Wike To Open Up Abuja’s Satellite Towns With New Roads, Schools

The minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Mr Nyesom Wike, has reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to bridging the infrastructural gap between Abuja’s city centre and its surrounding rural communities.

Wike made this known on Saturday during an inspection tour of ongoing road projects in Ketti and Takushara, two densely populated satellite communities within the Abuja Municipal Area Council (AMAC).

The projects, which include the Kabusa/Ketti and Kabusa/Takushara roads, are expected to ease travel, boost local economies, and improve residents’ quality of life.

The projects inspected include the 10.5-kilometer Kabusa/Ketti road, which connects Kabusa, Pyakasa, and Ketti Districts, and the 9.8-kilometer Kabusa/Takushara road linking Kabusa, Takushara, and Wasa Districts.

Speaking after the inspection, Wike explained that the initiative aligns with President Bola Tinubu’s directive for inclusive development across the FCT.

“Mr President has always emphasised that we should not only concentrate development in the city but extend it to the satellite towns,” the minister stated.

He noted that the Ketti and Takushara roads, which will serve as vital arteries between the satellite towns and Abuja city, are expected to be completed and commissioned in May, as part of activities marking President Tinubu’s second year in office.

Wike commended AMAC Chairman, Mr Christopher Maikalangu, for drawing attention to what he described as “two very important roads” for the growth and wellbeing of the communities.

“If not for him, we wouldn’t have focused our attention on these areas. You can see how happy the residents of Ketti are,” Wike said.

The minister highlighted the strategic value of good road networks in driving rural development, improving connectivity, and reducing urban congestion.

“From here to the city is just about 10 minutes. That’s what road networks bring. It will open up the entire place,” he said.

Wike explained that such projects would encourage migration from the city centre to the outskirts, and foster property development in satellite communities, and ultimately ease pressure on urban infrastructure.

The minister disclosed plans to improve the quality of life for rural dwellers with the construction of new schools in Ketti and Takushara.

“We promised the communities that we would build more schools; the file is still on my table. I have approved it and we are waiting for the passage of the 2025 FCT Statutory Budget by the National Assembly to commence construction,” Wike stated.

He also emphasised that the FCT Administration’s focus would remain on providing infrastructure that benefits the broader public, rather than serving private estates.

In his Easter message, Wike called on FCT residents to embrace forgiveness, love, and unity for national cohesion.

“Nigerians should work together for the interest of all, and the FCT Administration will remain committed to fulfilling its promises,” he said.

Wike To Open Up Abuja’s Satellite Towns With New Roads, Schools is first published on The Whistler Newspaper