The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Nyesom Wike has cited the swift approval of Dunamis church pedestrian bridge eight-year-old application as evidence of President Bola Tinubu’s leadership capacity and commitment to addressing longstanding administrative bottlenecks.
Wike who spoke on Friday when he commissioned the pedestrian bridge built by Dunamis church along Airport Road Abuja recalled that the church had submitted its application for approval in 2018 but could not secure the necessary clearance until February 2026 following his intervention.
According to the minister the application which had remained unattended to for years under previous administrations was processed within a month after he drew the attention of relevant authorities to it.
The minister said the development underscored the importance of responsive governance stressing that government must be judged by its ability to identify challenges address them and deliver results that improve the lives of citizens.
Wike also emphasised that effective governance requires cooperation between the government and the people noting that citizens should acknowledge achievements while holding public officials accountable for areas requiring improvement.
Wike cautioned against what he described as uninformed criticism particularly on social media urging Nigerians to look beyond political rhetoric and assess leaders based on their actions and the impact of their decisions.
He argued that leadership demands courage commitment and the willingness to take difficult decisions even when such decisions may not immediately appeal to everyone.
The minister reaffirmed the government’s commitment to supporting institutions and community initiatives capable of contributing to societal development stressing that purposeful leadership must translate into tangible benefits for the people.
The General Overseer of Dunamis International Gospel Centre Dr. Paul Enenche underscored the transcendent value of legacy community impact and stewardship over material accumulation asserting that humanity is remembered not by what it hoards but by the problems it solves and the contributions it makes.
Recounting the arduous journey behind the project the cleric expressed profound appreciation to the FCT Minister and the nation’s leadership for graciously granting approval for the construction of the bridge noting that the community had pursued the critical public asset for half a decade.
‘We had endeavored to construct this bridge for the last six years’ Dr. Enenche stated.
He said: ‘We made presentations and so forth but for one reason or the other it was not forthcoming until just this year the approval came and we are grateful for that which has happened’.
He revealed that when negotiations began with the construction firm the contractors initially argued that the project would require a minimum of six months.
However following a revision to four months under intense round-the-clock scheduling the project was delivered ahead of standard projections-a feat the contractor described as a personal record.
‘They were put under pressure they worked night and day and we give the Lord the praise’ he added.
Addressing skeptics who might question the church’s direct involvement in municipal and infrastructural development Enenche anchored the initiative in divine principles.
‘The answer is simple: God is love’ he said citing 1 John 4:8.
He said; ‘To be a messenger of God means to be a messenger of love. And the definition of love-love is about giving.’
Shifting focus to national leadership and public service Enenche admonished citizens and leaders alike to prioritise eternal value over transient gains reminding the people of the inescapable accountability awaiting all mortals.
‘Future generations will remember all of us whether for good or for bad’ he warned.
The pastor urged the gathering to live purposefully for impact and with eternity in view reminding them that life’s ultimate destination transcends physical accomplishments.