In a resounding endorsement of President Bola Tinubu's administration, the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, declared on Tuesday, October 14, 2025, that Nigerians are deeply indebted to the President for the remarkable achievements unfolding across the nation. Wike attributed these successes squarely to Tinubu's exemplary leadership, emphasizing that focused governance yields tangible results even amid challenges and criticisms. The statement came during the commissioning of newly completed access roads in Sector Centre B, adjacent to the Dakibiyu District in Abuja, marking another milestone in the FCT's infrastructure development drive.
The event, held amidst a gathering of residents, officials, and stakeholders, highlighted the rapid transformation of what was once a less accessible and underdeveloped area into a well-connected hub. Wike, known for his hands-on approach to urban renewal since assuming office, used the occasion to underscore the ripple effects of presidential support on local projects. "By [Mr. President's] leadership, all the roads here have now been completed, and in the next few months, we will be here again. The Court of Appeal Division will soon be inaugurated by Mr. President," Wike announced, painting a picture of sustained progress under Tinubu's watch.
Drawing from his extensive experience in public service, including his tenure as Governor of Rivers State, Wike elaborated on the essence of effective leadership. "I have always said that when you have the right leadership, you can achieve unexpected results. Tinubu has shown the right leadership, and that is why we are able to achieve. Talking about the achievements we have made, it is because of the right leadership," he stated emphatically. His words resonated with attendees who nodded in agreement, as the newly tarred roads gleamed under the Abuja sun, symbolizing not just asphalt and concrete, but a broader commitment to national development.
Wike's rhetoric took a nostalgic turn as he invited the audience to reflect on the area's evolution. "I’m sure all those who walk around this place will begin to reminisce over, was this where we used to walk? This is the Dakibiyu District that we used to come to?" he asked rhetorically, evoking memories of pothole-riddled paths and inaccessible terrains that once plagued the district. Dakibiyu, a rapidly growing suburb in the FCT, has long been earmarked for upgrades to support Abuja's expanding population and economic activities. The completed access roads, featuring modern drainage systems, streetlights, and pedestrian walkways, are expected to ease traffic congestion, boost local businesses, and enhance property values in the vicinity.
This commissioning is part of a larger infrastructure push in the FCT, where Wike has overseen the completion of numerous roads, bridges, and public facilities since Tinubu's inauguration in May 2023. The minister's administration has prioritized connecting peripheral districts to the city center, aligning with the President's Renewed Hope Agenda, which focuses on economic revitalization, security, and inclusive growth. By linking Sector Centre B directly to major arteries, these roads facilitate smoother commutes for residents heading to work in central Abuja or accessing essential services like markets and schools.
Beyond the immediate project, Wike teased upcoming milestones, including the inauguration of the Court of Appeal Division, a state-of-the-art judicial complex that promises to decongest the nation's appellate system and deliver faster justice. "In the next few months, we will be here again," he promised, hinting at President Tinubu's personal involvement in the ribbon-cutting ceremony. This facility, equipped with modern courtrooms, administrative offices, and digital infrastructure, represents a significant investment in the rule of law, further solidifying Abuja's status as Nigeria's administrative powerhouse.
Wike's praise for Tinubu was not merely ceremonial; it carried a deeper message about resilience in governance. "Nigerians, we owe a lot to the president, and I have always said, yes, tongues will wag, but when you are focused, you will achieve results," he asserted. In an era where public discourse is often dominated by critiques—ranging from economic reforms like fuel subsidy removal to security concerns—Wike's comments serve as a counter-narrative, urging citizens to acknowledge the positives. He implied that detractors ("tongues will wag") are inevitable, but steadfast leadership, as demonstrated by Tinubu, transcends noise to deliver dividends of democracy.
The broader context of these achievements cannot be overlooked. Since taking office, President Tinubu has navigated a complex economic landscape, implementing policies aimed at stabilizing the naira, attracting foreign investments, and revamping critical sectors like agriculture and energy. In the FCT specifically, federal allocations and partnerships have accelerated projects that lagged under previous administrations. Wike, a former opposition figure who joined the Tinubu cabinet, has become one of its most vocal defenders, often citing his own track record in Rivers State as proof that strong-willed leadership works.
Residents of Dakibiyu and surrounding areas expressed delight at the developments. Local business owners, who spoke anonymously to reporters at the event, noted how the roads would reduce transportation costs and attract more customers. Community leaders hailed it as a "game-changer" for safety, especially at night, thanks to the installed lighting. Environmental considerations were also addressed in the project design, with green verges and erosion control measures to mitigate Abuja's rainy season challenges.
As the ceremony concluded with Wike inspecting the roads and interacting with workers, it was clear that this was more than an infrastructure launch—it was a testament to collaborative federalism. The FCT Administration, under Wike's stewardship, has completed over 50 kilometers of roads in similar districts this year alone, with budgets transparently managed to minimize waste. Looking ahead, the minister's agenda includes expanding public transportation links and upgrading health facilities in the area, all underpinned by Tinubu's directive for accountable service delivery.
In essence, Wike's assertions on October 14 reinforce a narrative of gratitude and optimism. Nigerians, he argues, benefit from a president whose vision translates into visible changes, from the streets of Dakibiyu to national institutions like the upcoming Court of Appeal. Amid global uncertainties, such leadership, focused and unflinching, continues to pave the way—literally and figuratively—for a renewed Nigeria. As debates rage on social media and in public forums, events like this remind citizens that progress, though gradual, is undeniable under the right helm.
This development also sparks broader reflections on urban planning in Abuja, a city designed by international architects in the 1970s but strained by population growth. With over 3 million residents, the FCT demands continuous investment, and Tinubu's administration appears committed. Wike's call for appreciation may polarize opinions, but the completed roads stand as concrete evidence, inviting all to witness and judge for themselves. In the coming months, as promised inaugurations unfold, the debt of gratitude Wike speaks of might just become a shared national sentiment.
