Hon. Hitler Joshua Pwajok, Former Senior Special Adviser to Governor Caleb Mutfwang of Plateau State, has formally declared his intention to contest for the Barkin Ladi Constituency seat in the Plateau State House of Assembly ahead of the 2027 general elections under the platform of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP).

Pwajok, in his declaration statement, said his decision was driven by the challenges facing the constituency, including unemployment, poor healthcare access, bad roads, weak schools, and the struggles of farmers and traders.

While disclosing to his supporters on social media, he said Barkin Ladi deserves leaders who will remain connected to the people and speak boldly on their behalf rather than becoming silent after getting elected.

He said his movement, tagged “Redefining the Future,” is built on the belief that empowering minds and creating opportunities for young people will transform the constituency and restore hope to families.

According to him, his priority areas include creating opportunities for youths, improving support for farmers and traders, upgrading schools and healthcare facilities, and promoting peace and security across communities.

Pwajok also promised to be an accessible representative who would maintain regular contact with the people in villages, churches, mosques, and markets throughout his time in office.

“I am not contesting to enrich myself,” he declared, adding that his ambition is rooted in service, courage, and commitment to the welfare of the people.

The aspirant said he would not rely on money politics but would instead run a people-focused campaign based on honesty, accountability, and grassroots engagement.

He appealed to residents of Barkin Ladi to support his aspiration, stressing that the journey to rebuild the constituency belongs to everyone and not one individual.

Pwajok expressed confidence that with unity and collective determination, the constituency can witness a new era of growth and responsive representation.

He further urged the people to believe in the possibility of change and stand together to create a better future for the next generation.

The declaration has added fresh momentum to political activities in Barkin Ladi as preparations begin ahead of the 2027 elections.

The signing ceremony, which took place at the Ministry’s Headquarters in Mabushi, Abuja, brought together government officials, contractors and stakeholders in what was described as another bold step in President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s drive to modernize Nigeria’s road infrastructure and strengthen the economy through strategic investments.

This was made known by Francis Nwaze, FIPMD
Senior Special Assistant to the Honourable Minister of Works (Media) .

Speaking during the ceremony, the Minister of Works, Senator Engr. David Umahi, CON, described the projects as part of the growing legacy of President Tinubu’s administration.

“Today is another event that adds to the great work that President Bola Tinubu is doing,” Umahi said.

The Minister revealed that the Federal Government has already procured the first 123 kilometres single carriageway of the Calabar-Ebonyi-Abuja Super Highway, stretching from Calabar through Ebonyi State to the Benue border. According to him, the newly signed section covers another 173 kilometres through Benue, Kogi and Nasarawa States, ending at the Oweto Bridge.

He further disclosed that government would soon procure the second carriageway of about 300 kilometres from Ndibe Beach to Oweto in Nasarawa State.

Umahi said the project would significantly reduce travel time between the South East and Abuja while boosting economic activities in the region.

“I want to say this without any apology the SouthEast People will reciprocate what the President has done for the people. What happened in 2023 was an accident of history and in 2027, we will show our appreciation,” he stated.

“I was a governor, I was a deputy governor and we never witnessed federal government projects in SouthEast but today, we may not be the first, or the second or the third but definitely, we are not the last.”

“So, we are very proud of what the president is doing in the entire SouthEast and I pledge on behalf of the entire SouthEast that we are going to reciprocate because with this project, any part of the SouthEast you are, you will be in Abuja in 3 to 4 hours. And this is a plus to our commercial activities.”

The Minister noted that five companies competed for the project before Infouest emerged successful, adding that the same transparent procurement process was adopted for the Sokoto-Badagry Super Highway project.

Umahi also spoke on the progress of the Lagos-Calabar Coastal Highway, saying the project had moved from skepticism to national admiration.

“When we started the coastal highway, 750km, people did not believe that it would be a reality. And some that knew that it would be a reality, out of envy and jealousy, started to criticize the project,” he said.

“But today, the entire country is waving their flags for President Bola Tinubu because that project is a beauty to behold. It is an economic catalyst for the nation, Nigeria.”

