President Bola Tinubu, on Saturday, named roads in the Guzape District Lot II of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) after two literary giants — Chinua Achebe and John Pepper Clark-Bekederemo.
President Tinubu made this known at the inauguration of engineering infrastructure in Guzape District Lot II.
In his speech, the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, appealed to the President to name major roads in Guzape District after the two literary giants.
The President subsequently approved the minister’s proposal and pronounced the roads as the Chinua Achebe and JP Clark’s during his commissioning.
Both JP Clark and Achebe are late.
Achebe was born on November 16, 1930 and died on March 21, 2013. He was a Nigerian novelist, poet, and critic. His evergreen novel, Things Fall Apart, remains a classic for literature enthusiasts across the globe.
JP Clark, a Nigerian poet and playwright, lived from April 6, 1935 to October 13, 2020. His didactic poems include Abiku, The Casualties, amongst others.
On June 4, 2024, the President also named the newly inaugurated Arterial Road N20 in Abuja in honour of Nobel Laureate, Prof Wole Soyinka.
Read full statement on the commissioning:
STATE HOUSE PRESS RELEASE
PRESIDENT TINUBU AT INAUGURATION OF FCT ROAD PROJECT: I DO NOT HAVE A PLOT IN GUZAPE; I DO HAVE THE PEOPLE’S MANDATE TO DELIVER IMPROVED QUALITY OF LIFE FOR ALL
President Bola Tinubu says his administration is prioritizing people-focused development by providing essential infrastructure and amenities that will improve the quality of life of citizens.
President Tinubu made the remarks at the inauguration of engineering infrastructure in Guzape District Lot II.
“Minister Nyesom Wike has provided exceptional leadership at a trying time for the country. It has been a very challenging time for us in the country. We are still retooling and rejigging our financial system to bring prosperity and relief to the people of this country.
“You have demonstrated the capacity to build a team, lead a team, and deliver on promises. I commend you, well done.
“To all of you here, to the District Head of Guzape, and the representatives, litigation is not the answer. Compensation is the answer.
“Development that is focused on the people for economic prosperity and benefits is what we should pursue.
“Of what value is a swathe of land that is blocked by hills and rocks, and that is inaccessible. Let us talk to our people and come together to help build Nigeria,” the President said.
President Tinubu, who commended the contractor handling the project, Gilmor Engineering Limited, emphasized that his commitment to providing infrastructure across the country is not for personal enrichment or aggrandizement.
“I stand here as President; I do not have a plot of land here (Guzape District). But I have the people’s support and the mandate to deliver good quality of life and a living environment.
“That should be enough for all of us to share in the joy of commitment, dedication, perseverance, and the little gifts God has endowed us,” the President said.
In his remarks, the Minister of FCT, Barrister Nyesom Wike, explained that the contract initially awarded in 2003 at the cost of N14 billion was divided into Lots 1 and 2 to Messrs Dantata & Sawoe Construction Company Nigeria Limited and Messrs Gilmor Engineering Limited.
“Dantata had left the site for long. We had to bring them back after the President approved a memorandum to that effect,” Barrister Wike said.
The Minister disclosed that the development of the district, which covers 32km of road, had been fraught with litigations, which, however, did not deter the progress of the project.
He said shortly before the present administration assumed office, the cost of the project was revised to N18.17 billion.
Barrister Wike commended the President for not abandoning the project owing to his belief in government as a continuum.
“Since I assumed office as FCT Minister in August 2023, you have never interfered with our work. We are sincerely happy that you gave us the free hand to work,” he said.
The FCT Minister, who appealed to the President to name major roads in Guzape District after literary giants, Chinua Achebe and JP Clark, hinted that the ‘diplomatic area’ in the district will be completed within one year.
In a project overview, the Executive Secretary, FCDA, Engr. Shehu Hadi Ahmad said the area being developed, Guzape District Lot II, is an urban fringe area covering 620 hectares, with 129 hectares encumbered by village settlements.
He said the entire district, Lot 1 and Lot 2, was designed to provide residential, commercial, and recreational facilities covering an entire area of 1,070 hectares of land.
“The Lot 1 area covers an area of 450 hectares, whereas the Lot 2 covers 620 hectares,” the FCDA Executive Secretary said.
Chief Ajuri Ngelale
Special Adviser to the President
(Media & Publicity)
June 8, 2024
