FG names Abuja streets after Yekini, Amokachi, Ajunwa, others

The Federal Government, through the Federal Capital Territory Administration (FCTA) yesterday honoured some Nigerians, who have distinguished themselves in the sporting sector, by naming streets in some sections of the FCT after them.

Among the sportsmen and women listed in the over 182 eminent Nigerians and accomplished Africans by the FCTA are late football star, Rashidi Yekini, who was honoured for being the country’s first player to score a senior FIFA World Cup goal.

Also honoured was former Super Eagles’ Assistant Coach, Daniel Amokachi, for being the youngest Nigerian player to feature at the African Cup of Nations, as well as policewoman, Chioma Ajunwa, who was the first Nigerian to win an Olympics gold medal.

Also in the honours’ list are late international wrestler, Mike Okpala (Power Mike) and Dick Tiger Ihetu, who was the first Nigerian to win a world boxing championship title.

FCT Minister, Senator Bala Mohammed, said yesterday that the major streets in Asokoro Extension, Guzape, Wupa, Wuye and Maitama Extension districts, as well as expressways and roads would be renamed in honour of President Goodluck Jonathan, Vice President Namadi Sambo, former Vice President Atiku Abubakar, former Senate President, late Dr. Chuba Okadigbo, former Speaker of House of Representatives and Katsina State Governor-elect, Aminu Bello Masari, former Chief Justice of the Federation, Justice Dahiru Musdapha, Business moguls, Femi Otedola, Aliko Dangote and several others.

Also in a statement issued yesterday by the Media Assistant to the FCT Minister, Nosike Ogbuenyi, the soon-to-be commissioned Inner Southern Expressway, which dissects Abuja City Centre was named after President Jonathan, while the longest Wuye district boulevard express road measuring 1,730 metres was named after Dr. Atiku Abubakar.

Another major road in the same district was named after Vice President Sambo. Explaining the rationale behind the naming, the Coordinator of Abuja Metropolitan Management Council, (AMMC), Reuben Okoya, said “street naming in FCT is done in accordance with standing guidelines, principles and criteria that ensure the promotion of national unity.”

Okoya added that the criterion for implementation of street naming in Wupa District is predicated on recognition of contributors to national developments in various fields such as sports, business, culture, philanthropy and industry.