The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, has announced that his administration is incorporating streetlights into all ongoing road construction projects in rural areas to enhance security.
Speaking in Abuja on during the launch of a 10.5-kilometer access road connecting communities along the Kabusa to Ketti corridor, Wike emphasized that streetlights are being installed as part of all road projects in satellite towns and rural areas of the FCT.
He highlighted this initiative as a key measure to bolster security across the nation’s capital, stating, “For the first time, we are simultaneously constructing roads and installing streetlights.”
“We have dualized the Kuje township road. Visit at night to see the streetlights,” Wike stated, emphasizing the project’s contribution to enhancing security in the affected communities.
He reiterated the FCT Administration’s dedication to alleviating residents’ hardships, ensuring a safe environment for farmers to access their fields, and addressing insecurity within the territory. Additionally, the minister announced the approval of a senior secondary school construction in the Ketti community.
According to the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN), this approval came in response to a written request displayed on a banner by the community during the event.
Responding to the appeal, the minister said, “I have seen your message on the banner. Let me assure you, even before you asked, Ketti will have a senior secondary school.”
Wike explained that the construction of access roads and the establishment of schools aligns with President Bola Tinubu’s commitment to improving the lives of the people. Earlier, Richard Dauda, the acting Executive Secretary of the Federal Capital Development Authority (FCDA), highlighted that the Kabusa to Ketti road spans 10.5 kilometers and connects multiple communities.
Richard Dauda revealed that the Kabusa to Ketti road project, awarded to Tech Oil Global Concept, is slated for completion within six months.
Meanwhile, Christopher Maikalangu, Chairman of the Abuja Municipal Area Council (AMAC), emphasized that the road construction would greatly alleviate the suffering of residents. He noted that the poor state of the road had made it an easy target for kidnappers, armed robbers, and bandits, forcing many residents to flee their homes.
Maikalangu expressed sorrow over the tragic incident where the community’s royal father was kidnapped and killed, attributing it to the poor condition of the road, which made it difficult for security operatives to respond effectively.
He described the construction of the Kabusa to Ketti road as a transformative project for the large population in the area, noting that it would significantly boost socio-economic activities and development.
The chairman also commended the minister for completing road projects in Saburi, Karimo to Dei-Dei, and Life Camp in Zone C of AMAC, as well as initiating the construction of the Kabusa to Takushara and Kabusa to Ketti roads in Zone B. He further urged the minister to extend similar development efforts to communities in Zone A, including Nyanya, Karu, Orozo, and Karshi.