The Etsu Kwali, Luka Nizassan III, has described the newly constructed Gomani–Dafa–Yangoji Road in Kwali Area Council of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) as a “major infrastructure milestone” for the area.

Mr Nizassan made the remarks on Tuesday during the inauguration of the project at Dafa, saying the road represents a long-awaited answer to the prayers and long-standing demands of his people.

He commended President Bola Tinubu and the FCT Minister, Nyesom Wike, for responding to the infrastructural needs of the community, noting that residents had endured years of neglect before the intervention.

“We feel so delighted that this part of the area council is benefiting from government intervention. There is nothing happier than having you make demands and the demands have been met,” he said.

The traditional ruler said the road carried significant historical and economic importance, describing it as one of the oldest routes in the former Abuja Emirate, now Suleja Emirate, dating back to the colonial era.

He explained that the corridor was historically used by emissaries involved in tax collection, adding that despite its relevance, it suffered decades of deterioration and abandonment.

According to him, previous administrations and private efforts failed to restore the road until the current intervention brought it back to life.

“Previous administrations and private individuals had attempted to fix the road, but all efforts failed until Wike intervened,” he said.

Mr Nizassan said the completion of the road would boost economic activities, particularly in agriculture, which remained the dominant livelihood of residents in Kwali.

He said that the road would also strengthen security operations in the area, which had previously been hampered by poor accessibility and difficult terrain.

“This road was so bad to the level that having security men accessing this place for patrols and searching and combing became so difficult,” he said.

According to him, improved access will discourage criminal activity, as better-connected communities are easier to patrol and secure by law enforcement agencies.

“It will improve the security of this area because people who commit heinous crimes do not like accessible areas,” he added.

The traditional ruler said the road linked four key political wards, connecting Yangoji on the expressway to Dafa, Gomani and Pai, thereby improving intra-community mobility.

He explained that the improved connectivity would significantly reduce travel time for commuters and ease transportation of agricultural produce to urban markets.

Mr Nizassan also urged residents to support the administration of Mr Tinubu, describing governance as a reciprocal relationship between leaders and the governed.

“Government is a game of give and take. Our responsibility now is to also supply our own share, which is support,” he said.

He also expressed optimism that the FCT Administration would fulfill further promises, particularly in providing pipe-borne water and rehabilitating school infrastructure in the area.

“This will provide clean water for my people and ensure a conducive learning environment for students,” he said.

(NAN)