*BY BOLAJI AFOLABI*
Abuja, Nigeria’s federal capital city is home to Gwarimpa Estate; considered as the largest single housing estate in West Africa, and arguably in Africa. Situated in Phase 3, and sitting on about 1,090 hectares of land, the Estate, which has sprinkle of gated-estates, and open houses has the combination of many buildings with elegant architectural designs, motorable road networks, and other facilities.
Conceived and started by former Nigeria’s Head of state, late General Sani Abacha, it has various facilities including shopping malls, medical centers, resort and recreational centers, and schools. Over the years, the Estate has grown to a big community with residents from different and varied strata of the society. It is home to the bourgeois, nouveau riche, top-end politicians, government officials, professionals, and technocrats.
People in the upper-class, upper-middle class, bureaucracy, business, and more are resident there. With distance of about 45 km to the Nnamdi Azikwe International Airport, Gwarimpa, which has 7 distinct areas; called Avenues originally planned as a residential community has, in recent times witnessed some distortions. The master plan has being slightly corrupted with the influx and establishment of commercial outlets, and other business enterprises in hitherto residential quarters. In spite this noticeable drawback, Gwarimpa is one of the most sought after districts by many people including Nigerians and foreigners.
For anyone who desires to embark on physical exercises as part of healthy living regimen, Gwarimpa is the perfect location. It’s beautiful landscape, road networks, and pleasing environment makes burning of excess fats welcoming. Little wonder, daily, residents pound the streets either walking or jogging. The writer, being a keep-fit buff is not left out. Buoyed by discipline, determination, dedication, and devotion, the one or two hours daily jogging has become permanent fixture in his daily ritual. Though captured by the allure of the Estate, many residents hit the streets when the sun sets, and makes visibility clearer. Perhaps, scared of being victims of any attacks, it is only common to see residents involving in physical exercises from 7 am. However, some early risers, like the writer shrug off any fear or negative thoughts, and engage in very early hours workout daily, before proceeding on their respective official and business engagement.
Few days back, the writer discovered something unusual, uncommon but comforting. Setting out for the day’s jogging exercise, the entire streets within my Estate were lighted. Surprised about this, the comments of one of the security officers at the Gate of the Estate jolted the writer. Asked about the lighting, Mr. Joshua declared, “Oga, na Wike oooo.” Within racy minutes, with excitement written on his face, he narrated how this will impact positively on the environment, security, and living. Outside the Gate, as the race continued, it was obvious that the entire landscape had changed. With proper visibility, the beautiful aesthetics of buildings, commercial outlets, and other business centers came alive.
In the past three days; and still counting, the installation, and powering of street lights across major areas and locations of Gwarimpa has added to the beauty and allure of the Estate. In many ways, people, especially early risers and commuters exhibit quantum felicity as they move from one end to the other. Traversing through 1st to 3rd, 4th, 2nd, and 5th Avenues, the street are glittering with lightings. Importantly, the writer discovered an increase in the number of people that have joined the “early-riser” jogging train. At every turn and point along Crush Cafe to Tastia, Fidelity Bank, St. Matthew’s Anglican Church, Muslim Community Cemetery, and First Bank/Emadeb Energy/Total Station on 1st Avenue, it has been encouraging. Not forgetting junctions and intersections from Access Bank to the H-Medix/Quick Service Restaurants, GTB, and ECOBANK area on 3rd Avenue, as well as locations and streets along and around the 4th, 2nd, and 5th Avenues.
From reports, the street lightings in Gwarimpa Estate which were done by the Federal Capital Territory Administration under the leadership of Minister Nyesom Wike is in fulfillment of earlier promises to engender infrastructural development of the District. Indeed, this is laudable, and encouraging. Being a resident for some years, the writer can recall the level of fear, anxiety, worries, and despondency that pervaded the minds of people before now. With the turn of events, there are numerous positives that residents will benefit from the street electrification. There will be increase in commerce, trade, and economic activities. Just yesterday, while jogging along 2nd Avenue, a vulcaniser had already opened shop for the day. Same with few pharmacy, and supermarkets on 3rd Avenue. The number of food vendors already out around the Crush Cafe axis of 1st Avenue was surprising. The street electrification will boost security of lives and properties; improve access to health, and other services; and increase the value of properties.
While working on this article, the writer was informed that the Wike “street lighting magic” has been extended to Life Camp, Kado, and Jahi Districts; neighbors to Gwarimpa Estate. Fact is, the street electrification of these Districts are long over due. Somehow, attempts were made by past administrations. But very feeble, shoddy, and tenuous. For whatever it is, the timely completion of the installation of street electrification in these Districts epitomises vision, values, and commitment to good governance. The comments of a business outlet owner along 3rd Avenue, Mr. Peter Ogbu that, “like some others, initially I didn’t like Wike but considering what he has achieved in one year, he is now my favourite in this government,” is apposite. Alhaji Garba Ibrahim Fegge, a civil servant declared that, “the street lightings, and potable water supply schemes in Gwarimpa has shown that Wike knows the needs of people.” For Ms. Comfort Adegbuyi, a medical personnel, “we now open till late in the night at the Pharmacy I work…this is something you dare not attempt before now because of security challenges.”
The political odyssey and governance trajectory of Nyesom Wike has been classic case study of sorts. Depending on who or what is being addressed about him, he remains a prominent, and primary personality in Nigeria’s political discourse and governance discussions. Some people angrily dislike and describe him as being arrogant, loquacious, and power-driven. Many others recognize and appreciate his personality traits and leadership attributes which; they claim revolves around productivity, performance, doggedness, courage, and empathy. However, what ever divide, majority of Nigerians, particularly Abuja residents and visitors unanimously agree that he is a shining light in this administration. Little wonder, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu eulogized him at the first presidential media chat, which held recently.
**Bolaji Afolabi, a Development Communications specialist, was with the Office of Public Affairs, The Presidency, Abuja*