President Bola Ahmed Tinubu on June 4, 2024, named the ‘Arterial Road N20’ in Abuja, Federal Capital Territory (FCT), after Nobel Laureate, Prof. Wole Soyinka.
The road was named ‘Wole Soyinka Way,’ following the request by FCT Minister, Nyeson Wike, shortly before its commissioning by the President.
President Tinubu, who lauded the Minister for its completion, said he had proved his critics wrong.
He said he could also brag on account of the completion of the project the way he did during the kick-off of the Lagos-Calabar Coaster Highway in Lagos two weeks ago.
The road stretches from the Northern Parkway to the Outer Northern Expressway, (otherwise called the Murtala Mohammed Expressway).
It is one of the transverse arterial roads connecting the Outer Northern Expressway (ONEX) to the Outer Southern Expressway (OSEX) through the sector centres.
The highway will enhance ease of movement from the bounding districts of Mabushi, Katampe, Jahi, and Kado through the sector centres, to the metropolis.
Soyinka won the Nobel Prize for Literature in 1986. He was the first African to be so honoured.
The President described 89-year-old scholar as a foremost playwright, who has brought international acclaim, to Nigeria, thanking Wike for the recommendation.
President Tinubu described the project as another testament to his administration’s development agenda of transforming every part of the country.
He said: ‘’Let me say that the recommendation to name this Arterial Road N20 after Wole Soyinka is well received. He is our foremost playwright, novelist, and Nobel prize winner.
‘’He has brought Nigeria fame, pride, and international acclaim. Thank you for thinking that way. We all accept your recommendation on behalf of the people of the Federal Republic of Nigeria”.
The President said the project has reinforced his government’s commitment to enhancing infrastructure and fostering sustainable development.
He stressed: “The completion of this strategic project underscores our dedication to building a robust and resilient infrastructure that meets the needs of our growing population and stimulates economic growth.
“I am also aware that the project enabled the creation of employment opportunities for over 1,500 Nigerians. This is commendable and serves as a credit to the Renewed Hope Agenda for creating job opportunities for our teeming youth.
The Nation
