Residents of Saburi I and II in Abuja Municipal Area Council have hailed the recently constructed road by Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Minister Nyesom Wike as a transformative development. Many described the project as a “game changer,” citing its profound impact on the community’s socio-economic activities.
The five-kilometer access road, which connects Saburi I and II to Dei Dei International Market, was inaugurated on January 21, 2024. Minister Wike emphasized that the project was designed to alleviate the hardships faced by residents, particularly during the wet season when the road’s condition was previously unbearable.
The new road has sparked a wave of gratitude among the locals. Emmanuel Ogboh, a shop owner, noted that the improved road has significantly boosted business activities due to the increased flow of vehicular traffic. “The road has brought life to our businesses,” he said, visibly excited about the change.
For small business owners like Justina Ocheche, who sells bean cakes (akara), the road has been a blessing. She shared how her business previously struggled with heavy dust during the dry season and mud during the rains, which deterred customers. “Now that the road is completed, my business is thriving,” she said, while also urging the FCT administration to address other community issues like electricity and water supply.
Other business owners echoed similar sentiments. Furniture maker Nicholas Emmanuel explained that the dust from the previously dilapidated road often ruined his products, making them unattractive to buyers. Car wash owner Akin Akinwande highlighted the increase in traffic as a major boost, stating, “Before, we would barely see 20 cars pass through here in a day; now, it’s over 100. This road has changed everything for us.”
Truck driver Emeka Oduma, a long-time resident of Saburi, expressed his joy, saying, “I’ve been here for close to 10 years, and the road was in a terrible state. Wike has done an amazing job. Everyone in the community is happy.”
The community’s leader, Village Head Muhammad Yamawo, described the road project as their “new bride,” symbolizing hope and renewal. “We have suffered for years without a good road, but Wike has wiped our tears. It feels like the beginning of a new chapter for Saburi,” he said with pride. He also applauded the minister for other ongoing projects in the area, including the construction of a police station and a hospital.
The Saburi to Dei Dei road is just one of several projects spearheaded by the Wike-led FCT Administration, aimed at uplifting rural communities across Abuja’s six area councils. Residents are hopeful that this momentum will continue, further addressing pressing issues like water supply and electricity. For now, however, they are basking in the benefits of the long-awaited infrastructure, which has breathed new life into their community.
