The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, has applauded Dunamis International Gospel Centre for financing and constructing a pedestrian bridge along Abuja’s busy Airport Road, describing the project as an important contribution to public safety.
Wike also announced that the Federal Capital Territory Administration (FCTA) would reimburse the church for 50 per cent of the construction cost in recognition of its investment in community infrastructure.
The minister made the announcement on Friday, October 30, 2026, during the inauguration of the bridge near the church’s headquarters, the 100,000-capacity Glory Dome in Abuja.
Wike Commends Dunamis Church for Investing in Public Safety
Speaking at the ceremony, Wike said the bridge demonstrated how religious organisations and private institutions could support government efforts to improve public infrastructure.
He praised the church for directing its resources towards a project intended to protect pedestrians using one of Abuja’s major expressways.
According to the minister, the responsibility for community development should not rest entirely on government, as organisations and individuals also have roles to play.
Wike particularly acknowledged the contributions of Dunamis Senior Pastor, Dr Paul Enenche, and his wife, Dr Becky Enenche, for supporting a project designed to benefit both church members and other road users.
He described their decision as an example of religious leadership extending beyond spiritual activities to address practical community needs.
FCTA to Reimburse Church for Half of Bridge Construction Cost
In a significant announcement, Wike disclosed that the FCT Administration would cover 50 per cent of the money spent by Dunamis International Gospel Centre on the pedestrian bridge.
The commitment is intended to recognise the church’s contribution and encourage other organisations to participate in projects that improve public welfare.
Although the minister announced the reimbursement, the total construction cost and the exact amount to be paid by the administration were not disclosed in the report.
Wike also explained that the church had initially submitted its request for construction approval in 2018.
However, the application did not reach his attention until February 2026.
He said the necessary approval was subsequently granted within one month, allowing the project to proceed.
The minister linked the accelerated approval process to the administration of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, describing it as an example of responsive governance.
Wike Warns Pedestrians Against Ignoring Footbridges
Beyond celebrating the completed project, the FCT minister expressed concern over the tendency of some residents to cross major highways instead of using available pedestrian bridges.
He warned that such behaviour exposes people to avoidable accidents, particularly on roads carrying fast-moving vehicles.
Wike stressed that pedestrian bridges could only achieve their safety objectives when members of the public made proper use of them.
He also defended the need for enforcement measures designed to discourage unsafe road crossings.
According to him, authorities sometimes face criticism on social media when they introduce restrictions intended to protect lives and maintain public order.
The minister urged residents to cooperate with safety regulations and take advantage of infrastructure provided for their protection.
Paul Enenche Explains Why Dunamis Built the Airport Road Bridge
Speaking earlier, Dunamis Senior Pastor Paul Enenche explained that concerns about deadly road accidents along the Airport Road corridor prompted the church to undertake the project.
He said the bridge was conceived as a practical response to the dangers faced by pedestrians crossing the expressway near the Glory Dome.
Enenche disclosed that the church intended to introduce additional features to improve the bridge’s appearance, security and convenience.
The proposed improvements include protective coverings, security lighting and transparent side panels.
According to him, these additions would help shield pedestrians from unfavourable weather and encourage more people to use the facility.
The cleric also encouraged individuals and organisations with financial resources to invest in projects that improve lives and benefit their communities.
He maintained that meaningful leadership should be measured partly by the positive impact it makes on society.
Senator Ireti Kingibe Applauds Dunamis Church’s Initiative
Senator Ireti Kingibe, who represents the Federal Capital Territory in the National Assembly, also praised Dunamis International Gospel Centre for undertaking the project.
Kingibe said the church had demonstrated its commitment to society through practical action rather than religious activities alone.
She described the initiative as a positive example of how faith-based institutions could contribute to public development.
The senator encouraged residents, community leaders and other stakeholders to work together towards making Abuja safer and more peaceful.
New Pedestrian Bridge Expected to Improve Safety Along Airport Road
The inauguration of the Dunamis pedestrian bridge marks another infrastructure development along Abuja’s Airport Road corridor.
The facility is intended to provide a safer crossing point for worshippers, commuters and other pedestrians travelling through the area.
It also highlights the potential contribution of religious organisations and other non-governmental institutions to infrastructure development in the Federal Capital Territory.
With the FCTA pledging to refund half of the construction expenditure, the project could serve as an example of cooperation between government and community institutions.
However, the long-term safety benefits will depend on regular maintenance, adequate security and consistent use of the bridge by pedestrians.
For road users around the Glory Dome, the new crossing offers an alternative to walking directly across the busy expressway.
