By Joyce Remi-Babayeju
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has reiterated the commitment of his government to enhance the quality of life of all Nigerians.
Vice President, Kashim Shettima who represented President Tinubu stated this on Monday in Abuja at the commissioning of the Outer Southern Express Way, OSEX, one of the numerous interchanges road projects being unveiled to mark President Tinubu’s one year in office.
The president said,”I reaffirm my administration’s dedication to enhancing the quality of life for all Nigerians.”
The president noted that the OSEX, interconnecting way is a mantra of the Renewed Hope Agenda of his government to enhance the ease of transportation , economic growth and the quality of life of the people.
He said, “What is unfolding in the federal capital is a testament to what can be achieved by the government renewed hope agenda of quality transformation of the FCT and indeed Nigeria.”
“Issues undertaken hold profound significance for the FCT and its residents, a function of the Outer Southern motorway will not only alleviate transport congestion and improve transportation but will also stimulate economic growth and create opportunities for prosperity.”
According to him,’ with the addition of 4 Interchanges, we are enhancing connectivity and accessibility, making it easier for residents and visitors alike to navigate our beautiful capital city.
“The completion of this motorway extension is not merely a piece of engineering but a testament to the power of collaboration and partnership.”
President Tinubu commended the FCT Minister Barr. Nyesom Wike’s administration for his visionary leadership and tireless dedication to the uplifting of the capital city.
He said, “Wike is a force of nature
Wike is redefining the meaning and concept of modern leadership in Nigeria.”
The president expressed his admiration for the dedication, persistence, courage and the good will which the FCT Minister has put into transforming the Capital Territory.
“Under Wike’s leadership we have witnessed a stride in infrastructural development, urban planning and sustainable growth in the nation’s capital.”
“Under Wike, we have proved to the world that what counts is leadership, and what this nation needs is quality leadership.”
The FCT Minister Barr. Wike disclosed that the OSEX project was awarded 11 years ago, but was unable to be completed until now.
Wike said. “This project was awarded in 2013. Eleven years until now, we are battling how to make life easy for our people.”
“That is why the whole essence of the ‘renewed hope agenda’ is that we will make you feel comfortable, will bring back your hope, and this is what we are doing today.”
Meanwhile , the FCT Minister has disclosed that the cost of the project as at when it was awarded was 39.8 billion but in 2021 it was revised to 59.9 billion.
“Under the Treasury Single Account , TSA, it was very difficult for us to have finished this project.”
Wike expressed his gratitude to the president for his order to pull FCTA out of the TSA, thereby making funds accessible to pay contractors.
He noted that the successful delivery of the interconnecting OSEX road is a reality because of the support both from the president and the National Assembly, NASS.
He said,” Let me also say, this achievement would not have been possible, but for the cooperation, relationship we have with the NASS, and we are lucky that we don’t have any problems.”
Wike further hinted that by the close of this year, the FCT Administration would commission not less than 75 kilometers of area Councils roads , which has never happened before.
