FCT Indigenes rally behind Tinubu, Wike’s Development drive

The Indigenous people of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), under the aegis of the Abuja Original Inhabitants Youths and Empowerment Organisation (AOIYEO), have commended President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and the FCT Minister, Barrister Nyesom Wike, for commissioning roads across all six Area Councils of the FCT and establishing the Federal Polytechnic in Gwarimpa.

In a statement released to the press and signed by the President of AOIYEO, Commandant David Isaac, the organisation expressed heartfelt gratitude for the infrastructural strides.

“Without a doubt, the people of Abuja are abuzz with gratitude and appreciation for President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, as our Minister, Barrister Nyesom Wike, has successfully commissioned a series of vital road projects. These roads are expected to significantly enhance connectivity and boost economic activity across the Area Councils of the FCT,” Isaac noted.

He further highlighted that, while the roads’ commissioning brought joy to the people, another major milestone was achieved with the President’s approval of the Federal Polytechnic in Gwarimpa. “This government has undoubtedly set a record as the administration that has given the best appointments and infrastructural development to the indigenous people of the FCT,” Isaac added.

However, Isaac urged the government to ensure Indigenous people benefit directly from these developments. He called for a reserved quota in staff recruitment for the polytechnic as compensation for the native population. “The FCT natives will be eternally grateful if scholarships, particularly subsidised tuition fees, are provided to Indigenous students, similar to the benefits enjoyed by indigenes in other states of the country,” he appealed.

Isaac also stressed the need for reserved admission slots for Abuja’s aborigines to encourage more natives to enrol their children in school.

Commending Minister Wike’s dedication to infrastructure development, Isaac stated, “Barrister Nyesom Wike has demonstrated remarkable commitment by ensuring these road projects were completed in record time. We, the Indigenous people of the FCT, recognise how he has been investing in our communities and making essential services more accessible.”

Isaac emphasised that these roads are more than just pathways; they are lifelines connecting people, businesses, and opportunities. “The construction of these roads will undoubtedly reduce travel time, alleviate traffic congestion, and enhance safety for all road users in Abuja’s rural communities. For this, we extend our deepest gratitude to our leaders. The project was not only timely but also essential to meet the growing demands of the local population,” he stated.

The AOIYEO President reiterated the collective appreciation of FCT youths for Minister Wike’s dedication and leadership. “We are grateful for the minister’s vision and tireless efforts. His work has transformed our roads, making our communities more accessible and prosperous,” Isaac said. He also expressed optimism that the improved infrastructure would attract businesses, create jobs, and foster economic growth. “This is a game-changer for us. With better roads, we can access essential services faster and create an enabling environment for businesses to thrive,” he added.

Isaac noted that the newly commissioned roads would support various community development initiatives, including improved public transport services and better access to healthcare and education facilities.

Meanwhile, Isaac urged Minister Wike to complement these physical infrastructural developments with human capacity building and welfare programmes to address the prevalent hunger in the land. “It is imperative that our minister focus more on’stomach infrastructure’ and expand welfare initiatives to rural communities. By doing so, the public will take pride in safeguarding these developments and work together to maintain the infrastructure for future generations,” Isaac concluded.

He emphasised that such measures would not only resonate positively with the public but also solidify Wike’s reputation as a minister genuinely dedicated to the welfare of the people.

Niyi Lawal