By Patrick Idowu
Residents of Old Kutunku, Phase Two in the Gwagwalada Area Council of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), have issued a passionate appeal to the FCT Minister, Nyesom Wike, urging him to prioritise the construction of their major access road and provide basic social amenities.
The community, which has existed for over three decades, is grappling with the absence of critical infrastructure, including schools, healthcare facilities, and most urgently, a functional road.
The five-kilometre Keida-Lapai road, which serves as the primary link to neighbouring Niger State, remains in a deplorable state, severely hampering mobility and economic activities.
“We appeal to the FCT Minister, Nyesom Wike, to intervene, just as he has done in other communities benefiting from his road projects,” said retired Reverend Simon Danjuma Kaura, a community leader.
Kaura noted that the poor state of the road has led to frequent motorcycle accidents, resulting in serious injuries and limiting access to emergency care.
Old Kutunku is home to a population of about 2,000 people and 547 registered houses, occupied largely by farmers, traders, civil servants, and small-scale business owners.
Community members say the harsh living conditions are worsened by the complete absence of a health centre or school in the area.
“If this road is fixed, it will boost business activities and improve our living conditions,” said Mrs Agnes Christopher, a local trader.
Echoing similar sentiments, civil servant Mr Patrick Oseiji and businessman Mr James Ndachaba said the lack of infrastructure continues to frustrate residents and discourage new development in the area.
The community’s traditional leader, Chief Bitrus Mohammed Baba, the Mai Angwar of Keida Road, said several complaints have been submitted to the Gwagwalada Area Council over the years but with little result.
“We have no health facilities here, not even a school,” he stated. “We appreciate the recent solar-powered street lights provided by the council chairman, Alhaji Abu Giri, but we still lack the basics needed for human dignity.”
Chief Baba commended Minister Wike for ongoing projects across the FCT and appealed for Old Kutunku to be included in the development drive.
Residents expressed hope that government attention to their plight, especially the construction of the long-neglected road will transform the community’s economy and improve living standards.
