Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Minister, Ezenwo Nyesom Wike, announced that President Bola Tinubu has approved naming the 3.2-kilometer Arterial Road and Bridge at Shagari/Satellite Quarters, Kwali after the renowned Nigerian potter, Ladi Kwali.
Wike made this announcement while commissioning the road and bridge, which had been abandoned for 20 years, in Kwali area council, Abuja, on Tuesday. He described Ladi Kwali as a creative individual who brought fame not only to the FCT but to the entire nation.
Addressing a crowd of cheering residents, Wike revealed that the President has also instructed him to ensure the road is adequately illuminated with solar-powered street lights. He emphasized that the President’s Renewed Hope Agenda transcends religious, tribal, or political affiliations.
“This road was abandoned for many years. What you see today is the Renewed Hope Agenda we are talking about. Many of you may have lost hope and had to fend for yourselves, but Mr. President assures you not to lose hope, as he is here to restore it. The completion of this road today shows that hope is indeed coming back to our people,” Wike stated.
He continued, “This initiative is not about any political party; it’s about the people of Kwali and Abuja. There is no one particular party that will use this road, and that’s what matters to Mr. President. His vision is to make Nigerians believe their hope is returning, and that is why we have done what we have done today.”
Wike also mentioned that this is not the only road project in Kwali, announcing additional roads to be flagged off soon. “In this year alone, Kwali will have at least three new roads. This was not the case before. Mr. President has indeed brought back hope to all of us,” he added.
He also highlighted the significance of naming the road after Ladi Kwali, stating, “Before the Chairman even asked, Mr. President had instructed that this road be named Ladi Kwali Road to honor her contributions to Abuja’s development.
Additionally, the President has directed me to ensure the road is illuminated with solar lights for security purposes. This demonstrates that with the right leadership, we achieve good results, regardless of our backgrounds. Mr. President is committed to improving our lives and restoring our hope.”
Kwali Area Council Chairman, Danladi Chiya, expressed gratitude to the Minister on behalf of the people, noting that the road, which connects Kwali main town to the Abuja-Lokoja highway, had been impassable for over 14 years.
“This project has renewed our hope in Mr. President. Before now, we had lost hope, but he has restored it to my people,” Chiya said. He praised the minister for honoring Ladi Kwali, pointing out that although she had been recognized with a road named after her in the United Kingdom and a street in Abuja’s city center, nothing had been named after her in her hometown, Kwali.
Ladi Kwali, who passed away in 1984, is the only woman to have appeared on any Nigerian currency, featuring on the Twenty Naira note.
