Nigeria @66: Vote leaders who’ll sustain infrastructure development, Wike urges Nigerians - Punch Newspapers

The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, has urged residents of the FCT to use the forthcoming 2027 general elections to elect progressive and visionary leaders capable of sustaining and expanding the infrastructure development recorded in the territory. Wike made the call in his Independence Day message to residents of the FCT on Thursday, as Nigeria marked its 66th Independence Anniversary. The minister, while congratulating residents, said the FCT Administration remained committed to transforming Abuja into a world-class capital city with modern infrastructure and improved public services. He said the FCT remained a symbol of Nigeria’s unity, describing Abuja as a city where Nigerians from different ethnic, religious and cultural backgrounds lived and worked together. “Sixty-six years ago, our founding fathers laid the foundation for a sovereign nation built on the ideals of freedom, unity, and progress. Today, we look back at our journey with pride, acknowledging our resilience as a people and reaffirming our commitment to the growth and prosperity of our beloved country,” he said.See more Punch stories on Google.Add Punch on Google Wike said the FCT Administration had “invested heavily” in critical infrastructure, including road construction and public transportation, as part of efforts to extend development beyond the city centre to communities across the territory. He claimed that the administration had “totally transformed” the FCT road network from the city centre to the most remote rural communities, with roads equipped with drainage systems and solar streetlights. According to him, the projects were aimed at improving accessibility and addressing security challenges in communities located far from the city centre. The minister also disclosed that ultramodern bus terminals had been constructed in the Abuja Municipal Area Council, with plans to extend similar facilities to Kuje, Bwari and Gwagwalada. Nigeria@66: Plateau gov pardons 130 inmates Nigeria @66: Keep hope alive, Kebbi gov urges Nigerians 10 major highlights of Tinubu’s 66th Independence Day address He said the expansion was intended to provide residents with safer and more efficient transportation services. Wike added that the administration was improving access to healthcare and education across the six area councils, stressing that a healthy and educated population was essential to sustainable development. On security, the minister said the administration was working with security agencies to keep the FCT safe, noting that surveillance had been intensified while community policing and modern technology were being deployed to combat crime. It was on this basis that Wike called on residents to use the elections as an opportunity to elect what he described as leaders who would sustain and expand the infrastructure development being undertaken in the FCT. “My dear residents, as the nation prepares for the forthcoming general elections in January 2027, I enjoin you all to see it as an opportunity to vote in progressive, visionary leaders that will sustain and expand the infrastructural revolution that has commenced in the FCT, leaders who have vision and capacity to bring more development and prosperity to the people,” he said. He urged residents to remain law-abiding and protect public infrastructure from vandalism, while also calling for continued peaceful coexistence among residents, urging Nigerians living in the capital to uphold tolerance and unity. “Together, we will build an FCT that we can all be proud of – a beacon of hope and prosperity for the entire African continent,” he said. The minister expressed appreciation to residents for their partnership and support for the FCT Administration, and prayed for the continued peace and prosperity of the territory and Nigeria. Nathaniel Shaibu Nathaniel Shaibu is a correspondent at The PUNCH with three years of professional journalism experience. He covers the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), civil society, religion, and the Ministries of Women Affairs and Youth Development. In addition to his primary beats, Nathaniel also reports on politics, metro, security, and judicial matters, bringing clarity and balance to a wide range of public-interest stories. His work reflects hands-on newsroom experience, strong beat knowledge, and a commitment to accurate, responsible journalism.

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