Bola Ahmed Adekunle Tinubu
President Tinubu Embarks on Major Nationwide Project Inauguration Tour
On Saturday, President Bola Tinubu departed Abuja for Lagos to begin a nationwide tour to inaugurate several key projects completed under his administration. This extensive tour marks the first anniversary of his presidency, celebrated on Wednesday, May 29, and aims to showcase the significant infrastructure advancements made over the past year.
The State House released a statement titled “President Tinubu Set To Inaugurate Projects To Mark One Year In Office,” signed by Special Adviser for Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga. According to the statement, Lagos is the first stop on Tinubu’s itinerary, with the tour extending to various parts of the country throughout the week.
Lagos: The Starting Point
In Lagos on Sunday, President Tinubu will inaugurate the newly constructed concrete-paved road leading to the nationโs major ports in Apapa and Tin Can Island. This road, a crucial infrastructure project, was initially begun under the administration of Muhammadu Buhari and financed by the Dangote Group through its tax credits. This significant upgrade is expected to enhance port accessibility and boost economic activities in the region.
On the same day, Tinubu will also virtually inaugurate the refurbished Third Mainland Bridge. This vital piece of infrastructure has garnered public acclaim for its excellent finishing and aesthetic improvements, further enhancing Lagos’s transportation network. Additionally, the President will commission the rehabilitation of 330 roads and bridges across the country via virtual means, underscoring his administration’s commitment to nationwide infrastructure development.
The highlight of Sunday’s events will be the inauguration of the Lagos-Calabar Superhighway. This iconic project, estimated to cost about N15 trillion, is set to connect nine coastal states, significantly improving transportation and economic connectivity in the region. The statement noted that Section Two of the project has already been awarded to Hitech Construction Limited, signaling a major step forward in this ambitious undertaking.
Return to Abuja and Continued Inaugurations
On Tuesday, President Tinubu will return to Abuja to continue the series of project inaugurations. The first project on the agenda is the Southern Parkway, named in his honor by the Nyesom Wike-led FCT Administration. This significant roadway is expected to enhance traffic flow and connectivity within the capital.
Wednesday’s schedule includes attending the National Assembly Dialogue Series, followed by the unveiling of the National Assembly Library Complex, also named after the President. These events highlight Tinubu’s focus on enhancing legislative infrastructure and fostering a culture of knowledge and research within the National Assembly.
Relaunching the Abuja Metro
One of the standout events of the week will be the relaunch of the Abuja Metro (Abuja Light Rail) project on Wednesday. Completed in 2018 during the Buhari Administration, the metro system was operational until 2020 when it was shut down due to the COVID-19 pandemic and subsequent vandalism. FCT Minister Nyesom Wike has invested $15 million into refurbishing the facility and constructing access roads to various stations, restoring it for commercial service. President Tinubu will symbolically join a train ride to the city center, marking the metro’s return to operational status and providing a significant boost to public transportation in the capital.
Further Inaugurations in Abuja
After the metro relaunch, Tinubu will inaugurate the Wuye Flyover-Link Bridge and the new Defence Intelligence Agency Headquarters. These projects are expected to improve urban mobility and enhance national security infrastructure, respectively.
Culmination of the Tour in Utako
The final event of the inauguration tour will take place on Friday, May 31, with the commissioning of the NASENI-Portland Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) Reverse Engineering Centre in Utako. This center represents a significant advancement in the nation’s energy infrastructure, promoting the use of cleaner energy sources and fostering innovation in natural gas technology.
A Landmark Week of Progress
President Tinubu’s week-long tour of project inaugurations highlights the substantial progress made in infrastructure and development during his first year in office. These projects, spanning transportation, energy, and national security, underscore his administration’s commitment to transforming the nation and improving the quality of life for all Nigerians. As Tinubu marks his first anniversary as President, these inaugurations serve as a testament to his vision and dedication to national development.
