Emir of Jiwa Calls for Resettlement of Host Communities in Centenary City Project
The Emir of Jiwa, Dr Idris Musa, has issued a direct appeal to the management of Centenary City Plc (CCPLC) in Abuja, emphasizing the urgent need to resettle villagers whose lands were acquired for the ambitious $18 billion smart city development. Speaking at a stakeholder update event organized by CCPLC, the monarch acknowledged that compensations have been disbursed for farmlands taken over by the company, but stressed that permanent resettlement remains a critical unresolved issue.
Monarch Advocates for Peace and Understanding
Representing his fellow emirs, Dr Musa highlighted the importance of fostering mutual understanding between the company and the affected communities to ensure lasting peace and cooperation. He urged CCPLC to prioritize the welfare of the indigenous inhabitants, whose displacement has been a point of contention since the project's inception. The Centenary City, conceived as a flagship urban renewal initiative under former President Goodluck Jonathan, spans 1,260 hectares across five communities within five emirates, marking Nigeria's centenary anniversary from 1914 to 2014.
Progress Updates and Infrastructure Development
In his welcome address, the Managing Director of Centenary City, Dr Ike Odenigwe, provided a detailed progress report on the project's advancements. He revealed that in August of the previous year, the company contracted Julius Berger Nigeria Limited to construct a 4.3-kilometre access road, which is now nearing completion. Odenigwe announced plans to extend the road network by an additional 10 to 15 kilometres next year, with the entire city's road infrastructure projected to cover 95 kilometres upon full development.
Resettlement Scheme and Community Cooperation
Dr Odenigwe expressed gratitude for the cooperative and supportive stance of the host communities, acknowledging their patience throughout the process. He disclosed that CCPLC is actively constructing a resettlement centre, named the 'Centenary Resettlement Scheme,' designed to serve as a permanent residence for displaced indigenous inhabitants in the Gude District of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT). This initiative aims to address the resettlement concerns raised by the Emir and other stakeholders, ensuring that the project's benefits are equitably shared with the original landholders.
