President Bola Tinubu on Friday again ignited hope in Nigerians, saying Nigeria is on the path of transformation through strategic investments in infrastructure and public service delivery.

He said his administration inherited a struggling economy, but the economy is picking up.

Tinubu, represented by Vice President Kashim Shettima, spoke while commissioning the newly completed Collector Road CN2 (Emmanuel Okanla Boulevard), linking Arterial Road N16 (Yemi Osinbajo Way) to Arterial Road N20 (Wole Soyinka Way) in the Katampe District of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT).

The president described the road project as a tangible demonstration of the administration’s Renewed Hope Agenda, saying it would boost mobility, enhance security, stimulate economic growth and improve the quality of life of residents.

According to him, the transformation taking place across the FCT is evidence that the government can deliver meaningful development when leadership is driven by commitment and results.

“We have installed solar street lights, and today Katampe is bright at night. Abuja’s city life is coming back, and criminal hideouts are disappearing. This is exactly what good governance delivers: security, mobility and dignity,” he said.

The President commended the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, for what he described as his exceptional performance and commitment to rebuilding the nation’s capital.

He said: “When I gave him the assignment to make Abuja a true capital city, I knew his track record. Barrister Wike, you have not disappointed Mr President.

“From transforming abandoned roads into new boulevards to delivering water projects and judicial quarters, you work day and night. You do not give excuses; you give results. The people of the FCT call you ‘Mr Project’ for a reason.”

Tinubu said the CN2 road project symbolizes much more than physical infrastructure, noting that it reflects renewed confidence in governance and the country’s economic future.

“Indeed, this road stands as a testimony to the Renewed Hope Agenda. Nigeria is working again. The economy we met was struggling, but today there is transformation.

“A road like CN2 is more than just concrete; it represents hope. It proves to every Nigerian that the government can deliver. It tells our youth that this country truly belongs to them,” he stated.

The President thanked residents of Katampe and Mabushi districts for their patience and cooperation during the construction period, assuring them that the benefits of the project would continue to unfold in the years ahead.

He stressed that infrastructure development requires collective responsibility and called on residents to protect public assets and support government efforts through tax compliance and civic responsibility.

“Hope is not a mere slogan; it is tangible, just like this road. It is the light on your street and the travel time you now save.

“However, the government cannot do it alone. To sustain these achievements, I urge all residents to pay their taxes, clear their ground rents, support their communities and protect this infrastructure.

“Do not turn walkways into marketplaces and do not vandalise the street lights. If you witness any destruction, report it immediately. This road belongs to you; guard it for your children,” he said.

Tinubu noted that the administration remains committed to delivering projects that directly impact the lives of Nigerians and strengthen the nation’s economic foundations.

The project, executed by CGC Nigeria Limited, forms part of the ongoing infrastructure renewal programme of the FCT Administration aimed at opening up new districts, attracting investments and improving connectivity within the capital city.

In his remarks, Wike said the Katampe Road project was conceived to close a critical infrastructure gap that had become apparent following the completion of adjoining road networks.

“Last year, when Mr President commissioned the Gishiri road and the bridge linking Maitama, this road did not even exist. We identified the missing link and immediately moved to address it because infrastructure must be holistic,” he said.

The Minister noted that the project has already unlocked significant real estate development in Katampe, attracting investors and stimulating economic activities.

“People say nothing is happening in Nigeria, but when you look around Abuja and see construction sites everywhere, new buildings emerging daily and businesses investing heavily, the evidence speaks for itself,” he stated.

Wike argued that infrastructure development remains one of the most effective tools for economic growth and job creation, saying thousands of Nigerians have benefited directly and indirectly from ongoing projects across the territory.

He also highlighted the administration’s efforts to extend development beyond the city centre into satellite communities.

Referencing the recently commissioned road linking Tungan-Madaki communities, Wike said the Tinubu administration was determined to ensure that rural and semi-urban communities also feel the impact of governance.

“For the first time, many of these communities are experiencing what government presence truly means. We are connecting people to opportunities, schools, healthcare and economic activities,” he said.

The Minister further disclosed that another major milestone would be recorded on Monday with the commissioning of a strategic water supply project in Karu, designed to improve access to potable water in satellite towns.

The Minister of State for FCT, Mariya Mahmoud, said the project reflects President Tinubu’s vision of using infrastructure as a catalyst for economic growth, social inclusion and improved quality of life.

She commended the President, the National Assembly, Wike, engineers, contractors and community leaders for their contributions to the successful delivery of the project.

With the latest commissioning, the FCT Administration has intensified efforts to position Abuja as a modern, globally competitive capital city, while reinforcing the Tinubu administration’s narrative that infrastructure remains central to its Renewed Hope Agenda.