By Ekuson Nw’Ogbunka, Abuja
Ikenna Chidoka, the Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of an Abuja – based Ai submission services, the Tsoi Nigeria Ltd, has hailed the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Barr Nyesom Wike for not relenting in his efforts towards ensuring that FCT competes favourably with today’s world’s capital cities, but he regretted that certain elements, if not checked will not only hinder his good works, but also make them unnoticed.
Worried and concerned, he drafted an open letter to the Minister, hailed him and drew his attention to those anomalies that need checked, for his good works to be fully noticed. Below are the abstracts:
Dear Honorable Minister,
An Open Letter to the Minister of FCT.”
He started: “I want to start by giving you your flowers. The road construction and pedestrian walkways across Abuja are truly impressive. You have, without a doubt, changed the face of our capital, and I respect the clear effort behind it.
“As someone who travels a lot, having travelled over 80 cities and countries, and who genuinely loves urban culture in all its forms, I can say I’ve seen how cities are supposed to work. One thing I know for sure, is that it is the role of the government to create an environment where people can live and thrive within the boundaries of the law. That’s the basic social contract.”
He continued: “But in Abuja, it feels like there’s a serious disconnect between the administration and the people. We’re missing some of the key elements that make a city truly livable.
1. The City Is Dirty
Abuja’s environmental state is poor, and this is a low-hanging fruit. We don’t need to spend a fortune. Private companies can run waste collection and recycling—just give them a framework. Divide the city into zones, set up at least four recycling plants, and let people pay for the service. It will create jobs and keep the city clean.
2. The Traffic Is Chaotic
Let’s be honest, nobody obeys traffic rules anymore. Even top officials and VIPs with sirens break simple rules. This kills the culture of discipline and makes things worse for everyone. In cities like London, traffic rules apply to everyone. No one is above the law on the road. That’s the only way to maintain order.
3. Our Hospitals Are in Terrible Shape
I recently visited Wuse General Hospital just to replace my glasses. The place was depressing. The smell, the decay; it’s painful to see what’s become of what used to be a well-run hospital. It’s not about equipment alone; basic maintenance and cleanliness can go a long way.”
He concluded: “These are just a few points. I won’t bore you. My goal is simple: to draw your attention to the other things that make a city work. It’s not just about roads.
“Abuja has the potential to become a major hub for meetings, incentives, conferences, and events (MICE). But to get there, we need to follow global best practices, not just in infrastructure but in urban living. Let’s create a capital city that truly works—for everyone.”
