In a recent speech in Abuja, Governor Wike announced an ambitious rollout of 120 kilometers of roads in the six councils of the Abuja region, a move hailed as a major step towards inclusive, people-friendly government.
Through this initiative, the governor aims to bring governance directly to the people, especially those living in rural areas. For Wike, it is essential that the government is felt and seen as a direct actor in the daily lives of citizens.
He underlines the importance of this approach in connection with President Bola Tinubu’s “Renewed Hope” agenda, highlighting the fact that governance must be tangible and visible to have a real impact on the lives of citizens. This proximity allows for a better understanding of local needs and a more effective response from the authorities.
Indeed, for Governor Wike, governance is not just about media announcements or political speeches, but must be translated concretely on the ground. It is by meeting communities, listening to their concerns and taking concrete action to respond to them that the true meaning of governance is revealed.
By directly involving citizens in the decision-making process and acting quickly on the ground, the government demonstrates its ability to listen and respond to the needs of the population. This type of approach strengthens citizens’ trust in authorities and allows them to see what the role of government really consists of.
It is therefore essential that governments, at all levels, adopt a more participatory and transparent approach to effectively respond to the expectations and needs of citizens. By promoting this proximity and direct interaction with the population, the authorities can truly illustrate what democratic governance is and is centered on the real needs of society.
Governor Wike’s road construction initiative is a concrete illustration of this approach and shows that governance can bring progress and development when it is based on direct engagement with citizens. Governance that aims to be inclusive, proactive and truly focused on the well-being of all citizens.