Stories by Stanley Onyekwere
For the upteenth time, residents of Abuja, the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) have been assured to expect more infrastructural development in the year 2025.
This was disclosed by the FCT Minister, Barrister Nyesom Wike as he received the 2025 Thisday Newspaper and Arise Television Minister of the Year award held during an elaborate ceremony in Lagos, on Monday.
Recall that that the minister had in his new year message promised that massive infrastructural development, as a key driver of economic growth and improved quality of life will continue this year, as it is part of his administration’s focus, as the remains resolute in building upon 2024’s achievements.
Reiterated this assurance, Wike, in a statement from Director of Press, Office of the Minister, Anthony Ogunleye, made available to Journalists yesterday said: “I want to tell them (Abuja residents) that this year, 2025 will see more development, more infrastructure and that is what is important for us.
“We have no time for excuses, time for excuses are done this is what the Renewed Hope Agenda is about”.
While thanking President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for granting him the opportunity to serve, the minister opines that “If the President did not give us the opportunity, we will not be here to contribute the little we have contributed.”
He also thanked the residents of the FCT saying “ I also want to thank all nigerians particularly those who reside in Abuja, carrying on with their businesses.
Speaking on the often unfair criticisms he had received from Arise TV and Thisday Newspaper, the Minister said that the award indicated that they were not biased in their selection.
Meanwhile, presenting the award, the Minister for Information and National Orientation, Alhaji Mohammed Idris described the Wike as as one of the very best who is not just a colleague in the cabinet but also as someone who is very hard working and a loyal friend.
Idris adds: “from the array of people who have joined him to receive this award. Many former governors, many Senators, many, many people, I cannot even count them and I am honoured to be the one to present this award today.”
Other nominees for the Minister of the Year award are Mr. Wale Edun, Hon Minister of Finance and the Coordinating Minister of the Economy, Barrister Festus Keyamo, Hon. Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Mr Tunji Olubunmi Ojo, Minister for Interior, and Professor Mohammed Ali Pate, Hon Minister for health and Social Welfare.
