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Wike Partners with Chinese Firms to Illuminate Abuja with Solar Power
The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, has outlined ambitious plans to enhance the nation’s capital by improving its power infrastructure through solar energy.
During a significant event, Wike signed Memoranda of Understanding (MOUs) with two major Chinese companies, the China Civil Engineering Construction Corporation (CCECC) and the China Geo-Engineering Corporation Overseas Construction Group (CGCOC).
This collaboration aims to “light up” Abuja with solar power, marking a substantial shift toward sustainable energy.
Wike emphasized the importance of this project to his administration, highlighting that the capital city, Abuja, will celebrate its 50th anniversary next year.
He expressed his determination to elevate Abuja to the standards of other global capital cities, both in infrastructure and aesthetics.
The project, which focuses on solar-powered lighting, reflects his vision for a modern, eco-friendly city that serves as a model for the rest of the nation.
Additionally, the minister praised the efforts of CCECC for their role in the successful commercial operation of the Abuja Metro line, which was a notable achievement during the first year of President Bola Tinubu’s administration.
This milestone, Wike said, is a testament to the collaboration between the government and private contractors in driving the city’s development.
Wike also urged the CGCOC to expedite the solar lighting project, stressing the importance of timely execution.
He reiterated his administration’s commitment to completing key infrastructure projects within a reasonable timeframe, ensuring that the capital city remains a beacon of progress in Nigeria.
Representatives from the two Chinese corporations, Mr. Chen Sichang, President of CCECC, and Mr. Lan Meizhong, Chairman of CGCOC, expressed their gratitude for the opportunity to participate in the transformation of Abuja.
Both leaders assured the minister of their dedication to delivering high-quality work within the agreed timelines, acknowledging the trust placed in them to bring Wike’s vision to life.
The project to light up Abuja is expected to greatly enhance the city’s nighttime visibility and security, contributing to its modernization and positioning it alongside other global capitals.
As Wike works to solidify his legacy as a transformative leader, this solar project could become one of the defining initiatives of his administration.
TV anchor Rufai Oseni makes headlines as he speaks on fuel subsidy in Nigeria. He shared that Nigeria can have fuel subsidy without the long queues at filling stations.
“When we were still paying subsidies, there were no long queues. We were subsidising. So you can still have a subsidy regime going on, and there will be no long queues because production was close by. Dangote had it. That’s just it. That argument also falls flat.
“The biggest beneficiaries of subsidy are not Nigerians. They are crony capitalists that have big infrastructure, and they do contracts. They have been the biggest beneficiaries of the subsidy,” he said.
Lagos State Governor, Sanwo-Olu, speaks to those in the electricity sector about the usual blackouts in the state.
He speaks on ways things can change in the state and how electricity can be provided.
“We need to drop corporate egos, abandon long-standing excuses, and confront the harsh realities obstructing progress in the power sector.”
“We, state governments, used to give excuses that everything is centralised, so the Federal Government has unbundled it now. What have we done in a year and a half?” Sanwo-Olu asked.
“We take two steps forward, we go five steps backward,” he said.
Lagos State Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu has declared Thursday, August 20, a work-free day for public servants in the state to mark the Isese Festival.
Speaking on the celebration, he said “Ìṣẹ̀ṣe is not a relic. It is a living expression of our traditions and a celebration of Yoruba spirituality as an important part of Nigeria’s cultural and religious landscape,” he said.
He added “When the drums sound in Lagos on Thursday, they answer drums in Havana, in Salvador, in Port of Spain. Fifty-five million people and counting. Lagos is not observing a local holiday. Lagos is standing at the centre of a global heritage,” Aregbe said.
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