The Federal Government has named major streets in Abuja after some eminent Nigerians and accomplished Africans, with the soon-to-be inaugurated Inner Southern Expressway, running through Abuja city centre, named after President Goodluck Jonathan.
The Wuye district boulevard, measuring 1,730 metres, was named after former Vice President, Alhaji Atiku Abubakar.
Another major road in the same district was named after Vice President Namadi Sambo.
Minister of Federal Capital Territory, Senator Bala Mohammed, according to a statement on Monday by his Special Assistant on Media, Mr. Nosike Ogbuenyi, made the announcement during the FCT Executive Committee meeting held at his official residence in Life Camp, Gwarinpa.
The major streets named after the eminent personalities also include Asokoro Extension, Guzape, Wupa, Wuye and Maitama Extension districts as well as expressways and roads.
Aside Jonathan, Atiku and Sambo, other beneficiaries include former Senate President, the late Dr. Chuba Okadigbo; former Speaker of the House of Representatives and Katsina State Governor-elect, Alhaji Aminu Masari; Chief Justice of Nigeria, Justice Dahiru Musdapher, Business moguls, Femi Otedola, Aliko Dangote and several others.
Other prominent personalities also honoured by naming streets after them in Asokoro district extension include former Secretary-General of the United Nations, Mr. Kofi Annan; South African anti-Apartheid activist, late Walter Sisulu; former President of Sudan, Gaafar al-Nimeiry; former Minister of State for FCT, the late Prof. Miriam Ikejiani-Clark; former CJN, Justice Idris Kutigi, and 16 others.
Those having roads and streets named after them in Guzape district include former FCT Minister and Governor-elect of Kaduna State, Malam Nasir El-Rufai; former Inspector-General of Police, Sunday Adewusi; former Science and Technology Minister, Major-Gen. Sam Momah; former Special Duties Minister, the late Wada Nas; former Attorney General of the Federation, the late Mr. Clement Akpamgbo; incumbent FCT Minister, Senator Bala Mohammed, and 60 others.
Some Nigerians who had distinguished themselves in various sporting activities were also among those honoured with Abuja streets named after them.
They include first Nigerian single Olympic gold medalist, Chioma Ajunwa; first Nigerian footballer to have scored in FIFA senior world cup competition, the late Rashidi Yekini; former world wrestling champion,the late Power Mike Okpala; first Nigerian to win World Boxing title, Dick Tiger Ihetu; and the youngest Nigerian to play at the African Cup of Nations, Mr. Daniel Amokachi.
They all had streets named after them in Wupa district.
Others similarly honoured include a former Governor of Bauchi State and National Chairman, Peoples Democratic Party, Alhaji Adamu Muazu; former Imo State Governor, the late Chief Sam Mbakwe; nine former Speakers of House of Representatives, including Aminu Tambuwal; eight former Senate Presidents including Dr. Nwafor Orizu who had Ring Road II (ie Outer Southern Expressway from Area One Roundabout to Galadimawa Roundabout) named after him.
Explaining the rationale behind the naming, the Coordinator of Abuja Metropolitan Management Council, Reuben Okoya, said “street naming in FCT is done in accordance with standing guidelines, principles and criteria that ensure the promotion of national unity.”
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