Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, inspected the ongoing construction of the Naharati-River Ukya to Uguwan Hausawa Road in Abaji Area Council of the FCT on Wednesday.

The minister, who was accompanied on the inspection visit, by the FCT Minister of State, Dr. Mariya Mahmoud, said the construction of roads in the satellite towns will not only improve connectivity in the rural areas but will also discourage rural-urban migration in the FCT.

He stressed that the road construction will also have a positive impact on the lives and livelihoods of the people at the grassroots, adding that President Bola Ahmed Tinubu was determined to ensure that every part of the FCT is impacted positively under the Renewed Hope Agenda.

The minister also dispelled insinuations that the FCT Administration was only concentrating development in the city centre, stressing that a lot has also been achieved in the satellite towns in the last year.

He said: “This is all about the Renewed Hope Agenda. The president is trying to make sure that every area is impacted positively.

“I can’t tell you how happy I am. I have seen the connection within the various communities. This, of course, will improve their means of livelihood and transportation.

“We have always said that we are not only concentrating on the cities; we are also trying to open satellite towns because we are also trying to discourage people from migrating to the cities.

“Why people migrate to cities is because there is no infrastructure. So, when you provide this kind of infrastructure, it discourages rural-urban migration.”

The Minister described what is happening in the FCT in terms of the provision of infrastructure as a complete revolution.

He said most of those who still complain have probably not had the opportunity to visit the rural areas and see what the Renewed Hope Agenda is all about.

He said: “I think all of us can attest that this has never happened before in the history of the FCT. What we are seeing today is a complete revolution, trying to transform our rural areas.”

Wike added that the rural populace, who are the direct beneficiaries of these infrastructure provisions, has decided to continue to support and dialogue with the government, rather than embark on the planned nationwide protest.

He said: “Just within one year of Mr. President’s administration, see the kind of infrastructure that is being provided within our rural areas.

“You can see that in the cities too. So many people have said nothing is happening in rural areas. You can attest to the fact that things are happening.”

Wike also used the opportunity to emphasise the importance of dialogue between the government and the people, warning that violent protests would not be of any benefit to the country.

FCT: It has never happened before – Wike speaks at latest project inspection