Wike Approves Enenche’s Request To Upgrade Dunamis Bridge, Offers 50% Funding

The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, has approved a request by the Senior Pastor of Dunamis International Gospel Centre, Paul Enenche, to upgrade the newly constructed pedestrian bridge along the Airport Road, Abuja, with a modern protective canopy and elegant lighting.

Wike also offered to pay 50 per cent of the total cost of the proposed upgrade, which is expected to improve the bridge’s appearance, safety and comfort for pedestrians.

The minister announced the approval and funding offer on Friday during the commissioning of the pedestrian bridge, constructed by Dunamis Church near its headquarters, the 100,000-capacity Glory Dome, Abuja.

The proposed upgrade will include a protective canopy to shield pedestrians from weather conditions, as well as modern lighting to improve visibility and enhance the appearance of the structure.

Photographs of the prototype of the proposed design show how the bridge is expected to look after the installation of the canopy and lighting.

The approval followed a request by Enenche, who had earlier indicated the church’s intention to add modern aesthetic coverings, security lighting and transparent side panels to the bridge to improve users’ safety and encourage more pedestrians to use the facility.

The pedestrian bridge was constructed by the church in response to concerns over frequent fatal accidents involving pedestrians along the busy Airport Road axis.

At the commissioning, Wike commended Dunamis Church for undertaking the project, describing it as an exemplary demonstration of Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR).

He disclosed that although the church applied for approval to construct the bridge in 2018, the application was brought to his attention in February 2026, after which the necessary approval was granted within one month.

The minister said the project demonstrated the importance of collaboration between government and private institutions in addressing infrastructure and public safety challenges.

“Government cannot do everything alone; there is nowhere in the world where government carries every burden. That is why we emphasise comprehensive social responsibility,” he said.

Wike also commended Enenche and his wife, Becky, for committing church resources to a project aimed at protecting lives and improving public welfare.

He, however, expressed concern over the refusal of some pedestrians to use pedestrian bridges, despite the risks associated with crossing busy expressways.

The minister warned that pedestrians must make use of available safety infrastructure rather than expose themselves to avoidable accidents.

He also cautioned against public criticism of government enforcement measures on social media, particularly when such measures were introduced to maintain public order and safety.

Earlier, Enenche explained that the church embarked on the project because of the frequent fatal accidents recorded along the Airport Road, noting that the bridge was intended to provide pedestrians with a safer means of crossing the highway.

He had also urged public-spirited individuals and leaders to use their resources to make meaningful contributions to society, stressing the importance of deploying wealth for the collective good of humanity.

The senator representing the FCT, Ireti Kingibe, also commended the church for backing its faith with what she described as compassionate action.

Kingibe called the ministry “a beacon of light” and urged residents and leaders across the territory to work together towards building a safer and more peaceful capital.