of the council, Mr Abdullahi Sabo, commended Wike for investing huge resources for the development of area councils.

Sabo said that Wike’s dream of transforming satellite towns in FCT was becoming a reality, adding that Kuje was wearing a new look following the Minister’s intervention.

Thanked the Minister for extending the contract for the dualisation of Kuje to Gwagwalada Road.

He appealed for the extension of the ongoing construction of Airport – Kuje Road, from Kuje to Kwaku, covering 27 kilometres.

He said that the request was necessary due to the importance of the road, to connect more than 100 villages and communities to Abuja city, via Kuje.

“The road, if constructed, will address the challenge of insecurity in that axis, improve agricultural production, transportation of agricultural produce to urban centres and reduce rural urban migration.

“As area council, we have one bush clearance, constructed culvert and graded the road while construction of three bridges is ongoing across three major rivers along the road,” he said.

The chairman also appealed to the Minister to connect Kuje to the Lower Usuma Dam water for the residents to enjoy clean water.

According to him, since the creation of Kuje Area Council, the residents rely heavily on boreholes for clean water.(NAN)

President Tinubu assures Nigerian Soldiers of continued support for their Welfare

President Bola Tinubu gave officers and troops in the Nigerian Army reassurance on Thursday that their wellbeing would always come first and that it would never be jeopardised.

This pledge was given by the President at the opening of the recently built “Bola Ahmed Tinubu Barracks” in Abuja, which bears his name.

Tinubu explained that the barracks project reflects the federal government’s ongoing dedication to improving the welfare of the armed forces, including providing suitable office and residential accommodations.

He stressed that ensuring troops’ needs are met is vital for maintaining their readiness and success in fulfilling their duties and securing victories in the field.

“You are our heroes and I thank you for what you have been doing for this country.

“I commend the Chief of Army Staff for his foresight in developing the remarkable barracks for our courageous men and women.

“We appreciate the officers and personnel who contributed in various ways to the timely completion of this project,” said the President.

President Bola Tinubu reaffirmed the government’s commitment to continuously allocate resources toward improving the welfare of soldiers, highlighting that the dedication and sacrifices of the military are deeply appreciated.

He stated, “What you all are doing for us is truly remarkable, and the best way we can show our gratitude is by offering continued support to the men and women in uniform.”

The President also praised the leadership of the Nigerian Army for its vision in initiating and completing the new barracks project in a remarkably short time. He honored the late Lt.-Gen. Taoreed Lagbaja for his significant contributions to the development of the Nigerian Army.

In his speech, the Chief of Army Staff, Lt.-Gen. Olufemi Oluyede, emphasized the army’s unwavering commitment to upholding the constitution of Nigeria and supporting the nation’s growing democracy.

He assured the President of the army’s steadfast support for the Tinubu administration’s efforts to enhance the country’s socio-economic and security landscape.

Policing roles demand empathy, compassion – Egbetokun reminds new Officers

The Inspector-General of Police IGP, Kayode Egbetokun, on Thursday, said the role of a police officer required empathy and compassion towards the civilian population.

Egbetokun stated this during the Passing-out Parade of the 2022 Recruit Constable Intake, held at the Police Training School, Eleyele, Ibadan.

The IGP, represented by the Oyo State Commissioner of Police, Ayodele Sonubi, urged the 346 newly graduated police constables to avoid all forms of lawlessness and temptation.

“You are to uphold the honour of the Nigeria Police Force,” he said.

He informed the graduates that policing required the highest level of professionalism, integrity, adhering to the rule of law and established procedures.

“Your role demands empathy and compassion towards the civilian population, especially the vulnerable while maintaining firmness and fairness in all interactions.

“Remember the uniform you wear and the office you hold are symbols of trust and responsibility; never to be exploited for intimidation or perversion of justice,” he said.

Commending President Bola Tinubu’s commitment to transform the police, he said the constables would bridge the gap of manpower shortage in the police and further improve the country’s security.

According to him, they will be deployed to their various local government areas to augment law enforcement efforts in the fight against crime at the grassroots.

Meanwhile, the Chairman of the Police Service Commission, retired DIG Hashimu Argungu, expressed his gratitude for the successful completion of the mandatory training programme.

Argungu reminded the constables of the nation’s security challenges, calling for partnership with other security agencies to tackle the challenges.

According to Argungu, represented by the commission’s Head of Department, General Service, Mr Solomon Jubrin, the constable’s office is dignified and deserves all required respect.

“I charge you to go out and reciprocate the government’s good gesture and strive to work in partnership with other security agencies to eliminate or reduce the security challenges currently facing Nigeria.

“Let me inform you that the commission will closely monitor your activities from today and will not hesitate to sanction anyone who deviates from the time-tested established police rules of engagement,” he said.

The Commandant, Police Training School, Eleyele, Ibadan, ACP Suleiman Ishola, said the constables’ six-month intensive training had made them grounded in police duties.

Ishola further said the recruits had been found worthy in character and learning, having also satisfied all requirements for appointment as police constables.

The event featured an inspection parade, march past parade, riot drill demonstration and presentation of awards to the overall best recruit. (NAN)