The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, on Friday, October 30, 2026, inaugurated a pedestrian bridge constructed by Dunamis International Gospel Centre along Airport Road, Abuja, commending the church’s contribution to public safety and announcing that the FCT Administration would reimburse 50 per cent of the project’s construction cost.

The inauguration, held at the church’s headquarters, the 100,000-capacity Glory Dome, was attended by the church’s senior pastor, Dr Paul Enenche, and other dignitaries, including Senator Ireti Kingibe, who represents the FCT.

Also read: Doris Ogala apologises as Court delays bail ruling

The project is intended to provide pedestrians with a safer crossing point along the busy Airport Road corridor, where the movement of vehicles and pedestrians has raised safety concerns.

Wike described the church’s intervention as an example of corporate social responsibility, noting that government alone could not shoulder every responsibility associated with public infrastructure and community development.

He also commended Enenche and his wife, Dr Becky Enenche, for committing church resources to a project designed to protect lives and improve the welfare of residents.

According to the minister, Dunamis first applied for government approval to construct the bridge in 2018, but the application remained unresolved until February 2026, when the church sent a reminder.

Wike said the FCT Administration granted the approval within a month of receiving the reminder.

“You applied for approval to build this pedestrian bridge in 2018. It was in February 2026 when you sent a reminder about the application you made in 2018. It didn’t take you more than a month after that reminder, and you got the approval,” he said.

The minister’s announcement that the administration would cover half of the construction expenditure added a financial dimension to the inauguration, effectively recognising the church’s contribution while signalling government support for privately funded community infrastructure.

Wike used the occasion to encourage Nigerians to acknowledge government efforts when public institutions deliver on their responsibilities, while continuing to demand improvements where necessary.

“If a government does well, say they’ve done well. If they’ve not done well, you can say we’re looking forward to you doing this,” he added.

He also expressed concern over pedestrians who deliberately avoid using available footbridges, choosing instead to cross busy expressways and expose themselves to avoidable accidents.

The minister urged residents to embrace pedestrian bridges as part of efforts to improve road safety and reduce preventable deaths.

In his remarks, Pastor Enenche expressed appreciation to the FCT minister for granting the necessary approval, explaining that the church had spent six years attempting to secure authorisation for the project.

The cleric said the decision to construct the bridge was motivated by concerns about frequent fatal accidents along the Airport Road axis.

He explained that the church wanted to provide a safer crossing facility for worshippers, residents and other pedestrians who regularly navigate the busy road.

Enenche also disclosed plans to improve the structure with modern protective coverings, security lighting and transparent side panels to shield users from adverse weather conditions and encourage more people to use the bridge.

The project reflects an approach to religious institutional responsibility that extends beyond worship and spiritual activities to practical interventions in surrounding communities.

The inauguration also featured a brief exchange between Wike and Enenche over the minister’s comments about government performance.

Wike disclosed that the pastor had asked him not to turn the occasion into a political campaign.

However, the minister maintained that discussing government performance and public administration was part of political engagement.

He also drew a comparison with Enenche’s sermons, arguing that the pastor equally addressed issues of governance and criticised government policies when necessary.

The exchange came against the backdrop of Wike’s earlier announcement that he intended to use the visit to highlight the achievements of President Bola Tinubu’s administration.

On October 15, the minister had disclosed that he planned to speak about the Federal Government’s performance during the bridge commissioning, following an invitation from Enenche.

Senator Ireti Kingibe also commended Dunamis for its contribution, describing the church as a beacon of light and encouraging residents and leaders to work together towards building a safer and more peaceful Federal Capital Territory.

The commissioning marks the completion of a community-focused infrastructure project that began with the church’s application for government approval in 2018.

With the FCT Administration promising to reimburse half of the construction expenditure, the initiative has also highlighted the potential for cooperation between religious organisations and government institutions in addressing public infrastructure needs.

Also read: Doris Ogala apologises as Court delays bail ruling

For residents and commuters along Airport Road, the bridge’s lasting significance will ultimately depend on its accessibility, maintenance and consistent use by pedestrians.