According to him, by November, motorists will be able to travel from Ahmadu Bello Way in Lagos through Sections One, Two and part of Section Four to Ondo State on completed portions of the road.

He added that Sections 3A and 3B in Cross River and Akwa Ibom States are ongoing, while Section Five covering 165.6 kilometres has also commenced.

Describing the coastal highway as more than a road project, Umahi said it was a long-term national investment designed to last for decades.

“This is not just a road project. I have always said that this is an investment that the President is doing, and this is a road that is going to last for another hundred years with no maintenance,” he said.

He commended HITEC Construction Company for what he described as speed, capacity and commitment to delivery, noting that the company has built a reputation for constructing up to one kilometre of road per day.

Umahi also explained that the cost of the projects include extensive drainage systems, reinforced pavement, concrete works and other durable engineering components.

“And for those who are asking us about cost per kilometer, we will be talking now at an average cost per kilometer, which is about N7.5b for a standard carriageway,” he explained.

“But this one is even with a lot of road architecture. You see the concrete poles, the drainage, the culverts, the reinforcement, the pavement. So it is not just a road. This is an investment.”

The Minister further revealed that investors are already showing strong interest in the completed sections of the Lagos-Calabar Coastal Highway.

“Just like in section one that we finished in Lagos, a lot of investors are begging to be given that section for them to toll and then give back our money even before they start tolling,” Umahi disclosed.

“So it is an investment, and it is only a person like President Bola Tinubu that can do this.”

On the Sokoto-Badagry Super Highway, Umahi said Section IV covering the Oyo axis spans 360 kilometres, explaining that the project demonstrates government’s determination to spread development across all geopolitical zones.

“The President is President for the entire country. His four legacy projects are dotted throughout the six geopolitical zones,” he said.

He also highlighted progress on the Akwanga-Jos-Bauchi-Gombe-Biu-Maiduguri Road project, explaining that President Tinubu insisted on changing the original asphalt design to concrete pavement to guarantee durability.

“The President said, ‘No, we want to do concrete road so that when we build it, it will last for a hundred years,’” Umahi stated.

The Minister said the Federal Government would provide 30 percent counterpart funding for the projects, while 70 percent would be sourced through loans. He added that tolling and strategic land acquisition along the roads would ensure long-term returns on investment.

“We neither review timing nor rates. The moment we sign, as we have signed now, that is the end of the matter,”.

The four major legacy project sections signed include:

1. Calabar-Ebonyi-Abuja Superhighway, Section II: Ebonyi State Border – Benue – Kogi – Nasarawa States
2. Sokoto-Badagry Superhighway, Section IV: Oyo State
3. Lagos-Calabar Coastal Highway, Section V: Akwa Ibom State
4. Dualisation of Akwanga-Jos-Bauchi-Gombe-Biu-Maiduguri Road, Section II: Gombe – Biu

Other projects signed on Thursday, May 14, include:

1. Reconstruction of Mando (Kaduna) – Birnin Gwari Road in Kaduna State by Messrs J. Patel and Sons Nigeria Limited
2. Dualisation of Ibadan–Ijebu Ode Road in Oyo and Ogun States by Messrs JRB Construction Company Limited
3. Construction of Osogbo–Ikirun–Akoda Road in Osun State by Messrs Truecrete Solutions Limited
4. Construction of Osogbo–Iwo–Ibadan Road in Osun and Oyo States by Messrs Peculiar Ultimate Concerns Limited

Earlier in his remarks, the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry, Mr. Rafiu Olarinre Adeladan, described the signing ceremony as the successful conclusion of the procurement process and the formal commencement of project implementation.

Responding on behalf of the contractors, the Chief Executive Officer of HITEC Construction Company, Dany Abboud, assured the Federal Government of timely delivery and quality execution.

“Our commitment is always on the table. We are committed to delivering those jobs before the thirty-six months that were awarded.

“We commit to delivering a standard even better than what we have done on Coastal Highway Section One.” Abboud said.