Wike flags off 15km old Keffi road project, announces rehabilitation of 73 schools in Abuja

The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, has announced the ongoing rehabilitation of 73 Government Secondary Schools across Abuja as part of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda, aimed at revitalising public infrastructure and improving access to quality education.

Wike made the announcement on Tuesday during the flag-off ceremony for the rehabilitation of the 15-kilometre Old Keffi Road linking Kado Village to Dei-Dei.

He said the simultaneous investments in road and education infrastructure reflect President Tinubu’s determination to deliver tangible benefits to Nigerians.

“Out of 103 Government Secondary Schools in the FCT, 73 are currently under rehabilitation, while 33 more will soon be flagged off,” Wike stated.

“Of the 105 ongoing projects, 73 are located within AMAC and the city centre. This administration is committed to changing things for the better — for both Nigerians and residents of Abuja.”

The Minister explained that the Old Keffi Road rehabilitation is among several key projects approved by President Tinubu to ease traffic congestion, boost connectivity, and stimulate economic activities across FCT communities.

Recalling earlier interventions, Wike noted that the rehabilitation of Saburi 1 and Saburi 2 roads was among the emergency projects approved when the President took office in 2023.

“When we commissioned the Saburi Road, I said it could only be complete if the Old Keffi Road from Kado Village to Dei-Dei was also rehabilitated. Today, to the glory of God, we are here to fulfill that promise made by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu,” he said.

Wike disclosed that Lubrik Construction Company, the contractor behind the Saburi project, has again been awarded the Old Keffi Road rehabilitation due to the high quality of its previous work and proven technical capacity.

He also commended the Chairman of Abuja Municipal Area Council (AMAC), Hon. Christopher Zakka Maikalangu, for his dedication to projects that meet the needs of residents.

“That is what true representation means — choosing leaders who understand your needs and are committed to addressing them,” Wike remarked. “Chairman Maikalangu deserves your continued support for the sake of continuity.”

Urging residents to remain supportive of the Tinubu administration, the Minister cautioned them against being misled by politicians who failed to deliver in the past.

“Do not be deceived by people who come with empty promises. We gave them a first chance — they failed. We gave them a second chance — they failed again. Giving them a third chance would destroy everything,” he warned.

Wike revealed that the FCT Administration plans to flag off 27 projects across the territory, describing it as an unprecedented achievement and a reflection of the President’s commitment to nationwide development.

He further directed the construction company to prioritise local employment, ensuring that youths, men, and women from host communities benefit economically from the project’s implementation.

In her remarks, the FCT Minister of State, Dr. Mariya Mahmoud, thanked President Tinubu for his continuous support for infrastructure renewal and his focus on projects that directly impact citizens’ lives.

“This road is a lifeline that serves thousands of commuters daily. It links communities, reduces travel time, improves safety, and enhances socio-economic activities along this corridor,” Mahmoud said.

She also commended Wike for his “purposeful and result-driven leadership,” describing the road rehabilitation as another milestone in the administration’s pursuit of connectivity and inclusive development within the FCT.