The Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Minister, Nyesom Wike, has reiterated that he is not bother by any spate of criticism directed at him as long as he has President Bola Tinubu and National Assembly approval and support in whatever he does.
Wike spoke while inspecting ongoing construction projects, including that of Judges quarters with the Federal Capital Territory on Friday.
He noted the construction projects have created employment opportunities for the teaming youths and others in the FCT.
On the criticisms generated by the construction of the Judges Quarters, the Minister reiterated that he is not bothered by such criticism, as he has the approval of the President and the backing of the National Assembly.
He said, “Who are those that are criticizing? I don’t think of that. I’m not bothered. Once you have presidential approval to go ahead and the backing of the National Assembly, what is my business about those who are criticizing”.
The projects inspected by the Minister include the Full Scope Development of 4km Arterial Road N5(Obafemi Awolowo Road) from Life Camp to Ring Road III, the Construction of the Arterial Road N16 (Shehu Shagari Way) from Ring Road II to Ring Road III with two interchanges and the 3km access road to the Judges Quarters in Katampe from Arterial Road N11(Ahmadu Bello Way in Mabushi), internal roads within the judges quarters as well as the ongoing construction of 40 housing units Judges Quarters in Katampe District.
Speaking with journalists after the project inspection exercise, the Minister said creating employment opportunities was a top priority of the FCT Administration in line with the Renewed Hope Agenda of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, to ensure that the youths are meaningfully engaged.
The Minister said, “Creation of employment is a top priority and employment is not necessarily when you are employed by the government but when you create an opportunity where youths can find a place to work for their living.
“All the roads we have gone to, look at the number of people that are employed. So, I feel happy that at least we have been able to engage the youths and nothing can make you more comfortable when you see your youths are engaged.
“You can imagine when these jobs are not there, what these youths would have been doing by now. So, one is very happy that we have created opportunities that have given employment to our youths”.
Giving an appraisal of the road projects inspected, the Minister expressed satisfaction with the pace and quality of work and added that the FCT Administration has employed the services of competent contractors to ensure that the best standards are adhered to for the road projects in the Abuja city centre and the satellite towns.
Wike said the road projects, when completed, will change the landscape of the FCT.
He said, “By the time all those roads are completed, you can imagine what the city would look like”.
Speaking further, the Minister said, “Look at the Judges Quarters. You feel happy and one can tell you that nothing makes us happy than that people are happy that we are delivering the dividends of democracy”.
While acknowledging the commendations and show of gratitude by FCT residents for the ongoing provision of vital infrastructure in the nation’s capital, Barr. Wike also said he is encouraged to do even more.
He said, “When people appreciate you, it means you are touching their lives and when you see such reactions, it makes you work harder because what is the essence of governance? It’s for you to see that people are impacted positively, how you can change their lives.
“When people appreciate that, of course, it encourages you to do more and that is what quality leadership is all about”.
Speaking on strategies that have ensured that vital infrastructure projects are provided, at the same time, in the city centre and satellite towns, despite the magnitude of funding required, the Minister attributed the successes to the prudent management of resources and the competent team he is working with, as well as the support of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.
He said, “Prudent management of funds is key and when we don’t have the funds, we don’t need to award contracts. It doesn’t matter the pressure that may come. Like I said, you can’t solve all the problems at the same time. Identify the ones you can carry on and finish…
“So, for us, it’s commitment. You see that the President has given us all the necessary support and we don’t have any excuses at all to say this is why this cannot be done”.
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