Youths employment, infrastructural development cornerstones of Tinubu’s administration – Wike
By Ukpono Ukpong
With major projects nearing completion, the minister’s vision for a transformed Abuja appears to be taking shape, much to the satisfaction of its residents, the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Minister, Nyesom Wike, has reaffirmed his commitment to youth employment and infrastructural development, describing these as cornerstones of President Bola Tinubu’s “Renewed Hope Agenda.”
Speaking after inspecting several ongoing projects in the capital city, Wike expressed satisfaction with the progress made, emphasizing the impact on job creation and community development.
Wike’s inspection tour underscores the FCT administration’s commitment to improving infrastructure and creating opportunities for residents.
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“Creation of employment is a top priority. And employment is not necessarily where you’re employed by government but when you create an opportunity where youths can find a place to work for their own living,” Wike stated.
Highlighting the number of youths employed in the ongoing projects, he added, “Nothing can make you more comfortable when you see your youths engaged. You can imagine when these jobs are not there, what the number of youths will be doing by now.”
During his inspection of roads and other infrastructure projects, the minister expressed delight at the quality of work being done.
“For the past three days, we’ve been in the satellite towns, and you can see the quality of work going on there. Today, we’re in the city, and the same quality we are giving to the city is what we’re giving to the satellite towns,” Wike noted.
The inspection included stops at Life Camp, where projects by Julius Berger and CGC were underway. Praising the contractors, Wike said, “Look at the kind of equipment they have on ground. By the time all those roads are completed, you would imagine what the city would look like.”
One of the key projects visited by the minister has faced criticism, but Wike dismissed the concerns. “Who are those who are criticizing? I’m not bothered. Once you have a presidential approval to go ahead, and the backing of the National Assembly, what’s my business about those who are criticizing?” he queried.
Wike further defended the initiative, emphasizing the importance of creating a conducive environment for judicial officers.
“If you have not done it, they are still the ones that will complain that the environment within which our judges and justices are working is not conducive. Now you are trying to provide an environment that will make them well, they will say, ‘Oh, it’s another reason.’ So you don’t bother yourself. Move on and do your work,” he asserted.
The minister also spoke of the overwhelming positive feedback he has received from residents during his visits.
“Certainly, in government, when people appreciate, it means that, indeed, you are touching their lives. And when you see such reaction, it makes you work harder,” Wike remarked. He added, “Anywhere we go to, see how happy they are. It means they appreciate that government is doing something.”
Residents of the FCT have commended Wike for the simultaneous execution of multiple projects across both the city center and satellite towns. Addressing how he manages such a wide range of projects, Wike credited his team and prudent financial management.
“For me, I have always said, we will look for funds, and we are aware that prudent management of funds is key. When we don’t have the funds, we don’t need to have multiple contracts,” he explained.
He stressed the importance of completing projects rather than starting numerous initiatives without seeing them through.
“Like I said, you can’t solve all the problems at the same time. Identify the ones you can carry on and finish. Not to just mention, ‘You’ve awarded 20 contracts.’ At the end of the day, how many have you finished? One,” Wike said.
The minister attributed the progress to the support from President Tinubu and his administration. “The president has given us all the necessary support. We all know we don’t have any excuses at all to say this is why this cannot be done,” he stated.
Residents and stakeholders have lauded the minister’s efforts, with one woman during the inspection offering him water and repeatedly saying, “God bless you, sir, you are doing well.” Wike reflected on the gesture, noting that such appreciation motivates him to do more. “What is the sense of governance? It’s for you to see how people can be impacted positively,” he concluded.
