*Explains How Road Was Named After Wole Soyinka

PRESIDENT Bola Tinubu has disclosed that he was advised not to appoint Nyesom Wike as a minister as he was about constituting his cabinet after winning last year’s presidential election.

But now, having discountenanced the advice, he bears no regret, saying the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) minister has been an inspiration to many people with his excellent performance in the capital territory.

Speaking while commissioning the Arterial Road N20 from the Northern Parkway to the Outer Northern Expressway within the capital city, named Wole Soyinka Way, Tinubu said: “To the Hon. Minister of FCT and his entire team, my presence here is to say thank you very much for giving this government a very successful first-year landing.

“You inspired so many people and the acronym, WIW-Wike is Working- is resonating with all of us. My heart is full of joy, full of pride, because they thought you, Wike, would not perform. I heard that from several quarters. I made my choice. You didn’t let me and the country down. You worked day and night, creatively thinking and doing.

“The reform you recommended was accepted by me. People are benefiting. You are proud to bring them out as permanent secretaries and civil servants. The jobs you are creating during these activities are extremely encouraging. I said in Lagos during the flag off of the coastal road, then it was my bragging time. Today again, I can brag.”

     On naming the road after Soyinka, for which he has been criticised in some quarters, Tinubu revealled that it was at Wike’s request for Nobel laureate to be honoured while he was still alive, saying the recommendation on Wole Soyinka Way was well received, adding: “Let me say here that your momentous recommendation to name this road Wole Soyinka Way is well received.

“He is our foremost playwright, novelist and Nobel prize winner, who has brought Nigeria fame and pride of international acclaim. Thank you for thinking that way, we all accept your recommendation on behalf of the people and the Federal Republic of Nigeria.

“Professor Wole Soyinka has brought immense honour and fame to Nigeria through his unparalleled contributions to literature and his unwavering commitment to human rights and social justice.

“Naming this highway after him is a fitting tribute to a man who has dedicated his life to the pursuit of truth, freedom and artistic excellence.”

He said the completion of the strategic project with its underground system of wastewater duct and fiber optic and many other facilities cannot but be mentioned, noting that with the growing population of FCT, it is necessary to invest in infrastructure to sustain the growth and economic prosperity to the people.

In his remarks, Wike said contract for the project was awarded in 2020 at the cost of N30.6billion and was completed in four years without variation.

He enthused that with the work done in the FCT under the Tinubu administration, it would be impossible for anyone to challenge the President in the FCT, noting: “In fact, I don’t want to talk politics now, but I do know it will be difficult for anyone to challenge you in the FCT. It will be very difficult.

“I dare say so, because the facts and things are there. It’s not about theory, it’s about the reality.”